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Sea Breeze Cove #1
The House by the Shore
Her life is picture perfect…
…until one fateful day changes everything.
In the space of a single afternoon, Charlotte Winters’ seemingly ideal life falls apart.
After being let go from her job at a publishing house, she discovers her boyfriend on a date with another woman. As she reels from their subsequent breakup, she receives the shocking news that her estranged Aunt Jean has passed away.
Even more surprising? Charlotte has inherited her aunt’s beach house in the small coastal town of Sea Breeze Cove, Massachusetts.
At 36 years old with no job and no relationship to keep her in Chicago, Charlotte decides she won’t sell the house. Instead, she’ll move to Sea Breeze Cove, fix the old home up, and get the fresh start she so desperately needs.
But life never moves in a straight line, and even fresh starts have a few bumps along the way. As she adapts to life in the cozy beachside town, Charlotte uncovers a buried secret that changes everything she thought she knew about her family.
And a handsome newcomer with a mysterious past has her questioning whether she’s ready to open up her heart again…
This funny and uplifting women’s fiction series features a cast of characters you’ll want to revisit over and over. If you like stories that explore the beauty of second chances, the importance of family, and the healing power of love, this is the series for you!
…until one fateful day changes everything.
In the space of a single afternoon, Charlotte Winters’ seemingly ideal life falls apart.
After being let go from her job at a publishing house, she discovers her boyfriend on a date with another woman. As she reels from their subsequent breakup, she receives the shocking news that her estranged Aunt Jean has passed away.
Even more surprising? Charlotte has inherited her aunt’s beach house in the small coastal town of Sea Breeze Cove, Massachusetts.
At 36 years old with no job and no relationship to keep her in Chicago, Charlotte decides she won’t sell the house. Instead, she’ll move to Sea Breeze Cove, fix the old home up, and get the fresh start she so desperately needs.
But life never moves in a straight line, and even fresh starts have a few bumps along the way. As she adapts to life in the cozy beachside town, Charlotte uncovers a buried secret that changes everything she thought she knew about her family.
And a handsome newcomer with a mysterious past has her questioning whether she’s ready to open up her heart again…
This funny and uplifting women’s fiction series features a cast of characters you’ll want to revisit over and over. If you like stories that explore the beauty of second chances, the importance of family, and the healing power of love, this is the series for you!
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2022
2485 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 9, 2023
I'm shocked to see that I disagree with the majority of reviewers here! I lost track of how many times during the book I questioned if I should just give up and move on. But what can I say? I'm a stubborn one. There are not many books I don't like or would recommend not reading, but this is one of them.
This book felt like a waste of time. I was looking for a sweet romance and an easy read. Instead, I got a boring book with no real plot. Not a smidge of romance even happened until I was 40% in (and that was them admitting that they found the other attractive...snooze). The story was all over the place, as were the characters. And the author was constantly throwing in little side stories about characters that were barely even mentioned in the rest of the book. It left me feeling bored and confused. Even the ending left me feeling like...."that's it?" The point in the story should have been the beginning of their "love story" (if you can call it that) not the ending.
This book felt like a waste of time. I was looking for a sweet romance and an easy read. Instead, I got a boring book with no real plot. Not a smidge of romance even happened until I was 40% in (and that was them admitting that they found the other attractive...snooze). The story was all over the place, as were the characters. And the author was constantly throwing in little side stories about characters that were barely even mentioned in the rest of the book. It left me feeling bored and confused. Even the ending left me feeling like...."that's it?" The point in the story should have been the beginning of their "love story" (if you can call it that) not the ending.
March 1, 2023
This was the best one yet , love love loved it!
January 29, 2024
Cute, light story that makes me miss summer and the beach.
February 3, 2024
2.5⭐
First, the rant:
I got this book in the romance section of Amazon (a freebie). This is NOT A ROMANCE.
This is a book about several people - being the FMC the most prominent POV - living their daily lives in a beautiful small town.
There are at least 6 POVs (all in the third person - WHY????). Each of them focuses on the story of it's character. Well, not really a story, just them going around doing their business and eating a lot.
At 66% of a novella, she's on a date with OM. Nothing remotely romantic happened yet between the supposed MCs. But I got an almost complete recipe for chicken thighs and roasted veggies 🙄
At around 70% they kiss. And that's the most you'll see of smexy. In the final pages, she still mentions that the dog sleeps at the feet of her bed in a way indicating she's sleeping alone. Not criticizing, just find it unrealistic.
Finally, the writing style is a tad mechanical and the dialogues sometimes a bit juvenile. Not totally bad, but a good editing would help.
Now the good (ish):
If you forget this is supposed to be a romance, it's a cozy story with no plot at all, just nice and sweet characters going about their lives.
The only plot is the FMC recovering from her cheating ex and working in a bookstore.
If you're in the mood for one of these mindless cozy books, this one is not bad for that purpose.
First, the rant:
I got this book in the romance section of Amazon (a freebie). This is NOT A ROMANCE.
This is a book about several people - being the FMC the most prominent POV - living their daily lives in a beautiful small town.
There are at least 6 POVs (all in the third person - WHY????). Each of them focuses on the story of it's character. Well, not really a story, just them going around doing their business and eating a lot.
At 66% of a novella, she's on a date with OM. Nothing remotely romantic happened yet between the supposed MCs. But I got an almost complete recipe for chicken thighs and roasted veggies 🙄
At around 70% they kiss. And that's the most you'll see of smexy. In the final pages, she still mentions that the dog sleeps at the feet of her bed in a way indicating she's sleeping alone. Not criticizing, just find it unrealistic.
Finally, the writing style is a tad mechanical and the dialogues sometimes a bit juvenile. Not totally bad, but a good editing would help.
Now the good (ish):
If you forget this is supposed to be a romance, it's a cozy story with no plot at all, just nice and sweet characters going about their lives.
The only plot is the FMC recovering from her cheating ex and working in a bookstore.
If you're in the mood for one of these mindless cozy books, this one is not bad for that purpose.
October 10, 2023
Fiona Baker does it again!! This is a really sweet tale of new beginnings- new friendships and a new life. It’s a story that is full of nice people in a nice town finding their bliss. Naturally the road to happiness, is bumpy- and has a few pot holes.
It was a nice easy read, perfect for a lazy autumn day with allergies flaring. I bet it would be nice even without allergies.
Got some time?? Itching for a read that is not taxing and will leave you with a smile?? Grab this book, a glass of wine, or a good cuppa coffee and enjoy. I did.
One especially nice thing-this book is well edited. You won’t find a boatload of typos, misspellings and irritatingly annoying incorrect grammar.
It was a nice easy read, perfect for a lazy autumn day with allergies flaring. I bet it would be nice even without allergies.
Got some time?? Itching for a read that is not taxing and will leave you with a smile?? Grab this book, a glass of wine, or a good cuppa coffee and enjoy. I did.
One especially nice thing-this book is well edited. You won’t find a boatload of typos, misspellings and irritatingly annoying incorrect grammar.
July 12, 2024
First of all, I love the context of this book. I love all of the characters and the events for them. But at the same time it all felt kind of rushed? I wanted more interaction with Charlotte and Briggs, it feels like there was not even a little bit of build up, or, even her and her mom. Like this first book could have gone much deeper with all character relations. But I’m intrigued enough to keep reading the books in the series. It was definitely an easy read.
April 6, 2023
I was looking for a quick light beach read, and while this fit the bill, there just wasn’t a lot of substance. It was kind of boring and very predictable. Which can be good every once and a while. Not sure if I’ll finish the series or not!
April 29, 2022
The story was formulaic and cliche. The writing was sophomoric and boring.
December 13, 2022
went nowhere
I felt the book had no real plot It was all over the place I didn’t connect to the characters
I felt the book had no real plot It was all over the place I didn’t connect to the characters
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August 7, 2023Summer Read
The story line was quite predictable and too sweet for my taste. Too much unnecessary detail. I did enjoy the bookstore theme.
The story line was quite predictable and too sweet for my taste. Too much unnecessary detail. I did enjoy the bookstore theme.
June 22, 2025
For the past weeks, I've been reading YA fiction, and it's kinda refreshing to start reading adult romantic fiction, with a feel-good vibe.
It makes me feel like I'm watching an episode of a series, with the entire plot not only revolving around a single main character, but also around several characters in the story. It's nice to read different POVs and see how their lives go by in a small coastal town.
I only have a little problem with the writing style and the dialogue, although most of them are dismissible. But some of them are weird and unnecessary, like this one.
"They weren't touching, but something about the way they stood next to each other suggested that there was something between them. Ethan glanced at their hands--neither of them was married. Maybe they were just dating."
Ethan is a veterinarian, receiving a patient brought by Charlotte and Briggs, and this was what he was thinking, instead of focusing on the sick animal, they wanted to be checked. lol
Then there's this...
"But looking at him didn't make her heart skip a beat, and she didn't find her thoughts drifting to him during the day. There wasn't that indescribable spark that she looked for in a date or potential relationship"
I mean, I know that this was meant to describe how Charlotte didn't feel any attraction towards Ethan, but the way it was written was very shabby. Charlotte was 36, she was supposed to be thinking mature, not like a 15-year-old.
Anyways, I loved how the story went, anyway. There wasn't a solid plot, but like I said, since this is a book series, it felt like I was watching an entire season of a drama, and for sure I'll be reading the rest of the books.
It makes me feel like I'm watching an episode of a series, with the entire plot not only revolving around a single main character, but also around several characters in the story. It's nice to read different POVs and see how their lives go by in a small coastal town.
I only have a little problem with the writing style and the dialogue, although most of them are dismissible. But some of them are weird and unnecessary, like this one.
"They weren't touching, but something about the way they stood next to each other suggested that there was something between them. Ethan glanced at their hands--neither of them was married. Maybe they were just dating."
Ethan is a veterinarian, receiving a patient brought by Charlotte and Briggs, and this was what he was thinking, instead of focusing on the sick animal, they wanted to be checked. lol
Then there's this...
"But looking at him didn't make her heart skip a beat, and she didn't find her thoughts drifting to him during the day. There wasn't that indescribable spark that she looked for in a date or potential relationship"
I mean, I know that this was meant to describe how Charlotte didn't feel any attraction towards Ethan, but the way it was written was very shabby. Charlotte was 36, she was supposed to be thinking mature, not like a 15-year-old.
Anyways, I loved how the story went, anyway. There wasn't a solid plot, but like I said, since this is a book series, it felt like I was watching an entire season of a drama, and for sure I'll be reading the rest of the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
I read this author's Marigold Bay series and loved it! So it was this series that I started next. The characters were very interesting, and the stories were wonderful! I just couldn't put it down! Read it - you will connect with the characters and their lives!
Amazon synopsis:
In the space of a single afternoon, Charlotte Winters’ seemingly ideal life falls apart.
After being let go from her job at a publishing house, she discovers her boyfriend on a date with another woman. As she reels from their subsequent breakup, she receives the shocking news that her estranged Aunt Jean has passed away.
Even more surprising? Charlotte has inherited her aunt’s beach house in the small coastal town of Sea Breeze Cove, Massachusetts.
At 36 years old with no job and no relationship to keep her in Chicago, Charlotte decides she won’t sell the house. Instead, she’ll move to Sea Breeze Cove, fix the old home up, and get the fresh start she so desperately needs.
But life never moves in a straight line, and even fresh starts have a few bumps along the way. As she adapts to life in the cozy beachside town, Charlotte uncovers a buried secret that changes everything she thought she knew about her family.
And a handsome newcomer with a mysterious past has her questioning whether she’s ready to open up her heart again…
Amazon synopsis:
In the space of a single afternoon, Charlotte Winters’ seemingly ideal life falls apart.
After being let go from her job at a publishing house, she discovers her boyfriend on a date with another woman. As she reels from their subsequent breakup, she receives the shocking news that her estranged Aunt Jean has passed away.
Even more surprising? Charlotte has inherited her aunt’s beach house in the small coastal town of Sea Breeze Cove, Massachusetts.
At 36 years old with no job and no relationship to keep her in Chicago, Charlotte decides she won’t sell the house. Instead, she’ll move to Sea Breeze Cove, fix the old home up, and get the fresh start she so desperately needs.
But life never moves in a straight line, and even fresh starts have a few bumps along the way. As she adapts to life in the cozy beachside town, Charlotte uncovers a buried secret that changes everything she thought she knew about her family.
And a handsome newcomer with a mysterious past has her questioning whether she’s ready to open up her heart again…
January 29, 2025
The only reason I finished this book and didn't give up is because it was such a quick read, but that's the issue with it. Nothing is developed. You're introduced to a bunch of different characters and the story is told through different POVs, but the writer doesn't develop any of the characters enough that I really cared about any of them. Everything feels rushed. The relationships aren't developed, they just suddenly happen. Big pieces of the plot, like buying a bookstore, just happens and then a chapter later it's the reopening. There's no development of anything at all that draws you into the book. I found the writing juvenile and almost robotic. I felt like I was reading something written as a high school student's assignment. Before reading this I had just finished reading a similar series (Marina Cove series by Sophie Kenna) so I was excited to read another beachy series, but where that series sometimes overdoes the descriptions and development, this book lacks it completely. Skip this one, it'll leave you disappointed.
June 28, 2024
ok
Kinda simply written. Like - written to suit a genre younger than Young Adult. Weird literary techniques, like when two people are talking to each other and say things that are clearly to explain context to the reader but do not flow as dialogue. Kinda boring story in my opinion.
Spoiler alert. Here’s the plot and end.
A woman gets fired then sees her boyfriend cheating, and he dumps her. Then her aunt dies leaving her money and a beach house in need of repair. She meets a handyman who is single but has emotional baggage. He works on her house, she finds the perfect job. They fall in love, then her job goes up in smoke. He uses this huge chunk of money to fix all her problems, and they live happily ever after.
Kinda simply written. Like - written to suit a genre younger than Young Adult. Weird literary techniques, like when two people are talking to each other and say things that are clearly to explain context to the reader but do not flow as dialogue. Kinda boring story in my opinion.
Spoiler alert. Here’s the plot and end.
A woman gets fired then sees her boyfriend cheating, and he dumps her. Then her aunt dies leaving her money and a beach house in need of repair. She meets a handyman who is single but has emotional baggage. He works on her house, she finds the perfect job. They fall in love, then her job goes up in smoke. He uses this huge chunk of money to fix all her problems, and they live happily ever after.
December 24, 2022
While this was a sweet homecoming/new love story, it seemed to have a timeline issue. Charlotte just gets to town meets some other women, joins their bookclub and is suddenly describing them as her bookclub friends. Also the closing of the bookstore and Charlotte's thoughts about her last check were in one day; it takes a long time to divest a store with a lot of inventory. Finally, the sale of the store to Briggs happened overnight; apparently no lawyers, surveys and various other hoops to jump through impeded the sale. The book just lacked a bit of explication and breathing room for the story to be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 14, 2024The House by the Shore was a good book and not what I normally read which is mysteries. It was relaxing to me and made me visualize myself living at the beach as Charlotte in such a quaint and small beach town in Massachusetts. I envied her for meeting such nice friends and I also loved that she carried on her Aunt's love for animals and continued with her own love for books. I wanted the story to continue but it did end happily for Charlotte.
March 28, 2022
Love in sea breeeze
I can't say enough good things about this book. The characters are so friendly and respectful and the town sounds amazing and fun a place I'd like to visit. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and hop others more to come from Sea Breeze Cove . Highly recommend
I can't say enough good things about this book. The characters are so friendly and respectful and the town sounds amazing and fun a place I'd like to visit. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and hop others more to come from Sea Breeze Cove . Highly recommend
October 16, 2023
3.85
Charming read without a lot of substance. And by not a lot, I mean none. The biggest drama was a heart attack! And a gentle let down for the vet. But Charlotte is sweet and Briggs is a catch. I could tell the author tried to weave in the classic food scenes but the sparks were minimal. A feel good book, though I don’t feel the need to continue the series.
Charming read without a lot of substance. And by not a lot, I mean none. The biggest drama was a heart attack! And a gentle let down for the vet. But Charlotte is sweet and Briggs is a catch. I could tell the author tried to weave in the classic food scenes but the sparks were minimal. A feel good book, though I don’t feel the need to continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
I needed to find a series of books to keep me occupied this summer and this series kept popping up. Not the best read but easy as a BOOK-T0-READ BEFORE BED sort of choice.
Light. Nothing too deep. Not sure if I will continue, but I do love that there are 7 in the series, and I can see how each storyline can easily be developed further.
Light. Nothing too deep. Not sure if I will continue, but I do love that there are 7 in the series, and I can see how each storyline can easily be developed further.
March 24, 2022
Charlotte and Briggs
Nice easy flowing story of life in the small town of Sea Breeze Cove. This book starts off with some excitement and settles into life as it often is. If you like uplifting women’s fiction read The House by the Shore. You should love it.
Nice easy flowing story of life in the small town of Sea Breeze Cove. This book starts off with some excitement and settles into life as it often is. If you like uplifting women’s fiction read The House by the Shore. You should love it.
March 25, 2022
Absolutely fell in love with this small town and the characters from the beginning. I love how the story is all encompassing and isn't just about a couple of people. Great writing and thoroughly enjoyable to read!
July 9, 2022
My Musings
This is a short novel that introduces the characters of Sea Breeze Cove. It reads more like a prequel, but it's enjoyable none the less. I am glad I found it and look forward to reading more. Happy reading!
This is a short novel that introduces the characters of Sea Breeze Cove. It reads more like a prequel, but it's enjoyable none the less. I am glad I found it and look forward to reading more. Happy reading!
November 7, 2022
5 star feel good light romance
There is something like comfort food for the soul in finding a light romance on second chances and new beginnings. No earth shattering mystery, no political bs, no horror, no violence.
Going on to book 2!
There is something like comfort food for the soul in finding a light romance on second chances and new beginnings. No earth shattering mystery, no political bs, no horror, no violence.
Going on to book 2!
June 20, 2023
Refreshing
The characters in this book are so refreshing and I found the story to be both engaging and comforting. A nice way to end a busy day..visiting friends as they find their footing in their new lives.
The characters in this book are so refreshing and I found the story to be both engaging and comforting. A nice way to end a busy day..visiting friends as they find their footing in their new lives.
November 11, 2023
A “Breezy” feel good story
Everyone is nice. There’s not a lot of angst. Little Lainey was truly realistic-she plays with her toys just like my 6 year-old granddaughter. I foresee possible stories focusing on Charlotte’s various friends.
Everyone is nice. There’s not a lot of angst. Little Lainey was truly realistic-she plays with her toys just like my 6 year-old granddaughter. I foresee possible stories focusing on Charlotte’s various friends.
May 8, 2024
House by the Shore
This is great clean romance with great characters! The characters in this shore town are interesting and engaging. People that you would like to know. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
This is great clean romance with great characters! The characters in this shore town are interesting and engaging. People that you would like to know. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
September 16, 2025
so glad there is a second Book !
Enjoy this Book. With Charlotte pulling off the Road, stuck in the sand , and Charlotte first Met with Briggs. He push her out of the place she got stuck at.
It all went together.
Enjoy this Book. With Charlotte pulling off the Road, stuck in the sand , and Charlotte first Met with Briggs. He push her out of the place she got stuck at.
It all went together.
October 19, 2025
heartwarming
Love all of the books I have read so far. Heartfelt stories written with class. They warm my heart. I am reading them fast. Can’t wait for the next story in the series.
Love all of the books I have read so far. Heartfelt stories written with class. They warm my heart. I am reading them fast. Can’t wait for the next story in the series.
April 25, 2022
This was a fun read!
May 12, 2022
Easy Read
Good story with sweet characters, feel good happenings, well-described beautiful setting, and a warm loving dog to tie it all together.
Good story with sweet characters, feel good happenings, well-described beautiful setting, and a warm loving dog to tie it all together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews