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Lobster Bay #5
Seaside Bonds
She thought the best part of her life was over, but now she knows it’s just beginning.
Liz Weston’s life has reached rock bottom. Her husband dumped her, her life savings are gone and her apartment is being turned into condos that she can’t afford. Maybe she shouldn’t have taken early retirement last year? In her late-forties she has limited possibilities for employment.
When her elderly father passes away, she heads to her hometown to clean out the family home. It’s not like her siblings will do it. They’re too wrapped up in their own lives. Thankfully, the small life insurance policy her father had will pay for her to stay at Tides in Lobster Bay. Staying at the beachside inn is a blessing because there’s no way she’ll sleep in her childhood home. It has too many bad memories.
But when she befriends Jane Miller, the owner of Tides, her life slowly starts to change. Among the dusty cobwebs and 1970s decor of her old home, she discovers that maybe coming home isn’t so bad. The town has a lot to offer and all those memories might not have been so bad after all.
As she gets to know the friends and neighbors of Lobster Bay, new opportunities open up. Liz finds a new side of herself, a side that has the courage to do things she never thought possible.
Meanwhile...
Jane made a promise to Mike that she’ll spend less time tending to the inn. But after several disastrous interviews, she’s starting to think that she’ll never find anyone suitable.
Maxi has received the most important commission of her life for an oil painting. This one is personal, but she’s having a hard time getting the painting just right. If she fails at this one, will she ever be able to paint again?
Andie has found some important civil war documents at her antique shop. She wants to return them to the family, but all her efforts to find them run into dead ends. Luckily she doesn’t stop looking and when she finds the descendants of the solider, it’s a big surprise.
This is book 5 in the Lobster Bay series, but it can be read as a stand-alone story. Fans of the series will get to meet new a new friend, Liz, and catch up on what Maxi, Claire, Jane and Andie are up to. Books in the Lobster Bay series:
Saving Sandcastles
Changing Tides
Making Waves
Shifting Sands
Seaside Bonds
Liz Weston’s life has reached rock bottom. Her husband dumped her, her life savings are gone and her apartment is being turned into condos that she can’t afford. Maybe she shouldn’t have taken early retirement last year? In her late-forties she has limited possibilities for employment.
When her elderly father passes away, she heads to her hometown to clean out the family home. It’s not like her siblings will do it. They’re too wrapped up in their own lives. Thankfully, the small life insurance policy her father had will pay for her to stay at Tides in Lobster Bay. Staying at the beachside inn is a blessing because there’s no way she’ll sleep in her childhood home. It has too many bad memories.
But when she befriends Jane Miller, the owner of Tides, her life slowly starts to change. Among the dusty cobwebs and 1970s decor of her old home, she discovers that maybe coming home isn’t so bad. The town has a lot to offer and all those memories might not have been so bad after all.
As she gets to know the friends and neighbors of Lobster Bay, new opportunities open up. Liz finds a new side of herself, a side that has the courage to do things she never thought possible.
Meanwhile...
Jane made a promise to Mike that she’ll spend less time tending to the inn. But after several disastrous interviews, she’s starting to think that she’ll never find anyone suitable.
Maxi has received the most important commission of her life for an oil painting. This one is personal, but she’s having a hard time getting the painting just right. If she fails at this one, will she ever be able to paint again?
Andie has found some important civil war documents at her antique shop. She wants to return them to the family, but all her efforts to find them run into dead ends. Luckily she doesn’t stop looking and when she finds the descendants of the solider, it’s a big surprise.
This is book 5 in the Lobster Bay series, but it can be read as a stand-alone story. Fans of the series will get to meet new a new friend, Liz, and catch up on what Maxi, Claire, Jane and Andie are up to. Books in the Lobster Bay series:
Saving Sandcastles
Changing Tides
Making Waves
Shifting Sands
Seaside Bonds
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2022
771 people are currently reading
2977 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 9, 2022
I love this series! It’s about women (of a certain age, one of which I am) who are having to adjust to unexpected changes in their lives. They are friends (some new, some old) who have bonded and are there for each other. I love the close relationships among these women. It is very heart-warming to read about how they react to the different situations that each are experiencing. They are women who I would like to get to know better. Even though there are multiple storylines, Ms Summers does an amazing job of blending them into a fascinating book. All of the books in the series are stand-alone books. Though they can be read in any order, I would definitely recommend that you start with the first book, “Saving Sandcastles (Lobster Bay Book 1)”, so you can get to know the backstory of each woman. Looking forward to the next one!
July 10, 2022
Seaside Bonds is Book 5 in the Lobster Bay series by Meredith Summers.
This is such a wonderful series! This book is about friendships. I love the friendships of these women. Some old friendships, some new friendships.
There are different storylines, and the author does a fantastic job of incorporating them into a seamless, heartwarming book. I really love the characters and the stories and the bonding.
This is a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend starting with the first book Saving Sandcastles. Every book in this series is wonderful!
A feel good, heartwarming story that I really enjoyed.
This is such a wonderful series! This book is about friendships. I love the friendships of these women. Some old friendships, some new friendships.
There are different storylines, and the author does a fantastic job of incorporating them into a seamless, heartwarming book. I really love the characters and the stories and the bonding.
This is a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend starting with the first book Saving Sandcastles. Every book in this series is wonderful!
A feel good, heartwarming story that I really enjoyed.
May 9, 2025
2.5⭐️..was enjoyable but starting to get repetitive in some parts and was quite short
July 1, 2022
Seaside Bonds is the 5th book in this series.
It is also the first book in the series that I've read.
It is a standalone book.
Liz Weston took an early retirement to travel with her husband before he decided to divorce
her for someone else.
When her father passes, she comes to Lobster Bay to clean her childhood home and get it ready
to sell.
While going through everything and listening to the people who knew her dad, She discovers that
she had possibly misread many of the things that had happened in her youth, and now she wants to stay in the home she grew up in. She only needs to convince her siblings, but they are all of the sudden avoiding her.
There's a lot going on here that made it a little difficult to tell who the MC was.
It became obvious. There are several MCs, all with their own continuing stories to tell, and Liz,
Who has the newest story to tell.
It is also the first book in the series that I've read.
It is a standalone book.
Liz Weston took an early retirement to travel with her husband before he decided to divorce
her for someone else.
When her father passes, she comes to Lobster Bay to clean her childhood home and get it ready
to sell.
While going through everything and listening to the people who knew her dad, She discovers that
she had possibly misread many of the things that had happened in her youth, and now she wants to stay in the home she grew up in. She only needs to convince her siblings, but they are all of the sudden avoiding her.
There's a lot going on here that made it a little difficult to tell who the MC was.
It became obvious. There are several MCs, all with their own continuing stories to tell, and Liz,
Who has the newest story to tell.
November 15, 2025
Another delightful entry into the Lobster Bay series. Liz Weston, who grew up in Lobster Bay, but left a long time ago, comes back to clear out her family home. She finds friends and a community. Andie and Maxie have some issues they are working through. I really enjoy this series. Perhaps everything resolves a little too neatly, but it is a joyous contrast to real life. I look forward to the next book in the series
June 3, 2023
One of my favorites of the Lobster Bay series!!! So many new friendships amongst friends and families!! Can’t wait to read the next one!!!
June 16, 2025
Meredith Summers delivers another heartwarming tale with Seaside Bonds, the latest installment in the Lobster Bay series. While each book in this series can stand alone, fans will delight in catching up with beloved characters while welcoming a new face, Liz Weston, to the charming coastal town.
The premise immediately draws you in. Liz, at rock bottom after losing her husband, savings, and apartment, returns to her childhood home in Lobster Bay to sort through her late father's belongings. Her decision to stay at Tides, the beachside inn run by Jane Miller, becomes the catalyst for a much-needed new beginning. Summers beautifully portrays Liz's journey of rediscovery, as she navigates past memories and finds unexpected opportunities and courage within herself. "She thought the best part of her life was over, but now she knows it’s just beginning," and Liz's transformation is genuinely inspiring to witness.
Beyond Liz's story, we get to check in with other familiar faces. Jane grapples with finding suitable help for the inn, Maxi faces a deeply personal artistic challenge, and Andie embarks on a fascinating quest to return Civil War documents. These interwoven storylines add depth and richness to the narrative, making Lobster Bay feel like a vibrant, lived-in community.
My one reservation, and the reason for four stars instead of five, is a recurring theme in the series: the endings. While it's lovely to see characters find happiness and resolution, the way every single plot point seems to tie up flawlessly, almost like clockwork, can strain credulity. It often feels too perfect, making some of the resolutions less impactful than they could be. The pacing of the series is quite quick, which I appreciate, but sometimes this rapid movement leads to resolutions that feel a bit too convenient.
Despite this minor quibble, Seaside Bonds is a delightful audiobook experience. Summers has a knack for creating engaging characters and inviting settings that make you want to pack your bags and move to Lobster Bay. If you're looking for a comforting escape with a focus on new beginnings and community bonds, this book is a wonderful choice.
The premise immediately draws you in. Liz, at rock bottom after losing her husband, savings, and apartment, returns to her childhood home in Lobster Bay to sort through her late father's belongings. Her decision to stay at Tides, the beachside inn run by Jane Miller, becomes the catalyst for a much-needed new beginning. Summers beautifully portrays Liz's journey of rediscovery, as she navigates past memories and finds unexpected opportunities and courage within herself. "She thought the best part of her life was over, but now she knows it’s just beginning," and Liz's transformation is genuinely inspiring to witness.
Beyond Liz's story, we get to check in with other familiar faces. Jane grapples with finding suitable help for the inn, Maxi faces a deeply personal artistic challenge, and Andie embarks on a fascinating quest to return Civil War documents. These interwoven storylines add depth and richness to the narrative, making Lobster Bay feel like a vibrant, lived-in community.
My one reservation, and the reason for four stars instead of five, is a recurring theme in the series: the endings. While it's lovely to see characters find happiness and resolution, the way every single plot point seems to tie up flawlessly, almost like clockwork, can strain credulity. It often feels too perfect, making some of the resolutions less impactful than they could be. The pacing of the series is quite quick, which I appreciate, but sometimes this rapid movement leads to resolutions that feel a bit too convenient.
Despite this minor quibble, Seaside Bonds is a delightful audiobook experience. Summers has a knack for creating engaging characters and inviting settings that make you want to pack your bags and move to Lobster Bay. If you're looking for a comforting escape with a focus on new beginnings and community bonds, this book is a wonderful choice.
May 20, 2023
This is the fifth book in the Lobster Bay series and I really loved this one. In this book, we meet Liz who came to town to clean out her dad's house. Her dad had been living in an assisted living for a few years and has recently passed away. Since he has been in an assisted living, his house had really gone downhill. It was cluttered and needed a lot of repairs. It was like walking into the 1970s when Liz walked into the house.
Liz hadn't had the best relationship with her dad, so she was really nervous about going into the home after so many years. As she begins cleaning out the home, maybe there are some happy memories instead of just bad ones. She starts to see everything in a different light. She is staying at Tides while cleaning out the house and begins to develop a friendship with Jane and Andie, which just may change her life.
This is a sweet story of friendships and family. This just may be my favorite in the series so far. I love all the characters and how they all come together for each other. The author's vivid description makes you think you are right there. I highly recommend this book. You could read it as a standalone, but I think it is best if you read the first 4 books in the series first so you can get to know each character.
Liz hadn't had the best relationship with her dad, so she was really nervous about going into the home after so many years. As she begins cleaning out the home, maybe there are some happy memories instead of just bad ones. She starts to see everything in a different light. She is staying at Tides while cleaning out the house and begins to develop a friendship with Jane and Andie, which just may change her life.
This is a sweet story of friendships and family. This just may be my favorite in the series so far. I love all the characters and how they all come together for each other. The author's vivid description makes you think you are right there. I highly recommend this book. You could read it as a standalone, but I think it is best if you read the first 4 books in the series first so you can get to know each character.
October 3, 2025
by the 5th book in the series, it feels like coming together with old friends.This book introduces us to Liz Weston, who's definitely having a rough time. Her husband dumped her, her savings are gone, and she's back in her childhood home to clean it out after her father's passing. Talk about rock bottom! But, of course, the magic of Lobster Bay is how it wraps its arms around you, and Liz finds a much-needed friend in Jane, the owner of the Tides Inn.
What really makes this series shine, and this book is no exception, is the amazing, multi-layered friwndships that tie the whole community together. It's not just about Liz and Jane, but we get to catch up with all our favorites including Claire, Maxi, and Andii, and see how they're navigating their own lives. Maxi's personal art commission, Andie's antique finds, and Jane's inn struggles all weave together beautifully. They're all there for each other, celebrating the wins and offering that vital shoulder to cry on during the tough stuff.
What really makes this series shine, and this book is no exception, is the amazing, multi-layered friwndships that tie the whole community together. It's not just about Liz and Jane, but we get to catch up with all our favorites including Claire, Maxi, and Andii, and see how they're navigating their own lives. Maxi's personal art commission, Andie's antique finds, and Jane's inn struggles all weave together beautifully. They're all there for each other, celebrating the wins and offering that vital shoulder to cry on during the tough stuff.
July 15, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It is a standalone but is part of a series. I like the character development, the realistic settings, and the Happily ever after feel of the book. Each book centers on a specific character but doesn’t leave the main characters of the others by the wayside.
I liked Liz Weston, Jane and her family and friends are supportive of each other and newcomers to lobster Bay, ME. The friendships are wonderful. I wish the world could be like this small town. Let’s extend kindness instead of nastiness, anger, and disrespect.
Liz grows and sees things differently by the end of the book.
Maxi is working on pet portraits and capturing the life in those pets for their owners.
Jane needs to carve out time for her personal life. Her sister, Jane, is on a geological quest.
These are woven throughout the story and I left Lobster Bay with a contented feeling. Can’t wait to return.
I was given an advanced copy and am NOT required to leave a positive review.
I liked Liz Weston, Jane and her family and friends are supportive of each other and newcomers to lobster Bay, ME. The friendships are wonderful. I wish the world could be like this small town. Let’s extend kindness instead of nastiness, anger, and disrespect.
Liz grows and sees things differently by the end of the book.
Maxi is working on pet portraits and capturing the life in those pets for their owners.
Jane needs to carve out time for her personal life. Her sister, Jane, is on a geological quest.
These are woven throughout the story and I left Lobster Bay with a contented feeling. Can’t wait to return.
I was given an advanced copy and am NOT required to leave a positive review.
June 20, 2023
I really loved this book!!!! Liz Weston's life has hit rock bottom. Her husband dumped her life savings are gone and her apartment is turning into condo's that she cant afford. Maybe she should not have taken an early retirement last year. In her late 40's she has limited possibilities for employment. When her elderly father passes away she heads to her hometown to clean out the family home. Her siblings are too wrapped up in their own lives. Thankfully the small insurance policy her father had will pay her to stay at the Tides in Lobster Bay. Staying at the beachside inn is a blessing because there is no way she will sleep in her childhood home. It has too many bad memories. But when she befriends Jane Miller the owner of Tides her life starts to change. She discovers that maybe coming home isn't so bad. The town has a lot to offer, and all those memories might not be so bad after all. Loved this book will read more by this author.
June 1, 2025
I didn't realize this was in a series called "Lobster Bay", until I had already begun reading. It is a relaxing read. There is a quaint town and personable characters. The story is predictable but there are side characters, apparently from the other books, who have sub-stories, and it all ties together.
Liz is finds herself in a difficult situation in early middle age. Having retired early, in her 40's, she encounters serious marriage problems and is unexpectedly divorced and without a place to live. After her father dies, she offers to help her two busy siblings by cleaning out the old home and preparing it to be sold. Along the way, Liz finds answers in her time of upheaval.
This book, obviously can be read as a stand-alone, though it is in the series.
It is a light but satisfying read.
You may enjoy this book or the Lobster Bay series if you like the northeast coast of America, small towns, likeable characters.
Liz is finds herself in a difficult situation in early middle age. Having retired early, in her 40's, she encounters serious marriage problems and is unexpectedly divorced and without a place to live. After her father dies, she offers to help her two busy siblings by cleaning out the old home and preparing it to be sold. Along the way, Liz finds answers in her time of upheaval.
This book, obviously can be read as a stand-alone, though it is in the series.
It is a light but satisfying read.
You may enjoy this book or the Lobster Bay series if you like the northeast coast of America, small towns, likeable characters.
March 23, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Lobster Bay series. It is focused on a new person in town, Liz. The book is about Liz going to her hometown to clean her childhood home out after her father passed away. But she realized that maybe staying in Lobster Bay might not be a bad idea...
I've finally decided that Sally is my favorite character in this series. She's just amazing, which you'll see if you read the series. This was a pretty good book. Quick too, with only 200 pages. I rate this book 3/5 stars.
I've finally decided that Sally is my favorite character in this series. She's just amazing, which you'll see if you read the series. This was a pretty good book. Quick too, with only 200 pages. I rate this book 3/5 stars.
August 13, 2022
Liz Weston has been dreading go home to Lobster Bay. All her memories are wrapped up in how her father treated her and now she needs to clean out the house to sell. What she doesn't anticipate is how everyone seems to have a different version of her dad. With the help of Jane, Andie, Claire, Bunny and her neighbors on the block, her memories are changing. It takes her siblings visit to cement that she has decided to go home for good.
September 19, 2022
Lobster Bay series-wonderful!!
I've read all 5 books in this series & loved them all. Can't wait for the 6th to come out. Am just sorry to have to wait until May of 2023. I'll probably re-read the first 5 again before diving into #6! Love being able to follow book characters in a series & a series set in one of my favorite areas...MAINE makes it even better!
I've read all 5 books in this series & loved them all. Can't wait for the 6th to come out. Am just sorry to have to wait until May of 2023. I'll probably re-read the first 5 again before diving into #6! Love being able to follow book characters in a series & a series set in one of my favorite areas...MAINE makes it even better!
October 7, 2022
A good book about a group of women friends
I enjoyed reading this fifth book in the Lobster Bay series. This series focuses on a group of Idle-aged women who are always there for each other. In this book they welcome Liz who returns to the town to clean out the family home. I enjoyed the book. I rated it a four out of five stars only because the ending was somewhat predictable.
I enjoyed reading this fifth book in the Lobster Bay series. This series focuses on a group of Idle-aged women who are always there for each other. In this book they welcome Liz who returns to the town to clean out the family home. I enjoyed the book. I rated it a four out of five stars only because the ending was somewhat predictable.
September 18, 2025
New characters were introduced to Lobster Bay. I love how the author has adults who are starting new chapters in their lives and have found their people. It’s too perfect how all ends get tied up but I can pull many books and series that have all the grit and pain of life so this series is a wonderful refuge from what I normally choose to read. Bravo! Let’s continues this series.
July 24, 2022
Great read
I love this series > would highly recommend it. The town friends and family are welcoming as well as the town. Love had bloomed for Jane and time we.l only tell how that will end.
I love this series > would highly recommend it. The town friends and family are welcoming as well as the town. Love had bloomed for Jane and time we.l only tell how that will end.
September 28, 2022
SO LOVED READING THESE BOOKS #1 - #5. Will have to wait anxiously for #6 Seaside Bookclub due out in 11/23. All the stories were so good about each of the lives of Claire, Jane, Maxi, Andie, Liz and all their friends
August 23, 2024
Seaside Bonds
I loved this book so much I read it straight through. I fond this book so interesting, a little mysterious and definitely a fun read. The characters are friendly, supportive and inspiring. If your looking for a book for your next read this series is it. Enjoy
I loved this book so much I read it straight through. I fond this book so interesting, a little mysterious and definitely a fun read. The characters are friendly, supportive and inspiring. If your looking for a book for your next read this series is it. Enjoy
July 21, 2022
Loved it - of course!
It’s so nice to read books about older ladies finding new friends, romances and just happiness in their lives! Can’t wait for Book 6!
It’s so nice to read books about older ladies finding new friends, romances and just happiness in their lives! Can’t wait for Book 6!
August 5, 2022
Amazing book
Love all the ladies of Lobster Bay. Being an older woman it’s nice to read about relationships of these women.
Love all the ladies of Lobster Bay. Being an older woman it’s nice to read about relationships of these women.
Read
August 15, 2022Excellent, love the new character and can't wait for the next book. Delighted I found a new author they are the perfect beach read quick and entertaining!
November 6, 2022
Very cute and easy read!
December 1, 2022
I just love the characters in this series. Fast reads, I felt like I was part of the group. Real women with normal problems.
August 4, 2023
I appreciate the older characters.
May 25, 2024
Love this series and the bond between friends. The group of friends keeps growing, along with my desire to keep following along with the Lobster Bay intrigue and romances.
June 1, 2024
Wonderful heartwarming series
Easy relaxing storyline to follow. You have to keep reading just to make sure everyone ends up in a good way.
Easy relaxing storyline to follow. You have to keep reading just to make sure everyone ends up in a good way.
August 25, 2024
love the characters...storyline is predictable. light easy beach read...that goes for the whole series
September 10, 2024
I really enjoy this easy, feel good series. It's a vacation from stress.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews