Coming Home to Heritage Cove

Heritage Cove #1

by Helen J. Rolfe, Helen Rolfe

Welcome to Heritage Cove, the little village by the sea brimming with character, community and friendship, and the perfect place to fall in love this summer…

Melissa rushes back to Heritage Cove when Barney, the man who’s been like a father figure to her since she was a little girl, ends up in hospital. After an absence of five years, her return isn’t going to be easy, especially when she bumps into Harvey, the love of her life and the man she’s never been able to forget.

For reasons he couldn't explain at the time, Harvey changed his mind about going with Melissa to start afresh as they'd planned, and life moved on for the both of them. But with Melissa back in the village and determined to stick around to help Barney, they can't avoid each other forever. Melissa knows she let so many people down by staying away for so long, but she and Harvey blame each other for what happened and neither of them is willing to admit to being in the wrong.

When Barney insists on cancelling the Wedding Dress Ball, the charity fundraiser he holds every year in the stunning barn on his property, Melissa and Harvey realise they’re going to have to pull together. Otherwise the man they once knew might be gone forever. And when they unearth a secret Barney has never shared with anyone, they go in search of answers to not only ensure the ball runs this summer, but to bring back the Barney they know and love.

Back in the cove after all this time, Melissa gets to see the life she left behind and it’s time to deal with what it was that drove her away in the first place.

Beneath the summer sunshine in Heritage Cove, the sea sparkles, the heat rises and new love, reconciliations and the answers to an old love story could bring changes for everyone.

*Please note this is a re-release of Coming Home to Heritage Cove, previously published by Helen J Rolfe*

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Cozy, Family, British Literature

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2020

About the author

Helen J. Rolfe writes romantic fiction and contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community.

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Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books, and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to.

Helen J. Rolfe also writes for Orion Books under the name Helen Rolfe.

Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she finally turned to what she loved and studied writing and journalism. She spent a while freelancing for women's health and fitness magazines, volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases, and eventually began writing fiction in 2011. And now, she thinks she may just have found her dream job.

Helen currently lives in Hertfordshire, UK, with her husband and their children.

Helen loves to hear from readers so please don't hesitate to get in touch. She can be found at:

www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming! Helen J Rolfe has written a delightful tale packed with lovable characters with an enchanting setting. Melisa is living a good life in London working as a flight attendant and engaged to her pilot fiancé Jay. When she receives a message from back home that Barney her surrogate father has taken a fall she packs her bags no questions asked. But returning home means facing her past, including the ex Love of her life, Harvey. Loved this sweet Second Chance Romance. The residents of Heritage Cove were The Best. Loves how Harvey and Melisa banded together to make sure Barneys annual Wedding Dress dance went on as planned. I also thought this was a brilliant idea a chance for people to re-wear their wedding dresses. The only problem I had with this story was I thought Jay got the short end of the stick. Having said that I did want Harvey and Melisa to find their happily ever after. A heartwarming story that made me smile.

This book in emojis: ✈️ 🐶 🧁 👰🏼

*** Big thank you to the author for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful story this is.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the residents of Heritage Cove, especially Barney, the reason that Melissa has returned to the cover after 5 years away.

Barney is like a surrogate father figure for her, and to hear he has been in hospital with a fall is enough to make Melissa face her demons and come and see him. Of course the person who got in touch with her, was Harvey, the person she has been trying to put out of her mind completely for five years.

Yes, Harvey is the ex, who let her down in a big way, but yet they are the closest people to Barney, and realise they will have to at least get on, in order to help Barney recover and also put on this years Wedding Dress Ball.

Seeing Melissa reconnect with people, win others over, and seeing just how her feelings develop and change over the course of the book is really enjoyable. As is Harvey's canine companion Winnie, who is a fabulous dog and really well written.

This is a really relaxing story to read, one to curl up with after a long hard day, and know you are just going to be treated to a cosy atmosphere, realistic characters that you will come to care for, and just a all around enjoyable story.

I just hope this isn't the last we will see of Heritage Cove, as it's a setting I'd love to see a lot more from.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely, gentle but moving second chance romance that is a delightful read. It was great getting to know the brilliant characters in Heritage Cove and look on as romance rekindles.

Five years ago Melissa had planned to leave her home in Heritage Cove with her boyfriend, Harvey. However, he didn't go with her and didn't explain why not. Both were heartbroken. When Harvey emails to tell her that the man who had been a surrogate father to them both, Barney, had fallen and was in hospital she didn't hesitate to return though she did so with trepidation. Will this be an opportunity for Melissa and Harvey to reconnect? What about her current boyfriend, Jay?

When she sees Barney again he announces he's going to cancel the annual Wedding Dress Ball and starts looking at care homes for himself. Melissa and Harvey decide to work together to get Barney moving again and hope to inspire him to make more of an effort to enjoy life. This leads to some detective work and lovely surprises as well as bringing the two close together again. Barney is an absolutely brilliant character!

The story has some lovely characters. The whole community is delightful and the setting idyllic. It is a fun story with some laugh out loud moments, a mystery to be solved and not one but two second chance romances. It deals with some emotive issues for both main characters. I found some minor inconsistencies in the story but it was an ARC so hopefully they'll be corrected in the published version.....I also had to feel very sorry for Jay. However, this is still an engaging, sweet story and a great start to the new series. I look forward to reading more stories based in Heritage Cove in future!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to jump into this, as we arrived at the village of Heritage Cove with our lead, Melissa, who has been given bad news about a person who was dear to her many years ago and who she still keeps in contact with. The settings got me straight away, motion picture technicolour, straight out of a movie scenes that actually were the norm throughout this lovely book.

There are multiple stories in this but the one that stole my heart was that of Barney, the old man in question, who has a few secrets that impact both of our leads, Melissa and Harvey, who, whilst trying to figure out Barney and why this year he’s decided he can’t run the Wedding Dress Ball, an event he’s handled for many years, are each trying to figure out each other. I was in from the start to the end of this beautiful book, with vivid descriptions that drew me in a dn held me. I had a few niggles throughout, but they were me being pernickety really and I savoured and enjoyed every second of this warm, all encompassing book that I thoroughly recommend.

Thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5

[Lisa Whittaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book once it got going. It was one I dipped in and out of and this only happened as I committed to so many buddy reads during July and August and seemed to have a spurt of reading books on my kindle.

Anyway. I enjoyed it. I always enjoy Helen’s books. It was a lovely story and loved the basis of the wedding dress ball too. Great characters. Beautiful setting. Looking forward to book 2 in the series, which, incidentally, I’ll be saving til nearer Christmas as it’s a Christmas book. Hope Melissa and Harvey make an appearance in it as would like to see how their happy ending works out for them.

[Hannah Clarke (Love Books Actually) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the second book in the Heritage Cove series ‘Christmas at the Little Waffle Shack’ late last year. I decided I should go back to the beginning and read ‘Coming Home to Heritage Cove’ and I was not disappointed! Although I knew the outcome due to already reading book 2 that did not spoil my read at all. The Heritage Cove series can easily be read as a standalone or part of a series whichever takes your fancy!

Firstly I loved it, this was a pleasure to read. Heritage Cove has this wonderful community spirit that I so want to be part of. Main character Melissa has returned expecting to be faced with difficult conversations especially with her ex Harvey. Although Melissa’s main purpose is to be there for Barney who has been like a father to her, it’s quite clear that she also has unfinished business with the Cove.

As I said the community of Heritage Cove make the book fantastic. I don’t think there was a character I couldn’t connect with, I especially love Barney, such a gentleman.
I really enjoy Helen’s writing style, I love the switch between characters, I thought the balance between the emotional moments, tough relatable topics against the light hearted fun was done ever so well.

I’m currently reading book 3 of the series ‘Summer Serendipity at the Twist and Turn Bakery’ out in May and it’s so lovely to be back in the Cove, I don’t want to leave!

[Gerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and loved a few of Helen's books now. I haven't quite caught up with all of her books but as well as keeping pace with her new releases, I try to read one of her earlier books every now and then. I read the synopsis for 'Coming Home To Heritage Cove' and I couldn't wait to start reading. 'Coming Home To Heritage Cove' is actually the first book in the brand new Heritage Cove series. It really is a cracker of a read and fabulous start to a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Coming Home To Heritage Cove' but more about that in a bit.
It didn't take me long at all to get into this book. In fact the synopsis was enough to grab my attention and the story sealed the deal as it were. I love Helen's books so I knew that I was going to be in for a treat and then some. I was spot on. I soon immersed myself so deeply into the story that I managed to shut out all other distractions and focus solely on the book. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case. I literally couldn't turn the pages of this book quick enough. I just had to know how the story panned out and what that meant for Melissa. I soon worked my way through the story and I was most disappointed to reach the end. I mean that in the nicest possible way. I wasn't disappointed with how this episode of the story ended but I had been enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines that much that I just didn't want 'Coming Home To Heritage Cove' to end.
'Coming Home To Heritage Cove' is really well written but then I think that to be true of all of Helen's books. She creates adorable characters, who end up feeling like friends and you can't help but hope that things work out for them in the end. That's how I felt at any rate. Reading 'Coming Home To Heritage Cove' seemed more like a chat between friends than actually reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Helen drew me into the story from the start. I felt as though I was part of the story and that's thanks to Helen's very vivid and realistic storytelling. I was so convinced by the story that I felt myself becoming far too involved and 'talked' to the characters as if they could hear me.
In short, I really enjoyed reading 'Coming Home To Heritage Cove' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Helen's work in the future. I am so looking forward to further books in the Heritage Cove series. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a perfect feelgood, escapism read and have taken Heritage Cove and its' inhabitants to my heart!

Melissa has to return to Heritage Cove after Barney, who is a real father figure to her, is taken ill. That means confronting the past she ran away from 5 years ago! And that past is Harvey, the love of her life who still lives there. Their relationship had a sour end, mainly due to their stubbornness, so it's going to be tough for her to face things again - all the good and bad memories come rushing back and it's how she deals with them that shows if the time away has helped her.

Barney normally hosts a Wedding Dress Ball but he is adamant it won't be going ahead this year, and gets very prickly when pushed further on it so you are left wondering what he's hiding. He's never been good at accepting help, but good at giving help to others, so Melissa and Harvey have a tough job on their hands trying to make him see sense.

I loved the story about reconnecting and seeing how time changes things, but I also really enjoyed the mystery side of the story as they look into the past when they make a discovery and start to delve into the past of Barney and why things have meant so much to him over the years.

The relationship between Harvey and Melissa is a complex one because of their pasts and I found them to be such endearing characters due to their life experiences and I think that's why I felt so warmly towards them as they tried to forgive one another, and themselves, for what happened to their relationship all those years ago. I am just hoping there'll be a return to Heritage Cove very soon as I want more!!

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five years ago Melissa left Heritage Cove after her then boyfriend, Harvey, let her down at the last minute. After the tragic death of her parents, Melissa felt she needed to leave the Cove where everything and everyone was a reminder. She had dreams of travel and a new, exciting life which she and Harvey were going to share. Now she’s back because Harvey contacted her to let her know Barney, the man who she considers her surrogate father, is in hospital after a bad fall.

When Barney comes homes, Harvey and Melissa put aside their past differences in their efforts to help Barney, who has become listless and despondent. He’s even decided to cancel the Wedding Dress Ball he’s been holding every summer in his barn for a charitable cause. Melissa and Harvey know they’ll have to work together if they want to have the Barney they know and love back again. When Melissa discovers something puzzling connected to Barney, she and Harvey try to trace it back in the hope it will help him recover, never realising what they are setting in motion.

Coming Home to Heritage Cove is a lovely story, full of hope and second chances with a wonderfully realistic cast. I enjoyed Melissa’s reintegration into the village and the fact she realised running away doesn’t really solve issues. Harvey and Barney have also been scarred by life, keeping their troubles to themselves.

The setting is fabulous and is easily visualised. I love communities with heart, where friends and family are only too ready to help. The story deals compassionately with themes of loss and love, with a smoothly flowing narrative.

[Holly Da Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Via Audiobook

A very easy, light and heart-warming storyline.

Melissa has to returned to Heritage Cove after Barney (a father figure to her) takes ill. This meant facing Harvey, her love interest that she ran away from 5 years ago. During her visit she has to face the music about running away not just with Harvey but with her friends from the village too. Melissa helps lift Barney's spirits by helping to organise the famous yearly ball that is held in the village.

Lovely story of love, loss, regret and ultimately discovering truth.

[Maria P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Light, feel good story in a nice setting. Predictable but who cares. Whizzed through it. Will look out for more from this author. My only niggle was two of the main character had similar names - Barney and Harvey and it took me a good few chapters to keep up with who was who! When an author has the pick of any names to use for their characters why pick two that are a little similar sounding?! Minor point and eventually it sunk in!! Narration was good.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book. Looking forward to the Christmas one now.

[Grace Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved my visit to Heritage Cove, storyline kept me reading and finished it in one sitting

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dreamily nostalgic book about lost love and coming home.

Melissa has it all - a job she loves, a fiance who loves her, and a life she's made for herself since she left her childhood home five years ago. But when the man she considers a father to her takes a fall, she finds herself back in town, face to face with her childhood friend and first love, Harvey.

You can probably foresee how the rest of the story plays out and in some ways that's very comforting. There's a theme of loss that had me tearing up, but it was interesting to see how the grief that sent Melissa running has softened enough that she can look back and remember the good times and not just the loss. Melissa and Harvey are both fully realised characters with understandable flaws who share a past much deeper than the hurt that drove them apart.

There are a few things that spoil this book for me - first, there was a few missteps in editing. The most jarring was how Melissa mentions her brother a few times before bemoaning growing up as an only child. Second, it quite difficult to watch Melissa fall back in love with Harvey knowing she had a life and a fiance outside of the Cove. I know it's not intentional on Melissa's part, but I'm not a fan of love triangles. I never got the sense that the life she made and fiance she'd chosen wasn't enough until her internal narration announced it, which left me a little discomfited and desperately sorry for her fiance Jay. There was a beautiful line about have both roots and wings - but despite young Melissa's desire to leave and current Melissa's life satisfaction, the ending seems to clearly favour one over the other. Perhaps if Melissa had shown discontent with her life before returning, the ending would have gone down sweeter.

This is still a sweet book about the power of past love, so if you're keen on small towns, childhood friends-to-lovers, and a bit of past angst, pick this book up

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF 19.10 2022
Just found it very slow.

Tried again … I did finish it this time…, I still found it vary slow and un inspiring until about the last 25 % when things picked up a bit.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I am surprised I have never read any books by Helen Rolfe. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of second chances. You can read the synopsis of this story yourself, I want to share how it made me feel. There were several issues in this book that touched me. Melissa grew up in a small village and wanted to spread her wings. I think it is important that people get an opportunity to follow those dreams, and if the village is where they belong, like Melissa, they will find their way back. Melissa lost her parents in a tragic accident and it devastated her, she felt she had to get away. I know what it is like to lose a parent when you are young. Melissa never faced that loss until her return, but I think the message of facing those losses in order to move on is another important point in this story. The charity Barney raises money for supports families who have lost a child, and although I have not experienced that, thank the good Lord, my daughter-in-law had several miscarriages, so I have dealt with that pain in some way. Having said all that, this is a story of hope. It is a story of second chances. It is a story that says you are never too old to find love, and it is a story of forgiveness, listening and honesty. There is even a little mystery that Melissa and Harvey need to solve.

The main characters, Barney, Melissa and Harvey were all wonderful characters. I loved how realistic they were, how open, loyal and loving. I was rooting that they would all get a happily ever after and that Barney would heal enough to believe in himself so that he would not move into a retirement community and begin the decline that often follows. The story was well-written, flowed nicely and was totally believable. The descriptions were wonderful, but not overdone. I really need to spend some time on the English seaside. A story that I loved and recommend to anyone who enjoys romance and happily ever afters. I will be watching for the next Heritage Cove story as well as checking out Helen Rolfe's backlist. I received this book through Rachel's Random Resources upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up, I love the cover for Helen’s latest book and the synopsis does such a good job of giving an idea of what you are in for. Helen is an author who’s books I always enjoy, she brings such a wonderful storyline and creates lovely characters, but things are never quite as what they seem.

So when Barney has a fall Melissa feels she must return home to the village she left. She is not sure of her welcome at her return, will people feel angry at her, or will they welcome her back? Granted not everyone welcomes her with open arms, because when she left she hurt two people, one is Barney the other is her childhood friend and boyfriend Harvey.

Coming back home brings the past back for Melissa, it means she has to face why she left in the first place. It is all well and good saying that she wanted to move to get a job and see more of the world, but those that knew her knew she was actually running away. It is often the case that you need to go to find out whats important. But Melissa had gone and reinvented herself, while this has worked well for her, the return to the Cove brings her past right back.

The main characters are Melissa, Harvey and Barney. Barney is like a father figure to the two. He is an integral part of the community and often chats with people, so it is a shock when he decides that his yearly fundraising event is now too much for him.

As the story gets further in, I found there are more to these three characters than first meets the eye. All three have had a trouble or two happen to them and it is these events that for me, link them, the way they have not really talked about things and as such never really dealt with them properly. It definitely makes for compulsive reading.

The sense of community and friendship is something that this author really does excel at. She manages to hook me with every single one of her stories. This one has that same sense of community spirit and the feeling that people care. It makes for such a heartwarming read.

Coming Home to Heritage Cove is a gorgeous story about life, love and loss, also about family, friends and support. A book I would definitely recommend.

[Jéssica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Heritage Cove, a new series written by Helen J. Rolfe, a contemporary romance that will transport you to a village and let you uncover all the mysteries that a small community has.

In this book we follow mainly Melissa and Harvey. Melissa comes back to Heritage Cove after five years away from her hometown. She had her reasons to come back, aka Barney, and once she's back a lot of emotions and things start to unfold. Especially as she and Harvey join forces to help Barney.

I loved to get to know the village and it's people, because since this is just the start, it's all new and fascinating. As Melissa reconnects with old friends and acquaintances, I was understanding more about the past, the characters and the relationships (past and present). I was such a fun book because of that.

To does that already know me, know that I come from a small town close by the sea and surrounded by forest, agricultural fields, and other small towns. So the setting of this book touched my heart. I love small town books, they have this togetherness in them, this 'everyone knows everything' feel that I find funny, this coziness...

I know this is just the beginning, the setting, the characters and the many relationships and connections in the Heritage Cove community have a lot to give. I can see it and I'm hope that in the future the author gets to unveil more romances, more information and more interesting moments and interactions.

Overall, I love the romance, the descriptions and the setting of the plot and story, as well as the characters. I could connect with the novel, and the realistic way it was constructed. The coziness, the warmth the story had, it all made me happy while reading the book. It's a fantastic novel to read in a relaxing moment, a lazy Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea/coffee and some snacks.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Helen J. Rolfe for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming, enjoyable read perfect for summer!!!

Melissa had planned on spending a staycation with her pilot fiance, Jay, since the two of them rarely see one another since she herself is a flight attendant. Now, she is rushing back to her home Heritage Cove. The man who has been like a father to her is in hospital, thankfully it isn’t anything serious. She has plans to make sure he is recuperating and returning back to London and her life as soon as she can. However, she hadn’t anticipated the complicated feelings that would arise returning to the place people know her best and the man, Harvey, who was supposed to be “the one.”

I completely fell in love with the characters and the Heritage Cove. Both Melissa and Harvey were fantastic characters. They were complex and were by no means perfect. There was no bad person in their break-up. Harvey, for his own reasons, chose not to go with Melissa to start a new life together. Melissa hasn’t gotten over that. The two are completely stubborn, but they are also older and wiser and begin to maybe understand each other a little more.

Melissa and Harvey team up together to persuade Barney to not cancel the event of the year, The Wedding Dress Ball. As they spend more time together, they begin to remember why they fell in love in the first place. I loved the flashbacks of the memories they shared. Her feelings are especially confusing since she has a fiance back in London, and she has to do some real soul-searching to determine what man truly holds her heart in his hands.

Not only was this a second chance romance, but it was a journey of self-discovery for Melissa. She had to finally confront the complex emotions her parents’ deaths stirred in her. She also got to reconnect to the people who shaped so much of her life.

This was a delightful read, full of charming characters, especially Barney. He seemed to be the heart and soul of the village. He had a gentle spirit and kind heart. I felt like I was a part of the village myself. I’m really looking forward to seeing the characters again in the next book in the series.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming Home to Heritage Cove by Helen J. Rolfe

Blurb

Welcome to Heritage Cove, the little village by the sea brimming with character, community and friendship, and the perfect place to fall in love this summer…

Melissa rushes back to Heritage Cove when Barney, the man who’s been like a father figure to her since she was a little girl, ends up in hospital. After an absence of five years, her return isn’t going to be easy, especially when she bumps into Harvey, the love of her life and the man she’s never been able to forget.

For reasons he couldn't explain at the time, Harvey changed his mind about going with Melissa to start afresh as they'd planned, and life moved on for the both of them. But with Melissa back in the village and determined to stick around to help Barney, they can't avoid each other forever. Melissa knows she let so many people down by staying away for so long, but she and Harvey blame each other for what happened and neither of them is willing to admit to being in the wrong.

When Barney insists on cancelling the Wedding Dress Ball, the charity fundraiser he holds every year in the stunning barn on his property, Melissa and Harvey realise they’re going to have to pull together. Otherwise the man they once knew might be gone forever. And when they unearth a secret Barney has never shared with anyone, they go in search of answers to not only ensure the ball runs this summer, but to bring back the Barney they know and love.

My Opinion

I have read a later book in this series so I have been looking forward to going back and reading the books in order. This is first book in the Heritage Cover series and is a great introduction to the area and the characters. After leaving Heritage Cove five years earlier, Melissa is summoned back when she learns that Barney has had a fall - Barney is like a surrogate father to her so she drops everything to return to her childhood home.

This was a lovely heart-warming book to read and I already know that I will be back soon for another visit to the cove.

Rating 4/5

[Lynn Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always fun to jump feet first into a new series. so get ready to meet the residents of Heritage Cove!

Melissa cancels her plans at the last minute to return to Heritage Cove, a place she hasn't visited since leaving five years ago when her ex, Harvey backed out of their plan to move away and build a new life together. She's back because Barney, her surrogate father figure is in hospital and she needs to be there for him. Not surprisingly, she runs into Harvey and they agree to put aside their differences to work together, to avoid cancelling this year's annual summer Wedding Dress Ball; a charity event and a worthy cause. It's also an opportunity for Melissa to reconnect with those she left behind in Heritage Cove and to reassess and decide what's important in her life.

Ms Rolfe is a new to me author and she's written a lovely introduction to the townsfolk of Heritage Cove in what promises to be a wonderful series. Her descriptions allowed me to visualise the coastal backdrop and the lovely people who live there. The beginning is slow, but be patient because as the main storyline builds, the pace picks up. The main characters of interest are Melissa and Harvey, but Barney and Harvey's dog, Winnie deserve honorary mentions too. 

The theme of the novel is facing up to facts to let go of the past, all the while questioning the future. This is about second chances, forgiveness and hope.

I have some mixed feelings towards the end… I'm not going to spoil anything, and don't worry, there's a happy ending. However, one aspect made me sad even though it was for the best of reasons. Curious? If so, pick up a copy as soon as possible to discover why!

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher***

[Ondeane Lourens · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are way too many explanations. I skipped a lot. The world-building is great but not when it’s too much. I enjoyed most of Helen’s writing style besides the information dump every now and again. By chapter 6 the story started leveling out and I started to enjoy it. I’m also starting to feel better towards Melissa. The storyline became a lot better after a few chapters. As I previously mentioned, I started enjoying it after chapter 6.

Lost loves that become reunited is always a good romance trope. I enjoyed the twists and turns with Barney and his background story that slowly came to light. I was kept guessing with all the different twists and turns and was pleasantly surprised by a few outcomes. Heritage Cove sounds really beautiful, small, and quaint.

I struggled with Melissa’s character at the beginning of the book. She was selfish and I found it hard to root for her or feel sorry for her. However, as the story progressed I was able to relate to Melissa more. I understood her backstory and her actions even though they were a little selfish at one point. The dialogue was relatively easy to understand.

I enjoyed all the small-town characters. Barney and all the other people living in Heritage Cove and Lois that joins at the end. This is book 1 in the series but the story ends with a lead-on to book 2. The next story is about Harvey’s brother.

I mostly enjoyed the read and would recommend this book to anyone that loves Chick Lit or Romance.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Heritage Cover series of which I am so happy about as it means that I get to revisit the place and characters in future books.

The story centres around Melissa, Harvey and Barney. Melissa and Harvey grew up together and have a lot of history of which didn’t end on good terms. I was very keen to learn more about these two as the chemistry between them was very much alive and you can’t help but get caught up in the whole will they, won’t they get together again.

Barney’s character I adored. He is very much a father figure to Melissa and Harvey but he is also someone hiding something from his past and again, I was eager to find out more. The Wedding Dress Ball the visions of the barn decorated up as well as people wearing their wedding dresses, I could see it all clearly in my mind and I loved being taken into the heart of this story as this wonderful small but supportive community.

Coming Home to Heritage Cove is such a charming read with an idyllic setting and very likable characters. There was plenty going on to keep my interest throughout and before I knew it I had all to quickly reached the end. That’s always a sign of a good book for me when the time spent reading is so enjoyable it passes to soon. An endearing story that will warm your heart, body and soul!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming Home to Heritage Cove is the start of a new series (I hope) & considering the author is one of my favourites it was an easy choice to pick a copy of this up to read.
I have always enjoyed Helen’s writing style so I knew I was in for a treat, introduce some wonderful characters who all have their own peculiarities but are destined to become the central tale in the book.

It’s nice to be welcomed to a fresh area, with the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings, soak up the sunshine & feel as though you are deep amid the inhabitants. Almost like catching up all the gossip at the local store instead of reading about it.


I read Coming Home to Heritage Cove very quickly, it’s so easy to just sit & immerse yourself into, turning the pages speedily & then realise that you are almost at the end so it would be a shame to ‘leave’ your bubble until it’s finished. In the current climate it is so wonderful to escape all the unpleasantness & delight in what is sure to become your happy place.
I was sad to reach the end but that just raises my excitement & anticipation for the next episode, please keep writing Helen!
Thanks to the author & Rachel from Random Resources for my copy which I read & reviewed voluntarily.

[Debbieafranklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heritage cove

This place sounds like heaven everyone looking after everyone. The sad emergancy that brought Melissa rushing back to Heritage Cove after 5 years away. Harvey still there looking after Barney. Melissa & Harvey finding it hard being near each other once again. Melissa was very worried about Barney he wouldn't excersize, he kept saying he was going to go into a care home where he would be with other old people. Harvey were very worried and did everything they could to help him get better. They discovered he had a secret involving a wedding dress in his wardrobe. He wouldn't talk about it, just getting annoyed. They decided to try and find out more about the dress by doing a bit of detective work. They also took over the Wedding dress ball to make sure it went ahead as people in the village and its surroundings looked forward to it every year. It was great to follow the story & i hope there is another book so we can see what has come of the people of Heritage Cove. This is one to add to your reading list.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful introduction to a new series and you can certainly picture the village and its inhabitants. You are quickly drawn into Melissa's story and you see her mellow into her surroundings as she re-acquaints herself with her childhood home. She has quite a back story so you can understand some of her misgivings. However, you also realise that not all the villagers regard her as she imagines they do. She makes some presumptions which are not borne out.

Barney, Melissa's surrogate father figure has his own secrets, as you come to suspect. You see the kind side of both Melissa and Harvey through their relationship with Barney. This is a fairly gentle story which makes for a relaxing read. Winnie, Harvey's faithful dog, does tend to steal the show for me, but in all, this is a great Summer read and a good start to the series.

In short: Second chances
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a dear friend is hospitalized, Melissa rushes back to her hometown, a place she hasn’t visited in five years. She had left behind friends, a boyfriend, and Barney, father figure, as well as good memories and painful ones, and now she must confront the memories she has shelved as well as friends who feel abandoned, especially her first love. This leisurely paced tale takes readers through the lives of the characters, and we learn about their backstories and how that affected their future. It’s a tender tale, focusing on the characters and the town. Well written in a flowing, gentle style, it may take a while to become engrossed in the lives of these characters, but once you do, you won’t want to stop reading about them.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this warm-hearted story about a romance in a seaside town. The heroine left for a good job some years earlier and now has a city apartment and a fiance, but that is forgotten when her elderly close friend has a bad fall and is in hospital. Home she rushes and meets again the young man she used to date. He wouldn't leave and she wouldn't stay. Is it too late for them?
A side issue is the holding of an annual dance in the barn, with a wedding theme.
We did seem to cover the same ground a few times, and I don't know why someone wouldn't immediately say she was engaged. Otherwise it's a nice gentle romance, the better for being set in England.
I read a Kindle version. This is an unbiased review.

[Mrs Rebecca Collett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was easy to read and not too challenging needing to concentrate.
It centres around Melissa who left Heritage Cove several years ago to escape. She hears that an old family friend has had an accident and pushed her demons to one side to return home to see him.
She leaves behind her pilot fiancé Jay to travel back to her past.
She’s dreading meeting up with her old boyfriend Harvey who stood her up when they had plans to leave the cove together.
It’s a feel good book that leaves you wanting the best for all the character especially Melissa, Harvey and Barney.
A lovely happy ending