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NEW: SEABREEZE GALA Debut Celebration

I'm celebrating my new debut with lovely bling! Enter for a chance to win this elegant NADRI NECKLACE + a signed series starter book, SEABREEZE INN (why not share with a friend if you've read it?).

About the necklace: From Nadri for Nordstrom, it's rhodium-plated silver with faceted cubic zirconia. Gorgeous! (I got one, too!)

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This sunny salad is a favorite among my guests for its fresh, vibrant balance of creamy avocado, crisp greens, and juicy mandarin orange slices. In , this is a quick family favorite enjoyed with shrimp right off the grill. The citrus dressing is light and flavorful.

For an easy spring or summer meal, I often add pair with tomato-basil soup, crab bisque, or another light soup. To add more protein, add grilled or pan-seared shrimp or salmon prepared with garlic, olive oil, oregano, and pepper. A side of sourdough bread and a bottle of your favorite white wine will complete this fresh, easy meal.

Macadamia nuts add sweet crunch and a tropical accent, or you may substitute slivered almonds, pistachios, or pecans.

About avocados: Be sure to select creamy avocados (not the light green, think-skinned, watery type—unless you prefer those). In Southern California, the dark, bumpy-skinned Haas avocados are the most readily available. Large Reed avocados are also creamy and delicious; these are often found at farmer’s markets and in friend’s yards. Similar types are found in Spain and elsewhere. I am very particular about my avocados, especially for this recipe.

If your avocados are not ripe, place them out on the counter until they ripen, which means slightly soft to the touch. Too soft, and they will taste vinegary. Too hard, and they will lack flavor. If the fruit ripens faster than anticipated, put them back in the refrigerator to preserve them until needed. The fruit usually takes about three days to ripen once removed from the refrigerator, so I keep quite a few on hand and cycle out as I plan to use them. If they overripen and go too soft, salvage them for use in guacamole or avocado toast, unless the taste has declined.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Salad:

4 cups spring mix (about 120g)

1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced

2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented

1/2 cup strawberries, sliced (about 75g)

1/2 cucumber, sliced (about 120g)

1/4 cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped (about 30g)

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (about 30g)

1 small sweet yellow pepper, sliced

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Citrus Salad Dressing:

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (about 30ml)

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (preferably from mandarin oranges) (about 15ml)

1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 7.5ml)

1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (about 5ml) (or avocado or olive oil for less sweetness)

Salt and pepper to taste (adjust according to taste)

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Garnish (optional):

Fresh mint leaves

A sprinkle of sesame seeds or poppy seeds

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, orange juice, lemon juice, honey (or agave/avocado oil/olive oil), salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Salad:

In a medium salad bowl, gently toss the spring mix with the sliced Haas avocado, mandarin orange segments, cucumber slices, strawberry slices, and sweet yellow pepper slices.

Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped macadamia nuts on top.

3. Dress the Salad:

Drizzle the citrus salad dressing over the salad, ensuring an even distribution.

Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.

4. Garnish:

Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds.

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Serving Suggestions:

Serve the salad immediately after dressing to preserve the freshness and crispness of the ingredients.

This salad is perfect as a light, refreshing meal on its own or paired with your favorite grilled protein for a more substantial dish.

Carrying a vintage orange crate from the garage, Ivy opened the kitchen door with her sneaker, taking care to navigate around little Daisy, who was now crawling across the kitchen floor toward a shaft of sunlight on the linoleum.

Her sister Shelly was a relaxed beach mom who thought germs were a necessary part of life. Fortunately, they had just mopped.

Ivy plopped the box on the counter and rolled up her sleeves. “I found more decorations we might use for the fundraiser.�� She removed the dusty muslin fabric covering the former owner’s party treasures they’d found.

Her younger sister and their niece traded a quick guilty glance.

Ivy knew that look. She waggled a finger between them. “What’s up with you two?��

“Why do you always think that?�� Shelly shot back. “Hey, slow down, Daisy-cakes.�� She swept back her tumbling chestnut hair, then scooped up her daughter and pointed her in a new direction away from the stove.

Ivy rubbed her neck, slightly exasperated at whatever secret they were keeping. “If there’s something I should know, don’t hold back. This gala will decide the fate of the Seabreeze Inn.��

Poppy raised her brow. “Aunt Ivy, we think the event should be grand enough for wealthy donors to feel compelled to contribute to the restoration fund, but…��

“Not too spectacular,�� Shelly finished. “Or they’ll think we don’t need their help. Maybe we should let a few cracks in the façade show.��

“No shortage of those.�� Grinning, Ivy pushed her hair from her forehead. “We could share photos of our antiquated plumbing and electrical systems. Better yet, let’s put buckets under the leaky ceilings. Decorated, of course.��

“That would be novel,�� Shelly said, chuckling. “But Viola might have a fit.��

Ivy hooked her thumbs in the pockets of her workday blue jeans. “Look, anyone who’s ever owned a home knows you can’t patch and paint forever—especially a property of this age. Still, I want people to see what a magnificent historical property this is—and how much better it could be. It’s for all of Summer Beach now, not only us.��

For the past few years, she had been keeping the old beach house together with a combination of luck, fortitude, and quick fixes. But that recipe for marginal success wouldn’t stretch much farther in a house now a hundred years old.

When Ivy arrived in Summer Beach, her goal had been to make the rooms comfortable enough to rent for income. Yet, the more she learned about the historical home, the more she felt drawn to restore the inn to its former glory as a centerpiece of the community.

“Wow, would you look at this?�� Poppy unwrapped a slightly dented silver serving dish blackened with age. “This place might be a little downtrodden, but I suppose guests from San Francisco and the Bay Area will expect an elegant affair. This piece should polish up well.��

“That’s what people say about us—right, Ives?�� Shelly laughed and plucked a purple feather boa from a different box. “Don’t worry; fancy is my middle name. I have to wear this.��

Ivy swatted her sister on the shoulder. “I’m serious. This is an ultra-black-tie fundraiser. You saw the invitations.�� They were creamy ivory with gold embossing that read: The Las Brisas del Mar Historical Preservation Gala at the Seabreeze Inn.

“How’s this?�� Shelly looped the long, fluffy strand around her neck.

“Don’t you dare.�� They might not have a large budget, but Ivy was determined to welcome guests to the most glamorous beachside gala they could muster.

Guests would have to imagine how the old structure would look once renovated, but the inn had to shine with sparkling possibility. After all, that’s what the fundraiser was for.

Ivy was incredibly grateful to Viola Standish for seeding the event with her generous donation. The auction of Amelia Erickson’s newly discovered Victorian diamond necklace would be the highlight of the evening.

Nearby, Daisy gurgled with laughter. With surprising speed, she crawled in wide-eyed wonder toward twin turquoise refrigerators humming like a Pied Piper. She stared, fixated, on the lower grate, which concealed all sorts of dangers.

“Watch out, Daisy alert,�� Poppy called out.

“Gotcha.�� Shelly swooped down to lift Daisy, now a chubby hands-width from another potential disaster. “Relax, I’ve got this, Ives. With this fabulous bit of finery and a black sundress, I’m ready for anything.�� Daisy grabbed the feather boa with glee.

Ivy wasn’t so sure. “We must be at the top of our game, or Viola will be extremely disappointed. She committed to inviting her friends, who all have very high standards. You are not wearing a faded old sundress—with or without that tragic purple thing.��

Shelly grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ll find a sparkly dress. We still need to figure out what we’re wearing. How about Thrifty Threads? That will fit into our budgets.��

“It will have to.�� Ivy laughed, but she liked that idea. “It’s just one evening anyway.��

She’d been so busy tending to the gala preparations that she hadn’t had time to think about a dress. Viola would expect her and Shelly to be properly attired to greet her guests.

Viola had strict standards.

A few months ago, Ivy and Bennett’s honeymoon flight was delayed in San Francisco. They sought out the old Erickson home and met the current owner, Viola Standish, and her niece, Meredith. The Pacific Heights house was spectacular. Amelia Erickson had engaged the same architect to build her summer home, Las Brisas del Mar, which Ivy had christened the Seabreeze Inn. Both properties carried historical designations.

Viola referred to Ivy and herself as custodians of history. The Seabreeze Inn had become more than an inn; it was a frequent gathering place for Summer Beach residents. Everyone was welcome to roam art shows on the grounds and attend the annual holiday festivities. The inn also hosted book clubs, and music students visited to practice and perform. The old beach house inn buzzed with locals and guests alike.

Considering all this, Viola’s nonprofit organization and her advisor helped Ivy apply for a combination of grants, tax credits, and other creative options to provide funds for repairs. Viola’s standards for historical preservation were high.

Shelly tickled Daisy’s face with the feathers. “I can do high standards all day long. I made about a billion floral arrangements for bridezillas and charity mavens in New York. For this event, I envision a glamorous, vintage seafaring theme of aquamarine blue and seafoam green with silver accents. Let’s play up the old beach house angle.��

“We could check with Arthur at Antique Times,�� Poppy said. “Maybe he would lend us the old ship’s wheel and buoys in the window for the event.��

Shelly’s eyes brightened. “Great idea. The old ballroom will sparkle with treasures, I promise.��

“It has to.�� Ivy opened another box. “This is it. If we don’t raise enough money to repair everything here, we’ll be looking for other jobs.�� At least the ballroom was in reasonably good shape with its vintage chandeliers, comfortably worn parquet floors, and an enormous fireplace. Low lights would soften the imperfections.

Still, a growing construction list loomed in Ivy’s mind. The old grand dame by the sea needed repairs or replacements to the roof, windows, insulation, electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning.

If Ivy had extra funds, she would continue restoring the hardwood floors and other interior features. The only part that didn’t need substantial work was the surrounding garden. Shelly had already worked her horticultural magic on the grounds, though Ivy suspected Shelly had a wish list, too.

Poppy hefted another old orange crate to the counter. “This is the last of the decorations. I hope there’s a lot we can repurpose. Wow, lots of old seashells in here.�� She wrinkled her brow at the gaudy feather boa. “But maybe not that thing, Aunt Shelly. Surely you can do better than that.��

“I’ll consider that a throwdown. And I can use all those shells. We can’t take them from the beach anymore.�� Shelly unwound the boa, plucking purple feathers from her shoulders and Daisy’s soft blond curls.

They all laughed. Her sister was creative; Ivy would give her that. They had both inherited that trait from their mother, who was somewhere on the other side of the world sailing the high seas with their father. Even in their seventies, their parents were out living their best lives and showed few signs of slowing down, physically or mentally. Goals, Ivy thought, smiling to herself.

She was figuring out how to live her best life, too. Memories of her honeymoon with Bennett in Mallorca floated to mind. Her mother had been right about that being an essential trip for them. It was the most time they’d ever spent together, just the two of them. Ivy would cherish those recollections as long as she lived.

She leaned on the countertop, surveying the assortment of glittery decorations. “I could sure use Mom’s advice right now. Remember all the parties she and Dad used to throw?��

Shelly plucked another feather from her T-shirt and tickled Daisy’s nose. The little girl laughed and clapped her hands. “They loved to entertain. I remember sneaking out of bed to watch the grownups and snitch all the desserts I could carry back to my room.��

“We all did.�� Ivy smiled. “Won’t be long before Daisy is doing that, too.��

Her tiny niece had started crawling with gusto and pulling up to stand. She was babbling nearly nonstop. Soon, she’d be walking and forming coherent words. It seemed like only yesterday that her daughters were that age. Those days flew by in a seemingly endless whirlwind of laundry, dishes, and sleepless nights.

Her daughters were grown now. Sunny was poised to graduate from university this year. Misty worked as an actress in Los Angeles, steadily paying her dues with commercials, audiobooks, theater, and small television parts. Ivy knew her break would come soon.

Intrigued by the finery on the counters, Daisy tried to squirm out of Shelly’s arms.

“Daisy is going to be outrunning us soon. We’ll need to keep up.�� Ivy was closer to being a grandmother than a young mother again. That thought shocked her. She had been Misty’s age when her first child was born.

The house phone trilled, banishing that thought, and Ivy picked up the extension in the kitchen. “It’s a sunny day at the Seabreeze Inn. How may I help you?��

A strong, authoritative voice burst through the receiver. “This is Mrs. Hampshire. I’m calling to make a reservation for Viola Standish’s charity gala.��

Ivy shook her head. She wished she could conjure more rooms. “I’m sorry, but we’re fully booked. You could try the Seal Cove Inn or a hotel in a neighboring town.��

“Would you recheck your reservations? I can assure you that I will make it worth your while. I’m sure your rates will be much higher, if you know what I mean.��

“I don’t need to check, and we haven’t raised our rates for that week.��

Mrs. Hampshire let out a labored sigh. “I will offer you a bonus of five thousand dollars. You don’t have to tell your boss about it. Simply cancel someone else’s reservation. But not Viola or Meredith, of course. Tell the other guest you had a plumbing leak or something. And I want the room next to Viola.��

The woman spoke so loudly that her voice reverberated through the kitchen. Shelly gave her an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Pressing her lips together, Ivy shook her head. “Ma’am, I am the boss, and we’re still fully reserved. However, I am happy to add your name to the waiting list.��

Shelly smacked a hand to her forehead and rolled her eyes.

Mrs. Hampshire continued, “I could buy that place, you know.��

Some had tried; Ivy bit back a comment. “I wish I could accommodate you, truly I do. We have a limited number of rooms.�� She jotted the woman’s contact information on a notepad by the phone. “I look forward to seeing you at the gala.��

After she hung up, Shelly made a face. “She was right. I don’t know why we’re not charging a premium for rooms that week. Still, it’s a good thing I didn’t take that call. On that last suggestion, I would have told her where to—��

Poppy cut in, “It’s a good thing Aunt Ivy is diplomatic.��

Shelly feigned innocence. “Where to find another lodging, I meant to say. Why do you two think I always give attitude?��

“Because you do.�� Even though Shelly’s sharp banter had gotten them in trouble on more than one occasion, Ivy loved her sister.

Poppy held up a strand of seashells and a pair of long silver tassels. “We could use these in the ballroom.��

“They’d look great on the mantle.�� Ivy brought out another pair.

“You’re not even listening to me,�� Shelly said. “We could have doubled our rates for that week. Maybe we still could.��

Ivy narrowed her eyes in warning. “It’s too late now. We should have thought about that before the first reservation came in.��

The first person to reserve a room was Lea Martin from Europe. She had made her reservation within minutes of the press release going out. Ivy assumed she was a friend of Viola’s, but the woman didn’t know her.

“They have to stay somewhere, and this is the prime place.�� Shelly wasn’t letting up. “But seriously, where do you think people stayed back when Amelia threw her grand parties in the ballroom?��

“I never thought about that,�� Ivy replied. “Maybe they drove from Los Angeles or San Diego.��

“Or had their chauffeurs do the driving,�� Poppy added.

“That’s more likely.�� Ivy could imagine that. After all, she lived in the Erickson’s old chauffeur’s quarters above the garage. “Wasn’t there a photo of the chauffeurs playing cards while they waited in one of those old photo journals we found?��

Poppy snapped her fingers. “We should check out the old photos to see how Amelia decorated for parties back then.��

“That’s a good idea,�� Ivy said.

“I’ll get the photo albums.�� Poppy hurried from the kitchen.

Easing onto a stool at the counter, Ivy faced her sister. “Come on, Shells. We’ve got to make sure everything runs smoothly for this event. No antagonizing or fleecing the guests, please. You know how much this means to all of us.��

Shelly tousled Daisy’s curls. “Just chill, Ives. I’ll behave, I promise. I do know how.��

“You just choose not to.��

“Where’s the fun in doing what’s expected of you all the time?�� She flung the boa around her shoulders, tucked Daisy under her arms, and flounced from the kitchen, throwing back an excuse. “Have to change Daisy’s diaper now.��

Ivy passed a hand over her forehead, though she couldn’t help but smile. Her sister always did things her way. Ivy had been accused of that, too.

That wasn’t surprising, though; they were both their mother’s daughters.

Just then, the rear door opened, and her husband stepped inside. With his broad shoulders and closely cropped, sun-streaked hair, Bennett could still make her heart race. “You’re home early.��

“I had some business in town and finished early.�� He took her in his arms and kissed her. “Still up for our date night?��

Although a dozen things still needed to be done around the inn, Ivy nodded. Having date nights was one of the pledges they’d made to each other on their honeymoon. Decoration plans could wait, but spending promised time with her husband couldn’t.

To that end, she had delegated the cleaning of rooms to a part-time housekeeper and the accounting to a bookkeeper. Getting the inn up and running had required enormous effort and sacrifice, but now that the occupancy level had increased, she could ease off a little. The last few years had been an emotional rollercoaster filled with challenges. Now, she was trying to pace herself and lead a more balanced life.

However, like Shelly, life didn’t always oblige. “Did you have anything in mind for tonight?��

Bennett thought for a moment. “We could put the top down on the old Chevy and cruise the beach. Maybe stop for takeout and watch the moon come up.��

“Only if you bring your guitar.�� She knew her daughter was studying late with a friend, and Poppy had told her she had a date with a new man she’d met. Ivy and Shelly were dying to know more, but Poppy wouldn’t give up details.

“I’ll put it in the car right now. I know just the spot.��

Poppy reappeared with an old photo album they had found in the house. She held it open to a spread of sepia photographs. “They sure knew how to dress back then. Amelia’s parties look amazing.��

“We were working on the gala decorations,�� Ivy said to Bennett, sweeping a hand across the colorful mess.

Bennett glanced around the kitchen. “I can see that.��

Poppy placed the old photo album on the kitchen table, and they gathered around. “Amelia decorated the mantle like we were talking about. But look at these slinky evening gowns.�� She squinted at them. “They could be in style today. Elena’s fashion designer friend Fianna Fitzgerald created similar styles in her current collection.��

“And the jewelry is incredible.�� Ivy cradled her chin, wondering if their attendees would turn up in such finery. Poppy’s cousin, Elena, a successful jewelry designer in Los Angeles, was her older sister Honey’s daughter. Poppy still helped Elena and Fianna with marketing campaigns.

Poppy tilted her head. “Viola did put black-tie on the invitation.��

“What do you plan on wearing?�� Bennett asked Ivy.

“Shelly and I are going shopping.�� She shrugged, happy to make the best of their limited budget. “Nothing that glamorous, though. We’re basically the help.��

Bennett’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re a business owner, the hostess, and the mayor’s wife, don’t forget.��

“I won’t embarrass you, darling.�� Ivy smoothed a hand over Bennett’s shoulder. “But I can’t compete with Viola’s old money friends. Besides, the whole point is to raise funds for the inn. If we look like we don’t need assistance, what kind of message will that send?��

Poppy twisted her lips to one side. “But you don’t have to look shabby, Aunt Ivy.��

“Now you sound like your grandmother,�� Ivy said. Years of travel had honed Carlotta Reina Bay’s unique sense of style, whether she wore a flowing beach skirt or a chic ensemble for the opera.

Bennett put her arm around her. “Poppy has a point. Now, about that drive we were talking about…��

“Let’s look at these photos tomorrow,�� Ivy said. “You can show me your favorites.��

Bennett kissed Ivy’s cheek. “I’ll get my guitar. Do you have your keys?��

Patting her pocket, she said, “I’ll meet you at the car.��

Ivy plucked a lightweight windbreaker from a hook beside the rear door and draped it around her shoulders. She walked to the garage to pull out the vintage, cherry-red Chevy that had once belonged to Amelia and Gustav. Bennett had restored it beautifully for her. She put the top down and smoothed her hand over the broad steering wheel, wondering about the adventures this old car had seen.

One incident came to mind.

While cleaning the attic, she and Shelly found a page torn from a journal that Amelia had written. The poor woman described her anger and dismay when she’d become lost on an outing in Summer Beach. She was turned around, heading up the coast toward Los Angeles instead of down the coast toward San Diego. She chastised herself, writing that she should have noticed the ocean was on the wrong side.

Ivy figured that was when her Alzheimer’s disease was becoming more apparent. Her driver insisted that he drive her from then on, but Amelia clearly loved and missed her independence.

When she heard the door to their apartment over the garage slam, she slid across the bench seat to the passenger side and flipped down the visor mirror to refresh her lip gloss.

Since she and Bennett had returned from their honeymoon in Mallorca, Ivy had been working on their marriage, putting themselves first as they’d promised each other. Even though they both had demanding work, they now made a point to take time for themselves. That might only be a walk on the beach after work, a glass of wine at sunset, or a late-night chat in their tree-sheltered balcony, but they were together.

Now that Poppy ran most of the afternoon wine and tea greetings for guests, Ivy used that time to paint. It was such a relief to escape for a couple of hours to work. The gallery owner in Sausalito had already sold some of her Summer Beach and Mallorca paintings she’d been able to finish.

While painting might be her true calling, she loved running the inn, too. She had come so close to selling it a few months ago and was glad she hadn’t. The old beach house provided her family with a home, income, and a steady stream of guests who kept life interesting.

Sometimes, Bennett would entertain in the evening by the firepit, strumming his guitar for guests for a little while. They always retired early, leaving their guests to chat for the rest of the night if they wished.

“Let’s hit the road.�� Bennett placed his guitar case in the back seat before sliding behind the wheel. “I feel like we’re running away, but I love it. And I love you.�� He kissed her cheek before starting the car.

She knew just how he felt. Old habits were hard to break. “We have a busy week ahead.��

Bennett started the car and pulled from the courtyard onto the road. “You have a good team.��

“Sunny seems busy, though.��

“How are her classes going?��

“She’s on track to graduate in May.�� After Sunny’s mishap last semester, where her boyfriend stole and submitted her paper as his own, she’d been taking her schoolwork more seriously. “I think the threat of being expelled and losing her degree sank in, so she’s determined to graduate now.��

Bennett steered the car toward town. “I’ve noticed that, too. Handling the expulsion issue by herself gave Sunny a boost of confidence. She’s capable of solving problems.��

“That was an enormous step for her.�� Sunny’s father had always rescued her, but admittedly, so had Ivy at times. Jeremy had simply thrown more money at her, but neither of them had done her any favors by doing that. Yet, when Sunny wailed and carried on, it was hard not to help her. Where did parents draw the line? There was no manual, no hard rules. What worked for one child was different for another.

“Thank goodness Sunny is finally growing up.�� Ivy bit her lip, realizing the onus wasn’t only on her daughter. “I suppose we all are, except when you’re an adult, it’s called growing older and wiser. Do you think we are?��

Bennett chuckled as he parked in front of a new restaurant in town. “Older? That’s a privilege. Wiser? Sure hope so.��

“I haven’t tried this one yet,�� Ivy said.

Summer Beach was attracting many new businesses to fill vacancies in the village. This was a result of Bennett’s campaign to attract new entrepreneurs and help others stay in the community and flourish. The town offered a package of free and subsidized services.

Bennett opened the door for Ivy, and she got out. “Ocean View Cafe. A fusion of fresh California and Pacific Rim cuisine. Something smells delicious.��

They stepped inside, and the owner acknowledged them with a friendly wave. “Your takeout is almost ready, Mayor.��

Bennett approached the young woman, who welcomed them with a dazzling smile. “I’d like you to meet my wife, Ivy. She runs the Seabreeze Inn.��

“And we have a lot of hungry guests,�� Ivy added. “Everyone in town has been wondering what would go in this space.��

“We’re in our soft opening phase.�� The proprietor, Hallie, showed them around the small restaurant, only a few doors from Java Beach, the coffee shop Shelly’s husband owned. “We’re training people and working out issues before our grand opening.��

Ivy gazed at the handwritten menu on a chalkboard and turned to Bennett. “Looks very good. What did you order?��

“An assortment of dumplings and sushi. I thought you’d like the crab and avocado specialties.��

She tucked her arm through his. “You know me pretty well.��

“Hey, you two.�� A familiar voice rang out, and Ivy turned to see Megan and Josh, the documentary filmmakers who had bought a home in Summer Beach.

“We saw your car out front,�� Megan said. “Wow, the menu here looks fabulous. Mango curry soup, fresh catch, and homemade raspberry chocolate ice cream. I can’t decide where to start.��

“I’ll bring samples,�� Hallie said, and she disappeared into the kitchen.

“I can hardly wait to meet Viola Standish,�� Megan said. “I hope she’ll consent to an interview.��

Ivy recalled her conversation with the older woman in San Francisco. “You’ll have to frame it as a service to Amelia’s works and history.��

Megan nodded thoughtfully. “Even if she refuses, I hope she can fill in the blanks in the Erickson’s timeline and history. As much work as I’ve done, I still feel like we’re missing parts of the puzzle, even after your discoveries in Mallorca.��

“We were surprised,�� Ivy said. “If I hadn’t stopped in to talk to Teresa at Get Away Travel or a fellow passenger on the flight hadn’t acted up, we wouldn’t have discovered any of that.��

On the island, Ivy and Bennett had met a woman at a train station whose grandfather had known Amelia and her father in Berlin. Raquel shared a few details about how they managed to rescue important artwork otherwise condemned to burn. Still, the information was sparse.

Megan’s eyes flashed with excitement. “The art angle is excellent and follows your discoveries at the inn, but I want to know more about their humanitarian work. There’s a lot we still don’t know. If only we could find her complete journals.��

“Instead of page by page, right?�� Amelia had often torn sheets from her journal and hidden them. But then, she had lived through tumultuous times, and with the onset of her illness, one had to forgive her eccentricities.

“I hope Voila is willing to talk to me this time,�� Megan said.

Bennett inclined his head. “Once you get to know her, she’s quite the storyteller. You’ll probably find no better source on Amelia Erickson.��

Megan’s grin widened. “That’s what I’m counting on. I have so many questions; I want to ask her about all the loose ends you’ve found at the inn.��

As the filmmaker’s enthusiasm bubbled, Ivy’s curiosity swelled. Somehow, Amelia’s presence was still part of the old house, along with remnants of a life steeped in mystery and rich with untold stories.

As they spoke, Hallie brought out several tidbits for them to sample.

“This is heavenly; I have to order this.�� Megan sipped the mango curry soup from a small sample cup.

“Let’s get an assortment,�� her husband Josh said.

While he ordered, Megan turned to Ivy. “I’d love to peel back the layers of Amelia’s history. I know viewers will want to understand the woman who is as much a part of the inn as the weathered shingles and creaky floorboards.��

“So do I,�� Ivy said. “Amelia is such an enigma. I’ve always wondered what drove her and what other secrets she kept locked away. Maybe we’ll never fully grasp the intricacies of her life, but it’s clear she loved her Las Brisas del Mar home.��

“And now you’ll carry it into a new era,�� Megan said.

Ivy hoped so, but after tallying the costs, the need was great. “As long as we raise enough for repairs and restoration.��

“I’m sure you will.�� Excitement lit Megan’s face. “When we unravel and bring the past to life, people feel more connected to it.��

“More than that,�� Ivy said. “Learning their stories is like touching a piece of our souls. The tapestry of our lives is woven from the threads of those who came before us.��

Megan’s eyes rounded, and she reached for her phone. “I have to capture that thought,�� she said, tapping the screen. “Anything else to add?��

Ivy laughed. “Ask me later.�� She had grown to feel a deep connection to Amelia, not only on the art level but also on the personal, human level.

Hallie slid a pair of bags across the counter toward Bennett. “Your order is ready. We put a little extra inside. I hope you like it.��

“I’m sure we will. Let me or my office know if you want to arrange a ribbon cutting and grand opening. Summer Beach residents are welcoming and supportive.��

“Except for a few,�� Ivy said. “But don’t let them scare you. They’re actually good-hearted.��

“We’re counting on that,�� Hallie said. “See, we’re starting over. My husband’s parents retired here from Seattle. After we lost everything in a hurricane in Houston, we wanted to be close to them and my folks. The community’s programs have already been a great help.��

“I’m happy to hear that,�� Bennett said.

Something in his voice struck Ivy as odd, but she let it go.

After leaving, Ivy tucked their takeout on the bench seat between them, and Bennett started the car. She brushed her hair back in the balmy ocean breeze, enjoying the fresh air. The ocean was calm tonight, and waves swept to shore with a mesmerizing rhythm.

“Where to, Mr. Mayor?��

“I thought we’d go up on the ridge. It’s clear, so the view should be amazing. We can watch the stars come out.��

“Lover’s Peak, you mean?�� Ivy smiled. That took her back a few years.

Bennett laughed. “It’s a school night, so we’ll probably be alone.��

They drove the short distance in comfortable silence, passing Bennett’s house on the way. The lights were on, and through the living room window, they could see a young family dancing in front of the television.

Ivy remembered doing the same with her daughters at that age. “Looks like your new tenant has settled in.��

“I was lucky to find them.�� He pulled to a stop at the end of the street. In the gathering twilight, the lights of Summer Beach twinkled to life. “This reminds me of the old drive-in theater that used to be in Summer Beach.��

Ivy liked that thought. “Only we’re watching the sunset.��

She opened the bags and spread the food between them. They talked as they ate, sharing the new dishes they liked. Simple as this date night was, Ivy loved being together, wherever they were.

They chatted about the upcoming gala as the sun sank toward the horizon, painting the sky with broad strokes of pink and gold. Their conversation was pleasant enough, yet she sensed something was weighing on her husband.

When Bennett finished his dumplings and sticky rice, Ivy cleared her throat. “Is there anything on your mind you’d like to talk about?��

“You know me too well.�� Bennett paused to sip water from a bottle. “There are whispers in town that Wyatt Snowden plans to run against me.��

Ivy was surprised. “Is he a serious contender?��

“Apparently so. I didn’t think so, but he’s been railing against city programs designed to bring new small businesses to town, like Hallie’s new restaurant.��

“Surely people in Summer Beach support local businesses. He shouldn’t have a chance against you.��

Tilting his head back, Bennett stared up at the sky. “Maybe he does. He hasn’t officially entered the race, but he has a lot of family money behind him.��

“But he’s against everything you’re doing to keep Summer Beach as it is. He’s trying to keep people out.��

“Except for the big developers, it seems. As some residents move or pass on, the town needs the right growth and revitalization, not the kind large developers bring. Not to this community.��

Ivy folded her arms. “We’ll see. I don’t believe he can beat you.��

Bennett passed a hand over his face and turned to her. Taking her hand, he looked into her eyes. “Would you still love me even if I was voted out?��

“Like we talked about on our honeymoon, everything changes.�� Yet, even as Ivy spoke, she had an unsettling feeling about Wyatt Snowden.

“Unfortunately, there is something else,�� Bennett said slowly. “And I wanted you to hear it from me first.��

Need some sunshine? With a week of rain ahead of us in San Diego, I'm staying inside and writing. But I'm still serving up sunshine with a sweet .99c��sale!��If you haven't read my top��USA Today��bestseller,��, now's your chance. (If you have, share the fun with friends!)��Until February 13th, the Seabreeze Inn ebook is only 99c on my shop and��! And if you like to binge-read as I do, check out the sale on my series add-on bundle below in both ebook and audiobook��

You’re not going to believe the curveball life just threw at me. As a fortyish wife and mother, I thought I knew what my life was about. Until I discovered my late husband left me nothing but a crumbling beach house instead of our life savings.

I was devasted, but I’m still alive—though I’m a part-time art teacher, not a miracle worker. I’m hurt and angry, but I must do something.

So here I am, trying to turn this disaster that I can’t sell into an inn.

Then there’s my younger sister. Shelly is the queen of bad breakups and needs a place to live. Now we’re knee-deep in dust and dreams.

As if I needed more drama, my past waltzes back into my life. Enter Bennett Dylan, my old high school surfing crush, now a widowed VIP in town. But he’s pushing back against the zoning change I desperately need for an inn.

There’s more, too. One of my daughters is throwing tantrums because her private university and posh friends are now out of my financial reach. I know she misses her father, but she’s sulking about our new rustic life.

And then, when Shelly and I tear down that kitchen wall, you’ll never believe what we find. It’s so incredible, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

But I’m not giving up.

This house, this town, the people here—Summer Beach has something special. Somehow, I must become the heroine of my life, not just for me but for everyone counting on me. And maybe, just maybe, rekindle a long-lost love.

Exclusive Summer Beach Bundle ONLY on my online store

[image error]This is an add-on��that includes the next four ebooks (or��)��in the Summer Beach series (books 2-5), plus Coral Cottage (the next series starter)��as a bonus read.

Start your winter vacation in Summer Beach now with Seabreeze Inn and the Summer Beach series.��

Readers call this series heartwarming,��fascinating, fun, and romantic–without gratuitous language or sex. Find out why readers say, “Life is better in Summer Beach.�� Or start at the beginning with��the��.

��

How to get it:��This set is delivered by BookFunnel, my ebook and audiobook distributor. You can read or listen to your ebooks/audiobooks through��a handy, free BookFunnel app on your smartphone or tablet. Or��download your digital books onto an iPad,��Kindle, Nook, or other reading device. My team is��happy to help if needed with any techie stuff–although I promise it's easy.

��

Are you a reader? Here's a sweet preorder you should never miss! Get 25% off if you preorder Seabreeze Gala, Coral Memories, and Orange Blossom Way ebook in B&N today until the 26th of January!��

Use Code: PREORDER25

Here are my :

About the book:

The future of the Seabreeze Inn hinges on one gala event, but will the history of the beachside inn threaten its survival?

When Ivy Bay’s historic Seabreeze Inn requires critical repairs, a benefactor offers help, and the announcement ripples through the art world and beyond.

However, the auction of an incomparable Victorian necklace attracts people Ivy never expected. Soon, a host of characters descend on quiet Summer Beach and the beachside inn for a fundraising gala and auction, but are Ivy and her sister Shelly up to such a momentous event? Deep-rooted connections surface and the future of the inn hangs in the balance.

Discover the latest chapter in the Summer Beach series () set on sunny California shores, and find out why readers say, “Life is better in Summer Beach.�� From a USA Today bestselling author.

About the book:

Don’t Miss the Final Chapter of the Coral Cottage: The Indomitable Ginger Delavie

In the final chapter of the beloved Coral Cottage series, Ginger Delavie takes center stage as Marina tries to unravel her grandmother’s extraordinary life. Ginger is a woman whose brilliance in mathematics and codebreaking took her across the globe, through the corridors of power and the glitz of high society. Ginger, now in the autumn of her years, decides it’s time to pen her story. She enlists the help of Marina, and her talented grandson-in-law, Jack, embarking on a journey that is as much about recording history as it is about discovering it.

From the dazzling soirées of Paris where Ginger rubbed shoulders with luminaries like Julia Child, to the charming streets of Summer Beach where she imparted her wisdom as a math teacher, Ginger’s life is a tapestry of adventure, intellect, and unexpected friendships. But as Ginger’s extraordinary story unfolds, so do the secrets she’s held close for decades.

And nothing will be the same again.

In a story of revelation and transformation, Marina, through her grandmother’s vivid recollections, finds herself on a path of self-discovery that challenges her understanding of family, history, and her place in the world. This final installment is not just a tale of a remarkable life; it’s a journey through the hidden corridors of a family’s legacy, revealing how the past can shape the future in the most unexpected ways.

Prepare to be whisked away on an enthralling adventure that spans continents and decades.

Coral Memories is a testament to the power of memory, the enduring bonds of family, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who lived ahead of her time. This is more than an ending —it’s a passage to a treasure trove of history, heart, and the magic that lies within our own stories. Check out the other books in the��.

About the book:

A new life awaits on sunny Crown Island��

After losing her job in Seattle, Maileah Raines moves in with her sister Junie on Crown Island for a fresh start. Now in her thirties, she wonders if she will ever find the future she dreamed of. Could Crown Island hold the key?

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Summer Beach and Coral Cottage series, Orange Blossom Way is the third in the����about a quirky small town with fascinating characters. If you love clean romance and women’s fiction with fun characters you’ll want as friends, this series is for you.

Beach View Lane has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products and services by Mom's Choice Awards. This is the first book in my new , was also voted as a ! The second, Sunshine Avenue, came out last month, and Orange Blossom Avenue is slated for 2024. Another top series thanks to readers 🎉 🎉

Grab your beach cruiser and head to the Majestic Hotel on Crown Island! Start a heartwarming family saga set in a charming beach town.

April Raines is facing the end of her long-term marriage after her husband begins another family. Eager for a fresh start, she returns home with her grown daughters to Crown Island, just off the coast of Southern California.

When Ryan Kingston acquires the historical Majestic Hotel, he is determined to bring the vintage Victorian beach resort back to life. But it could come at a steep cost to him and his carefully guarded privacy.

Especially when April Raines, head of the new Crown Island Historical Society, captures his attention. Will they both get a second chance at life?

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Summer Beach and Coral Cottage series, Beach View Lane is the first in the Crown Island series about a quirky small town with fascinating characters. If you love clean romance and women’s fiction with fun characters you’ll want as friends, this series is for you.

Here’s what real readers are saying about Jan’s books:

“A small-town beach series with all the good feels.��

“This is a fun summer read with a positive vibe!��

“Plan on drinking a pot of coffee, ignoring your family, and putting off household chores!��

“Thanks for writing clean romance with real women…of a certain age.��

Here is the honoree section for the Mom's Choice Award. There might be nuggets in there for next week. They should be posting socials on BVL soon!

Next month, I've been invited to speak and sign books at a Sonoma Country winery in Santa Rosa, California, Hook & Ladder Winery. I researched one of my favorite sagas, The Winemakers, in nearby Napa Valley, so this is a sort of homecoming for me.

If you're in the area, please join us. This is a special event put on by Adventures by the Book. See details below.

About the Booksigning Event:��

Introducing our new��Reading Between the Vines��series to take place at the estate producer��Hook & Ladder Winery,��2134 Olivet Rd, Santa Rosa, in Sonoma County, California.

With the assistance of��Melier,��a top wine concierge, indulge in a leisurely morning filled with a sumptuous wine tasting and book pairing experience, presented under California’s brilliant sunshine. While you sample some of the delectable wines that Hook & Ladder Winery is known for, meet��Wall Street Journal��and��USA Today��bestselling author��Jan Moran��and learn about her novel,��The Winemakers.

Your Adventure includes a glass of Hook & Ladder sparkling wine specifically selected to pair with Jan’s book, along with pastries, a signed hardcover copy of��,��the author presentation, Q&A, book signing, and the opportunity to meet and chat with the author in a relaxed and intimate setting at the beautiful Hook & Ladder Winery property.

The first thirty people to register will receive a FREE copy of��The Winemakers. You may also pre-order an additional copy below of��The Winemakers��to be delivered at the event for signing. Only books purchased below or at the event are eligible for signing.

The Winemakers��is a sweeping, romantic novel about both the beauty and secrets of a family inheritance that will hold you in its grasp until the last delicious sip.��

About Jan Moran

is a 9-time��USA Today��and 3-time��Wall Street Journal bestselling author of heartwarming fiction, including the feel-good, contemporary beach read series of Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, Crown Island, and Love California. Her riveting, immersive historical family sagas include Hepburn’s Necklace, The Chocolatier, The Winemakers, and The Perfumer. Visit her at .

About Hook & Ladder Winery

��is an “estate�� producer, specializing in small bottlings of Pinot Noir, “Old Vine�� Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends sourced from the family’s sustainably-farmed vineyards in Russian River Valley and its sub-appellation, Chalk Hill. The winery also produces and sells estate-grown Olive Oil from trees grown at their Los Amigos Ranch.

About Melier

Luxury tastes shouldn’t be confined to luxury resorts. Book a����experience and enjoy private wine & culinary experiences from your home, office, or vacation rental. And when you book with Melier, you’re directly supporting the tastemakers who are bringing their creations to life.

For more information and to purchase a ticket or book,��. Join us through����to let us know you're coming.

Schedule a Book Club Visit with Adventures by the Book:

To schedule a book club visit with Jan or any of our authors on NovelNetwork:��

Cannot Attend but Want to Read With Us?

If you can't make it to the event in Sonoma, you may also����with your own copy of the book. Also available at . We understand, but we still hope to see you there!

Woo-hoo! I've got a fun giveaway I'm doing with some amazing author friends (many of us gather at conferences for dinner and other shenanigans). You'll see some of your favorite authors and discover new ones. If you're like me, you welcome recommendations from friends, so have a look��

We're giving away 10 prizes to 10 winners. They are:

Seven (7) $50 gift cards �� you can choose from Amazon, iTunes, or B&N
One (1) brand new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition tablet �� without lockscreen ads
Two (2) eBook packages with 10 eBooks each

Featured Authors included: Elana Johnson, Bella Andre writing as Lucy Kevin, Lori Wilde, Melissa McClone, Leeanna Morgan, B. E. Baker, Jennifer Faye, Jan Moran, Sara Blackard, Kay Correll, Megan Squires, Laura Ashwood, Rachel Hauck, RaeAnne Thayne, Jenny Hale, Jane Porter, Susan Wiggs, Sheila Roberts, Barbara Freethy, and Sariah Wilson.

��

I'm eagerly anticipating the upcoming year. To those immersed in the Summer Beach series, I want to express my sincere gratitude. What started as a trilogy featuring Seabreeze Inn has blossomed into a ten-book collection, all thanks to readers like you who clamored for more (I'm always attuned to your feedback!). For those familiar with my penchant for interconnecting stories with subtle details, I'm thrilled to announce my 2024 book launch. Without further delay, I invite you to begin pre ordering and be among the first to delve into these new releases on their respective launch dates!

About the book:

The future of the Seabreeze Inn hinges on one gala event, but will the history of the beachside inn threaten its survival?

When Ivy Bay’s historic Seabreeze Inn requires critical repairs, a benefactor offers help, and the announcement ripples through the art world and beyond.

However, the auction of an incomparable Victorian necklace attracts people Ivy never expected. Soon, a host of characters descend on quiet Summer Beach and the beachside inn for a fundraising gala and auction, but are Ivy and her sister Shelly up to such a momentous event? Deep-rooted connections surface and the future of the inn hangs in the balance.

Discover the latest chapter in the Summer Beach series () set on sunny California shores, and find out why readers say, “Life is better in Summer Beach.�� From a USA Today bestselling author.

About the book:

Don’t Miss the Final Chapter of the Coral Cottage: The Indomitable Ginger Delavie

In the final chapter of the beloved Coral Cottage series, Ginger Delavie takes center stage as Marina tries to unravel her grandmother’s extraordinary life. Ginger is a woman whose brilliance in mathematics and codebreaking took her across the globe, through the corridors of power and the glitz of high society. Ginger, now in the autumn of her years, decides it’s time to pen her story. She enlists the help of Marina, and her talented grandson-in-law, Jack, embarking on a journey that is as much about recording history as it is about discovering it.

From the dazzling soirées of Paris where Ginger rubbed shoulders with luminaries like Julia Child, to the charming streets of Summer Beach where she imparted her wisdom as a math teacher, Ginger’s life is a tapestry of adventure, intellect, and unexpected friendships. But as Ginger’s extraordinary story unfolds, so do the secrets she’s held close for decades.

And nothing will be the same again.

In a story of revelation and transformation, Marina, through her grandmother’s vivid recollections, finds herself on a path of self-discovery that challenges her understanding of family, history, and her place in the world. This final installment is not just a tale of a remarkable life; it’s a journey through the hidden corridors of a family’s legacy, revealing how the past can shape the future in the most unexpected ways.

Prepare to be whisked away on an enthralling adventure that spans continents and decades.

Coral Memories is a testament to the power of memory, the enduring bonds of family, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who lived ahead of her time. This is more than an ending —it’s a passage to a treasure trove of history, heart, and the magic that lies within our own stories. Check out the other books in the .

About the book:

A new life awaits on sunny Crown Island��

After losing her job in Seattle, Maileah Raines moves in with her sister Junie on Crown Island for a fresh start. Now in her thirties, she wonders if she will ever find the future she dreamed of. Could Crown Island hold the key?

From the USA Today bestselling author of the Summer Beach and Coral Cottage series, Orange Blossom Way is the third in the about a quirky small town with fascinating characters. If you love clean romance and women’s fiction with fun characters you’ll want as friends, this series is for you.

��

People often ask which of my books they should read first, and which are bestsellers. Actually, many have earned top spots on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. As to what you might want to read, here are this year’s top sellers from my online shop that other readers enjoyed.��

Included in this list are selections from several beach series, historical family sagas, and contemporary women’s fiction and romance. All titles are available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobooks.

My heartfelt gratitude to those who supported me by purchasing bundles, ebooks, and audiobooks directly from my new online store this year. It’s been such a pleasure to connect directly with so many of you.

��

The Top 5 Bestsellers in Romantic Fiction��BESTSELLING EBOOK BUNDLES

Includes the first five books in the Summer Beach series plus Coral Cottage as a bonus read. These are the books included in the bundle:

Seabreeze Inn

Seabreeze Summer

Seabreeze Sunset

Seabreeze Christmas

Seabreeze Wedding

Coral Cottage �� Bonus read

��

The next books in the Summer Beach series which includes

Seabreeze Book Club

Seabreeze Shores

Seabreeze Reunion

��

��

��

Discover second chances in Summer Beach! Includes the next three books in the Coral Cottage Series

Coral Cafe

Coral Holiday

Coral Weddings

��

��

��

Six best friends, second chances, and travel romance. A complete ebook set which includes:

Flawless

Beauty Mark

Runway

Essence

Style

Sparkle

��

Meet five different women determined to recreate their lives, restore love, and build a legacy for their children and families. The bundle set includes:

The Chocolatier

The Winemakers

Hepburn's Necklace

The Perfumer: Scent of Triumph

Life is a Cabernet �� Bonus read

��

TOP SELLING EBOOKS

��

About the book:

The high summer season. A long-awaited wedding. Surprises at a historic beach inn.

At the historic Seabreeze Inn, a summer beach wedding has sisters Ivy and Shelly Bay are busier than ever with wedding plans. New guests arrive for the high summer season, bringing with them fresh challenges. As Ivy prepares the old beach house for a family wedding, surprising discoveries from decades past arise once again.

RSVP now and join the party.

��

About the book:

At last, a long-awaited honeymoon for Ivy and Bennett…but it’s unlike any other.

After embarking on a second marriage, Ivy and Bennett are eager to enjoy a relaxing holiday. However, when their flight to sunny shores is rerouted to a glittering city by the sea, they seize the chance to explore historical connections to Ivy’s Seabreeze Inn. Yet, their discovery could have far-reaching effects.

Meanwhile, unexpected events at Ivy’s Seabreeze Inn also threaten to derail travel plans. Ivy’s sister Shelly and their niece Poppy do their best to handle the mishaps. Will they be up to the task, or will Ivy and Bennett have to delay their honeymoon once again?

About the book:

A joyful summer celebration�� but old rivalries erupt in Summer Beach

The next heartwarming chapter in the Coral Cottage series.

A small beach town’s centennial celebration erupts in this captivating tale of love, laughter, and the enduring power of family.

Marina and her sister Kai, entrusted with managing Summer Beach’s one-hundred-year celebration, navigate treacherous waters. Age-old grudges and family secrets soon resurface. Their grandmother’s hidden past casts a shadow, forcing them to confront dangerous truths.

While Marina’s daughter Heather grapples with boyfriend troubles, she discovers her new husband Jack is harboring secrets of his own. As tensions rise and love is tested, the bonds of family and friendship will be stretched to their limits.

Will Summer Beach’s celebration transform the family? Find out in this riveting saga of love, loss, and redemption in a beloved beach town. Don’t miss the season’s must-read story!

��

About the book:

Visit Crown Island for sunshine and romance. What could be sweeter? Especially with Knox MacKenzie around��

Junie Raines is ready for a second chance at life on a sunny island off the coast of Southern California. She’s managing the gift shop at the Majestic Hotel, a Victorian-era beach resort, and her sister Maileah is trying her patience with her sibling rivalry.

It’s been two years since Junie’s husband died. She longs for a second chance to have a family while she’s still young, but dating has its challenges with Maileah around. Junie is looking for a beach cottage, and her sister is determined to move in with her.

When Knox MacKenzie accepts a position at the Majestic Hotel on Crown Island, he never imagines the intriguing woman he met will bid against him on a beach house. The last thing he needs is complications, especially with Junie Raines.

��

About the book:

Grab your beach cruiser and head to the Majestic Hotel on Crown Island! Start a heartwarming family saga set in a charming beach town.

��April Raines is facing the end of her long-term marriage after her husband begins another family. Eager for a fresh start, she returns home with her grown daughters to Crown Island, just off the coast of Southern California.

��When Ryan Kingston acquires the historical Majestic Hotel, he is determined to bring the vintage Victorian beach resort back to life. But it could come at a steep cost to him and his carefully guarded privacy.

��Especially when April Raines, head of the new Crown Island Historical Society, captures his attention. Will they both get a second chance at life?

��

MOST POPULAR AUDIOBOOKS

About the book:��

Years ago, after Juliana Cardona’s fiancé was killed in an army ambush, she didn’t know if she could ever find the strength to risk love again. Now Juliana, who has a passion for winemaking, is determined to build her own business as a winery publicist and create an independent life.

But when Juliana holds a press event in San Francisco, she meets a mysterious winemaker, Henri Laurent, who is everything she never thought she’d find again. However, Juliana is shocked to discover that Henri is hiding a long-buried secret that threatens to devastate their budding relationship.

To find happiness and the life she’d once thought was gone forever, she must find the strength to uncover tragedies and face the troubled past with the man she loves—but only if her heart can risk the chance of love once more.

��

About the book:

��Join the fun of the first Spa Week at the Seabreeze Inn!

As Ivy is trying to adjust to a new marriage, she also has to welcome spa guests and deal with more secrets her old beach house reveals—this time, from the Roaring Twenties.

Added to that, her sister Shelly is nervous about having her first baby. Will Ivy manage to pull off the first spa week and juggle her new life in Summer Beach?

Along the shores, more surprising discoveries fill the gossipy local residents with fresh speculation. In the charming town of Summer Beach, news travels fast.

Can Ivy come to terms with that and the nagging ghostly presence of Amelia Erickson, the former owner of the Seabreeze Inn?

��

About the book:

A new bookshop on the beach. A sizzling summer ahead. Join a new book club at the Seabreeze Inn.

When sisters Ivy and Shelly Bay form a book club to help support a local bookshop on the beach, friends and guests of the inn are eager to join. Yet nothing is quite as it seems in the book club.

Meanwhile, a discovery in the historic beach house inn causes a stir. Ivy and Bennett start a new project, while Shelly and Mitch consider their future. Discover the latest chapter in the Summer Beach series set on sunny California shores.

��

About the book:

A widowed artist. An old crush. One summer to get her life back. A USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling book series!��

Ivy Marin’s life implodes after discovering her late husband spent their life savings on a beach house. Strapped for cash as an art teacher and with nowhere to go, Ivy and her recently jilted sister head to Summer Beach to recreate their lives. If only renovating a historical home didn’t unveil a host of hidden secrets in the beachside community—and her former high school crush wasn’t in charge of the small town.

Bennett Dylan led a campaign against Ivy’s late husband to block the rezoning of the beach house land for a high-rise resort. Although it’s been ten years since his wife’s death, Bennett is avoiding the pain of loving—and possibly losing—another woman. Ivy’s demands for a zoning variance for a bed-and-breakfast couldn’t come at a worse time for him.

Despite distractions, Ivy has one summer to sway the town to salvage her livelihood and the new life in Summer Beach she’s come to love.

��

About the book:

A beach cafe. An event to remember. The summer continues.

When Marina Moore decides to expand her farmer’s market and pop-up dinner business, the next step is a cafe on the shores of Summer Beach. But challenges loom, and Marina must quickly become more creative than ever, especially when her children need help. Her sister Kai’s musical theater troupe forces more changes. Their sister Brooke is having marital challenges, while grandmother Ginger continues to contribute her advice on the life well-lived—if only her granddaughters will listen.

Meanwhile, writer Jack Ventana stumbles onto more old secrets in Summer Beach, and his overgrown Labrador retriever puppy Scout manages to dig his way into trouble on the beach. When the status quo changes between Jack and Marina, their budding romance is threatened.

��

Happy Reading!

As I sit by, I draw inspiration for my small-town contemporary beach books from the sunny�� shores of Southern California. The Summer Beach story expanded from an original trilogy to three series with 19 titles. I’m so grateful this series has captured the hearts of many readers.

When you escape with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and open one of my books, I hope the story will transport you to another world, where characters evolve into cherished friends, and their stories leave you cheering them on.��

��