One Week Until Seagull Street!

Welcome to Seagull Street: That Summer in Ocean City, Maryland

One week from today, my debut novel Welcome to Seagull Street will officially be released into the world, on May 24, 2025. I’ve been working on this story in bits and pieces for two years.

I confess that I didn’t set out to write a literary epic. What is it? It’s a slice-of-life story grounded in place and feeling. It’s what happens when my journalism background (clear, conversational, descriptive) collides with fiction and out of that comes a summer story about three strangers who become something like family.

It’s a love letter to my favorite vacation spot: Ocean City, Maryland. It follows along with real events from the summer of 2023. If you’ve ever spent time in OCMD you’ll know the feeling:

Sunrises over the Atlantic OceanBayfront sunsets behind fishing boats and piersThe chaos and charm of the BoardwalkSeagulls that might be up to somethingConversations with new friends that change everything

The book centers on Ray Anders, a reclusive cybersecurity analyst trying to move on from a hard few years of pandemic-related trauma. She’s joined by Olivia McNalley, a recently divorced third-grade teacher who moves to Ocean City in hopes of escaping the chaos and drama stirred up by her ex-husband, a man who just won’t let her move on. And then there’s Evan Michaels, a marketing manager and weekend surfer who’s trying to start over after a break-up.

Is there romance? Yes. Mystery? Yes. But more than anything, it’s a book about real life, connection, recovery, second chances, and the small moments that shape a summer, and a life.

Where to Get Welcome to Seagull Street

Amazon + Barnes & Noble – Available in paperback, Kindle, and Nook starting May 24, 2025. Amazon Listing. Barnes & Noble Listing.

IngramSpark Distribution – The book will be available for order through independent bookstores and library wholesalers. Details (PDF).

eBooks – Distribution to Apple Books, Nook, Kobo, and Google Books is rolling out throughout launch week.

If you love books with warm-hearted characters, small-town connections, and beach-town energy, I hope you’ll give this one a try. And if you’ve ever visited Ocean City, I hope it brings back a little sunshine and salt air.

Thanks for being here with me. I can’t wait for you to meet Ray, Olivia, Evan… and the seagulls who may or may not be watching.

Now Available Print-on-Demand via IngramSpark:

Welcome to Seagull Street: That Summer in Ocean Ci …. Arford, Alissa A Buy Now