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Rosewood Beach #1

Return to Rosewood Beach

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A heartwarming family saga about the bond between siblings, laughter, love, and new beginnings.

Julia Owens never planned to return to her hometown of Rosewood Beach. Her life in New York, working long hours at a high-powered ad agency, is exactly what she always dreamed of.

But when she loses her job and then learns that her father has passed away, everything changes. Drawn back to the small coastal town for the funeral, she reunites with her mother and three siblings, only to discover some shocking news: their father’s hidden gambling debts have left The Lighthouse Grill, their beloved family restaurant, on the brink of ruin.

Determined to help her mother save the restaurant from a rival family eager to swoop in, Julia settles in for what she believes will be a short stay. But every day spent with her siblings—as well as her run-ins with the ruggedly handsome single dad next door—make her question the big-city ambitions she once held so tightly.

Cooper Harris, the charming father of a rambunctious two-year-old girl, is exactly the kind of distraction Julia insists she doesn’t need. But as chance encounters lead to an unexpected friendship—and maybe something more—she starts to wonder if there’s room in her carefully planned future for a man raising a toddler.

With her mother reeling from the new revelations and her siblings juggling their own secrets, Julia throws herself into preserving The Lighthouse Grill and her family’s legacy. As she does, she begins to realize that sometimes the path you never thought you’d take… is exactly where you belong.

Take a trip to Rosewood Beach, where the water is warm, the sand is soft, and the Owens family is waiting to welcome you into their lives! This sweet and uplifting women’s fiction series is the perfect bookish escape.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2025

2821 people are currently reading
259 people want to read

About the author

Fiona Baker

53 books213 followers

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5 stars
1,101 (53%)
4 stars
604 (29%)
3 stars
259 (12%)
2 stars
67 (3%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Alec.
8 reviews
September 26, 2025
I loved the characters.. definitely want to keep reading the series. I don’t think there was enough of a climax and wanted a little more drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
238 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
🏖️ A family restaurant, old wounds, and a second chance at home

My first book by Fiona Baker and it surprised me more than I expected. This isn’t just a sweet coastal comfort read; it’s layered with grief, family fractures, and the complicated emotional hangover of coming home after building a life somewhere else. It tackles the moment when everything you’ve worked for suddenly collapses and you’re forced to face the version of yourself you left behind. And in that mess, in that heartbreak, there’s also warmth, laughter, and the terrifying possibility that maybe you’ve been striving for the wrong future all along.

This book is slow, hopeful, messy in the way real families are, and saturated with love in all its imperfect forms. It leans deeply into sibling dynamics and generational responsibility, while still treating romance as a meaningful thread instead of a last-minute add-on. If you’re here for spice don’t be. If you’re here for emotional growth, second chances, grief handled with tenderness, and a love story that respects reality instead of fairy-tale shortcuts you will settle into this story beautifully.

The Story

When Julia Owens loses her big-city dream job and returns home for her father’s funeral, she expects emotional cleanup not financial disaster. The Lighthouse Grill, the heart of her family’s identity, is about to collapse under hidden gambling debts. What begins as a short stay turns into a full-time fight to save the restaurant, reunite her family, and figure out who she is without the title and career she once clung to.

And then there’s Cooper Harris the rugged single dad next door who complicates every plan Julia has to leave. Their slow friendship-to-something-more unfolds gently, making space for connection rather than forcing it. The romance never overshadows the family story it supports it.

What I Loved

✔️ Realistic sibling dynamics love, resentment, loyalty, all at once
✔️ A romance subplot that respects grief and timing
✔️ The comfort-read feeling without ignoring emotional weight
✔️ Cooper’s gentle, steady personality as a perfect contrast to Julia
✔️ A strong portrayal of returning home without painting it as “giving up”

🎧 Narration

Narrated by Amy McFadden
Her performance is professional and expressive, and she handles emotional scenes smoothly. However, I personally struggled a bit with this narrator her tone didn’t fully match the way I connected with Julia internally. It’s a case of strong narration that simply didn’t fit my listening preferences. For someone who already enjoys McFadden’s narration style, this will likely not be an issue.

Tropes & Vibes

✔️ Small-town return
✔️ Family secrets
✔️ Found-again identity
✔️ Restaurant legacy
✔️ Single-dad romance
✔️ Grief and rebuilding
✔️ Slow-burn connection
✔️ Hopeful ending

Final Thoughts

Return to Rosewood Beach is a tender, uplifting, emotionally satisfying story that builds its power not through dramatic plot twists, but through character shifts that feel real and earned. It’s about siblings who don’t always get along but refuse to give up on each other, parents who weren’t perfect, and rediscovering the meaning of home when life falls apart. The romance is warm and well-paced not torrid or overly dramatic and exactly right for the tone of the book.

If you want comfort, emotional depth without devastation, and that nostalgic small-town pull of sunsets, family dinners, and rebuilding what matters this is absolutely worth the listen.
2,028 reviews
February 5, 2025
This was a wonderful story about family and the ties that bind a family together. The characters were well-written and engaging. I look forward to the next boon in the series.

Amazon synopsis:
Julia Owens never planned to return to her hometown of Rosewood Beach. Her life in New York, working long hours at a high-powered ad agency, is exactly what she always dreamed of.

But when she loses her job and then learns that her father has passed away, everything changes. Drawn back to the small coastal town for the funeral, she reunites with her mother and three siblings, only to discover some shocking news: their father’s hidden gambling debts have left The Lighthouse Grill, their beloved family restaurant, on the brink of ruin.

Determined to help her mother save the restaurant from a rival family eager to swoop in, Julia settles in for what she believes will be a short stay. But every day spent with her siblings—as well as her run-ins with the ruggedly handsome single dad next door—make her question the big-city ambitions she once held so tightly.

Cooper Harris, the charming father of a rambunctious two-year-old girl, is exactly the kind of distraction Julia insists she doesn’t need. But as chance encounters lead to an unexpected friendship—and maybe something more—she starts to wonder if there’s room in her carefully planned future for a man raising a toddler.

With her mother reeling from the new revelations and her siblings juggling their own secrets, Julia throws herself into preserving The Lighthouse Grill and her family’s legacy. As she does, she begins to realize that sometimes the path you never thought you’d take… is exactly where you belong.
Profile Image for Lauryn Young.
225 reviews
November 30, 2025
Return to Rosewood Beach is an enjoyable coastal women’s fiction story to get lost in, and ended up containing more layers than I was expecting.

Julia returns to her small, close-knit coastal hometown upon the death of her father, in order to reunite with her mother and siblings and assist in planning the funeral. What she doesn’t expect is a friendship with Cooper, a local single dad. When a secret is revealed that puts their family’s restaurant in danger, that friendship becomes something she relies on…and maybe more.

I enjoyed the majority of this book, but I do wish that we had a bit more explanation in some spots. I appreciated Fiona’s exploration of the Owens family dynamic, and how Julia interacted with each sibling and with her mom. Her budding romance with Cooper, and how she grows a relationship with his daughter, is really sweet and a good palette cleanser.

This was my first experience with Amy McFadden as a narrator. I have an appreciation for her vocal talent and I do think she’s a great voice actor, but her delivery of Julia’s character in particular just didn’t mesh with what I personally envisioned.
636 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2026
Return to Rosewood Beach is the first audiobook in Fiona Baker’s romantic women’s fiction series, Rosewood Beach. This wholesome, slow-burn romance mainly revolves around Julia Owens—who is returning to her hometown after her father’s death and abruptly losing her job at her New York ad agency—and Cooper Harris, a widowed, single father who has recently relocated to Rosewood Beach seeking a fresh start. While their romance is the main focus of the story, it also follows the lives of various other members of the Owens family to the point of chapters actually being written from their perspectives. Subsequent books in the series will delve further into those characters’ relationships. This story is sweet, cozy, and romantic, and while more serious issues such as grief and family betrayal are addressed, the overall story is fairly low angst. The solo narration for this book is provided by Amy McFadden. Her expressive and layered performance brings the story to life beautifully and further elevates this enjoyable listen.
Profile Image for Sue Negrillo.
645 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2025
Julia loess her job she loved, then finds out her dad passed away. She goes home to Rosewood for his funeral when she arrives she goes to the restaurant of her parents and literally runs into Cooper, he saves her from falling. The day of funeral she goes outside to breathe and Cooper comes by and talks to her they go set on a bench under a willow tree they hit it off. They make a date for a walk. When he shows up he has he’s little girl Mayce with him. He was unable to get sitter. She was scared to be with her didn’t think she would be good with kids. But she was. After funeral Julia is going through the financial of the restaurant and finds money missing. Finds out her dad had a gambling problem and it’s bad. So all the kids work together to do a fundraiser, even Cooper helped out. They raise enough money to get Judd off there back. Julia takes Cooper to see a band he loves, they work it out to bring a sitter and spend the night and all worked out great.
Profile Image for Kellie Rivera.
191 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2025
WHOLESOME ROMANCE!!!

*ALC Review*

Fiona Baker I just want to say that I absolutely love this book from start to finish. You are a new author to me and from now on I will be one clicking your books because this spectacular book was so wholesome and heartfelt that I could not help myself falling in love with it. This spectacular book will officially be one of my comfort reads.

I just wanna applaud you Amy McFadden for doing a phenomenal job at narrating this book. You did such an extraordinary job narrating everything. At times I totally forgot that it was just you narrating the entire book. I cannot wait to listen to more books that you have narrated.

This story is about Julia who goes back to her hometown because her father passed away. So much happens to her and my heart broke because it just seemed like she couldn’t catch a break. The other person that we are introduced to is Cooper who has in so much pain and my heart broke for him as well. He has to take care of his young daughter. Julia‘s and Cooper‘s relationship start slow because of what they’ve been through.

If you absolutely love a wholesome story about finding someone who you have an instant connection with, then this book is for you. I just want to applaud both of you Fiona for writing this uplifting book that will most definitely be a comfort read for me and Amy for narrating this sweet romance that we’ll have a special place in my heart. I truly truly love this book and I cannot wait to read more of the series.
414 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2025
This book is an appropriate beginning to this new series by Fiona Baker. The reader is introduced to the three sisters and one brother in the Owens family. Two sisters have arrived from out of town for their father's funeral. Book 1 focuses on Julia, who has just lost her job in New York and wants to help her mother and family with the consequences of their father's death. Julia meets single dad Cooper and his toddler Macey. The community is a wonderful small town and seems to help with the healing of the Owens family. I loved the plot and characters. Secrets have already come out in this first book, and I can't wait for the next book and what else we will discover.
Profile Image for Emily Rhodes.
75 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
- I LISTENED TO THE AUDIOBOOK -

This listen is a cozy family saga. featuring death, facing unexpected challenges, rebuilding family bonds, and new found relationships and beginnings. We get a points-of-views from Julia, Alexis, Cooper, and Vivian.

I really enjoyed this story! Amy McFadden did an amazing job narrating this story. Definitely would recommend if you need something cozy and simple to listen to!

A big thank you to Blue Nose Audio for the opportunity to be a part of the ALC team for Return to Rosewood Beach!
Profile Image for Kirsten.
63 reviews12 followers
November 29, 2025
4 stars – Audiobook Review
Heartfelt, cozy, and beautifully narrated by Amy McFadden.
Return to Rosewood Beach is a warm, emotional escape full of charming characters and small-town atmosphere. The narrator brings the story to life with natural pacing and expressive emotion, making it easy to get lost in the setting and relationships. Perfect for listeners who love comfort reads with depth and a touch of romance
Profile Image for Holly P.
47 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2025
This was a cute read about loss and family unity. Love the characters and their dynamics together. Just a sweet read. Rosewood Beach is a small community that welcomes new members graciously and looks out for each other ferociously. The Owens family are extremely likable and genuine. Just a great listen. The narrator was very good and I enjoyed this read.

Thank you Fiona Baker and Blue Nose Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lettie Loo.
124 reviews
January 11, 2026
Julie returns home to Rosewood Beach after the double-whammy of losing her job and finding out her dad died within hours. Cooper is a single dad looking to rebuild after his wife died suddenly, leaving him to raise their young daughter.
As she stays to help her mother out, they discover that her father was a hidden gambler, and the family restaurant was in danger of closing. Julie works with her brother, sister, mother, and Cooper to come up with a way to save the restaurant - but is it enough and in time to keep it from closing OR being bought out by a competitor?
Julie and her family are definitely close, and they work well together. This is the first book in a series and sets up at least 2 more entries focused on her sisters and their love lives. Will I read them? I don't know...I haven't decided yet. This was definitely a good read, but if I return to Rosewood Beach, it will be later on this year.
34 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2025
Another great family book

Fiona Baker certainly knows how to write a book about families. We got involved in the lives of so many members of this family. They all came together after the patriarch of the family passed away leaving his wife and their business in a perilous situation. It was a very warm story with a positive outcome.
Profile Image for cheryl slaton.
560 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2025
Review

A father passes suddenly and his 4 children gather for the funeral. Julia a daughter is going over the finances and discovers a dark secret of her father’s. The family pub is in dire financial distress due to their father’s love of gambling. The family decides to hold a fundraiser for the pub which is a rousing success.
Enjoy
2 reviews
August 21, 2025
This book is a strong entry into the women’s fiction category, straddling both family drama and romance. It aligns with current market trends that favor uplifting, heartfelt narratives with strong settings. The Lighthouse Grill and the beachside community are tailor made for readers who enjoy Susan Wiggs or Debbie Macomber. It has definite book club appeal.
Profile Image for Alana Pierce.
64 reviews
January 7, 2026
sappy without substance

I finished it. Light enough reading but there’s no reality in this. Hallmark movie on steroids. A few problems that miraculously work out without really delving into anything. A two years old who goes from barely being able to say “Dad” to speaking in complete sentences abcs asking experience questions within weeks…
Profile Image for Kara Lakey.
42 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2026
Actually horrible. I almost DNF’d it so many times but was committed to the bit. This was probably the most unorganized book I’ve ever read and there were so many grammatical errors in the first half it actually made me mad. The story line had zero depth and there were so many unnecessary details. Nothing happened? Needless to say, I will not be continuing the series lol
190 reviews
February 7, 2025
A Great Story about How Important Family Is. You will Love How Julia & Single Dad Cooper meet. It's so nice to be back Reading a Series of Fiona Baker's. I Look forward to Reading All of Them. I Highly Recommend ALL Fiona Baker's Books 🤗
1,259 reviews7 followers
February 11, 2025
Return to Rose wood Beach

A well developed story and characters that feel like friends. The sudden death of their father, a marriage falling apart and the loss of a promising career. An uplifting and inspiring song to enjoy.
1 review
February 12, 2025
This was such a lovely sweet read. With everything happening in this world today, it feels good to read about kindness and love for one another. Can’t wait to start the next book in the series! Love it!
67 reviews
July 12, 2025
Family bonds together to save family restaurant

When their father dies suddenly all the children rally around their mother. When they discover their father’s gambling debts it becomes obvious the family restaurant is in trouble.
22 reviews
August 23, 2025
Such Great Author!! I’m Addicted to Her Books!!

So very wonderful—a complete escape!!! Every book is so good and I am never disappointed. Onto the next book!! Glad I found this author!!
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,938 reviews22 followers
December 4, 2025
This is the first book in the Rosewood Beach series. I enjoyed this sweet, and heartwarming story. The characters are well developed, and interesting. Amy McFadden did an excellent job bringing this story to life. I'm looking forward to listening to the next in the series. #BlueNoseAudio
3 reviews
January 2, 2026
a good, Fast read

Characters are real with the same issues we face everyday. Family relationships and strength are shown throughout the book. It was engaging enough that I read it in one sitting.
1 review
January 25, 2026
interesting concept

Interesting concept for a book series. Could have used some stronger editing and a faster pace. Sometimes the dialogue was too ‘wordy’ and took a few pages to make 1 statement.
This turned into a ‘speed read’ book.
255 reviews
March 7, 2025
Nice Read,

This was such a relaxing story. You felt a part of this town and main family. Of course the usual family dynamics but very entertaining!
Profile Image for Belinda Banchik.
8 reviews
April 7, 2025
I actually was disappointed. Too many unnecessary details. Ive read other books by this author and usually enjoy them.
Profile Image for Judy Hardwick.
641 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2025
Good story

Sweet family comes together to help mom save the family business. A bit of a slow read for me with lots of service details ...
730 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2025
Return to Rosewood Beach

Beautiful story just enough suspense to keep
Me guessing. Please keep writing more and more of these stories to enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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