Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

New to Newport

Rate this book
Hannah believes this summer in Newport Beach will finally be a chance to reconnect with her estranged father, Adam. And she has every right to be hopeful, because Adam helps her land a job as swim coach at the local pool while she works and studies for her upcoming Physician Assistant exam.

However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she is rear-ended by Caleb, a local who also happens to be working as a swim coach at the same club. Caleb is back in Newport Beach for the summer to help his mother, Jenna, pack up and sell his childhood home following his father’s passing. At the end of summer, Caleb will be off to Boston for an orthopedic residency. Romance and dating are the furthest thing from his mind.

Caleb can’t fight his building attraction for Hannah. Hannah certainly doesn’t mind being around the town hottie. But her reconciliation with her estranged father comes to an abrupt halt and her time in Newport might be cut short. Will there be a way for Caleb and Hannah to continue a relationship that only started?

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

6 people want to read

About the author

Emi Hilton

6 books56 followers
Emi Hilton is a California native who was born at March Airforce Base, while her father was an Officer in the US Army Combat Engineer Battalion. An English Professor for a mother, Emi followed in her footsteps and graduated from Brigham Young University in English. While in college, she took a year and a half break from her studies to serve as a full-time missionary for her church in the Canary Islands. Emi writes sweet contemporary romance novels. Her debut novel, Memories in Morro Bay, and second novel, Bluebird Sky, were nominated for Whitney Awards. Her novel, Picking Pismo, won the Christlit Book Award. When Emi isn’t writing, she enjoys training for marathons, fishing off local piers with her husband and three sons, or visiting her other love, Spain.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
29 (54%)
4 stars
24 (45%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
5,896 reviews72 followers
June 16, 2025
3.5 - 4 stars
Hannah arrived in Newport Beach with a deep yearning to forge a connection with the man who is her estranged father. As she navigated the charming coastal town, her path unexpectedly crossed with Caleb, a man whose presence could transform her life in ways she never anticipated. However, just as sparks began to fly, complications arose with her father, threatening to cut her visit—and this budding romance—shorter than she had hoped.
Caleb, rooted in Boston, had temporarily returned home to help his mother organise her life after the recent passing of his father. With a heavy heart and a mind focused on family matters, he initially believed he had no room for romance. Yet, there was something undeniably captivating about Hannah that stirred feelings long dormant within him, igniting a sense of excitement and hope.
The characters in this heartwarming romance are beautifully crafted, possessing an authenticity that resonates with readers. Hannah’s vulnerability and courage are contrasted by Caleb’s hidden depth and charm, creating a dynamic that is both relatable and engaging. Their journey to love is laced with moments of wit and humour, making the exploration of their emotions all the more delightful.
In New to Newport, they discover not just unexpected love but also a profound sense of belonging, personal healing, and the transformative power of affection. This well-written narrative is not only a quick read but also an entertaining escape into a story filled with warmth and heart.
Profile Image for Lorralei Hoerner.
914 reviews24 followers
July 6, 2025
4.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Trying to reconnect to her estranged father, Hannah arrives at Newport Beach to try and reconnect and get to know her father since it has been years. With Hannah's arrival, she never expected to be ran into by Caleb, literally when driving in town. Instant connection sparks between Hannah and Caleb spending the summer as swim coaches for the local swim team and getting to know each other.

Time at Newport Beach is not always easy though, Hannah's father being distant while she is working and studying for upcoming P.A. exam and Caleb wresting with the loss of his father, his mother trying to move into a smaller home and balancing his upcoming residency in Boston. Neither Hannah nor Caleb can deny the spark between them, but as they navigate feelings and what can behold the future that could cause some uncertainty.....you never know what to expect when something unexpected happens for the better...

New to Newport is a wonderful story with love, family, a little bit of drama and just a sense of togetherness. I highly recommend this story it was fantastic!
Profile Image for Emily.
5,810 reviews543 followers
June 21, 2025
Hannah is in Newport Beach for the summer to work and to see her father, who she is not overly close with. It doesn't start the way she expects though and she finds herself connecting with Caleb, who is another swim coach she works with. Things are not always easy though and Hannah is unsure if she wants to stay. Will her current struggles with unforeseen issues tear apart what she is building with Caleb or will it be a hurdle she can find away to fix?

This was an entertaining story. I liked Hannah and Caleb together, I think what I really appreciated about this book was that their was a realistic feel to the lives they both lived. Great read for summer.
Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
1,068 reviews18 followers
June 25, 2025
Hannah goes to Newport beach with a hopeful heart , she’s lost her mom and is hoping to reconnect with her dad , things are of to both a rock start thanks to his new wife but they’re also off to a good start when he gets her a job as a swim coach at the local pool , so she can earn while getting ready for her exam as a physician assistant….


Caleb has come home to Newport to help his mom sell up their home and finalise things after his dad’s passing but at the end of summer he’s heading to Boston to art art his residency in orthopaedics…


Caleb and Hannah meet each other literally by accident when he rear ends her , a fender bender so imagine their surprise when they get to the poo and bump into each other again 🤣both work at the pool 😉

Both are intrigued by each other but are hesitant to act on it as both are leaving at the end of summer and both are chasing life goals but we all no nothing is set in stone when matters of the heart are concerned 🥰

Having lost a parent myself I could relate to Caleb and Hannah , their “fear” of the unknown is also relatable . I did feel sorry for Hannah because the new wife is difficult and at times things are tense with her dad which again many can relate to and this is what makes this book so real , it’s relatable on so many levels 🥰

I laughed , I cried I got emotional and I almost dusted off my swimsuit🤣an enjoyable read with the reward of a HEA 📕❣️
559 reviews11 followers
June 10, 2025
New to Newport is a sweet story that follows two young adults that are struggling in their own ways. However they don’t show. The author has written 2 strong main characters who know when life gets hard it's about how you seize the moment.
Caleb is back home to help his mom. When his dad passed a few months ago they realized he left them with mountains of debt that his mother would never be able to climb out of. So he’s here to help and if worst comes to worst take her back with him, That was until Hannah crashed into his life, quite literally. She’s sweet, down to earth, no nonsense, ect. He didn't come home to look for a woman but he may have found one he can’t let go.
Hannah is drifting when she ends up in Newport. Her estranged father lives here and she needs his help. She needs a place to stay while studying for her PA exams. However dad put her in a pickle because his new wife doesn’t want her there. So what’s she going to do? Then there’s Caleb who literally came crashing into her life. But not just that incident she works directly with him coaching the swim team. She doesn’t have time, which is what she keeps telling herself when she’s around him. No boyfriends in her future, or is she wrong?
Which one of them will break first and embrace their feelings?
I hope you like sweet romances because you will really enjoy this one!
Profile Image for Colleen N.
359 reviews
July 13, 2025
I loved it

I loved this book so much and couldn't put it down. Who knew one off the wall accident could lead to two people finding just what they had been searching for. A place to belong, with someone who cares. This was a sweet contemporary romance that didn't let me down. Hannah made me smile often with her quick wit. I felt bad for that what brought her to Newport wasn't what she deserved, but there were a lot of silver linings and I loved her interaction with Jordyn. Caleb was a strong male character who was sweet, romantic, and kind. He was dealing with his own struggle and I thought the author did a great job of portraying the in a sweet way but also in a way that didn't take away his guy card lol. The only thing I had a little difficulty with was that Caleb kept referring to his mother as Jenna instead of mom. It seems to happen often and just felt a tad unnatural. Overall this story brought me so much joy this week that I had to buy a physical copy on top of the ebook copy.
Profile Image for Jennifer .
1,562 reviews36 followers
June 13, 2025
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Hannah hopes to spend the summer in Newport Beach reconnecting with her estranged father Adam, whilst working as a swim coach at the local pool and studying for her Physician Assistant exam. Meanwhile, Caleb is back in Newport Beach for the summer also working as a swim coach and helping his mother Jenna pack up and sell their family home, following his father’s death. The pair meet when Hannah is rear-ended by Caleb and despite the circumstances they cannot deny their attraction.

Although neither had dating or romance in mind for the summer they spend time together and their relationship develops. However, Caleb is off to Boston for an orthopaedic residency at the end of the summer, and Hannah’s time in Newport might be cut short when her reconciliation with her father ends abruptly. I was cheering the couple on hoping they would get their HEA in this heartwarming romance. Both the characters and the setting were brought to life through the descriptive narrative, making me feel as though I was in Newport Beach with Hannah and Caleb.
Profile Image for Candida Furbush.
812 reviews11 followers
June 23, 2025
This was a sweet small town romance. Caleb and Hannah meet when Caleb accidentally rear-ends Hannah on their way to work. They find out that they are the summer swim coaches and will be working together. Both of these characters have lost a parent and have other issues going on with their other parent. Neither of them are looking for a romance since they will both be leaving Newport after the summer. There is no denying the attraction between these two and as they get to know each other feelings start to develop. To find out if these two will take a chance on love then you definitely will want to dive right in. I recommend this book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Profile Image for Gila.
54 reviews
July 2, 2025
New to Newport is a really sweet story of Hannah and Caleb, who meet initially when they have a car accident and end up being co-workers at a swim club for the summer. Although Caleb is from Newport, Hannah is spending the summer there to study for her PA exam and more importantly to forge a relationship with her estranged father. What was unexpected is the pull between Hannah and Caleb. But each of them are so focused on their careers and their internal struggles - the relationship does not evolve easily. New to Newport is a sweet story and the relationships are relatable. A great summer novel.
Profile Image for Jayme Raffauf.
171 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2025
This was a great read. I really enjoyed this cute story about Hannah and Caleb. Attraction, complicated family dynamics, unknown futures, and sweet romance…this book was a great combination and was a super quick read. I loved the way that Hannah and Caleb were brought together from the start, and how they struggled to commit to anything due to both of them leaving at the end of the summer. Very cute summer romance story.
45 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2025
What fun sweet story. Both main characters in town to take care of a parent - Hannah looking to reconnect with an estranged father and Caleb wanting to help his widowed mom. Caleb rear-ends Hannah as they are both in a hurry for appointments, an endearing meet-cute. Complicated family issues, sweet summer romance, growing feelings with great chemistry and attraction. Its a good summer beach read. Would recommend.
Profile Image for Christine Maynor.
570 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2025
This book is the perfect romance. This author is one of my new favorites. Her books are always really interesting, the characters are real and charming, and her writing style makes her books very good.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,044 reviews69 followers
July 11, 2025
This is the sweet story of Hannah and Caleb. Hannah is busy studying for her Physician's Assistant exam and trying to repair an estranged relationship with her dad. She meets Caleb when he rear ends her car. They end up working together and start to develop a relationship.

As with most relationships, there are ebbs and flows with some drama sprinkled in. This was an enjoyable summer read!
Profile Image for Tawni.
571 reviews
May 27, 2025
Great characters and storyline. Very likable people and situations you could see happening. Probably one of my favorites by Emi!
63 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2025
Hannah’s summer plans take a detour when she meets Caleb. A chance at love may or may never be ruined by future plans. Will the main characters work love into their plans?!
Profile Image for Enchanted Owl .
105 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2025
Another heartwarming romance story from Emi Hilton! Ideal beach day read or a lazy summer day read in the hammock relaxing. This book doesn’t shy away from family struggles but incorporates them into the story along with the warm fuzzy feelings of a new relationship. Hannah and Caleb literally run into each other, and then again when they both start working at the same place. When they go to Boston at the end, the storyline was so well written I could visual the scene, swoonworthy and my heart was so happy.
471 reviews13 followers
July 14, 2025
Emi Hilton’s New to Newport is a heartwarming and breezy summer romance that blends themes of second chances, family reconciliation, and unexpected love—all set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Newport Beach.

At the heart of the novel is Hannah, a driven young woman balancing a summer job as a swim coach with the looming challenge of preparing for her Physician Assistant exam. She’s also hoping to mend her fractured relationship with her father, Adam, who offers her both encouragement and a job at the local pool. Things take an unexpected turn when a minor car accident introduces her to Caleb, a charming local and fellow swim coach whose summer in Newport is marked by emotional baggage of his own: packing up his childhood home after his father’s death and preparing to leave for a medical residency in Boston.

Hilton masterfully captures the slow-burn tension between Hannah and Caleb, giving readers a sweet but emotionally grounded romance. Their chemistry is evident, yet the book doesn’t rush the relationship, instead letting it unfold naturally amidst real-life complications—grief, career pressures, and family dynamics.

What sets New to Newport apart from more formulaic summer romances is the emotional depth brought by the subplot involving Hannah’s estranged father. The strained reunion and its unraveling add a layer of poignancy, reminding readers that not all relationships can be healed in a summer, but growth often comes in unexpected ways.

Caleb’s storyline also resonates, with Hilton offering a thoughtful depiction of a young man navigating the loss of a parent while preparing to move on to the next chapter of his life. His reluctance toward romance feels believable, and his gradual vulnerability with Hannah is touching and sincere.

Though the novel leans into familiar tropes—summer flings, workplace flirtations, opposites attracting—it does so with heart and authenticity. The Newport Beach setting is vividly rendered, full of coastal charm, community buzz, and lazy, sunlit afternoons that make the story feel immersive and cinematic.
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,431 reviews32 followers
July 6, 2025
New to Newport is a sweet romance perfect for summer!


Hannah is new to Newport Beach. She is staying with her estranged father, his new wife, and stepsister while earning extra money and studying for her PA exam. She isn’t looking for love. Caleb has returned home to help his mother sell their family home and move to Boston to begin his residency in orthopedics. Like Hannah, he isn’t looking for love either. However, this summer will change everything for them.


Hannah is rear-ended on her way to work on her very first day by Caleb. Neither one realizes that they will be working at the same club as swim coaches. Their chemistry is evident from the very beginning, but they each fight their feelings because of their plans to leave Newport Beach. Caleb knows where he is going, but Hannah isn’t exactly sure what her future holds.


Both Hannah and Caleb were relatable and likeable characters. They each have lost a parent, so they share that same grief. Caleb is trying to come to terms with secrets his late father was keeping, and Hannah is struggling to reconcile with her father. I admired Hannah’s courage in standing up to her father, and I loved the way she bonded with her stepsister. It was evident she wanted a relationship with her.


If you're interested in a sweet love story with emotional depth, this one is worth reading.
2 reviews
May 6, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Heartfelt Gem That Will Make You Believe in Love Again

New to Newport by Emi Hilton is everything you want in a clean romance: charming, emotional, and deeply satisfying. From the very first page, Hilton's writing draws you into the cozy seaside town of Newport, where fresh starts, second chances, and swoon-worthy romance await.

The main characters are beautifully crafted—relatable, vulnerable, and full of heart. Watching them navigate life's twists while slowly falling for each other felt like curling up with a warm blanket on a rainy day. The chemistry is palpable without ever crossing lines, making it a perfect read for fans of sweet, uplifting love stories.

Hilton's talent shines through in every chapter. Her dialogue is natural and witty, the pacing is perfect, and the emotional depth is impressive. It's not just a love story—it's about community, healing, and finding where you belong.

If you're a fan of authors like Denise Hunter or Becky Wade, you'll adore New to Newport. Emi Hilton is a fresh new voice in clean romance, and this book is a must-read for anyone who believes love can be both pure and passionate.

I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Profile Image for Brandy Jo Rymer.
266 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
New to Newport was such a sweet romance. Emi Hilton did such an amazing job of showing how love can overcome all obstacles. Both Hannah and Caleb have lost a parent and have had issues with the father figures in their lives growing up. Neither one has had much luck in finding love, until they meet one another after a car accident, where Caleb accidentally hit Hannah while she was on her way to her first day at her new job. Little did she know that the cute gentleman who hit her car was also one of her coworkers. Caleb is pleasantly surprised to see that Hannah is the new swimming coach for the summer and cannot wait to get to know the beautiful woman he had accidentally hit that morning. Neither Caleb nor Hannah has much time for romance, especially since they are both leaving after the summer to further their medical careers. Will they be able to trust in the power of love and allow their feelings to grow over the time they have together, or will their fear of a broken heart prevent them from taking a chance on romance? I couldn't put this book down; it had me hoping for a happily ever after!
@Brandy Rymer
06/2025
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,864 reviews25 followers
July 14, 2025
This was a sweet clean romance which is what I have come to expect from this author. The story is captivating and an emotional, heartwarming journey. The author has a really special talent for creating characters that as a reader you feel invested in. They seem so real they could possible be your friends
This is Caleb and Hannah's story. Hannah has moved back to Newport in the hope of building a relationship with her estranged father. What she doesn't expect is to be involved in an accident on her way to work and the person responsible is Caleb.
Caleb has returned to Newport to help his mother pack up and sell their family home. Taking a job as a swim coach he is surprised to find out that the woman he run into (literally) is also working there.
As they spend more time together the attraction between them can't be denied but what will happen at the end of the summer? Will it just be a summer romance or will they be able to continue it once they return to their normal lives.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming summer read.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
4,826 reviews56 followers
June 9, 2025
This is my first summer story which I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed how the author pulled me into the story from the start and kept me turning pages fast. The characters are created with a lot of heart and soul and are supportive of each other. This is a story where the author used details to bring life to this story. This is a story about Hannah and Calab. Hannah goes to Newport Beach to try and fix things with her family. Calab is back to help his mother sell her house. What happens when Calab rear-ends Hannah is something neither one expected. Will fate be on their side? How will their summer end? I enjoyed both of these characters and what they add to the story. They have great chemistry and attraction as well. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story which made it easy to read. This is an engaging story that is fast paced and hard to put down. A story that I really enjoyed reading from start to finish. I highly recommend this book.
1,839 reviews24 followers
June 14, 2025
New to Newport by Emi Hilton. This is such a wonderful romance read. Its the story of Caleb who has come back home to help his mom after his dad passed away. His mom has found out that her husband left her with a ton of debt that she may never be able to get out of. If he can't help her he may just have to take her home with him. Hannah is in town to reconnect with her estranged father because she needs him help. She is dreading it something fierce. When she is driving one day she is literally run into by Caleb and while neither was looking for love they both can't stop thinking about the other. Hannah is studying for PA and doesn't need any distractions that is literally why she is here and now she can't get Caleb out of her head. Caleb knows he's only here for the summer so he can't start a relationship with someone knowing he's going to leave soon. Which one will be the first to cave? Read this sweet romance to find out!
201 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
When Hannah goes to Newport to stay with her dad and his family, the last thing she expects is to be rear-ended on her way to work, on her first day. However, that's exactly what happens when Caleb, who is home between finishing med school and starting his residency to help his mom sell his childhood home and hopefully move somewhere nearby, accidentally rear ends her at a stop light. The pair start talking while they are waiting on the tow trucks to arrive, but neither knows that they will soon be spending a lot more time together. Hannah and Caleb are the new swim coaches at the same club in Newport, and end up working closely together over the summer. When Hannah's plans don't go quite as expected, and she ends up having issues with her dad's new wife and even with her dad to some degree, she struggles to figure out how to finish studying for her PA test while also working the rest of the summer. This book is a guaranteed HEA, and I quickly found myself not wanting to put it down.
Profile Image for Heather Bass.
630 reviews8 followers
July 7, 2025
This is the first book that I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good romance but this story exceeded my expectations. You can’t help but to fall in love with these characters. This book had me hooked right from the beginning so I could not put it down. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing story. I can’t wait to see what this amazing author will write next.

Hannah is excited to see if she can patch things up with her dad in Newport Beach. She is hopeful when her dad gets her a job as a lifeguard as she studies for her life changing exam. Hannah is loving her new job. She is enjoying her summer until she is rear ended by a very handsome man. Hannah now has to work with Caleb because they work at the same pool. She feels a connection to him but it might be cut short. Will they be able to see where this relationship could go or will it have to end before it can get started?
Profile Image for Shannen.
968 reviews23 followers
July 11, 2025
I had only read one book by this author before this, so I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into. The cover looked cute and cozy with a bit of mystery mixed in. After I read the synopsis, I knew I had to pick it up. I dove right in as soon as possible and am pleased to say that it was such a wonderful clean romance! It’s so refreshing to experience this heartfelt story between Hannah and Caleb. The scenery, the backstory, and even the characters themselves just give off this marvelous summer vibe. It was interesting to see how they both dealt with meeting each other at such a crossroads in both of their lives because romance just seems impractical no matter what chemistry is there. I won’t give away any spoilers, you’ll just have to read to find out! If you’re looking for a wonderful, clean contemporary romance, this will make for a compelling read. Looking forward to more from this author!
53 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2025
New to Newport by Emi Hilton
5 Star Review
This witty romance caught me with the first few pages. Action from page one! The chance meeting and coincidences that keep throwing Caleb and Hannah together are heartwarming. Emi Hilton’s writing style is easy to read. The characters are likeable and well written.
Hannah moves to Newport for the summer and is staying with a father she doesn’t know who has a family that is less than welcoming. She is studying for her Physician’s Assistant license and working as a swim coach.
Caleb is working in his home town as swim coach for the summer before heading off to Boston for his four year residency. After losing his dad a few months prior, Caleb is rattled and distracted. He has an accident, is running late to work with a new co-worker, and soon finds that his life is entwined in strange and unexpected ways.
I recommend this fun read to anyone who loves a good romance with a hometown feel.
Profile Image for Jessica Godwin.
139 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2025
This was is a enjoyable contemporary romance that takes you to the scenic Newport Beach for a summer of unexpected connections and personal growth. Hannah arrives in town with the hope of reconciling with her estranged father, Adam, who helped her secure a job as a swim coach, while also preparing for her Physician Assistant exam. Her plans take a charming detour when she literally bumps into Caleb, a fellow swim coach who is in Newport to help his mother pack up his childhood home before his own move to Boston for a residency. Despite their temporary stays and individual life plans, an undeniable attraction sparks between Hannah and Caleb. This book expertly shows their romance developing, along with deeper ideas of family reconciliation and personal healing. Getting both Hannah and Caleb's perspectives helps them feel more real and relatable, as we witness their emotional ups and downs due to past relationship issues. I really enjoyed reading this sweet and uplifting story.
Profile Image for Robin Rankin.
1,177 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2025
New to Newport


If you're looking for a sweet love story then I definitely recommend this. I have been going through a dark and spicy phase, but there was something about this book that drew me in and I'm glad it did. Instead of a palette cleanser it was a brain cleanser.

Hannah is visiting for the summer amd hoping to develop a relationship with her Dad. He certainly doesn't make it easy for them which is frustrating for Hannah and heart breaking for me. I could relate all too well about wanting nothing more than to have the love of a parent.

Caleb is home from med school to help his mom after the unexpected loss of his dad and the discovery of some secrets his dad was hiding.

The way they meet was a new one for me and I liked it. After a lot of ups and downs, we get an up at the end.
241 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2025
Emi Hilton's clean romance, New to Newport, is such a sweet, heartfelt read. Many romance stories use spice to keep the reader entertained. With Emi Hilton, her vivid world-building and wholesome, realistic characters will draw you in and not let go. The world-building is great; I could feel the sun on my face and the ocean breeze pushing my hair; I could hear the crunch of metal as cars collided; I could feel the hope and love between Hannah and Caleb. The main characters are definitely the focus of the book, but the other characters all play a role in the overall dynamic of the story. Hannah and Caleb both have a lot going on, mentally and emotionally, and they both believe they don't have “time" for romance. The characters are, at once, vulnerable and relatable. I absolutely adored this sweet, clean romance by a new to me author. I cannot wait to read more by Emi Hilton!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.