The Coastal Book Club

by Fiona Baker

310 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: This profile contains multiple authors.

See also: Romance author Fiona Baker

Reviews

[Clare Bailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

there was simultaneously a flurry of things and absolutely nothing happening.
I found 4 errors and the dialogue was very painful

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book! It was a little slow to start up and then it caught my attention. Enjoyed the characters, the local and the story. I recommend this book!

Amazon synopsis:
Slip away to Magnolia Shore, a cozy beachfront town whose residents will warm your heart and make you want to want to revisit over and over!

Eleanor Bradshaw never thought she’d be starting life over in her mid-forties. But when her husband announces on their anniversary that she’s become too “boring” and “unadventurous” for him and that he wants a divorce, that’s exactly where she finds herself.

Heartbroken and unsure of what comes next, Eleanor makes an impulsive decision. Determined to prove to herself that she’s still capable of change and courage, she buys an old house in a charming seaside town called Magnolia Shore, with plans to renovate it and make it feel like home.

But this particular fresh start turns out to be harder than she expected.

The house is in far worse shape than she realized, and as Eleanor struggles to learn the finer points of home repair, she keeps running into the grumpy hardware store owner, Garrett Wilder. For his part, Garrett insists he has no interest in the intriguing newcomer to town. But if that’s true, why does he keep showing up to help with the trickier projects and finding excuses to stick around?

As Eleanor begins to rebuild her life on her own terms and tentatively acknowledges the butterflies Garrett stirs in her, she also forms unexpected friendships with a group of women in Magnolia Shore. When they decide to start a book club together, the warmth, support, and laughter Eleanor finds among them gives her the confidence to fully embrace this new chapter of her life…

…and to believe that her second act might be even better than the first.

[Judith Levis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor Bradshaw, blindsided by her husband's wish for a divorce, decides to move to a location near water and start a new life. She buys a home that needs lots of "love" and she tries to fix a lot of the problems herself. She then encounters a grumpy man of few words, hardware store owner Garrett Wilder, who helps her with some of the renovations. She also finds herself as part of a group of female friends, Diana, Cadence, Miriam, and June. Starting a book club also unites the women and we get a glance at all of these ladies. I just loved the book and the differences yet connection between the women and Eleanor. I'm really anxious to get into the rest of the series and learn what happens to each of them. The book simply made me very happy ! It's inspirational to see just what one person can do to remedy her life.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was very entertaining and I got quite a few laughs from those sweet ladies who welcomed Eleanor into their group. It is definitely a feel-good book and I am looking forward to the next in the series which I just started. The characters are great and also a blessing to see how these ladies join together and help each other to become women who can overcome and succeed. Yes, I really enjoyed this book!

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Coastal Book Club

This is a perfect read any time. I enjoyed getting to know a little about the characters lives. I think if I was wanting a fresh new start in would be in Magnolia Shores where everyone is friendly and helpful. I can't wait to read the next books adventure takes me. A clean wholesome romance. Enjoy

[Valerie J. Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good enough, but there were way too many typos. There was even an error wherein a wrong character name was used. That's just inexcusable. I'm glad I got this through KU and didn't pay. I already borrowed the next book in the series, so will read that and see if it's gets better. If not, the author needs to find a new editor and beta readers.

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic start to a new series. After years of marriage, Eleanor is caught off guard at her 20th anniversary dinner, setting her on a path to a fresh life in New England. She buys a fixer-upper, meets new friends, and transforms part of her new home into a bookstore with the help of a local. Memorable characters and a story that resonates in so many ways.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about starting over and finding your niche. Eleanor is expecting a nice dinner to celebrate her 20 wedding anniversary to find her husband wants a divorce. Instead of letting that define her, she moves to an ocean town in New England alone and discovers friends and new beginnings. This has a small town feel with characters who feel real.

[William Lichtwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start over alone !!

Was a great book, I can't wait to start the next one. I know women can be chatting , but these ones stood behind each other and made the bestest friends and that was awesome. Bookstore idea was great for such a big house. Thanks for sharing your story with us all .
Respectively
Joyce

[Cindy Hardy-pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

So engaging!

This is the first book of Fiona Baker's that I have read, and it definitely won't be the last! I loved that the characters weren't "young", they are in their 40's and beyond. I fall into the beyond group, and enjoyed these delightful characters! Magnolia Shore sounds like a wonderful place to live. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Peggy Mangum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Can Always Count on Fiona's Books to Be Feel Good Books🤗
Everyone Needs A Group of Friends Like Eleanor Has in Magnolia Shore. Love Second Chance Stories. Even Grumpy Garrett Can Love Again. I Highly Recommend All Fiona Baker's Books😊🤗

[Betty]

The Coastal Book Club by Fiona Baker

A great starting over story for a recent divorcee as she changes locations, finds new friends and an occupation she will thoroughly enjoy. Really delightful tead.

[Jeanette B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read & befriend all the characters!
Of course, Books… reading… making a home; all great topics! And, romance. What’s not to like!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

New beginnings

Found the book a bit slow at the beginning. The characters soon came to life.the storyline was cosy and reflective.

[Kathi Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Hallmarky type books then this book may be amazing. To me it was just too sappy. Though well written, the characters and their situations were a little too unbelievable.

[Suzette Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very typical, woman has heart broken, find happiness but also the kind of book I love to read. Can’t wait to read what happens to the gang in the next book.

[Glenda Manus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leaves you hanging

I enjoyed the book, but was disappointed that you have to keep buying books to find out what happens. I like a series that has a complete story.

[Val Peterman murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun “starting over” book. I like reading about women who don’t drown in their sorrows, but begin again!

[Lauren Hagelgans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. A nice easy read.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Hallmark-ish.

[Nancy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book!! Getting to know all the characters and their growing friendships with each other was very heartwarming! A refreshing read!!

[MargeGordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not imagine getting divorced, moving to a new town sight unseen, buying a house sight unseen, and then thinking of starting a bookstore without any prior business exprience. But, I guess these new friends will help... I sure hope so. On to the next installment.