Where We Belong: A Warmhearted, Uplifting Romance

by Savannah Carlisle

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 24, 2026

About the author

Savannah Carlisle writes heartwarming romance novels with idyllic beach settings. Her stories transport readers to fun and quirky small towns where friends feel like family. So, if you’re ready for a mental vacation, you’ve come to the right place!⁠

Savannah jokes that she's living her own Hallmark movie because she's a former big city corporate attorney who now lives in the small beach town of Fernandina Beach writing romance novels.

When she isn't busy at her laptop writing her next book, Savannah enjoys putting her feet in the sand with a good book in hand. She lives on Amelia Island in Florida with her husband, German Shepherd, and three cats.

Visit www.SavannahCarlisle.com for Savannah's latest books, updates, reviews of her favorite reads and more. You can also follow Savannah on:

IG: www.instagram.com/savvycarlisle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/savvycarlisle
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@savvycarlisle
X: www.x.com/savvycarlisle

Reviews

[BookstagramSam]

EEEK!! I am so excited to read book 3! I have loved being on Big Dune Island!

[Maxine (The Bookish Brew) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Dune Island is one of my favorite fictional worlds to escape to.

Savannah Carlisle has a gift for transporting readers straight into the heart of this charming small town. Big Dune Island feels like a mental vacation: deeply immersive, rooted in community, and filled with sunshine, warmth, and all the happiest small-town vibes.

Book three in the Big Dune Island series brings us a sweet opposites-attract, age-gap romance that completely stole my heart.

Chloe Beckett is determined to prove to her family (and the entire town) that she is no longer the little girl they’ve always known, but a serious business owner chasing her dream. Michael has always been a profits-first investment developer, but island life and the people of Big Dune Island slowly begin to challenge everything he thought he knew about business, ambition, and what truly matters.
Chloe and Michael balance each other beautifully, and watching their relationship grow felt so full of warmth and joy. Chloe’s larger-than-life personality is impossible not to love, and seeing her journey from someone who questioned herself and her place in the world into someone confident in her dream tugged on more than a few heartstrings.

I also loved seeing a different side of Michael beyond the big-city developer we first met in book one. His family and their dynamics add so much depth and humor to the story, making the world feel even richer and the story all the more endearing.

The reality show aspect is so well written and engaging, it felt like I was watching the episodes unfold live. Completely invested, yelling at the judges and reacting to every moment like I was sitting on the couch with popcorn 😂. That’s the magic of Savannah Carlisle’s storytelling. She builds the kind of deeply immersive world that makes you forget you’re reading and start reacting like you’re right there.

One of my favorite things about this series (beyond the idyllic setting), is how seamlessly all the characters weave in and out of each book. After spending so much time in this world, these characters genuinely begin to feel like family.

Where We Belong is a soul-stirring story about a love that balances, the strength found in community, and the deep joy of discovering the place #wherewebelong.
At its heart lies a quietly powerful message: staying true to yourself often grows into something far bigger than you ever imagined, guiding you exactly to where you were always meant to be.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy. All thoughts are my own.

[GroveLifeLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally and completely loved everything about Where We Belong!! This is the third book in Carlisle's Big Dune series and I can without a doubt say this one is my absolute favorite! This book carefully crafts the perfect romance story that will touch your heart and make you feel all the emotions.

Where We Belong follows Chloe Beckett as she participates in a reality tv series for entrepreneurs in hopes of gaining recognition for Island Coffee, her cafe on Big Dune Island. Throughout the competition, Chloe finds support through her friends, the residents of Big Dune Island, and Micheal. Michael is a business developer and he also happens to be the best friend/business partner of Chloe's brother, Austin. As Chloe progresses into each round, she learns more about herself and what she treasures most about her cafe. Will her vision align with what the judges are looking for and be enough to help her become The Next Great American Entrepreneur? Will her vision and business model help transform Michael's views on what really defines a successful project? The parallel between what Chloe and Michael are experiencing brings them together and helps them form a special friendship built on support and guidance, but could there be more to what is happening between them?

Where We Belong is such an incredibly special story. There are so many moments that create a close connection to the characters through their challenges and experiences. This connection makes the story even more special. Carlisle has also brought in a villain for this story which added another wonderful layer to the story development. Honestly, when I say I loved everything about this story, I truly mean it. I cannot recommend this book enough. Where We Belong will take you on a mental vacation to a beautiful small beach town where you will find the most perfect cafe and the most special residents.

Thank you so much to Savannah Carlisle for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Where We Belong.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where We Belong is the kind of story that feels like stepping into a warm kitchen on a breezy coastal morning—comforting, familiar, and quietly full of hope. Chloe Beckett has spent her life believing in the small, steadfast magic of community, and the novel captures that beautifully. Island Coffee isn’t just a café; it’s a living, breathing gathering place, stitched together with mismatched china, shared rituals, and the kind of everyday kindness that lingers long after closing time.

Chloe’s journey is especially endearing because it’s rooted in something so relatable: the desire to finally be seen for who she is, not who she’s related to. Her decision to compete on a reality TV show feels both brave and deeply personal, a chance to prove—to herself most of all—that her dreams deserve space. The contrast between her grounded, heart-first approach and the slick, curated world of influencers and business strategists adds a lovely tension without ever losing the book’s gentle tone.

Michael Russo is a perfect foil: polished, practical, and quietly adrift in his own way. Watching Chloe pull him into the island’s slower rhythm—where success is measured in connection rather than profit—gives their romance a soft, slow-blooming charm. Their chemistry is tender rather than flashy, built on small moments, shared glances, and the gradual realisation that they bring out the best in each other.

The island setting adds a layer of beachy warmth, and the story’s heart lies in its celebration of community: the people who show up, the traditions that anchor us, and the courage it takes to build something meaningful with your own two hands. It’s a gentle, uplifting read—perfect for anyone who loves coastal charm, second chances, and romances that feel like home.

With thanks to Savannah Carlisle, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Karen Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel explores a topic that is sorely lacking and yet deeply yearned for in our culture – a sense of belonging. Through the storyline of a young woman creating a welcoming space in her community the author leads the reader in a remarkable journey that touches on romance, authenticity, respect for tradition, and transformation.

Chloe Beckett is the proprietor of the Island Coffee café located on a small island off the coast of Florida. Through her vision and her love of the residents, she has created a unique gathering spot that is now the heart of a revitalized downtown. Chloe has accomplished this with the financial backing of her brother and now desires to be able to buy him out to establish her independence as the owner of a successful business. To do this, she has applied to participate in a reality show for entrepreneurs.

The story unfolds as she participates in the weekly challenges which assess her abilities to grow in business acumen while remaining true to her values and her vision. In the process, Chloe realizes she can receive advice from a family friend and recommendations from the judges, but ultimately the choices are hers to make. Is she willing to honor her vision at the risk of losing the competition?

I enjoyed following Chloe’s hard-won journey as well as the supporting characters that added dimension to the storyline – especially the slow-developing romance with Michael, the family friend. My one criticism is that there was an unnecessary amount of repetition about her above-mentioned dilemma. The conclusion is both uplifting and supportive of honoring the soul of a business as well as the bottom line.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Maddie Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly have no notes on Where We Belong, so I’m just going to tell you everything I loved about it!!

First off, we meet Chloe and Michael in the first book of the Big Dune Island series, where Chloe is kind of known as the gossip and Austin’s little sister. I absolutely loved watching her grow into so much more than that. Seeing her become a pillar of the community instead of being viewed in a negative light was so satisfying. And I especially loved how her “gossip” tendencies turned into something beautiful — her chattiness made people feel seen, welcomed, and genuinely loved in her coffee shop.

The main setting is Big Dune Island, but Chloe is also competing on a reality TV show. Sometimes I’m wary of reality TV plots because it can feel like the show is the only thing happening. But this book balanced it perfectly. We get the behind-the-scenes filming moments, but we also get their real lives unfolding at the same time. It never felt one-dimensional. And I really enjoyed the NYC chapters too!

Two words: baking. lessons. 🧁🥐🍰🥧

The found family in this series is truly top tier. Watching the community rally around Chloe during this season of her life just made my heart so full.

And last but absolutely not least… Michael. What a precious human. He’s a family man, a protector, and Chloe’s biggest supporter. I LOVED seeing him interact with his family, and especially watching his growth — both personally and professionally.

perfect if you love:
💕 friends to lovers
☕️ age gap (ten years)
📺 reality tv for entrepreneurs
🧲 opposites attract
💋no spice

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe Beckett has always believed that community matters more than corporate strategy- but proving it on national TV is another story.

Competing for a cash prize that could expand her beloved island cafe, Chloe faces off against polished MBAs and influencer darlings. The only person who can help her? Michael Russo, the New York investor she’s secretly loved for years.

What starts as a strategy partnership quickly turns into something neither of them planned, especially when Chloe’s hashtag #WhereWeBelong captures the heart of America.

I’ve loved every book by the author and this book is no exception. Where We Belong is the perfect beachy small-town romance. The authors vivid descriptions of the Island Coffee Cafe sets the scene for the heart of the Big Dune Island community. Chloe Beckett is the perfect heroine refusing to change and staying true to herself no matter the outcome. I found Michael Russo to be quite intriguing and loved watching his beliefs challenged by Chloe. Where we Belong is a sweet, uplifting romance with great characters, a wonderful storyline about community and the perfect setting. The cover of the book was chef’s kiss. Highly recommend adding to your TBR.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. DNF at 10%, but I started considering it at like, 5%. I just don't want to drop a book until I feel like I've given it a fair chance, so I always try to give at least 10%.

My biggest issue with this book is the writing. Even if a book has the best plot in the whole world, I still can't get into it unless it has good writing. I looked back at my Goodreads progress bar comments, and one comment literally said "idk why, but it's giving 'picture book for elementary school kids'". Not what I'm looking for in an adult romance novel. And no, it's not about the words actually being written... it's just the style? I can't quite describe it. Didn't work for me at all.

I don't know. I was just bored. I don't expect to connect with characters immediately upon opening a book, but even by 10%, I could honestly not have cared less about our characters.

Also, I'm sorry, it just felt ridiculous... like you're telling me a huge NYC RE firm is bringing in a consultant from bumfuck nowhere? It was kind of just insane and unrealistic, sorry.

Overall, not for me.

Thank you to NG, the publisher, and the author for the ARC.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Where We Belong
By: Savannah Carlisle
Pub date: March 24, 2026
Publisher: Harpeth Road Press

☕ A small-town coffee shop
📺 A high-stakes reality TV competition
💛 A hashtag that just might change everything

Chloe Beckett is determined to prove that community beats corporate strategy when she competes on a reality TV show where entrepreneurs are vying for a cash prize. With slick MBAs and social media influencers as her competition, she turns to her longtime crush, Michael Russo, for help, telling herself it’s just business.

But when #WhereWeBelong starts to go viral, Chloe isn’t the only one rethinking what success really means.

Where We Belong by @SavvyCarlisle is filled with beachy charm, slow-burn romance and the most adorable small town where friends feel like family. From the writing to the characters to the story, this book will have you hooked from the beginning! I could see this book made into a Hallmark Movie! A perfect read for your pool or beach bag!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story! 3.5 stars

Chloe, part owner of Island Coffee, applies for a role on an entrepreneur reality show. She's hoping to buy out her partner, who is her brother, and expand to another location run by a friend. The story follows her reality show journey as well as her budding relationship with a friend/mentor.

I hadn't read the prior books in the series, so I wasn't sure how some of the characters fit with each other. I didn't feel it took anything away from the story, though. I liked watching Chloe grow into a business owner not afraid to defend her own vision rather than cave to the social norms. The coffee shop, and her vision for others, including Perk Slope, sounds like a place I'd like to visit.

The story has a slow burn romance and did move along a bit slower than I like (the whole story, not just the romance part), but all in all it was a good book. I would read another by the author.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean, sweet romance that is centered around a reality television show that is a small business competition. Chloe enters the competition to try to win the money to buy out her brother, who owns part of her coffee shop. She also wants tomhelp others open similar shops in other towns.

Michael stands beside her through the whole process and finds that her feelings and beliefs are affecting him personally and in his business dealings, making him feel like a better person.

Thanks to Books Go Social for the digital copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

[Rachel Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 on Dune island and it’s Chloe and Michael’s story .
This is a clean romance and it’s competition in a reality show .
Chloe owns a bake shop and Michael is a family man and NY investor .
I enjoyed watching these two characters grow in the book .
I highly recommend this book and thank you for my ARC

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this story! Staying true to yourself can be difficult at times. The main characters are kind, compassionate, and dedicated people. Their love for community and family is inspiring. Making the best decisions leads to more than the possiblity of winning a contest. Another great read by this author. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Jacquie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a warmhearted, uplifting romance. This story shows what happens when you believe in yourself and are true to your own vision. Michael and Chloe are great characters and their story will leave you happy. It's a small town romance with a reality show twist that includes a viral hashtag.