What do you think?
Rate this book
Willa Bay #1
The Inn at Willa Bay
Three friends at crossroads in their lives, a family secret, and an aging seaside resort with the power to bring everyone together.
Achieving her dream career as a wedding planner hasn’t been easy, but Zoe Tisdale’s sacrifices are about to pay off. Unfortunately, her carefully crafted life is knocked off course by a new arrival in town. Before she can process the changes to her work life, her world is turned upside down when her elderly friend and landlord Celia is hospitalized, jeopardizing the future of their home, the historic Inn at Willa Bay.
Her friend Meg left a prestigious chef position in the city when she returned home after her mother got sick. Now that her mother is healthy again, is it time for Meg to follow her own dreams?
Another friend, Cassie, never expected to be a single mother, but she’s making things work – until an old rival returns to Willa Bay, threatening her much-needed job as a pastry chef at a local lodge.
Across the country, Shawn has just finished renovating a turn-of-the-century house when a phone call from a mystery woman brings him back to Washington State.
News of Celia’s accident ripples through the community and reveals a long-hidden secret that brings all of them together. In the process of changing the fate of the historic Inn at Willa Bay, they discover the healing power of friendship, family, and love – and a pathway to an exciting new future.
Escape to scenic Willa Bay in this heartwarming USA Today Bestseller by the author of the Candle Beach series!
Willa Bay Series
Book 1: The Inn at Willa Bay
Book 2: The Sea Star Bakery
Book 3: A Haven on the Bay
Book 4: The Sunset Cottages
Book 5: The Riverside Dance Studio (coming June 2023)
Achieving her dream career as a wedding planner hasn’t been easy, but Zoe Tisdale’s sacrifices are about to pay off. Unfortunately, her carefully crafted life is knocked off course by a new arrival in town. Before she can process the changes to her work life, her world is turned upside down when her elderly friend and landlord Celia is hospitalized, jeopardizing the future of their home, the historic Inn at Willa Bay.
Her friend Meg left a prestigious chef position in the city when she returned home after her mother got sick. Now that her mother is healthy again, is it time for Meg to follow her own dreams?
Another friend, Cassie, never expected to be a single mother, but she’s making things work – until an old rival returns to Willa Bay, threatening her much-needed job as a pastry chef at a local lodge.
Across the country, Shawn has just finished renovating a turn-of-the-century house when a phone call from a mystery woman brings him back to Washington State.
News of Celia’s accident ripples through the community and reveals a long-hidden secret that brings all of them together. In the process of changing the fate of the historic Inn at Willa Bay, they discover the healing power of friendship, family, and love – and a pathway to an exciting new future.
Escape to scenic Willa Bay in this heartwarming USA Today Bestseller by the author of the Candle Beach series!
Willa Bay Series
Book 1: The Inn at Willa Bay
Book 2: The Sea Star Bakery
Book 3: A Haven on the Bay
Book 4: The Sunset Cottages
Book 5: The Riverside Dance Studio (coming June 2023)
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2020
2733 people are currently reading
1249 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
February 16, 2023
The story of these friends is quite touching. Very light and soothing reading. Truthful and beautifully written about life's hardships on a daily basis. You can learn about friendship, career, balancing parenthood and a busy schedule, and much more.
Although I thought the characters were underdeveloped and at first kept confusing them due to their different ages, I think most readers would find the book appealing. The characters all have different vocations and skills, which adds to the attractiveness. She gives readers a sense of place with her descriptions of the seashore. hence, that remains a positive.
While predictable, it has a good plot. Discreet language; no overt sex. In a small village, rumors and gossip abound. It was enjoyable to watch the inn's remodeling. It would be good beach reading or reading during a slump.
Overall, it's a fine book for times when you're not seeking for anything particularly profound to occupy your thoughts constantly.
Although I thought the characters were underdeveloped and at first kept confusing them due to their different ages, I think most readers would find the book appealing. The characters all have different vocations and skills, which adds to the attractiveness. She gives readers a sense of place with her descriptions of the seashore. hence, that remains a positive.
While predictable, it has a good plot. Discreet language; no overt sex. In a small village, rumors and gossip abound. It was enjoyable to watch the inn's remodeling. It would be good beach reading or reading during a slump.
Overall, it's a fine book for times when you're not seeking for anything particularly profound to occupy your thoughts constantly.
May 11, 2022
4.75 stars. Really cute story. I only wish it had more romance
June 22, 2020
This book was okay, but I wasn’t addicted to it. Can’t recommend it.
July 7, 2021
Light summer reading, but nothing special. I read it in a few hours, and knew how it would end by the end of the first chapter.
July 9, 2021
Loved “ The Inn at Willa Bay”- A Willa Bay Novel
I really enjoyed reading The Inn at Willa Bay by Nicole Ellis. This author makes her characters come alive and become friends and family to the reader. With the range in ages of the characters it would appeal to most readers. The skills and jobs of the characters are varied and described to give added appeal. Her descriptions of the shoreline make the readers feel they are there. I will look for more by this author. I was sad when the book came to an end!❤️
I really enjoyed reading The Inn at Willa Bay by Nicole Ellis. This author makes her characters come alive and become friends and family to the reader. With the range in ages of the characters it would appeal to most readers. The skills and jobs of the characters are varied and described to give added appeal. Her descriptions of the shoreline make the readers feel they are there. I will look for more by this author. I was sad when the book came to an end!❤️
May 24, 2020
Good story
I enjoyed the small mystery,the beautiful area,lovely old houses. The struggles of the crew,how they all came together to help each other. Even the villain Laura. Can’t wait to read next book. Nice to have mystery without violence. Enjoyed very much
I enjoyed the small mystery,the beautiful area,lovely old houses. The struggles of the crew,how they all came together to help each other. Even the villain Laura. Can’t wait to read next book. Nice to have mystery without violence. Enjoyed very much
April 14, 2024
I almost dnf'd at 19%. I went and read a different book instead and then came back to this one and finished it.
This book was a classic example of telling instead of showing, I never felt connected to the characters or really involved in their stories. It didn't help that there were so many different povs, I think we heard from 5 different characters during the book.
We're told that after a few weeks Zoe and Shawn have been spending time together and that she now has feelings for him. Really? Why? What were they doing? We didn't get to be a part of any of these interactions, they never went on a date or even a casual outing together.
The mystery secret was obvious from the outset and dragging it out by having Shawn's father away on a fishing trip added nothing to the story.
Several times there was way too much description. Just tell me she put the carrots on the bench, I don't need to know "they're neatly stacked in a pile with their feathery green fronds hanging over the edge like moss from a tree" or "she slammed on the brakes, threw the car into park, ripped the keys out of the ignition, then ran up the walkway, taking the porch steps two at a time". I'm more exhausted just reading it than she was doing it.
When I needed description though, there was none. I have no idea what the three main characters looked like. If I can't picture them then how can I connect with them?
Overall I just found the book frustrating, I can't believe it has a 4.3 star rating. I don't care about any of the characters and won't be continuing with the series.
This book was a classic example of telling instead of showing, I never felt connected to the characters or really involved in their stories. It didn't help that there were so many different povs, I think we heard from 5 different characters during the book.
We're told that after a few weeks Zoe and Shawn have been spending time together and that she now has feelings for him. Really? Why? What were they doing? We didn't get to be a part of any of these interactions, they never went on a date or even a casual outing together.
The mystery secret was obvious from the outset and dragging it out by having Shawn's father away on a fishing trip added nothing to the story.
Several times there was way too much description. Just tell me she put the carrots on the bench, I don't need to know "they're neatly stacked in a pile with their feathery green fronds hanging over the edge like moss from a tree" or "she slammed on the brakes, threw the car into park, ripped the keys out of the ignition, then ran up the walkway, taking the porch steps two at a time". I'm more exhausted just reading it than she was doing it.
When I needed description though, there was none. I have no idea what the three main characters looked like. If I can't picture them then how can I connect with them?
Overall I just found the book frustrating, I can't believe it has a 4.3 star rating. I don't care about any of the characters and won't be continuing with the series.
July 31, 2021
The Inn at Willa Bay
This book is about Several good friends with life concerns. Each friend has worries about jobs, family, friends, money and changing responsibilities within their work environment.
Cassie is trying to make it in the baking business and doing all the baking at the Lodge, until someone try’s to make her look incompetent. Zoe works in the same lodge where she is not awarded the position she was working towards due to nepotism. Meg comes home to their small town from Portland when her Mum was ill, and will never become head chef due to changes in the Lodge and their good friend Celia falls and breaks her hip and leg.
Celia’s Inn is threatened with back taxes, and Celia’s grandson finally meets his Grandmother for the first time.
The common thread is saving a rundown seaside resort, for all of the friends, but they aren’t sure if it is possible.
Through their trials they join forces, and things work out nicely for them all eventually. This book is a fun read, full of warmth and great human interactions.
This book is about Several good friends with life concerns. Each friend has worries about jobs, family, friends, money and changing responsibilities within their work environment.
Cassie is trying to make it in the baking business and doing all the baking at the Lodge, until someone try’s to make her look incompetent. Zoe works in the same lodge where she is not awarded the position she was working towards due to nepotism. Meg comes home to their small town from Portland when her Mum was ill, and will never become head chef due to changes in the Lodge and their good friend Celia falls and breaks her hip and leg.
Celia’s Inn is threatened with back taxes, and Celia’s grandson finally meets his Grandmother for the first time.
The common thread is saving a rundown seaside resort, for all of the friends, but they aren’t sure if it is possible.
Through their trials they join forces, and things work out nicely for them all eventually. This book is a fun read, full of warmth and great human interactions.
March 13, 2020
The dilapidated Inn at Willa Bay could be a dream disguised in faded paint.
The Wedding Crashers are a talented group of female friends, including an event planner, a chef, and a baker who’ve successfully turned Willa Bay into a wedding destination. They’ve devoted years to the Willa Bay Lodge, but each dreams of someday opening her own business. When the boss’s daughter and son-in-law make working at the Lodge unbearable, the Crashers need to make career decisions. Can an unhappy accident, a surprise millionaire financier, an unexpected chance at love, and the once-glorious Inn at Willa Bay — now a fading and ramshackle derelict — end their desperation? This is a sweet book, with likable characters in challenging situations. Read it to see if there really can be an HEA for the Wedding Crashers.
The Wedding Crashers are a talented group of female friends, including an event planner, a chef, and a baker who’ve successfully turned Willa Bay into a wedding destination. They’ve devoted years to the Willa Bay Lodge, but each dreams of someday opening her own business. When the boss’s daughter and son-in-law make working at the Lodge unbearable, the Crashers need to make career decisions. Can an unhappy accident, a surprise millionaire financier, an unexpected chance at love, and the once-glorious Inn at Willa Bay — now a fading and ramshackle derelict — end their desperation? This is a sweet book, with likable characters in challenging situations. Read it to see if there really can be an HEA for the Wedding Crashers.
July 20, 2021
Nice story with really likeable characters. Comfy, easy read - if you need to relax - this is a book that will absolutely help you do that. The beginning of the book - first chapter or two are kind of rough and bumpy when the prominent characters of the story are introduced...was confusing at first figuring out who was who and who worked where or did what for a living. It smooths out as the story progresses. The main events that are likely to happen in the story are telescoped out there pretty well so there there are no real surprises except for one for the main character Zoe.
All in all - nice easy summer read for beach or porch. In fact, it was so nice...I immediately purchased the second book. Thanks Nicole Ellis - I will read more of your work - your books are well edited, nicely written for the most part and you tell a good story.
All in all - nice easy summer read for beach or porch. In fact, it was so nice...I immediately purchased the second book. Thanks Nicole Ellis - I will read more of your work - your books are well edited, nicely written for the most part and you tell a good story.
September 28, 2021
A beautiful book to escape into
This was such a joy to read. Beautifully written and full of truths about the everyday struggles in life. It tells you about friendship, working and juggling parenthood, working life and so much more. There is even a budding romance with a handsome man. I can't wait to read the second one. It shows that taking a leap of faith can sometimes change you life, no matter how scary it first seems. Well done Nicole Ellis on a truly lovely story. It gives me hope.
This was such a joy to read. Beautifully written and full of truths about the everyday struggles in life. It tells you about friendship, working and juggling parenthood, working life and so much more. There is even a budding romance with a handsome man. I can't wait to read the second one. It shows that taking a leap of faith can sometimes change you life, no matter how scary it first seems. Well done Nicole Ellis on a truly lovely story. It gives me hope.
July 22, 2021
This is a very sweet story about friends. Very light , gentle reading. I appreciated its lack of profanity. I did find the characters under developed and kept getting them mixed up at first as a result. It’s a good book for when you’re not looking for anything too deep that would occupy your mind every minute you’re not reading it. I’ll probably read the others in the series, but not right away as I typically do with a series. I’ll save them for when I need something light.
July 30, 2021
One of Best Books Read
This series of 4 books sure got my attention with first one. Enjoyed so much I just purchased the rest of series.
The story line is so believable,characters seem very real.
Thanks to author for a sweet, clean read. Looking forward to reading the other three.
Reading this novel sure interfered with my yard and housework.😀😀 Recommend to others to try. Number one is free. Grab it
This series of 4 books sure got my attention with first one. Enjoyed so much I just purchased the rest of series.
The story line is so believable,characters seem very real.
Thanks to author for a sweet, clean read. Looking forward to reading the other three.
Reading this novel sure interfered with my yard and housework.😀😀 Recommend to others to try. Number one is free. Grab it
September 10, 2021
Nice light story about a group of friends who are involved in the wedding industries, calling themselves The Wedding Crashers. Each one of them has their own challenges and dreams, working at Willa Bay Lodge. I did kept getting confused with the characters as the story doesnt focus on any main characters at first in trying to introduce each characters and their backstory. All in all, nice easy read.
July 6, 2020
I wanted to love this book and it had great promise. The author included so many characters that she was unable to make any of them have enough depth. I felt like I was on the outside looking in, with a mountain range in the way. I think there just wasn’t enough about the main characters to really make you get into the book, unfortunately.
July 5, 2021
A magical place
While more of a city girl myself, I was completely enamored by this little town and the wonderful relationships that were created there! I could almost taste the salt in the air and Cassie’s amazing desserts. A wonderful group of accomplished women sharing and showing a great example of sisterhood !
While more of a city girl myself, I was completely enamored by this little town and the wonderful relationships that were created there! I could almost taste the salt in the air and Cassie’s amazing desserts. A wonderful group of accomplished women sharing and showing a great example of sisterhood !
July 8, 2021
Friendship at Willa Bay
Nicole Ellis has taken a group of characters & put them together to tell a story about the challenges of change. The Inn at Willa Bay is owned by a sweet, older lady, Celia. She is the owner of the Inn at Willa Bay. The characters add dimension to this story. If you want to read a good book, this one will get you thinking about your friendships!
Nicole Ellis has taken a group of characters & put them together to tell a story about the challenges of change. The Inn at Willa Bay is owned by a sweet, older lady, Celia. She is the owner of the Inn at Willa Bay. The characters add dimension to this story. If you want to read a good book, this one will get you thinking about your friendships!
July 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book but only gave it 3 stars as it was pretty
formulaic. You knew all along who was going to end up with whom, problems solved, cute mishaps and misunderstandings, and a neat set up for the next book in the series. Would be a good, light beach read or just a “easy” book between some heavier reads.
formulaic. You knew all along who was going to end up with whom, problems solved, cute mishaps and misunderstandings, and a neat set up for the next book in the series. Would be a good, light beach read or just a “easy” book between some heavier reads.
July 12, 2021
A delightful tale of life, changes and romance
Great read, the characters are loveable and the setting is beautiful. As the past mingled with the current lives of the characters, their futures are changing and romance is blooming. Love it, thanks look forward to reading more from this series
Great read, the characters are loveable and the setting is beautiful. As the past mingled with the current lives of the characters, their futures are changing and romance is blooming. Love it, thanks look forward to reading more from this series
July 12, 2021
Good read
Reading and reacting to the way this book draws you in to the characters is amazing. Each character has a story of their own but so intertwines with each other I could not put this book down. I suspected the ending but I still did not know for sure until the last page. Highly recommend reading this story and can't wait for the next book .
Reading and reacting to the way this book draws you in to the characters is amazing. Each character has a story of their own but so intertwines with each other I could not put this book down. I suspected the ending but I still did not know for sure until the last page. Highly recommend reading this story and can't wait for the next book .
July 26, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book but was disappointed that Pearson didn’t get his comeuppance or his wife I was waiting for that to be the icing on the cake and then nothing, no mention of the heroine resigning not good enough too many things left hanging in the air, what happened to Taylor’s chat with George?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book!
Nice plot, believable characters! Clean language, no blatant sex. It would make good beach reading! I'm looking forward to reading other books from this series, can't wait to see what happens next to the characters. Older teens & adults would probably enjoy this book! I did!
Nice plot, believable characters! Clean language, no blatant sex. It would make good beach reading! I'm looking forward to reading other books from this series, can't wait to see what happens next to the characters. Older teens & adults would probably enjoy this book! I did!
August 2, 2021
The book is well-written but the plot is predictable. The author is skilled and clearly has talent. Her writing will evolve with time and effort.
Her character names are sometimes difficult to remember; I often 're-read passages in order to keep names straight. Yet some of the plot was predictable. ( I read the book in a about 3 hours; I was sleepless in Hartford.)
Her character names are sometimes difficult to remember; I often 're-read passages in order to keep names straight. Yet some of the plot was predictable. ( I read the book in a about 3 hours; I was sleepless in Hartford.)
August 8, 2021
A very good read
I love stories about old inns and the history of its beginning. Imagining the romance that flourished and the ups & downs of ownership. The writing brought me right to the shore the inn was built on i could practically hear the waves crashing and see the sunset. Enjoy!
I love stories about old inns and the history of its beginning. Imagining the romance that flourished and the ups & downs of ownership. The writing brought me right to the shore the inn was built on i could practically hear the waves crashing and see the sunset. Enjoy!
August 14, 2021
Beautiful story
I enjoyed reading it. No bad language or sex . Happy ending for everyone and everything turns out for all of them. In today's world and bad news everywhere it was nice to forget about the bad and read happy words, even though they were going through some difficult moments each one stayed friends and worked together to make a happy life for all.
I enjoyed reading it. No bad language or sex . Happy ending for everyone and everything turns out for all of them. In today's world and bad news everywhere it was nice to forget about the bad and read happy words, even though they were going through some difficult moments each one stayed friends and worked together to make a happy life for all.
August 17, 2021
I needed an easy to read, enjoyable book with good characters and an interesting storyline; this fitted the bill. It was a pleasure to read despite having a very predictable ending, while it was refreshing to read about such loyalty and friendship. The book itself is well written and easy to follow, in addition to encouraging you to read the next bit. Overall a very happy book to read.
August 22, 2021
A Great Read
I loved this book. The characters were realistic, down to earth folks. They were believable and their interactions were seen and heard in one's every day life. It was a challenge to put the book down. I continuously waited to see what challenges the characters would face next. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.
I loved this book. The characters were realistic, down to earth folks. They were believable and their interactions were seen and heard in one's every day life. It was a challenge to put the book down. I continuously waited to see what challenges the characters would face next. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.
August 25, 2021
Friendship and business
What a combination of ups and downs for good friends with careers. This story had it all and so had these women; brains, love and ambition. I was swept away and felt as though I was right there with them. Thanks Nicole for a heart warming book. I can't wait to see how /if Cassie will fall in with their plans for the future.
What a combination of ups and downs for good friends with careers. This story had it all and so had these women; brains, love and ambition. I was swept away and felt as though I was right there with them. Thanks Nicole for a heart warming book. I can't wait to see how /if Cassie will fall in with their plans for the future.
September 18, 2021
I enjoyed meeting the characters in Willa Bay. Resilient, hardworking ladies struggle against obstacles to their careers and personal lives. Caring, supportive friends and families make Willa Bay a good place to live. I would like to visit the inn again to see how Celia, Meg, Zoe, Cassie, and Shawn are doing.
October 6, 2021
I loved everything about this book.
I loved that the book shows how gold friends can be like family sometimes even closer than family. It teaches about forgiveness and how it can make what seems impossible be just what everyone wants and needs. Thank you Nicole for the inspiration to be strong and never give up on a dream.
I loved that the book shows how gold friends can be like family sometimes even closer than family. It teaches about forgiveness and how it can make what seems impossible be just what everyone wants and needs. Thank you Nicole for the inspiration to be strong and never give up on a dream.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews