Coming Home to Merriment Bay: Part One: A Reunion

Coming Home to Merriment Bay #1

by Emily Harvale

A heartwarming four-part serial about family, friendship, and finding the strength to put the past behind you and step into a bright, new future filled with love and laughter.

After eighteen years apart, reclusive Cat Devon still recognises her mum’s handwriting. Plucking up the courage to open the letter, its contents send Cat and her teenage daughter, Kyra racing to Merriment Bay, the seaside village where Cat grew up.

But Cat is shocked to find the situation is worse than expected. Despite everything, Cat considers herself to be an optimist at heart and Kyra takes after her. Looking on the bright side may not improve things, but it definitely can’t make them worse.

Clearing out the house that, even now, Cat fondly thinks of as home, she stumbles upon more than just memories in the battered leather trunk in Granny Viola’s bedroom. She discovers a faded photo of an RAF pilot, a pile of unopened letters, and a mystery waiting to be solved.

Who is the man in the – clearly treasured – photo? Cat and Kyra are intent on finding out. But that’s not all Cat’s determined to do. It’s time she came to terms with her past and made peace with her mum and her gran. All the while avoiding bumping into the one man she never quite got over … and keeping a few secrets of her own.

This is Part One of a new, four-part serial. The other three parts are:
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Two: Sparks Fly
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Three: Christmas
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Four: Starry Skies

This is the start of Emily Harvale's Merriment Bay series which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read alone, but several characters appear in both series.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Womens Fiction

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2019

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

I don't know how your mum stays alive because she clearly doesn't have a heart.

It's like an inferno in that kitchen. But that might have something to do with Luigi, the chef. He could make my pot boil any time he wants, if you catch my meaning. I've half a mind to make him husband number three.

So many questions and thoughts and fears careered around in Cat's mind, but her lips wouldn't form any words. Not polite ones, anyway.

The expression on Mary's face was one of abject horror. As if she had seen the four horsemen of the Apocalypse and they were heading straight for her.


My Review:

Starting a new series involves setting the stage, establishing the traits and personality quirks of the various characters, and drawing the reader in with various story threads and my curiosity has been poked, nudged, and dialed to itch factor, as I’m impatient to know the secrets. What a tease that Emily Harvale, I would stamping my little foot and turning the air blue if I didn’t already have Part Two already loaded on my Kindle.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Fantastic Start, a New Must Read Series

I was super excited when I found out Emily had a new series. I adore all of her books so I couldn't wait to dive into Coming Home to Merriment Bay – A Reunion and I wasn't disappointed, she has written another Gem of a book, that know is going to be a must read series!

Cat run away from Merriment Bay with baby Kyra 18 years ago and on Kyra's 18th Birthday, she receives a letter informing her that her Grandmother is in a bad way and suggests she comes back home.

So Cat and Kyra pack up the car and head home to Merriment Bay, filled with dread and uncertainty as they haven't spoken since she run away.
But will Cat and Kyra be welcomed with opened arms, or are the scars too deep.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment to this compelling new series.
Cat and Kyra are fantastic Characters and I warmed to them straight away.

Coming Home to Merriment Bay: A Reunion
Is a heart warming, very compelling and captivating read.
There are many secrets and mystery weaved into this story, which I loved.
Lil bits of information trickled along nicely, not giving much away but enough to get me completely intrigued. I can't wait to discover more.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merriment Bay is a charming seaside small town and the setting of Emelie Harvale’s latest Serial. Not going to lie I was a little bitter when there weren’t going to be any more Lily Pond Books, but all might now be forgiven. Merriment Bay is just as delightful and I am excited to get to know an entire new cast of characters(Buttt I wouldn’t be opposed to another Lily Pond book, just saying).

Cat has not been home for almost 18 years. So she is less than thrilled to see a letter from her estranged mother, especially when it is interrupting her daughter‘s 18th birthday celebration. The contents of the letter causes Cat and her daughter Kyra to pack up their things and head to the one place Cat never thought she was going back to, Merriment Bay. This book hooked me from the very first page. I had to know what had been keeping Cat away for so long. I loved every single character in this book especially Cat and Kyra, and I can’t wait to get to know them better. There were quite a few revelations in this book along with some new secrets. I cannot wait to dive into the next book in this series, fortunately it is already on my Kindle!

This book in emojis: 👩‍👧 🌊 🏖 💔

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beginning to a wonderful series filled with descriptive prose, warm characters, and a mystery to solve. I found myself liking this one more than the couple of other books I have read from author Emily Harvale.

Cat was away from Merriment Bay since 18 years and a letter from her mom shocked her. Along with her daughter Kyra, she rushed home to realize things have changed. While organizing through stuff at home, Cat discovered a mystery. Secrets sure were binding the family together.

Book 1 in the series, this story felt like an appetizer to the rest. I got to know the characters and could feel that there were so many things which would be revealed later. I was most intrigued by Cat, as to what kept her away from her family for so many years.

The author’s talent lay in the way she had described the locations. She made them come alive. The characters and the by play of emotions between them showed me the complexities of relationships.

This was a book which played hide and go seek with me. I got to know a few things about this family that Cat belonged to and many were hidden. Which just awakened my curiosity.

At 100 pages, it was a sweet, fast read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Merriment Bay series. Being a fan of the authors Lily Pond Lane series, I was very much looking forward to this one and I wasn’t disappointed.

Cat has been away from her home village having never returned until she receives a letter on her daughter’s eighteenth birthday. Obviously I was intrigued as to know why she had been away for that long and that her daughter Kyra has never met her extended family.

What follows is a charming read with a certain amount of revelations. As it’s the first in the series, the author only shares so much with the reader ensuring that they will be coming back for more. There are lots of interesting and likeable characters of which some, I can’t wait to get to know better.

Cat and Kyra are great characters and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for them both in the next installment. Some parts are quite tender as we learn more about Cat’s past and I could feel my emotions stirring within me the more into the story I got.

Coming Home To Merriment Bay: Part One: A Reunion is a great start this brand new series. It’s a quick read that kept me enthralled throughout and makes for a charming and feel good read. This is an author who for me always delivers on all counts and never fails to keep me entertained.

My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I thought that this was a lovely story and I love the setting for the book!

I actually only finished this story last night and I wanted to try and read this part, and part two back to back – I love this author’s books and the only downside ever with them is the waiting time for the different parts to be released!

The characters in this story are again well developed and I found them to be really likeable and a bit mysterious! The book was easy to read and follow as I have to expect with this author’s books.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, it was a great start and a lovely introduction to the main characters. Really looking forward to finding out more about the Devon’s and to fully meeting the other residents in Merriment Bay! Very highly recommended and I can’t wait to start part two – Sparks Fly!!

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Harvale is one of several authors on my list who can create wonderful stories in several novellas adding up to a glorious series - and this is shaping up to be one of the best.

Cat Devon grew up in Merriment Bay, but left suddenly eighteen years ago and hasn't seen or heard her family since. The arrival of a letter from her mother shocks Cat to the core and what it contains sends her, along with her daughter Kyra, racing back to the seaside to find out what's going on. Not much has changed in the village, but, like any trip back to the past, the things Cat remembers aren't the only memories which come flooding back and while helping to sort through the  massive amount of stuff stored in the house, a new mystery is discovered which will, no doubt, niggle away at her too. 

First of all, the setting for this book is superb - I could definitely sense the sea air! Families always contain lots of memories, both good and bad, and there is lots to keep the readers' attention in this one. Family dynamics are never easy to predict but there is enough information in this first book to keep me focused for the rest of the series. Whilst it's good to read on it's own, the experience is definitely enhanced by reading the first book in the Wyntersleap books; although different characters it really sets the scene for this first trip into Merriment Bay! Beautifully written and flowing effortlessly, it's so easy to get immersed in this one and lose yourself until you reach the final page. Another winner from this author, and absolutely worth all five glowing stars.

[Pattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, easy to read book. There are four books in the series and I’m already on book 3. The plot may seem to be a bit predictable but I’ll have to get back to you on this. Regardless, I’m enjoying Merriment Bay! Xx

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Emily Harvale x

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is part one to a four part book series, although all four parts also form book one of the Merriment Bay series.

Part one has been a delight to read, do love the start of a new series, although what was nice about this series is that I was already familiar with some of the characters. The main characters Cat and Kyra were first introduced to me in a previous series that author Emily Harvale has written, being the Wyntersleap series (made up of three books). Anyway it was lovely to get to know Cat and Kyra more and to learn of their story of their family and how they come to be back in Merriment Bay.

In this part one, a discovery is made, being an old picture of a man in soldier attire taken outside the WW1 museum many years ago and some old sealed letters that have clearly never been read or opened. I can’t wait to discover more about this in Part two, and to find out who the man in the photo is. Also looking forward to finding out what secrets Cat’s mum Mary is keeping from her. Not to mention how things go when Cat and Amias get reacquainted after all this these years, 18 years to be exact.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a universally known fact that Laura (aka me!) has zero patience for waiting. Yeah, yeah – laugh it up *grumbles*

But, seriously, I’ve been known to wait until a storyline is complete before diving in to read. So, as you can imagine, some of my friends thought it was the most hilarious thing they’ve ever heard when I explained that CHTMB was a novel told in four parts and that I was going to read real-time *smirks*.

The last thing I’m going to say on this matter is – the struggle is real! (Although, knowing me, it won’t be the last thing *snorts*.)

Also, can someone please explain to me what rock I’ve been hiding under to have never read anything by Emily Harvale before? Coz, peeps, I’m at a loss *shrugs*. *whispers* Between thee and me, I feel a binge coming on in my future to catch up on the author’s backlist.

Sheesh, 100+ words and I’m not even at the good stuff yet... *palms face*

I devoured part one. The author reels you in by introducing each of the main characters and leaving you wanting more. Honestly, you should see the notes section of my phone, so many questions. Arghhh!! Repeat after me: you must learn to be patient *rolls eyes*.

Although outwardly happy, there is a certain sadness about Cat and I just wanted to hug her. She might disagree with me, but it took strength and courage to leave all she had known all those years ago to raise her daughter on her own. And it takes that same strength and courage to return home and face the ghosts of the past.

Cat and Kyra’s mother/daughter bond is so strong. They are a team. This caused a huge old lump in my throat as it reminded me of my own mum (aka The Mommy) and I.

If anyone can start unravelling all the secrets, it’s going to be spirited Kyra. My only worry is if history will repeat itself.

Final thought – I wanna smack Amias upside the head. Grrrr! I think this means I’m going to love him by the end. What is it about the frustrating ones? *taps chin*

Now the wait begins...

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely beginning to a new series by this author. I’ve read the previous series featuring Lily Pond Lane and loved them, so had an idea of what kind of books this author writes! This book is Part One in the Merriment Bay series aptly sub-titled A Reunion. As this series is written into four novella sized books, each one is perfect to finish in a couple of hours…or less if you’re anything like me!

In this series, we are introduced to Cat Devon and her 18-year-old daughter Kyra. Cat has had nothing to do with her family since she left home 18 years before but when she receives a letter from her mother telling her Cat’s Granny Viola is in a coma, Cat takes her daughter and returns home to Merriment Bay. It’s obvious there is lots of history as to why Cat left home all those years before, and some things you find out in the first part of this story and others you are left to wait until the other instalments to find out what went on.

As it’s such a short story, I wouldn’t want to give away anything that will spoil the plot. I can’t even hazard a guess yet as to how this story is going to pan out, but I imagine there will be a little bit of romance, a little bit of family saga and little bit of wartime mystery. I have to admit that I’m already finding this a heart-warming and tender story of family, friendship, love, secrets and loss. I’m also finding it completely different to the previous series which I read which seemed a little bit more light-hearted and yet I’m enjoying this book much more!! This first part is setting the scene for the rest of the series and left it just in the right place to make you keen to get the next book to carry on the story!! A great start to this series and I’m sure this will continue right through to parts two, three and four!! Would definitely recommend!

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY GOD!!! Talking about a book letting you long for more!
I started it on a rainy afternoon, ready to discover an amazing story. And then POOF, part 1 finished!

Cat Devon left Merriment Bay with her then baby Kyra. 18 years later she receives a letter from her mother with not so good news about the condition of her grandmother.
Wanting to put the past behind, they decide to go back to Merriment Bay.
Slowly trying to find her place again in town, it’s also the start of discovering secrets bound to be kept.

Cat is a strong woman, but still carrying the burdens of her past with her, clearly not having put it all behind her.
And Kyra is just like her mother, strong independent and not being told what to do. Despite being just the 2 of them, they are not in need of extra help, they have made their lives how they wanted, without interference of negative thoughts.

Being the first part of the series, it’s obvious that when you reach the end of this book, it isn’t the end of the story.
For me personally, it was hell finding out that all the secrets and mysteries are still there. I need to know what happened in the past and what will happen next!

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was DELIGHTFUL and just the burst of sunshine I needed in my hectic reading world. I mean, grant it, it's not all actual sunshine and roses because LIFE HAPPENS, but it's what we, or in this case they, do with it that makes it counts. We've glimpses into the past of things that were and should have been. Personal revelations are made that even the characters didn't know were coming with repercussions being totally unknown...for now. Family dynamics to shy from and strive for are explored regarding all generations...and if all that wasn't enough, it's only part one! There's still more to come!

I love how we're directly introduced to the key characters and yet there is a still build up of history to get the story on the right track. I like the way the author poses the very questions at part one's end that are circling around in our own minds. I adore the fact that I'm not going to have to wait to get started on the second installment because honestly...TORTURE! We have to know what Kyra is playing at, what dear old Granny was holding so close to her heart, and just what is in store for our girl Cat!


*ecopy received fore review; opinions are my own

[Mrs A J Geeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Lots of twists and turns in this book!

This book had me hooked from the start! There is so much happening with so much intrigue and yet you learn so much about the characters... I can’t wait for part 2 to come out to see what happens next!!

Emily Harvale you have done it again!! Amazing book!!

[Ellen E Vanderstarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tease !

I was enjoying the book so much. Then , boom . The end. I have to wait to read the rest of the story.
I am waiting patiently to find out the rest of the story. What a clever idea. Hurry up part two.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series by a new to me author - and it was a treat. Really enjoyed the characters and the setting. Can't wait to read the next installment.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Emily's novellas, the Lily Pond Lane books were amazing & I'm hoping this series holds the same magic for me.

[Christine Spiers]

I love Emily Harvale books. You can lose yourself in them. Brilliant

[cheryl Murphy]

enjoyed the whole series..waiting for the next!

[Alison Featherstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book in 4 parts, what a let down!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Emily's books now and those that I have read, I have thoroughly enjoyed. The synopsis for 'Coming Home To Merriment Bay: Part One- A Reunion' certainly sounded interesting. I eagerly started to read and I wasn't to be disappointed either. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
As the title suggests, this is actually the first part of a four part story. The page count comes in at under 100 pages so as you can appreciate it didn't take me long to get through this book. I found that I was immediately drawn into the story from the first page onwards. As I was going through the first part of the story, I found that I began to need answers to certain questions that I had. I had my suspicions as to what was going to happen but I had to keep reading to see if I was right and in some cases I was and in others I wasn't. I was intrigued to discover why certainly people had become estranged from each other. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. This first part left me wanting more and I became desperate to get my hands on a copy of the second part of the story called 'Coming Home To Merriment Bay' Part Two: Sparks Fly'. Fortunately I didn't have any time to wait at all because the second book in the series was released on 23rd October 2019.
I found that this first part of the four part serial was brilliantly written. Emily Harvale has kept it real in the sense that she has created characters we can all relate to and given them scenarios that are all too common, such as estrangement between different people, reluctance to talk about the past and old wounds that have not yet healed. I was drawn into this story from the beginning and I genuinely cared about each and every character in the story. I found I became a bit too involved with the story because I found that I was wanting to jump inside the pages of the book to remonstrate with certain people and banging people's heads together.
In short, this was a brilliant start to what I suspect will be an equally brilliant series overall. As soon as I finish typing this review, I will be starting the second episode of the story. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of Emily Harvale, but she has truly outdone herself with this book! I fell in love with the characters from the very first pages, and then with the story itself!

Cat ran away from her home in Merriment Bay eighteen years ago, only months after having a daughter, Kyra. Since then, she has had no contact with her mother, Mary and grandmother, Violet, until the day a letter arrives from her estranged mother. Her grandmother is in a coma, and this might be her last chance to make amends with both her mother and grandmother. So, she returns with 18-year-old Kyra.

Amias has worked extremely hard to build his business. He has been successful in his professional life, but not his personal one. He dates, although not seriously. He seems pretty happy except he can’t forget an accident that took his best friend, Kyle, away eighteen years ago. He made a promise to watch over Kyle’s girlfriend, Cat, and baby, Kyra. However, Amias didn’t follow through because of his complicated feelings for Cat. Now, he will have to face those feelings as Cat and Kyra have returned to Merriment Bay.

I really liked the characters, and I especially liked that Cat and Amias both are telling their story. That enabled me to see the truly complicated feelings they have towards one another. Harvale gave some great flashbacks that explain their history, and she didn’t rush it.

I even enjoyed getting to know Cat’s mother, Mary. I can’t wait to see where her own journey takes us. It is one filled with secrets, just like Violet’s. Kyra is the one person who may just bring all of them back together.

Harvale has an amazing ability to write a book with bits of mystery that really makes the book addicting, and add in her talent in descriptive writing that enables her readers to feel like they are a part of the story itself, and you have just about the perfect read!

Whereas some readers might not like a story told in different parts, I quite like them if they are done well. Just from reading Part One, Harvale looks like she is going to do a great job telling not only Cat and Amias’s story, but Mary and Grandma Violet’s as well. I am thoroughly looking forward to the next in the series.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I love this author's books and was really keen to get started on this book as soon as it landed on my Kindle but I did wait until I had the first three parts to read so I didn't have to long to wait before being able to start the next book in the series!

I thought that this was a great story and another great start to a new mini series from this author! I thought that it was a great story with genuine and believable characters and I thought that they were all really well developed and I loved their interaction as the book progressed. I can't wait to find out more about them too.

It is 5 stars from me - I am really looking forward to reading part two now after reading this one - very highly recommended!!

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming Home to Merriment Bay is part one of a four part short story where we get to meet Cat & Kyra.

Cat is returning home to see her Grandma after running away with her young baby 18 years ago. Returning home Cat is confronting anger and emotions that she thought she had buried and a strange pull to Merriment Bay where she grew up and the life changing accident occurred.

I really enjoyed getting to know Cat & Kyra and see how they settled into life in Cat's old village. I am taking part in the blog tour for all 4 parts of this book and can't wait to keep reading to see what comes next for them both.

[Bonnie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm intrigued

Cat and her daughter Kyra come home after Cat left 18 years ago, pregnant and alone. 18 years without any contact with her mother, grandmother, or anyone else in Merriment Bay. But now Cat has received s letter from her mother that Gran Viola has fallen and is in a coma. Also, in Merriment Bay is Amias, the man she'd loved, but made clear that he didn't like her one little bit. This is the first of a 4-parter, and I'm eager to read the rest.

[Christine Paterson]

How can I possibly review a portion of a book? This is clearly a ploy to increase revenue by “cutting” a book up into instalments. I was enjoying reading this book until it abruptly finished. Obviously you hope that it excites one’s interest enough to buy the other instalments, which I, for one, won’t do.

[Susanne Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited to read this as I loved Lily Pond Lane books, and already I’m enjoying meeting the new characters and location. It doesn’t take long to suck me into the story!
Can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next!

[Louise Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Another great read by a very talented lady. Luckily I have part two ready and waiting. I love a book that’s easy to read and that I struggle to put down. This is definitely one of them!

[Gail Heenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This is going to be another fabulous book, can't wait till next part comes.Thank you Emily. My big pile of your books is growing.