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Wishington Bay #2
Winter at Wishington Bay
Eighteen months ago, Sophia Jones finally walked out on her unhappy life.
With a tricky divorce ongoing, money is tight and so when friends offer her a housekeeping job while they’re away travelling, she accepts.
Nate McKinley is hesitant when his brother, Gabe, offers him the use of their home in the picturesque village of Wishington Bay. But he has a book to a write and an imploded marriage to recover from, so maybe a change of scene is exactly what he needs.
As Wishington Bay works its magic, friendship blossoms between Sophia and Nate. For Nate, finally feeling able to be himself with someone who is honest and down to earth is a revelation.
But Sophia has a secret and a jealous colleague is determined to blow her cover. Can she really keep her old life in the past or is it destined to destroy this new, happy one too?
Take a trip back to Wishington Bay this winter and find out…
A deliciously heart-warming and romantic read, perfect for a cosy winter’s evening, from the author of the bestselling Winter’s Fairytale.
With a tricky divorce ongoing, money is tight and so when friends offer her a housekeeping job while they’re away travelling, she accepts.
Nate McKinley is hesitant when his brother, Gabe, offers him the use of their home in the picturesque village of Wishington Bay. But he has a book to a write and an imploded marriage to recover from, so maybe a change of scene is exactly what he needs.
As Wishington Bay works its magic, friendship blossoms between Sophia and Nate. For Nate, finally feeling able to be himself with someone who is honest and down to earth is a revelation.
But Sophia has a secret and a jealous colleague is determined to blow her cover. Can she really keep her old life in the past or is it destined to destroy this new, happy one too?
Take a trip back to Wishington Bay this winter and find out…
A deliciously heart-warming and romantic read, perfect for a cosy winter’s evening, from the author of the bestselling Winter’s Fairytale.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2020
495 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Maxine Morrey
38 books308 followersMaxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 10, 2020
A wonderful whimsical wintery romance! This is the second book by Maxine Morrey to take place in the charming village of Wishington Bay. Sophia moved to the small village a year and a half ago to escape her previous life, taking a job as a server and a house cleaner. Nate, Gabe’s Brother, has retreated to the UK from Australia after a bad divorce. Gabe and Holly ask Sophia to keep an eye out on the broody soon to be bachelor. But Sophia was not anticipating such a grouch or for there to be such chemistry between the two of them.
This was such a lovely story - definitely Christmas light. Sophia and Nate were both complicated characters with some baggage. Sophia has a huge secret about her pass that she’s keeping from everybody in town, I was very curious to see what that was - although I’m not sure exactly why the big secret was so big? It was fun catching up with some characters from the previous book, especially Brian the dog! Another sweet small-town romance that left me smiling!
This book in emojis 🐶🎄🍜🧽🗝
*** Big thank you to Boldwood for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was such a lovely story - definitely Christmas light. Sophia and Nate were both complicated characters with some baggage. Sophia has a huge secret about her pass that she’s keeping from everybody in town, I was very curious to see what that was - although I’m not sure exactly why the big secret was so big? It was fun catching up with some characters from the previous book, especially Brian the dog! Another sweet small-town romance that left me smiling!
This book in emojis 🐶🎄🍜🧽🗝
*** Big thank you to Boldwood for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
November 11, 2020
You needn’t worry about picking up a festive read with this book. Morrey’s offering is not too heavily set at Christmas. There is a Christmas fair and a light switch-on but, actually, I kind of forgot that this was set in December. I was more focused on how cold it felt and spending winter by the coast!
As such, if festive reads are not your thing, or you want a “warm-up” read in preparation for December, then this should appeal. It is warming, cosy and full of love and I think this will delight many a reader. In my opinion, I don’t think there is anything new here; the story and cast of characters felt like types I have seen before.
The protagonist, Sophia, harbours a massive secret. At first I thought I had missed this background information because there is a previous book set here. However, it would appear that the first book focuses on absent Holly so you don’t really need to know the other story to enjoy this one. Eventually, more information is revealed to readers about Sophia’s background and I think this made her far more interesting as a result. In the beginning, I thought Morrey was making the story too obvious and similar to other romantic reads; Sophia’s past adds “juice” to the story.
Nate, brooding Nate, is a hunky Australian who is seeking solace at Wishington Bay. Estranged from his wife, he comes to the coast to recuperate. Sophia is the cleaner of the house he is staying in (which is a back-story I would rather not go into right now!), and, as time passes, they both have feelings for each other. However, as readers of this genre know, this is never going to be plain sailing.
The writer includes the typical bumps along the way but they did not really catch my attention until the massive crisis towards the end. It was here that I found the story most enjoyable. Maybe I was feeling a bit cruel because it was at this point that Nate and Sophia’s relationship was truly crumbling!
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this story. Personally, I found it too obvious with not enough new ideas until the closing. I loved the Wishington Bay setting and the people that live there. I always like a read by the seaside and with the festive theme subtly running throughout, this became more of a delightful read.
I am definitely interested in returning to Wishington Bay. I wonder if having read the other book, I would have enjoyed this instalment further. However, coming to the Bay for the first time did not give me a feeling of having missed out; instead I felt intrigued to know what other escapades that Morrey has written about.
This is a loving, innocent read that is difficult not to feel comforted by it. Readers of this genre will not see anything new here but, on some occasions, this is the type of read that we all need.
With thanks to Boldwood books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As such, if festive reads are not your thing, or you want a “warm-up” read in preparation for December, then this should appeal. It is warming, cosy and full of love and I think this will delight many a reader. In my opinion, I don’t think there is anything new here; the story and cast of characters felt like types I have seen before.
The protagonist, Sophia, harbours a massive secret. At first I thought I had missed this background information because there is a previous book set here. However, it would appear that the first book focuses on absent Holly so you don’t really need to know the other story to enjoy this one. Eventually, more information is revealed to readers about Sophia’s background and I think this made her far more interesting as a result. In the beginning, I thought Morrey was making the story too obvious and similar to other romantic reads; Sophia’s past adds “juice” to the story.
Nate, brooding Nate, is a hunky Australian who is seeking solace at Wishington Bay. Estranged from his wife, he comes to the coast to recuperate. Sophia is the cleaner of the house he is staying in (which is a back-story I would rather not go into right now!), and, as time passes, they both have feelings for each other. However, as readers of this genre know, this is never going to be plain sailing.
The writer includes the typical bumps along the way but they did not really catch my attention until the massive crisis towards the end. It was here that I found the story most enjoyable. Maybe I was feeling a bit cruel because it was at this point that Nate and Sophia’s relationship was truly crumbling!
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this story. Personally, I found it too obvious with not enough new ideas until the closing. I loved the Wishington Bay setting and the people that live there. I always like a read by the seaside and with the festive theme subtly running throughout, this became more of a delightful read.
I am definitely interested in returning to Wishington Bay. I wonder if having read the other book, I would have enjoyed this instalment further. However, coming to the Bay for the first time did not give me a feeling of having missed out; instead I felt intrigued to know what other escapades that Morrey has written about.
This is a loving, innocent read that is difficult not to feel comforted by it. Readers of this genre will not see anything new here but, on some occasions, this is the type of read that we all need.
With thanks to Boldwood books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2020
It's a second chance love story, set in a beautiful countryside. Sophia has moved to Washington Bay to start a new life, leaving some secrets behind that she doesn't want to share with anyone. Not yet. The good thing is, she's happy here.
Then comes Nate, a quiet and reserved (as mentioned in the beginning) writer. They meet. Sparks fly. And...You need to read to know more.
Well, I love reading second chance romances and I liked the blurb, the cover is lovely, the title is interesting and that's why I requested this book. I expected it to be a cozy, heartwarming read but it ended up being an average read. I'll tell you why.
The first thing: there are too many dialogues. I mean non stop, uninteresting dialogues.
Second: I didn't feel anything for the protagonists. I didn't feel any connection. They just talk and talk and talk (Nate doesn't seem like a quiet, reserved type) and then eat and eat. There's no character development, I didn't see any growth in the relationship.
Third: There's no conflict in the story. The story gets a little interesting in the second half but it's too late by then.
As I mentioned, everything has been told through the dialogues. No description that could create nice imagery or evoke emotions.
An easy read but I'm disappointed.
Then comes Nate, a quiet and reserved (as mentioned in the beginning) writer. They meet. Sparks fly. And...You need to read to know more.
Well, I love reading second chance romances and I liked the blurb, the cover is lovely, the title is interesting and that's why I requested this book. I expected it to be a cozy, heartwarming read but it ended up being an average read. I'll tell you why.
The first thing: there are too many dialogues. I mean non stop, uninteresting dialogues.
Second: I didn't feel anything for the protagonists. I didn't feel any connection. They just talk and talk and talk (Nate doesn't seem like a quiet, reserved type) and then eat and eat. There's no character development, I didn't see any growth in the relationship.
Third: There's no conflict in the story. The story gets a little interesting in the second half but it's too late by then.
As I mentioned, everything has been told through the dialogues. No description that could create nice imagery or evoke emotions.
An easy read but I'm disappointed.
November 7, 2020
I’d define this as a cozy contemporary romance… it’s got a lot of the elements you’d find in cozy mystery like cutesy scenery and events, adorable animal characters - but is romance-based rather than a mystery. Yes, the heroine Sophia is hiding something, but realistically it’s just because she wants a quiet life, and considering the way it’s eventually revealed she was demeaned and diminished by both her family and then her husband, I didn’t blame her in the least.
Nate’s also in Wishington Bay to escape; with a book deadline looming and an extremely high maintenance not-quite-ex-wife to manage, it’s honestly not at all convenient for him to be unexpectedly attracted to Sophia, which is why he’s a complete grump to her at first. Soon the sparks of attraction are flying, though Nate doesn’t know Sophia’s secret. And we all know that keeping major secrets at the start of any relationship is the kind of bad idea that’s bound to come back to bite you.
This was fairly cute, but there were a few things that I found frustrating. The character Corinne seemed to have the same scene repeated about five times - she’d flirt with Nate, be rude to Sophia, repeat - and after the second time, I was thinking, enough already. Move on and tell a different part of the story. The story got a bit saggy in the middle because of that scene constantly getting rehashed; it would have been better to cut some of that and write some more in around the black moment, because honestly I think that, and the finale, were very much rushed through.
A sweet story in a lot of ways, I enjoyed that the protagonists were a little older - late thirties/early forties - and I liked the dynamic between the two of them. There was very little to dislike about either Nate or Sophia, they were two nice people who deserved to find happiness, but I also felt there wasn’t much real conflict in the story, which is why it fell a little flat for me. I’ll give it four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources.
Nate’s also in Wishington Bay to escape; with a book deadline looming and an extremely high maintenance not-quite-ex-wife to manage, it’s honestly not at all convenient for him to be unexpectedly attracted to Sophia, which is why he’s a complete grump to her at first. Soon the sparks of attraction are flying, though Nate doesn’t know Sophia’s secret. And we all know that keeping major secrets at the start of any relationship is the kind of bad idea that’s bound to come back to bite you.
This was fairly cute, but there were a few things that I found frustrating. The character Corinne seemed to have the same scene repeated about five times - she’d flirt with Nate, be rude to Sophia, repeat - and after the second time, I was thinking, enough already. Move on and tell a different part of the story. The story got a bit saggy in the middle because of that scene constantly getting rehashed; it would have been better to cut some of that and write some more in around the black moment, because honestly I think that, and the finale, were very much rushed through.
A sweet story in a lot of ways, I enjoyed that the protagonists were a little older - late thirties/early forties - and I liked the dynamic between the two of them. There was very little to dislike about either Nate or Sophia, they were two nice people who deserved to find happiness, but I also felt there wasn’t much real conflict in the story, which is why it fell a little flat for me. I’ll give it four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources.
May 10, 2023
This had some interesting elements, in particular relates to the h's background and journey. She is a really good character. This is NOT heavy on the actual romance.
November 3, 2020
A nice second chance romance. I loved the friendship that was portrayed amongst the characters, except Corrine - I just wanted to slap her! LOL!
This was my first book by this author, I’m not sure if it’s part of a series but throughout the book I got the impression that I should know more about the side characters, (as if they had their own book and I’ve missed ) however it was still a fab read and very enjoyable, Bryan was adorable. Both Nate and Sophia are cautious about starting anything due to their previous experiences, and after seeing a snap shot of their previous worlds you can totally understand why, however together they are better. They bring out the best if each other and are perfect together.
This was my first book by this author, I’m not sure if it’s part of a series but throughout the book I got the impression that I should know more about the side characters, (as if they had their own book and I’ve missed ) however it was still a fab read and very enjoyable, Bryan was adorable. Both Nate and Sophia are cautious about starting anything due to their previous experiences, and after seeing a snap shot of their previous worlds you can totally understand why, however together they are better. They bring out the best if each other and are perfect together.
November 5, 2020
What a lovely, relaxing read this is - ideal to escape into during these trying times! It is a delicious story of fresh starts, community and non-judgemental friendship. Sometimes you don't share everything to protect yourself and not for any nefarious reasons and that is certainly true about Sophia. She accidentally found herself living in Wishington Bay and is working as a cleaner and waitress to pay her way after leaving her cheating husband and unsupportive family behind. She's never been as happy, despite the changes, as she now has true friends who say things as they are and can be trusted to do right by her.
When Nate McKinley comes to stay in the home of his brother, Gabe, Sophia agrees to see to the cleaning and making sure things are right for him as Gabe and his wife will be away on holiday. Nate's wife has left him, leaving Nate reeling, so this change of scenery is also to give him space to recover whilst writing a book. Initially Sophia and Nate clash, but her forthright honesty and unwillingness to pander to him are just what he needs to get him out of his slump - and a four legged friend also helps! However, as their relationship develops, Sophia still has secrets that she's keeping, a lazy, vindictive colleague out to cause trouble and, of course, they each have a cheating ex still to be divorced . . . .
This is a great story, with plenty of drama and a delightful romance. The revelations of Sophia's secrets and the reactions of the people who know her just demonstrate what real friends are like and showcase the difference between her life now and in the past. It is a fantastic read that I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending and I'll definitely be looking out for more by this talented author in future.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
When Nate McKinley comes to stay in the home of his brother, Gabe, Sophia agrees to see to the cleaning and making sure things are right for him as Gabe and his wife will be away on holiday. Nate's wife has left him, leaving Nate reeling, so this change of scenery is also to give him space to recover whilst writing a book. Initially Sophia and Nate clash, but her forthright honesty and unwillingness to pander to him are just what he needs to get him out of his slump - and a four legged friend also helps! However, as their relationship develops, Sophia still has secrets that she's keeping, a lazy, vindictive colleague out to cause trouble and, of course, they each have a cheating ex still to be divorced . . . .
This is a great story, with plenty of drama and a delightful romance. The revelations of Sophia's secrets and the reactions of the people who know her just demonstrate what real friends are like and showcase the difference between her life now and in the past. It is a fantastic read that I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending and I'll definitely be looking out for more by this talented author in future.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
November 25, 2020
It's all happening in this 2nd book by
Maxine Morrey
set in the charming village of Wishington Bay. With events taking place in December the novel has a winter feel rather than a full on Christmas theme but there are some Yuletide touches such as a Crimbo fair. The main characters are Sophia, the protagonist and Nate. Sophia is harbouring a rather large secret and brooding Nate, an Australian searching for solace in Wishington Bay is staying in a house where Sophia works as a cleaner. As time passes, the two develop feelings for each other.
Winter at Wishington Bay
is a lovely, easy to read novel which is perfect for reading on a dark, chilly night, sitting by a roaring fire. Very highly recommended. 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
Read
January 2, 2021I didn't get very far with this novel. It didn't help that the second sentence didn't really make sense to me - 'I waved back and nodded in agreement, the bobble on my woolly hat bouncing as I did so.' How does she know it was bouncing? - yes, I am stupidly anal about stuff like that, but it was one of those sentences that stopped me in my tracks.
But I carried on until I got to the part where she is cleaning the toilet. This is a particular 'euuuw' thing for me and I simply can't read on. Why cleaning always has to be about scrubbing toilets though, I don't know. I've cleaned houses for money and the worst thing was cleaning up dog shit or emptying the kitchen bin, or – horror of horrors – cleaning out the shower waste-trap!!! But for some reason it's always toilets. :(
Not rating.
But I carried on until I got to the part where she is cleaning the toilet. This is a particular 'euuuw' thing for me and I simply can't read on. Why cleaning always has to be about scrubbing toilets though, I don't know. I've cleaned houses for money and the worst thing was cleaning up dog shit or emptying the kitchen bin, or – horror of horrors – cleaning out the shower waste-trap!!! But for some reason it's always toilets. :(
Not rating.
September 10, 2020
How lovely it has been to return to Wishington Bay.
It is such a stunning location for a book, and I can't help but want to live their myself, Sophia has forged out a really lovely, low key life, in her 18 months in the bay, she's working as a waitress and a cleaner, neither of which she had a clue about from her previous life.
It is obvious the whole time that Sophia is hiding something from her old life, but the specifics aren't revealed until quite close to the finale, and I wasn't quite expecting the way it would all pan out!
Meanwhile their is Nate, who just wants to hide himself away to write his book, and ignore life, and the initial conversations between Nate and Sophia are really amusing.
The characters in this were very believable and realistic and I loved disliking the horrible ones! Although this is a second book in Wishington Bay it can easily be read as a standalone, as the protaganists are different and the main focus is their story.
I loved the various secrets, and the way Sophia has transformed her life.
Set in the winter, I should say that this is not specifically a Christmas book, more a cold wintery one, with many amusing moments, Sophia appears to be rather accident prone - and the scene with the Christmas tree was hilarious - so yes Christmas features but it's not a focus and this is a book that could easily be read at any time of the year.
This is just an all around enjoyable book that I was really entertained by.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It is such a stunning location for a book, and I can't help but want to live their myself, Sophia has forged out a really lovely, low key life, in her 18 months in the bay, she's working as a waitress and a cleaner, neither of which she had a clue about from her previous life.
It is obvious the whole time that Sophia is hiding something from her old life, but the specifics aren't revealed until quite close to the finale, and I wasn't quite expecting the way it would all pan out!
Meanwhile their is Nate, who just wants to hide himself away to write his book, and ignore life, and the initial conversations between Nate and Sophia are really amusing.
The characters in this were very believable and realistic and I loved disliking the horrible ones! Although this is a second book in Wishington Bay it can easily be read as a standalone, as the protaganists are different and the main focus is their story.
I loved the various secrets, and the way Sophia has transformed her life.
Set in the winter, I should say that this is not specifically a Christmas book, more a cold wintery one, with many amusing moments, Sophia appears to be rather accident prone - and the scene with the Christmas tree was hilarious - so yes Christmas features but it's not a focus and this is a book that could easily be read at any time of the year.
This is just an all around enjoyable book that I was really entertained by.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 21, 2020
Bit dull.
I was in need of a book that would feel like a warm hug. This was not it for me.
It needed more conflict between the two main characters.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
I was in need of a book that would feel like a warm hug. This was not it for me.
It needed more conflict between the two main characters.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
November 13, 2020
I would just like to say a very big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for forwarding me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the second book by this author to be set in the gorgeous little village of Wishington Bay and also sees the welcome return of some familiar characters. Even though this book is part of a series it can still be read as a stand alone.
This book is wonderful and Wintery, a little bit Christmassy, full of drama and with a sprinkling of romance.
It is such a lovely story - perfect to the run up to Christmas, or any time really. I loved everything about it and the storyline kept me engrossed all the way through. I would highly recommend.
This is the second book by this author to be set in the gorgeous little village of Wishington Bay and also sees the welcome return of some familiar characters. Even though this book is part of a series it can still be read as a stand alone.
This book is wonderful and Wintery, a little bit Christmassy, full of drama and with a sprinkling of romance.
It is such a lovely story - perfect to the run up to Christmas, or any time really. I loved everything about it and the storyline kept me engrossed all the way through. I would highly recommend.
July 4, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to4
November 7, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy. My thoughts are my own and not influenced by the gift.
This is the first book I’ve read by Maxine Morrey and I enjoyed my visit to Wishington Bay. I did quickly realise that Maxine had set a book in the area before (Coming Home to Wishington Bay) but that didn’t stop me enjoying this story.
Sophia and Nate are both running away from heartbreak, and need to make new lives
The course of true love never runs smoothly, especially when jealous work colleagues and ex partners get involved. However, the majority of the residents at Wishington Bay are keen to help the two recent arrivals, and there is a four legged cupid involved too.
A lovely book to curl up with on a cold winter evening. My recommendation is to team this up with a mug of hot chocolate and a cosy blanket. And relax…
This is the first book I’ve read by Maxine Morrey and I enjoyed my visit to Wishington Bay. I did quickly realise that Maxine had set a book in the area before (Coming Home to Wishington Bay) but that didn’t stop me enjoying this story.
Sophia and Nate are both running away from heartbreak, and need to make new lives
The course of true love never runs smoothly, especially when jealous work colleagues and ex partners get involved. However, the majority of the residents at Wishington Bay are keen to help the two recent arrivals, and there is a four legged cupid involved too.
A lovely book to curl up with on a cold winter evening. My recommendation is to team this up with a mug of hot chocolate and a cosy blanket. And relax…
May 25, 2022
A bit dull. I read The Christmas Project by Maxine Morrey and really enjoyed it, so not sure what happened here. Also, I hate it when the main character is "lying" even when it's about something silly. (Maybe especially when it is?) I'm an over-communicator so while I have my own set of problems with that I just don't have a lot of patience with this kind of situation. The dog is cute and the accident-prone nature of the main character is actually pretty funny. But the dialogue is lackluster and the plot pace is tiresome. Moving on, but would probably try this author again. Hopefully this is just a one-off.
November 29, 2020
Winter at Wishington Bay is wonderful escapism from the weirdness of the world, it’s a book you can completely dive into, you can fall into the sugar-coated, twinkly starred world that Maxine Morrey has gifted to us – and if the opportunity presents itself read in one go, it’s just perfect comfort reading!
This isn’t only my first trip to the wonderful Wishington Bay, but my first outing with Maxine Morrey. How on earth have I allowed Maxine’s beautiful books go march past me without reading one? Ah, well it’s another case of me walking around with my eyes shut, but I will definitely be stocking my kindle up with more of Maxine’s books.
This is all about second chances, about regaining trust is other, rebuilding your life and finding true happiness which is exactly what our two leads are looking for – even if they won’t admit it, we all know that Sophie and Nate are secretly wanting love. Both have come out the other side after difficult divorces, both have been burned and lost some of that much-needed care and when they are both given the opportunity to escape their own sadness and escape to the picturesque village of Wishington Bay, they can’t say no.
Sophie needs to escape her old life, while at the same time earn some money – as her divorce has sapped her of funds, plus I think it has stolen away from her trust and happiness in life, she needs a complete break so when offered a housekeepers job she grabs it both hands. Just what she needs breathing space, what she doesn’t count on is to meet a drop-dead gorgeous author – I mean, seriously this guy is so swoon-worthy, I may fall to my knee’s at his very feet…sigh!!
But, can they find new happiness, or will secrets from the past get in the way?
I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s a really tender and heart-warming romance, but with secret’s lurking in the background this is much more than your stereotypical sweet love story, it captures the reader’s heart and keeps you transfixed to the page. I loved the character’s, from the residents of Wishington Bay to our love, lost couple, you will be backing Sophie and Nate right from page one, they are such an adorable couple. I love how everyone work so well together to create a realistic and charming little village, one I would love to visit – honestly, I have my bags and the dog packed ready to go 😉
Overall, this is the perfect book for curling up on this colder nights and being whisked away to a charming, star-sprinkled little village which will have you smiling longingly into your Hot Chocolate…..believe me, Hot Chocolate is a must-have while reading this.
This isn’t only my first trip to the wonderful Wishington Bay, but my first outing with Maxine Morrey. How on earth have I allowed Maxine’s beautiful books go march past me without reading one? Ah, well it’s another case of me walking around with my eyes shut, but I will definitely be stocking my kindle up with more of Maxine’s books.
This is all about second chances, about regaining trust is other, rebuilding your life and finding true happiness which is exactly what our two leads are looking for – even if they won’t admit it, we all know that Sophie and Nate are secretly wanting love. Both have come out the other side after difficult divorces, both have been burned and lost some of that much-needed care and when they are both given the opportunity to escape their own sadness and escape to the picturesque village of Wishington Bay, they can’t say no.
Sophie needs to escape her old life, while at the same time earn some money – as her divorce has sapped her of funds, plus I think it has stolen away from her trust and happiness in life, she needs a complete break so when offered a housekeepers job she grabs it both hands. Just what she needs breathing space, what she doesn’t count on is to meet a drop-dead gorgeous author – I mean, seriously this guy is so swoon-worthy, I may fall to my knee’s at his very feet…sigh!!
But, can they find new happiness, or will secrets from the past get in the way?
I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s a really tender and heart-warming romance, but with secret’s lurking in the background this is much more than your stereotypical sweet love story, it captures the reader’s heart and keeps you transfixed to the page. I loved the character’s, from the residents of Wishington Bay to our love, lost couple, you will be backing Sophie and Nate right from page one, they are such an adorable couple. I love how everyone work so well together to create a realistic and charming little village, one I would love to visit – honestly, I have my bags and the dog packed ready to go 😉
Overall, this is the perfect book for curling up on this colder nights and being whisked away to a charming, star-sprinkled little village which will have you smiling longingly into your Hot Chocolate…..believe me, Hot Chocolate is a must-have while reading this.
November 4, 2020
-- Read this review, and others, on my blog at https://hookedbythatbook.com --
Sophie ran away from her life after her divorce and she decided to settle in Wishington Bay. She works two or three jobs, she has a small and cozy apartment, and she has made great friends. She has found her new comfort zone. Then Gabe and Holly ask her to look after Gabe’s brother. Nate is staying at their newly renovated place while they are away on a trip. He is in the midst of his own stormy divorce, and he has serious self-confidence issues. Sophie’s previous life is a huge secret for most of the book, and it was quite a doozy.
Nate and Sophie get to know each other, initially because she came to clean for him and bring him meals. And later on because they wanted to.
I like second-chance romances, but this one was a bit too fresh from the divorce court for me. Sophie and her husband are firmly separated, and the final papers still had to be signed. But Nate’s was a lot more recent. He had just split up with his wife, it was a huge shock to him, and they hadn’t even started divorce proceedings yet. I feel like they should have had some time to discover who they are on their own, before embarking on another serious relationship. And yes, I get that they, like anybody else, are entitled to have some fun, to date people, and be intimate. But Nate wasn’t even into recovery mode yet, he was still mourning the loss of his marriage. And he was very much in love with his wife. Obviously, Sophie helped him a lot to get his head in a better place. A lot of their conversations also revolved around their failed marriages. And when Sophie’s old life collided with her new one, Nate didn’t handle it very well.
Apart from that, it was a lovely read. Not too heavy, and the friendship and romance between Sophie and Nate developed slowly.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sophie ran away from her life after her divorce and she decided to settle in Wishington Bay. She works two or three jobs, she has a small and cozy apartment, and she has made great friends. She has found her new comfort zone. Then Gabe and Holly ask her to look after Gabe’s brother. Nate is staying at their newly renovated place while they are away on a trip. He is in the midst of his own stormy divorce, and he has serious self-confidence issues. Sophie’s previous life is a huge secret for most of the book, and it was quite a doozy.
Nate and Sophie get to know each other, initially because she came to clean for him and bring him meals. And later on because they wanted to.
I like second-chance romances, but this one was a bit too fresh from the divorce court for me. Sophie and her husband are firmly separated, and the final papers still had to be signed. But Nate’s was a lot more recent. He had just split up with his wife, it was a huge shock to him, and they hadn’t even started divorce proceedings yet. I feel like they should have had some time to discover who they are on their own, before embarking on another serious relationship. And yes, I get that they, like anybody else, are entitled to have some fun, to date people, and be intimate. But Nate wasn’t even into recovery mode yet, he was still mourning the loss of his marriage. And he was very much in love with his wife. Obviously, Sophie helped him a lot to get his head in a better place. A lot of their conversations also revolved around their failed marriages. And when Sophie’s old life collided with her new one, Nate didn’t handle it very well.
Apart from that, it was a lovely read. Not too heavy, and the friendship and romance between Sophie and Nate developed slowly.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2020
I was so excited when I heard that Maxine Morrey was returning to Wishington Bay - I loved her first foray into the bay in Coming Home to Wishington Bay and I knew that Winter in Wishington Bay would be no different. I should however state that whilst we do revisit Wishington Bay, these are both standalone books. Whilst there is mention of previous characters, Winter in Wishington Bay is very much focussed on Sophia Jones and Nate McKinley.
Sophia and Nate have both escaped to Wishington Bay. Both are running from their marriages, attempting to rebuild themselves in the chilly but welcoming Bay. Sophia alludes to the secrets she keeps about her old life, and although we are able to make assumptions about her, the big reveal doesn't happen early on. She is escaping a life of unhappiness with a cheating ex.
Nate's wife has left him, and it is clear that their relationship has had a negative impact on his for quite some time. He feels worthless and certainly lacks in confidence. Despite a rocky start, Sophia's straight talking starts to bring him back to himself, and their friendship deepens.
This is a wintery story full of second chances and I loved it. Both Sophia and Nate are definitely flawed characters, but it makes them both all the more relatable. They are keen to protect themselves from more hurt, in Sophia's case by keeping secrets, but they are both ultimately seeking a happiness that they each once thought would not be possible. This is such a lovely novel, perfect for reading as our nights draw in. So grab yourself a hot chocolate (or glass of wine!), a cosy blanket and curl up in your armchair with a copy of Winter at Wishington Bay - you won't regret it.
Thank you to Maxine Morrey and Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour, and for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Sophia and Nate have both escaped to Wishington Bay. Both are running from their marriages, attempting to rebuild themselves in the chilly but welcoming Bay. Sophia alludes to the secrets she keeps about her old life, and although we are able to make assumptions about her, the big reveal doesn't happen early on. She is escaping a life of unhappiness with a cheating ex.
Nate's wife has left him, and it is clear that their relationship has had a negative impact on his for quite some time. He feels worthless and certainly lacks in confidence. Despite a rocky start, Sophia's straight talking starts to bring him back to himself, and their friendship deepens.
This is a wintery story full of second chances and I loved it. Both Sophia and Nate are definitely flawed characters, but it makes them both all the more relatable. They are keen to protect themselves from more hurt, in Sophia's case by keeping secrets, but they are both ultimately seeking a happiness that they each once thought would not be possible. This is such a lovely novel, perfect for reading as our nights draw in. So grab yourself a hot chocolate (or glass of wine!), a cosy blanket and curl up in your armchair with a copy of Winter at Wishington Bay - you won't regret it.
Thank you to Maxine Morrey and Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour, and for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2020
This is a Hallmark movie in book form... and Hallmark movies happen to be my guilty pleasure!
Sophia Jones loves her quaint life in Wishington Bay. She is a server at the village's best restaurant, lives above the cutest little gift shop, and has found great friends in her co-workers and neighbors. Eighteen months ago, Sophia walked out on her unhappy marriage with a cushy lifestyle and ended up on the coast where she quite literally ran out of petrol. Money is tight, but the magic of the town and her new-found "family" keep her afloat.
"Family doesn't always mean those you share the same blood with. You make your own family. And Gabe is a part of theirs - so that extends to you"
If that line doesn't fill your heart with tenderness, I don't know what will!
When Sophia takes on the cleaning of a friend's home for extra cash, an unexpected visitor shakes things up in her peaceful winter wonderland. Hunky Australian introvert Nate McKinley comes to Wishington Bay to escape his own messy divorce and work on his book in peace. He stays in his brother Gabe's home while he is away on holiday. Of course, that's the home Sophia has agreed to clean. Things start off rocky between Sophia and Nate: walls, walls, and more walls! But as those defenses slowly start to crumble, the two find comfort in each other's shared circumstances.
This book has all of the classic makings of a sappy love story: a meet-cute in every chapter, a jealous villain who tries to spoil things (in the form of a much younger, blonde, social-media-obsessed waitress!), and shocking secrets from the past. While some of the plot twists may borderline the realm of cheesiness, I found the predictability to be like a warm blanket. If you're like me and can't wait for the holiday marathon of romantic comedies, this book is for you!
Sophia Jones loves her quaint life in Wishington Bay. She is a server at the village's best restaurant, lives above the cutest little gift shop, and has found great friends in her co-workers and neighbors. Eighteen months ago, Sophia walked out on her unhappy marriage with a cushy lifestyle and ended up on the coast where she quite literally ran out of petrol. Money is tight, but the magic of the town and her new-found "family" keep her afloat.
"Family doesn't always mean those you share the same blood with. You make your own family. And Gabe is a part of theirs - so that extends to you"
If that line doesn't fill your heart with tenderness, I don't know what will!
When Sophia takes on the cleaning of a friend's home for extra cash, an unexpected visitor shakes things up in her peaceful winter wonderland. Hunky Australian introvert Nate McKinley comes to Wishington Bay to escape his own messy divorce and work on his book in peace. He stays in his brother Gabe's home while he is away on holiday. Of course, that's the home Sophia has agreed to clean. Things start off rocky between Sophia and Nate: walls, walls, and more walls! But as those defenses slowly start to crumble, the two find comfort in each other's shared circumstances.
This book has all of the classic makings of a sappy love story: a meet-cute in every chapter, a jealous villain who tries to spoil things (in the form of a much younger, blonde, social-media-obsessed waitress!), and shocking secrets from the past. While some of the plot twists may borderline the realm of cheesiness, I found the predictability to be like a warm blanket. If you're like me and can't wait for the holiday marathon of romantic comedies, this book is for you!
December 4, 2020
Honestly, my track record with contemporary romances lately has been really spotty and I was wondering if my Grinchy heart was beyond hope. But along came this cozy romance set in an adorable small English seaside village, and my Grinchy heart grew at least two sizes! Wishington Bay gave me everything I was looking for in Moose Springs and didn’t find:
An utterly charming setting
Likeable characters
A “mostly-sausage dog” named Bryan
British accents
Holiday vibes
All the warm cozy feels
After starting the book, I did quickly realize that this was a sequel (Coming Home to Wishington Bay, set in the summer, is about another couple), but that didn’t stop me enjoying this warm hug of a book. With events taking place in December, the book has a wintery feel rather than a full-on Christmas theme, but there are some Yuletide touches such as a Christmas faire.
Summary:
Sophia has escaped her former life and has been living in Wishington Bay for just over a year. With a tricky divorce ongoing, money is tight and so when friends offer her a housekeeping job while they’re away traveling, she accepts.
Nate is hesitant when his brother offers him the use of his home in the picturesque village of Wishington Bay. But he has a book to a write and an imploded marriage to recover from, so maybe a change of scene is exactly what he needs.
As Wishington Bay works its magic, friendship blossoms between Sophia and Nate. For Nate, finally feeling able to be himself with someone who is honest and down to earth is a revelation.
But Sophia has a secret, and a jealous colleague is determined to blow her cover. Can she really keep her old life in the past, or is it destined to destroy this new, happy one too?
Thank you #NetGalley for this #eARC in exchange for an honest review. For more reviews, join me on Instagram @jills_bookish_life!
An utterly charming setting
Likeable characters
A “mostly-sausage dog” named Bryan
British accents
Holiday vibes
All the warm cozy feels
After starting the book, I did quickly realize that this was a sequel (Coming Home to Wishington Bay, set in the summer, is about another couple), but that didn’t stop me enjoying this warm hug of a book. With events taking place in December, the book has a wintery feel rather than a full-on Christmas theme, but there are some Yuletide touches such as a Christmas faire.
Summary:
Sophia has escaped her former life and has been living in Wishington Bay for just over a year. With a tricky divorce ongoing, money is tight and so when friends offer her a housekeeping job while they’re away traveling, she accepts.
Nate is hesitant when his brother offers him the use of his home in the picturesque village of Wishington Bay. But he has a book to a write and an imploded marriage to recover from, so maybe a change of scene is exactly what he needs.
As Wishington Bay works its magic, friendship blossoms between Sophia and Nate. For Nate, finally feeling able to be himself with someone who is honest and down to earth is a revelation.
But Sophia has a secret, and a jealous colleague is determined to blow her cover. Can she really keep her old life in the past, or is it destined to destroy this new, happy one too?
Thank you #NetGalley for this #eARC in exchange for an honest review. For more reviews, join me on Instagram @jills_bookish_life!
September 14, 2020
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Winter at Wishington Bay is a delightful romance and a perfect holiday season read. I enjoyed it from page 1 to the end. Sophia is a great main character and someone I found it easy to root for. Her and Nate's relationship is written perfectly - they don't get together too soon or too late. They also just fit so well together, I love them as a couple. Some of their conversations are a little repetitive, especially when it comes to Sophia having to boost Nate's self-esteem, but I still enjoyed all of the scenes with the two of them.. I wished the information on Sophia's past had been revealed a little sooner because the little hints/teases about what made her run away to Wishington Bay got old pretty quick. In addition, it wasn't difficult to figure out that she was someone famous so it just felt like the big reveal was being dragged out. I also wish we could have gotten a few chapters from Nate's point of view, especially towards the end of the story (mostly because I really would have liked to know what went on between him and Serena when she came to town). Corrine is a good villain for the story - awful enough to give you someone to dislike, but not so awful as to not be believable. I also really liked the scene between Sophia and her mother because it didn't end with them magically reconciling and it gave Sophia the chance to express her hurt without being made to feel guilty for feeling that way. I feel this book does a good job of filling you in on Holly and Gabe's story without retelling the entire thing (which is good because I really want to go back and read their book).
Winter at Wishington Bay is a delightful romance and a perfect holiday season read. I enjoyed it from page 1 to the end. Sophia is a great main character and someone I found it easy to root for. Her and Nate's relationship is written perfectly - they don't get together too soon or too late. They also just fit so well together, I love them as a couple. Some of their conversations are a little repetitive, especially when it comes to Sophia having to boost Nate's self-esteem, but I still enjoyed all of the scenes with the two of them.. I wished the information on Sophia's past had been revealed a little sooner because the little hints/teases about what made her run away to Wishington Bay got old pretty quick. In addition, it wasn't difficult to figure out that she was someone famous so it just felt like the big reveal was being dragged out. I also wish we could have gotten a few chapters from Nate's point of view, especially towards the end of the story (mostly because I really would have liked to know what went on between him and Serena when she came to town). Corrine is a good villain for the story - awful enough to give you someone to dislike, but not so awful as to not be believable. I also really liked the scene between Sophia and her mother because it didn't end with them magically reconciling and it gave Sophia the chance to express her hurt without being made to feel guilty for feeling that way. I feel this book does a good job of filling you in on Holly and Gabe's story without retelling the entire thing (which is good because I really want to go back and read their book).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2020
3.5 stories
This was a cute story about a little town on Wishington Bay, which seems to be a place that heals people when they are at a point in their life when they just need a break or a change.
Sophia has been in Wishington Bay for 18 months working as a waitress and a part-time maid. The entire town adores her - she is friendly, helpful, hard working and just a nice person. Everyone that is except a fellow bimbo waitress named Corinne - who really just appears to be jealous.
Nate has come to Wishington Bay at the request of his brother, pediatrician Gabe. Nate is going through a bad divorce where his wife has cheated on him with her tennis coach. She eventually left him to live with the coach. Poor Nate never saw it coming as he is a serious workaholic. His wife is beautiful and Nate is still heartbroken over their breakup. Gabe is out of the country so Nate stays in Gabe's place when he first arrives. Little does he know, Gabe has asked Sophia to "check in" on Nate - to bring him home cooked meals and clean the place once per week.
The first time they meet is hilarious. Nate is prickly and Sophia really gives him a verbal lashing. But their interactions start to pull Nate out of his funk and back into the real world. But both of them are harboring secrets - can they find happiness together even though they both say they don't want to enter another relationship? What will Corinne do to release her frustrations against Sophia? What special visitors will Sophia receive that has the entire town in an uproar? You'll need to read the book to learn the answers to these questions.
This book can easily be read in a day. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.
This was a cute story about a little town on Wishington Bay, which seems to be a place that heals people when they are at a point in their life when they just need a break or a change.
Sophia has been in Wishington Bay for 18 months working as a waitress and a part-time maid. The entire town adores her - she is friendly, helpful, hard working and just a nice person. Everyone that is except a fellow bimbo waitress named Corinne - who really just appears to be jealous.
Nate has come to Wishington Bay at the request of his brother, pediatrician Gabe. Nate is going through a bad divorce where his wife has cheated on him with her tennis coach. She eventually left him to live with the coach. Poor Nate never saw it coming as he is a serious workaholic. His wife is beautiful and Nate is still heartbroken over their breakup. Gabe is out of the country so Nate stays in Gabe's place when he first arrives. Little does he know, Gabe has asked Sophia to "check in" on Nate - to bring him home cooked meals and clean the place once per week.
The first time they meet is hilarious. Nate is prickly and Sophia really gives him a verbal lashing. But their interactions start to pull Nate out of his funk and back into the real world. But both of them are harboring secrets - can they find happiness together even though they both say they don't want to enter another relationship? What will Corinne do to release her frustrations against Sophia? What special visitors will Sophia receive that has the entire town in an uproar? You'll need to read the book to learn the answers to these questions.
This book can easily be read in a day. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.
November 10, 2020
I absolutely love a book that gives me the fells and that has this winter-y element to it. Why? because it's perfect to get cozy in the sofa, with the hot beverage of choice. That's what this book make me do.
This book is connected to "Coming Home to Wishington Bay" but from someone who hasn't read that one, I can tell you, that you can read this book with no problems. It can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely love the emotional aspect of the story and how that happened because of the realism of the characters. I loved Sophia and Nate. Getting to know them and learning all their secrets, see their relationship grow in this winter-time story. It definitely made me want to watch this book turned into a movie so I could yet again cozy up in the sofa.
There is drama and unexpected moments. There is love and friendship. There is healing and moving on. There is exciting moments and secrets. It's a story that I won't mind rereading int the future, just to warm up my heart again.
Overall, it was the perfect book for this winter, or any winter actually. The kind of book that will have you sigh and laugh and fall in love with the main characters. The kind of book that is a romance novel as one would expected, with all the amazing sauce on it, drama and love.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Maxime Morrey & Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
This book is connected to "Coming Home to Wishington Bay" but from someone who hasn't read that one, I can tell you, that you can read this book with no problems. It can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely love the emotional aspect of the story and how that happened because of the realism of the characters. I loved Sophia and Nate. Getting to know them and learning all their secrets, see their relationship grow in this winter-time story. It definitely made me want to watch this book turned into a movie so I could yet again cozy up in the sofa.
There is drama and unexpected moments. There is love and friendship. There is healing and moving on. There is exciting moments and secrets. It's a story that I won't mind rereading int the future, just to warm up my heart again.
Overall, it was the perfect book for this winter, or any winter actually. The kind of book that will have you sigh and laugh and fall in love with the main characters. The kind of book that is a romance novel as one would expected, with all the amazing sauce on it, drama and love.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Maxime Morrey & Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
March 5, 2022
A placid, low conflict romance
This novel is the British equivalent of an American, Hallmark-style, small-town romance, in which an imaginary small town is presented as a Shangri-La, where everybody loves everybody else, most especially the Mary Sue heroine. A main feature of these stories is the central premise that an alienated, female protagonist, ranging in age from as young as 20 all the way up to her 40s (in this case Sophia is around 38 years old), happily settles into a tiny burg in the back of beyond, and a handsome, ripped, prosperous man of around her own age, who represents the sort of ideal, Beta, family-man material that, we are given to understand, she never could have encountered in the Big Bad City, magically appears on her doorstep.
Given how consistently idyllic that her life in this British, seaside Mayberry--appropriately named Wishington Bay--is for the heroine, Sophia, it is not particularly surprising that this mild-mannered story is extremely low on conflict. Both Sophia and her romantic interest, Nate (who is also around 38 years old), have phlegmatic dispositions, and their relationship is quite tepid. The main thing they both have in common is the fact that each has spent part of their 20s and most of their 30s as pathetic doormats, who sacrificed the best years of their lives putting up with the disgusting disloyalty of their narcissistic, gaslighting, cheating spouses.
Anyone who enjoys a placid romance, with a closed bedroom door for the few times that this colorless, slow-burn couple have sex, this novel might be an enjoyable read.
This novel is the British equivalent of an American, Hallmark-style, small-town romance, in which an imaginary small town is presented as a Shangri-La, where everybody loves everybody else, most especially the Mary Sue heroine. A main feature of these stories is the central premise that an alienated, female protagonist, ranging in age from as young as 20 all the way up to her 40s (in this case Sophia is around 38 years old), happily settles into a tiny burg in the back of beyond, and a handsome, ripped, prosperous man of around her own age, who represents the sort of ideal, Beta, family-man material that, we are given to understand, she never could have encountered in the Big Bad City, magically appears on her doorstep.
Given how consistently idyllic that her life in this British, seaside Mayberry--appropriately named Wishington Bay--is for the heroine, Sophia, it is not particularly surprising that this mild-mannered story is extremely low on conflict. Both Sophia and her romantic interest, Nate (who is also around 38 years old), have phlegmatic dispositions, and their relationship is quite tepid. The main thing they both have in common is the fact that each has spent part of their 20s and most of their 30s as pathetic doormats, who sacrificed the best years of their lives putting up with the disgusting disloyalty of their narcissistic, gaslighting, cheating spouses.
Anyone who enjoys a placid romance, with a closed bedroom door for the few times that this colorless, slow-burn couple have sex, this novel might be an enjoyable read.
November 4, 2020
Thank you NetGalley, Maxine Morrey and Boldwood Books for the book Winter at Wishington Bay.
This is my personal review.
This is the first book I have read by Maxine Morrey but I now know I will definitely read more!
Sophia moved Wishington Bay to be able to find a new life. She made a life for herself, but she was keeping her old life to herself. She wanted to be loved- needed and fit in as herself and not who she was in old life and keeping that secret was the only way she could do that. She knew that she would have to tell her new friends at some time but was not sure when the right time would be.
She worked as a waitress and cleaned for a friend who needed someone to take care of their home while they were on vacation. While they were gone Nate, the brother would be staying at the house. He was having personal issues and just needed a place to stay and work to put his life back in order.
While Sophie was cleaning, she tried to be as friendly as she could to Nate but too many things caused him to have a wall around himself.
There are always second chances for love and this story is so well written you can feel the emotion between Sophie and Nate and well as all the others in Wishington Bay.
I enjoyed the pace of the book and the build up of relationships between the people in the story.
This is my personal review.
This is the first book I have read by Maxine Morrey but I now know I will definitely read more!
Sophia moved Wishington Bay to be able to find a new life. She made a life for herself, but she was keeping her old life to herself. She wanted to be loved- needed and fit in as herself and not who she was in old life and keeping that secret was the only way she could do that. She knew that she would have to tell her new friends at some time but was not sure when the right time would be.
She worked as a waitress and cleaned for a friend who needed someone to take care of their home while they were on vacation. While they were gone Nate, the brother would be staying at the house. He was having personal issues and just needed a place to stay and work to put his life back in order.
While Sophie was cleaning, she tried to be as friendly as she could to Nate but too many things caused him to have a wall around himself.
There are always second chances for love and this story is so well written you can feel the emotion between Sophie and Nate and well as all the others in Wishington Bay.
I enjoyed the pace of the book and the build up of relationships between the people in the story.
January 1, 2021
Sophia has finally gathered all her courage and walked out on a relationship that doesn't make her happy - it makes others happy and that is the crux of the matter. Always trying to please other people and live her life the way everyone else expects her to.
Instead she is trying hard to start fresh somewhere new. Working hard to get by, which is a new experience in itself. She meets Nate, whilst on her hands and knees, which isn't a great first impression.
The story is a romcomy romance, however it leans more towards the more serious side of the genre. Morrey combines the serious with the fun, the frivolous with the kind of issues that can make or break a person or a relationship. I think it's the very fine balance of the two that makes the read.
It's not really a sparks fly and they are drawn together like a bee to pollen kind of read- it's more of an awkward meeting of broken hearts that need a moment to be repaired. A story of second chances. Some people are only supposed to be with you for part of your life, perhaps until you meet the one you're supposed to be with.
It often feels like a venture into more serious fiction. The characters dissect themselves and their relationships, and there often isn't much room left for warmth and happiness of the meeting of two minds who appear to be made for each other.
*I received a courtesy copy*
Instead she is trying hard to start fresh somewhere new. Working hard to get by, which is a new experience in itself. She meets Nate, whilst on her hands and knees, which isn't a great first impression.
The story is a romcomy romance, however it leans more towards the more serious side of the genre. Morrey combines the serious with the fun, the frivolous with the kind of issues that can make or break a person or a relationship. I think it's the very fine balance of the two that makes the read.
It's not really a sparks fly and they are drawn together like a bee to pollen kind of read- it's more of an awkward meeting of broken hearts that need a moment to be repaired. A story of second chances. Some people are only supposed to be with you for part of your life, perhaps until you meet the one you're supposed to be with.
It often feels like a venture into more serious fiction. The characters dissect themselves and their relationships, and there often isn't much room left for warmth and happiness of the meeting of two minds who appear to be made for each other.
*I received a courtesy copy*
November 2, 2020
Sophia has been living in Wishington Bay for the past eighteen months. Originally a stopping point turned into a new place to call home having left her previous life behind. Working in the local restaurant as well as a spot if cleaning she makes enough money to get by. With her friends Holly and Gabe in holiday she is tasked with cleaning their home whilst Gabe's brother Nate stays for a while.
Nate has been persuaded to come and stay in Wishington Bay by both his parents and Gabe. Needing to make headway on his new book plus put some distance between his soon to be ex-wife. Their first meeting doesn't go well, with him thinking his brother is attempting to play matchmaker. However, Sophia soon puts him in his place.
Feeling as though they both said things in the heat of the moment they apologise when they next see each other. With a slow burning friendship forming between them. Nate starting to up open about his relationship with his ex. Whilst Nate knows that Sophia is also getting divorced, he doesn't know anything else about her past - something she is looking to keep private.
With an interfering young waitress, a keen gardener and Christmas festivities thrown in the mix - will they take the leap beyond friendship?
Nate has been persuaded to come and stay in Wishington Bay by both his parents and Gabe. Needing to make headway on his new book plus put some distance between his soon to be ex-wife. Their first meeting doesn't go well, with him thinking his brother is attempting to play matchmaker. However, Sophia soon puts him in his place.
Feeling as though they both said things in the heat of the moment they apologise when they next see each other. With a slow burning friendship forming between them. Nate starting to up open about his relationship with his ex. Whilst Nate knows that Sophia is also getting divorced, he doesn't know anything else about her past - something she is looking to keep private.
With an interfering young waitress, a keen gardener and Christmas festivities thrown in the mix - will they take the leap beyond friendship?
November 11, 2020
This is Sophie’s story. With little money and an ongoing and difficult divorce, Sophie headed for Wishington Bay 18 months ago and picked up a cleaning job for her friends Holly and Gabe. Holly asks her to keep an eye on Gabe’s brother who has arrived from Australia and so begins a little bit of Chemistry. But Sophie has a secret, and it could ruin everything.
One of my favourite tropes in romance is where a grumpy grouch softens with some TLC from a love interest and this story has just that. I loved watching Sophie and Gabe develop chemistry and how Gabe becomes less irritable and we see the real side of him. Both protagonists have baggage that needs unpacking and Sophie is holding something back which adds a little will they, won’t they to the plot.
Even in the freezing cold winter, Wishington Bay is still a healing and cosy place. I hate the cold but reading this made me want to wrap up warm and go walking by the sea. The inhabitants are as friendly as ever, (mostly) and I love the friendships that the characters have.
This is a charming, feel good novel with a stunning setting and some good friends inside. I am really hoping we get the chance to visit Wishington Bay again.
One of my favourite tropes in romance is where a grumpy grouch softens with some TLC from a love interest and this story has just that. I loved watching Sophie and Gabe develop chemistry and how Gabe becomes less irritable and we see the real side of him. Both protagonists have baggage that needs unpacking and Sophie is holding something back which adds a little will they, won’t they to the plot.
Even in the freezing cold winter, Wishington Bay is still a healing and cosy place. I hate the cold but reading this made me want to wrap up warm and go walking by the sea. The inhabitants are as friendly as ever, (mostly) and I love the friendships that the characters have.
This is a charming, feel good novel with a stunning setting and some good friends inside. I am really hoping we get the chance to visit Wishington Bay again.
January 25, 2021
A super fluff piece. A woman has made a new life for herself in a small town. What was she running from? The answer was not very interesting...she had been a Lady. She had come from wealth, married wealth, and always did as she was told. Until she decided she had enough, and left her husband and disappeared from her former life. Her mother’s didn’t even try to find her. Going through a divorce, she meets a man, also going through a divorce. He is the brother of a friend and a writer and she promised to cook and clean for him while they were away. A connection ensues, both of them feeling like they could really be themselves around the other (which is the only nugget that rings true in this book). His wife wants him back, her station is revealed, and she has to stand up for the life she has built for herself to her ex-husband and to her mother. He gets his head out of the sand and realizes his marriage is definitely over. They end up together in the end, happy having overcome their unhappy pasts and all is well with the world. A little too syrupy for me. Life doesn’t happen like this. Or maybe it does, who knows? A feel good read that didn’t leave me feeling good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2020
Set in the idyllic community of Wishington Bay Sophia is healing and starting enjoy her new life. She has friends, a job, but still keeps a secret that could destroy it all. Looking after Nate for her friend Holly makes her feel good until she meets him.
This is an enemy to lover second chance romance for Nate and Sophia. The characters are flawed, realistic and easy to empathise. Honesty and trust are important to Nate. He values this in his fledgeling relationship with Sophia. She knows her secrets may damage what they have, but Nate has unfinished business with his soon to be ex-wife too.
This is character-driven reliant on dialogue interchanges between the protagonists to move the story forward. This adds to the realism but slows the pace a little.
The ending, whilst not a shock, does ramp up the external conflict. The ending shows how much the two characters have developed positively.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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