Starting Over in Maple Bay

Maple Bay #1

by Brittney Joy

Welcome to Maple Bay, a small Midwestern town with heaps of heart—where family dinner is a must, and someone will always leave the light on for you. A new series perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Jenny Hale, and Elana Johnson.

An inheritance from a mother she never knew. But can this fixer-upper mend her heart?

Hazel didn’t think there was anything a homemade apple pie couldn’t fix—until her husband divorced her and left her broke. Trying her best to raise her ten-year old daughter and make ends meet, Hazel is desperate for a fresh start. When she inherits a fixer-upper in the small town of Maple Bay, Hazel and her daughter head to the country for the reading of her biological mother’s will. But a clause in the will says Hazel and her sister—the sister she didn’t know existed—must live together on the rural property for one summer, or forfeit their inheritance.

If Hazel can tough it out in the country for a few months, she stands to gain a historic carriage house. It needs renovation, but Hazel thinks she can fix it up, sell it as a bed-and-breakfast, and use the profits to begin her life anew, back in the city. She isn’t planning to stay in Maple Bay, or to fall in love with her sister’s best friend, Jesse—a single dad and handsome cowboy who is recovering from heartbreak of his own.

Hazel and Jesse are from two different worlds, but this horse-whisperer just might know how to speak to Hazel’s broken heart . . . until Hazel discovers a box of letters and a secret from her past that changes everything.

★★★

Starting Over in Maple Bay is a sweet, emotional small-town romance, and the first book in a new series by award-winning author Brittney Joy. This tale of second chances and newfound family will warm the hearts of readers—like tater tot hotdish or sweet apple pie. Curl up with your favorite blanket and visit Maple Bay today.

★ BONUS: Includes a special recipe for Hazel’s scrumptious peanut butter pie.

Books in the Maple Bay Series (each can be read as a standalone - happily-ever-afters guaranteed):

Starting Over in Maple Bay
Second Chance in Maple Bay
Country Stars in Maple Bay
Matched in Maple Bay

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Clean Romance, Chick Lit

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2021

About the author

Website: http://brittneyjoybooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittneyjoyb...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brittney-Joy/e/...

Author of sweet stories full of hope, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Brittney and her family live in their own piece of heaven in the Oregon countryside. They stay busy with their menagerie of silly horses, cackling chickens, wooly sheep, and two very naughty goats. When Brittney isn’t writing, she’s riding or reading. And she wishes she could do all three at the same time.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hazel’s biological mother (whom she never knew since she was given up for adoption when she was born) passes away, single mother Hazel and her 10-year-old daughter head to the small town of Maple Bay, Minnesota, for the reading of the will. Hazel learns that she inherited a carriage house. Hazel also learns she has a half-sister, Frankie, who she never knew existed. A sister that was raised by her biological mother in a loving family. Hazel’s not sure how she feels about this, but since a clause in the will states that neither sister will gain their inheritance unless they both agree to live on the property for the summer, Hazel decides to stay. She will restore the carriage house and turn it into a Bed and Breakfast, sell it, and return back home to the city. That is, until she discovers that she is coming to love this small town and her extended family and newfound friends, and a particularly handsome neighbor, Jesse.

This was such a beautiful and heartwarming, thoroughly enjoyable, sweet contemporary romance. I adored the small town of Maple Bay and the endearing people that inhabited it. I enjoyed Hazel’s growing relationship with her newfound sister, Frankie; how at first Hazel didn’t know how to feel towards Frankie since Frankie was the one who grew up with and knew their mother. I liked that they eventually grew to develop a true sisterly relationship. The scenery was gorgeous throughout with the beautiful countryside. I loved the carriage house with its spectacular view of the lake. I enjoyed all the kids in the story. There were lots of horses, too. And the romance between Hazel and Jesse was so sweet. An absolutely lovely story that has me looking forward to more stories in Maple Bay.

[Lucy McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this small town romance. :)

Already looking forward to book 2.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Brittney Joy presents a refreshing and intriguing story that draws one right into the heart of small town life.

Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book from the first page, when I discovered that so much of it reminded me of my own life. Running from killer roosters, being divorced, having a daughter named Grace, every one of those are me. My dad was a "horse whisperer" who specialized in working with those who everyone else had given up on. We loved rodeos and spent most of our holidays at them, including the 4th of July. I wore nothing but cowboy boots for years and you couldn't pry me off a horse. This book was like going back in time for me, and I can't wait for more stories about Maple Bay!

[Dana Leet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It will make you laugh, cry, and really think about life and how important it is to all of us. This is a beautiful story, with fabulous character development, and one of the best books I have read in 2022.

[The Swoony Awards]

Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love small town reads and this one is just wonderful. Maple bay seems Like a fantastic place to visit, where friends are family and everyone helps everyone out. Hazel needs to start over along with her daughter and this seems to be the place to do that especially after being left an inheritance from a mother she never knew with a sister she never knew!! It’s a wonderful read told with twists and turns and a few surprises and a sexy cowboy!!

[Jayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but too many typos

[Lisa Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just what I needed to keep me from being slumpy after DNFing Midnight Sun.
Just a sweet little small town romance that was a quick/fun read.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is a new to me author. I must say that this book completely enchanted me. The plot flowed beautifully and was so well written that it could have played out like a Hallmark Movie. I so look forward to the second book in Maple Bay.

Hazel and her daughter come to Maple Bay for the day. She received a letter that her biological mother passed away and she was to attend the reading of the will. Hazel was floored as the woman who gave her up for adoption, who didn't want to have anything to do with her, left her something. Needless to say, Hazel was stunned when she found out that Rose (the biological mother) split her property in half. Leaving 10 acres, house, stable and riding rings to her half-sister, Frankie. The other 10 acres contain a carriage house that needs a little TLC but could be a beautiful B & B worth half a million dollars. The will has a stipulation, Hazel must stay there until the end of summer to order to inherit it completely. Hazel refuses and goes to get in her car. Frankie, rushes to tell Hazel that if she doesn't stay, both properties would be sold and the money will go to charity. Frankie, along with her husband Garrett and three sons would be homeless.

Hazel relents and stay with her daughter. She meets her neighbor, handsome horse-whisperer, Jesse. These two have some hurdles to go over as they navigate their growing feels for each other. Hazel though can't stand the thought of her daughter going back to the city at the end of summer. Living 4 hours away from her daughter is not an option. Hazel is growing to love Jesse the man, her new family and the people of Maple Bay. Can these two find a way to be together?

This is a sweet, clean romance that anyone can read. I adored it as the format is my favorite dual POV. Getting to see both Hazel's and Jesse's thoughts really helped me to connect and better understand them in a way that the author intended. Again, I look forward to the second book in this series and hopefully more!

[Lee Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and I’m not a romance fan! Nicely done with well done characters thanks for a lovely read

[Lindsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! Starting Over in Maple Bay is a rollercoaster of emotions. Heartbreak; loss; change; and losing love but finding new love. I actually really enjoyed this story even though the characters are about 10 years older than me.
Hazel is a newly single mom since divorcing from her husband. Grace is her cute 10 year old daughter. I felt that this story had a lot of characters but it wasn't hard to keep track of everyone. Right in the beginning of the story Hazel gets a letter from a lawyer because her birth mother recently passed away and left her some property. Upon visiting Maple Bay; Hazel meets Jesse and Frankie and the rest of the crew. I loved the characters of this story and the small town feel of everything. I was really glad that Frankie and Jesse's families took Hazel and Grace in and made them feel right at home from the beginning.
The carriage house sounded great and an awesome new opportunity for Hazel and Grace. Plus you find out that Frankie is Hazel's stepsister that she didn't know about. Grace had wonderful adventures in this story as well and I loved the addition of Frankie's boys making her feel right at home.
Jesse was an awesome guy who was also dealing with loss himself. Eventually you find out what loss he is suffering from and then interesting things come to light that connect these two families together. He was a great help to Hazel and instantly took to Grace. This story definitely shows that your life can change instantly and drastically but that you can also find love again. The ending of this story was prefect in my opinion and I am excited to see what happens in the next book!

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel receives a letter telling her that her birth mother has passed away and that she needs to travel to Maple Bay to discuss her inheritance. Having never known her birth mother, she was ready to get it over with. Her hesitations were elevated when she arrives, gets chased by an evil rooster, and learns she has a sister she never knew about. However, getting her inheritance isn't so easy when she discovers a clause that requires her to stay for the summer.

She has to decide if she can handle the summer while dealing with an ex husband, her protectiveness of her daughter, and her heart as she meets a handsome cowboy.

Starting Over in Maple Bay is one of the best books I have read in a long time, and I read A LOT of books. Brittney Joy does an amazing job getting you interested, hopeful, and helps you imagine every little detail of the story. It was so wonderfully written that I went to sleep after reading it each night and dreamed I was there with the characters, just like a movie playing out in my head.

I love how Brittney Joy showed chapters from different peoples perspectives as it really gives you better ideas of each characters story as well as what is on their mind. I fell in love with everyone in it and can't wait to read the next in the series.

I highly reccomend reading Starting Over in Maple Bay, especially if you are into books from authors such as Nicholas Sparks, Debbie Macomber, or even if you are into hallmark type stories. This lovely book has a little bit of everything and is one I plan to read many times.

[Heaven Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, from start to finish. I think a lot of romance authors rely too much on the steamy parts of their books when they're writing, and fail to create a fully believable world for their characters to live and play in. Brittney Joy does not fall into this category. She did a great job writing a story that relies on character development to succeed, instead of placing all the work on excessive sex scenes.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is that the author took the time to flesh the children of both Hazel and Jesse out, giving them distinct personalities and ideas. I find that often times when a writer includes children in a story they're there as a sort of prop, but I never really fully connect to the children or the relationship between the characters. The children in this story are charming and were a joy to read about.
Additionally, the author did a really good job of discussing the mother of the two sisters without making her an outright saint. Hazel doesn't outright resent the woman who birthed her, but she also didn't know how to connect with the woman that everyone told her she was. She was the right amount of stunned and standoffish in the face of the life that Rose built with the child she kept, and I found it very realistic to question her identity and where she could possibly belong in the life of a woman who never truly sought her out.

My only issue with the book is that it could use another pass by a proofreader for grammatical errors, but overall it was a very lovely read.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel inherits part of the property her biological mother who she never met on the condition she lives there for the summer. She doesn't have much back in her home town except her parents who want to travel and her cheating ex who racked up the bills and his ties to their daughter. I was actually surprised when she told him about the inheritance that he didn't try to claim some of it for himself and not just the potential commission she dangled in front him for selling it. Her half-sister Frankie could have resented her for having control over whether or not she could keep her part of the family property. But instead she and her boisterous boys are welcoming to Hazel and Grace. I would have loved to spend the summer at a horse farm and rescue when I was Grace's age. The sexy horse trainer single father next door who isn't ashamed to let his daughter Charlie paint his nails is a reason to stay too. I felt for Hazel when she talked about her difficulties with becoming pregnant and carrying a baby to full time and why she clung to Grace so tightly. Jessie stepped up and assumed responsibility for his sister's child when he could have easily passed her off to one of his siblings or his mother. Charlie was adorable with her enthusiasm for everything. I liked small town Maple Bay where the people are so welcoming and supportive of each other, especially Jessie and Frankie's families. This was a clean second chance at love romance.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond Cliches

The elements of this book—cowboy romance, single dad, divorced mom, inherited house, long-lost family, beautiful country setting, cute kids—are nearly cliched in contemporary romance. So I was utterly delighted to see this author's handling of them. It in no way comes off as cliched or trope heavy. The characters we first meet are instantly likable, and we can understand the emotions displayed and the decisions that must be made. The kids are an absolute delight, not perfect but also sweet in that way that well-raised children tend to be. The author had me from the beginning scene with the heroine and the defense rooster, Mother Clucker. Even though this book grapples with some pretty heavy themes at times, like long-lost family, the echoing effects of divorce, and other family drama, the author was still able to inject enough humor along the way to make this not only a sweet romance but a sweet story. It is certainly heartwarming and delivers the feels. Ms. Joy is a new author to me, but this will certainly not be the last book I read by her.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Carly Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming!

A charming sweet romance! This story has it all - new beginnings, small town charm, family values, horses, and a swoon worthy cowboy. Can’t wait to read the next in this series.

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I haven’t read a horse involved romance that I loved this much in a very long time. I tested up twice and that doesn’t happen terribly often when I read. It was such a quick, interesting, & easy read, I almost couldn’t put it down. The characters are so lovable, the transitions between characters was smooth & I didn’t get lost once. They were complex, caring, & relatable. I loved the letters left behind by Rose & the details and history of the carriage house. I’ve spent a lot of time over the summer months 3 hours north of Minneapolis and the visual of the setting is spot on, though there is an adorable lack of mosquitos.... especially next to the lake. I also really enjoyed seeing the town of Bemidji in, I have a cousin whose family owns a cabin there and it was really fun to relate to the book on a personal level.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel has has some problems especially with her ex husband bill so when she gets a letter from A letter from an attorny from a small town named maple bay she decides to go see what she is receiving and what she finds is a sister and an extended family to bring her and her daughter Grace out of their shells. Jesse is a man trying to be a good father to his neice Charlie after his sister Sarah died but when he met Hazel, he never knew that his whole life would turn out so wonderful. Two people who have some decisions to make do an amazing job. What a beautiful love story. I can't wait to read the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page I was hooked, you feel so much for not only Hazel but also Frankie as both have a lot to deal with in regards to Rose their mother who raised one daughter but not the other. You go through a lot of highs and lows in this book as you get to know all the characters including Rose and seeing how the deal with the situation not only of the inheritance but also relationships whether family or attraction. This has the perfect mix of a bit of romance, family, taking control of your life, laughs, tears and that love comes in many different forms. I can not wait for the next book in the series!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting Over in Maple Bay ~Maple Bay bk 1 by Brittney Joy.
New author, new series and I truly am glad that I found Brittney.
I found Starting Over in Maple Bay extremely to be, unique and wonderfulness. I will be rereading this over and over again. I love small-town romances, and Starting Over in Maple Bay is a charming one… You can’t ask for much more in a series a well-written story with a very good storyline the story flows across the pages. Starting Over in Maple Bay kept me entertained and engaged from beginning to end, I truly felt I was there too and have now found another great author to follow.
Thank you, Brittney, for this awesome book, and thank you, Christina Butrum, for the recommendation.
Looking forward to book two in August:)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book.
Hazel receives a letter letting her know her birth mother has passed away. She needs to be in Maple Bay for the reading of the will.
Hazel finds out she has a sister. Can she stay in Maple Bay for the summer? Maple Bay is very different from her city life.
A romance with horses, caring characters and a carriage house I fell in love with. I loved the letters that were found left behind by Rose.
I have spent time in Minneapolis, Bemidji and yearly visits to Winona to be with family. The descriptions made it easy for me to picture being back in those places.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've found a new favorite small town

I love the characters Brittney Joy developed for Maple Bay. When Hazel and her daughter Grace visit the small rural town, they find family they didn't know they had. They are readily welcomed as friends and family. Hazel and her former husband shared custody of their daughter, who needed to return to school in the city 4 hours away where her father lives. Things get complicated when Hazel finds herself very attracted to the handsome and wonderful Jesse.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maple Bay is a place I'd rather be!

Swoon! This story had me ALL IN from the first page. From the welcoming family to Jesse's outstretched arms, this story enveloped me with a mix of emotions from beginning to end!

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the plot and the characters. It was all realistic. The kids, especially, were well written.

The setting was described enough to get a feel for the place, without bogging down the storytelling.

The attraction was instant, but the romance slow building.

[Michelle Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

I really enjoyed this book! I loved all the characters and appreciated a clean romance! I hope there will be another Maple Bay book about Hazel and Jesse. I would also love to read more about Frankie and her side of the story!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel and her daughter are definitely starting over. There are so many secrets and a few twists and turns in this book. Great lessons to learn, forgiveness given and a new love.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet

Such a nice sweet romance. Just what I need on a rainy day. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

A book that brings two young woman together after discovering their half sisters. one who has been with her mother all her live.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting over in more than one way ---

Brittney did it again. I liked this story for more than one reason - no sex or foul language. I like single parent stories and starting over in a new place in a small town with the love of family and making new friends.

"BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL" of that crazy farm animal - an aggressive feathered monster bird better known as Mother Chicken. She will chase you to the top of your car. That's the last thing Hazel needed was a crazy rooster finding a new target in her daughter Grace. Just when she thought that rooster was going to join her on the top of her car, here came a shaggy black-and-white dog chased that bird back to the barn.

Thirty-seven-year-old Hazel and her ten-year old daughter Grace drive to 877 Maple Bay Drive, Maple Bay, MN once she finds out she has inherited part of a 20-acre property she is about to share with her half-sister Frankie. Hazel's biological mother Rose placed her up for adoption at the age of sixteen because she was much too young to care for an infant. She also has a younger sister Frankie as well.

Hazel wondered why Rose would leave her a home foreign to her. Sandy, Hazel's adopted mother, insisted she drive four hours north of Minneapolis to see the lawyer who sent her the letter. She needed closure - whatever it was.

Imagine inheriting a large house along with a carriage house and other outbuildings which sat on ten acres that ran along a river with breathtaking views. The carriage house needed some restoration but Frankie and her husband Garrett were willing to help Hazel with any repairs necessary. All Hazel needed to do was live on the property through the summer.

Why would Hazel want to live in a place from a woman she never knew? Her place was in Haven Hills and close to her ex-husband and for Grace to have stability. Besides, Hazel and Grace lived with her parents. She was in debt and broke after her divorce from Bill. She wasn't ready to move someplace else right now.

It's when she gets involved with a handsome drink of water cowboy and the community that she decides to stay and even her ex-husband and his new girlfriend move to Maple Bay. Hazel opened the carriage house as a bed and breakfast and does baking for Myra for 'Perk Up' coffee shop.

Keep reading this series. The next book: Second Change in Maple Bay - Kat swore off horses after a riding accident took her sister. Five years later she still blames herself and deals with the guilt by getting lost in city lights, a corporate job, and a sham of an engagement. Creed lives for one thing—rodeo—and he learned long ago that family is more than blood. Happy reading!