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Marigold Island #5

Beachside Memories

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Return to Marigold Island in this heartwarming family saga with characters you'll want to visit again and again!

Grace Nelson is 39 years old, but she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. After spending the past several years as the primary caretaker for her ill father, she’s grown accustomed to putting someone else’s needs above her own.

After he passes away, she feels adrift and uncertain, mourning his death as she tries to figure out her next steps. When her childhood friends Lydia Walker and Angela Collins invite her visit Marigold Island and stay at the Beachside inn, it sounds like the perfect escape. As much as she loves Colorado, she’s missed the beach, and time away from her regular routine will give her a chance to rediscover who she is.

Joshua Marsden isn’t looking for a change. His life is fine just the way it is, thank you. Sure, he works a bit too much, but it’s that level of dedication that helped him build his restaurant into the successful establishment it is today.

Still, when a friend challenges him to try something new, he reluctantly agrees to sign up for a few classes through the local rec center. He doesn’t expect to enjoy himself at all… until he strikes up a conversation with the pretty brunette woman in his pottery class. Grace is only visiting for the summer, but the connection between them is undeniable.

Lydia and Angela are thrilled to reconnect with their old friend, and they’re happy to see her flourishing on Marigold. Meanwhile, Grant and Lydia are planning their wedding, and another proposal is right around the corner.

Who will be the next to say I do?


Come dip your toes in the crystal blue waters of Marigold Island, a fictional island town tucked in next to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. This heartwarming and uplifting women’s fiction will take you on a journey of healing, friendship, family, faith, and love.

Perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Pamela Kelley, Rachel Hanna, and Jenny Hale.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2021

3451 people are currently reading
182 people want to read

About the author

Fiona Baker

53 books196 followers

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5 stars
1,949 (62%)
4 stars
842 (26%)
3 stars
273 (8%)
2 stars
42 (1%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
25 reviews
July 27, 2021
I have read, and enjoyed, each of the five 'Beachside Inn' books. The characters are delightful, though a bit too syrupy, and the setting is, well, I want to be there. Ms. Baker does a good job of linking each book to the previous one. What is seriously missing is any proofreading. There are sentences, the meaning of which are quite confusing because the structure is poor. Many phrases have been reworded, but the original wording not removed first which is also confusing. Spelling seems not to be troublesome, nor is punctuation. The series is entertaining, though the happenings are just a little too perfect. That said, I look forward to book #6, due in a few months.
414 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2025
Really enjoying this series, one more book and I am caught up in what has been published so far. Book five introduces us to a new character Grace as she returns to her friends and life in Marigold Island after living in Colorado taking care of her Dad. Wedding plans start, an engagement, life on Marigold Island is good for this group!
1,001 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2024
Book 5 in the series introduces some new characters.
"Grace Nelson is 39 years old, but she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. After spending the past several years as the primary caretaker for her ill father, she’s grown accustomed to putting someone else’s needs above her own.
After he passes away, she feels adrift and uncertain, mourning his death as she tries to figure out her next steps. When her childhood friends Lydia Walker and Angela Collins invite her visit Marigold Island and stay at the Beachside inn, it sounds like the perfect escape. As much as she loves Colorado, she’s missed the beach, and time away from her regular routine will give her a chance to rediscover who she is.
Joshua Marsden isn’t looking for a change. His life is fine just the way it is, thank you. Sure, he works a bit too much, but it’s that level of dedication that helped him build his restaurant into the successful establishment it is today.
Still, when a friend challenges him to try something new, he reluctantly agrees to sign up for a few classes through the local rec center. He doesn’t expect to enjoy himself at all… until he strikes up a conversation with the pretty brunette woman in his pottery class. Grace is only visiting for the summer, but the connection between them is undeniable." synopsis copied
Profile Image for Mary A. Muchowicz.
189 reviews
January 17, 2022
More new beginnings on Marigold and this time it is for Grace and Joshua

Grace grew up on Marigold Island. Her mother died when she was young so it was her and her Dad. When she was 18, they moved to Colorado. Grace became a photographer. When her Dad got Alzheimer's, Grace put her life on hold to become his caretaker. After her Dad dies, Grace decides to go to Marigold Island and stay and The Beachside Inn and spend time with her old friends Angela and Lydia. Joshua owns a very popular restaurant, Ariana and is planning to open a new restaurant n Boston. He is always on the go and his business is his life. His head chef cHallenges him to try something different by taking some classes that Alan has signed him up for. Joshua is delighted when Grace is in the same introductory classes he is taking. They really hit it off and very much enjoy spending time with each other. They are both re-evaluating their lives. Grace decides to remain on Marigold Island and Joshua decides to let Alan open and run his Boston restaurant so he has more time with Grace. Best of all . . .Hunter proposes to Brooke.
3 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2025
Guys love your books too!

I am a 81 year old male who absolutely loves your style and writings. They celebrate and compliment the wonderful memories I have of my own life. When I read your novels I am immersed in the visualization you provide with your writing style. Thank you so much for warmth and good feelings you leave me as I read this series. I can’t wait to read you other delights!
1,228 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2021
Return to Beachside

I felt like it was a reunion and all the girlfriends are back together again and new opportunity opens up for grace to stay and build a life once again . Wedding ring for the newly engaged couple . I like this series because it's real and the narrative describes foods and wine's and the surrounding as if you can touch , taste and feel everything .
312 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2021
It's almost over!!!

Say it ain't so......I have really been transported to a lovely island that
I can really identify with! Maybe with this next wedding my invite will arrive on time!!!! Again, only big problem is the editing department.VERY POOR!!!!!..
Take care all...!!!!!...
ENJOY!!!!
STAY SAFE...!!!!!...

MARY C





713 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2023
A great read

The can be read as a stand alone but I prefer reading a series in order. Grace and Joshua are a good edition to the Marigold Island cast. A sweet clean romance, a wonderful island setting, an excellent cast of people and warm, thoughtful writing make this a pleasure to read anywhere.
11 reviews
February 25, 2024
easy to,read.

I enjoy picking up this book and being able to read for the amount of I have available and put it down when I need to. It a very easy read and love about having now hot sex scene. I dislike is I pretty much know what going to happen after a few chapters and it certainly not a mystery. The reverse side it a feel good book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
295 reviews
May 29, 2025
This book just didn't have the same good feeling as the others before it in this series. Also, there were a few too many questionable errors that considering how long this book has been in publication should have been rectified by now. Actually, those errors should have been taken care of before publishing. Was there proofreading done before publishing?
2 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2025
enjoyable

I find all of the books I’ve read so far to be enjoyable and I will continue to read more. My only issue - and I hope the author hears what I’m writing next - is the problem with poor editing in books 4 and 5. I found way too many errors. Maybe she needs me as a proofreader.
86 reviews
November 8, 2023
continued pleasure to read

This series of books is very entertaining and also keeps you interested for the next thing to happen. Looking forward to all the weddings and Angela getting engaged and Travis as well.
54 reviews
September 27, 2024
Great book, building on the characters and storyline from previous books this book moves the
Forward with the storyline development. Sisters and friends making lives for themselves on this little vacation island.
23 reviews
August 10, 2025
Best yet!

It’s a pleasure when each book in a series is even better than the last.
Excellent character development and engaging plots keep me interested as I relax and enjoy life on Marigold Island.
58 reviews
November 14, 2025
Old friends and new friends

Returning back to your childhood home and friends. After putting everything in your life on hold to care for your father, it's finding that you can discover what you really want to do with the rest of your life, and with who?
9 reviews
November 23, 2025
A Feel Good Read

These characters become your “friends” as you read the series and when new characters appear you connect with them also. You just want to keep reading to see how things work out.
989 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2021
Great catch up for old friends

Another great story we saw Grace and Joshua get close and Travis and Jennifer. Hunter proposed to Brooke let's find out what is going to happen next
258 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2021
Great read

Another hood book I'm really enjoying this series, her writing is amazing story line easy to follow and it makes you feel warm and comfortable.
20 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2021
Another great story

I enjoy reading about the ladies and their friendship. Looking forward to the next book. Happy reading. Great endings and beginnings
Profile Image for Patricia  Scott.
4 reviews
September 21, 2023
marigold continues

This book picks up directly after book 4 . I enjoy the continuation as the reader gets to know the characters.
3 reviews
October 4, 2023
fantastic

Love this book. Introducing new characters adds to the story line of Marigold Island. This was enjoyable reading. A must read.
1 review
January 16, 2024
Continuity of Series

Like reading one book after the other. It means I get to read quite a bit. And I love the story.
721 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2024
Chapters of love new beginner of life

Five stars amazing funny and sweet finding new beginnings on life and finding the soul life on new partners on love
705 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2025
Beachside Memories

Another great story. So many plans put into place I’m excited to see where they head and how they will all turn out.
Profile Image for Melanie Sillman.
70 reviews
August 3, 2025
New character alert!!!! Grace gets all she ever wanted when she comes to Marigold, because that’s how all these books go. Live laugh love. On to the next!
Profile Image for CAROLYN.
329 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
More love

Several residents falling in love. They are finding more and more the things they bring them closer together. Great love stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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