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Oak Harbor #4
Absolution
Marg’s life has always been filled with disappointment and failure. A failed marriage, a mother who always compared her to her perfect sister, then having unfulfilled desires that has her packing up and leaving everything and everyone behind. When she arrives in Oak Harbor, everything is wonderful in this quiet coastal town. Marg finally feels happy, but one thing is certain— your past always catches up with you. When Marg’s grandmother dies, it opens the door to the things that Marg has worked so hard to lock away, but they ultimately come flooding back into her perfectly sculpted world. Her mother arrives with a plan to sell the home she’s become so attached to and hoarding a secret that could destroy the very fabric of her existence. In comes the Hamilton sisters and a love interest that want to teach Marg the true meaning of love, friendship, and forgiveness. But is it enough? Will Marg be able to handle the truth? Or will it completely shatter her world? Lose yourself in this new women's fiction series that includes friendship, love, and loss among the Hamilton family & friends. A heartwarming cast of characters that has the backdrop of Oak Harbor’s coastal serene landscapes and crystal blue waters.
Paperback
Published September 21, 2022
326 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Thomas
43 books226 followersKimberly Thomas has a passion for writing heartfelt stories that resonate with her readers. With two adult children and a loving husband, she understands the complexities of family dynamics and uses this knowledge to create relatable characters. When she's not writing, she loves to travel and explore new cultures. She finds inspiration in the people she meets and the places she visits, and often incorporates her experiences into her stories.
Kimberly specializes in feel-good women's fiction, clean and wholesome contemporary romance. Her stories focus on love, loss, and the everyday situations that families face. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, and she has a talent for drawing readers in and keeping them hooked until the very end.
Kimberly specializes in feel-good women's fiction, clean and wholesome contemporary romance. Her stories focus on love, loss, and the everyday situations that families face. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, and she has a talent for drawing readers in and keeping them hooked until the very end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 21, 2022
A little slow and repetitive at times. I had a hard time accepting Marg and her situation. Her husband cheated on her with his secretary after she suffered two miscarriages and her doctor said she would never be able to carry a baby to term.
She left him over 10 years ago when he impregnated his mistress. He ended up having 3 children with her, but he and Marg never divorced. It was just unbelievable to me. She moves across the country to live with her grandmother and start a new life.
Surprised abound in her life leaving her questioning everything. It's overwhelmingly sad. Not one of my favorites but nice to see how the Hamilton sisters are doing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book received from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I'd rate 3.5 stars.
She left him over 10 years ago when he impregnated his mistress. He ended up having 3 children with her, but he and Marg never divorced. It was just unbelievable to me. She moves across the country to live with her grandmother and start a new life.
Surprised abound in her life leaving her questioning everything. It's overwhelmingly sad. Not one of my favorites but nice to see how the Hamilton sisters are doing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book received from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I'd rate 3.5 stars.
September 20, 2022
Absolution Requires Accountability
We are told Marg’s life has always been filled with disappointment and failure. That’s putting it mildly. It goes so much deeper than that. She was unwanted from birth by a father in name only, a mother who always ridiculed her and a sister that received enough parental love for both of them. Marg not only was emotionally abused while growing up, she was neglected in basic necessities too. Her clothes were from thrift stores while her sister got all the latest styles and fads, she had to work two jobs to pay her own way to college while daddy dearest foot the bill for her precious sister. The list goes on.
After college she married a man who was the love of her life. He not only cheats on her but has children with his mistress, justifying his behavior by Marg having miscarriages and unable to have children. Learning of his cheating was the last straw. Off to grandma’s house she goes. And now, she starts building a real life. It won’t be easy. She has to face her demons and begin to change herself with her beloved gram’s help. She meets good friends, friends that are more family than anything. And when grandma dies, they are there for her.
🤔 OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ All the ‘wrongdoers’ in this book got off way to easy. Where was the accountability? The only one that seemed to finally see her wrongs was the mother… at the VERY end. Marg was their punching bag and got away with it all. I LOVE a good redemption story, but a simple ‘I’m Sorry’ phrase and all is well, is not redemption. Even as beloved as King David was, he still paid for his choices.
✒︎ Her mother was soooo frustrating. LOL… don’t be surprised if you want to reach inside that book and put that woman in her place. How, just how could a mother be so spiteful? Her mother was a coward and made horrible choices which made Marg suffer.
✒︎ It also was easy to be frustrated with Marg. I so badly wanted her to put her mother in her proper place.
✒︎ Why was Marg being forced to sell grandma’s house? The will gave the home to Marg, her mother and her sister. She owned 1/3 and did not have to sell her portion. I never understood that…. Ownership is ownership. If mommy dearest and sissy wanted to sell, they NEEDED her permission to sell her portion.
✒︎ Finding that letter Grandma Rose wrote was luck…. Not very good planning by Gram.
⍈ I realize some things stated in this review won't play well with today's society, however, society may 'change' but real life doesn't... wrong is wrong and right is right. It's sad to think but often times a person has to fall flat on their face before they see their wrongs. People who enable bad choices are not helping at all. Denial is NOT a river in the Egypt. ⍇
💔 WISHES:
... Rob needed to have a ‘Come To Jesus’ moment. I wanted to ‘hear’ from him. Wanted him to ‘see’ and ‘feel’ what a horrible and despicable husband he was. He got off WAY to easy.
... Reyna needed to reap what she sowed. She broke up a marriage and got rewarded for it. That’s sending the wrong message. Where is the accountability?
... Marg deserved and earned what she got in Rob’s will. She went through hades with him. She also worked and contributed financially to their marriage. Remember, that was her home too for many, many years.
... Reyna would receive social security for the children until they reached legal age. If Marg wanted to setup a college fund for the children, that would be good. I wish she had more backbone. Giving Reyna everything and telling Reyna she could pay her back by not doing to another wife what she did to her…. Well, that was ridiculous. Reyna only cared for herself. I saw no remorse or admitting wrong from Reyna. She will again do exactly what she did to Marg because she’s selfish and only thinks of herself. Where is her lesson learned?
❣️Again.... I realize some of the things stated in this review won't play well with today's society, however, society may 'change' but real life doesn't... wrong is wrong and right is right. It's sad to think but often times a person must fall flat on their face before they see their wrongs. People who enable bad choices are not helping at all. Denial is NOT a river in the Egypt.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We are told Marg’s life has always been filled with disappointment and failure. That’s putting it mildly. It goes so much deeper than that. She was unwanted from birth by a father in name only, a mother who always ridiculed her and a sister that received enough parental love for both of them. Marg not only was emotionally abused while growing up, she was neglected in basic necessities too. Her clothes were from thrift stores while her sister got all the latest styles and fads, she had to work two jobs to pay her own way to college while daddy dearest foot the bill for her precious sister. The list goes on.
After college she married a man who was the love of her life. He not only cheats on her but has children with his mistress, justifying his behavior by Marg having miscarriages and unable to have children. Learning of his cheating was the last straw. Off to grandma’s house she goes. And now, she starts building a real life. It won’t be easy. She has to face her demons and begin to change herself with her beloved gram’s help. She meets good friends, friends that are more family than anything. And when grandma dies, they are there for her.
🤔 OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ All the ‘wrongdoers’ in this book got off way to easy. Where was the accountability? The only one that seemed to finally see her wrongs was the mother… at the VERY end. Marg was their punching bag and got away with it all. I LOVE a good redemption story, but a simple ‘I’m Sorry’ phrase and all is well, is not redemption. Even as beloved as King David was, he still paid for his choices.
✒︎ Her mother was soooo frustrating. LOL… don’t be surprised if you want to reach inside that book and put that woman in her place. How, just how could a mother be so spiteful? Her mother was a coward and made horrible choices which made Marg suffer.
✒︎ It also was easy to be frustrated with Marg. I so badly wanted her to put her mother in her proper place.
✒︎ Why was Marg being forced to sell grandma’s house? The will gave the home to Marg, her mother and her sister. She owned 1/3 and did not have to sell her portion. I never understood that…. Ownership is ownership. If mommy dearest and sissy wanted to sell, they NEEDED her permission to sell her portion.
✒︎ Finding that letter Grandma Rose wrote was luck…. Not very good planning by Gram.
⍈ I realize some things stated in this review won't play well with today's society, however, society may 'change' but real life doesn't... wrong is wrong and right is right. It's sad to think but often times a person has to fall flat on their face before they see their wrongs. People who enable bad choices are not helping at all. Denial is NOT a river in the Egypt. ⍇
💔 WISHES:
... Rob needed to have a ‘Come To Jesus’ moment. I wanted to ‘hear’ from him. Wanted him to ‘see’ and ‘feel’ what a horrible and despicable husband he was. He got off WAY to easy.
... Reyna needed to reap what she sowed. She broke up a marriage and got rewarded for it. That’s sending the wrong message. Where is the accountability?
... Marg deserved and earned what she got in Rob’s will. She went through hades with him. She also worked and contributed financially to their marriage. Remember, that was her home too for many, many years.
... Reyna would receive social security for the children until they reached legal age. If Marg wanted to setup a college fund for the children, that would be good. I wish she had more backbone. Giving Reyna everything and telling Reyna she could pay her back by not doing to another wife what she did to her…. Well, that was ridiculous. Reyna only cared for herself. I saw no remorse or admitting wrong from Reyna. She will again do exactly what she did to Marg because she’s selfish and only thinks of herself. Where is her lesson learned?
❣️Again.... I realize some of the things stated in this review won't play well with today's society, however, society may 'change' but real life doesn't... wrong is wrong and right is right. It's sad to think but often times a person must fall flat on their face before they see their wrongs. People who enable bad choices are not helping at all. Denial is NOT a river in the Egypt.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2022
In Book 4 of the Oak Harbor series, we spend time with Marg who is the manager of the Oak Harbor Inn and a good friend to all three of the sisters. She has a complicated past and has to decide if she'll share it with the sisters or keep living under the constraints of her past.
After Marg leaves her cheating husband and returns to her family home, she realizes that she can't stay there. Her mother constantly criticizes her and compares her unfavorably to her older sister - something that she'd done for Marg's entire life. Marg decides to move to Oak Harbor to live with her grandmother. After ten years of love and acceptance from her grandmother, Marg is distraught when her grandmother dies of kidney disease. During her ten years in Oak Harbor, Marg worked as a receptionist and front desk clerk at the Oak Harbor Inn. She loved her job and had become friends with the three sisters who had returned home to run the Inn. But now her life has gone from comfortable to a constant fight with her mother who stayed until the will was read. She continues to act totally negative towards her daughter and when they find out that her grandmother's house has been left to her mother, her sister and herself, she's distraught when her mother and sister decide that the house should be sold. When she decides to share her secrets with the three Hamilton sisters they are understanding and work with her to discover the true meaning of friendship, love and forgiveness. There is also a potential love interest for her but she doesn't feel that she can ever truly trust another man again after her husband's betrayal, Will Marg be able to let go of past pain and reconcile with her family and more importantly find her happily ever after??
After Marg leaves her cheating husband and returns to her family home, she realizes that she can't stay there. Her mother constantly criticizes her and compares her unfavorably to her older sister - something that she'd done for Marg's entire life. Marg decides to move to Oak Harbor to live with her grandmother. After ten years of love and acceptance from her grandmother, Marg is distraught when her grandmother dies of kidney disease. During her ten years in Oak Harbor, Marg worked as a receptionist and front desk clerk at the Oak Harbor Inn. She loved her job and had become friends with the three sisters who had returned home to run the Inn. But now her life has gone from comfortable to a constant fight with her mother who stayed until the will was read. She continues to act totally negative towards her daughter and when they find out that her grandmother's house has been left to her mother, her sister and herself, she's distraught when her mother and sister decide that the house should be sold. When she decides to share her secrets with the three Hamilton sisters they are understanding and work with her to discover the true meaning of friendship, love and forgiveness. There is also a potential love interest for her but she doesn't feel that she can ever truly trust another man again after her husband's betrayal, Will Marg be able to let go of past pain and reconcile with her family and more importantly find her happily ever after??
September 21, 2022
This was a beautifully written story centered around Marg. Marg has never measured up to her parents, her sister, or even her husband. When she learns of Rob’s cheating and going to be a father, she’s had enough. She moves to Oak Harbor to live with her Grams, Rose. She starts a new life there and starts to work at The Willberry Inn. She grows close to the Hamilton sisters and realizes how sisters should be. Then, she gets a devasting blow. Grams dies and instead of leaving the house to her, she leaves it to her mom, Alice, her sister, Julia, and her. Of course, they want to sell the one place she’s considered a real home. Luckily, she meets Ben, who happens to be a cousin to the Hamilton sisters, and he’s a real estate agent. Although he does commercial deals, he offers to help Marg. I’m not going to say anything else about what happens, but I think Marg’s moving to Oak Harbor was the best decision she ever made. Grab your copy and see if you agree.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 20, 2022
This is book four in An Oak Harbor Series and it is Marg's story. Marg has gone through so much in her life at the hands of the people that should have been there for her like her mother who was abusive, her sister who was horrible and had everything that she wanted and a husband that cheated on her and got the other woman pregnant and then to top it all off her grandmother who was the only one that supported and loved Marg died and my heart broke for everything that she had gone through and still going through due to her grandmother's will. This is an emotional story along with great characters and a storyline that pulled you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
February 5, 2026
This is Marg's story! Marg escaped a verbally abusive marriage and at her Gram's encouragement comes to live with her in Oak Harbor.
Marg was already working at the Inn when Cora, Andrea, and Jo return home. Marg is the front desk receptionist and has a close friendship with Beth, the girl's mother.
Marg has a failing relationship with her dad, her mom and her sister. Marg is such a sweet and caring person, it was hard to read that her mother was so critical of her. She has become quick friends with the Hamilton sisters and they help her face some hard truths. I loved how Marg's story unfolded.
Marg was already working at the Inn when Cora, Andrea, and Jo return home. Marg is the front desk receptionist and has a close friendship with Beth, the girl's mother.
Marg has a failing relationship with her dad, her mom and her sister. Marg is such a sweet and caring person, it was hard to read that her mother was so critical of her. She has become quick friends with the Hamilton sisters and they help her face some hard truths. I loved how Marg's story unfolded.
September 23, 2022
Will Marg find a second chance at love in Oak Harbour?
5 stars. Excellent from start to finish. The storyline for Marg & Ben was definitely a rollercoaster ride of emotions which kept my attention from the 1st line to the last line. Marg has gone through so much in her life, will she get a second chance at love with Ben? If you love slow burn second chance romance I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 stars. Excellent from start to finish. The storyline for Marg & Ben was definitely a rollercoaster ride of emotions which kept my attention from the 1st line to the last line. Marg has gone through so much in her life, will she get a second chance at love with Ben? If you love slow burn second chance romance I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2022
In this book, we learn about the hardships and troubles Marg has faced. Unable to have children, her marriage to Rob faced troubles. She has always felt inferior in her life, feeling like she is second best to her sister Julia. The emotional abuse she suffered as a child makes her unwilling to trust. In addition the loss of her beloved Grandmother has Marg feeling alone and abandoned.
Feelings of unworthiness, makes her hesitant to try to take a second chance on love
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
Feelings of unworthiness, makes her hesitant to try to take a second chance on love
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
March 15, 2024
Great read!!!!!
I love second chances almost as much as I hate lues and secrets. This book has its fair share of both, but fortunately, the lies are in the past and the second chances seem to be in the near future. Sweet romances in a small town are the best AND the worst.
Ms Thomas is an excellent writer, gifted in this genre. I get a bit tired at the number of times someone is called 'Sweetie', but it is worth it to get to the happy endings. Thanks for another set of goodreads.
I love second chances almost as much as I hate lues and secrets. This book has its fair share of both, but fortunately, the lies are in the past and the second chances seem to be in the near future. Sweet romances in a small town are the best AND the worst.
Ms Thomas is an excellent writer, gifted in this genre. I get a bit tired at the number of times someone is called 'Sweetie', but it is worth it to get to the happy endings. Thanks for another set of goodreads.
September 23, 2022
Wow another great book in this series. This is Marge's story. Marge has lived a life of disappointment ts and failures all her life. She does not expect much to change when everyone returns to the childhood home. Will things be different? Will she finally find happiness? Love? What will happen? Great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2022
Absolution I’d a good small town read about life, loss, love and friendship.
Marg really drew the short straw when it came to life. Every bad scenario she had lived it. Her Grandmother’s will brings all the things she had locked away back to the surface.
With the help of friends and community she has to try to put her live together again.
I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
Marg really drew the short straw when it came to life. Every bad scenario she had lived it. Her Grandmother’s will brings all the things she had locked away back to the surface.
With the help of friends and community she has to try to put her live together again.
I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
September 22, 2022
This book will break your heart but it will mend it back together. Marg moves back to oak harbor after her husband cheated and has been happy until a tragedy happens, Ben is a quiet single father that has had feelings for marg will he get her to let her walls down?.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2022
I wasn’t sure how I was going to like Marg’s story as she didn’t seem to be much of a character. But I was wrong and Kimberly Thomas really developed her story line beautifully. Her past relationship and that of hers and her mom’s was so tough to read. I was happy when she met someone and decided to give love another chance. Great story!
September 24, 2022
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review. I found this books sad but beautiful Mara Lewis finds that's she is lacking in her family and now with her husband so moving to oak harbor she finds truth and more .
September 28, 2022
Marg's mom is so mean to her. Treats her different and just all around blames everything on her. But you'll find out why towards the end. I love Ben's sense of humor. Awesome story.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2022
A well-written, beautiful story you can't put down. The story flows smoothly through the pages. The characters are well-developed, easy to get to know, and realistic. Definitely recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2024
Absolution
This started out and all the drama with the family and the death of the grandmother and Alice acting so mean but after the truth coming out about Marg's dad everything got much better. Look forward to the next book.
This started out and all the drama with the family and the death of the grandmother and Alice acting so mean but after the truth coming out about Marg's dad everything got much better. Look forward to the next book.
May 15, 2024
A tear jerker!
Beautiful heartfelt story. Emotional at times, seeing how Marg had been treated for years. When the skeletons came out of the closet, healing began! Secrets can be painful! Interesting story. Great author!
Beautiful heartfelt story. Emotional at times, seeing how Marg had been treated for years. When the skeletons came out of the closet, healing began! Secrets can be painful! Interesting story. Great author!
May 22, 2024
Another fantastic book
Marge works for the Hamilton's as a receptionist. No one knows much about her past. Her story gradually comes to life after her grandmother passes away. What an interesting story.
Marge works for the Hamilton's as a receptionist. No one knows much about her past. Her story gradually comes to life after her grandmother passes away. What an interesting story.
August 10, 2024
4.25⭐️{Kindle}
Tearjerker!! BK4 in a 10 book series. Free with KU. These are shorter books in a story continuation {180-200pgs each} based on a coastal scene of Oak Harbor. The series is hallmark like with heartwarming cast of characters. Loss, love, friendship and family. Quaint, sweet and quick reads. You’ll be vested in the Hamilton family.
Tearjerker!! BK4 in a 10 book series. Free with KU. These are shorter books in a story continuation {180-200pgs each} based on a coastal scene of Oak Harbor. The series is hallmark like with heartwarming cast of characters. Loss, love, friendship and family. Quaint, sweet and quick reads. You’ll be vested in the Hamilton family.
April 4, 2024
3.5/5.0
May 5, 2024
Secret finds a way to surface
Five stars amazing and so charming how a secret can change your relationship with those you love and cherish forever
Five stars amazing and so charming how a secret can change your relationship with those you love and cherish forever
June 4, 2024
Absolution
I really enjoyed this book about Marge and how she left her cheating husband and started a new life. Had only a couple of grammar errors.
I really enjoyed this book about Marge and how she left her cheating husband and started a new life. Had only a couple of grammar errors.
June 5, 2024
Wonderful book
I really enjoy this set of books. The character are great and this has been a pleasure to read. Wow what a book.
I really enjoy this set of books. The character are great and this has been a pleasure to read. Wow what a book.
June 10, 2024
Exciting New Relations!
It's exciting to read about peoples new loves and families. I wish my life was more exciting like theirs is.
It's exciting to read about peoples new loves and families. I wish my life was more exciting like theirs is.
June 24, 2024
book 4
Good book in this series. I look forward to reading the next one. I like the characters and the way the stories come together.
Good book in this series. I look forward to reading the next one. I like the characters and the way the stories come together.
August 6, 2024
Forgivrness
It kept my interest, and was a feel good book! It showed forgiveness is always the best decision. Good story!
It kept my interest, and was a feel good book! It showed forgiveness is always the best decision. Good story!
January 7, 2025
Great book
Read
April 30, 2025I am enjoying this whole series.
September 22, 2022
This was another good book in this series. It grabs you from the first page. Some of the previous characters in this series show up in supporting roles .
I felt pretty sad for Marg and at times wanted to shake her mother. It’s a quick story, you’ll want to stay up to finish it. Thanks to the author for the early copy
I felt pretty sad for Marg and at times wanted to shake her mother. It’s a quick story, you’ll want to stay up to finish it. Thanks to the author for the early copy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews