The Beach House on Amelia Island

Seven Sisters #1

by Hope Holloway

The start of a heartwarming saga of sisterhood, secrets, and second chances...

The very moment that Raina Wingate learns her husband of sixteen years wants to separate, she gets a call that her father has suffered a stroke. Racing to her family’s home on Amelia Island, Florida, Raina hopes the time apart will heal her cracked marriage and that she can step into her father’s real estate business and keep it running.

Her sister, Tori, a divorcee who owns a catering business in Boston, also flies in to join the others at the hospital. But an unexpected run-in with their father’s rather attractive neurologist adds a new dimension to the days and weeks ahead.

They gather around their father, but it doesn’t take long to see that it is Susannah, mother to three and stepmother to four of the sisters, who needs them the most. A woman who maintains appearances at all times, sixty-one year old Susannah nearly breaks at the possibility of losing her husband. She has never needed her daughters more.

When the clouds roll over the beach house on Amelia Island, the Wingate women learn over and over again that the bond between the seven sisters is as strong as steel, as gentle as an ocean breeze, and as lasting as their family legacy.

The Seven Sisters Series

The Wingate women are unique and unforgettable...but they all share inner strength, abiding love, a few quirky traits, and the ability to support each other through every challenge. This family is founded on love and laughter and a sisterhood unlike any other.

When their father suffers a stroke, all seven adult daughters instantly come together to support their mother, run the family business, and lean on each other as they always have. But as they gather at their parents' beach house on Amelia Island, the sisters soon learn that some are struggling in life and love, and picking up the pieces of the businesses along Wingate Way isn’t going to be easy.

The Seven Sisters series will consist of seven books with recurring characters, continuing stories, heartbreaking and hopeful moments, later-in-life romance, a touch of mystery, and lots of happy tears.

All of the books will be available in digital, paperback, and audio formats, launching in spring, 2023.


The Beach House on Amelia Island (book 1)
The Café on Amelia Island (book 2)
The Bookstore on Amelia Island (book 3)
The Florist on Amelia Island (book 4)
The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island (book 5)
The Dressmaker on Amelia Island (book 6)
The Inn on Amelia Island (book 7)

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Family, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Summer

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2023

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4*
I enjoyed the beach setting of NE Florida. Love Amelia Island and the area. This is a series of seven sisters and begins with a medical emergency that brings all home but one, who is in Europe. We see ups and downs of the different sisters and their spouses, exes, new relationship, and one's upcoming wedding. This is one that I think that I would have enjoyed more to read than listen. While the narrator has a nice voice, I wasn't a big fan of in this book. I may read the next book at some point as there are some unfinished business but I found this one a littlIe depressing at times. I borrowed via Libby audio but have the Kindle copy too.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book! If you like books that are centered around one family with all the joy, heartache, and even a little mystery, this series might be for you.

This is book #1 in a 7 book series. Centered around 7 sisters this first book kind of introduced all the characters and gave us a glimpse into their lives.

I normally read thrillers and recently added romance to the rotation but I really liked that this book was neither. It definitely was very focused on relationships but there was zero spice which I love because I feel like spice can take up too much space or change how I feel about certain characters.

I definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading the next 6 in the series.

[Katrina Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was this like a cheesy Hallmark Movie? Yes. Am I going to read the complete series? Also, yes.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

One day I will learn that stories that have 'beach" in them are not books I should try to read. The first 1/3 of the book was readable and the next 2/3's was not so readable. In all fairness, the characters are met at one of the worst times in lives. One of the parents has had a stoke. The sisters are dealing with their own issues as well. There were bits and pieces along the way that kept me reading. I am sad that I paid the price of the book for the lack of enjoyment that I received.

[Ashley Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright story time! So I ran out of audiobook hours on Spotify like normal and was like maybe I should get audible so bang downloaded audible they were having a sale on how much their credits cost so it was meant to be. Little did I know you still have to pay $14 for most books on audible once you’re out of credits??? That is high way robbery my friends (prob not but I’m still not paying that) ANYWAYS this book was one of the free ones and let me tell you. This was like if a Hallmark movie was on steroids and pumped directly into your veins via an IV. Like nauseatingly sweet. The seven sisters are nauseatingly sweet (one’s name is Raina and they call her raindrop. Another’s name is Rose and they call her Rosebud….see what I mean?) but I was intrigued enough to finish the book and there are like 7 more books in the series but LO AND BEHOLD Audible only offers Book #1 for free (curse you for that Audible) so. All that to say this book was a cute and somewhat cringey listen (like this is a book I think my sweet sweet grandmother would enjoy) and no I will not be paying $14 for the next book nor will I be using my Audible credit on these books once it renews in a month. :) happy Friday Eve friends!

[Mcarrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry but not a fan. Everything was too “sweetness and light”—even the bad stuff was too perfect. Frankly it was hard to get through because I felt like I’d time-traveled back to a 1950’s TV family like “Father Knows Best”. I like relaxing beach reads, but I still want some mystery and maybe a little shock. I rolled my eyes quite a bit at the dialogue. The whole story was just too predictable and “sugary” for my taste.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series is off to a wonderful start with The Beach House on Amelia Island! Seven strong sisters rally around their parents in a time of great need, while dealing with their own personal issues. The strength of family brings them together and this story is touching and emotional and complex. I’ve loved getting to know the Wingates and eagerly await the next book in the series. This is definitely a series one wants to read from the beginning!

[Lauren Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great read!! I loved all the characters (except the idiotic and infuriating boyfriends/husbands that were the biggest red flags ever). But I loved the vibes of this book, it’s getting me VERY excited for summer! This is one of seven books, and I usually don’t like series because it takes a LOT of commitment, but I’m for sure going to give the second book a chance!

[Jeanne McDowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for my book club selection and found it too predictable. I did enjoy the setting since I live a few miles from the island, but unfortunately even that aspect didn’t hold my attention. Chalk it up to an easy beach read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Loved the book, new series is off to a great start. Cannot wait for book 2!

[Renae · Rating 2 out of 5]

With such great reviews on Goodreads I expected more. I found it terribly boring and I couldn't wait to be done.

[Megan Mcilquham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m typically a thriller reader, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it to be a refreshing change of pace. My family and I just returned from vacation in Amelia Island, and the author did a beautiful job capturing the charm and spirit of the area, it felt like I was right back on that perfect little island.

This novel is the first in what promises to be a captivating series centered on the Wingate family. We’re introduced to the seven Wingate sisters, along with their father, Rex, and Susanna, mother to three of the girls and stepmother to the other four. At its heart, the series is about family, weaving together themes of love, loyalty, and resilience. The spotlight in this book is on Raina, a highly successful real estate professional in Miami. She’s called back home to Amelia Island after her father suffers a stroke, and from there, the story unfolds into something much richer. Through her return, we learn about Raina’s extraordinary beginnings, her early life, and the complexities of her marriage. The narrative also lays the foundation for the series by highlighting the sisters’ deep bond and the strength they draw from one another. Without giving away too much, I’ll just say there are two major surprises in this story that hooked me and left me eager to dive into the next installment. If you enjoy family-driven dramas with layered characters and a strong sense of place, this series is one to watch. Highly recommend!

[Tatyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, light read. I loved the strong friendship and love between the 7 sister. I loved their respect for Suz, and that her stepdaughters called her mother, and corrected anyone who called her their 'stepmother'. I loved their respect and support for each other, for their father, and everyone's profession. It is rare I find a book about a wealthy family that has family members working regular jobs, running hands on businesses when they could have stayed home on a family allowance.
I also appreciated that the author showed so many different type of marriages and personal life situations in one family, just to show that marriage and happiness is not a same formula for all, and we all have our own individual journeys. I feel like even as short as this book is, I have gotten to know each character enough to enjoy the read.
I would have loved to read a conclusion or more clues on what happened to their father's business. The end left that situation hanging.

[Jennifer Timko Lofland · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Not my typical read by a long shot. It was free on audible and I had a long drive. I’m so mad because now I need to know what happens next. 7 books, 7! I loathed some of the characters and their personalities, it was super cheesy at times but it kept my interest. If you love a quick beach read, this is your book. If you love sappy, Hallmark movie type books, this is your book.

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is my first book by this author... and it was okay. Not bad, but I feel like the first half of the book was really good. Then I kind of zoned out (or at least felt like I had). The characters were likable to a point. There was just something off and I didn't really pick up on it until after the halfway mark. Other than that, it felt too perfect at times and predictable at others. I could totally see this becoming a hallmark or lifetime tv movie too.

[Angel Pickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

My honeymoon was on Amelia Island. It is one of my favorite places to be. So this is a perfect beach read. I loved all the characters and got the close knit family with all the sisters. Will be reading the rest of the series!

[Leanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, beach read on the shores of nearby Amelia Island. Lovingly filled with references for the North Florida resident. We begin following seven sisters through several difficult moments in their life. Heart-warming, fast and light. A perfect beach read.

[Elizabeth Hughescallison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book is about the seven sisters of Amelia Island.

It is a sweet story that is easy and fast to read. You get to know the Wingate Family and a little about their history. Of course, it starts you off with two of the sisters and how their lives change during this book.

It's a sweet read.

[Sarah Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

very "Chesapeake Shores" vibes. really cute. 7 sisters come back home to "Amelia Island" when their father suffers a stroke and then for their sisters wedding weeks later. they all have their own story line to follow, a story of love and supportive big family! :)

[Deana Bache · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book/series has me hooked! It’s such a cute book with some fun twists and turns.

[Michelle Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, with family, love, drama and a little mystery! Definitely looking forward to the whole series and more by the author.

[Wendy Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was fine and exactly what I expected. however, there were way too many characters.

[Michelle Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I’m looking forward to reading the rest in the series. A close knit family of 7 sisters and their life struggles. There is even a mystery!

[Erika Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy to see there’s 7 books in this series. I love this author. Great story with some mystery!

[Julie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a great family first story and this one hit just right. Nothing like family to support you in all you go through. Enjoyed the book and will continue on in the series.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

would prob be good as a tv show but I was a lot of povs with not a lot of closure and I don’t think I am up for reading 7 of these 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to sweet romance series. 4/B

[Cara Dyksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheesy is an understatement. This makes Hallmark movies look like smut, but I couldn't put it down. Fun, albeit a bit embarrassing, distraction!

[Mary]

I love Amelia Island, so I was interested in this book, but the characters were way too peppy.. Especially with the circumstances. I had to abandon.