The Summer Retreat is the third installment by USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts in her seaside escape, beach-ready Moonlight Harbor series. It was my first read from this author and, obviously also my first read from this series.

There is some sizzle, some sweet romance, some strange and wonderful characters, and it's set seaside - sand and water and a lovable misbehaved pup. All important elements. It did take it's time meandering along the way (enough already - follow your heart!) and at first, I felt a little lost so perhaps reading the first two installments might be helpful (it could have just been me - I did fight with a parking pay machine for quite some time the other day before I realised the arm was up and they did not, in fact, want my money.) I'm giving it a 3-star rating - which is "it was good" in my review hierarchy - it just wasn't jaw-dropping, stick with me forever intense. It was exactly what you expect from a summer paperback - easy to toss in your beach bag and read for a quick escape.

Full Review available on my blog 4-12-19 at https://lifelovelaughterlinds.home.blog/?p=705

I was provided with a copy of this title via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

When Celeste Jones finds out her year-long boyfriend is a liar and a cheat, she packs up her swimsuit and heads to Moonlight Harbor to spend some time with her sister, Jenna.

There were some interesting characters in this one. It was a bit to rambling for me and I kept having to go back and see who was who.

This was my first Sheila Roberts read and she didn’t disappoint. This story is the perfect beach read! The whole time I was reading this I was picturing a cute little hotel in a small town. Sheila Roberts paints the perfect picture of the Driftwood Inn. I would love to stay there and cozy up by the fire that always seems to be going! This is the 3rd book in the Moonlight Harbor series but they don’t need to be read consecutively. I was able to read this one like it was a stand alone. From the first chapter I was hooked and rooting for Celeste after finding out the man she thought she would spend forever with was cheating on her. Celeste finally ends up meeting the perfect man, well on paper at least. She thinks they are opposites though so she just can’t imagine them together. She also meets the man in room 12 who seems to make her pulse race! So do you go with the man who seems perfect or the one who makes you feel things? You’ll have to read this one to find out! Although I felt this story was a tad predictable it was still an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the sister relationship between Celeste and Jenna. I would really like to read more of Jenna’s story.

Many thanks to #NetGalley and Harlequin/Mira for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Summer Retreat by Sheila Roberts is the third book in a series set at Moonlight Harbor. I have not read any of the other books in the series but didn’t find that much of a drawback. The book truly fits the definition of a beach read given the locale is near a beach and various things happen on the beach. I found it a quick easy read and a nice change from some of the World War 2 books that I’ve been reading of late.

The main character in the book is Celeste, who after catching her boyfriend cheating with another woman decides she needs to head to Moonlight Harbor to spend time with her sister Jenna at the Driftwood Inn and get away from any reminders of her unfaithful ex. Celeste has a history of not picking the right sort of men and paying the price with a broken heart. She would love to find Mr. Right and settle down and have a family but she doesn’t totally trust her own judgement. When she meets the dreamy local pastor she thinks surely he must be a man who can be trusted to love her and treat her kindly, but then there is the man in room 12 at her sister’s inn who writes mysteries about serial killers…

I didn’t totally identify with Celeste as my own experiences in no way mirror hers’ but I felt I could understand what some of her fears were. How does a woman truly know who to give her heart too? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

Along the way you will meet other locals from Moonlight Harbor. Will Jenna (Celeste’s sister) choose Brady or Seth to give her heart to? Will Hyacinth have her love reciprocated? Clearly their will be more novels in the series and it would be easy to get caught up in the small town love.

The Summer Retreat is the perfect book to cozy up with on the beach!

This was my first read by Sheila Roberts and can definitely see why she has so many fans!

The Summer Retreat focuses on Celeste who has a pattern of falling for too many wrong men. Emerson her current boyfriend is a cop and he just doesn't wan't to commit to her fully. Sadly, Celeste finds Emerson cheating on her with another woman and she's had it!

Celeste finds herself back in the Driftwood Inn with her sister Jenna. Celeste soon begins a journey of her own dating different men with her sister Jenna trying to support her in finding the "right" man.

What I loved about this one? Sheila does a wonderful job with the characters... all so relatable and I really enjoyed Celeste!

I found the story to be a tad predictable but nonetheless it was a quick and fun beach read.

Overall, 3.5 stars :)

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin/Mira for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: 4/23/19
Published to Goodreads: 4/9/19

Shelia Roberts has made me a huge fan after reading The Summer Retreat! I now know what books/series need to be on my TBR this summer! I am thrilled to have found a new author to love through this book. It was everything I was hoping it would be- a perfect escape, a cast of relatable and likable characters, and a wonderful plot! This book belongs in everyone's beach bag this summer.

After finding her boyfriend cheating on her Celeste decides she needs some time away, to reflect on her past decisions
What better place then the Driftwood Inn a place where life is simple and there is always a good time.
This is the third book in the series, but the first I read and I wasn’t lost at all.
Loved this town and the people and I look forward to revisiting time and time again.

This is the third book in the Moonlight Harbor series. I'm really enjoying what I've read of the series, so far. I had read the first buy somehow missed the second one. I really liked Celeste's story and the town. It was a quick and engaging read. Recommended!

Celeste is a fun-loving and passionate woman who keeps falling for the wrong man. Determined to protect herself from the type of choices she has made in the past, Celeste ignores the undeniable sparks every time she spends even a moment with the nerdy novelist spending the summer at her family's inn at the beach, choosing instead to focus her efforts on the safer love offered by the local pastor. Even as she gets closer and closer to marching down the aisle, Celeste keeps questioning the wisdom of her choice. Fortunately, a rival for the pastor's attention finds her own voice and forces Celeste to take a hard look at life and be sure her decisions are right for her as well as many others with a stake in the impending wedding.

The Summer Retreat (Hardcover) by Sheila Roberts This is the 3rd book in the MOONLIGHT HARBOR series and since it was my first I had a little catching up to do. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first two books. Thanks to the publisher and #Netgalley for letting me preview this book. This was Celeste and Henry's story... there were a lot of other stories mixed in ... This is a lot of angst, laughs, tears, and missteps getting to their HEA.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Unpredictable Romantic Entertaining Happily Ever After

This is a new author and book series for me.
Even tho I hadn’t read the first two in the series I didn’t have any problems getting into the book. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in the series! Perfect beach read!!
Thanks for the early copy!

This is pure escapism, with good characters, plenty of turns as our heroine finds their HEA. Will definitely read more from this author

The Summer Retreat is a fun read to start thinking summer. The characters will intrigue you. You'll be playing matchmaker with them. Seeing how they find their love and develop along the path to marriage.

I think Ms Roberts can surely write a book that is both entertaining and engaging.
This is escapism at highest level and I loved this book.
I fell in love with the setting and rooted for the characters.
I look forward to read other books in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to HARLEQUIN - MIRA and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I love this series. It picks up with Celeste's story. She has been unlucky in love and decides to play it safe and have a relationship with the town pastor, when she knows there's no spark between them. There is chemistry with the writer in room twelve, but she chooses to ignore it. Celeste manages to get herself into some tight situations that are cringe worthy: beach and wedding scenes. Jenna still waivers between Brody and Seth. How long until she makes up,her mind? I read this in one sitting, couldn't put it down. Love the cover.

Celeste has been burned by love one too many times. She retreats to Moonlight Harbor for the summer to get away after a break up and help her sister at her hotel. Celeste has decided to play it safe with the town pastor. The Perfect Man. But is he perfect for her. Thoughts of the guest in room 12 keep turning up.

This was a good romance read. I liked the characters, including a parrot named Jolly Roger. I read this book in one sitting. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

This is a great "escape" title and I wish I could take a Summer Retreat too! I love Celeste and her will to keep going despite the odds. Having never had a sister, I'm intrigued by the interplay between the characters and enjoyed the flow of the story. A great read I can't wait to recommend for summer reading!