When Hadley's famous actor boyfriend publicly leaves her for his costar, she thinks returning to her small coastal hometown will be a reprieve from publicity and men. Unfortunately, her high school sweetheart and ex, Tony "Cam" Cammareri is also home after an NFL career-ending injury. And they both want her grandmother's building--Hadley for an animal shelter and Cam for a restaurant. Will sparks fly or heads crash?

This book is extremely standard. There's not much about it that really stands out, but not a lot that's bad either. I was hoping we'd get more "celebrity romance" or scandal, with the famous folk mixed in, but that was hardly a part of the book at all. Despite this, I was into the story, until we got to the 85% mark and something truly unexpected happened. Seriously, I had to flip back a few pages to make sure I didn't miss something. It was just totally strange and out of character for the characters. I can't really say much more than that without spoilers, but I just wish it wouldn't have happened.

This book would be great for those who are fans of closed-door, small-town romances and love dogs. I probably would have liked this book more if I were more of a dog person!

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 6/10

3.5 stars

"From the very first page, picking up a Miranda Liasson novel makes me feel like I’m catching up with old friends!"

Full review to come on FreshFiction.com. I will update when the link goes live.

I enjoyed all the dogs and the rescue so much. I liked Hadley and her relationship with her grandma and all of the side characters were wonderful. However, I felt like there was a LOT going on in this small town romance. Celebrity, gala, festival, food, enemies to lovers, second chance...whew. When Hadley and Cam finally got together, it felt a little rushed because I spent so much time watching all these events coming together. That said, I am super interested in this broody military man fixing up the house for Kit and Darla's second chance as well.

4 - "I’d do anything for you…" Stars!

Miranda Liasson opens her brand new Seashell Harbour series with one of my favourite tropes, in that Hadley Wells and Tony Cammareri are very much on the second-chances train, but there’s also a huge dollop of frenemies thrown into the first half for good measure as well.

Tony’s back in town for good after an injury ends his pro-football career, Hadley back for a while to lick her wounds after being publicly dumped by her film star boyfriend for another woman. Both of them have their sights set on her Grandma’s shop Pooch Palace but not for the same reasons. Reasons that ultimately put them on opposite sides of firmly drawn battle-lines. But Seashell Harbour is a small town, and it seems everyone has a vested interest in making sure this couple stay in town, and that they try and work out their differences…

When she’d fallen in love with him, he hadn’t had fame or money. She’d just loved him…

The first half of this book was more a case of getting to know the town and its residents while Tony and Hadley verbally sparred and tried to outdo each other in relation to them both wating her Grandmothers property. The rebuilding of their relationship plays out more in the second half. I enjoyed this book, its definitely slow burn, but that was kept moving by the world and character building Miranda did which I think will grow and develop even more as more books are released.

I loved the inclusion of dogs into the story too, pets always add an extra dimension, and enough hints were dropped in regard to which secondary characters are likely to end up with whom when their books are released, so-much-so that I am eager for more.

I think we all have fond memories of the home and the place we grew up. Even after leaving to pursue our dreams and better our careers, there is something about home that lures us back.
Tony (Cam) and Hadley were teen sweethearts and both experienced heartache when they left home and each other . However, things happen and life gets in the way and what they thought they wanted, isn't always what made them happy. So after 20 yrs. they both end up returning home to find happiness and start over. But, all doesn't go as smoothly as they thought.

I can always count on a book by Miranda Liasson to have all the "feels". From driving along the beach and feeling wind blowing in your hair, to viewing the cozy shops and visiting Grams doggie business, you feel like you are right there experiencing it all. The story is a second chance romance , family love and understanding. It has a touch of humor, heartwarming moments, friendships and forgiveness. Great character development and secondary characters are also delightful.

Coming Home to Seashell Harbor is a sweet, tender story. Hadley returns to recuperate from heartbreak, only to encounter her very first heartbreak. I love the cover, it’s so inviting and bright. I liked Hadley and her friends. Her drive is applaudable as is jer devotion to her grandmother. I was a little slow to warm up to Cam, trying to figure out what his angle was. I liked the adorable dogs, especially Bowie. I was surprised at the revelation at the end, a pleasant twist that made sense. Read this one at the beach or anywhere else, look at the cover and just sigh.

Coming Home to Seashell Harbor, the first in Miranda Liasson's new series, is a second chance at first love story. Hadley Wells and Tony Cammareri, high school sweethearts, return to their hometown of Seashell Harbor in search of their better selves. Hadley returns after a very high profile break-up to help care for her grandmother who has just broken a hip. Cam, a successful football player, returns after a career ending injury leaves him sidelined. The two start as rivals, both vying for ownership of prime real estate in the town's downtown, but as they reconnect with the town and each other, they find that that which once bound them is stronger than what separates them.

I've read and enjoyed other books by Miranda Liasson in the past. But unfortunately, "Coming Home to Seashell Harbor" did not grab me the way I'd hoped it would.

This is a second chance romance, set in a small shore town in southern NJ. Seeing that I live only a short distance away from places like Ocean City and Cape May, and that I spent many summer vacations in those towns, the premise of this book drew me from the start. Unfortunately, once I dug into the story I wasn't particularly drawn to the characters and that's typically a sign that I won't enjoy a book very much. It was certainly true in this case.

This book is not without its charm. The setting is wonderfully described. There are plenty of side characters who hint they might get their own stories down the road. The relationship between the heroine and her grandmother is lovely. It was the romance aspect that missed the mark, in my opinion. Maybe it's because I'm not as big a fan of second chance romance? I'm not sure. But, while this certainly would be a fine option for an afternoon at the beach, it also wouldn't be my first recommendation to a friend.

*** I was granted an advanced copy of this book by through Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of the novel. ***

Whenever I pick up a story by this very talented storyteller, I know it will be one that will touch my heart and one I will remember for a very long time. This one was no exception.
In this first book in the new series titled Seashell Harbor, we get to meet not only the main characters, Hadley Wells and Tony Cammareri, but also secondary characters that bring life to the story and some that will likely get their own stories in books to come.
Hadley Wells’s heart was broken when her HS sweetheart, Tony Cammareri, left town to pursue his dreams. She too left , ending up working in PR for the rich and famous, rather than what she had wanted to do, save the world. Almost 20 years after. Hadley is back when her very public breakup is splashed all over the tabloids. Hadley has come back home to regroup, and help her grandmother .
She never expected to come across Tony/Cam.
When Cam left to pursue his football career, his dream of becoming a famous football player were realized. What he didn’t expect was to have his career end abruptly due a knee injury and bringing him back home.
Nowadays, these two are determined to win the grandmother’s favor and win the building she own. Each to pursue their own goals.
Will this determination to get the building keep them further apart, or will it bring them closer together?
This story is not so much about second chances, but rather, about new beginnings.
It’s a story about personal growth and finding that special person that really “gets you” and accepts you for whom you are.
At times you will laugh, at others you’ll want to cry, but in the end you will just want to cheer these two amazing individuals.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. One I have no doubt will be just as good.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Forever Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

This book was CUTE! It’s a light-hearted, fast-paced read. It’s a perfect combination of love, dogs and beaches. The banter had me smiling the whole story. The characters were three dimensional and well developed. I’m already looking forward to the sequel.

Brief Synopsis: Hadley returns home to Seashell Harbor after a very public breakup from an actor boyfriend. When she gets home she learns that her grandma is planning to sell her dog boarding business to her ex-boyfriend, Cam. Hadley is furious and tries to keep the business from him. But first loves...?

Characters with heart, plots with a quirk, and an HEA that will make you sigh, are alk hallmarks of Miranda Liasson's books.

Hadley left Seashell Harbor with high hopes and a need to help animals. But somewhere along the way she got off track, and that has lead to headlines splashed all over the tabloids. All she wants is to come home, snuggle into one of her grandma's wonderful hug, and forget about her public humiliation . But when disappointment greets her instead, she's thrown. Grandma's in the hospital, her business is potentially up for sale. Oh, and the boy who broke her heart is back in town. What else could go wrong?

Hadley and Cam... high school sweethearts and totally in love. That is, until Cam breaks things off right before college via a post-it note. Yeah...he really did that.

Fast forward many years later.

Hadley, fresh off a tabloid break-up with a movie star, is now back home in Seashell Harbor and helping her grandmother, with a recent hip fracture, with her dog business. The problem is... the building is for sale to....

Cam, fresh off a career ending knee injury from the NFL...back home in Seashell Harbor trying to start anew with a restaurant business...

With the building causing a rift, but an obvious chemistry between them, how will they figure things out?

What a simple and sweet story, my first by Miranda Liasson. I loved the tension AND chemistry between Hadley and Cam...and would recommend as a sweet love story set in a beautiful coastal town.

A second chance for an affair of the heart. But will Cam and Hadley find the love they want in this small community of Seashell Harbor? Just what will it take to slow down, recover from scandal and surround yourself with friends and family?

Coming Home to Seashell Harbor was a wonderful book. Hadley comes home for the summer after a scandal. She is hoping to have a relaxing summer hanging out with her grandma and running her. The instant she gets off the plane, her plans are up in the air. Not to mention, her first love, Cam, who broke her heart, also happens to be back in town and she cannot avoid him. Small town romance, second chances, friendship and dogs! I could put this one down. It was just the light, cute, fun read I needed. I look forward to reading future books in the series.

Pub Date: May 4, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #ComingHometoSeashellHarbor

A wonderful second chance romance set in a small seaside town. Hadley returns to Seashell Harbor to regroup after a scandal and runs into Cam, her first love, who has returned to Seashell Harbor to try to figure what to do next after his career ending injury. I loved this story and can't wait until the next one in the series!

I’ve been anxiously waiting for the release of this book by Miranda Liasson and it didn’t disappoint. I love that her books center around small towns, families, and friendships. It was great being transported to a warm seaside location in the middle of winter snow storms where I live. I enjoyed meeting new characters and their interactions. I’m looking forward to more books in this series. I want to learn more about this town, these people, theirs friendships, and loves, The only thing missing are the recipes for those special cocktails and the Italian dishes Yes Miranda, take me back to Seashell Harbor!!

If you only read one book during your Summer, this is the one to read. A feel good, sweet, romantic story about second chance love. Full of love and family. With the added bonus of adorable kiddos and lots lots adorable dogs and puppies. And even kittens. I loved Tony Cammerelli 'Cam' and Hadley. And the entire Cammerilli family. Along with Hadley's parents and her friend's, Kit & Darla. I can't wait for their stories.

Miranda Liasson is always an author whose books I buy immediately once they are available. So much so that I will enjoy the e-book and then later the audiobook many times! When I had the opportunity to read Coming Home to Seashell Harbor, I jumped at the chance to gobble up a new set of characters and situations!

Right away, I loved Hadley! She returns home to learn of unexpected situations with her beloved grandmother and long ago ex-boyfriend, Cam. Juicy details about her more recent ex-boyfriend paints a portrait of a young woman unlucky in love.

Surrounded by friends, family, as well as adorable kids and pets, Hadley and Cam make it through some silly hijinx and tough conversations to find their happiness! Every bit of it was enjoyable.

I give this five Post-Its...I mean, stars! 5 Stars! :)

A Second chance love story set in a small coastal town, what more could you ask for? Hadley and Cam both come home to their small town after making it big in their separate lives away. Hadley is home to hide from scandal and Cam to figure out his next move after a career ending injury. Finding each other and their happiness in their small town with family and friends is a story told before but not with Miranda Liasson’s humor and flare. You find yourself cheering for their happily ever after throughout the book, along the way meeting new characters and anxiously awaiting their stories. Cam and Hadley have great chemistry and humor together throughout the book that I throughly enjoyed. Liasson seems to have a way of pulling you in to her stories and you find yourself anxiously awaiting more. While you are waiting for #2 in this series go back and read her mirror Lake series, you will not be disappointed. I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley, this is my honest opinion.

This story is a heartwarming tale about second chances, determination, love & forgiveness. It captivated me from first page to the last.
Hadley & Cam, were in love. Talked about their future. That is, till he broke her heart.
Now their both back Seashell Harbor,
older & wiser. Hadley & Cam, have been
thorough a lot recently. Seeing each other again brings up all the hurt feelings.
Now they're competing with each other
for a building & their future.
It is well written, has strong characters,
& an amazing storyline that leaves you
with a happily ever after.
Highly Recommend!!