Tess Shepherd knows how to write. This book was funny, heartbreaking, but also sweet. The dying father element was triggering for me but the author was kind enough to give me a heads up.

I love Tess Shepherds work. This was no exception. Casey and Nate are so undeniably cute together and the story wasn’t dragged out and it was a quick read that ended perfectly.

Jessie’s Point is a wonderful romantic drama that is full of emotion, love and unexpected second chances. I loved these characters and how much depth they each had. It’s hard to believe that this is only the third published book by Tess Shepherd. I found myself immersed in this story and before I knew it, I read the entire book in one night. I am so looking forward to the other books in this series!

Jessie’s Point is the first book in Tess Shepherd’s Dungeness Hollow series. This read is the first time that I have read a Tess Shepherd novel, and going into it as a blind read I was eager to see how this new reading venture panned out. Want to find out? Keep on reading!

*Warning* - As this read is now out, I will be dropping a few possible spoilers (although no major plot reveals or events), if you want to go into this based of the summary/blurb alone, stop reading my review from this point.

By the cover alone, if you’re not one to read a summary/blurb before chancing on a book, you would think that the main character in this read is called Jessie. What Tess cleverly does here, is provides a call-to-action for a discover, an adventure if you will, as to what link ‘Jessie’ and what her ‘point’ has to do with the story. If you DO read summaries/blurbs, you’ll discover that this is a place, Jessie’s Point. Point referring to a particular spot but the fact still remains, who is ‘Jessie?’. That, dear readers, you’ll discover as you get to know the main character, Casey, and her backstory.

Casey is called back home to Dungeness Hollow upon hearing the news that her father was terminal and would sadly pass away. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t rooting for a happy ending, as I’m a closeted optimist but that said, the way in which we journeyed to the conclusion was executed so brilliantly that I couldn’t be mad at an author for removing a character while making you grab for some tissues. I don’t often like when real-life, heart-wrenching issues and/or scenes are written about, but here I made an exception to my rule.

Following Casey’s return to her childhood hometown and subsequently her childhood home itself, we’re introduced to a plethora of colourful, varied and diverse characters which in itself create a family for a character who’s truly never experienced the love and warmth of one from a young age. Including one very caring, loving, outgoing gentleman by the name of Nate. Men certainly don’t come along like him everyday, Tess wrote a superb leading man in him whom I know you’ll love as much as I did.

In particular, one of the characters from the group outside to the main characters became a firm favourite of mine to read about, Hayes. You’ll get to meet him and you’ll know exactly why at this moment in time, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series featuring him and another one of the DH group.

The story itself is one we at all some point can relate to, adding into that the element of realism that sometimes escapes fiction books, what with the freedom to write about anything and everything. This can be in one of many ways, not wanting to get into a relationship, facing your past, coming to terms with the inevitable, there’s something in this story that will personally attach itself to us and make us feel like we’re part of the story, not just reading about it. This is a touch I like in books, and to me is the mark of a great writer and author.

My only criticism if you can even call it one, is the epilogue. Where there is nothing wrong with it as it finishes the story off nicely while teasing at the next book, I wished there had been more. I’m a sucker for a really good epilogue that perhaps is almost like a bonus chapter, a little desert to the main course, and this novel was a joy to read through, I simply wanted more, more more. As much as Tess could possibly give us.

Until the next book in the series is out, I highly recommend that you take a chance on Jessie’s Point. You might find yourself wanting to stick around like Nate.

Wow this book really surprised me. I was expecting quite a cutesy book based on the cover but this had so much more depth to it. I adored the friendship that Casey had with Mary Ann and Meg. They have been there for each other through thick and thin and I loved the pact list at the start of the story. Casey had so many layers to her. She was deeply hurting from the lose of her mum at a young age and then grew up with a broken shell of a father. All she wants was a bit of acknowledgement from him that she exists. Yet despite all that she never lost touch with him and cared for him throughout putting her feelings in a box for so long. Her relationship with Nate was a beautiful slow burn and I loved how it developed and how important he became to her. He was a stranger to her and from the off she had her guard up but he broke through her walls and became her rock and grounded her. I liked that we got a few little pov from other characters as its really set the next book up well and I can't wait to read it to discover what will happen with Hayes and Mary Ann. I went into this story with certain expectations of how this novel was going to go but what I read blew my socks off and absolutely gutted me. There are moments when I had to put it down to stop myself from sobbing. Along with the heartache there was some beautiful moments and some funnt ones. I laughed on numerous occasions. Beautifully written and a lovely story. Cant wait to read more by this author if this is the standard of writing to expect.

In Jessie's Point, Casey travels back home where she struggles with the traumas of losing her mother and the difficulty of having a father who was emotionally absent with his wife gone. However, when she learns that her father is ill and doesn't have much time, she travels back home hoping to repair their broken relationship.
Casey's dad, in an effort to spruce up his home in preparation for sale, hires Nate. Nate is cute and kind and just the kind of person you'd want to start a friends with benefits arrangement with.
The romance is a sweet, steamy, swoon. I loved the small town setting, the female friendships, and the multiple third person POVs.

a lovely small town romance with lots of emotion. I really enjoyed this and read it in one sitting , it’s not just romance though, it’s a story about family and home. Perfect read to make you feel warm.

I can’t believe this is only Tess Shepherd’s third book. I really enjoyed this story, all of the characters, and the scenic descriptions of the setting, Jessie’s Point. When you read you feel all the emotions. It’s like reading a tv series or movie. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!!

It is the first book in the Dungeness Hollow series. And I must say, the author’s writing gets better by each book! I binge read it and finished it in a few sittings! It’s so addictive. I laughed, felt angry and once a tear slipped (I can’t tell you when because it’s a spoiler). It is a big deal that a tear slipped because I’ve never cried while reading books and very rarely a few tears slip. But don’t think I’m heartless because I feel really sad and heartbroken but I just don’t cry.

I felt sad reading about Casey’s childhood and how Casey has lived her life. I wish she can be happier now. I want to know more about Meghan because she is a bit… umm… oblivious to things around her, I guess or is she acting? I don’t know but I’d like to see more of her in the sequel since she wasn’t around a lot in this book. I hope she opens her eyes and see things in front of her in the sequel.

This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author.

This was such a great book about love and forgiveness. It wasn’t just a romance book, it had some of the best friendships in it as well! The characters in this book were so great, I really liked them all. This book is engaging and you will enjoy it the whole time. I recommend checking it out!

A lovely small town romance with lots of emotion. I really enjoyed this and read it in one sitting , it’s not just romance though, it’s a story about family and home. Perfect read to make you feel warm.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Small town romance is one of those tropes I’ve been on the fence about. I’ve loved some, I’ve not liked more. Without a doubt, Jessie’s Point falls in the loved category! I’ve been impressed and have enjoyed Tess’s first two published books but Jessie’s Point hands down is my favorite of her first 3 books!

Casey Carpenter is returning home to Dungeness Hollow to be with her dying father in his final months of life. The relationship has been non-existent between the two ever since her mother died years ago. Since then, her father has been a shell of his former self - giving into deep grief and depression and abandoning his responsibilities as a parent and as the owner of the once beautiful & popular marina, Jessie’s Point. Casey comes home to find more than she anticipated - including a handsome carpenter who is working to fix up the marina to sell. It’s a heartfelt story about forgiveness, love and loss that I just couldn’t put down!

If you’re a fan of small town Hallmark movies but want a little more spice to it, pick this one up when it releases on April 3rd!

A small town romance with beautiful soulmate characters and full of emotions and heartwarming love.
There are a few heartbreaking twists from the past that both have to overcome but, like in real life , it’s time to move on and give love a second chance.
Beautiful writing and great story , especially for the romantic readers.
There isn’t much I can say about it as the description says it all.

ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest. Jessie's Point didn't really do anything for me. I felt as if I was reading your average rom com. Nothing stood out to me to really draw me into the story. I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters. That's something I look forward to when reading a book. I want to fall into the story and feel a connection with a character and have that feeling like I'm there. Unfortunately I felt like a person driving by a small town, just looking out the window, who then decides to stop at the local restaurant and hears the locals chatting it up.

Jessie's Point by Tess Shepherd is the 1st book in the Dungeness Hollow romance series, and it's off to a great start. Casey Carpenter receives a phone call from one of her best friends, letting her know she should come home, because her father is dying of cancer. Casey lost her mother to cancer when she was eight years old, and her father never recovered from his wife's death. On top of everything else, her father hired Nate to fix up Jessie's Point so it can be sold. Casey is shocked, because not only is her dad dying, he is selling her childhood home, and didn't plan on telling Casey either thing. This book is full of every type of emotions and relationships. I highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Somehow, and even through her brittle temper and poor attitude, Nathanial Kipling had seen that she was hurting, and he had apologized for having a part in it.”

What You’ll Find:
✔️Small Town Romance
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Cinnamon Roll Hero
✔️Women’s Fiction Feel
✔️Multiple, Third Person POV

Jessie’s Point by Tess Shepherd is a wonderful story of love, letting go and forgiveness. Set in a beautiful picturesque small town marina, this story has all the feels.

Casey learns that he father is dying and rushes home. There she finds the once neglected marina she grew up on, is being renovated by a stranger, though a handsome one named Nate. Not until she’s home, does she realize that her father has struck a deal to sell the marina once the renovation is complete. She does the only thing she can, she’s helps Nate, in hopes it will help her say goodbye to her childhood home. Only working side by side with Nate, leads to so much more.

This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed it. While I liked Casey, she drove me a bit crazy at times too. It was mostly her story and I wanted more Nate. Because Nate, I adored him. He’s strong, sweet and dependable. The cinnamon roll, dependable, guy next door type. And while these two don’t start off on the right foot, the chemistry takes no time to form. I honestly wanted more of them.

This story isn’t just about the romance between the two of them. It’s about family and Casey’s sisterhood with her best friends. Those female friendships were fierce and one of my favourite parts about this story! The great cast of characters was so enjoyable. So many of them I want their stories told now.

This story is told in multiple POV which I generally enjoy! Though this was told in third person, which is not my favourite, and I do feel had a bit of an impact on keeping me from loving this story. Overall an enjoyable read that felt more women’s fiction to me, but one I think many will enjoy! And it’s out now!

CW/TW: Cancer, Parental Neglect, Death of a Parent

Thank you to the author for the eARC via @netgalley for my honest review.

4.5 stars

This is the first book in the Dungeness Hollow series by Tess Shepherd.

I think the community stood out here a little more than her other series. I can see myself diving into another book in this series easily and know who I’m talking about. The first book in her other series, City of Dreams, Lola and Jacob were the only ones I really resonated with.

In this story we have a gal named Casey who is called back to her hometown due to her father being on deaths door. Their relationship is pretty complicated. When her mother died when she was eight, her dad kind of mentally checked out and she had to be taken care of my neighbors.

She comes home to find a man named Nate fixing up the area called Jessie’s Point which has become very unkempt and desolate over the years.

The story really sucks you in and makes you want to find out how they solve all these problems they are dealing with. The cast is great in this one and I look forward to any new books that come out by this author.

If you love a good romance with a tinge of mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

This book took a few chapters to reel me in from what felt like a stilted beginning, but was worth pursuing. The storyline between Casey and Nate was well developed, and the relationship between Casey and her father, Tim, was poignant and written well. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Casey Carpenter returns home to spend time with her dying father. Her and her father have not had the best relationship. Ever since Casey’s her mother died when she was younger, her father has been distant. When she returns home, she unexpectedly finds out her father has hired a hunky contractor, Nate Kipling, to renovate her family’s marina. Nate and her father have a deal to sell the property once it’s complete – a huge decision that Casey was not a part of.

There’s nothing Casey can do, so instead she helps Nate with the renovation. Nate knows this is a bad idea. Casey is gorgeous and she’s only going to be in town a short time, but how can Nate say no?

Will Casey be able to mend her relationship with her father before it’s too late? How is Casey going to say goodbye to both Nate and her family marina when the sell is complete?

This is a cute small-town romance told through the POV’s of Casey and Nate. Nate is the sweetest guy and I feel for Casey and all the drama and tragedy she is dealing with. I loved the story line, the romance, the raw emotions of the past and present and the side stories of Casey’s best friends. (Jessie’s Point is a part of a series, so we will be reading about her friends in future books.) It’s a quick read about love and forgiveness that I recommend!

A huge thank you to the author, Tess Shepherd, for an arc in exchange for my honest review.