I absolutely loved this book. There are some books that you hate coming to a close and A Seaside Wonder is on of those. It has a great plot, beautiful setting and characters that I loved. I highly recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.

From the plot itself Indi goes through life as an artist and business owner. The novel seems to go back and forth I think, it is difficult to tell as there wasn’t any signs such as titles saying ‘Then’ or ‘Now’.

The novel begins with a man writing a letter to how he felt the day he met Indi. But then we are in what I presume is the ‘Present’ and this man seems to have his grandfathers letter about Indi, the same one. But then the storyline goes into how ‘the grandfather’ and how they met whilst still in the same storyline of the young guy arriving at this store.

I was very confused trying to follow this storyline. I do not usually have issues with novels and their storylines in terms of following it. Therefore it is clear from my experience of this novel that it couldn’t be followed properly.

Overall I did find this novel confusing to follow as it was not completely clear. However the cover is lovely and I do not want to be harsh therefore I did not give this novel a 1 star.

I was sent this novel in exchange for my honest review.

A Seaside Wonder is book two in Melissa Tagg's Muir Harbor series. It follows the characters of Indi, the youngest child in the Muir family and an antique shop owner, and Philip, a slightly awkward History professor. Both have some issues that are trying to deal with that are addressed throughout the book. Indi has always felt like the messy one in the family who just screws everything up for everyone. Philip has some abandonment issues that stem from his childhood. Together they face these issues.

I love the plot of this book and the religious themes are wonderfully written. I enjoyed seeing the connection that Indi and Philip have even from the time they meet. I also enjoy seeing the relationship between Philip and Holland, the sister that is in his care. Since it is a series there are other characters from the first novel who are involved as well which was nice.

There is a slight mystery aspect that carried over from book one that was half solved and I assume will be tied up in book three of the series. This was very well written and I definitely didn't have the answers until they were revealed.

Overall this was a great read that was certainly worth the wait. I can't wait for the conclusion to the series!

This is by far my favorite Melissa Tagg book I have read up to this point! Very beautifully written with a great plot! This is a great story of two broken people with very special stories who come together is such a fantastic way! I also loved the mystery aspect included in this book! This is a book I will definitely read again! 10/10 recommend!

A SEASIDE WONDER picks up soon after AUTUMN BY THE SEA, starting with a chance (and embarrassing) encounter between the two main characters. Philip and Indi’s story led me to places I couldn’t predict, as Melissa Tagg navigated tough issues like complicated family dynamics, loss, adoption, and financial uncertainty.

I fell in love with Muir Harbor and the entire Muir family even more than in the first novel.

Book 3️⃣ cannot come soon enough!

(Disclosure: Digital review copy from NetGalley)

I loved this beautiful story! The characters took up residence in my heart as I cheered for them. The setting is so well written, that I felt like I was there. This is book two in the series.

This book was so, so good! The first part is whimsical and sweet, with an adorable meet cute. But, don't let that fool you into thinking that there isn't also some surprising depth. I needed this book in my life and just didn't know it.

A Seaside Wonder was just as amazing as Autumn by the Sea (Muir Harbor #1). I loved the continuing story of the Muir siblings and their beautiful seaside home. There's still a few more mysteries to solve and a very sweet romance between Indi Muir and Philip West. We get to see all they've gone through in the past and how they come to terms with it. Loved all the extra characters like Maggie, Grandfather and Holland. This was one great story about a wonderful family. I can't wait for book 3, Wedding at Sea.

If you like contemporary Christian romance, then this is the series for you!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 4 October 2022.

Why I like this book: I enjoyed book 1 in the series and also have read everything that Tagg has put out. I enjoy the small town stories and her characters.

Overall: Melissa Tagg is talented at her craft. You can tell she loves what she does. Each story is crafted with heart and memorable moments. You'll no doubt find something to highlight as her character's share wisdom and insights from the lessons they are learning in life.
From an editors perspective: We have well developed characters. Solid POVs from Indi and Philip. Believable events and doors to trip on through enables great story flow. The dialog is realistic. The setting is, of course, lovely. Nothing stood out to me as needing attention/work. Props to the team that helped make sure this story flows beautifully.

Favorite Quote: I'm changing this to favorite scene--which is the first meeting between the two.

Bookshelf worthy? Yep. I give it 4.8 stars

Teenability: Maybe a 3 of 5. The scenes are not too detailed which leads me to dub this a clean read. There are not an excessive amount of kisses--all of it flows within the story--though they do seem caught up in the thoughts of kissing. (My teen daughter asked "wow, how often do they mention kissing in the book?) Again, not a bad thing and definitely a cleaner read. Older teens will not blush at anything. Things to consider: how often is kissing happening? What's the detail involved in describing the kissing and response? Read first to see how you think your daughter would handle the content.

Title: A Seaside Wonder
Author: Melissa Tagg
Publication date: ‎ October 4, 2022
ASIN: ‎ B0B9KJ57H8
Page count: ‎ 403 pages
Type of book: Contemporary Christian Fiction; romance

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really feel like A SEASIDE WONDER has something for everyone. This is a charming meet-cute with a heartwarming and inspirational message about letting God into your pain.

I adored Indie and Philip and watching their romance develop. Tagg also includes an entertaining mystery aspect to the story-- and dashes of humor!

The cozy setting is sure to charm readers.

A voice-y and heartwarming romance perfect for fans of uplifting, clean reads.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and now looking forward to the next book in this series!
This is Christian mystery/suspense, a page turner for sure! I had to have answers, and yes, there are several questions, and a few are still lingering!
I loved how the author built this story and how the right people are put on the path they are supposed to be, oh, but there are surprises that end up on them too!
There is danger lurking, and some may not survive, but what an adventure you experience as you turn the first page! Some surprises even come out or wardrobes!
We are also gifted some sweet romance, and I'm hoping for more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Larkspur Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Seaside Wonder is a contemporary romance novel written by Melissa Tagg. It is book two in the Muir Harbor series, and while it is not necessary to have read book one in order to enjoy this one, I would recommend reading the series in order.

Summary: Indi Muir has been going through the motions for years. She is still haunted by a difficult decision from her youth, and no matter how hard she works at trying to forget, the pain is still there.

When her current life starts to fall apart in the most spectacular of ways, can she find a way to stop running from her past, and find a new way forward?

Phillip West is back living in the house he grew up in-one he never wanted to return to. With the death of his mother, he finds himself with sole custody of a teenage half-sister who wants nothing to do with him.

Can a mysterious letter from the past help Phillip heal his wounded soul and bring him the connection that he craves?

My Thoughts: I had been anxiously awaiting this book's release since reading the first in the series (which I loved), and it did not disappoint. There is a nice romance, strong family bonds, and a quirky small town filled with interesting characters. There is also a good message about dealing with past mistakes.

I am also enjoying following the intriguing mystery that overlays the books in this series, and it has been fun to watch it unfold, and try to figure it out along the way.

I really liked this book, and believe this series is worth owning-which is the highest praise I give any books.

I already can't wait for the next one!

I would like to thank Larkspur Press for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Fantastic:
I loved everything about this book! It was full of faith, emotion and heart with a touch of suspense and romance too. The story seemed to flow and evolve seamlessly and the writing was beautifully descriptive.
It was fabulous being back in Muir Harbour and catching up with this family. I liked that these characters faced real life challenges which made them feel relatable. Philip and Indi both had insecurities and issues to deal with and I loved seeing their personal growth and development. Not all of the mystery was revealed and I eagerly look forward to the next book to discover what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A Seaside Wonder was another fun read from Melissa Tagg! There's a quaint, "Stars Hollow" feel with quirky characters. Some parts felt a little unrealistic (getting in a car with a man you just met and allowing him to drive) and a little too idealistic for my taste, but the story is definitely enjoyable.

*I received a complimentary copy, but all opinions are my own.

Oh my word! This book was such a treasure. I was captivated by Philip's shy, sweet personality from page one and kept reading because the interplay between him and Indy was so good.

Indy was exactly what he needed as she brought light and joy into his world, whereas he was the stabilizing presence and source of encouragement she needed.

Philip and Indy made a wonderful couple and the complications of their lives bind the readers heart to them. The family at Muir Harbor is endearing and readers may find themselves wishing they could meet them in person.

Readers will be reminded that each of us is a work in progress and that God walks beside us in what we'd consider the mess. He works in us and through us to create His masterpiece.

A Seaside Wonder is book two in the Muir Harbor series but can be read as a standalone though there are plot threads that began in Autumn by the Sea and were not fully resolved in this one.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

WOW!!!!!! What a fantastic continuation of the “Muir Harbor” series. Melissa Tagg will never cease to amaze me at her talent for creating heartfelt characters with scars and pains that can only be healed through a relationship with Christ❤️🙏🏻

“A Seaside Wonder” centers around Indi Muir (otherwise known as the “Messy Muir”). Indi is the black sheep of the family—she’s the eccentric one who has a passion for art but whose painful past has left her with trust issues that have her jumping from relationship to relationship.

Enter Philip West, the stuttering swoony-worthy hero who teaches at a university while also trying to raise his 15 year-old half-sister (Holland) whose spitfire personality and sarcastic tendencies make it difficult to build a relationship with her.

Indi and Philip are two broken people who find each other in the most comical way (the meet-cute at the beginning of the novel was LEGENDARY😂). Add into the mix a mystery surrounding an intruder who keeps rummaging around Muir property without actually stealing anything, and you’ve got the recipe for an absolutely delightful Christian romantic mystery!

I absolutely ADORED this novel. The mystery in the book left me with no other choice but to binge-read the novel in a day (which I NEVER do) and the romance was absolutely pitch-perfect😍 Philip’s stuttering was totally endearing and the witty banter he shared with Indi had me grinning from ear-to-ear.

The central message of this book was super powerful and exactly what I needed to hear right now. In life, God doesn’t always give us clear answers, but He does promise to hold us through the storms of life❤️ I loved how Melissa touched on the idea that sometimes it’s okay to just ask God questions without expecting or receiving answers… that maybe questions are a way for us to build our faith in the Lord. It definitely gave me food for thought🙏🏻

Overall, this was a very solid 5🌟 read. The healing each character found by the end tugged at every last one of my heartstrings🥹😭❤️🙏🏻 I can’t wait to read Lilian’s story in 2023🥳

🚨Content Warnings: Adoption is a central theme in this novel. There is also an allusion to an attempted suicide.

A Seaside Wonder is a beautiful book about inviting God into the pain and holding both hurt and hope in that space. The story itself is excellent and also ends up getting straight to the readers heart and provides opportunities for healing. I got way more than I expected from this book, both an excellent story and an encounter with God.

You will never convince me that Melissa Tagg isn’t one of the greatest authors of all time. If you have read my gushing review of Autumn by the Sea or Now and Then and Always, then you won’t be surprised to discover that I am once again gushing about her.

In one scene, Philip West stole my heart. The unusual meet-cute had me giggling throughout Philip and Indi’s interaction, and from that moment, Philip had a special place in my heart. His romance with Indi is sweet, and I loved seeing them grow to care for one another. And his relationship with sister Holland and fierce love for her just about made me melt.

I love a good, swoony Melissa Tagg hero.

While you can read A Seaside Wonder without first reading Autumn by the Sea, I think the series is best enjoyed in order. This delightful sequel not only reveals the story behind Indi’s mysterious fiance but also gives us a glimpse of Syndey and Neil’s wedding. Then there’s the overarching mystery that finally is solved (although there’s still more). Tagg gives us a fantastic plot twist I did not see coming. Of course, there’s also the family dynamics and a sweet surprise for a certain supporting character.

Overall, A Seaside Wonder is a charming and heartwarming tale contemporary romance fans will love.

An Emotional Contemporary Romance with a Thread of Suspense

I’ve been drawn to Melissa Tagg’s books for their small-town settings and witty banter. Not to mention her quirky heroines and swoony heroes. We get that and more in her latest offering, A Seaside Wonder.

Indi is an endearing heroine. Her personality leaps off the page, with her artistic ways and her love of snow. Yet it is her heartache that truly resonates with the reader, as well as the hope she finds in the midst of her pain. A consistent theme throughout the book is that we may not fully recover from the devastation of the heartbreak we face in our lives, but we can find hope, happiness, and beauty despite the pain. Philip is a charming hero with some scars of his own. His struggles with regrets from the past as well as his verve to make things better in the future will charm readers, as will his love of books and admiration of Indi.

Muir Harbor is an enchanting fictional town that readers will wish were real so they can travel there for their own adventure. Tagg’s attention to detail paints a vivid picture of the town in the reader’s mind that is cozy and endearing. Combined with soul-nourishing messages, moments of humor, and a bit of suspense make this a truly lovely read.

Heartrending yet hopeful, A Seaside Wonder is a tenderly told tale that fans of Christian contemporary romance will not want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Larkspur Press through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I feel like Miss Tagg could write anything and I would love it but I have to say this book was my favorite of all her other books. Philip was adorable and if I could put myself in any story I think it would be this one. The mystery was the perfect combination to the romance and I think I’m going to read the first book and then this one again because I loved it so much. Ten out of ten and will definitely be recommending it to my friends.