If you're looking for a book to read as you relax on a beach this summer, Serendipity by the Sea is that book! Jennifer Vido does a great job of capturing life in the lowcountry of South Carolina and all it's natural splendor. Having grown up just over the state line in Georgia, I really felt like she did a fantastic job of describing how life is on the sleepy tourist islands. Gull Island is no exception to this! If you've ever wondered what life is like at your favorite destination spot, this book highlights that perfectly.

A second chance at love isn't always in the cards for people, but our two main characters Cate and Knox are given just that. I liked the story that these two share, but wish it had been paced a little faster or that more development had happened during the book. A good wholesome read if you're looking for something light to relax with.

I was given a copy of this book by #TheWildRosePress through #Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gull Island is a lovely Lowcountry town full of good people who look out for each other. This book and the picturesque setting would make for a perfect Hallmark movie.

The author spent a lot of this book setting the stage for her brand new Gull Island series. This is a sweet romance novel about a young couple who gets a second chance at romance.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙...
🌊 The lowcountry setting, it was very atmospheric and The Carolinas are so beautiful
🌊 The supportive people in Gull Island
🌊 How everything wrapped up nicely in the end
🌊 That the story and dialogue were realistic

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚...
🐬 I prefer books that are a little more fast paced
🐬 I would’ve liked more character development and maybe less focus on details of the town. I think it would have helped me connect more with the characters.
🐬 I wanted a bit more romance

If you enjoy a slow steadily paced, sweet romance and second chances are love….you’re going to enjoy this one!

This is the 1st book of The Gull Island series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Old flame reunited, the spark still there, lead to posibble reconcile. Then life happend, biggest carrer opportunity threat shaking love boat, i annoyed how Knox wishy washy feel like smal island not his life, running from Cate. What a coward.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#SerendipitybytheSea #TheGullIsland #JenniferVido #TheWildRosePress #BacklitPR #NetGalley #ARC

Serendipity: a chance encounter that turns your life upside down for the better. Such is what happens to Knox when he returns home to take care of his uncle. His encounters with his old flame, Cate, rekindle all his old feelings for her. She is love-struck by him again. All is not sunshine and daisies as Knox has to decide to stay or chase his career away from Cate and the island he loves.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received this book from Netgalley. This was a quick and easy read for me. A typical beach read where you know how the story is going to end. Overall, I enjoyed it. I liked the characters as well. However, I also felt like not too much actually happened in the story.

The one thing that irked me was that Knox was offered an amazing opportunity and his friends didn't even seem supportive. Like they were more concerned about how it affected them. Props to Cate though because she actually did give a slight thought to the possibility of them being able to do the distance thing. Also, Jackson changing his mind from swimming to cooking felt a bit odd. I have no problem with the fact that he changed, but he didn't seem to be training all that much in order to actually make a career out of it.

Overall, a nice, quick read.

Thank you for the review copy via NetGalley. I enjoyed this gentle story that is an ode to small town life. It is somewhat slow paced, like a gentle small sea town itself, and explores a story of second chance love and life in the Low Country. This is recommended for readers looking for a light low steam/low spice story, perfect for a Sunday afternoon with some sweet tea.

I love a good second chance romance, especially when the original romance was a high school one! This delivered. Would definitely be a good beach read.

Cate is working toward a promotion to her dream job. Life seems good and she spends time with friends and family.

Knox is a freelance photographer. But his uncle's surgery brings him back "home" to assist temporarily, but he will likely be on the road again soon.

It isn't long befoe Cate and Knox cross paths. There still seems to be a spark. But he broke her heart when he left previously and she isn't sure she wants to allow herself to become in a situation where she could again be heartbroken.

They can't seem to deny the spark and start spending time together, often with their friends. Cate finds herself falling again, but she is wary. Knox feels the feelings. But when a job offer he can't refuse comes along, will he run again? Or will he decide to stay and allow his relationship with Cate to grow?

This was a good read. I liked the mains and was rooting for them. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters as well. And the descriptions of the scenery made me long for summer and a beach day!

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press, Inc., for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I love second chance romances and enjoyed the small town/island feel, but it is just a bit too slow paced for me. Sorry!