thatbookishbrunette21's review against another edition
4.0
Hope Ramsay has written an amazing and heartfelt story about finding your home, love and forgiveness. This is a story that will touch your heart and have you captivated from the start. Ramsay wields her pen masterfully, skillfully creating characters that are full of emotion and depth, and who show how past childhood events impact our present. You will fall in love with all the characters but particularly Lia. Our heroine is strong, intelligent, kind and complex and sees things that others do not. Her desire for a home and roots will tug at your heartstrings. Noah is amazing; I loved how protective of Lia he was and how much he wanted to give her the home she had always been searching for.
The story depicts small town drama at its finest and a well-developed subplot provides the story with just a hint of suspense. I also enjoyed the secondary romance. But the multiple changes in points of view beyond our main characters slightly detracts from what is otherwise a well-written story. The storyline felt a bit rushed once Lia and Noah got together; I would have liked to have spent some more time with them in a relationship before the main drama of the story came to a head.
All in all, Summer on Moonlight Bay was an amazing, sweet, and emotional read that will leave you with a smile on your face. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others.
I received an ARC through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story depicts small town drama at its finest and a well-developed subplot provides the story with just a hint of suspense. I also enjoyed the secondary romance. But the multiple changes in points of view beyond our main characters slightly detracts from what is otherwise a well-written story. The storyline felt a bit rushed once Lia and Noah got together; I would have liked to have spent some more time with them in a relationship before the main drama of the story came to a head.
All in all, Summer on Moonlight Bay was an amazing, sweet, and emotional read that will leave you with a smile on your face. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others.
I received an ARC through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
readwithchey's review
5.0
“There’s a reason I left this place, Lia.”
Hello all and do I have a great review for you!
Contemporary romance has been a recent discovery for me; I love romance novels but I never picked up a contemporary before the last year or so. I didn’t relate to them and thus gravitated more towards new adult or even young adult romances. Well, I can now say that I relate to contemporary heroines more and have come to absolutely adore a good contemporary.
I read and loved the first book in the series, The Cottage on Rose Lane, and knew I had to pick this one up as soon as it came out. While I got the first and third book from my friends at Forever, I actually went out and got this one myself! That’s how much I’ve adored the first novel! I’m happy to say that this one lived up the hype in so so many ways!
She didn’t look like some kick-ass ex-navy vet. She looked like a stray in need of rescue. And clearly in need of a place to stay.
First of all, I loved the premise here right off the bat; a grump veterinarian returning to his hometown despite the troubled past who runs into a wayward Navy vet looking for a forever home. Talk about contemporary catnip. This was sort of an opposites attract and an office romance all rolled into one. I loved the transition for Noah and we got to see a real arc with him that I think came in the form of a stray puppy and Lia’s soulful outlook. They were two troubled people who helped one another come to terms with some past problems, particularly family problems. And it’s not every day where we get to see the heroine of the story be the ex-military bad-ass type and I loved getting two alphas in one book!
This was more than just a romance, though. We even got a little small town conspiracy and it was so interesting, too! I love when contemporaries weave in a little mystery and it reminded me a lot of both a cozy mystery (minus the murder) and Annie Raines’ novel Snowfall on Cedar Trail. There were also a couple parallel story lines, including the one involving Noah’s little sister and the continuation of the blossoming romance between Reverend St. Pierre and Ashley Scott. This almost reminded me of a series on Hallmark the way it covered a few different couples, had a little mystery, and centered in a small town.
All in all this book had it all; mystery, romance, small town vibes, pet rescue, redemption arcs, chatty church women, and even a ghost! This is a great contemporary series in general but this would be the perfect read to kick off your July! I can’t wait to pick up the next novel!
You can check out other full reviews, author interviews, and bookish talks at Tonkin About Books!
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Hello all and do I have a great review for you!
Contemporary romance has been a recent discovery for me; I love romance novels but I never picked up a contemporary before the last year or so. I didn’t relate to them and thus gravitated more towards new adult or even young adult romances. Well, I can now say that I relate to contemporary heroines more and have come to absolutely adore a good contemporary.
I read and loved the first book in the series, The Cottage on Rose Lane, and knew I had to pick this one up as soon as it came out. While I got the first and third book from my friends at Forever, I actually went out and got this one myself! That’s how much I’ve adored the first novel! I’m happy to say that this one lived up the hype in so so many ways!
She didn’t look like some kick-ass ex-navy vet. She looked like a stray in need of rescue. And clearly in need of a place to stay.
First of all, I loved the premise here right off the bat; a grump veterinarian returning to his hometown despite the troubled past who runs into a wayward Navy vet looking for a forever home. Talk about contemporary catnip. This was sort of an opposites attract and an office romance all rolled into one. I loved the transition for Noah and we got to see a real arc with him that I think came in the form of a stray puppy and Lia’s soulful outlook. They were two troubled people who helped one another come to terms with some past problems, particularly family problems. And it’s not every day where we get to see the heroine of the story be the ex-military bad-ass type and I loved getting two alphas in one book!
This was more than just a romance, though. We even got a little small town conspiracy and it was so interesting, too! I love when contemporaries weave in a little mystery and it reminded me a lot of both a cozy mystery (minus the murder) and Annie Raines’ novel Snowfall on Cedar Trail. There were also a couple parallel story lines, including the one involving Noah’s little sister and the continuation of the blossoming romance between Reverend St. Pierre and Ashley Scott. This almost reminded me of a series on Hallmark the way it covered a few different couples, had a little mystery, and centered in a small town.
All in all this book had it all; mystery, romance, small town vibes, pet rescue, redemption arcs, chatty church women, and even a ghost! This is a great contemporary series in general but this would be the perfect read to kick off your July! I can’t wait to pick up the next novel!
You can check out other full reviews, author interviews, and bookish talks at Tonkin About Books!
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
momwithareadingproblem's review against another edition
4.0
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Summer on Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsay is the second book in the Moonlight Bay series, set in the fictional town of Magnolia Harbor, South Carolina. I have a slight obsession with small town romances. I love the recurring characters and quaint settings, the nostalgic feel (even if it’s set in today’s time), and beauty/gossip of living in a small town. This particular book follows two vets, a veteran and veterinarian, one returning home to move his mother and the other searching for a permanent place to call home. Poignantly written, Summer on Moonlight Bay touched my heart and left me smiling.
Lia DiPalma is a lost soul. She’s spent her life wandering, first with her mother who never put down any roots, and more recently with the Navy. Having left after a bad judgment call that cost someone else everything, Lia carries guilt with her in every step. When she learns that her former CO is now the pastor at a church from his hometown, she decides to follow him there in the hopes of taking a job as his secretary. Lia takes a detour when an emaciated puppy needs her help which leads her to a clinic in the same town and a reluctant vet.
Noah Cuthbert returned to Magnolia Harbor for one reason and that’s his mother and her failing health. He’s determined to pack her and his baby sister up and move them back to Charleston with him. She has other plans. When his grandmother calls him about a puppy hit by a car, his mind flashes back to his pup, taken when he was a boy. He can’t say no when he knows that he could help. After, his mother makes a deal with him. She’ll go at the end of summer if he will work at the clinic while they find a new vet for it. He agrees, but he doesn’t plan on falling for the clinic’s new manager, Lia.
My favorite part of this book is the build-up to Noah and Lia’s romance. It’s a slow-burn, and the author builds to its climax beautifully. Noah and Lia carry a lot of regrets and guilt. Noah’s relationship with his father and younger brother is strained, and Noah blames himself for that. He refuses to offer forgiveness to his father, and it eventually builds to a head. Lia’s past with her own brother and mother affect her today. She’s insecure and a drifter. She’s never stayed in one place long enough to make friends. But in Magnolia Harbor, without the Navy, Lia finds herself building a home and relationships. I love the character growth for both Lia and Noah throughout this story. It progresses naturally, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think they were real life people.
Overall I really enjoyed Summer on Moonlight Bay. Lia and Noah’s story will tug at your heartstrings, but ultimately leave you satisfied. And Magnolia Bay!!! I love this little town. The Peace Makers, the St. Pierre family, Rafferty’s, and the softball game….all these details make Magnolia Bay a town that could really exist anywhere in the Southeast. I found myself feeling right at home with Jackie and his ghost, and the sweet treats from Ashley Scott’s kitchen made my mouth water. If you are looking for a sweet escape with a HEA, look no further than Moonlight Bay.
Summer on Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsay is the second book in the Moonlight Bay series, set in the fictional town of Magnolia Harbor, South Carolina. I have a slight obsession with small town romances. I love the recurring characters and quaint settings, the nostalgic feel (even if it’s set in today’s time), and beauty/gossip of living in a small town. This particular book follows two vets, a veteran and veterinarian, one returning home to move his mother and the other searching for a permanent place to call home. Poignantly written, Summer on Moonlight Bay touched my heart and left me smiling.
Lia DiPalma is a lost soul. She’s spent her life wandering, first with her mother who never put down any roots, and more recently with the Navy. Having left after a bad judgment call that cost someone else everything, Lia carries guilt with her in every step. When she learns that her former CO is now the pastor at a church from his hometown, she decides to follow him there in the hopes of taking a job as his secretary. Lia takes a detour when an emaciated puppy needs her help which leads her to a clinic in the same town and a reluctant vet.
Noah Cuthbert returned to Magnolia Harbor for one reason and that’s his mother and her failing health. He’s determined to pack her and his baby sister up and move them back to Charleston with him. She has other plans. When his grandmother calls him about a puppy hit by a car, his mind flashes back to his pup, taken when he was a boy. He can’t say no when he knows that he could help. After, his mother makes a deal with him. She’ll go at the end of summer if he will work at the clinic while they find a new vet for it. He agrees, but he doesn’t plan on falling for the clinic’s new manager, Lia.
My favorite part of this book is the build-up to Noah and Lia’s romance. It’s a slow-burn, and the author builds to its climax beautifully. Noah and Lia carry a lot of regrets and guilt. Noah’s relationship with his father and younger brother is strained, and Noah blames himself for that. He refuses to offer forgiveness to his father, and it eventually builds to a head. Lia’s past with her own brother and mother affect her today. She’s insecure and a drifter. She’s never stayed in one place long enough to make friends. But in Magnolia Harbor, without the Navy, Lia finds herself building a home and relationships. I love the character growth for both Lia and Noah throughout this story. It progresses naturally, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think they were real life people.
Overall I really enjoyed Summer on Moonlight Bay. Lia and Noah’s story will tug at your heartstrings, but ultimately leave you satisfied. And Magnolia Bay!!! I love this little town. The Peace Makers, the St. Pierre family, Rafferty’s, and the softball game….all these details make Magnolia Bay a town that could really exist anywhere in the Southeast. I found myself feeling right at home with Jackie and his ghost, and the sweet treats from Ashley Scott’s kitchen made my mouth water. If you are looking for a sweet escape with a HEA, look no further than Moonlight Bay.
robinlovesreading's review
4.0
Lia DiPalma always thought she'd be a lifer with the Navy. Having served an extended time, circumstances have changed and she is about to undertake civilian life. She travels to Magnolia Harbor and hopes to become a church secretary with one of her Navy buddies who is now a chaplain in a parish there in South Carolina. Her plans are derailed when she accidentally hits a dog with her car. She then rushes the dog to the nearest vet clinic.
The only person that seems to be able to help Lia with the dog is visiting veterinarian Noah Cuthbert. He only plans on being in Magnolia Harbor long enough to see about his mother's health and plans on taking her back home with him. However, his help is needed at a new vet clinic so he will be around for awhile. This is how he meets Lia when she brings the dog in for emergency treatment.
As things turn out, Lia's situation is dire and she needs a job and a place to say immediately. It might take a bit of time before the church can hire her so she helps Noah set up the clinic. Sparks fly from almost their first meeting and the more time they spend together, the more it seems that they are perfectly suited for each other. However, Lia is there to stay. Noah is itching to leave.
This warm love story by Hope Ramsay is the second book in the Moonlight Bay series. I loved Lia and Noah together, and enjoyed the strong sense of family values. This book is preceded by The Cottage on Rose Bay. The third book in the series is Return to Magnolia Harbor, which is set for publication in June.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
The only person that seems to be able to help Lia with the dog is visiting veterinarian Noah Cuthbert. He only plans on being in Magnolia Harbor long enough to see about his mother's health and plans on taking her back home with him. However, his help is needed at a new vet clinic so he will be around for awhile. This is how he meets Lia when she brings the dog in for emergency treatment.
As things turn out, Lia's situation is dire and she needs a job and a place to say immediately. It might take a bit of time before the church can hire her so she helps Noah set up the clinic. Sparks fly from almost their first meeting and the more time they spend together, the more it seems that they are perfectly suited for each other. However, Lia is there to stay. Noah is itching to leave.
This warm love story by Hope Ramsay is the second book in the Moonlight Bay series. I loved Lia and Noah together, and enjoyed the strong sense of family values. This book is preceded by The Cottage on Rose Bay. The third book in the series is Return to Magnolia Harbor, which is set for publication in June.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
brandylyons's review
5.0
I really loved Lia in the first book, she was an amazing character! Strong and smart and looking for her place in the world. I could have done without the church parts but at least they were minimal. The second book was also a ton of fun, Sara was a strong woman (who is still getting over a difficult time). Colton is an ass but only to her and is using his jerkiness to keep her at arms length. He’s also one of my favorite characters ever, lovely and helpful and he cares so much for his community. Loved him!
shaegeeksout's review
4.0
This book warmed my heart in the best way.
In this novel we follow a former female naval officer, who left duty after a particular incident that left her feeling that she couldn't do her job anymore. She makes her way here to meet up with a friend to hopefully give her a job and a place to stay while she figures things out.
What she doesn't expect is our hunky Veterinarian who came home to collect his mother and move her off the island to live with him. His mother doesn't want to go, and so they try to get him to run the new vet clinic in town.
These two end up working together, and things start to steam up! I really liked this novel a lot, and the writing kept me engaged and happy.
In this novel we follow a former female naval officer, who left duty after a particular incident that left her feeling that she couldn't do her job anymore. She makes her way here to meet up with a friend to hopefully give her a job and a place to stay while she figures things out.
What she doesn't expect is our hunky Veterinarian who came home to collect his mother and move her off the island to live with him. His mother doesn't want to go, and so they try to get him to run the new vet clinic in town.
These two end up working together, and things start to steam up! I really liked this novel a lot, and the writing kept me engaged and happy.
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