A huge welcome today to Emily Harvale's latest series, with Coming Home to Merriment Bay Part One The Reunion, on the opening day of its blog tour.
After eighteen years apart, reclusive Cat Devon still
recognises her mum’s handwriting. Plucking up the courage to open the letter,
its contents send Cat racing to Merriment Bay, the seaside village where she
grew up.
On arrival, Cat and her teenage daughter, Kyra are shocked
to find the situation is worse than expected. But despite everything, Cat
considers herself to be an optimist at heart and Kyra takes after her. Looking
on the bright side may not improve the situation, but it definitely can’t make
it worse.
When clearing out the house that, even now, Cat fondly
thinks of as home, she stumbles upon more than just memories in the battered
leather trunk in Granny Viola’s bedroom. She discovers a faded photo of an RAF
pilot, a pile of unopened letters, and a mystery waiting to be solved. Who is
the man in the – clearly treasured – photo? Cat didn’t know her grandad. Could
this be him? A man even her mum never met.
Cat and Kyra are intent on finding out. But that’s not all
Cat’s determined to do. It’s time she came to terms with the issues in her
past, and made peace with her mum and her gran. All the while avoiding bumping
into the one man she never quite got over … and keeping a few secrets of her
own.
This is Part One of a new, four-part serial. The other three
parts are:
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Two: Sparks Fly
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Three: Christmas
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Four: Starry Skies
This is the start of Emily Harvale's Merriment Bay series
which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read
alone, but several characters appear in both series.
My Thoughts
Emily Harvale is a great storyteller and this series looks very promising. The first instalment hooks you in and you find yourself wanting to know more about Cat and Kyra and why Cat had to leave Merriment Bay in the past. There is a lot of scope for this story as the setting is so enticing and there are plenty of characters to find out about. There is also a map of the area on Emily's website so you can explore the places mentioned.
With some vivid characterisation and a few mysteries to get your curiosity whetted, this first part did not let me down. It is an entertaining, welcoming read with plenty to say about family and the ties that bind us.
In short: A great start to the series.
About the Author
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about
friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that
life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your
face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers'
group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out
about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at
www.emilyharvale.com.
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily
returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a
member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When
not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and
countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the
latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost
as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily
has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard,
regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Thanks to Emily Harvale and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
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