Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Coastal Candlelight by Kay Correll

Title: Coastal Candlelight
Author: Kay Correll
Series: Magnolia Key #3
Location: Magnolia Key, FL
Main Character: Amanda & Connon
Other Characters: Beverly, Miss Eleanor, Megan, Brooklyn
Rating: 5

The third book in the Magnolia Key series does not disappoint. Set in the charming town of Magnolia Key, it skillfully blends romance, self-discovery, and the warmth of small-town life.

This story follows Amanda as she transitions from a high-pressure career to a more meaningful and slower-paced life, making her journey both relatable and inspiring. Her participation in the Magnolia Heritage Festival strengthens her connection to the community, and her evolving relationship with the quiet yet talented woodcarver, Connor, is beautifully depicted. Their connection develops organically, marked by moments of tenderness and tension that keeps the reader engaged.

The author has a unique ability to describe settings that draw you into the story. This is a story about second chances and the journey to find a place where you can belong and discover your true identity, providing readers with a satisfying and uplifting experience.

If you enjoy feel-good romances that explore second chances, self-discovery, and small-town charm, you’ll love this book. Even though this series can be read out of order, I recommend reading it in sequence to become familiar with the recurring characters.

Please share your thoughts in the comments if you’ve read this book.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Encore Echoes by Kay Correll

Title: Encore Echoes
Author: Kay Correll
Series: Magnolia Key #2
Location: Magnolia Key
Main Character: Tori & Gavin
Other Characters: Miss Eleanore, Beverly, Maxine, Jonny, Dale, Cliff, Nash, Chloe
Rating: 5

Encore Echoes is the second book in the Magnolia Key Series and it does not disappoint.  The author skillfully crafts a heartwarming story about second chances, community, and personal growth. The characters are well-developed, each exhibiting unique quirks and struggles that make them feel genuinely real.

Victoria has always dreamed of leaving her life in New York to move to Magnolia Key. Her grandmother used to take her there as a child, and she loved it. Now, determined to make a change, she starts going by Tori and relocates to Magnolia Key, where no one knows her past.

Magnolia Key’s enchanting setting comes to life through Correll’s vivid descriptions, immersing readers in its coastal charm. The themes of Second chances, forgiveness, courage, and the strength of community resonate deeply, instilling a sense of hope and warmth. It even made me want to move to Magnolia Key.

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys small-town stories that combine romance and personal growth.  I highly recommend it!

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Saltwater Sunrises by Kay Correll

Title: Saltwater Sunrises
Author: Kay Correll
Series: Magnolia Key #1
Location: Magnolia Key, FL
Main Character: Maxine, Dale, Beverly
Other Characters: Miss Eleanore, Jasmine, Darlene
Rating: 5

Saltwater Sunrises is the first book in the Magnolia Key Series. This heartwarming tale beautifully captures the charm of small-town life and the essence of new beginnings. It follows Maxine’s return to Magnolia Key, offering an inspiring and relatable journey as she navigates the complexities of her past and present.

Maxine returns to Magnolia Key to visit her best friend Beverly, whom she hasn’t seen in years. Facing various life changes and navigating her relationship with her grown children, she seeks a fresh start. Although she grew up in Magnolia Key and feels some familiarity, she is on a journey to rediscover her place in the community. The hidden painting and coded letter add an intriguing layer of mystery to the narrative, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

Kay Correll skillfully crafts a story of friendship, romance, and self-discovery set in a beautiful backdrop. I couldn’t put this book down and am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Magnolia Key series. It’s highly recommended for anyone who enjoys uplifting tales filled with romance and heartfelt moments with a touch of mystery!

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Seaglass from the Past by Kay Correll

  • Title: Seaglass from the Past
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #8
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place:  Moonbeam
  • Main Character: Rose, Aspen, Willow
  • Other Characters: Violet, George, Tara, Walker, Murphy, Trent, Danny, Denise
  • Stars: 5

If you’re a fan of small town romances with tight-knit friendships, you’re in for a treat. Blue Heron is the eighth book in the series and it does not disappoint.

In this episode we’ll learn more about Rose’s past and what kind of secrets she may uncover. We’ll also learn more about Willow and Aspen’s past. They’ll have some surprises and Aspen will finally come to terms with her past and her mother. There’s a wedding, a budding romance, a newfound family, community, and friendship. What more could you ask for!

This book had me smiling the entire way through. It was a great conclusion to an amazing series. These books will have you wanting to move to Moonbeam and be part of this wonderful community. I have loved every book by Kay Corrells that I have read and will be reading more.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance

Christmas by the Bay by Kay Correll

  • Title: Christmas by the Bay
  • Author: Kay Corell
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #7
  • Genre: Romance
  • Takes Place: Moonbeam, Florida
  • Main Character: Violet, Danny
  • Other Characters: Allison, Rose, Rob, Evelyn, Rose, Blake, Emily, George, Walker, Tara, Willow
  • Stars: 5

This is the 7th installment of the Blue Heron Cottages series. I really love this series. It has great 3-dimentional characters who have their own unique personalities and blend in well with each other.

Violet is preparing to celebrate her first Christmas as the owner of Blue Heron Cottages. If you have read the previous books then you know that Violet is the owner of Blue Heron Cottages in the quaint town of Moonbeam, FL. She totally restored the old cottages and gave them quite the facelift. They are charming with their different colored cabins.

Danny is struggling with his teenage daughter, Allison, who has gotten in with the wrong crowd at school and has found herself in a bit of trouble. He decided the best medicine is to get away and take his unruly daughter to Moonbeam for Christmas. Even though she is so stubborn and doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t have much of a choice. This may be just the medicine they need to rekindle their father / daughter relationship.

Rose is still grieving over her husband who past away months before as she prepares for her first Christmas without him. She decides to revisit Blue Heron Cottages for the holidays and reconnect with her friends including Violet.

Aspen is worried that Walker is losing interest in her. He seems to be keeping a secret. To make matters worse, her sister cancelled her plans to come to Moonbeam to spend the holidays with Aspen.

It’s going to be a magical Christmas in Moonbeam!

This is a sweet book about Community, relationships, friendships, family, surprises and second chances. I really enjoyed it just like I have the other books in the series.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Flower shop on Magnolia by Kay Correll

  • Title: Flower Shop on Magnolia
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #6
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place: Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Daisy, Jack
  • Other Characters: Rose, Violet, Melinda, Ethan
  • Stars: 5

Kay Correll delivers another captivating story in this 6th installment of the “Blue Heron Cottage” series. I enjoyed visiting the residents of Moonbeam once again.

This time, we get to know Daisy, who is relatively new in town and is the owner of the flower shop. When Jack visits the flower shop to purchase a corsage, Daisy is curious about who this man is and what is his story. Then when Daisy’s neighbor seeks a tenant for his residence, Jack simply happens to be in search of a residence to rent and becomes Daisy’s neighbor. They become instant friends but could it be more? Daisy has a secret that may keep her from getting too close to Jack.

We get to see how Melody and Ethan are doing with their relationship and of course there is Rose. I would very much like to have a Rose in my life and have the opportunity to converse with her and gain insight from her experiences, as well as receive her invaluable advice.

I enjoy the way the author spins a story to keep the reader engaged and wanting more. If feel like I know these residents and are a part of their lives. Moonbeam is a place I would love to live.

If you’re a fan of sweet stories of small town friendship and romance with great relatable characters, you’re going to love this series. You can read it as a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend reading it in order to get to know each of the characters. That way, every time you read the next installment in the series, you’ll feel like you’re catching up with old friends.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Lilacs by the Sea by Kay Correll

  • Title: Lilacs by the sea
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #5
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place:  Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Frankie, Will, Katie, Stacey
  • Other Characters: Melody, Ethan, Daisy, Violet, rose
  • Stars: 5

The fifth book in the Blue Heron Cottages series is one that I truly enjoyed. I have continued to fall in love with the characters from this series, as well as some new characters in this new story.

Will and Frankie are empty nesters who haven’t told their grown daughters that their marriage appears to be disintegrating. Unbeknownst to them, their daughters have organized a family vacation and a surprise celebration for their 40th wedding anniversary at the same location they spent their honeymoon. Even if the cottages have undergone a name change and updates since then, they nevertheless evoke many pleasant memories. How will they get through this week, and will a miscommunication lead to the breakdown of their marriage?

This is a wonderful tale of rekindled love, understanding, and family. It makes me want to travel to Blue Heron Cottages because I adore this series. There are some excellent characters, and the author is skilled at crafting a compelling narrative that keeps you turning the pages. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance

Restaurant on the Wharf by Kay Correll

  • Title: Restaurant on the Wharf
  • Author:Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #4
  • Genre: Romance
  • Takes Place:  Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Tara, Joey, Lance
  • Other Characters: Walker, Aspen
  • Stars: 5

This is another great read in the Blue Heron Series. I am really enjoying the characters in this book which takes place in Moonbeam ,Florida.

Tara’s high school reunion is coming up and she can’t decide of she wants to go but her brother Walker talks her into it. Her ex neighbor, friend and classmate, Joey, shows up early for the reunion and stays at the Blue Heron Cottages. He hasn’t been back to Moonbeam in a couple of decades and has decided to come to the reunion and wants to reconnect with his friend Tara.

Joey shows up at the restaurant that Tara works at and her parents own. Joey lived next door to Tara and they were best friends and inseparable growing up. Tara is excited to see Joey and their friendship picks right back up as if no time has passed between them. Things are going great with Joey and Tara until an old crush, Lance shows up for the reunion. Tara had a huge crush on him in high school but he never asked her out. He evidently hasn’t changed that much and is still good looking so Tara still gets butterflies when she sees him. She still has dreams of her teenage crush asking her out. When Tara and Joey run into a Lance, she gets her wish. Lance asks her to dinner! She can’t believe it and is so excited. Joey is a bit hurt that she is still hung up on Lance. Do you think this date turns out as well as she has imagined? You will have to read to find out if things work out for Tara and Lance or if destiny has other plans.

In my opinion, this story is a bit unrealistic that she would still have a crush on someone after 20 years but overall, I loved the story.

It is a sweet, clean romance of finding expectant love and realizing people don’t really change and they aren’t exactly who you imagine they are.

If you love a clean romance with great characters, then you will love this series.

Fiction, Romance

Bookshop Near the Coast by Kay Correll

  • Title: Bookshop Near the Coast
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #3
  • Genre: Romance
  • Takes Place:  Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Violet, Collette, Mark, Rose
  • Other Characters: Rob, Evelyn,
  • Stars: 5

This is another sweet book by Kay Correll. It is the 3rd book in the Blue Heron Cottages series. It took me a bit longer to get into it but I did enjoy it.

Mark Wheeler is staying at the Blue Heron cottages for a vacation that was highly suggested by his boss. Okay it was actually required by his boss and Mark really didn’t get a vote. There was an innocent at the hardware store where Mark works and he feels like it was his fault so his boss sent him on a 2 week vacation so he could decompress.

Collette owns the bookstore in town. She is an avid reader and feels like everyone should read. Whatever your interests, Collette can suggest the book you should read. She befriends Mark and invites him to come to her bookshop. Mark is not a reader. Collette is well read, well traveled and is extremely smart in a lot of areas. Mark has never left the state of Florida and doesn’t read and he feels like he isn’t smart. Collette talks him into reading a book that was written by Violet’s brother Rob. Mark knew he would never read the book but was embarrased to tell Collette. Then he discovers audio books and becomes addicted but he is still embarrased to tell Collette that he listens to the book instead of reading it.

Collette knows he is hiding something and they always seem to be running into each other. Collette just isn’t sure if he is interested in her so she tries to avoid him. Mark is afraid to share his secret and he has a couple of them. He is afraid Collette won’t think he is smart enough.

This is a story romance, a wedding & realizing life is too short to wait for love and happy ever after.

Happy Reading,

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Walks along the Shore – Kay Correll

  • Title: Walks along the Shore
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages
  • Genre: Romance
  • Takes Place:  Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Christie, Tony, Jill, Scott
  • Other Characters: Violet, Rose
  • Stars: 5

This was a sweet story of rekindled love along with a Wedding mishap

Christie and Tony are getting married and choose the quaint Blue Heron Cottages as their destination but things don’t quite go as planned. First her wedding planner is ghosting her and her wedding dress ends up being shipped to Paris. Everything seems to be falling apart until her best friend & maid of honor Jill steps up, along with the owner of the cottages, Violet and others in this small town and plan the perfect wedding in less than a week. It shows that if everyone pulls together miracles can happen.

During the wedding planning, the maid of honor, Jill and the best man, Scott seem to have a history that is causing a lot of stress since they are both participants in the wedding party. As much as Jill tries to avoid Scott they keep being thrown together.

This is a sweet, clean story of Community, friendship & rekindled love. I really liked this sweet romance.

When you read it, be sure to download the bonus epilogue to read the rest of Jill & Scott’s story. In the Ebook version, there is a link at the end of the book to join the author’s newsletter. Once you join, you will be emailed the bonus epilogue. It is worth the read.

Let me know if you read this book and give my your thoughts in the comments.

Happy reading