Summer days aren’t always filled with sunshine…

Synopsis

Welcome to your happy place…

As summer comes to the tranquil shores of Micklewick Bay, Maggie Marsay is on cloud nine. She can barely keep up with orders for her handmade teddy bears, turning her crafting hobby into a thriving business. And after trying for a baby for some time, she has joyful news to share with her devoted husband Bear who she lives with in an idyllic clifftop cottage alongside their cheeky labrador.

But an unexpected visitor casts a shadow over Maggie’s sun-drenched bliss. Robyn, a ghost from the past Maggie hasn’t seen in twelve long years, arrives on their doorstep. What could have brought Robyn back into Maggie’s life after so long? Is she truly sorry for her past mistakes, or is she up to her old tricks?

Maggie welcomes Robyn into their home, trying her best to forgive and forget. But when Robyn starts to drive a wedge between her and Bear, Maggie’s close-knit group of friends and neighbours rally around. Can they help Maggie weather this storm and find her way back to happily ever after? Or is trouble here to stay?

Escape to Micklewick Bay in an uplifting, feel-good page-turner for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

My review

With the arrival of the summer, Maggie Marsay couldn’t be any happier. She is absolutely deeply in love with her husband Bear, who adores her too. Her business of handmade teddy bears is gaining more and more popularity. And after trying for so long, and having been heartbroken before, the
long – wished for baby may be finally on its way.
So when Maggie receives a letter from her cousin Roby, she doesn’t know what to do. Because Robyn caused many problems in the past already for Maggie. Could it be that Robyn truly learnt from her mistakes and is a changed person?
Being the kind – hearted people they are, Maggie and Bear welcome Robyn in their home. But it doesn’t take long before Robyn manages to drive a wedge in this normally so solid couple. Is this wonderful couple strong enough to survive the storm that Robyn is? Or will it all end in heartbreak?

Is there a lovelier couple than Maggie and Bear? I truly don’t think so! Their love just sparks from each page, and it for sure set the bar very high for any f my future partners! Take some lessons from Bear you guys! That is how a man should love a woman! 😊
And of course Maggie is also an inspiration of how a woman should love her man!
Because it isn’t all the time about the big gestures, but it’s also the small things, a kiss here, a hug there, understanding each other and being in sync that makes it all work!

And Maggie cannot wait to share her great news to Bear, as she finally managed to get pregnant. Even if they are fictional characters, I couldn’t be more over the moon for them, as it’s so clear what amazing parents they will be!

At first I couldn’t understand why Maggie was so reluctant when receiving Robyn’s letter. Because Maggie’s behaviour is so out of character, I just couldn’t match the Maggie I know with the Maggie that is cautious and even holding a grudge?
But after learning about what happened to her many years ago, well, I could understand her a lot better.
And even if I was wary myself, I liked it how Bear, the voice of reason, still keep on believing in the good in people, and keep on believing that people can change.

Unfortunately, from the moment Robyn enters the scene, I absolutely disliked her. The way she just assumes that she can stay at Maggie’s and Bear’s place, the way she is flaunting herself, how she is getting too touchy with Bear. And then I am not talking about how everything seems to revolve around her, her jealous streaks, and her rudeness to Maggie’s friends and family! And most important, her dodgy past, because I didn’t believe her story for even one moment!
It angered me so much to ese how Robyn is jeopardizing everything, and is able to plant seeds of doubts, is able to put cracks in one of the most solid relationships. And for what cause?

Nevertheless, no matter how much Robyn tries, there is still so much love present in this book. Despite the hiccups, Maggie and Bear clearly still love each other, they can also count on the love, care and even worry from their closest friends and their family.
And that was truly beautiful to see, how love can be stronger than the nastiest schemes and plots.

Every couple in the world has to face a more difficult moment, no matter how great the love is. It broke my heart yes, but even with the cloud of doubts and secretiveness, I had no doubt that this couple would be endgame.
Because a love that strong, like Maggie’s and Bear’s, is strong even to face a hurricane like Robyn is. Perhaps it may take some time and serious hurdles to overcome, but a way back together can and must be found again.

I absolutely devoured this book, even I got at moments jealous of having such a great love…
But my jealousy didn’t outweigh the so many beautiful feelings in this book, especially the feelings concerning love. And not only love for a partner, but also for your best of friends, for your family. And as a united front, these kind of love can overcome everything!