🌊 Book Review: The Harbor Retreat by Grace Meyers (Kindle Edition, The Stonington Tides Book 1)
A cozy, later-in-life seaside romance filled with emotional healing, small-town charm, and second chances—Grace Meyers launches her Stonington Tides series with a heartwarming story that’s perfect for fans of clean, feel-good fiction.
🧠 Overview
Published on April 29, 2025, The Harbor Retreat is a 65-page novella that introduces readers to Josie Taylor, a woman nursing heartbreak and humiliation after a lifetime of romantic disappointments. Seeking refuge, she escapes to her late mother’s cabin on the rugged shores of Stonington, Maine, hoping to start fresh in a town where no one knows her past.
But Stonington isn’t exactly welcoming. Sam Porter, a gruff local recluse, resents outsiders and makes it clear Josie isn’t wanted. Yet as they cross paths, Josie begins to see a softer side to Sam—and he, in turn, finds himself drawn to her resilience and warmth. Just as sparks begin to fly, Josie’s past resurfaces in the form of her ex-husband and her free-spirited sister, whose wild business ideas threaten to upend Josie’s fragile new life.
💘 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🏡 Fresh beginnings: Josie’s journey is one of emotional renewal and rediscovery
- 🧓 Later-in-life romance: A refreshing focus on mature characters finding love again
- 🌊 Small-town coastal charm: Stonington is richly drawn, with salty air and stormy cliffs
- 👨👩👧👦 Family dynamics: Josie’s relationships with her sister and ex add depth and tension
- 🧠 Clean romance: No explicit content—ideal for readers who prefer wholesome storytelling
“She bought the cabin to get away. She never expected to find someone worth staying for.” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.62/5 from over 75 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s gentle pacing, emotional sincerity, and relatable characters
- 💬 “Josie and Sam’s slow-burn connection is tender and believable. The setting is beautifully atmospheric.”
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 65 pages, it’s a quick read—best enjoyed as a cozy emotional escape
- 📚 Series starter: Sets the tone for future Stonington Tides books, which explore love and growth in coastal Maine
- 🧠 Low-stakes drama: Focuses more on emotional healing than high-tension plot twists
🏁 Final Verdict
The Harbor Retreat is a gentle, uplifting novella that blends romance, personal growth, and seaside serenity. Grace Meyers crafts a story that’s perfect for readers who enjoy clean, later-in-life love stories with emotional depth and small-town charm. This Kindle edition is a lovely start to a promising series.
