Title: Home to Seaview Key by Sherryl Woods
A Seaview Key Novel (Book Two)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods reveals that the most delightful surprises may await right in your own backyard!
Falling for a handsome stranger on the very morning they meet is hardly what recently divorced Abby Miller planned for her return to Seaview Key. Hoping to mend an old friendship and to give back to the community she loves, Abby’s definitely not looking for love.
For ex-soldier Seth Landry, Seaview Key seems like the perfect place to heal a broken heart…eventually. And when he rescues a beautiful woman on the beach, his nightmares about the past are eclipsed by daydreams about the future.
Neither Abby nor Seth are looking for forever, but powerful love has its own timetable. And taking a chance on the future will test their courage in ways neither of them could possibly have anticipated.
The Review:
Sherryl Woods’ latest release is another warm and inviting novel of love, family and friendship. Home to Seaview Key is the long-awaited follow up to Seaview Inn and it is another delightfully appealing story that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.
Abby Miller has kept a low profile since her return to Seaview Key, but word of her homecoming quickly spreads after medic Seth Landry saves her from a near drowning. Abby is hoping to find herself while renewing old friendships and pursuing a new venture in the close-knit coastal community. Seth moved to the small town following a tragic loss and he is close friends with Abby’s childhood pals Hannah and Luke. Seth and Abby are thrown together on a fundraising project and their friendship soon takes a romantic turn.
Abby’s past with Hannah is complicated by Abby’s childhood romance with Luke, Hannah’s new husband. Abby has zero interest in Luke but her reappearance in their life rouses Hannah’s insecurities and regaining their friendship is going to take time and patience. Recently divorced, Abby is also not interested in a romance either but she is instantly attracted to Seth. When their passion becomes too strong to resist, they agree to a no strings fling, but love sneaks in when neither of them are looking.
Seth has a lot more emotional baggage than Abby. His previous relationship tragically ended and he is dealing with unresolved family issues as well. In a refreshing change of pace, he is the one who is not ready for a relationship and his hang ups keep him from getting involved with Abby. The slow change from friends to lovers builds a strong foundation for their budding romance but Seth’s doubts keep them from taking their relationship further.
I really like that Seth and Abby do not rush into a relationship. It is lovely watching them form a friendship built on mutual respect and trust before they act on their desire. While Seth’s first instinct is to pull away when he is uncomfortable, they do eventually discuss the things that are bothering him. This cautious approach gives them the chance to really get to know one another and their resulting romance is quite sweet.
Sherryl Woods is a longtime favorite author of mine and her characters always fall in love with plenty of support from close friends, a loving family and a close-knit community. While all of these elements can be found in Home to Seaview Key, the plot feels fresh, the characters are distinct and the storyline is unique. It is comfort read that is sure to delight longtime fans and charm new ones.
Thanks Kathy.