Book picks similar to
Mermaid's Ground by Alice Marlow


women-s-fiction
a-slice-of-life
beta-male
interracial-romance

Time Lost


Peter C. Foster - 2018
    Now she’s asking for his help to find the man who murdered her daughter. He loved her then; despite everything, he loves her still. Against his better judgement, he is drawn into the homicide investigation.At the same time, he must deal with the ghosts of the past, and the events which bound them together and tore them apart in the days which followed the Summer of Love.TIME LOST is a fast-paced mystery and a love story. It is also a look back at the Sixties and the passions of a generation searching for truth and justice amid the turmoil of racism and war.

Stuffed


Francesca Penn - 2020
    F*cking Zachary Novak. That should be its own line for when you want to lose your mind.Life isn’t perfect, I know this but why is everything upside down in mine?Now, I’m stuck with him. On an assignment that should be MINE.I don’t like the way he smiles, the way he makes good conversation or anything else but then… I meet Dean. He rescues us from the cold and gives us a place to stay until the snow melts.Dean is the piece to a puzzle I didn’t know I was missing. Not only that, so is Zachary Novak.Two men, one woman… That’s all it takes for me to be flipped upside down instead of my life?I know these things for sure: I’m not hungry and I’m not a turkey.Yet… I’m stuffed.

Simply Amazing


Candace Shaw - 2012
    For Cannon, meeting her was a breath of fresh air. Something about the bubbly, sexy teacher makes him realize he needs to stop and smell the roses.Yasmine has had a crush on Cannon since high school, but he’d never noticed the nerdy freshman. Now she’s blossomed into a woman who’s full of life. She knows Cannon’s drive for success is important to him, but she fears he’ll become even more of a workaholic than her father, who died when she was a child.Will Cannon settle down and learn how to balance his career and love life, or will he lose the simply amazing woman who has stolen his heart?Simply Amazing is a short prequel (13,500 words) to the third book in the Arrington Family series, Only One for Me.

. . . and Baby Makes Two: A Novel


Judy Sheehan - 2005
    But that’s before she sees the perfect child. There he sits in his stroller, angelic and beautiful, magnetic and serene– and he makes Jane question everything she has and everything she thought she wanted. Suddenly all she can see are babies and pregnant woman everywhere. Were there always so many of them? And while there was once a man in her life–her one true love, Sam, gone from this world too soon–there is no man now. Jane must make a choice: possibly become a bitter and childless old lady, letting her biological clock tick on ’till menopause, or tend the ache in her heart now, by becoming a single mother. As Jane struggles to make the most important decision of her life, friends and family offer no shortage of opinions. There’s Ray, her “hubstitute” and gay best friend who would be jealous of any kid who got Jane as a mom; Sheila, her sister, who went from zero to sixty when she eloped with Raoul–who had two young twin sons– and has mixed feelings about being a new mommy; her strict, Catholic father who can’ t imagine what level of hell Jane would banish herself to if she becomes a single mother; and the women of Families with Children from China who are preparing to adopt orphan daughters–without a man in sight. Just as she thinks she’s made up her mind, Jane discovers one small wrench in her plans: handsome, charming, funny Peter, who just happens to be (unhappily) married. . . . And Baby Makes Two is a heartbreakingly honest, wonderfully addictive, and funny novel about love and loss, family and friendship. Judy Sheehan, co-creator of the smash hit Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, has perfectly captured the delights and dilemmas of the scariest job in the world: motherhood.From the Hardcover edition.

The Nantucket Beachfront Inn: Sconset Beach Book One


Ainsley Keaton - 2022
    Unemployable at her age, and broken-hearted by a husband who left her in the lurch, she desperately needs a Plan B. Her prayers are answered when a wealthy benefactor wills her a large house in the 'Sconset Beach area of Nantucket. She heads out to the picturesque New England island with her two best friends, Luna and Mila, going along for the ride.One catch...her estranged daughter also lives there. Charlotte Killeen, Ava's daughter, is battling a crisis of her own. Her new husband, Matthew, wants a divorce, even though the couple have a newborn baby. Charlotte needs her mother more than ever, but the two have never seen eye to eye. Her marriage on the rocks and with few prospects for income, Charlotte is near the end of her rope. Then a life-threatening illness brings into focus what's important after all.Ava's other daughter, Samantha, also lives on Nantucket Island, with her best friend and roommate, Grayson. Samantha suffers from a lack of direction in her life, and longs to meet a rich prince charming who will sweep her off her feet. When she meets the man of her dreams, she's leaving behind the one man who loves her unconditionally - Grayson.Jackson, Ava's son, is an aspiring actor in Hollywood. Everything has always come easy to him, that is until Willow, Matthew's cousin, shows up. Free-spirited Willow is just the kind of girl to break Jackson's heart, which is difficult to do, as Jackson is always the heartbreaker.And speaking of Willow...she's a feminist island witch and artist. She and Jackson have been through many, many lifetimes together. Yet, Willow wants nothing to do with Jackson in this lifetime. She has no desire to give up even an ounce of her power, not even for her soul mate. Willow also is hiding a devastating secret from Jackson. A secret that is guaranteed to upend his life for good.Mila, Ava's best friend, is battling a devastating illness, information that she hasn't shared with Ava and Luna. She never wants to be a burden, so she just doesn't ask for help. But she's going to need all the support she can get. She finds this support in a very surprising place, and, in doing so, gets closer to her own destiny.Ava busies herself with fixing up her beautiful new beach home, so that she can open up a bed and breakfast. Contractor Deacon Cromwell, whom Ava hires to do the renovation, is the man who might thaw Ava's cold heart, if only she'll let him. However, he's almost 20 years her junior and, Ava believes, out of her league. Can Ava overcome her insecurities and allow herself to love again?In this feel-good beach read with a touch of magick, Ava and her friends and family will become your best friends. Come and share their joys and heartbreaks, their tragedies and triumphs. For fans of Susan Mallery, Jude Devereaux Nantucket Bride series and Elin Hilderbrand!

In the Eyes of the Beholder


B.D. Anderson - 2020
    He is befriended by Lorilee Riley who had recently moved into the rural mountain community. She’s a Black girl in a mostly white Appalachian town and she’s never felt that she was pretty as she towers over other kids her age. When Lorilee’s Aunt Sabrina is able to help Micah have the growth removed, he not only looks normal, but he grows into a handsome young man. He loves Lorilee who has always been there for him, and he sees her as not only his best friend, but the girl who he wants to spend his life with. Lorilee, however, is insecure about her looks, especially her weight and she can’t help but wonder how long Micah will stick around. In Micah’s eyes, nothing has changed over the years since they met, and he tries to make her understand that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Reasonable Lies


T.A. Rosewood - 2020
    A thriving career, beautiful twins, crazy but dependable best friend, an adoring husband, and a wonderful home. But one chance encounter now threatens to tear her world apart.From that moment on, Jane’s sole focus is to try and protect the happiness of those closest to her from finding out the heart-breaking truth that she now carries alone, leading her into a web of ‘Reasonable Lies'.After her shocking reveal, Jane meets James, who quickly becomes her friend and confidant but is he hiding something from her and will she find out before it’s too late?Reasonable Lies is a breathtaking, all too real story of love, deception, and the lengths people will go to, in order to protect their loved ones.This emotional debut book from women's Author, T.A. Rosewood, tells the heartbreaking story of a strong female character's journey to try and protect her family; a thought-provoking novel that will stay with you for a long time.If you loved Jojo Moyes' Me Before You, you'll love this one!.♥ Readers Loving Reasonable Lies! ♥"No words can describe what I feel when reading this book. Reasonable Lies may just be the best book I will ever read. The author has surpassed all expectations with this one. Be sure to have the tissues ready when you start it because you will definitely need a box... or three" Sarah Jayne Harry - Author."What a beautiful little debut novel this is! If you liked Mike Gayle’s Half a World Away, then you would like this!""I really cannot believe this is a debut novel it is such a captivating story and so beautifully written.""Reasonable Lies is a beautiful, emotional story with such a powerful and inspirational message. I highly recommend that everyone read this book as soon as possible. It is one book you will never forget""Reasonable Lies takes its grip on you and doesn't let go, not even after you've finished reading”"Well written with the perfect amount of humour and happiness for balance""Wow!!!! This was such a powerful and emotionally engaging story. beautifully and sensitively writtenIt held me throughout.""Reasonable Lies is incredibly well written""Those last few chapters I had a lump in my throat the whole time and tears rolling down my face, there is only one other book that has managed to stir those types of emotions in me which is why this book and author deserves so much praise. It really does need to be shouted from the roof tops. I would recommend this a million times over, T.A. Rosewood is an extremely gifted writer."Praise From Authors Who've Enjoyed Reasonable lies!★ "This story was beautiful, sad and very touching. It covers a topic which most of us have or will deal with in one way or another in our life time and that’s what makes it so touching - it’s relatability. Very well written and emotionally engaging, I read this book in one sitting. I would highly recommend this wonderful book - but have the tissues at the ready". Lyndsey Gallagher, Author of The Seven Year Itch & The Widwife Crisis.

Summer at Hollyhock House


Cathy Bussey - 2018
     One long summer changed Faith forever… Faith Coombes should have been over the moon when her long-term boyfriend proposed to her. But instead, she broke up with him. Rob was safe, reliable, nice and … boring. Nothing like the only person who had ever broken her heart… Unable to afford the rent on another flat and desperate for a new start, Faith takes the plunge and moves back to the village she grew up in, returning to the house that holds so many memories for her. Hollyhock House, the family home of her best-friend Minel, also belongs to the boy who meant so much to her all those years ago… As Faith falls back in love with the sprawling surroundings at Hollyhock she also finds herself falling all over again for the only person who has truly hurt her. Can Faith come to terms with her past? Did she make the wrong decision in breaking up with Rob? Or does her heart really lie at Hollyhock House? Summer at Hollyhock House is a charming romantic comedy full of lost loves, missed opportunities and second chances. This summer read, perfect for the holidays, will have you laughing-out-loud in parts, close to tears in others, and above all, championing Faith as she searches for what is most important to her.

Diving In


Sage Donnell - 2021
    She goes to Bonaire to write, but mostly ends up diving while gripped with a case of, well, not exactly writer’s block, but perhaps writer’s trickle. Words are coming, just slowly and painfully. When a mom and son move into the rental across the yard from her, at first she thinks it will make things worse. And, in terms of writing, it does, at least for a while. But getting to know Ash and Jake is definitely worth it.Ash and her ten-year-old son, Jake, have been through a rough couple of years. When a windfall comes her way, Ash decides that they need a reset, and she takes Jake on the diving trip he’s always wanted. The across-the-yard neighbor is entirely too attractive, friendly, and competent, making Ash feel bumbling in comparison. But the more she gets to know Morgan, the less she wants to keep her distance.As Ash and Morgan dive together, spend time in their shared yard, and bond over being Jake fans, the vacation fling starts to seem like more.

Winter Whimsy: Escape this Christmas to the Boardwalk by the Sea


Georgina Troy - 2020
    

The Christmas Collection


Victoria Connelly - 2016
    So, when she finds a handsome stranger already at the cottage, she's baffled. Has her aunt double-booked the cottage by mistake or is she up to her match-making tricks once again?Christmas at the Castle Life at Caldoon Castle in the Highlands of Scotland isn't easy for Catriona Fraser and her two children especially since her husband died. So, when Iain MacNeice and his two daughters book the castle for the Christmas holidays, Catriona's prayers seem to be answered. But the MacNeices arrive with a whole host of their own problems and it's going to take time, patience and a little bit of Christmas magic to make this holiday a happy one.Christmas at the Cottage After a bad breakup, all Rowan Corrigan wants is time alone at the family cottage in the Lake District. But her sister Rachel and husband Paul have exactly the same idea. As does Paul's best friend Nick - the very last man Rowan wants to see after her embarrassing encounter with him at Rachel and Paul's wedding. As the snow begins to fall, this could become the worst Christmas on record. But Christmas is a time for miracles and Rowan has always believed in those...

Dr. Vigilante II


Alberto Hazan - 2016
    For the sex trade? Or for something worse?They soon learn that something from hell has moved into the sacred Mayan ruins at Kundal.As Robert plunges like an arrow into the heart of this darkness, he must also diagnose a mysterious coma in order to save his friend, and fight his fierce desire to return to New York and Sharon Reede, the love of his life.

Putting Out the Stars: Three Young Couples Bound Together by Their Lives and Secrets They Share


Roisin Meaney - 2005
    But, beneath the cosy contentment of their lives lies tensions that threaten to erupt at any moment. Andrew, Laura's handsome brother, has just returned home from Crete with his bride in tow, the surprisingly timid Ruth, who is finding it hard to fit in with Andrew's overbearing mother, Cecily. And, to her increasing concern, Andrew doesn't seem to have his mind entirely on her... Laura is desperate to have a family, and can't understand why Donal doesn't seem to share her only wish. And the beautiful, glamorous Breffni, with her lovely husband, Cian, and the golden child, Polly, well, she has the greatest surprise in store...

An Unlikely Goddess


Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar - 2013
    Mohana made us want to read more..."Kamy Wicoff, author and founder of She Writes.com Sita is the firstborn, but since she is a female child, her birth makes life difficult for her mother who is expected to produce a son. From the start, Sita finds herself in a culture hostile to her, but her irrepressible personality won’t be subdued. Born in India, she immigrates as a toddler to the U.S. with her parents after the birth of her much anticipated younger brother. Sita shifts between the vastly different worlds of her WASP dominated school and her father’s insular traditional home. Her journey takes us beneath tales of successful middle class Indians who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s. The gap between positive stereotypes of South Asian immigrants and the reality of Sita's family, who are struggling to stay above the poverty line is a relatively new theme for Indian literature in English. Sita's struggles to be American and yet herself, take us deeper into understanding the dilemmas of first generation children, and how religion and culture define women. Cover design by Law AlsobrookCover photography by Guiri R. Reyes

Serene Chaos


C. Monet - 2018
     She was chaos. Serene Daniels was her name. After losing the love of her life she climbed into a dark hole and vowed to stay there until death greeted her. She had a vice and it filled her emptiness on most nights. Serene wanted to move forward, she desired happiness but didn’t know where to find it. One night, while out with friends she meets Corik, who sweeps her off her feet without having to try too hard. It took her awhile to realize that he wasn’t the one and when she did, he showed his true colors. In the midst of drama, here comes another man singing the same tune as Corik and she refuses to give him the time of day even after he rocked her world for one night only. Rex, however, is a different type of man. He’s rare, rough and incredibly sexy and he refuses to give up on Serene. Something tells him that she’s the one. In Serene Chaos, friendships are tested, hearts are broken, lives are changed and as tragedy strikes will Serene walk out of the fire blazing?