The first book in a new series can sometimes be a rough start. After all, the author has to introduce the setting and all the new characters and then give us a plot. But Jan Moran has this mastered! The first book in this new Crown Island series left me with a smile on my face, tears in my eyes, and a melting heart.

Set on lovely Crown Island (much like Catalina Island), the cast of characters immediately grabbed me. The Raines family is related to the Bay family in the Summer Beach series. April is separated from her husband and is living with her mother Ella, the matriarch of the family. Also living with them is April’s daughter Junie, a young widow. April’s other daughter Maileah lives in Seattle and doesn’t get along with her mother. And I must not forget April’s best friend Deb who is like a sister to her.

Being a sweet romance, I need to introduce the men. Ryan Kingston is the new owner of the historic Majestic Hotel. Note: Crown Island’s most eligible bachelor. Then there is police officer Blumenthal. (Definitely want to know more about him in upcoming books.) The charismatic Whitley, Ryan’s righthand man, rounds out our current heartthrobs.

Oh, and did I mention a possible ghost? No…well, Summer Beach seems to have one, so why not Crown Island!

I am really looking forward to future visits to Crown Island.

Many thanks for the advance copy of the book. These opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )