Dune Island Series by Kristin Harper

Making her way up the cedar-lined driveway, tears fill her eyes at the sight of the cottage’s faded trim and peeling turquoise shutters. Taking a deep breath, she grasps the heart-shaped iron door handle and steps inside the once-happy childhood home she’s been avoiding... moreMaking her way up the cedar-lined driveway, tears fill her eyes at the sight of the cottage’s faded trim and peeling turquoise shutters. Taking a deep breath, she grasps the heart-shaped iron door handle and steps inside the once-happy childhood home she’s been avoiding. It is time to face up to the past…When Emily’s fiancé walks out on her while she’s still grieving the loss of her family in a terrible accident, she escapes back to Hope Haven on the remote Dune Island, where her family vacationed every summer. Emily hopes that fixing up the house will also mend her broken heart, but the cottage holds more than just bittersweet childhood memories. Emptying her father’s antique writing desk, Emily finds a letter that reveals a devastating secret about her parents.With a head full of questions that can never be answered, it seems like returning to the island was the worst decision Emily ever made… until she meets Lucas Socorro, saltwater dripping from his dark curls after a surf session. As they take long walks on the soft sand, and talk late into the firefly-lit night, Emily wonders if Dr Luke—as the kids in the hospital call him—could be the one to help her heal. With Luke holding her hand, delving into her family’s painful past is a little easier.Painting the gloomy cottage walls the colour of seashells, and revamping her grandmother’s flea-market furniture, Emily starts to feel she might call Dune Island home for good—and that she could build that home right here with Luke. But when Emily’s family secret spreads through a network of local gossips, her fragile heart breaks all over again. Luke is the only one who could have started the rumours. Was she wrong to trust him so easily?As the sun sets behind the dunes, Emily has a difficult decision to make. Does she pack her bags and leave the island for good? Or take a risk that Hope Haven has everything she’s been looking for?A beautiful and emotional read that will make you long to feel the sand beneath your feet. Perfect for fans of Nancy Thayer, Tracy Brogan and Mary Alice Monroe. less

Clearing out the attic, Zoey opens the carved trunk and smiles as she picks up the small, leather-bound diary hiding inside. Curious, she leafs through the pages, and realises this will change everything…All Zoey’s happiest childhood memories are of her great-aunt Ivy’s rickety cottage on Dune Island, snuggling up with hot chocolate and hearing Ivy’s stories about being married to a sea captain... moreClearing out the attic, Zoey opens the carved trunk and smiles as she picks up the small, leather-bound diary hiding inside. Curious, she leafs through the pages, and realises this will change everything…All Zoey’s happiest childhood memories are of her great-aunt Ivy’s rickety cottage on Dune Island, snuggling up with hot chocolate and hearing Ivy’s stories about being married to a sea captain. Now, heartbroken from a breakup, Zoey escapes back to the island, but is shocked to find her elderly aunt’s spark fading. Worse, her cousin—next in line to inherit the house—is pushing Ivy to move into a nursing home.With the family clashing over what’s best for Ivy, Zoey is surprised when Nick, a local carpenter and Ivy’s neighbor, takes her side. As Zoey finds comfort in his sea-blue eyes and warm laugh, the two grow close. Together, they make a discovery in the attic that links the family to the mysterious and reclusive local lighthouse keeper…Now Zoey has a heartbreaking choice to make. Nick’s urging her to share the discovery, which could keep Ivy in the house she’s loved her whole life… but when Zoey learns that Nick and her cousin go way back, she questions if the man she‘s starting to have feelings for really has Ivy’s best interests at heart. Will dredging up this old secret destroy the peace and happiness of Ivy’s final years—and tear this family apart for good? less

Turning off the winding coastal road and seeing the old farmhouse surrounded by cranberry vines ahead, Lily’s breath catches in her throat. It’s just how she remembers it. But pushing open the wooden front door for the first time in decades, it’s clear everything has changed…When her estranged aunt Dahlia dies, single mother Lily Lindgren is surprised to inherit the family home and cranberry farm... moreTurning off the winding coastal road and seeing the old farmhouse surrounded by cranberry vines ahead, Lily’s breath catches in her throat. It’s just how she remembers it. But pushing open the wooden front door for the first time in decades, it’s clear everything has changed…When her estranged aunt Dahlia dies, single mother Lily Lindgren is surprised to inherit the family home and cranberry farm. Returning to Dune Island for the first time since Dahlia admitted to a terrible betrayal that shattered Lily’s trust in her family, she’s ready to sell up and finally create a stable future for her little boy. But her high-school crush and farm manager Jake Benson is determined to stop Lily’s plan…After helping Dahlia turn part of the house into a local produce store, Jake shared her dream of making the cranberry farm a community hub for the island. His stories about Dahlia, and how much she had missed Lily all these years, make Lily question if she was wrong to never forgive her aunt. And when Jake joins her long walks over the sand dunes, there’s an undeniable spark… could a move to Dune Island be the key to her and her son’s happiness?But then, clearing out Dahlia’s bedroom, Lily finds an old picture of Dahlia that stops her in her tracks. Just when she was making peace with Dahlia’s memory and learning to trust again, Lily’s heart is shattered to find she was keeping another secret. Can Lily trust Jake to tell her the painful truth—or will she run from Dune Island again for good?An utterly beautiful beach read about family secrets, finding yourself, and learning the true meaning of home. Perfect for fans of Carolyn Brown, Barbara O’Neal and Mary Alice Monroe. less

Periwinkle-blue flowers spill over the picket fence, framing the simple wooden sign that reads Hydrangea House . But Molly's eyes fill with tears. Her grandmother Beverley used to stand right there in the doorway, ready to welcome guests. Now Beverley is gone, will the inn close forever?Grieving and newly single Molly Anderson begs the wealthy Frost family, owners of Hydrangea House, to allow her to run the inn for one last summer before they shut it down... morePeriwinkle-blue flowers spill over the picket fence, framing the simple wooden sign that reads Hydrangea House . But Molly's eyes fill with tears. Her grandmother Beverley used to stand right there in the doorway, ready to welcome guests. Now Beverley is gone, will the inn close forever?Grieving and newly single Molly Anderson begs the wealthy Frost family, owners of Hydrangea House, to allow her to run the inn for one last summer before they shut it down. She vows to give the final guests a summer to remember by the sea. It's what Beverly-who worked uncomplainingly for the Frosts her whole life-would have wanted.But when an elderly woman checks in claiming to know a secret about Beverly's true connection to the Frost family, everything Molly knows about her beloved grandmother is called into question. The woman says that a message in a bottle hidden somewhere at Hydrangea House, will not only reveal the truth, but could stop the Frosts' plan in its tracks.Desperate to do whatever she can to save Hydrangea House, Molly combs the inn from attic to basement, helped by visiting oceanographer Matt . She could never get involved with a guest, but Matt's kindness as he listens to her worries, and the way his deep brown eyes keep locking with hers are hard to ignore...But as they fill their summer with searching, rumors and bad reviews about Molly start to spread. By delving into the mystery of the past, has she shattered any chance of the inn's future? Can Matt be trusted, or is he more closely linked to the Frost family than she thought? And when she finally unlocks the secret about her grandmother, will it bring Molly peace-or tear her apart?An absolutely gorgeous read about learning to trust, the meaning of home, and the importance of family. Fans of Debbie Macomber, Carolyn Brown and Mary Alice Monroe will be captivated.Read what everyone's saying about Kristin Harper:"WOW! Double up that WOW! This book was AMAZING!... perfect... I fell in love with the main character... Run, don't walk to pick up this book... An unforgettable story." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Oh my giddy aunt what a fabulous tale... totally intriguing and beautifully executed... outstandingly fabulous book... can highly recommend this fantastic author." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Brilliant book... I totally loved... emotional... had me gripped from the beginning... I found it incredibly difficult to put down... Captivated me... Kept me reading into the early hours... I would definitely recommend this." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Such a fantastic novel! I devoured it... Wow!... Captured my attention from page one until the end!... What a story! Made me want to cry and scream at the characters... Stole my heart... Loved this amazing novel... Truly a gem... I loved this book and I didn't want it to end... An awesome read." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ less

The long, tarnished chain and heart-shaped pendant is heavy in Paige’s hand. Carefully prying it open she can just make out the tiny engraving inside. What she reads will change everything she ever believed about her great-aunt Violet, and their family history…When newly single and heartbroken Paige inherits an isolated cottage facing out to the wild sea on Dune Island from her great-aunt Violet, she is shocked... moreThe long, tarnished chain and heart-shaped pendant is heavy in Paige’s hand. Carefully prying it open she can just make out the tiny engraving inside. What she reads will change everything she ever believed about her great-aunt Violet, and their family history…When newly single and heartbroken Paige inherits an isolated cottage facing out to the wild sea on Dune Island from her great-aunt Violet, she is shocked. Paige never even met Violet, and she’s heard family stories about how a terrible incident involving the wealthy neighboring Hathaway family during World War Two led Violet to withdraw from everyone. But why would Violet leave everything to her?Determined to clear out the cottage and sell it as quickly as possible, when Paige bumps into Seth Hathaway as he walks back from the beach, at first she’s guarded. But Seth’s easy smile makes her think that maybe the Hathaways can be trusted after all…Then Paige finds an old envelope containing her aunt’s only piece of jewelry. The romantic message inscribed inside brings tears to her eyes, and Seth shows her how the initials match those carved with a heart into an ancient beech tree on her aunt’s property. Did Violet live her whole life yearning for the person who gave her the locket?As Paige and Seth grow closer, she starts to wonder if she could find happiness right here on Dune Island. And if Paige discovers the identity of Violet’s lost love, can she finally clear her aunt’s name—or in this tight-knit island community, should some secrets be left in the past forever?Fans of Mary Ellen Taylor, Carolyn Brown and Barbara O’Neal will adore this absolutely stunning and addictive read about the sacrifices people make to be with the ones they love, and how bringing family secrets into the light can change everything. Read what everyone’s saying about Kristin “WOW! Double up that WOW! This book was AMAZING!... perfect… I fell in love with the main character… Run, don't walk to pick up this book… An unforgettable story.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Oh my giddy aunt what a fabulous tale… totally intriguing and beautifully executed… outstandingly fabulous book… can highly recommend this fantastic author.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Brilliant book… I totally loved… emotional… had me gripped from the beginning… I found it incredibly difficult to put down… Captivated me… Kept me reading into the early hours… I would definitely recommend this.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book!!… another delightful, sweet read… lovely, heart-warming characters.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“This is a wonderful, heart-warming story that will lift your spirit and heart!... less

Ruby rocks in her favorite chair and tries not to think about the past. This family inn, with views across the grassy dunes to the lighthouse standing against bright blue sky, is all she’s ever known. But Ruby has been keeping a secret all these years… this summer, has the time finally come to share it?Meg Carter can’t wait to spend the summer with her great-aunt Ruby, helping renovate her charming—if a little old-fashioned—inn by the ocean. But a surprise arrival changes their plans... moreRuby rocks in her favorite chair and tries not to think about the past. This family inn, with views across the grassy dunes to the lighthouse standing against bright blue sky, is all she’s ever known. But Ruby has been keeping a secret all these years… this summer, has the time finally come to share it?Meg Carter can’t wait to spend the summer with her great-aunt Ruby, helping renovate her charming—if a little old-fashioned—inn by the ocean. But a surprise arrival changes their plans. Simon, grandson of the former owners, is selling his land next door to a luxury resort developer. The plans are certain to ruin the beautiful view of the lighthouse, which has guided lost seafarers home for generations… and put Ruby’s inn out of business for good.Forget sorting through Ruby’s classic book collection and spring cleaning the bedrooms: there might not ever be any new guests if the plans go ahead. Simon may be tall and handsome, with eyes like green sea glass, but he’s stubborn to boot… and Meg’s discussions with him always end in fireworks.Then Ruby says she has a secret about Simon to share. But the elderly lady only has time to say “the lighthouse holds the key” before becoming desperately ill.Distraught, all Meg cares about is her beloved aunt’s health. Ruby is in no state to share her secret now: but what if it could save the inn for good? A tour of the lighthouse, with its glittering glass lamp and red-and-white stripes, brings Meg no closer to the truth… and it’s against her better judgment that she takes long walks on the beach with Simon, and even grows close to his sweet children.But is she wrong to open her heart to the one person who could hold the answers? And will Meg ever solve the secret of the lighthouse—before it’s too late for the inn, and for Ruby?An utterly addictive escapist read that will sweep you away to the gorgeous coastline of Dune Island. Fans of Debbie Macomber, Mary Alice Monroe and Elin Hilderbrand won’t be able to put this down. less

“Dear Caitlin. Welcome to your island home. I just have one last request for you…”Caitlin used to adore visiting Aunt Lydia at her Dune Island cottage with its quaint adjoining windmill. But even though Caitlin promised her aunt she’d return and see the island once the leaves turned golden in the fall, a life-changing encounter with a guest one season meant Caitlin fled the island and never came back... more“Dear Caitlin. Welcome to your island home. I just have one last request for you…”Caitlin used to adore visiting Aunt Lydia at her Dune Island cottage with its quaint adjoining windmill. But even though Caitlin promised her aunt she’d return and see the island once the leaves turned golden in the fall, a life-changing encounter with a guest one season meant Caitlin fled the island and never came back.Now Aunt Lydia is gone, leaving Caitlin both her cottage, and a mysterious request: Caitlin must return to the island for the first time in years and renovate the windmill.Despite her troubled memories, Caitlin’s heart lifts when she strolls in the crisp autumn air before baking apple cinnamon muffins in Lydia’s kitchen. And sparks even fly between her and handsome local carpenter Shane.But the renovations uncover an old note tucked away in the windmill, handwritten by the same girl Caitlin met here years ago. The note contains a shocking revelation. Caitlin thought she understood all the reasons she left—but what if there’s more to uncover?Was this Aunt Lydia’s plan all along? And does Caitlin have the courage to find the truth—or will she run from Dune Island as quickly as she arrived?An absolutely stunning page-turner that will whisk you away to a cozy cottage by the sea. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Mary Alice Munroe, and Pamela Kelly.Read what everyone's saying about A Secret at Windmill Cottage:“You think you’re going to read “just a few chapters” before bed. Then suddenly it’s 2 a.m… charming… heartwarming… lingers long after the last page… And yes, I cried.” Bookscoffeebrews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“The kind of story that feels like a warm mug of tea on a crisp autumn day… comforting, nostalgic… heartfelt charm… a lovely read.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐“A gorgeous read… wonderful… a book you want to snuggle into… fills the heart… has all the cosy vibes… loved it.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“I didn't want to put this sweet story down… My heart was beating fast on this page-turner… loved this… Wonderful… will make you cry… 5 stars.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Loved… kept me turning pages… an armchair travel to a dreamy island.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“A fantastic story… beautiful… Lovely ending. Read and escape.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Read what everyone's saying about Kristin Harper:“Wonderful… gripped me from the first page until the last. I loved it!… I couldn’t put this book down!… Amazing!… Delightful! I couldn’t get enough of this book… Highly recommend!!” DianeLikesToRead, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“So beautiful… I just couldn't put the book down as I was swept away… Heartwarming and unputdownable.” Vegan Book Blogger,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“I absolutely loved this absolutely stunning page turner… Gorgeous and addictive… a roller-coaster ride of emotions… Once you pick it up you just won’t be able to put it down so make sure you clear your schedules!!” Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Fantastic novel! I devoured it… Wow!… Captured my attention from page one until the end!… What a story! Made me want to cry… Stole my heart… Truly a gem… I loved this book and I didn't want it to end… An awesome read.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Perfect… ALL THE STARS…The characters were fantastic… Loved.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ less