Pelican Point Series by Christine Gael

Come to Pelican Point for the charming locale and quirky townsfolk.Stay for the secrets...When Willa Dimitriou joined a cancer support group, she hoped it would help her come to grips with her diagnosis. Never in a million years did she expect to make a new best friend. Ruthie McKenzie was the kind of friend that not only told her when she had spinach between her teeth, but leaned in and picked it out for her if she had to... moreCome to Pelican Point for the charming locale and quirky townsfolk.Stay for the secrets...When Willa Dimitriou joined a cancer support group, she hoped it would help her come to grips with her diagnosis. Never in a million years did she expect to make a new best friend. Ruthie McKenzie was the kind of friend that not only told her when she had spinach between her teeth, but leaned in and picked it out for her if she had to. A once in lifetime friend, like a bow-topped gift from the fates as penance for cursing her with this horrible disease.And then, in the cruelest twist of all, the fates snatched her away. When Willa receives a letter from Ruthie after her death, it takes days before she can bring herself to read it. And once she does? She wishes she’d never read it at all…Dearest Will,First, I need you to know that you’ve been my greatest blessing for the past two years. You gave me the motivation I needed to keep fighting when I couldn’t muster up my own. You made me laugh when I thought I had no more laughs left in me. You never pitied me or coddled me, except when I needed you to do both. I thank God every day that you came into my life. And, now that you’re all soft and buttered up, I need a favor. I need you to drop everything, go to Pelican Point and take care of my brother and the kids. I'm sure Mac is reeling right now. He's going to climb into his shell and stay there, because he’s a big, dumb lug when it comes to emotions and that’s what he did when his wife died. But the kids will have lost the closest thing they’ve had to a mother for the past three and a half years, and they’re going to be grieving, too. They’ll try to bang on that shell and get through to him, but Mac won’t even hear them knocking. That’s where you come in. A ball of energy and determination, you’ll shatter that shell and leave nothing but eggy shrapnel in your wake.To meet those ends, I bought the house next door to Mac’s. The deed is in your name. The place is small and needs some love and attention, but you’re so good at giving both, I didn’t think you’d mind. Will, it’s important that you know this is a gift without strings. You hate your job, and not having to come up with rent will buy you some time to figure out what and who you want to be going forward. If you choose to spend that time in Pelican Point, more the better. If not, and you want to sell the house, that’s alright too. Thrive. Live. Love. Take the second chance you’ve been granted and don’t waste a single minute of it.But...If you DO decide to head to Pelican Point and stay awhile, please don’t tell Mac why you’ve come. The quickest way to ensure he won’t accept help is to offer it and say it’s from me. He thinks I “meddle” too much. I also worry that he would find a way to blame himself for me not leaning on and confiding in him instead of baring my soul to a room full of strangers at a support group. He’s the best guy I know, but he’s even more stubborn than me (if you can believe it!) and will cut the whole thing off at the knees if given the chance. Don’t give him the chance.And now for the apologies... I’m sorry for so many things, Will. I’m sorry because I know you’re hurt that I didn’t tell you about the relapse. I’m sorry I lied to you, and that I have to leave you behind. And most of all, I’m sorry to ask this monumental favor of you. I know it’s a lot, but I’m selfish, so I’m asking anyway. Whenever you see a ladybug, know it’s me, watching over you (but also low-key checking in to see if you’ve decided to grant my dying wish).No pressure.Love you forever,Ruthie less

When Natalie Wright had to choose a new place to live, Pelican Point had seemed as good as any other. And, now that she’s settled in, she couldn’t be happier. The quaint, seaside charm of the town is second only to the fun, eccentric people who inhabit it. She’s even met a guy… Sure, he knows how to push her buttons and seems to relish irritating her, but he’s sort of growing on her. It seems like everything is starting to fall into place... moreWhen Natalie Wright had to choose a new place to live, Pelican Point had seemed as good as any other. And, now that she’s settled in, she couldn’t be happier. The quaint, seaside charm of the town is second only to the fun, eccentric people who inhabit it. She’s even met a guy… Sure, he knows how to push her buttons and seems to relish irritating her, but he’s sort of growing on her. It seems like everything is starting to fall into place.But just when thinks she may have actually outrun her troubled past and found a place she can call home, the past rears its ugly head. Will she stay and face her demons, or is it time to run again? less

Chloe Bonetti has escaped an abusive relationship with all her teeth and no broken bones, but her ex left her with something that will stay with her forever. Now, she's trying to start fresh and rebuild her life without him in it. It’s a struggle to find the confidence she once had, and every bump in the night makes her heart skip a beat. Still, finding a group of friends and confidants in Pelican Point is already helping to heal the wounds of the past... moreChloe Bonetti has escaped an abusive relationship with all her teeth and no broken bones, but her ex left her with something that will stay with her forever. Now, she's trying to start fresh and rebuild her life without him in it. It’s a struggle to find the confidence she once had, and every bump in the night makes her heart skip a beat. Still, finding a group of friends and confidants in Pelican Point is already helping to heal the wounds of the past. But what happens when the past just won’t stay put? Nick Desmond is no stranger to abuse. His sister Keely was on the worst end of it, and the man who hurt her got away. When Nick heads to Pelican Point to find him, he never expects to find love, too.Can Nick and Chloe find happiness in the wake of so much suffering, or will the secrets they’re keeping from one another tear them apart? less

Book 4 in the Pelican Point series, featuring Travis and Keely!Travis hadn't meant to kill his sister's abusive ex, but after seeing the horrible things Adam had been up to in Pelican Point, he didn't exactly regret it, either. It's definitely thrown a wrench in the works, though. And when the sole witness to his crime reaches out, he can't help but wonder if his efforts to protect those he loves might have come at a steep price... moreBook 4 in the Pelican Point series, featuring Travis and Keely!Travis hadn't meant to kill his sister's abusive ex, but after seeing the horrible things Adam had been up to in Pelican Point, he didn't exactly regret it, either. It's definitely thrown a wrench in the works, though. And when the sole witness to his crime reaches out, he can't help but wonder if his efforts to protect those he loves might have come at a steep price. When his boss and father figure's health begins to decline, and the girl of his dreams starts pressing for answers about his sudden change in behavior, he's pushed to the edge. Will he find a way back to the peaceful existence he'd spent all these years building, or will this tragic turn of events cost him his freedom...and maybe even his life?Keely Thompson's struggle with addiction is as over as it's going to get, but finding her new normal after all that time spent in a haze is a lot tougher than she bargained for. She needs to find purpose and joy in her life, and there are no shortcuts. The situation only gets messier when Travis abruptly starts giving her mixed signals. Can she figure out what she needs to finally close that chapter of her life? And does Travis have a place in the next one? less