The romance was perfect in this book. I enjoyed it a lot and I really liked the way it started and how oblivious one can be to the love. Sometimes we are so blind while having our eyes wide open. I would say; a perfect book for spring or summer holidays. You will enjoy your visit to the Wishington Bay and following Holly as she discovers herself all over again. Pick up this book and let yourself be carried away by the summer breeze and waves.

Described as a romcom, this is nevertheless, a story with some darker overtones. It soon becomes obvious that Holly has some mental health issues around anxiety and panic attacks. However, these issues do not detract from the summer ambience of the tale as she settles back into life in Wishington Bay and starts to reappraise how she has been living her life.

This is a story with a fairly restricted number of characters but you do feel that they are well drawn and stand out as characters in their own right. Gigi, Holly's grandmother whose death has brought her back to her childhood home, is an ever-present force, that you feel you have met her. It is fairly obvious where the storyline is headed, but I enjoy it for all that and can thoroughly recommend it to those looking for a holiday read with bags of character and more than a little romance.

In short: Starting over gets to seem like fun!

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

Now this was exactly the book I needed while coming in to Winter! I love me a good rom-com and this book definitely delivered!

We start of by meeting Holly who ends up returning to her dearly departed grandmothers house Gigi in Wishington Bay. It’s there she meets Gabe and that’s when the fun begins. I have to say I adored all the characters in the book and just had a real blast getting to know them! I think this is one of the few books that actually had me smiling throughout while trying to race through the book to find out what happens. Now this is a book you do pretty much know how it’s going to end but this didn’t really matter as the journey to get there was so entertaining. The writing made it so Wishington Bay is somewhere I really wanted to visit as well. This is my first book I have read from Maxine Morrey and she definitely has a new fan now!

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I read again: Yes

Would I Recommend: Yes

Would I read another book from this author: Yes

5☆ Another Gem, it's a Warm and Cosy Rom Com!

Coming Home To Wishington Bay is a warm and Cosy feel good read. The cover is so inviting it's no wonder Maxine whisked me off to the delightfully charming Wishington Bay!

It's really refreshing when you read that a manager notices their staff and if they are struggling. That's exactly what happened to Hollie, her manager noticed she hasn't been herself and is suffering from severe panic attacks, and encourages her to take a holiday for some rest, recuperation and healing.
I wish all bosses were so observant!
I can really relate to Hollie as i too suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.

So Hollie decides to head to Wishington Bay where she feels at home.
It's here Hollie has inherited her Grandmother's house, so what better place to come to heal and recuperate. Whilst making a decision as to whether or not to sell her Grandmother Gigi's quaint beach side home.

What makes it even better is her neighbour is the devilishly handsome Doctor Gabe and his adorable fur Baby Bryan. Everyone who knows me, knows I'm a sucker for a fur Baby in a book and Bryan is the perfect cheeky, loveable pup!

I loved they flirty banter between Hollie and Gabe, both been hurt before, both cautious but the attraction is wonderful to watch as it blooms.

Coming Home To Wishington Bay is a Warm and Cosy Rom Com that will leave you feeling all fuzzy inside.
The Characters are beautifully written, relatable and entertaining.
The plot deals with some serious subjects such as mental health and grief which makes the story and characters even more relatable and endearing.
The pace flows along perfectly and the romance swoons along with some cheeky banter and chemistry.

If you are looking for a Contemporary Romance with a good serving of wit, humour and flirty banter, a story of new beginnings, discoveries, a few juicy twists, drama, friendship, romance and, a Adorable fur Baby then you will simply adore Coming Home To Wishington Bay.

I love Maxine's books and once again she has written a gem of a book.
I only hope that there is more to come from Wishington Bay and it's loveable Community!

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Oh wow – I’m just putting this straight out there; this book is utterly divine! A pint sized, touching novel which couldn’t be any closer to perfection if it tried. Well, it would compete with Gabe, naturally, but I’m sure that would be allowed considering!!

Holly is a character who readers will see themselves in big time. She works a lot yet doesn’t take time out to look after her own needs, which unfortunately has set things in motion for her body to pretty much tell her to stop. Pronto. Poor Holly has lost her beloved Gigi, and now she has absolutely no idea where she fits in anymore. Thankfully, she has the whole summer to try and work that out.

As for Gabe, the character whose name has already appeared in this post, he is a dreamboat of the fictional variety. Unfortunately. I mean, if only the world contained men like him – I sure as hell wouldn’t be single if they did! He has his flaws, yet he has such a massive heart and the ability to make me laugh out loud. Don’t worry, I’m not writing his profile for Tinder!

‘Coming Home to Wishington Bay’ had me laughing my head off, literally hearing my heart break in two due to the raw and poignant emotion which made itself known every now and then, and made my heart soar due to the beauty of the storyline and everything it stood for. Gabe and Holly haven’t had it easy, but despite that, they’re willing to make their future one to be proud of, regardless of how many baby steps it takes to get there.

I would love to see more from the characters in Wishington Bay – Maxine Morrey has created something really special with this book, and I would love to be able to lose myself in the authors spellbinding storytelling and incredible creation that is, Wishington Bay.

A moving, humour filled novel which put a spring in my limp like never before. Such a stunning, perfect novel – it literally took my breath away.

I was planning to read a Maxine Morrey book for long and finally, the day has come. The story is not one of her best I assume,(yes, I have most of her books decorating my TBR) since this is a recurrent theme nowadays - girl inherits property and chances upon a man. But that should not dissuade you from meeting the charming folk and dreamy beaches of Wishington Bay. And the funny banter between the two protagonists makes it so worth it.
Holly is not a heroine I identify with as I usually label her type as difficult-to-manage or in other words, unpredictable. Her self dependence borders on pride and the constant self-denials on her mental health were getting on my nerves most of the time. More than anyone else, she needs someone to rely upon and I am not being an anti-feminist here. But who can convince her?
So why did I continue to read? Simple. There is Gabe, our ever-patient Aussie doctor and . . . a dog who is the embodiment of cuteness. I wish the story were from Gabe's perspective with some glimpse of his hectic medical practice. Well, not everything happens the way we want; so I licked my wounded hopes and eagerly savoured the scenes both these adorable guys are featured. Even with the minor flaws, this is an absolutely sweet quirky read which won't fail to tempt you to the beachside.

Holly is a workaholic, with little time for anything other than the office. When her panic attacks finally get the better of her, her boss forces her to take a sabbatical and so she finds herself returning to Wishington Bay and her beloved Grandmother Gigi's old house. Holly throws herself into her new project; a summer getting her inherited house ready for sale.

Gabe is Holly's new neighbour; the Australian hunk of a man who had moved into the cottage next door whilst Gigi was still alive. Whilst their first meeting was less than ideal, Holly and Gabe find themselves spending time together as they bond over both Gigi and Gabe's pet dog, Bryan.

This is a story about two people who are pushed together, and are ultimately forced to consider what they really want from life. Two workaholics who find themselves re-evaluating their lives, looking for something simpler that makes them happy. This is a story about soul-searching, regret, love and happiness - it's about going back to your roots to work out exactly what you want from life to make you happy.

I am more than happy to recommend this novel - Maxine Morrey has yet again succeeded in creating a fabulous story that reels you in, with characters that are both loveable and relateable. I'm already looking forward to reading her next novel!

Thank you to Maxine Morrey and Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour, and for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

From the first page, I felt like I belonged within the pages of this story. Holly is just the BEST kind of character. I adored her, I wanted to protect her and hug her and just love her. And Bryan (with a Y) was my favourite! He is the most adorable little sausage dog and reminded me of my Bella Boo (although she's a Pomeranian!). Obviously, Gabe the hot doctor made for easy reading too.

This little village with all the quirky residents, shops and treasure troves made me really want to live there. And don't get me started on the private bit of beach! That's heaven! I adored picturing Gigi and her house in my mind and could easily imagine spending long lazy afternoons on that porch!

Ahhh, this book really was just the perfect escape from a chaotic, messy brain! Thank you, Maxine, for making me feel so much better!

This book has everything you want from a romantic comedy – gorgeous but slightly flawed male and female leads, misunderstandings, beautiful settings and a unique take on the perennially enjoyable ‘boy meets girl’ storyline.
Maxine Morrey creates wonderful characters and interactions. Holly and Gabe are both strong, solid characters on the outside but with hidden loneliness and vulnerabilities. Thank goodness that grandmother Gigi has given them the opportunity to discover themselves and each other. Although she never appears in person in the book, since it’s her death that has given Holly the chance to come to Wishington Bay, she’s a crucial element of the book.
There’s lots of humour but also heart-in-the-mouth ‘will they, won’t they’ moments. The plot is clever and interesting, and very well thought out.
This is a super and memorable romcom that will make you smile and sigh.

My Review
My first time reading a book from this author and I am impressed I must say.
I enjoyed her storyline and I loved her characters.
We meet Holly who is a workaholic and due to ill health needs to take time out to help her realise that work isn't everything in life.
Her grandmother Gigi having recently passed away has left her house to Holly which is a perfect place for Holly to rest.
I must admit I would love to have met the lovely Gigi. She has a huge presence in this story and is greatly missed by Holly, her brother Ned and her lovely neighbours.
We also meet the handsome doctor Gabe and his beautiful dog Bryan in the story.
Bryan totally won me over 💕
A real will they won't they type of storyline between Holly and Gabe.
Wishington Bay sounds like the perfect place to be.
I could almost feel the sand between my toes as Holly walked along the beach with Gabe...
A lovely, happy, comfortable read, you will love it 💕

Holly was just like any of us...overworked, underpaid, and doing her best to make her life what she wants it to be. She loves her job (she thinks), loves her family (well, Ned most of the time, and Gigi all of the time), and loves her free time...though the last time she actually had any of that is a touchy subject. She doesn't work too much, she just has a lot on her plate, and if she's working, she can't think about el doodoo head supreme, aka the ex, and her love life, or lack thereof. A perfectly sensible decision...right? Well, until it isn't because stress and distraction will eventually catch up with you and when it comes down to a sabbatical or hospital stay, Holly chooses MOST wisely.

An escape to Wishington Bay (sounds SO dreamy!) is the perfect solution! She'll be surrounded by fond memories, beautiful scenery, and her remaining family...and if she happens to sort out her Gigi's house at the same time, that's not REALLY work, right? *ahem* Yeah, well let's call a spade a spade and just say that her plans for a relaxing few months get a bit interrupted...for the better! One awkward meet cute later and Holly is getting a bit more than she bargained for. Good thing that bit more includes a gorgeous next door neighbor...that'll soften the blow to her heart when the trouble she's unknowingly trying to outrun catches up to her, as well as some unexpected new hurdles that might be just as wounding to her heart. Unless, they don't HAVE to be...

Okay, I said it before and I'll say it again, I really liked this book! The characters were memorable, the story layered just so, the romance there but not overpowering, the dialogue witty but clean...I mean, it was enough to make ME want to go to Wishington Bay because honestly it sounds like THE place to be! Oh and yeah, I'd be TOTALLY COOL having a pretend boyfriend like our resident Aussie. I mean, handsome, "healthy", and a gentleman to boot, but still a whole lot of fun. I can't blame Holly for her slip of the tongue (she actually VOICES the thought of him being the "hot doctor next door"...oh I can feel the blush now!), nor her unbidden desire for it to be something more. There is one character that was awesomely good at stealing the show, and that would be Bryan. What can I say? He gave Gabe and Paul (the ex, nuff said) a run for their money! I mean he's ADORABLE, FUNNY, easy to please, and always down for a snuggle. Okay, so he's a dog most the time...well, ALL of the time seeing as he IS actually a dog, but what a dog he is! Really, it was enough of a reason to make friends with the doc in the first place.

All in all, I wholeheartedly agree with the statement of it being perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan...because honestly, I AM one of those fans, and I LOVED THIS BOOK! From cover to virtual cover, it combined the best elements of Women's Fiction, and Contemporary Romance with a dash of humor to spare, making this a wonderful addition to your summer reading list, or a perfect staycation option.

4.5 STARS

As the cover says, Coming Home to Wishington Bay is “an uplifting rom-com,” and it’s a great one at that...a perfect read for the beginning of summer!!!!

Holly is ALWAYS busy, working herself to the bone, and especially after a bad breakup with her ex. Her boss insists that she take some time off to re-group. She knows the perfect place, the place she always felt safe, happy, and loved...her grandmother’s home. It has been empty since her grandmother’s death. She is looking forward to some rest and relaxation. All that is turned on its head when she finds a strange man outside her window on a ladder. Turns out, he is her neighbor, the one her grandmother, Gigi, was always talking about. What turns out to be a rough introduction soon turns into something magical, something Holly definitely wasn’t expecting!

Holly and Gabe are PERFECT for one another. Both are independent and both can be sassy, especially with each other. However, they really come to like and respect one another. Their road to a real romance is a bumpy one, but it’s one I’m so glad I got to take with them. There are some funny, sweet, and romantic moments. Those three are my favorite ingredients for a good rom-com!

On top of a great storyline and a great cast of characters, the setting was just gorgeous. The writer did a great job of describing everything. I felt as I was there and a part of the story!

I highly recommend reading if you are a fan of rom-coms!!!!

This was my first read by Morrey. This was a wonderfully, cosy read that had me hooked from the beginning. Morrey really knows how to describe a scene just enough to make sure it draws you in, makes you feel as thought you are there. The romance wasn’t overpowering, Hollie and Gabe were just perfect, if not frustrating at time. This was a fantastic read of new beginnings. I look forwards to discovering more from Maxine Morrey.

Whether you’re looking for a novel to read on a sunny day in the garden or a story to brighten the dreariest of days, Coming Home to Wishington Bay is a must read for romance lovers.

Through Holly, we are transported from a workaholic lifestyle in London to a peaceful, picturesque coastal town and we get to stay in a beautiful seaside cottage, with a hunky Australian neighbour – what more could any of us ask for?

Wishington Bay is a beautiful setting for this novel and you can almost smell the sea air, feel the warm sun on your face and hear the gentle waves crashing on the shore. Ms Morrey has created such a comforting place that makes you want to climb into the pages of the book and never leave.

No matter how beautiful a setting is, it cannot be brought to life without the right characters and it’s our friends in Wishington Bay are just the most wonderful people. As someone who had a close relationship with my grandparents, I found the memories and fond thoughts of Gigi so poignantly written and the character of Holly is so reminiscent of many women – she’s such an intelligent, strong yet vulnerable woman trying to prove herself in male dominated industry. Add the hunky Gabe and supporting cast of quirky characters and it’s impossible not to fall in love.

You just cannot help but be uplifted by this heartwarming book. Go on…..treat yourself!

What another wonderful story from Maxine Morrey, there was a such a warm and uplifting feeling about this book that made for a lovely escape. I thought that there was a good balance of both light and deeper moments especially as I got to know Holly better. You see her grieving but also dealing with other issues that are getting out of control. Holly is a likeable character but add Gabe in to the mix and you really do get a gorgeous chemistry between this pair. Their first meeting was perfect with a lovely dash of humour and I loved how they slowly but surely became friends. By the way I was totally imagining Gabe as Chris Hemsworth which made this book even better 😉

This story made me smile, root for the characters and also made me wish I could visit Wishington Bay myself! It’s a story about new beginnings but also about taking a chance as you never know maybe life will turn out for the better. Oh and there’s a dog named Bryan and we all know how much I love the addition of a loveable furry friend in the books I read. Maxine Morrey always writes with humour, heart and love! What can I say other than this story is a perfect example of that, everything about this book wrapped me up in a warm bubble and I really enjoyed the time I spent with the characters in Wishington Bay!

Coming Home to Wishington Bay is a charming story filled with fun, romance and love!

Holly, a Discretionary Fund Manager in London, spends too much time working and not enough time on herself. When she starts taking panic attacks, her boss orders her to take some time off to recuperate. Already reeling from a breakup with her two timing boyfriend, Holly decides to spend the summer in Wishington Bay, home of her late grandmother. The summer will be enough time to put her beloved grandmother's home by the sea up for sale while she works on her own mental health so she can get back to her life in London. Holly never counted on meeting her sexy next door neighbor, Gabe and his tiny dog Bryan.

This is the first book I have read by Maxine Morrey and I can certainly say it definitely will not be my last. Morrey’s style of writing easily draws you right in with her witty banter, sexy hero and gorgeous scenery that really makes the story come alive. I was glued to the pages right from the start. This is the kind of story that gives you all the feels and makes you feel warm and cozy inside. It is a feel good Rom Com filled with a lot of laughs and a lot of realness. It is quite a simple story, but so well crafted and beautifully told.

Holly and Gabe are such well written characters and I found myself growing really attached to both of them right away. Holly is sweet and down to earth, but life has gotten in the way and she is stuck in a rut constantly working and not taking care of herself the way she should be. This summer trip to Wishington Bay is exactly what she needs and things only start to get better once she meets the hunky neighbor Gabe. Oh boy, what can I say about Gabe? Can he be my next door neighbor! He is hot, has a sexy body, he is a doctor and loves animals. Be still my beating heart. He is MY perfect man! The banter between him and Holly is hysterical, but I really wish I could have knocked some sense into the both of them at times.

Coming Home to Wishington Bay is a charming and adorable Romcom that you will easily fall in love with. It is the perfect beach read where you can relax with a big smile on your face as you root for Holly and gabe to find their happily ever after. A definite five star read for me.

"I’d wasted two years of my life with a man who had actually been engaged to another woman and was so bad at dealing with anything personal I’d spent a year putting off the task of coming down here to set about getting my grandmother’s house ready for sale. And that I knew, in my heart of hearts, I didn’t actually want to sell it. That I was frightened that once the house had gone, then the memories would be too."

Witnessing one of Holly’s ever-increasing panic attacks, her boss sent her away for a long summer vacation. What better place to rest than her grandmother’s charming cottage on Wishington Bay, but the next-door neighbor, Gabe, is making her heart race in spite of her swearing off men.

Wishington Bay is a perfect place for a slow summer read like "Coming Home to Wishington Bay". Morrey’s descriptions of the Bay setting as well as grandmother Gigi’s cottage are very refreshing and make one wish they were there far away from the fast-paced world.

The story is told in Holly’s voice and the rapport between family and friends is casual, light with fun quips, and filled with love. I enjoyed the slow build of Holly and Gabe’s attraction and laughed at the brother and sister banter between Holly and Ned.

A truly feel-good novel that proves that work isn’t everything and you need to stop and smell the roses sometimes. If you need a great read this summer, give this one a try. My first Maxine Morrey novel, and certainly not my last.

Maxine Morrey is back with a delightful, enchanting and irresistible romantic comedy that is the next best thing to a seaside holiday and a delicious ice cream: Coming Home to Wishington Bay.

Workaholic Holly does not have the time for a holiday this year. Her job is keeping her extremely busy and occupied and she simply cannot afford to take time off work – or so she thinks. When things get too much at work and her boss demands that she takes a sabbatical, Holly decides to head to Wishington Bay and stay at her late grandmother’s Gigi’s house, which has been empty since her passing. Holly is looking forward to recharging her batteries and some much needed rest and recuperation and tender loving care, but little does she realise that at Wishington Bay, she might end up finding not just the happiness that has eluded her for so long, but a place she can finally call home.

Holly had planned to spend her days sunning herself, taking long walks along the coast, sorting through her grandmother’s belongings and wandering through the streets of Wishington Bay. She certainly never thought she would find herself getting distracted by a gorgeous Aussie Adonis, but when she meets her neighbour Gabe and his adorable dog, Bryan, it looks like Holly has just found something else to keep her occupied this summer! The more time she spends with Gabe, the more she finds herself falling under his spell. As their feelings for one another intensify, Holly wonders whether she has found the reason to stick around Wishington Bay…

Will Holly grab this unexpected chance of happiness and stay in Wishington Bay and start making new memories with Gabe? Or will she go back home and spend the rest of her life wondering what might have been had she been willing to take a chance on love?

I breezed through Coming Home to Wishington Bay in a single sitting! A lovely, heartwarming, funny and feel-good romance that I couldn’t put down, I had a big smile on my face whilst reading this book. Maxine Morrey has got this phenomenal ability of making you fall in love with her books and making you care for her characters and Coming Home to Wishington Bay is no different. You will cheer, laugh and cry with Holly and Gabe and will end up wanting to move to the idyllic community she describes in her book.

Uplifting romantic fiction does not get any better than this! Maxine Morrey has penned another winner with Coming Home to Wishington Bay and I am already counting down the days until her next book!

This is one of those reads that like any good journey or even a rollercoaster ride, you know where it will end, but it’s how you get there that counts.There is more to this than "just" a romcom. I loved this, it made me smile and feel glad to be able to enjoy the things around me after a busy working life. Holly is a workaholic. So much so that she has been suffering panic attacks almost to the point of blackout and has not acknowledged that she should do something about it. Her boss, after her sliding down his office wall in one of her attacks forces her to take the summer off before she burns out. Having recently been left her Grandmother Gigi’s house she takes the opportunity to go and sort it out before selling it. Gabe is her neighbour and they get off on the wrong foot immediately, Holly being of a suspicious nature when she sees someone up a ladder at her window. Her brother and his wife live close so at least she knows others nearby, but she can’t help but think that life is passing her by. Gigi was rather a character and wanted her to meet Gabe whom she thought would be perfect for her. After recently breaking up from a relationship that had badly let her down Holly really doesn't want a man in her life at the moment and just wants to get sorted and go. I liked Holly and got where she was coming from as I think many women will identify with her. I loved Gabe- who wouldn’t? A caring considerate man who is doing his best not to tread on any toes whilst sometimes digging the hole even deeper. A read that made me smile and think, reflecting on life. A wonderful pick-you- up read to enjoy anytime.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
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What a lovely read! As we head towards summer, this will definitely put you in the mood for a visit to the seaside.

Holly works far too hard; her job in the city of London is beginning to affect her health and she is forced into taking a break. Heading back to Wishington Bay and her cottage on the coast, she tries her best to break the cycle and try to relax - even if that word isn't really in her vocabulary. Finding her neighbour is a hot Australian doctor provides a little distraction, but doesn't really lower her heart rate! It's going to be a long summer ...

Oh, I so enjoyed this one! The setting is beautifully described; I could just imagine renting a cottage and settling in for the summer months. The characters are well-rounded and entirely believable. The story flows smoothly, with a few twists along the way and overall this is a wonderful read - the type which leaves you with a bit of a happy glow! A wonderful summer read, and one I absolutely loved. Author Maxine Morrey always delivers, and this is no exception. Highly recommended 5* read!

My thanks to publisher HQ Digital for my copy via NetGalley, and to Rachel's Random Resources for including me in this Blog Tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.