Cover Image: Second Chances at Mermaids Point

Second Chances at Mermaids Point

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Member Reviews

Thank you to @netgalley @boldwoodbooks for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts…
This book is part of a series but worked as a stand-alone. Overall, the story was okay. If you’re looking for a book with barely any conflicts, with likable characters and a quick read, you might enjoy this one.

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This book is part of a series however, each book is wonderfully written and can be read as a standalone.

I enjoyed getting to read about someone slightly older getting a second chance at love after the death of the love of her life when she was younger. It made for a beautifully heartwarming and impactful read. A lovely slow burn romance that develops whilst grief is still a big factor, among other uncertainties, in their lives.

The writing style is easy to follow and the story flows beautifully.

This story is set in a gorgeous sea side town and I would definitely recommend for fans of bumpy ride romances that end in a happily ever after💙

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I was so pleased to back in one of my favourite places created by one of my favourite authors to really kick off the Autumn reading.
I fell in love with Mermaids Bay after reading Summer Kisses at Mermaids Bay and I couldn’t wait to go back. The whole setting is beautiful and I feel so at home there. I loved returning to the gift shop, café and beach. The brilliant thing is you don’t need to read the series in a particular order but it’s so exciting when familiar characters pop up from other books. Whilst I was reading, I completely became immersed in the book and the people. Sarah always creates a wonderful sense of community in her novels and it’s impossible not to become part of it.
This is Nerissa’s story. She was widowed at a young age in the early years of a relationship and has been working for the local doctor who is on the verge of retirement but won’t really reveal the plans which makes Nerissa so anxious and worried about her home and future. Tom is also a widower with two children with whom he has become out of touch and a new start in a new place. There’s a spark between them but with so many other things to deal with and a weird living situation can they navigate the obstacles and let themselves find love again?
Nerissa and Tom are such sweet characters and I spent the whole book rooting for them. I loved seeing how the community and friends rallied around and supported too.
This books is just a warm hug when you need it the most. It’s the perfect cosy read to curl up with on a crisp Autumn day and I cannot recommend it enough.

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For 43 years Nessia Morgan's life has been tied to Mermaids Point, and after she lost Garth, the only man that she had loved, when he died in the Army. Since that early loss, she relied on that familiarity of Mermaid Point to bring meaning to her life. But change is happening when her boss is retiring and selling the surgery, shaking Nessia from her staid existence.

Tom Nelson has become a workaholic after the death of his wife, which negatively affected his children in the worst possible way, and with the support of his brother and despite the contentious relationship with his father, Tom moved them all out of London and away from his busy GP surgery and to a new start in Mermaid Point. But this move turned into more than just and better home life for Tom and his kids, and a change in job for Nessia, but is it something they should act upon?

This book needs to be made into a hallmark movie! it truly has everything, lost loves, fresh starts, kids, cake, and mermaids! what is not to love!! Disregarding my overuse of exclamation points, Autumn Dreams at Mermaid Point is a beautiful love story filled with wonderful characters and a fantastic plot, there is nothing better to curl up with on a cold autumn evening than this book! it's truly a lovely book.

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I was beyond pleased to be able to return to Mermaids Point--or, "The Point", as the inhabitants so lovingly call it. I previously read and reviewed Summer Kisses at Mermaids Point and just fell in love with the town and its people. The characters are all so endearing and I can't help but just love every single one of them. However, even if you didn't catch the first in this series, don't let that deter you from reading this one. It can easily be read as a standalone. 

The story starts out with Nerissa. Poor Nerissa is just a slave to her pain in the beginning of this book. She is holding on to a lost love and my heart broke for her. Add to that, her personality is one of servitude--she helps her niece at the cafe, she goes above and beyond for Doc, her boss; and when stranger, Tom shows up with his two children in tow, Nerissa immediately becomes a friend.

As for Tom, he's dealing with his own struggles as a widower with two children. One, a teenage girl, is going through her own trauma. And Tom and his children just need a change. As a doctor, he finds that change in the town of Mermaids Point, when Doc is thinking about retirment.

From the start Tom and Nerissa have great chemistry and Nerissa and the children do, as well. All of these characters were broken-hearted in their own way and needed each other--all for different reasons. 

In true Sarah Bennett fashion, the romance was sweet, the characters were charming, and the setting made me yearn for a place just like Mermaids Point. Do not hesitate to check out this delightful book and series! I can't wait to read more!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book! My review will be live at the link given, on 10/1/21

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I surprised myself when I wanted to read this book. I loved another series by the author before but did not fall completely for the first in this series. What I did like was the town that was described and the lovely set of people we were introduced to. This was enough for me to want to know what happens to the rest of the people at Mermaid's point.
In Autumn Dreams, Nerissa is set to find her happily ever after. In this genre, it is not much of a spoiler to anticipate or declare the presence of a HEA. When reviewing books like this, it is important to note how relatable/believable the individual characters are and how well they would actually work together.
These conditions are completely fulfilled in this instalment. We know of Nerissa's past, and even if a reader encounters the series at this point, it will not be hard to catch up. She is troubled by uncertainty over her job and future and her love for a dog, not technically hers.
The other half of the pair is a man struggling to keep his family happy while things are not going so well for them all. It is a smaller story that progresses quickly without seeming rushed. There are some whimsical touches but more touching scenes of family bonding. Although the ending seemed a little abrupt, I enjoyed it enough to read it all in almost a single sitting.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

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This is a warm hug of a book, just right for some Autumn reading! If you have read its predecessor, you'll be delighted to meet up again with some familiar characters and to see how life in Mermaids Point is progressing. Family is once again at the heart of the story. This novel revolves around Nerissa and the new doctor, Tom along with his family. Both Tom and Nerissa have past loves and this is a slow burn romance set against the difficulties a couple of teenagers can bring.

What you never doubt is Nerissa's kindness and her good sense. Although she takes the time to look back and remember, she never loses sight of the need to be hopeful and positive about her future. The ties between the Morgan family prove as strong as ever and Mermaids Point is just such a delightful place to meet them. Warm, uplifting, joyful- these are all words to describe this lovely read. With a Christmas novella to look forward to, this gentle story will carry you through to all that festive reading which is coming over the hill!

In short: New starts and old friends

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Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett
Published by Boldwood Books
Published date: 23/09/21
What happens?
When Tom relocates to become the new doctor at Mermaids Point with his two teenage children, the last thing on his mind is romance. However, sparks soon fly with live-in housekeeper/doctor’s receptionist, Nerissa. As everyone settles in, they try to deny their feelings, but if they take a chance and let go of the past and open their hearts again could love happen?

My thoughts
I loved the characters and the quirky little details that the author gave them, especially grumpy and stubborn Doc and Nerissa. That woman really has a heart of gold and a lot of patience. The other main characters such as Tom and his two teenage children really came alive. It was easy to sympathise with Tom, trying to reconnect and build bridges with his children after such a terrible tragedy. Nerissa’s past was also portrayed well, her grief was really believable and I liked how the author showed it still affected her everyday life.

I’m a huge small town romance fan and I enjoyed the lovely settings, such as the beach and the café. The book had a real community feel, with Nerissa’s big family, and friends seeming more like family, perfect armchair escapism. I liked that the characters were slightly older and in their forties. I’m in my thirties so I don’t want to see romance between twenty-somethings all the time anymore. The romance simmered away nicely just beneath the surface. When the tension between Tom and Nerissa boiled over it was electric.
Overall, it’s perfect autumnal reading, one to read with the central heating on and a cosy blanket. With thanks to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for this ARC, that I received in exchange for an honest review.

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Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point is the second novel in the Mermaids Point series. While it is ideal to read the series together, this novel can be read as a standalone. I still need to read the first novel in the series, so this was my first adventure to Mermaids Point, but it will not be my last. This story follows 43-years-old Nerissa Morgan, who is a medical receptionist and live-in housekeeper at the local practice. When her boss decides to retire, she begins to worry about her future at the practice as it could possibly be sold to developers. While she is uncertain about her professional life, she believes that love, at least, is not in the cards. She lost her high school sweetheart, Gareth after he passed away when he was on a mission for the army.

Dr. Tom Nelson is in search for a new start after losing his wife, Anna. He decides to consider taking over the medical practice in Mermaids Point, but needs to also get the votes of his two children, Emily and Max. Tom is not only looking for a fresh start for himself away from his family’s previous home filled with memories in London, but he also wants to reconnect with his children. When Tom begins work at the medical practice, he and Nerissa begin to have an attraction for each other. With both of them dealing with grief of past loves, they need to figure out if they want to pursue a relationship with each other or not. They also have the additional obstacles of their families and their working relationship.

While there is the storyline for the will-they-won’t-they for Tom and Nerissa, the novel includes so much more. The exploration of Max and Emily trying to deal with the loss of their mother and even the idea of their father finding someone else was very well-done and I enjoyed their parts of the story. There is a nice theme of community, friendship, and family weaved throughout the story. There is a nice balance of heart-break and heart-warming moments and the pacing is well-done as I was invested in the story from start to finish without it feeling lagging in any place. Overall, Mermaids Point was a lovely setting filled with excellent characters and I cannot wait to revisit the location with more novels from the series!

**I give a special thank you to Rachel @rararesources,, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to participate with this enjoyable novel via Netgalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

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Nerissa has acted as housekeeper and receptionist for the local doctor. When he decides to retire she wonders whether her safe life will be shattered and whether it might be time to take her life in a new direction.
The new doctor and his family add a new dimension to her life. I love the way she deals with a ready made family and creates a warm home for the troubled children. She is wonderful with them. The doc is also easy on the eye!
This is a gorgeous series- this is the second book in the series, although it can be read as a stand alone. I can't wait to meet more characters in Mermaids Point and see where the next adventures take them.

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Nerissa Morgan never got over losing the man she loved when she was in her early twenties. Now at the age of 43, she feels like she is stuck in limbo while everyone around her is enjoying life to its fullest. Nerissa's life is about to change though, the doctor she works for is retiring, and a new doctor is rumoured to be coming to take over the practice. The question is, will Nerissa still have a job and a home when the new doctor takes over?

Since his wife died, Dr. Tom Nelson has buried himself in work, but when his children get into trouble at school, he realizes that his little family has drifted apart. Knowing that they need a change of scenery, Tom decides to take a job as a family doctor in Mermaid Point, a beautiful seaside town.

The move doesn't go as smoothly as Tom hopes; his children are still grieving and angry about their mother's death, and his predecessor is having a hard time letting go of his practice. Tom also finds himself attracted to Nerissa, the lovely receptionist and housekeeper with whom he is now sharing a roof with.

Oh, this book was just so delightful to read. If you are looking for a light, cheerful, English seaside read, I would highly recommend giving this book a try. FYI this is the second book in the Mermaid Point series. If you are like me and haven't read the first book, don't worry. I didn't feel lost or confused while reading this book; Sarah did an excellent job bringing readers up to speed while continuing the storyline.

I don't think I will ever get tired of reading books that take place in small English towns. I adore Mermaids Point and its lovely community. I loved the gossiping knitting group, the old men getting medical advice in the pub, or people meeting up to swim in the ocean. There is also something so wonderful about watching a community come together when times are tough. Their willingness to open their arms to those who need help is heartwarming. I also get a laugh at how quickly news spreads through a small town.


The characters in this book are charming and likable. I really couldn't think of a character in this book that I didn't like. Tom's kids, Emily and Max, are sweet and full of big emotions. My favourite scenes in this book were the ones with Nerissa, Max, and Toby (the dog), they were just so lovely. Come on, who wouldn’t love dancing in the macarena in the kitchen or playing tag on the beach? Nerissa and Tom are wonderful main characters, and it was beautiful to watch as they slowly grew closer together. There were lots of cute moments between the two, and I loved watching as their hearts started to open up to the possibility of new love.

If I had, one thing that I had to complain about was the abrupt ending of this book. Nerissa and Tom finally admit their feelings to each other, and that was it. The book ended. I thought I was missing pages in my digital copy. LOL. I would have been happy with at least one chapter in the book that had them together as a couple. This might be a clever ploy by the author to get you to buy the next book in the series because it worked. I now need to know what happens with this fabulous couple and will be picking up Christmas Surprises at Mermaids Point, which is the next book in the series.

Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point is an enduring, charming, English romance that will take you to the English Seaside, where you will never want to leave.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I have been a fan of Sarah’s work for a while now. I love the way in which she writes such fun, escapist and feel good stories. I loved the first book in the ‘Mermaids Point’ series, which is called ‘Summer Kisses At Mermaids Point’. So when I heard that the second book called ‘Autumn Dreams At Mermaids Point’ was due to be released, I knew that I had to read it just as soon as I could get my hands on a copy. Well I have just finished reading ‘Autumn Dreams At Mermaids Point’ and it is another corker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘Autumn Dreams At Mermaids Point’. In fact the moment I saw the title and Sarah’s name on the cover, I knew that I wouldn’t be putting the book down at all. As soon as I started reading the story, I was back at Mermaids Point and I felt as though I was among friends. I must be psychic because I didn’t put the book down at all. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the delightful story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Autumn Dreams At Mermaids Point’ and I had to say farewell to Mermaids Point and the residents. I found ‘Autumn Dreams At Mermaids Point’ to be a delightful and charming read, which held my attention from start to finish.
‘Autumn Dreams At Mermaids Point’ is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Sarah’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. She has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Sarah’s books reads more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I that makes sense. Sarah creates delightful characters, who are so well described that they begin to feel just as real as you and I. Sarah describes ‘Mermaids Point’ so vividly and realistically that it just sounds like paradise and I was all set to pack a suitcase and travel down for a holiday. I felt as though I was part of the story which is all down to Sarah’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I absolutely adored reading ‘Autumn Dreams At Mermaids Point’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sarah’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

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I couldn’t have been more excited to return to the stunning and mythical town of Mermaids Point, now following the story of Laurie’s Aunt, Nerissa Morgan. From new beginnings to second chances, the beautifully developed story of Nerissa and Tom will swoon your heart just as much as Laurie and Jake’s did. Both of our leading characters were holding on to so much pain, never truly knowing how to move on, so when their lives collide in an unexpected way, true love was ready to commence for the pair once more.

I don’t think I could have loved Nerissa more if it was even possible, the passion and love she has towards Mermaid’s Point and the people within it showcased how big her heart was and although changes were coming, she faced them all head on and at her own stride – forever protective of the hurt that lies temporarily on her heart. Despite not liking some of the bigger changes, Nerissa welcomed two gorgeous little people in to her life and friendships began to bloom. There was so many wonderful scenes between Nerissa and Tom’s son especially, with the help of their furry friend and although not wonderful in the obvious of ways, the scenes between Nerissa and Tom’s daughter were incredibly heartfelt and definitely tugged at the heartstrings. Tom was also an extremely loveable character who was just trying to navigate the world as a newly single father with two soon-to-be hormonal teens. The chemistry between the four of them was magical and meant to be, if only Nerissa and Tom would allow themselves another chance at a love that had already been taken from them once.

It was really exciting to reunite with some faces that we were introduced to in Summer Kisses at Mermaid’s Point, having a little glimpse in to how everybody was doing and what was going to come next. This was a fast-paced read for myself, in the best way possible. With every page I turned, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to stop unless I was forced to and that is something very special in a book. Mermaid’s Point is that stunning of a place, you’re not ever going to want to leave and find it baffling when characters even question it. It is like one giant hug that I never want to let go of – roll on next month for Christmas Wishes at Mermaids Point!

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I really enjoyed this book, I hadn't started with the first book but I thought it was quite easy to pick up on the characters and I enjoyed this so much I will go back and read Summer Kisses.

I loved the potential relationship between Narissa and Dr Tom. They seem so suited right from the off.

Tom has had a rough time, time having lost his wife and being left as a single dad to two teenagers.

I really like how Narissa bonds with the teens and how she deals with all situations.

I am really looking forward to read the 1st and 3rd books in this series.

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After loving my first visit to Mermaid's Point, I couldnt wait to visit Laurie and her wonderful family again. This time we spend time with her beloved aunt Nerissa, as Doc prepares to retire and Nerissa is forced to reassess what she will do if she loses both her job and her home.

When the new Doctor arrives with his bereaved children, the residents of Mermaids Point soon get to work in welcoming them.

I loved spending time with Nerissa as we learn more about her broken heart from when she lost Gareth and she empathises with the Doctor's children over the loss of their mother. A story filled with love, loss, warmth and understanding, I found that once again I reached the end too quickly and already can't wait to revisit Mermaid's Point and spend more time with Laurie, Nerissa and their families.

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This is the second in a series, but it's easy to soon catch up with who is who in Mermaids Point. Nerissa Morgan doesn't really think that she will be able to love again, even years after her fiancé has died. But everything changes when her boss retires and a new doctor takes over the practice. But Dr. Tom has his own baggage, and is trying to start over for the sake of his two kids. Change comes to all of them, and offers the promise of a brighter future.

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Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another great book from Sarah.

Nerissa has lived in mermaid point all her live. She works as a receptionist/housekeeper for the local doctor who decides to retire. Tom a gp in London who following the death of his wife a few years ago decides him and his 2 children need a new start and buys the practice in mermaid point. Will he keep Nerissa on as staff or will she need to find a new job and somewhere to live or will Tom keep her on and will their relationship turn into more than work colleagues.

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Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Bennett and Boldwood Books for the copy of Autumn Dreams at Mermaid Point. This is my personal review.
It felt so good to be back at Mermaid Point. The author knows exactly how to get a reader connected with the characters . Nerissa and Tom came to life as I read their story. The community , family and friendships in this book are perfect. I did not want this book to end but I know there will be more books in this series.

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This is my first Sarah Bennett books and looks like I need to catch up. This is a heart-warming book with lovely characters that you can relate to. Looking forward to the next in the series, a Christmas novella.

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First of all I have to say how much I loved this book! The fact that there was a little bit of everything from new beginnings to second chances made that so very easy. That’s without adding in the wonderful themes of family and of course love that is right at its heart. For me the emotional thread that ran throughout also gave this book so much depth. In no time at all I had come to care about the characters and their various situations. Along with hoping they would find happiness.

Even though I was sad to leave Laurie and Jake in book one, Summer Kisses at Mermaids Point. I have to admit I couldn’t wait to read Nerissa’s story. Although luckily Sarah Bennett did a wonderful job of keeping the warm and loveable family connection running throughout this book too. Even though this is book two in the Mermaids Point series, I thought it completely worked as a standalone. However if you do get chance why not start with book one because it really is a gorgeous story and I wouldn’t want you to miss out!

What can I say about the characters?! Well they definitely pulled at my heartstrings. The heartfelt moments were expertly woven into the story as the characters came to terms with grief, family situations and life in general. The romance itself played out in a way that completely captured my attention. There was an almost gentle feel to it and I thought that this fit the characters personalities perfectly. Nerissa is a character that I easily connected with and if I’m honest I think I fell for Tom a little myself. I couldn’t help but root for this pair. Along with getting caught up in the warm and sweet feel of their connection. It was just like being wrapped up in an inviting and comforting hug.

For me this series has such a magical and heartwarming feel to it. With the characters and the setting of Mermaids Point making it extra special. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series! It’s safe to say that Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point charmed me from first page to last!

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