A little odd to start, might just be me, but setting up Nerissa (different name) and her background and then Tom and his family and background seemed a bit disjointed at first. It gets better when the story continues though, and it was a sweet story of loss and renewed love. I also liked that the main characters were older (around 40) instead of the 20s. I also liked that Tom's kids had characters too, instead of just briefly popping in and out. Would recommend this one, as it was hard to put down.

A heartwarming contemporary romance with lots of relatable issues like grief, single parenthood, school bullying, comfort zones and life beyond them.

I have binge read this uplifting story and jumped onto the author's next book right after this. It says it all.

I thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this Advance Reading Copy.

This is book #2 in the Mermaids Point series, and whilst it’s part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. We are back in the pretty seaside village of Mermaids Point, and this book focusses on Nerissa Morgan. We have already met Nerissa in the previous book, and she is the aunt of café owner, Laurie. Nerissa is also the housekeeper and receptionist of the village’s GP, but finds herself in a worrying situation when Doctor Malcolm announces he wants to retire and move. Cue Dr Tom Nelson who is a GP in a busy London practice! Following his wife’s death, he’s finding his work/home life difficult, particularly in looking after his two children. Could taking over the surgery in Mermaids Point be just what he needs to refocus his and his children’s’ lives?

I loved this book, and very quickly settled down into Nerissa and Tom’s stories. I already knew Nerissa from the first book in the series, and was keen to find out more about her. She’s not an older lady, far from it, but following the death of the only man she loved many years before, Nerissa has remained single, dutifully caring for Doctor Malcolm. I really liked Nerissa’s character, and loved her style, attitude and even her name! Dr Tom was another very likeable character. I really felt for him losing his wife and having to bring up his children, particularly when the eldest was heading towards the terrible teens! It was obvious that Dr Tom wasn’t looking for love at all, but as the book moved on, I had all my fingers crossed that he would eventually realise what a wonderful woman Nerissa was!

The story was such a lovely read, and once I started, I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished. Nerissa and Tom’s stories are so heart-warming and emotional and had me wiping away tears as I read. Filled with lots of love, laughter and a strong family relationship theme, this book will captivate you and leave you with wanting more. Mermaids Point sounds absolutely delightful and it certainly made me long for the beach, the sea and, of course, Laurie’s café, no matter what the weather may be! Great characters, lovely location and a wonderful read! Would definitely recommend!

This is the second book in the series but you can read it as a stand alone novel. This book is centred on a young woman who lost the love of her life when she was only young. Since her loss she has been working at a receptionist and live in house keeper for the village GP. When a new doctor moves to town she has to face the new possibilities.

The characters are easy to like and the setting is picturesque. This village is the kind I would like to live in, where everyone knows you and are willing to step up and help. The Morgan family are a delight and I would love to spend a day with them. The story flows smoothly and before you know it the book is over. The ending seemed to be a little construed but all in all it’s a delightful story.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I had previously read the first book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it so I was excited to begin this one - this could definitely be read as a standalone book though.

It was lovely to be back in Mermaids Point and in the heart of the Morgan family again and I enjoyed this book just as much as the first.

I loved this heart warming, easy to read story! So much I’ve since bought the first book in the series (reading them out of order didn’t impact enjoyment at all) and pre-ordered the next!
Well written, likeable characters, some humour, some intrigue, some romance, what’s not to love??

I really enjoyed this book, the second in a series, however it could be read as a standalone book. It’s aIl lovely story about a couple finding love together after both suffering losses in their past, the characters are well written and pleasant and it’s a very easy reading kind of book. I wish the ending hadn’t been so abrupt but I think there’s a third book in the series so I presume their story will be continued.
I would recommend this book, a lovely way to spend a weekend relaxing!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this x

This is the second book in a series set in the small seaside town of Mermaids Point. I enjoyed the first book and was pleased to find that this one contains some of the same characters who featured in that one. In fact, the author has helpfully included a full list of returning and new characters at the beginning of this book. Although this is a follow-up to the previous book in the series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone story.

The central female character in this story is Nerissa, live-in housekeeper and receptionist for the town’s doctor. The doctor is ready to retire, presenting Nerissa with concerns about her future livelihood and accommodation. The arrival of a new doctor, Tom Nelson, a widower with two children, puts Nerissa’s mind at rest as her services are still required as before. Tom is keen to make a fresh start following the death of his wife, which has caused a rift between himself and his children. A move to Mermaids Point and new schools for the children seem a perfect solution. Tom is pleased to find a friendly welcome for his family, but life is not without its problems and his relationship with his children is still not as close as he would like. A problem he had not foreseen is his growing attraction to Nerissa. Can she move on from the young love she lost and allow herself to admit her desire for Tom?

I very much enjoyed this heart-warming tale of Nerissa and Tom who each unexpectedly find a second chance for love. It was lovely to return to the pretty seaside town of Mermaids Point and meet up with so many familiar faces, while at the same time becoming acquainted with new characters. I really liked Tom; just the kind of doctor we would all like to find in our local surgeries. He had such a tough time dealing with the loss of his wife and trying to keep his kids on the right path; how sensible to try a new start for them all. The story is brimming with interesting characters, many of whom have interesting back stories of their own, showing that Tom and his family are not the only ones struggling with problems in their lives in this small town. I can really recommend this delightful book by Sarah Bennett. I’m now looking forward to the next book in the series; I’m sure Christmas will be quite magical by the sea at Mermaids Point.

Wonderful characters and an engaging storyline centralised around family, loss and hope.

As far as the characters go, spot on, I loved Nerissa and Tom, his kids, their families and the slow burn between them was unquestionably fitting of their circumstances and created emotion along the way. Yet at the same time their romantic connection was lacking, something was missing between them and sadly this wasn’t helped by the abrupt ending. I understand there’s a novella at Christmas though which may serve as an epilogue of sorts so I’ll definitely be checking that out because as I say they were wonderful characters.

3.5 stars.

2 people who have suffered grief and loss of their loved ones meet and together find love again with each other. This is the 2nd book in the series and is written beautifully, it shows how you can find love again after heartbreak.

I'm a big fan of Sarah Bennett's stories and this did not disappoint!

It's autumn in Mermaid's Point and at long last Doc has decided to retire. There's a new doctor in town and a lot of changes for Nerissa. Can she finally overcome her past losses and move on to happiness?

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Totally appropriate read for the autumn season, great characters great location and a lovely story. Really enjoyed it.

This is Book #2 in the Mermaid Point series
~The name Nerissa ~ means sea nymph ~ so it is perfect that Nerissa Morgan lives on Mermaids Point.. ~
Things are comfortable but not perfect for Nerissa Morgan. This story starts when she is remembering her high school sweetheart, Gareth; who upon high school graduation joined the Army. Unfortunately he was killed in road accident in a peacekeeping mission. Today would have been his birthday and Nerissa is taking a bouquet of daffodils for his grave site.
Sylvia a longtime friend and been playing matchmaker for years but Nerissa never connected with anyone other than Gareth.
She is now forty-three years old, a medical receptionist and a live-in housekeeper for a Doc Malcolm who will soon be retiring. She is concerned and fearful that once he decides to retire he is going to sell to developers. She will not only be out of job but a home as well!

Dr. Tom Nelson is a General Practice Physician in London and is trying to keep busy after the death of his wife, Anna. His two juvenile children Emily and Max are grieving and struggling with the loss of their mother. In fact, there has been some trouble at school. Twelve-year old Max was defending the honor of his older sister and gets in a fight over pictures circulating of her and some of her girlfriends.
It appears Emily and friends were dared to take selfies in their underwear and post. Needless to say the posts were all over campus in no time. Tom is upset but after taking to the teacher at school, realizes that he hasn’t taken nearly the time with the children that his wife had. If Anna were still alive this would not have happened.
Tom sees the offer of the position at Mermaids Point and is invited to visit before making any decision.
Yep it appears Old Doc Malcolm has decided to look for a replacement and not sell to developers.

When Tom and the kids go to meet Doc at the local bar/hang out ~ Guess who is there?
Yep Nerissa!
The visit to Mermaids Point goes great. Tom and kids take a vote if he should or shouldn’t accept the position.

Okay the first part is Tom & Nerissa getting together but there it is sooo much more to this story. We get to know the friends and neighbors (unless you read Book #1 and have a head-up on these characters).
There is family drama and family connections that I loved and I am sure you will as well!

~I totally love the quote: ~ “The words we give to the sea are heard only by the waves”
It seems most of us would be happier if we took a trip to the shore and scream like a banshee to rid ourselves of frustrations!!~

I am now looking forward to reading next in this series "Christmas Surprises at Mermaids Point"..

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early release granted to me for my honest professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 23, 2021.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

The book is the story of Nerissa, who we met in the first book of the series. Having lost the person she loved, she now works as a receptionist at the local doctor surgery, and Tom, a GP in London, whose let his work keep him occupied after losing his wife.

As the doctor is looking to retire, he’s looking to give the running of the surgery to someone else. This causes Nerissa to worry somewhat as it’s not only her job that she’ll be losing out on but also somewhere to live as well. Will these upcoming changes bring happiness for Nerissa so that she can move on from her past or more upheaval…..

In London, something occurs which makes Tom realise that changes need to be made for himself as well as his two children, Emily & Max. Is moving away from London the answer to his worries?

So that he can be there for his kids more, they come to Mermaids Point, for a short holiday, he also wants to see if things could work out for them here if he decides to takeover the doctors practice.

I loved the characters in the book and were the supportive, welcoming and a friendly bunch.it was lovely to see that even after going through heartache Nerissa and Tom still had more to give.

The story was filled was funny and filled with love. It’s about two people, holding onto their past memories but at the same time giving yourselves a chance to find happiness again.

This second book, which can be read as a standalone, but, I feel you would understand what’s happening more if you’ve read the first book.

Sarah Bennett, this book was beautifully written, about family and how communicating is important and how those who love you, are always there for you. 5⭐️

Highly Recommend This Book.

I really enjoyed getting to know Mermaids Point. This is the second book in the series. I haven't read the first one in the series, but I want to, and I also want to read the third one which is due to be released soon. Well done Sarah Bennett, you've hooked me in. :-) What I particularly liked about this book was the fact the main protagonists were both in their forties, which I found refreshing. The setting was fantastic, I enjoyed hearing from Tom, and really felt for him and the situation he was in. I liked Nerissa, though I couldn't help wondering about her past and why such a short lived affair had caused her to hide from life for so long. Perhaps there's more information in the first book. Her being receptionist and housekeeper for the family wasn't healthy surely, in terms of the development of the romance? These concerns were briefly addressed and I'd like to think they're also looked at in book three. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful, feel good romance which leaves you feeling all warm inside!! I loved every second of reading it! Sarah has the ability to make you feel like you can't put the book down because what would be happening next!!.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC book for an honest .

An amazing read. I hadn’t read the previous book in the series but that didn’t really matter as Nerissa and Tom are a new couple to this book and all back characters were very well introduced.

I loved the depth and the heart of this book, the heart ache that both Tom and Nerissa have gone through was delicately and very realistically portrayed. Watching the story unfold from both view points and the adding the children in added a realistic element. I loved how they both had feelings and tried hard to fight them. The friendship they developed and Nerissas relationship with the children was very touching. I loved how much the whole Morgan clan swooped in and were there for the Nelson family and offered friendship.

I hope we get to see more of this couple, I would love to know how they manage to navigate their new relationship and the children and working together.

This is only the second book I have read by Sarah Bennett and it did not disappoint, I loved the depth of the characters and the way their lives unfolded within the pages of the book.

I was transported to the beautiful village and imagined dipping my toes into the water.

A must read!!!

5 stars from me 😊

Tom and Nerissa are two really lovely characters and I got definite Doc Martin vibes from this read. (In the best possible way.) Both struggle with the past, particularly Tom who is trying to come to terms with his wife's death and keep two children focussed. This isn't afraid to tackle the difficult subject of grief and how differently people react to it. This did take a while to heat up amongst the couple, but the other minor characters and other moments keep you going as gossip is plenty. This is book 2, but works as a standalone. An enjoyable read.

I thoroughly enjoy books that are quick reads. I love that we can get right into the heart of the story so that was definitely one of my favorite things about this book!