I picked this up because it was recommended for fans of Nora Roberts. It had that blend of mystery, romance, and family drama I was looking for, with a slightly lighter style. I found the writing style engaging, and the story is rich with characters and details. The family drama at the start was particularly intriguing.

On the whole, though, it wasn’t my cup of tea. The story moved at a very fast clip, sometimes jumping decades at a time. The dialogue felt overly formal and stilted, and I struggled to connect with or care for the characters. The conflicts mentioned in the synopsis were quickly and easily resolved, without much sense of suspense or intrigue.

That said, there’s a lot of interest in the story, and clear setup for the next books in the series. It ends quite up in the air, and I can see it being enjoyed by fans of cosy family dramas with a splash of mystery. I’m intrigued by the fish-out-of-water aspect of the family as they move to the small-town marina, and I’m curious to see how Madison’s romantic connection and the discovery at the end of the book develop.

I listened to the audiobook, and the audio quality was good. The narrators were animated and represented the broad cast of characters well - it made for an easy and engaging listen.

Thank you to the publishers for this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed are my own.

Someone please tell me how this is a thriller? I would classify it as a family drama and maybe if I knew that going in, I’d enjoy it more. Dnf at 30%

Always enjoy a Fern MIchael's book. Smuggler’s Cove is book 1 in the new Twin Lights series by Fern Michaels. Madison Taylor and her younger brother Lincoln spent their early years living in privilege and wealth. They find their way in life until out of the blue they inherit a run-down marina tied to family secrets. The setting of Smuggler's Cove doesn't actually appear until later in the book and is part of the inheritance. The first half of the book is muddled by constant shifts in timelines and perspectives, making it difficult to connect with the plot or characters. This fragmented storytelling feels more distracting than engaging and undercuts the book's momentum. The reader is left trying to figure out where the book is going. The book had potential but seems a little loose without it being tied together well. Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.

Smuggler’s Cove is more of a small-town, family-focused story than the mystery/thriller the blurb suggests. While a body is discovered, the plot centers less on suspense and more on Madison and Lincoln navigating their unexpected inheritance, uncovering family history, and adjusting to life at the marina.

The pacing is gentle, the characters have charm, and there’s an easygoing slice-of-life feel to the narrative. The narrator delivered a fantastic performance... engaging enough to keep me listening even when the story wasn’t quite what I’d anticipated.

While it didn’t deliver the level of mystery I’d expected, I think readers who enjoy multi-generational family drama with a coastal setting may still find this an enjoyable read.