The Cottage at Clamshell Bay — Jane Bailey

In the charming Pacific Northwest town of Clamshell Bay, as the ocean turns from glittering blue to stormy grey, Libby Brown and her three best friends settle around her kitchen table. With a plate of chocolate chip cookies and fresh coffee, Libby lets her tears fall freely as the women listen to her heartbreak. Libby's life seems picture-perfect. She lives in her dream home, raising two precious children and supported by her loving husband, Victor. Sure, he's away a lot with his job, but she has always accepted that he works hard to make their beautiful life possible. But then, one day, Victor asks for a divorce, and suddenly Libby's whole world falls apart. Libby never expected to find herself a single mom, and when she receives a letter from the bank, it's clear that Victor hasn't been paying the mortgage. Her husband has been keeping secrets from her, and this isn't the only one. Desperate to keep the only home her son and daughter have ever known and protect them from their father's affair, Libby turns to her three best friends, local baker Cleo, former model Brooke, and painter Megan, for advice and comfort. Supported by the three women she met in Cleo's baking class, their friendship forged over sharing bread and secrets, Libby finds the strength to fight for all she holds dear. As she marches into the bank one morning, she's surprised to meet manager Jeremy O'Toole. He's charming and, just like her, has found himself a single parent. He's been struggling to cope since his wife died, leaving him broken-hearted with two rambunctious kids. Libby must focus on trying to keep her home, but in trying to remake her life, can she help Jeremy rebuild his? Can two broken hearts heal each other in Clamshell Bay? A feel-good beach read about the power of true friendship and how it's never too late for a second chance at love. Fans of Firefly Lane, Pamela Kelley and Nancy Thayer will want to escape to Clamshell Bay.