I so enjoyed this novella that I’ve added Galveston Island, Texas, to my bucket list. And since this is Book 1 in a series, it means this delightful author is busy dreaming up and mapping out more compelling stories. 

Seaside 4th of July

Some stories change a business. Others change a life.

Bailey Wilson has spent years helping other people build brands, grow businesses, and tell their stories. When a referral brings her to Galveston Island to help a family-owned beach rental shop, she expects a quick project and return trip home.

Instead, she finds something she never expected.

A charming beach town. A loving family still healing from loss. A week filled with salt air, sunsets, and unexpected adventures. And Daniel Harper, a quiet, dependable businessman who makes her wonder if she’s been building everyone else’s dreams while ignoring her own.

As Bailey works to reimagine Coastal Breeze’s future, the island begins reshaping hers. But with her life waiting in Fort Worth and Daniel rooted firmly in Galveston, falling in love may be the easiest part.

The harder question is whether she’s brave enough to write a new chapter for herself.

A sweet, uplifting beach romance about finding home, taking chances, and discovering that the best stories are the ones we choose to live.

A Sweet Summer Romance Novella

• Beach Town Romance
• Fourth of July Setting
• Found Family
• Fresh Start after Heartbreak
• Small Business Makeover
• Slow-Burn Romance
• Coastal Adventures and Summer Fun
• Clean Romance
• Happily Ever After

Perfect for readers who enjoy uplifting beach romances filled with heart, hope, and new beginnings.

My thoughts: Bailey Wilson’s business is helping others build their own brand. A note on her bulletin board says, “Good brands have a story. So do good lives.” She’s really good with the first part, not so hot with the last. The story takes her and her partner to Galveston Island to update a family business there called Costal Breezes, but it becomes so much more than that. What a refreshing novella, in so many ways. What a sweet story, with a sweet recipe at the end.

I’m so glad this is Book 1. That means more are coming!

Hope for Every Season

Life moves through many seasons. Some days are filled with joy and celebration, while others bring uncertainty, grief, waiting, or weariness. No matter what season you’re facing, God’s promises remain constant, and His hope never fails.

Hope for Every Season invites you to slow down and spend meaningful time in God’s presence through Scripture, short devotionals, thoughtful journaling, and beautiful coloring pages. Each of the 30 devotions is designed to encourage your heart, strengthen your faith, and remind you that God is with you in every season of life.

As you color, reflect on His Word. As you write, draw closer to Him. As you pause, discover the peace, comfort, and hope that only Christ can provide.

Whether you enjoy a few quiet minutes each day or an afternoon of creative worship, this devotional coloring book offers a peaceful place to rest, reflect, and renew your hope.

My thoughts: What a compelling idea–a devotional to help you slow down through meditating on a verse, journaling, and coloring a an attractive drawing. There are 30 of them, one a day for a month, or however long you need. A wonderful gift for yourself or for a friend. Just lovely.

Ann C.K. Nickell

Ann C.K. Nickell is an award-winning author who writes uplifting stories about love, hope, second chances, and finding the courage to embrace life’s next chapter. Her books range from contemporary fiction and romance to personal growth and inspirational nonfiction, all woven with themes of resilience, faith, and new beginnings.

Ann is also a Life Story Coach and Speaker who teaches about living on the upside and finding the message in the mess of life’s challenges, empowering others to build a beautiful life and write a story that leaves a legacy.

A lifelong storyteller and avid traveler, Ann lives in Central Texas, where she’s never far from her next road trip. Whether exploring sandy shores, winding rivers, or dark skies filled with stars, she finds inspiration in the people and places that make every journey unique.

Having visited 48 states and counting, Ann loves discovering the stories hidden in America’s landscapes and weaving them into her fiction.

Learn more on Ann’s website. And her Amazon Author Page.