Book Summary
Hidden Harbor introduces us to Anya Rose, a woman who has meticulously built a new life for herself as a sunny yoga studio owner in a small town, hoping to leave her troubled past behind. Her fresh start is threatened when the life she escaped comes looking for her . Complicating her plans to handle things alone is Drew Fenwick, her best friend’s grumpy older brother . As a leader in Search and Rescue, Drew is instinctively protective, and he makes it his mission to stand by Anya, whether she wants him to or not . Despite their opposing personalities—her forced serenity against his gruff seriousness—Anya finds her defenses crumbling as Drew’s steady presence makes her crave a connection she never thought possible. This 242-page paperback is the first book in the Evergreen Rescue Series but is written to be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
Key Themes
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Secrets and the Past: The central conflict revolves around Anya’s attempt to outrun her past and the fear that her secrets will destroy the new identity she has built.
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Found Family: The story emphasizes the importance of chosen family. Anya finds a supportive network of friends in the small town, which becomes a crucial source of strength for her.
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Protection and Trust: Drew’s role as a protector forces Anya to learn to trust and rely on someone else, challenging her long-held belief that she must face her troubles alone.
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Identity and Reinvention: The novel explores who we are beyond our past circumstances and the courage it takes to reinvent oneself.
What Makes It Unique
Hidden Harbor stands out in the contemporary romance landscape by combining several popular elements into one engaging story. Unlike many romances that rely on miscommunication for drama, early reader reviews note that Anya and Drew are a source of strength for each other, with no unnecessary breakups. The male lead’s profession is also a unique touch; Drew isn’t just a generic hero but is specifically a sea salt farmer, which adds an interesting and uncommon backdrop to his character. Furthermore, the book successfully blends the lightheartedness of a grumpy-sunshine romance with an underlying thread of suspense and mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The inclusion of memorable side characters, especially Drew’s hilarious grandmother, adds depth and humor, making the fictional town feel alive and setting the stage for future books in the series.
Reader Reactions
Early reviews for Hidden Harbor have been largely positive. Many readers have praised the chemistry between Anya and Drew, describing Drew as a “walking green flag” and a “protective cinnamon roll” . The found family aspect and the suspenseful plot have been highlighted as major strengths, with some readers comparing the vibe to authors like Catherine Cowles.
However, a few reviewers felt the pacing was uneven, describing it as both “too slow and too fast at the same time”. Some readers found the beginning a bit slow to capture their attention, though most who continued reading found the story engaging . The balance of romance and suspense was appreciated, though a minority of readers wished for a bit more suspense.
About the Author
Amelia Simone is an author of contemporary and sci-fi romances who sets many of her stories in the Pacific Northwest. She describes her goal as writing “dessert books”—lighthearted, hopeful stories filled with sweet, flirty banter and spice designed to give readers a “serotonin boost” and leave them with a smile . When she’s not writing, she can be found wrangling her children, enjoying food and wine with her partner, or attempting to revive her garden . Hidden Harbor is the first book in her new Evergreen Rescue Series.
Memorable Quotes
While full excerpts are limited pre-release, the book’s description and early reviews highlight a few lines that capture the dynamic between the main characters:
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“He gave me a dark look. ‘Tell me what you want, Sunny Girl, so I can get it for you.'” – This line perfectly exemplifies Drew’s gruff yet devoted approach to flirting.
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“He took over every sense. All I could feel was Drew. The reverent way he stroked my skin… All I could hear was Drew, whispering how much he adored me. My body. My mind. My heart.” – A snippet that showcases the emotional depth and spice of the story.
Where to Buy or Download
Hidden Harbor by Amelia Simone is available for purchase in paperback and eBook formats. You can find it at major retailers, including:
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Amazon: Available for Kindle and in paperback.
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Barnes & Noble: Paperback edition is in stock.
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Other Platforms: The eBook is likely available through other common platforms like Apple Books and Kobo.