SERENDIPITY BY THE SEA, the first book in the Gull Island series, is a wonderful getaway featuring the beauty and ambiance of the Low Country and the people who call it home. Cate Ainsworth works at Guest Services in a local resort and she’s hoping to take over the manager’s position soon. Knox Price is her ex-boyfriend returning to town to help his uncle recover from surgery and assist in the running of his bait shop. Knox left Gull Island to pursue his dreams of becoming a freelance photographer, yet when he runs into Cate again, old sparks fly and the Low Country starts casting its spell to keep Knox home where he belongs.
Cate loves her job in guest services, and she has big ideas to help improve the customer experience when she becomes manager. Seeing Knox again makes Cate realize how much she has missed him over the past several years. Yet, Knox is not willing to commit to staying on the island, although he has been offered local job opportunities utilizing his marketing expertise. The more time Knox spends with Cate, the more he realizes how much he has missed her too. When Knox gets a prestigious job offer in Washington, DC, will he leave Cate for a second time, or will he finally give love a chance?
SERENDIPITY BY THE SEA is a sweet romance with two very likeable and affable people. Cate is charming, and, although often late for work, her personality shines through as she navigates some serious issues with her sweet southern charm. Knox is conflicted and feels the struggle between his heart and ambitions. His emotions feel real and his decisions are authentic. The story flows well and the setting of Gull Island in the Low Country is a perfect place for romance. The ocean, the seafood, the salt air, the natural beauty, and the laid-back attitude of those that live there make it a magical place. Grab a sweet tea, kick back, and enjoy an entertaining summer romance set on the South Carolina coast in SERENDIPITY BY THE SEA by Jennifer Vido.
Will a hopeless romantic on the verge of landing her dream job reconnect with her wanderlust ex-boyfriend for a second chance at love?
Cate Ainsworth is poised to land her dream job when an ex-boyfriend-the guy she once loved who left town with no explanation-returns to their Lowcountry hometown. Their long-denied attraction tugs her in a new direction, but will she risk everything for a second chance at love?
A freelance photographer, Knox Price seeks adventure, not commitment. Back in town to care for his uncle gets complicated when he crosses paths with Cate, igniting a spark he can't ignore. But can he confess the truth about why he walked away?
EXCERPT
Cate maneuvered into the parking lot adjacent to the main road, jumped out of her car, and headed for the employee golf carts used as a means to get around the grounds. Taking the first available, she hurled the little cart in the direction of Guest Services. Whizzing past beachgoers sporting island T-shirts, she spied customers coming out of Novel Ideas, the island’s long-standing, secondhand bookstore.
Slowing at the curve in front of Island Scoop, Cate wished for a cool treat to reward her sweet tooth. The strong aroma of steaming coffee alerted her to a few visitors coming out of The Wise Owl, sipping cups of morning brew. Blocking her view, they strolled along the path toward the boardwalk. Their telltale bronzed skin and relaxed demeanor signaled the end of their stay. Cate couldn’t blame them for wanting to linger, but she was in a hurry.
When they finally set out, she zipped her cart into the only open parking spot. Cate entered the building and scooted by the buzzing groups now congregating in front of the shiny Guest Services counter, careful not to make eye contact. She shifted her belongings to cover up her navy polo embroidered with the Gull Island insignia to ward off unwanted conversation until she could get settled and prepared to offer assistance.
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