Misty Mornings (Blueberry Beach, #5) (2024)

Misty Mornings

Leiklyn and Ethan’s story is a sweet and charming second chance at love romance. It is also a story of redemption. Leiklyn and Ethan were young teenage lovers whose relationship ended after they made a decision that changed everything between them. Decades later, neither has forgotten the other or the terrible decision they made that has brought them a lifetime of regrets. Leiklyn is now a divorced mother of two teenagers and without a job. She and her two friends made a pact eighteen years ago after they purchased the Indigo Inn that they would return at this time to catch up on each other’s lives and restore and reopen the inn. She and her children will live at Indigo Inn and start the renovations. Leiklyn never expected the owner of the hardware store to be Ethan or that she would need to work with him to restore the inn or hire someone from the city. Both find that time and maturity has given them the ability to be in each other’s company again. They don’t feel the raw pain they did then, just the lingering echoes of it and deep regret. Working on the inn together rekindles their attraction and deep feelings for each other, much to the surprise of both of them. Their renewed relationship helps them both to put the pain and regrets in the past, to feel some personal redemption and to move forward together. Throughout this story, characters from the previous books in this series make an appearance and help to illustrate the close knit community and unwavering support found in a small town.

This is another wonderful book to add to my list of keepers. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

A Great Story About Second Chances

Jessie Gussman does it again in Misty Mornings, book five in her Blueberry Beach series. Leiklyn Weaver, mentioned in passing by Iva May in the Epilogue of the previous book, returns to her childhood hometown to reunite with her two best friends 18 years after high school graduation, when they banded together to buy a rundown manor. Now they plan to restore it and open a bed and breakfast inn. Two problems stand in their way: a zero budget, and a handyman who has a past with Leiklyn and knows her darkest secret. The handyman, Ethan, was introduced in Zoriah's story as one of the townsfolk who volunteered to help her turn her grandma's store into a secondhand store.

Leiklyn's daughter, Myla, shares a secret that echoes Leiklyn's own, and she finds the courage to tell her secret, not only to Myla but her friends and, most importantly, Ethan. Far from rejecting her, Ethan expresses a desire to restore their high school relationship and move on to marriage. It is a Gussman novel, after all!

Gussman's characters rang true and drew me in, making me invested in their lives and choices. Myla in particular faces an extremely difficult choice, and Leiklyn tries to walk the line between guidance and demands as she does her best to ensure that her daughter doesn't follow her mom's example.

I loved Misty Mornings, which deals with yet another tough topic. So far, Blueberry Beach has dealt with failing marriages, failing businesses, unplanned pregnancies, teen crime sprees, and abortion. That's a lot of drama for a small town! But Gussman makes it worth the journey.

After high school, Laiklyn and her two friends agreed to meet in Blueberry Beach in 18 years' time. As the chosen date approached, finding her jobless, Laiklyn decides to move back and move into the old inn the three had bought cheap just before leaving. But the inn needs work, and the only person in Blueberry Beach who would be able to do the work is Ethan - the man who knows her deepest, darkest secret and who, as a result, she's avoided for twenty years. Will she run again, or is it time to start healing at last? And if she stays, will she at last be able to open herself to love?

I've been looking forward to Laiklyn's story since I read the epilogue to book 4, and it didn't disappoint - except inasmuch as I now really want her friends' books! This was a touching story of forgiveness and healing for long-buried mistakes, and also showed how our past mistakes can be something we can learn from and use to help others. I also liked the way the whole town continues to gather together in support of those who need it. Another delightful visit to Blueberry Beach, and it was nice to see a little more of some previous couples, though this can also be read as a standalone story. Recommended!

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Returning to Keep A Promise

Wow this was another powerful story by Jessie Gussman. This Blueberry Beach Series has covered the lives of people who have always lived in the town or are newly settled in the town on the shores of Lake Michigan. This close knit community works to help out each other. What I like about this series is that the characters are true to life with their ups and downs. This latest book is the story of Laiklyn and Ethan.

Laiklyn had left Blueberry Beach eighteen years ago after graduating HS. She had purchased an abandoned Manor in town for $1 and made a pact with her two HS girlfriends to return to Blueberry Beach on a specific day in eighteen years. When the day arrived Laiklyn arrived in town with her two children after recently losing her job. With her friend's helping to back the endeavor- they decided to turn the Manor into a bed and breakfast. When Laiklyn hires the local hardware store owner to help with the needed renovations, she never expected her old high school crush Ethan to show up for the job. Can Laiklyn work with the Ethan knowing he is the only one that knows a secret from her past?

I love that characters in this story and the redemptive second chance that is extended to Ethan and Laiklyn.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

This story takes place in Blueberry Beach, the small town many readers have come to know from previous books. Once again those living there reach out to help those who need it, in this case Leilyk who was raised there but who had returned with her two children after eighteen years away. The situations the heroine faces are not easy but are ones so prevalent in our society today that almost every reader has been touched by them. And, as in other books in the series, local people all rally round with compassion and eagerness to help and be a blessing to others. There are several themes threading themselves through the chapters as things unfold. The theme of learning to forgive yourself is strong, portrayed as being still possible even after so many years. (And don't we all need to do some of that!) Watching Myla as she learned the importance of needing to listen to those with wisdom and to make difficult decisions showed her growing maturity. I absolutely fell in love with Ethan and loved how he handled himself with Leilyk and her family. He was especially good with Trent, helping to model the actions and reactions of a strong man, something so lacking in many families today. The epilog was perfect, hinting at another book to come.

As they agreed on the night of their high school graduation, Leiklyn and her two friends, Tiffany and Willen meet on the porch of the Manor at Blueberry Beach on April Fool’s day, eighteen years after being given their diplomas.

Life hadn’t turned out as expected for any of them.

A single mother for fifteen years, Leiklyn recently lost her job in HR for an oil company and her unemployment is running out.

Could the manor she and her friends bought for $1 at a tax sale in celebration of graduation be the change she needs to move forward in her life?

Or will it just complicate things when she finds out the explosive secret her fifteen-year-old daughter is hiding?

When she finds out that her old high school crush – and the only one who knows her most terrible secret – now owns the hardware store and will be working closely with them on renovations, Leiklyn must choose whether she wants to start over somewhere else, or whether the draw of spending misty mornings by the lake with a man who understands her all too well is worth the risk to her heart.

Books in the Blueberry Beach series:

1. Yesterday's Treasures
2. Tomorrow's Blessings
3. Beautiful Forevers
4. Precious Memories
5. Misty Mornings
6. Sweet Afternoons
7. Magical Twilights
8. Tender Mercies

I found this book interesting as it began with a high school pact made between three, young girls graduating from high school. I liked that it fast forward and it is fifteen years later and they all had met together. I liked that they were reflecting on their lives and their future. I found it fascinating that all three had decided to return to the one place they could not wait to get away from, Blueberry Beach.

The characters really made this story, especially Leiklyn and Ethan, who had carried a tremendous secret between them that broke up their friendship in high school. I enjoyed watching them open up to each other and to try to overcome and move on together from the past. I found it interesting how Leiklyn's past paralleled that of her daughter, Myla. I especially liked that faith and forgiveness were woven into this story, as well as, regret for Ethan and Leiklyn. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Misty Mornings is a story strong with emotion, full of sadness, and lots of different hearts that were all hurting with their own problems at the same time. One moment you are cheering that Ethan and Leiklyn are getting along so well and hope they finally decide to make a life together, then you are struck with the hurt of Myla's news and wonder what is going to happen now. Trent shows that he is growing into a knowledgeable young man under the teaching of Ethan. Tiffany says she never really found love as she was going through her third divorce then. And Willan had always wanted perfection in her life and had let so many years past without giving any guys a chance to fall in love with her and now she is regretting always feeling so right, so perfect. But they all felt that Indigo Inn in Blueberry Beach was the place to come home to, to heal their hurts, and make a better future for them all.

Another stellar addition to this great series. As always, you are drawn in from the beginning and riveted throughout the entire story. Meet 3 close friends who on graduation eve make a pact to meet right there again in another 18 years. Who remembers their graduation, moving away from home and living life for the next 18 years? What are the chances that this will happen on the April Fool's date that they have each decided upon? Follow along in this newest story as you share the lives of specifically Leiklyn and Ethan as they meet again almost two decades later. This book will bring some emotions and tears, both happy and sad, but ultimately with a HEA. Hopefully the story will leave you knowing that God is always there and will walk beside you if you only let Him.

I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review.

I was quickly drawn into this story as three 18 yo best girlfriends made a pact to return to Blueberry Beach in 18 years. Fast forward 18 years and the reader gets to see what changes have taken place in their lives. Featured in this book was Leiklyn who left Blueberry Beach hoping to escape a terrible secret she feels deeply guilty about. Now divorced and a single mother, Leiklyn has moved back with plans to refurbish and open an inn. To her dismay, she has to rely upon her former boyfriend Ethan who now owns the local hardware store. This book dealt with some heavy issues that are relevant to the culture in which we live. Forgiveness, redemption, true friendship, and unconditional love are themes that permeate the story. I loved it and high recommend it. I was entrusted with an ARC from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

Indigo Inn Property and Renovations!

Friends Leiklyn, Tiffany, and Willan met at the Indigo Inn, Blueberry Beach, the night after their high school graduation. Each of the girls had big plans for their lives. Their whole lives were ahead for them. Leiklyn had purchased Indigo Inn on a whim when she learned that she could get it for $1.00 because taxes had not been paid on the property and the town wanted someone to do necessary repairs. The girls agreed to return to the property in 18 years and then went on with their lives. Eighteen years later they met and renovation of the property began. Read this book to get all the details.

I enjoyed this book, learning about the lives of the girls during the eighteen years and then the renovations on the Inn. I hope you enjoy the book also.

So good! Loved Ethan and Leiklyn's story. Ethan had loved Leiklyn since High School, but she broke up with him years ago. Now, because of three Best Friends pact to come back 18 years after, Ethan has a second chance to capture her heart again. They work together to restore the Inn for Blueberry Beach. There were secrets revealed and promises made. I read through-out the night, hoping the three best friends could make a new life together at the Inn, and Ethan and Leiklyn could have a second chance at happiness. If you like clean, heartfelt, second chances with hard decision made, look no further. I highly recommend 'Misty Mornings'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

I received an ARC to review: Misty Mornings is my favorite book in the Blueberry series so far. There is just something that resonated with me about Ethan and Leiklyn's journey to finding forgiveness, grace and a second chance at love. Jessie so gently but openly deals with the stigma of sin and its consequences and how hiding sin can eat one up from the inside and affect one's relationships for decades to come. A poignant story, that will stir your heart, tickle your tearducts, and remind you that there is nothing God's grace cannot redeem.

**recommended for mature readers due to some of the content. It is not explicit by any means, but may be inappropriate for unsupervised younger teen readers**

In this audiobook, we are back in Blueberry Beach where eighteen years ago three recently graduated high school friends promised to meet again at the dilapidated manor they bought at the time for one dollar.
Leiklyn Weaver is one of them. After all these years, she is back in town with her daughter. A woman that has her own set of secrets and hurts.
The goal is to restore the manor, but what do you do when the money is not there and the one person , Ethan, then a boy now a man, that knows your secrets is the one they need to accomplish their goal.
Are other secrets being kept? Will they find a way to work together and maybe find happiness?
In this latest audiobook, the author once again delivers an engaging plot with characters that are perfect in their imperfections.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I'm really enjoying Gussman's Blueberry Beach series that dive into deeper life subjects. These are the most amazing love stories! Misty Mornings is a story of second chance love, learning from one's past mistakes, and the importance of being willing to share one's burdens.

Jessie Gussman's characters jump right off the page and into the reader's heart and Jay Dyess brings Leiklyn's and Ethan's story to life with his wonderful heart felt narration.

At my request, I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author. I have voluntarily left my review and my opinions were my own. I am looking forward to listening to more books written by Jessie Gussman and performed by Jay Dyess.

Blueberry beach it’s definitely a place to live and enjoy life. People help each other and the lake is a very important part of it. Leiklyn and her two best friends made a pact eighteen years ago to go back to Blueberry Beach and take care of the Inn they purchased after graduating from high school. Life hasn’t been easy for either of them but they are willing to change that. Can Leiklyn find love and happiness with the burden she is been carrying for so long? Can her friend Ethan help her share the burden and face life again? An emotional story. Looking forward to listen to Mr. Jay Dyess bring life to the wonderful characters.

I have enjoyed many of Jessie Gussman's books and I usually read them rather quickly. This time I didn't want to put it down. I started it in the evening because I had just finished book 4 in the series and I thought I would "just get started." HA...so much for putting it down. I finished it at about 3:50 a.m. This story is addressing a very difficult topic (teenage pregnancy) and I just couldn't wait to see how Jessie would address this very emotional topic. I was not disappointed. The story was engaging and the characters struggled with how to respond, but grace and truth found a way. This is a book that entertains and teaches without in any way being preachy.

I enjoyed this second chance story. Jessie Gussman discusses a tough topic in a thoughtful and non-judgemental way. This series is more serious than other books of hers that I have read but I enjoy these just as much.
The story follows three high school friends when they honour a pact by returning to their home town 18 years after graduation. I enjoyed the characters and was immediately drawn into the story. One thing I found unbelievable however, was that 18 years later the three friends had had practically no contact and didn't recognise each other. That was the only negative to the story.

I received an ARC copy of this book for a voluntary and honest review.

Ms. Gussman's writing of this book is so impressive to me. She & her husband have a cattle ranch. But she writes about subjects that are challenging, difficult in real life & handles them in such a beautiful manner. I had no idea where the story was going when I read the beginning but Leiklyn's secret (when it was revealed) & how it is handled in the story made me so enjoy the book. You really have to get this book to understand what I am trying to say but you should not be disappointed. I love listening to Mr. Dyess as he reads the story. His job is equally impressive as the writing. I received a free audible copy. This is my voluntary opinion.

Misty Mornings is about Leiklyn and her two friends Tiffany and Willen deciding to meet 18 years later after high school graduation at the Manor at Blueberry Beach on April 1st.

When Leiklyn left Blueberry Beach, she kept a secret from her two best friends and never told anybody about it except for her boyfriend, Ethan. Leiklyn has never forgiven herself for what she did. Ethan has kept his torch burning for her.

18 years later, Leiklyn discovered the secret, her daughter was hiding from her. It was time for Leiklyn to come full circle to help her daughter and to forgive herself and Ethan.

The author has took up a challenge regarding teenage pregnancy. It is a difficult topic to discuss as there is no right or wrong answer regarding this difficult subject. Depending on each person's situation, the guilt is there. The individual has believe in God and that God has a plan. God's plan for Leiklyn was to forgive herself and Ethan in order to have a life together and to advise and support her daughter.

The author did a really great job in telling this story.

The narrator, Jay Dyess did a great job in narrating the story. He definitely has a great voice for narrating all of the characters in the book.

I was given this audiobook by the author. I have decided to voluntary write an unbiased review for this book. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.

Laiklyn and her two high school best friends make a promise to each other for 18 yrs in the future. They have all had their share of things in life that didn’t turn out the way they had hoped or planned. Now, they have a chance to go back and turn their lives into what they want. Laiklyn has a secret that only one person knows, can they get past their past to work together to build something new? Also, can God show her that the secret she has held on to so tightly may be used to help others including someone close to her?

Wonderful story of friends, their mistakes and their decision and efforts to change their lives for the better. Laiklyn made a terrible choice as a teenager and had kept it a secret from everyone for about 20 years due to guilt and shame. When she felt the need to reveal it to help someone else she realized that although she had made a bad choice, her story could help others. Forgiveness, love and a beautiful location all came together in a wonderful book, providing life lessons along the way.

Received ARC in return for this, my honest review.

I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Jessie Gussman has done a great job writing this series, and this book is no exception. The Leiklyn returns with her two children to Blueberry Beach and the inn she bought 18 years previously to restore it and open it as a bed and breakfast. She finds the only local hardware store owner is none other than her high school boyfriend, Ethan. The plot includes setbacks and issues with her daughter, and the normal assistance of the Blueberry Beach community. I would recommend reading this book.

I love this series!

Leiklyn, Tiffany, and Willan swore to keep in touch after high school graduation but just in case, they would meet in the front yard of the Indigo Inn in eighteen years. Time passed, the friends lost touch, but when the day came would they honor their pact?

Jessie Gussman does a wonderful job of populating Blueberry Beach with believable characters. Their problems are real-life and relatable and I feel like I am part of the story as I read. I received an advance copy of this book but my review is honest and voluntary.

She does it again. Takes you into the world of the characters with emotions and reality of life.
The challenges some of the main characters face come full circle in their lives. Can the wisdoms from what they learn in the past from chooses made help what comes to light in the current challenges?
A tougher topic is address and the feeling that come with it. I just wish there was a little more detail of what happens next..

Another book to add to my keep list. I received an ARC book in exchange for my opinion.

Excellent story

Leiklyn,Tiffany and Willan best friends for life even if life meant they wouldn’t see or talk to each other during the 18 years they were going down very different paths. However they made a pact to meet again in 18 years on a specific date and that is exactly what they did. This book is chock full of happiness ,sadness, and so many more feeling on the spectrum. What a great story I truly loved reading this book and I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend this series and Author Jesse Gussman.

One teenaged mistake drove Laiklyn and Ethan apart. Now that she’s returned to Blueberry Beach, to open Indigo Inn with her two best friends from high school, could this be her second chance with Ethan?
Laiklyn has lived with guilt over her choices when she was a teen. Now her daughter Myla is struggling with her own. God never gives us a struggle he can’t use to help others—will Laiklyn’s experiences be able to help Myla?
This book has the angst of growing up, guilt over past mistakes, and a sweet love story rolled into one great book. I loved it.

Misty Mornings

This was a great story about Blueberry Beach and people who lived there. Three friends in High school greed to return to Blueberry Beach after 18 years on April Fools day. Leiklyn, Willian, and Tiffany did return to the town cafe. They almost didn’t recognize each other.Through it all, they decide to repair the Blueberry Inn an open it, run it themselves. Tiffany and Willian were coming into some money and agreed to use it and Leiklyn would give her work services. All did not go as planned, but this story is interesting and great to read.

Excellent book.
What a truly lovely story Jessie has given her readers three best friend together again after 18 years. We introduced to an old love and a secret held close by a 15 year old girl. The characters are a bit older in this piece and I really like the feel of them. Not perfect but so real flaws and all. I think that is what I like about books over movies and TV. Ethan and Leiklyn’s story was not perfect, but it was good and I loved how it ended. The epilogue was interesting cannot wait to see what happens. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

Real Life
Laugh out loud in sections
Cry in other sections
Unique storyline for Leiklyn, her 2 friends Tiffany and Willien at the beginning of the story - then leaving the small town of BlueBerry Beach.
Coming back home after years away, with failed relationships, new lives, new love, renewal of past relationships of friends and the town. Really looking forward to the next book in the series.
NOTE: names could be incorrectly spelled or incorrect as that is what I understood listening to the amazing narrator's voice on audible. (Loved his various voices)