Promises at Indigo Bay (Blue Hills series #2) by Ellyn Oaksmith #bookreview #contemporary #romance
Title: Promises at Indigo Bay
Author: Ellyn Oaksmith
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October 26, 2020
Page Count: 312
My rating: 2 stars
About the book:
Indigo Bay may be Stella’s perfect home, but it has always been tinged with sadness. The waters of the lake, deepest blue and visible from every window, are a constant reminder of her biggest mistake—and the reason she has always promised never to let anyone into her heart. But everything changes when dark, handsome Paolo arrives in town.
As a whirlwind romance develops quickly into something deeper and stronger, Stella starts to wonder if maybe—just maybe—she might deserve some happiness after all. If Paolo has found something to love in her, can she learn to love—and forgive—herself?
But then Paolo asks her the biggest question of her life, and what should be a moment of joy turns into one of panic. She can’t marry Paolo while keeping her biggest secret from him. But if she tells him the truth, she is sure she’ll lose him forever.
Maybe true love is worth risking everything for. Is it time for Stella to leave her past behind—and make new promises?
Promises at Indigo Bay by Ellyn Oaksmith is the second book in the contemporary romance Blue Hills series. While each book of this series does change the main characters and could be read as a standalone the characters in this second book actually were introduced to readers in the first book as secondary characters.
Stella and Paulo met when Paulo came to work in the vineyard owned by Stella’s best friend’s boyfriend. They have moved quickly even though Stella had spent most of her life thinking she was not cut out for love and are now living together. Stella is perfectly content with the way her life has turned out and is not looking for marriage however, the same can’t be said for Paulo who definitely wants to marry Stella.
I actually did start this series with the first book, Summer at Orchard House, and really enjoyed that contemporary romance. This second book however seemed to have a problem holding my attention and making me feel connected to these characters. The romance side seemed to be lacking with everything else going on focusing on the potential mother in law and a possible wedding. I just never felt as if I were getting to know the couple on a deeper level or feel invested in their relationship. Knowing that I enjoyed the first book made it frustrating that I couldn’t connect while others seemed to have enjoyed this one too.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
Find this book online:
Goodreads / Amazon **
About the author:
Carries Book Reviews 
Dang Carrie! You’re having a mini streak of bad luck.😕
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My latest was better but unfortunately we have to write the bad ones too.🤣
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It sounds like that statement on the cover is not quite believable.
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I did read other reviews after writing mine and it seems like a few others said the same thing but scored it higher so I suppose it wasn’t just me with this one.
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Oh no! And such a beautiful cover… better luck with your next read, Carla. ❤📚
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Thanks Sandy, unfortunately we can’t love them all.😯
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Shucks! So sad when that happens! Hope your next reads are much more to your taste.
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Thanks Elaine🙂
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Oh well, you can’t win them all. 🙂 Hope the next one you enjoy more.
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Thanks Wendy, I’m certainly reading one now that i’m enjoying a lot more. 🙂
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