Launch Day for Wedding at Sea + a GIVEAWAY

Good morning, dear reading friends . . . 

If you read that greeting in any sort of calm or even-keeled way, I have to happily inform you that I’m nowhere near calm or even-keeled just now. 

OH NO. I am beside myself with excitement . . . because it’s book launch day! Wedding at Sea is officially out in the world and I. am. ecstatic!! It’s out in paperback, ebook and in Kindle Unlimited.

Actual footage of me all day…lol!

OF COURSE if you’ve been around here for any amount of time, you know that a book launch means a giveaway! One lucky person will win the whole Muir Harbor series in paperback plus a $25 VISA gift card. Can you say YAY?? Entry details are below. 

In addition to the giveaway, I also wanted to let you know you have one or two more days left to get the ebook version of Wedding at Sea for the special pre-order price of $4.99. It always takes Amazon a day or two to update the price, so just know it’ll go up soon . . . 

Gosh, I feel like I should come up with something super witty and wise or at least a little poignant to say on this auspicious book launch day. 

But sitting here, trying to write this, I’m struggling to come up with words to capture what I’m feeling. This Muir Harbor journey has meant so, so much to me. So much has happened in my heart as each book in the series has come together.

And realizing I’ve—we’ve—reached “The End” . . . um, I’m just feeling A LOT. 😭💕

And, really, maybe there’s no reason to wax oh-so-eloquent. What I should really do is tell you about the book itself and about lovable P.I. Wilder Monroe and staid lawyer Lilian Muir and their enemies-to-friends-to-much-much-more relationship . . . about the mystery that’s twined its way through this whole series and the answers you’re finally going to get . . . about this “found family” stitched together by the love of an adopted mother . . . 

And, ahem, about my favorite chapter. Chapter 12. The chapter I’ve heard about repeatedly from early readers. The one that starts in a houseboat and ends in an elevator and basically had me laughing/swooning the whole time I wrote it. 🙂  

And maybe I could also tell you about this: about how God used this story to remind me what it looks like to run after hope . . . in the words of Lilian:

“Hope was stronger when it was chosen and chased and held close despite the odds . . . despite questions that didn’t have answers or answers that were hard to understand. It took effort, it took curiosity—but there was hope to found and cherished in all of it.”

That phrase there at the end—”in all of it”—Lilian is thinking about all the complicated things that have happened throughout the pages of her story. But as I wrote those lines, I was thinking about some of the complicated things in my own life. The unanswered questions or unfulfilled longings . . . the days where my faith feels dry and distant . . . or where I can’t quite see what God is doing. There’s hope in all of it. 

Because there’s God in all of it. He’s here in the complicated present and He’s there in the uncertain future. And when we make the choice to trust Him, we’re taking the first step in a chase after hope. A chase that can be thrilling and surprising and, yes, hard on some days, but joy-filled on others . . . 

A chase that just might have us whispering, “What’s next?” with an anticipation that’s both confident and curious. Confident because we know God is writing a good story . . . curious because we’re still finding our place in it. 💗

Thank you so much to everyone who is celebrating this book launch with me. I pray Wedding at Sea makes you laugh. I pray the mystery makes you wonder and the romance makes you swoon. But more than anything, I pray it finds its way to your heart . . . and stirs your soul with hope. 

Now . . . on to the giveaway!

This book launch giveaway is open today through July 6! There are multiple options for entering. I’ll notify the winner at the end of next week. The prize package includes paperbacks of all three books in the Muir Harbor series and a $25 gift card. (Huge apologies to my international friends, but due to the cost of shipping, this is only open in the U.S.) Just fill out the form below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be Sociable, Share!

    Comments 285

      1. Post
        Author
    1. I recently read Suzanne Woods Fisher’s book entitled The Secret to Happiness and loved it! Currently I’m reading Lauraine Snelling’s series called Leah’s Garden. I love everything written by Lauraine Snelling!

      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
    2. I’ve been reading some fairy-tale retellings along with my 13yo, but I read quicker than she does – so I need something to read while she catches up. I know what I’m reading today!!! Wedding at Sea!!!

      1. Post
        Author
      2. I just finished two great books! This Is Where It Ends by Cindy K. Sproles and The Best Summer of Our Lives by Rachel Hauck. Completely different but both are oh, so good!

      1. Post
        Author

        Hooray, I’m so happy to hear that. Gabe is a good friend of mine and a brilliant writer. Some of my most treasured “writing life” memories are writing retreats at Gabe’s house with two of our other close friends. ❤️

      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
    3. Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris . . . Great series set in the city of Nashville and surrounding area. She does a great job depicting the locations.

    4. I recently read “The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley” by Courtney Walsh and absolutely loved it! Highly recommend! 🙂

      1. Post
        Author

        Yes, yes, yes! Courtney is one of my closest writing friends, so I’m extra happy to hear you liked Isadora. It arrived in my mailbox last weekend and I can’t wait to dive in as soon as I finish my current book!

      1. Post
        Author
    5. The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry and Wedding at Sea are two of the best books I have read in May and June.

      1. Post
        Author

        Oh my goodness, I don’t know if I can imagine a better compliment because I looooooooved The Secret of Flora Lea. So to even be listed in the same sentence as Patti Callahan Henry is incredible to me. Isn’t she an amazing writer? I first got hooked on her books with Becoming Mrs. Lewis.

    6. I recently read Your Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham and really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb next.

      1. Post
        Author
    7. THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Cindy K. Sproles is fabulous!

      I also enjoyed DANGEROUS DESERT ABDUCTION by Kellie Vanhorn.

      1. Post
        Author

        Both of those authors are total auto-buys for me! I loved both of those books. Katherine Reay’s newest book that just released this month—A Shadow in Moscow—is absolutely riveting!

    8. Congratulations on today! So excited to find my new ebook this morning, can’t wait to start reading!

      I recently read Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer and loved it.

      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author

        So glad you love the covers—I’m admittedly biased, but I’m kind of obsessed with them. My sister hand-lettered the titles on each one, so they’re extra special for that reason!

      1. Post
        Author
    9. I’m currently reading Becky Wade’s “Memory Lane.” I recently completed Roseanna White’s Secrets of the Isles series (Worthy of Legend was the last in the trio).

      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
    10. I just read Toni Shiloh’s Prince series and really enjoyed them. And the Sensible Shoes series by Sharon Garlough Brown gave me lots to think about

      1. Post
        Author

        I loooove hearing that! And it’s often how I feel a day or two after I write The End. For that first day, I’m hyped, but inevitably, not long after finishing the book, I’m already missing being in that world.

      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
    11. I just read Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer and loved it!!! It’s a fairytale retelling of Snow White set in the west during the 1880s. I’ve been a long time fan of your books, Melissa, and have already purchased Wedding at Sea on ebook but would love to have the complete set in paperback. TY for the opportunity!

      1. Post
        Author
    12. I’ve been rereading Laura Frantz’s novels. According to Goodreads, it’s my fifth time for her three earliest books! To me, the best books are the ones you can reread over and over and still love every time.

      I’m greatly looking forward to Wilder and Lillian’s story! (But must reread A Seaside Wonder first, of course.)

      1. Post
        Author

        YES to what you said about rereading. Every time I hear someone say they don’t reread books, I’m aghast. lol! My favorite ones are the ones I can come back to time and again. And I’ve reread almost all of Laura’s books at least once, too!!

        Hope you enjoy your reread of A Seaside Wonder! 🙂

    13. I have enjoyed reading the premises of these books and am excited to give them a try. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

    14. Hi Melissa,
      I got a ARC copy through Netgalley of Wedding at Sea. It is fabulous. Congratulations on the book birthday!

      1. Post
        Author
    15. I’ve enjoyed this series so much and am excited to read Lilian and Wilder’s story. Other books I’ve been enjoying of late: The Happy Life of Isadora Bently by Courtney Walsh was a delightful read. I’ve also been indulging in some re-reads of Karen Witemeyer. At present, I’m enjoying A Tailor-Made Bride.

      1. Post
        Author

        I mentioned to another commenter above that I’m excited to tell Courtney how many people have mentioned her books here. She’s one of my closest writing friends and I love her books!

      1. Post
        Author
    16. I’m so excited to read this last installment. I’m going to miss this lovely little family saga!

      I just finished Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer and it was adorable. I also loved A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter this spring—a great summer read!

      Congratulations on your newest book release! So proud of you!

      1. Post
        Author

        Thank youuuu! I am already missing the Muirs, to be honest. THey’ve become for me what all the Maple Valley and Walker Family characters have become…strangely real and I’m definitely attached! ❤️

    17. It’s been a minute, but I’ve loved everything from Jen Turano and Becky Wade. Haven’t had an opportunity to get my hands on your latest series yet, can’t wait to read!

      1. Post
        Author
    18. The last books i read they were so good!! The three book series by Judy P Marshall Still Crazy, The Cottage, The Inn in Rhode Island .

    19. I read a great book called ‘Dogs on the Trail’ about a couple and their sled dogs. So much more detail than the casual observer would know as it’s truly a way of life for these people!

    20. Two books I read recently and loved are Indigo Isle by T.I. Lowe, and More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer. One contemporary and one historical=)

      1. Post
        Author
    21. You’re a new author to me and I’m looking forward to reading your books. Thank you for the giveaway and the chance to win!

    22. Amazing giveaway! Thanks for the chance! And congrats on the new book! I recently read and loved The Blackstone Legacy by Elizabeth Camden!

    23. Two I read recently that were five star for me are: Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep & This Is Where It Ends by Cindy Sproles. I very much enjoyed these two stories!

      Thank you for the giveaway chance to win your book series Melissa.

      🎉🎉Happy release day for”Wedding At Sea”!!!! 🎉🎉

      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author

        YAY for Susie! Way back when I was first playing with the idea of writing a novel, I attended a retreat hosted by Susan May Warren…and she truly changed my life! She’s taught me so much over the years and has been an incredible mentor and friend. Plus, her books are downright amazing!

      1. Post
        Author

        Dee!! It’s been so long! What I wouldn’t give to have a glorious MBT reunion someday. We should try to make that happen. Didn’t you love Beth’s book? It’s fabulous!

      1. Post
        Author
    24. I’ve been on. Susan May Warren kick lately, but I need more options because I’m pretty much caught up on hers.

      1. Post
        Author

        Yes, yes, yes! I just mentioned to another commenter above that Susie has been an amazing mentor and friend to me. She’s a huge part of why I’m published and I’m so grateful for her…while also being a huge fan of her books!

    25. Cannot wait to read this one! I loved the other two in the series and hope this treasure gets found along with a great love story. 🙂

      1. Post
        Author
    26. Carry On Wayward Son by Tamie Dearen, Miss Etta by Deanna Lynn Sletten, Caroline’s Quilt by Rachel Skatvold, Polly’s Secret Mission by Elain Manders

    27. Lately the books I’ve been loving lately have been nonfiction. My most recent read was Everything Happens for a Reason and other lies I’ve loved.

    28. Windswept Way by Irene Hannon. I was thrilled when Wedding at Sea arrived on my Kindle app this morning. Can’t wait to get started!

      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
    29. I’ve been reading Charles Martin (thanks lol) & a lot of Love Inspired Suspense books. Can’t wait to read book #3!

      1. Post
        Author

        Hahahaha yesssssss! Charles Martin!! I can’t stop reading his books. I spent about 45 minutes in his book When Crickets Cry this morning and my time could’ve been summed up as “When Melissa Cries” because oh my goodness…he writes with such heart and emotion. I have become such a huge fan of his in the past month!

      1. Post
        Author

        Awwww yay! It’s fun to get included in the same category as Courtney. She’s a fantastic friend who I talk to almost daily. 🙂 I’m excited to let her know how many people have mentioned her books here!

    30. I just finished “Home Work” a Julie Andrews biography, her second one. It was a wonderful book about a very lovely woman. I learned lots of interesting things about her life and the movies/plays she was in that I hadn’t known before. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!!

      Thank you so very much for the chance at your incredible giveaway…you are a wonderful writer and a very generous human being!!

      1. Post
        Author
      1. Post
        Author
    31. I’m a huge fan of all books by you, Melissa! I cannot wait to dive into Wedding at Sea! Recent reads I’ve really enjoyed:
      The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese
      Summer of Dreams by Elizabeth Camden
      The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
      The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Diebel
      Kissing for Keeps by Martha Keyes

      1. Post
        Author

        Thank you, Audie! And several of the authors you listed are total faves of mine, too! I still need to read Kissing for Keeps. I’ve read all of Martha’s other books, but haven’t read her contemporary one yet!

    32. The recent read that has stayed in my head because of it’s impact on me is “And the Shofar Blew” by Francine Rivers. I also really enjoyed “Second Chance in Paradise” by Jennifer Peel. Thanks for the chance to win and congrats on another completed series!

    33. In Feast or Famine by Mesu Andrews, The Swindler’s Daughter by Stephenia H McGee and The Rose and The Thistle by Laura Frantz.

      1. Post
        Author
    34. I have been reading The Heirs of Anton series by Susan K. Downs and Susan May Warren. I just started the third book! 😊

      1. Post
        Author
    35. Happy release day! I loved this series and am hopeful there will be more books to follow. I am having trouble entering the giveaway. It keeps telling me aw shucks! we didn’t get your entry?

      1. Post
        Author

        I’m so sorry about that, Debbie. The Rafflecopter form was glitching for about an hour or two yesterday, but thankfully the support team got right on it and it’s back to working. Please feel free to try again!

    36. your rafflecopper doesn’t seem to like my replies. Everytime I click on one it doesn’t register it says. 🙁 Aw, shucks. We didn’t get your entry. Plz try again.

      1. Post
        Author
      2. Post
        Author

        I’m so sorry about that! The Rafflecopter form was glitching for about an hour or two yesterday, but thankfully the support team got right on it and it’s back to working. Please feel free to try again!

    37. I’m currently reading and loving He Should Have Told The Bees by Amanda Cox and loving it. I just finished Michelle Griep book Man of Shadow and Mist and found it intriguing.
      Congratulations!

    38. I’ve been re-reading Kristi Ann Hunter’s books the past couple weeks. After re-reading the first of the Haven Manor series I told my husband that while I would have said they were great books before, I forgot just how great they really were.

    39. I am new to your books, but this is certainly a good way to become acquainted with them!
      Congratulations on your latestet release.
      On another note, I see you are from Webster City, Iowa. I used to live in Humbolt, Iowa….a long time ago. I still have the family farm near Denison, Iowa, but I am firmly ensconced in Southern California!
      Good luck with your new release,
      Cheri Cabot
      SoCal

      1. Post
        Author

        Oh that’s so fun! I went to college up in Northwest Iowa and lived up there for a few years after I graduated, so I drove through Humboldt often on my way back and forth between there and Webster City.

      1. Post
        Author
    40. I have been going through my TBR pile in between reading different authors’ ARC to help on their launch teams.
      Right now I’m reading the debut book of Lindsay Harrel from a few years ago – One More Song To Sing.

      1. Post
        Author
    41. I just finished Cherishing the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund, such a great story (reminded me of Pretty Woman but not for the profession but for the love the man showed the woman.)

    42. I am currently reading and loving a book by Elaine Stock called When We Disappeared. It’s really good and highly recommend it!

    43. Melissa! You did it again! I kinda started crying reading this.
      Also, I can’t wait to read this!!! I might be a bit unproductive for a while…

      1. Post
        Author

        Awww sorry to make you cry but also kind of not sorry if it was a good cry…? 🙂 Love you bunches, Heather, and I hope I get to see you when you’re back in the U.S.! And I am all for a little unproductivity if reading is the cause. Haha!

    44. A book I recently read and loved was a debut This Life of Mine by Emily Nix launching 7/6! A raw, relatable, powerful, heartbreaking, beautiful story.

    45. Just finished a book by Mark Greany-his thrillers are the best.
      Now reading PIECES OF BLUE by Holly Sloan-is interesting so far.

    46. I’ve read so many awesome books in 2023, but my favorites (so far) have been “To Believe in You” by Emily Conrad and “Better Together” by Mandi Blake!

    47. Well, I’m almost finished with Wedding at Sea, and I’m loving it! I just finished Appointment in Bath by Mimi Matthews. It’s fantastic! Next up is Fleur de Lis by Sarah M. Eden. I’m excited to read it, too!

      1. Post
        Author

        Awww I’m so glad you’re loving it! Thank you so much for reading it, Winnie! I loved Mimi’s latest, too. And I’ve got a paperback of Fleur de Lis, just haven’t had a chance to dive in yet. But I’ve loved so many of Sarah M. Eden’s books, so I know I’m in for a treat.

    48. I just finished reading These Silent Woods by Kimi Grant. I loved it. I also really liked Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave.

      1. Post
        Author
    49. I just read a couple of books by Jo Grafford, Cowboy Angel in Disguise for Christmas and Her Billionaire Champion.

    50. I just finished Unquiet Soul A Biography of Charlotte Bronte by Margot Peters. I am now reading the first in a three part series Belle Meade b Tamera Alexandra.
      Marilyn

    51. I’m just re-reading Do Butlers Burgle Banks by P.G. Wodehouse and loving it all over again– and snort-laughing at all of Wodehouse’s gorgeously witty statements.

      1. Post
        Author
    52. I’m a voracious reader so every book(s) I read are my favorites.
      Unfortunately, I don’t do Instagram or Twitter but I did throw
      my hat into the ring.
      Keeping my eyes, toes, and fingers crossed.

      1. Post
        Author
    53. Wedding At Sea sounds amazing, looking forward to reading.
      Right now, I’m knee deep into Dangerous Surrender by Katie Reus.

    54. I have read some wonderful books this year! Surprisingly a lot that I’d rate five stars! Some of the most recent titles are, Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls; Long Way Gone by Charles Martin; All the Pretty Places by Joy Callaway; The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin. There have been many other good books, including the first book in your current series. I hope to read your other two books soon.

    55. Thanks for the opportunity! I just finished “This is How it Ends” by Cindy Sproles. Wow! What a roller coaster of a book! My heart was really touched!

    56. I have finished reading “A Thing Done” by Tinney Sue Heath: I thought it was a bit sugar coated, because the description of the food the lower classes ate sounded more like what the upper classes ate. Otherwise, a good story.

    57. The covers are gorgeous!😍 I recently reread The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano and loved it just as much the second time!❤️

    58. My favorite books lately have been The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh & Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham! They cracked me up and made me cry! Wedding at Sea is ready for me on my Kindle!

    59. Thank you for the fun giveaway! Our first adult grandson just got married! They had a lovely garden wedding..
      Congratulations on your new bk. Married at Sea…

    60. Your covers are beautiful, Melissa! I have been reading your first Muir Harbor book. I’m waaaay behind on my reading! But, I’m enjoying it and looking forward to getting into the next two books. 🙂 Right now, I’m reading Beth Vogt’s Dedicated to the One I Love. Another great read. 🙂

    61. I’m reading Smells Like Tween Spirit by Laurie Gelman. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I enjoy reading her books!

    62. I am currently reading Dedicated to the One I Love by Beth K. Vogt. I love christian contemporary romances.

    63. Hi Melissa! Congratulations on your new release! I’ve added this entire series to my TBR. Can’t wait!

      My favorite most recent read was Indigo Isle by T.I. Lowe. It was fantastic!

      Thank you!

    64. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity, Melissa!
      I recently read and loved “Hope Between the Pages” by Pepper Basham. 💛

    65. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity, Melissa!
      I recently read and loved “Hope Between the Pages” by Pepper Basham. 💛

    66. Congratulations!
      Before Us by Jewel E. Ann
      The Prodigal by Kristy Marie
      The Carmichael Family Series by Adriana Locke
      Have been some of my favorites
      Thanks for the chance!

    67. I’ve been reading time travel in a few different genres, time travel is one if my favorite subjects to read in.

    68. Well, as an avid readers and reviewer, I am surprised to find that I have not read any of Melissa’s books! Where have I been. I certainly plan to do so though.

    69. I recently read The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher, A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter, and am currently reading and loving Wedding at Sea.

    70. Hi Melissa,
      Congratulations on your new book! The books that I recently finished were these:
      The Swoon List by Ellie Hall
      Just His Partner by Donna Jeffries
      Dog Friendly by Victoria Schade
      Thank you for this chance of winning your giveaway.
      Happy Writing!
      Louise Bateman

    71. These book covers are so gorgeous! 😍 A book I recently finished and loved was debut Love Unseen by Rachel Kelly Stones. It was just beautiful!

    72. I recently read The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham and thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading this newest book from you, Melissa! I’ve been a reader of yours for many years and always love your stories!

    73. I loved the Muir Harbor series and finished Wedding at Sea last week. I just finished Love Unseen by Rachel Kelley Stones yesterday (had trouble putting it down) and am now reading Two to Tango by Kathleen Fuller.

    74. Right now there are a lot of good books out there I know as I tore a muscle in my upper thigh and have been reading a lot . There is a new one out there by Ann H Gabhart hers are clean and so good it’s called In The Shadow of the River then we have Jennifer Faye and also Wanda Brunstetter who writes Amish she will have one out in Aug so there is a lot of print books that are so good. Have a good summer!

    75. I recently read Memory Lane by Becky Wade and absolutely loved it!

      Love your Maple Valley series & can’t wait to start this one!

      Happy Summer 🙂

    76. The last book I read was The Promise of Easter by Marta Perry.
      This book looks interesting and has a pretty cover. You are a fairly new author to me so I am anxious to read this book.

    77. Hoping to find some downtime this summer to read this series! I have always enjoyed your writing style. I usually end up laughing out loud when I read your email newsletters! They are great!

    78. I just recently finished The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley, and it was so good! I laughed and cried, and that’s my standard for quality fiction!

    79. I recently read “The Hidden Prince” by Tessa Afshar and so enjoyed it!
      Thank you for the giveaway! I can’t wait to read “Wedding by the Sea” (whether I win or not)!

    80. I’ve read, G. Bailey’s Demons Fall series & her Guardians series. & Meg Xuemei’s Half Blood Academy series. Ty for the awesome giveaway!

    81. Just finished Wedding at Sea, satisfying conclusion! As an adoptive mom, I appreciate that storyline thread. Hope it’s Mari’s story that you’re writing in the near future!

    82. The book I read most recently and loved was ‘Dying of Politeness’. It’s the autobiography of actress and activist, Geena Davis. She has led an amazing life.

    83. Just finished Wedding at Sea and it blew me away. You wrapped up the mystery wonderfully and the romance was amazing. I’m so glad I purchased all three in this series so I can start all over and read them again. They were that good!

    84. Recent reads were Becky Wade Memory Lane. Fraser, Jonas and Ned’s stories as part of the Marshall Family Saga by Susan May Warren. Currently immersed in Wedding by the Sea and next goal is Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 🙂

    85. I have really been loving the books about women in STEM from Ali Hazelwood. Her latest just came out a few weeks ago and I read it all in one day. 😉 They’re contemporary fiction, a few steamy scenes.

    86. I just read Betsy St Amant’s newest, Tacos for Two. It was super cute and the perfect summer read! 😊

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *