Step into the cozy world of Candle Beach, where small-town charm and heartwarming romance sweep you off your feet! Nestled in a fictional Washington State coastal town, the Candle Beach series by Nicole Ellis is a delightful collection of interconnected contemporary romance novels that began enchanting readers in 2017. With love blooming around every corner and familiar faces popping up like old friends, this series is your ticket to a feel-good escape.
Picture this: salty sea breezes, quaint bookstores, and characters finding their happily-ever-afters. Whether you’re a romance newbie or a seasoned reader, Candle Beach offers a light, engaging vibe that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into how this charming series came to be, what makes it tick, and why it’s won over so many hearts!
How Candle Beach Began
Nicole Ellis, a Washington State native with a knack for storytelling, traded tax accounting for romance writing—and we’re so glad she did! Inspired by her love for small coastal towns, she dreamed up Candle Beach as a fictional haven where love and community thrive. The series kicked off with Sweet Beginnings in 2017, introducing readers to a world where personal growth and swoon-worthy moments go hand in hand.
Ellis’s own life—complete with a tech-savvy husband, two lively boys, and a mischievous house rabbit—adds a sprinkle of real-world charm to her tales. Her passion for animals and cozy settings shines through, making Candle Beach a place readers long to visit, even if it’s just in their imagination.
The Heart of Candle Beach
At its core, the Candle Beach series is about love, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Take Sweet Beginnings, where Dahlia inherits a bookstore and a house, only to discover the town’s magic—and a hunky neighbor—might change her plans. Then there’s Sweet Success, following Gretchen and Parker as they compete for a dream job while sparks fly. Sweet Promises brings Maggie and Jake together over a shared promise, and Sweet Surprises sees Maura and Aidan clash over a historic hotel with romantic results.
Each book stands alone but weaves a rich tapestry with recurring characters, creating a tight-knit community feel. Themes of resilience, second chances, and the power of connection run deep, all wrapped in Ellis’s ‘clean and sweet’ style—no cliffhangers, just pure, satisfying romance. The Washington coast setting, with its misty beaches and quaint charm, isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character that pulls you in and begs you to stay.
Why Candle Beach Resonates
The Candle Beach series has carved out a special nook in the contemporary romance world, offering readers a warm escape from life’s chaos. Fans rave about its relatable characters and the way Ellis captures small-town life with authenticity and heart. It’s not just about the love stories—it’s about the friendships, the growth, and that cozy feeling of belonging that keeps readers coming back for more.
Since its debut, the series has grown to eight books, with each installment adding to its legacy of feel-good storytelling. For those craving a break from the everyday grind, Candle Beach delivers a dose of hope and happiness that’s as refreshing as a seaside stroll. It’s proof that even a lesser-known series can leave a big mark when it’s crafted with love.
- About Candle Beach:
- First book published: November 2017
- Total books: 8
- Setting: Fictional Washington State coast
- Genre: Contemporary sweet romance
Ready for a romantic getaway? Grab Sweet Beginnings and dive into Candle Beach’s world of love, laughter, and seaside serenity today!