Step into the charming world of Home To Harbor Town, where small-town romance meets sizzling passion and heartfelt healing! Penned by Beth Kery, this captivating five-book series, published between 2011 and 2012, whisks readers to a fictional lakeside town on Michigan’s southwest coast. With its blend of steamy love stories, complex characters, and themes of forgiveness, Home To Harbor Town continues to enchant romance fans seeking emotional depth and cozy settings.
Whether you’re a longtime Harlequin reader or new to Kery’s work, this series offers a perfect escape into stories of second chances and family ties. Ready to fall in love with Harbor Town? Let’s dive into its origins, stories, and lasting allure!
How Home To Harbor Town Began
Beth Kery, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, crafted the Home To Harbor Town series for Harlequin’s Special Edition line, known for heartfelt contemporary romances. Kery, with her background in behavioral sciences, drew inspiration from her fascination with human emotions and relationships. The series emerged as a way to explore love’s resilience against tragedy, set in a picturesque town inspired by Michigan’s Lake Michigan shoreline. Kery’s knack for blending emotional intensity with sensual romance shaped Harbor Town into a beloved backdrop for stories of redemption and connection.
The Heart of Home To Harbor Town
The series kicks off with The Hometown Hero Returns, where Marianna Itani and Marc Kavanaugh reunite after a tragedy tore them apart as teens. Their reignited passion, complicated by family disapproval, sets the tone for the series’ emotional stakes. Liam’s Perfect Woman follows Liam Kavanaugh, a former Chicago cop, as he navigates a romance with Natalie Reyes, a survivor of a devastating accident caused by Liam’s father. In One in a Billion, Deidre Kavanaugh, the “secret baby” whose existence sparked the series’ central tragedy, finds love amidst revelations. Finally, The Soldier’s Baby Bargain explores air force pilot Ryan Itani’s unexpected journey to fatherhood with Faith, his best friend’s widow.
Harbor Town, a fictional town near Holland, Michigan, serves as more than a backdrop—it’s a character itself, with its sandy beaches and close-knit community. Themes of forgiveness, survivor’s guilt, and the healing power of love weave through each book, grounded by Kery’s vivid characters and steamy yet tasteful romance. While less erotic than Kery’s other works, the series delivers emotional depth, making it a standout in Harlequin’s catalog.
Kery’s writing shines in her ability to balance passion with poignant family dynamics. Each novel builds on the interconnected Kavanaugh, Itani, and Reyes families, creating a rich tapestry of shared history and redemption. Fans praise the series for its relatable conflicts and heartwarming resolutions, perfect for cozy reading by the fire.
Why Home To Harbor Town Resonates
Home To Harbor Town has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its emotional authenticity and small-town charm. Readers on Goodreads and romance blogs like The Romance Dish laud Kery’s ability to craft stories that feel both timeless and fresh, appealing to Harlequin veterans and new readers alike. The series’ focus on healing from tragedy resonates deeply, offering hope and closure in a world often marked by loss. Its lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—love’s ability to mend broken bonds and the courage to face the past.
Though not as widely known as Kery’s erotic romances, Home To Harbor Town remains a fan favorite for its softer, sweeter tone, proving that even in a niche genre, powerful storytelling endures. Its influence lingers in the romance community, inspiring readers to seek out stories of second chances.
- Publication Years: 2011–2012
- Number of Books: 5
- Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition
- Setting: Fictional Harbor Town, Michigan
Grab The Hometown Hero Returns and dive into Home To Harbor Town’s world of romance, redemption, and small-town magic! Whether by the beach or curled up at home, let Beth Kery’s stories sweep you away.