A gorgeous second visit to Mermaids Point.
The stories centres around widower Tom and his two kids.
We meet old and new characters, laced with love, pain, loss, hope, new beginnings, gentle nudges to believe.

Taking chances, long beach walks with the loveable dog and kids Max and Emily.

Sometimes you have to go with what feels right and lay your fears aside.

On another note: I am a leftie too, I hold my cutlery like a right handed person does.

Made me want to sing that song Crush by Jennifer Paige.

This ended just as it started getting good! It felt like it was just lots of set up and very little pay off. Disappointing.

This is the second book in the series, but Sarah Bennett assured me on Facebook that I could definitely read it as a stand-alone story.

The story is mainly told with a focus on Nerissa, but other than that it reminded me of Everwood which I used to love! City doctor moves to small town with his kids after losing his wife. Only this book is set in the UK and has such a lovely community mainly thanks to Nerissa’s extended family.

I can’t believe it has taken me so long before I finally read a Sarah Bennett book. I loved it! I smiled, I laughed and I honestly also cried. Not just welling up, but literally tears rolling down my cheeks. I was completely caught up in the story and the drama at that point and that can only happen with a truly gifted writer!

What to expect:

✅ lovely setting in a small beach town where everyone knows everyone

✅ gorgeously written characters that you get completely caught up in

✅ dealing with the loss of a loved one and grief

✅ new beginnings & second chances

✅ a wonderful Golden Retriever

✅ family issues and drama

✅ romance

✅ a book to snuggle up with with a warm cup and blanket and forget everything else!

'Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point': 4⭐

(Unpaid Review: thank you to @netgalley, @sarahbennettauthor and the publishers for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review.)

Second chance romances are some of my favorite reads! This book was a perfectly balance between sweet and endearing. Not too smoochy but not too salty either. Just perfect! A beautiful place to lose yourself into!

This was a really good read. Easy story to follow, charming setting and great characters. Really enjoyed it.

Nerissa has lived in Mermaids Point her whole life and as a young woman her dreams were shattered when her fiancé died. She works as a housekeeper for the local GP and is quite settled with her life, her family all live close by and she is popular and well liked by the community. When Doc says that he is going to retire she feels like everything has been pulled from beneath her, her home, Toby the dog she loves and she is bereft again.

Tom is a busy GP in London and is still mourning the loss of his wife and trying to manage looking after his two children Emily and Max . When they get into some bother at school and Tom decides they need a break and that he needs to look at his life as their father and how he supports them.


Tom tells Emily and Max that he is considering taking over the GP surgery and they ask Nerissa if she will stay but then something happens that escalates these changes and Nerissa has to have some heart to hearts with the Doc to find out where her future lies and she is not happy when she thinks she may have been set up.

Both Nerissa and Tom have suffered loss before so will they be able to overcome their fears and find happiness again. I loved Nerissa and I really wanted her to find happiness after such a long time, it was a joy to return to Mermaids Point and revisit some of the characters I had met before.

Warm, cosy and wonderful Sarah’s books are just perfect to hunker down with on a rainy autumn day.


5 Stars *****

I have never read any of Sarah Bennett’s books before but this will have to be rectified- I loved it !
Nerrisa and Toms story, a lovely contemporary romance but so much more .
The book had a fantastic location, brilliantly described, well rounded characters which came alive to the reader. and a plot which sucked the reader in and put real life on hold . The storyline involved two broken people who find each other, though neither is looking for a new relationship. Add in a fantastic cast of supporting characters and a strong community spirit and you have an amazing story
I really enjoyed Sarah’s writing style and didn’t want the book to end
One to remember!
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Sarah for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

I loved the first book in this series, Summer Kisses at Mermaid Point, so I was really excited to read the second book in the series, Autumn Dreams at Mermaid Point, particularly because I was dying to read Nerissa’s story. Having said it is the second in a series, you could definitely read this as a standalone so don’t let that put you off, but I can assure you that you will want to read the other book if you do read this first.

This was such a beautiful story of love after loss/second chance at love, with both Nerissa and Tom having lost the loves of their lives, but finding a mutual spark of attraction that they both tried to ignore, particularly given that Tom moves to Mermaid Point to take over the GP practice, and Nerissa is the housekeeper and secretary for the practice, so she effectively comes with the job and is Tom’s employee. Mermaid Point is such an idyllic location, although stormier as the darker months approach. It was lovely to see some old friends amongst the characters at Mermaid Point, and it didn’t take Tom and his children long to find their feet in such a close and welcoming community.

There were some really funny moments in this book, as well as plenty of emotion, romance and a little smidgen of drama.

This is the perfect book to read snuggled under a blanket with a hot drink.

I can’t wait to return to Mermaid Point again sometime soon!

This is a lovely contemporary romance story with brilliant characters and a really sweet feel to it. Very much something you could read as a comforting blanket of a story.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

Perfect fall read. I enjoyed the different Dynamics between the characters and of course the setting was phenomenal.

Feel good, happy and enjoyable story. I did think at first if here’s another one like this. But soon changed my mind and hasn’t put it down after they. Thanks for letting me read

Set in a delightful village on the English shore, Autumn Dreams is a beautiful contemporary romance.

Is it ever too late for a second chance at love? Both the main characters are dealing with the loss of their first love. They certainly weren’t looking for a new relationship, but attraction can not be denied.

The story addresses loneliness, grief, and the effects of loss and sorrow on children and spouses.

There is a lovely bit of backstory woven throughout the book, making me instantly reach for the first book in the series. While I do wish I had read the earlier story, it’s not because this book doesn’t work as a standalone. The story, the setting, and the characters are so captivating, I need to read more about all of them.

Nerissa’s story is captivating. The heartbreaking loss of her fiancé followed by years of grief have the poor girl aged before her time. Tom, Emily, and Max are dealing with their own tragedy. When fate brings all these broken people together in Mermaids Point, healing magic is bound to happen.

There is also a scene-stealing pooch in this book. I laughed so many times at the humor brought to the “tale” by Toby.

I cannot wait to read more from this author!

You can find more of my review on my website, ginaraemitchell.com.

This is the second book in the Mermaids Point series but I will say, having not read the first myself, it is completely stand alone. In this one we meet Nerissa Morgan who has lived her entire life in Mermaids Point. Now, at 43 she still works at the local doctor’s office. Having lost her only love when they were both young she never found anyone who came close to what she felt for Garreth.

Then there is Tom, who comes to Mermaids Point as the new doctor. Him and his children also know what it is to lose the love of your life having lost his wife three years earlier. That puts Tom and Nerissa right in the path of one another.

This was one of the sweetest romances I have read. neither Tom or Nerissa is looking for love. They both had their once in a lifetime and lost it. Yes, they are lonely but they are so wrapped in their personal grief and memories they struggle with the attraction between them.

Sarah Bennett does an amazing job of describing the town as well as the people. It made me want to move there. Everyone is friendly and while the book is sweet, it is not so sweet to make you want to gag. The sweetness and easy going manner makes this book flow. I think it would have been a different book without that.

What a lovely feel good story with lovely characters & nice little plot. Hadn’t realised it was part of a series, but this didn’t matter at all, in fact look forward to reading more of the series

This is a super cosy feel good book I loved. The writing style brilliant done superb characters with great atmosphere loved them. I loved the plot and drama of the story you love this one

What a treat – I am truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to review the next book in the Mermaid’s Point book, by Sarah Bennett. Not only do I get to read what will be a fantastic book, but I get the chance to catch up with some old literary friends – which is what many of Sarah Bennet’s amazing characters have become to me. I love Sarah Bennett’s fun, intelligent writing and I can only hope that she has many more characters and plot lines in the offing.

Nerissa is a wonderfully kind character, still haunted by the tragic death of her fiancee 20 years ago, but I can’t help thinking that she needs to move on. I can’t believe that her fiancee would want her to be mourning him like she does, over 20 years later. I hated the way that Gareth’s Mother Margot treated Nerissa and I am sure that Gareth would have wanted the two women to support each other. It seems that Nerissa has tried to be supportive, but as for Margot – I can only assume that being consumed by grief, makes her behave the way she does towards Nerissa. I found this very sad, as they were both clearly grief-stricken, and should have been providing support to each other. I did however want to give Margot the benefit of the doubt, due to the grief.

Laurie is joy personified and if I was feeling sad, and I was in Mermaid’s Point, I think her cafe would be the first place I would go for a bit of solace in the form of a chat, a coffee and a piece of cake. I found myself captivated by Nerissa as a character and desperate for her to be happy. I must stress that this doesn’t necessarily point towards finding new love. Happiness for Nerissa is more about coming to terms with the past and learning to love herself. I strongly feel that she can’t move on and find new love until she has come to terms with the past and has learned to love herself again. I just felt glad that she had strong family support behind her, whatever she did. You can never have too much family love and support in my opinion.

An indication of the sort of kind, selfless person Nerissa is, is the way that she provides support to Jake’s Mum Linda. What a wonderful person, to set aside her own issues, to try and help another, whom she sees as less fortunate than herself. All this, whilst having worries about her own future – namely her job and her accommodation (which came with the job).

Tom seems to be struggling with his own grief, as well as trying to care for his two teenage children. He is a totally likeable character, even he does seem out if his depth at times. Oh how I wanted Tom and Nerissa to get together – they seemed made for each other, although I must admit, Nerissa came across as being younger in this book, than she did in the last. I also found myself drawn to how well Tom’s children seemed to get on with her. It felt as though they had a female role missing in their lives – that Nerissa fitted into perfectly.

I enjoyed the organic growth of the relationship between Tom and Nerissa. indeed, who would have imagined that the undoing of a wetsuit could make two people so hot under the collar! I so wanted the pair to get it together, but didn’t want a tragedy to make them closer.

If you were left in any doubt, I can confirm that I loved this book; Sarah Bennett did not let me down, with just the right mix of love, romance and family. A veritable feel-good book of the highest echelons that just made me feel happy. My only issue was that it was over too soon; I wanted to stay in Mermaid’s Point forever! I can only hope that there is another visit in the pipeline? Might I suggest a Christmas story about Alex and Ivy?

The Mermaid’s Point Series by Sarah Bennett has been a long standing favourite of mine and one that I eagerly anticipate future additions to this delightful collection of books, and this latest instalment certainly does not disappoint.

This story focuses on Nerissa and Tom, two individuals who make an appearance in one another’s lives when they needed it the most. Nerissa has never really got over the heartbreak she faced all those years ago and this is ultimately something that makes her keep her heart locked up with no desire to let anyone in again as that way she can’t get hurt.

However, her plan is derailed when the village’s new GP Tom arrives along with his children, and with him now taking over the practice that Nerissa runs they find themselves being thrown into one another’s orbits time and time again.

Tom has certainly not had things easy himself, all of which has prompted his move to the small seaside village. All he really wants to do is reconnect with his children, and he hopes more than anything that this picturesque setting is just the place they need tk begin living again. When the woman who is running the surgery he now works in getting under his skin in every way imaginable, it is clear that he going to have a lot to think about over the coming weeks.

As always, Sarah Bennett has created a story that is overflowing with Drama and romance. The plot is perfection with the story flowing effortlessly from beginning to end. Accompanied by a cast of much loved, wonderfully vibrant characters this is one of those feel good reads that has your heart bursting with joy.

🍂 BLOG TOUR REVIEW 🍂 Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett

If you’re looking for a feel good, uplifting read... this is a perfect book.

I loved Summer Kisses at Mermaids Point so when I saw this book, I jumped at the chance to read it! Getting to catch up with familiar faces from Summer Kisses was wonderful.

Autumn Dreams was a wonderful follow up, I was sucked in from the first page and the book was so easy to read I read it in one sitting. Can’t wait to see what comes next from this series!

4.5 Stars

Witty, warm-hearted and absolutely enchanting, it’s a joy to return to Mermaids Point for the latest installment in Sarah Bennett’s fabulous series set in this idyllic seaside community.

Nerissa Morgan had once thought she had her future mapped out. She was going to find her soulmate and spend the rest of her life with somebody who made all of her romantic dreams come true – until reality intervened and pulled the rug out from under her feet. With all her hopes and dreams for the future cruelly dashed, Nerissa had hardened her heart and now at forty-three feels as if life has passed her by. While everybody else seems to have moved on and achieved all of their objectives, Nerissa feels as if she is simply going through the motions. Nerissa hasn’t had much luck in the romance department, but at least she has her job managing the local doctor’s surgery. However, she shouldn’t get too comfortable because when her boss drops a bombshell, it looks like change could be coming to Mermaids Point – and Nerissa isn’t sure she can take any more stress and upheaval!

After the death of his wife, his work as a GP in a busy London practice had been Tom Nelson’s salvation. Burying himself in work kept him from thinking about his broken heart and overwhelming grief, but in the process Tom had ended up losing himself. With his teenage kids getting into trouble at school, Tom realises that the family needs a fresh start and a new beginning. A move to Mermaids Point seems like the perfect solution for Tom and his family. But little does he realise that in this charming new town, he might just find the happiness he never thought he would ever experience again…

Tom’s move to the coast might be fraught with its fair share of challenges, but when he unexpectedly finds himself under the same roof as Nerissa, will he find the courage to put his heart on the line for the second time? Or will he find himself reluctant to take a chance on happiness again?

Sarah Bennett’s Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point is an emotional, witty and dramatic romantic tale I didn’t want to put down. A brilliantly written charmer about new beginnings, finding somewhere to belong and taking a chance on love, Sarah Bennett’s Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point is an immensely enjoyable page-turner guaranteed to steal every reader’s heart.

This was such a cute novel! I didn't realize that it was already the second one in a series, but I didn't feel like I missed out by not reading the first one. It's cozy, idylic, and fast paced. I love Sarah Bennett's writing! And the way Mermaids Point is being described, I want to visit it so badly! It sounds like the perfect little town for a fun getaway.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author, for providing me with an eARC in return for an honest review.