Wishes on the Waves: A Gull Island Romance
A sweet, heartfelt coastal romance about risking love again.
by Catherine Michaels
You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 5 May 2026 | Archive Date 3 May 2026
ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Cool Breeze Books
Talking about this book? Use #WishesontheWaves #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
She’s convinced love belongs in her memories.
He’s certain his second chance already came and went.
But Gull Island has other plans.
Widowed business owner Annie Lawson lives a full life running her shop, raising her young son, and keeping her heart carefully guarded. Letting someone in again isn’t on her to-do list. But when the cottage next door fills with a bestselling author and single dad carrying more regret than momentum, the rhythms of her predictable life begin to shift.
Cal Carter comes to Gull Island to escape a painful divorce, rediscover his writing voice, and rebuild trust with his teenage daughter. What he doesn’t expect is a neighbor whose warmth slips past his defenses and makes him question the future he thought was settled.
Between sea turtle nests, summer storms, and twilight talks, Annie and Cal drift closer than either intended until a long-buried truth from Cal’s past asks them to risk what they’ve worked hard to protect.
Book 2 in the kisses-only Gull Island Romance series. Each book can be enjoyed on its own.
A Note From the Publisher
This is a warm, character-driven coastal romance about two single parents discovering there’s still room in their lives, and their hearts, for something new.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
• slow-burn romance
• kisses-only chemistry
• love after loss
• emotionally grounded, small-town stories
• a balance of wit, heart, and romance
Set on the North Carolina coast, this story blends gentle humor, family dynamics, and the courage to risk love again. Annie’s story gave me the chance to explore what it means to move forward without leaving love behind.
Early trade reviews have called it:
“a gentle romance with surprising emotional depth” — Readers’ Favorite
“a satisfying love story in a promising series” — Kirkus Reviews
This is Book Two in the Gull Island Romance series can be enjoyed as a standalone.
For reviewers:
I’m so grateful for your time and consideration. Reviews posted to NetGalley, Goodreads, and retail sites during the release window help new readers discover this story.
Availability:
Requests open through May 3
Release date: May 5
Advance Praise
“...sharp and witty. A satisfying love story in a promising series.” — Kirkus Reviews
“...two love-scarred single parents discover they still have the capacity for connection.” — Foreword Reviews
“Michaels’ refusal to pretend that new love erases old grief… makes this novel truly unforgettable.” — Feathered Quill Review
“A well-written, chemistry-filled ‘second chance’ romance with a wonderful cast of characters. Highly recommended!” — The Wishing Shelf
“Gull Island isn’t just a setting—it breathes.” — Midwest Book Review
“A gentle summer romance with surprising emotional depth.” — Readers’ Favorite
“A feel-good, escapist romance you’ll want on your radar....” — A Quintillion Words
“These are people with real problems, so when they get together, you want to root for them.” — Susan P., Goodreads
“Characters feel real, their connection is both tender and believable, and their chemistry shines on every page.” — Becka H., Goodreads
Marketing Plan
Wishes on the Waves is supported by an active pre-release and launch campaign designed to build on early reader engagement and review visibility.
Pre-release (March–May):
- Advance Reader Copies shared through NetGalley and also available to the author’s newsletter followers via BookFunnel
- Early trade reviews featured (Kirkus Reviews, Foreword Reviews, Readers’ Favorite, Midwest Book Review)
- Goodreads Giveaway April 7–May 4
Launch Support:
- Coordinated release-day newsletter and social media campaign
- Book trailer and visual content featured on author website, newsletter, Instagram and Facebook
- Direct engagement with reader and book community groups
- Ten-day virtual blog tour
Ongoing Visibility:
- Continued outreach to book clubs, independent booksellers, and sweet romance readers readers
- Social media features and reader engagement posts
- Cross-promotion within the Gull Island Romance series
- Speaking engagements with local organizations and libraries
I actively engage with readers and reviewers and deeply value early reviews that help introduce this story to new audiences. Early reviews during the release window are especially appreciated.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9332114585768 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 358 |
Available on NetGalley
Views expressed in promotions/advertisements do not necessarily reflect those of NetGalley or its affiliates.
© 2026 NetGalley LLC
• All Rights Reserved
Views expressed in promotions/advertisements do not necessarily reflect those of NetGalley or its affiliates.