Normandie Fischer has created a series of novels richly populated with fascinating characters in and around Beaufort, NC. The novels can each stand alone, but they all contain familiar characters mixing with new. The books remind me of Jan Karon’s Mitford series because of the strong sense of place, the interaction and growth of characters throughout the books, as well as the small town feel and great heart in every story.

Now, I’m not the biggest fan of book series in general. But I’ll tell you why I like this one. Every character is well drawn. Every plot is very different and unforced. The atmospheric setting remains a constant, but each novel is peopled with new characters who interact with familiar characters in complex, emotionally exciting stories full of twists and turns. I have read them all, and I’m looking forward to the next one, which is rumored to be on the way.

I hope you’ll give these books a try. You can begin anywhere, but I would suggest either Becalmed or Heavy Weather as a jumping off point. The others include Twilight Christmas and Sailing Out of Darkness. No matter which you read first, I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with these wonderful people. In between reading the Carolina Coast novels, I miss them.

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