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Claudia Vance

Margaret Wilder’s life is about to be turned upside down …

…when her husband of fifteen years abruptly leaves without explanation.

Now as their young daughters struggle to understand why their dad has been gone for a month without so much as a phone call, Margaret begins to uncover her husband’s secrets while unraveling her own long-buried feelings about their marriage.

On top of all the personal turmoil, Margaret’s job at the wildlife refuge has cut back her hours, and a storm approaches that could ruin all of the hard work she’s put into one of her greatest joys, her annual vegetable and flower garden.

As she forms an unlikely friendship with her handsome coworker, Dave, things take a turn when she is offered a great opportunity to build the garden of her dreams on a piece of land by the beach. 

In the first book of the Cape May Series, follow the twists and turns of Margaret’s journey as she picks up the pieces of her life with the help of family and friends, set in the beautiful Victorian beach town of Cape May, New Jersey.

Theresa Bakken

Cape May

The Cape May Garden (Cape May Book 1)

Margaret and Liz are sisters who are about to get in over their heads …

They've been gifted The Seahorse Inn, a beautiful bed-and-breakfast by the beach in Cape May. Though it hasn’t been open to guests in years, the pair endeavor to reopen in time for the holidays. Problem is, they discover the charming old place is really a money pit full of more issues than they can handle on their own.

On top of dealing with renovations, Margaret is surprised by an unexpected visit from her ex-mother-in-law. Having never gotten along, Elaine has a lot of nerve to request Margaret step in and do something about her ex-husband giving his mother the slip. 

Not only that, but the neighbors who own the Morning Dew Cottage next door are nothing but nasty and rude, which is a mystery to the sisters. As Margaret and Liz get to know their other neighbors, they uncover hidden secrets within the Seahorse’s walls.

Dave and Margaret are still going strong, but will his brash mother and big family feud over the holidays prove to be the straw that breaks Margaret’s back? 

In Book 2 of the Cape May Series, follow Margaret and Liz’s journey of reopening The Seahorse Inn while the magic of the holidays—and the B&B itself—bring together family and friends for a special Christmas to remember.

This is Book 2 in the Cape May series. It is recommended to start at Book 1, The Cape May Garden.

Christmas in Cape May (Cape May Book 2)

There are stars in Cape May … and not just in the sky.

A big-budget movie is filming in Cape May, and one of the stars, Katherine Duffield, has rented out The Seahorse Inn for two months. Excitement overtakes Margaret and Liz until they receive the celebrity’s ridiculous list demands.

Dave is thrilled at the chance to use his construction skills on the film set, but tension unexpectedly arises between him and Margaret.

Irene, Dave’s sister, is back in town working on the film as a production assistant and starts to rethink her career change.

Judy and Bob abruptly decide to travel abroad, but regret bringing their friends along.

Sarah converts an old vacant bank into a coffeehouse while Mark’s long work trips cause her to question their relationship.

Greg takes a leap toward his dream of opening a restaurant with the support of Liz, but is it the best choice for their family?

In Book 3 of the Cape May Series, follow the excitement of new beginnings for the Cape May locals while a movie production sets the New Jersey Victorian beach town abuzz.

This is Book 3 in the Cape May Series. It is recommended to start with Book 1,The Cape May Garden.

Cape May Stars (Cape May Book 3)

Set your beach chair up and sink your toes into the sand—it’s finally summer in Cape May. 

Sarah’s loving the boat life and spending time with Chris, but will an unexpected call from her ex change everything? 

Margaret is busy in the garden again and frustrated to find that the honor system for the The Cape May Garden farm stand isn’t working out according to plan. 

Dave is renovating his new beach house in North Cape May but still can’t decide what his plans are for the property. 

Donna, an old high school friend, is back in town after her marriage ends, and as she tries to figure out a new life, she’s surprised by an unexpected spark with someone new. 

Greg is on the brink of opening his restaurant but doesn’t expect the turmoil his new chef presents. 

Judy and Bob enjoy beach time together at their new favorite spot and discover a certain local isn’t too happy about them being there. 

In Book 4 of the Cape May Series, follow along as Liz and Margaret stick to their pact of visiting the beach each day of summer while lessons in love and life abound around them. 

This is Book 4 in the Cape May series. It is recommended to start at Book 1, The Cape May Garden.

Cape May Beach Days (Cape May Book 4)

It’s that time of year—warm summer nights, boisterous boardwalks, funnel cake and pizza smells. The serenity of quiet evening beach walks; the comfort of a family’s annual get-together; the prospect of new adventures to be experienced.

As Dave settles into his new beach house, Margaret is happy to assist, though she also notices a lot of his decisions lately don’t involve her. She can’t help but wonder if the long-term plans for his future include her and her daughters.

Judy and Bob are excited for family to arrive for their annual Fourth of July vacation, but the couple’s new zest for camping (and unplanned adventures) draw both eye rolls and laughs.

Chris and Sarah are all moved in together at Chris’s house, but Sarah soon finds out they are complete opposites as far as housekeeping expectations are concerned.

Donna meets a new friend who introduces her to the opportunities knocking all around her, while Dale starts a new fun business venture on the Wildwood Boardwalk.

Liz seizes an interior design gig at a new hotel in town, but when she’s forced to work with the owner’s know-it-all niece, she’s in for a battle of wits.

Greg is excited to show off his restaurant when he hosts friends and family for Heirloom’s soft opening but quickly learns that hiring an inexperienced waitstaff could be problematic.

In Book 5 of the Cape May Series, enjoy the summertime and Fourth of July traditions in Cape May with a quirky group of friends and family who will learn the importance of communication and embracing life’s surprises—both big and small.

This is Book 5 in the Cape May series. It is recommended to start at Book 1, The Cape May Garden.