Blair Harton’s Blue Miracle is a well-plotted and cleverly written young adult romance that immerses readers in the bittersweet journey of love, passion, and second chances. The story follows seventeen-year-old Natalie, reluctantly spending her summer in picturesque Monterey, California. Although she longs for home, her life suddenly changes when she meets Grayson, a young and beguilingly handsome sailor with dreams of attending Harvard. Their chemistry is electric, and they are quickly exploring the seas together, spending long hours in engaging conversations, playing baseball together, and surrendering to the spell of young love. But their romance is short-lived as they must part, each to attend a different college. Natalie and Grayson will meet again ten years later in Adeline, Maine. Will they give love a second chance, or will this be another stint that will lead to more heartbreak?

Blue Miracle is an enticing narrative that is tender and intelligently crafted. The first thing that pulled me in was the author’s gift for storytelling and the ability to bring the characters to life against the backdrop of a finely drawn setting. Blair Harton beautifully juxtaposes the idyllic summer romance with the impending challenges as Natalie and Grayson prepare for the reality of long-distance relationships. The emotional depth of their connection is well captured in the story. The author excels at examining the characters’ emotions and making them feel like companions to readers walking down the beach. The dialogues are well-crafted to inject life into the drama. This contemporary romance features exquisite writing with emotional conflict that drives the plot forward steadily, and fully drawn characters. It was a delightful read for me, and I was fully invested in Harton’s characters.

Blue Miracle is a captivating novel that intertwines the poignant struggles of its protagonist, Natalie, with the scenic allure of Monterey Bay. Blair Harton crafts a story rich in emotional depth and vivid descriptions, with each setting a pivotal element in shaping the narrative. Natalie is a young woman caught between her past in South Carolina and her sudden relocation to California. Through Natalie's introspective journey, Harton explores themes of change, family bonds, and self-discovery. Natalie's character evolves beautifully as she navigates the complexities of her father’s impending marriage and her feelings of displacement. The secondary characters, especially Grayson, add to the narrative, offering a contrast and a complement to Natalie’s journey.

While well-maintained, the novel’s pacing does take time to explore each character’s motivations and the intricacies of their relationships. While the deliberate pace of the narrative may not appeal to every reader, those who remain committed will find their perseverance richly rewarded. Harton takes familiar tropes and makes them unique, so it’s not simply a story of finding lost love. Blair Harton’s use of the Monterey Bay setting is exceptional. The environment mirrors Natalie’s tumultuous emotions and catalyzes her transformation from the bustling marine life to the tranquil sea views. Blue Miracle is a delicate exploration of life’s unexpected challenges and the beauty of new beginnings. Harton cautions that some content may be disturbing, and she handles reader discretion well in the pages. The story will appeal to adult readers who enjoy renewed romance and inspirational stories.

In Blue Miracle by Blair Harton, Natalie Benson doesn't expect much from her summer in California before she attends Clemson University. She doesn't get to enjoy her usual summer sport, and her father is marrying a much younger woman. Grayson "Gray" Gallagher pops into her life, bound for Harvard, and filling her days with laughter, good music, and love. They spend the summer together, exchanging lessons about sailing and astronomy and making candy-fueled wishes, but their connection ends with the summer. Ten years later, chance brings them face-to-face, and they are immediately drawn back to each other again. Just as they think they may have a chance to move forward, fate intervenes again with an unfortunate outcome.

Get ready for a book hangover because Blair Harton is going to get you high on romance! Told from a dual perspective that shifts from Natalie to Gray and from the present to the past, the story comes into full focus. Harton reveals her adeptness at creating interesting, memorable characters as she presents Gray's and Natalie's families in layered details. After the first chapter, you will be completely invested in Natalie and Gray's relationship, weathering their difficulties and cheering for their victories. Butterflies, embarrassing moments, hard decisions, and loving caresses accompany sailing classes, boat rides, and quiet, comfortable evenings. By the time you finish the book, you will feel like you've lived it. Blue Miracle is a great selection for readers who enjoy second-chance, sweet romances full of heartfelt moments and tender memories.