This episode originally went up on my YouTube channel on the 14th March 2025.
In this episode Helen and Liana discuss the Muir Harbour series, a Christian romance book series by Melissa Tagg
You can view the video above, or directly over on YouTube
Links to the Books
Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg
A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg
Wedding at Sea by Melissa Tagg
Below is a summary of the video
If you love stories that blend heartfelt romance, mystery, and faith in a cozy seaside setting, Melissa Tagg’s Muir Harbor Trilogy is the series you’ve been waiting for.
In this podcast episode, Helen and Liana sat down for an easygoing chat about the trilogy — three novels that had them laughing, swooning, and reflecting on themes of family, adoption, and grace.
A Different Kind of Family Series
Right from the start, Helen and Liana highlight what makes this trilogy stand out. Unlike typical family sagas, the Muir Harbor series centers on three adopted siblings, each with a story of their own and a shared mystery that threads through all three books.
Set in the charming seaside town of Muir Harbor, Maine, the series offers that small-town, by-the-sea atmosphere readers adore — the kind that feels both comforting and full of secrets. Their adoptive mother, a single woman with her own story of love and heartbreak, brings an added layer of warmth and depth.
“It’s a very different family series,” Helen says. “I haven’t read anything quite like it.”
Book One: Autumn by the Sea
The trilogy opens with Autumn by the Sea, where readers meet Neil, a Scottish-born, steady and kindhearted man, and Sydney, an outsider drawn to Muir Harbor by a family mystery.
Although Helen initially wasn’t sold on the cover (“It didn’t grab me,” she laughs), the story quickly pulled her in. “Once I started it, I was hooked,” she recalls.
This first book introduces the town, the family, and the central mystery surrounding a missing family member — a thread that continues through all three novels. Each book unravels one piece of that mystery while giving readers a satisfying, self-contained story.
Liana describes it best:
“It’s not exactly suspense, but the mystery keeps it really interesting. There’s a few tense moments, but it’s more about emotion than action.”
The romance here is light and tender — a natural outgrowth of two people discovering who they are and where they belong.
Book Two: Autumn Returns (Indie and Philip’s Story)
The second instalment focuses on Indie, the youngest sibling, and Philip, a slightly nerdy but utterly charming history professor who stumbles — quite literally — into her life.
Their first meeting? “A random guy in a wardrobe,” Helen laughs. From there, the two navigate friendship, humor, and healing in a story that’s as funny as it is heartfelt.
Indie’s artistic and free-spirited personality contrasts beautifully with Philip’s reserved, academic nature. Together, they find balance and strength — and a romance that’s sweet, believable, and refreshingly clean.
Liana notes that this book steps slightly away from the overarching mystery, focusing more on Indie’s personal story and emotional growth. Helen appreciates how relatable the characters feel: “They’re very everyday people with real struggles — nothing overdone or unrealistic.”
Book Three: The Wedding at Sea
The series finale brings everything together with Lillian — the middle sibling — and Wilder, a longtime family friend and private investigator.
Wilder’s late father was the detective who originally investigated the missing family case, and Wilder has carried that torch ever since. The story takes a more dramatic turn as secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the mystery finally comes to light.
Adding a delightful twist, their adoptive mother also finds love again — her own “happily ever after” that mirrors the healing of her children.
Fans of romance tropes will enjoy this one’s “enemies to more” storyline. But as Helen points out, it’s not your typical “I hate you, now I love you” plot:
“You actually see them grow together. It’s believable — they work through things, and their love feels earned.”
With mystery, humour, and heartfelt moments all peaking in this book, The Wedding at Sea ties up the trilogy beautifully.
Faith That Feels Real
One of the things both Helen and Liana loved most about this series is how naturally faith is woven into the storytelling.
The spiritual elements aren’t forced or formulaic — they arise organically through each character’s journey. Some, like Indie, wrestle more deeply with their past and with God, while others simply live out their beliefs quietly and authentically.
“It’s not ticking boxes,” Helen explains. “It’s real — these are characters living through genuine faith and doubt.”
This authenticity makes the trilogy both uplifting and relatable for Christian readers.
Romance Without the Heat — and That’s a Good Thing
In a time when even “clean romance” often pushes boundaries, Tagg’s writing keeps things refreshingly pure.
The relationships develop slowly, rooted in friendship, trust, and emotional connection. There’s little physical romance — just tender moments that feel true to life and respectful of both characters and readers.
Helen notes:
“It’s very low-key. The mystery propels the story, not the romance. And that’s what makes it beautiful.”
Mystery, Humour, and Heart
Beyond the faith and romance, what really shines in the Muir Harbor trilogy is its balance of tone.
There’s just enough mystery to keep readers guessing, humour to keep things light, and heart to make it memorable.
Liana sums it up perfectly:
“It covers everything — romance, comedy, suspense, and mystery. The last two books even had me laughing out loud.”
The combination makes these novels perfect for readers who want substance without heaviness and hope without predictability.
Why Helen and Liana Recommend It
Both hosts walked away loving the trilogy from start to finish.
What We Loved
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Relatable, authentic characters
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A clever and layered plot that unfolds naturally
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Wholesome romance suitable for adults and teens
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Faith-based storytelling without preachiness
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Humour and heart in equal measure
What We Questioned
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A few details in the second book felt slightly unrealistic or underexplored, but as Helen notes, “We understand why the author made those choices.”
Overall, they agree it’s a great value series, especially for young adult readers and families seeking thoughtful Christian fiction.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Author
As Helen says in closing:
“Thank you, Melissa Tagg, because we love this series. It was just beautiful.”
Warm, authentic, and faith-filled, the Muir Harbor Trilogy reminds readers that family isn’t just about blood — it’s about belonging, forgiveness, and love that lasts.
Where to Find the Books
Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg
A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg
Wedding at Sea by Melissa Tagg
