Sometimes, beauty’s not enough…

Carolina Jessamine Boone was created to be beautiful. At least that’s what she’s been told her whole life. So, why is she still alone?

Jessa has a good job at the island winery and is making an old Lowcountry bungalow into a home—she’s content, and certainly has no need for a man. But anonymous gifts left through an old milk door raise both questions and memories of the past. Were the gifts left by the suave outsider who has designs on not just her, but the winery itself? Could they be from the boy who broke her heart years ago? Or is she about to finally discover who her father is?

The more Jessa opens her heart, the more she puts herself at risk. But sometimes heartbreak is simply a nudge onto a new, better path.

Titles in The Southern Isles series include: A Saltwater Christmas ~ The Dogwood Days of Summer ~ Chasing Carolina Jessamine ~

This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Chasing Carolina Jessamine
Series:  The Southern Isles #3
Author:  Laurie Beach
Published:  August 28, 2025
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Chasing Carolina Jessamine is the third title in The Southern Isles series, featuring Jessa and her friends, family, and a mysterious gift giver.  And, no, who the mystery person who leaves presents for Jessa in her milk door is up to you to discover, not going to spoil that for you.

I found Chasing Carolina Jessamine by Laurie Beach to be a lovingly written story of discovery, friendships, and who we truly are at the core, not the beauty, nor the money or things, but who we are for ourselves.  Jessa has been raised to believe that her beauty is her greatest asset and to use it wisely.  When a stranger comes to the island with the intent of buying the winery, she’s not above using that charm and beauty to figure out exactly what he’s really up to.  Along the way, she’ll make some important discoveries about herself and about those around her as well.

If you enjoy a well-written romance full of emotions, laughter, family, and perhaps a bit of suspense, then you’d love Chasing Carolina Jessamine.  As this is the third title in the series, I feel it’s best read in order, if at all possible, for there are characters that are familiar and important from the earlier books.  Just my opinion, it “could” stand on its own, but you’ll get more from the story if you know some of the background.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)