Delaware Books: Novels Set in The First State

Book Summary

In 1982, Emily prepares for her prom with a secret on her mind. And that secret leads to her brutal death, the very same night. There was never a conviction for the crime.

Forty years later, new US Marshal Andrea is assigned a case in Longbill Beach, Connecticut. A judge has been receiving threats, and Andrea is supposed to protect her. But, Andrea remembers the story of Emily’s death and takes advantage of being in her town to launch her own investigation. Can she figure out what really happened four decades earlier?

Book Summary

This family drama alternates between two main characters and timelines. In the present, Clare has a surprising interaction with an elderly woman named Edith, who gives Clare the courage to break off an engagement with a less-than-ideal man. Only three weeks later, Clare learns that Edith has passed away and left her an incredible, unexpected gift – her home. 

As Clare explores Blue Sky House, she uncovers two mysterious ledgers that lead her to slowly put together the story of the house and, in turn, of Edith. You’ll also see the story from Edith’s perspective in the 1950s.

Book Summary

After suffering a head injury in her home country of Mexico, Maribel’s family must move to Newark, Delaware so she can attend a special school, which will give her the best chance of recovery. The neighbors within their new apartment building are from other Central & South American countries, creating a bond as they try to adapt to their new home.

It’s a great look at the challenges of the immigrant experience and the lengths parents will go to for their children. You’ll also see an unlikely love story between Maribel and one of the boys from the apartment complex.

Book Summary

Fifty-two-year-old Jack has been responsible for his family’s Rehoboth Beach restaurant, Schmidt’s, since his father died, but despite the picturesque location, he can’t remember the last time he has relaxed on the beach for even a moment.

The DelDine group has been purchasing similar eateries along the coast, and Jack is tempted by their offer. It could give him a chance to have a personal life for the first time. But, can he trust the claims that they would keep the Schmidt’s staff and retain the family’s legacy in town?

Book Summary

Court reporter and suburban dad Jason is on his way home from his daughter’s lacrosse game when the family’s life takes an unexpected turn. A truck begins tailgating the family on a dark road before pulling a gun on Jason and demanding the car.

That night, the FBI tells them the carjackers are also part of a dangerous drug-trafficking organization and the family must enter the witness protection program right away. They are whisked away to a southern Delaware beach town to start life anew, but instead, the family begins to fall apart. Things escalate when Jason learns a shocking truth and discovers that justice may have to be a one-man show.

Book Summary

Natalie’s husband Conor recently bought an Irish pub with his brothers, and the busy summer season will be make-or-break time for their investment. But that won’t be the only family stress this summer.

Sixteen-year-old McKenzie has a new summer job and has been raving about her co-worker, Bella, who is eighteen. The two girls look so similar that they could be sisters. When Natalie learns that Bella is adopted, her mind starts spinning. Could Bella be the baby that Natalie had while she was in college?

It was a closed adoption, and Conor insists that Natalie follow that original agreement. But Natalie is drawn to Bella so much that McKenzie becomes jealous. At the same time, Bella begins to wonder if she should search for her birth mother.

Book Summary

Elena and Mauro grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, and their teenage love contrasts the brutality of life in their country at the turn of the millennium. Once they have a daughter, it becomes clear that they will have better economic prospects if they can make it to the United States.

They arrive in the US on a tourist visa and work to send money back to Elena’s mom. The family settles in Delaware, where they have a daughter named Talia. When they don’t leave the country at the end of their visa, the growing family enters the precarious life of undocumented immigrants.

A second timeline follows their now 15-year-old daughter, Talia, as she breaks out of a nun-managed reform school in the Colombian mountains.

WARNING: This book contains scenes of sexual assault & animal abuse.

Book Summary

Jessica is a doctor at a women’s correctional facility who often bonds with her patients but avoids connections in her personal life because of past losses. When she discovers old love letters in the prison library, something changes. She sets off to Harwell, Delaware, to deliver the letters and quickly feels drawn to the charming seaside town.

She’s also drawn to the sexy bar owner, whose family has owned the local pub for generations. He’s also been burned by bad relationships and has been focused on work since his divorce. But is it worth opening your heart for the right person?

Book Summary

Black Dog Bay, Delaware, is known as the place to heal after a breakup. The town capitalizes on this reputation, with businesses like the Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, and the Whinery bar fueling the tourism economy. 

When flight attendant Summer arrives in Black Dog Bay after her life takes an unexpected turn, the locals love her. Even elderly Hattie, the oldest, richest, and meanest resident in town, likes Summer enough to offer her a job. However, between kissing the mayor and Hattie’s hidden agenda, is it really the best choice to relocate to Black Dog Bay permanently?

Book Summary

Sue owns an upscale doggy daycare and spa, the Buckingham Pet Palace, in Lewes, Delaware. Her business partner, Lady Anthea, is visiting this week from England and makes a shocking discovery shortly after her arrival.

Someone abandoned a van full of dogs at the Lewes ferry terminal, and murdered the driver! While this would be terrible any day, the timing is very inconvenient as their big fundraising gala is approaching. Can the two women find the murderer and restore their reputation before the gala?

Book Summary

If you’re looking for a very light, enjoyable read this month, pick up Music Man! This romance features 40-something main characters and is set in Delaware’s most popular vacation destination – Rehoboth Beach.

Claire just turned 40 and can’t help but be attracted to her piano teacher, Jack. She doesn’t know if it’s his beard, flannel, or guitar, but he’s irresistible. Luckily for Claire, he finds her red hair equally appealing. However, just as he falls in love with her, his big break in music finally arrives. Is it worth jeopardizing his potential future with Claire?