Coastal Romance: Write Your Romance Novel Set by the Sea! September 7, 2026

Whether it’s a fresh start in a small bed-and-breakfast, an unexpected inheritance on the coast, or a second chance with a first love—romance novels set against the atmospheric backdrop of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea have been a staple of our publishing program for years.

The right blend of a feel-good atmosphere, authentic characters, and a setting you can vividly picture makes all the difference between a good coastal romance and an unforgettable one.

The Heart of It All: Setting and Atmosphere

The most important element of a holiday romance set on the German coast is undoubtedly the setting. A small town on the North Sea or Baltic Sea—or one of the islands like Sylt, Rügen, Usedom, Amrum, or Fehmarn—provides the perfect stage for a romantic story. The focus is on the idyllic, atmospheric description of the town and its surroundings: the smell of salty air, the screeching of seagulls, the sweeping view of the sea, and the very special charm of the coastal landscape. Readers particularly enjoy settings such as a cosy café, a small hotel, a bed-and-breakfast, or a lovingly run bookstore. These places not only create a warm and inviting atmosphere but also provide the perfect backdrop for encounters.

The Heroine: A Strong Woman Starting Over

At the center of the story there is usually a female protagonist seeking a fresh start—e.g. after a failed romance, due to career stress, or because she must accept an unexpected inheritance. She might take over a café on the promenade, open a small shop, or suddenly find herself facing the challenge of running a bed-and-breakfast on the coast. This initial situation not only gives the plot a clear direction but also allows readers to identify with the character and journey alongside her.

A second point of view from the love interest’s perspective is possible and can further enrich the story—provided that the emotional bond between the characters remains the focus. Spicy scenes are not necessary and are usually not desired; the emotional connection arises from the emotional depth, the chemistry between the characters, and the feel-good aspect of the story.

The Plot: Standalone Books or Books part of a Series

A self-contained standalone book or part of a series—both are possible. For a series, however, the love stories should each stand on their own and be connected only loosely through a shared setting, recurring supporting characters, or another common thread. This way, readers can jump in at any time without needing to have read the prior parts.

Seasonal references are a nice bonus: a Christmas story at the Christmas market in Husum, a spring romance on the island of Poel, or an autumnal story in a small café in Eckernförde—the season can wonderfully enhance the story’s atmosphere.

Tropes: Established and Well-loved

Certain narrative patterns have proven particularly effective in the genre and, in our experience, are very well-received by the target audience:

• Enemies to Lovers – When initial dislike slowly turns into affection
• Grumpy x Sunshine – For example, the grumpy islander meets the cheerful newcomer
• Second Chance – A past great love gets a second chance
• First Love/Childhood Sweetheart – Reuniting with one’s first love
• Brother’s Best Friend – Forbidden feelings for the brother’s best friend
• Friends to Lovers – When friendship turns into something more
• Clean & Wholesome – Love stories without spicy scenes, and where the emotional bond takes center stage

Key Details at a Glance

A manuscript for a coastal novel should be about 250 pages long, set in a contemporary setting, and written as a standalone novel or an independent installment in a series. If you’d like, you’re welcome to choose a North German-souding pen name—this further enhances the coastal atmosphere.