Summer in Cranberry Harbor | Candace Hammond on Cape Cod, Community, and Coastal Fiction
Updated: Aug 28
An Author Interview with Candace Hammond: Exploring Summer in Cranberry Harbor
For readers who cherish coastal fiction and stories deeply rooted in place, Summer in Cranberry Harbor continues a beloved Cape Cod series. This novel, published by Sea Crow Press, centers on community, change, and connection. It delves into the tensions between tourism and local identity through the evolving relationship of Lizzie and Jack in the close-knit seaside town of Cranberry Harbor.
Founded in 2020 by Mary Petiet, Sea Crow Press publishes place-based fiction, poetry, and contemplative writing. These works invite readers to slow down and pay attention to the landscape, the seasons, and the inner life.
In this interview, I had the pleasure of discussing writing, Cape Cod in the summer, the role of local journalism, and what lies ahead for Cranberry Harbor with Candace Hammond.
Cover Summer in Cranberry Harbor Candace Hammond, author of Summer in Cranberry Harbor
Interview with Candace Hammond
What drew you back to Cranberry Harbor for a summer story, and what new sides of the town were you excited to explore?
Living year-round on Cape Cod brings mixed feelings during summer. Our economy thrives on tourism, yet sharing our town can be challenging. After long, isolating winters, we eagerly anticipate new faces. I wanted to explore this complex relationship.
Across the series, from Christmas to Spring and now Summer, we’ve seen Lizzie and Jack grow individually and together. How does this third book deepen their relationship?
In the first two books, Lizzie and Jack navigated not only their relationship but also their professional identities. Jack has poured his heart into creating Terra Marique, which is now thriving. Meanwhile, Lizzie is flourishing at the Cranberry Harbor Gazette as an associate editor and writer, sharing stories she believes matter. They’ve also built a new home together next to her parents.
Summer brings an influx of visitors to Cape Cod. How did you want to explore the tension between locals and outsiders?
I aimed to avoid vilifying summer visitors. They are vital to life on Cape Cod. However, it’s not always easy to share our space. In Cranberry Harbor, we protect one another and expect kindness and respect. In our increasingly virtual world, some forget their manners in real life, which inspires Lizzie and her friends to step in.
Lizzie is thriving as editor of the Cranberry Harbor Gazette. How does storytelling help sustain community?
Community is essential for everyone. Science backs this up. Strong social ties lead to healthier, happier lives. I wrote Christmas in Cranberry Harbor during Covid isolation, when we were all reminded of the importance of togetherness. With nearly 20 years in local journalism, I understand how much community stories matter. Local newspapers don’t just share information; they reflect the heart and soul of a town. That’s what I wanted the Cranberry Harbor Gazette to embody.
Jack’s work with Terra Marique represents innovation and change. What conflicts arise as his vision meets a tradition-rich seaside town?
Change inevitably creates tension, especially among those resistant to it. However, most of the town has embraced Terra Marique and even become part of it. They’ve seen that some change can be beneficial.
This series often explores growth versus preservation. Were there moments in Summer in Cranberry Harbor where you felt torn yourself?
There’s tension from outside forces regarding who should control Terra Marique and the changes outsiders might bring to Cranberry Harbor. Change can be positive, but residents want to ensure that those most affected by growth are guiding those decisions.
What can readers expect in Fall in Cranberry Harbor?
Major life changes are on the horizon for Lizzie and Jack. Fortunately, they have friends, family, and the community of Cranberry Harbor to support them. Outside forces are also looking to bring significant changes to the town, but they quickly discover that the people of Cranberry Harbor are not to be trifled with.
About Candace Hammond
Candace Hammond is a Cape Cod-based journalist, playwright, and novelist. She hosts an arts podcast and radio show on WOMR in Provincetown. Growing up on Cape Cod, she still resides there with her musician partner and their very large cat.
About Sea Crow Press
Sea Crow Press is an independent literary publisher based on Cape Cod. Specializing in place-based fiction, poetry, and contemplative writing, this woman-owned press was founded in 2020. They publish books rooted in landscape, season, and the natural world, covering genres like coastal fiction, ecofiction, historical fiction, memoir, and poetry.
Where to Buy Summer in Cranberry Harbor
Preorder Summer in Cranberry Harbor* now. Paperback and ebook editions are available through booksellers, online retailers, and the publisher. The publish date is June 2, 2026. To learn more about the novel, the Cranberry Harbor series, and other place-based fiction from Sea Crow Press, visit the publisher’s website. Explore the Reading Guide for discussion questions, themes, and companion reading.
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The Heart of Coastal Fiction
Coastal fiction captures the essence of life by the sea. It reflects the beauty and challenges of living in such a vibrant environment. Through characters like Lizzie and Jack, we see how the ocean shapes their lives and relationships. The waves, the tides, and the changing seasons all play a role in their journey.
The Role of Nature in Storytelling
Nature is not just a backdrop; it is a character in its own right. The landscapes of Cape Cod breathe life into the narrative. They influence the characters' decisions and emotions. As readers, we are invited to experience the beauty and struggles of this unique setting.
Building Community Through Literature
Literature has the power to connect us. It fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. In Summer in Cranberry Harbor, the community's heartbeat resonates through every page. The stories told within the Cranberry Harbor Gazette reflect the shared experiences of the townsfolk. They remind us that we are all part of a larger narrative.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
As we dive into Summer in Cranberry Harbor, we embark on a journey filled with heart, growth, and the complexities of life in a coastal town. Candace Hammond's storytelling invites us to reflect on our own connections to place and community. This book is not just a story; it’s an invitation to explore the depths of our own experiences.
In this way, Summer in Cranberry Harbor serves as a reminder that every place has a story worth telling.
