Sweet Salt Air

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky

We all have regrets.  Secrets that are best hidden in the recesses of our minds. 

Charlotte and Nicole are childhood friends.  The years have kept them apart, but fond memories last forever, even when many miles separate friends.   Nicole's successful food blog easily lends itself to the dream of writing a cookbook filled with recipes from the habitants on the fictional island of Quinnipeague off the coast of Maine.   She and Charlotte spent carefree, happy summers  there.  Nicole knows that Charlotte, a well-known travel writer, could contribute immensely to the success of the book, so she invites her to return to this land of rugged coasts and salty ocean breezes.

Little do these friends know that each one is hiding a devastating secret. Nicole's surgeon husband, Julian, is facing a health crisis that threatens his career.  Charlotte's secret is twofold;  her reckless behavior years ago could destroy a life, it could save a life.  Nicole sees her husband slipping away.  Charlotte meets a reclusive stranger who fills her with longing, if only his own demons don't  stand in the way.  Ultimately, the meaning of true friendship is tested over and over again.

This book invites you to capture that one last breath of summer.  It is an easy read, an examination of the consequences of our actions.  You may guess the ending, you may sympathize with the characters.  And realize how vulnerable we all are.