"The Summer of Lost and Found"

"The Summer of Lost and Found" by Mary Alice Monroe 

Resilient, strong, and determined aptly describe the Rutledge

family. With their fierce sense of commitment and loyalty

to one another, they've survived many challenges and setbacks 

over the years. 

But, like so many others, that toughness of spirit will be tested

in ways they never imagined, as a global pandemic spreads havoc 

around the world. 

For Linnea Rutledge, being furloughed from her dream job at 

the South Carolina Aquarium is a huge disappointment, and a

financial nightmare. It means giving up her privacy to look for 

a roommate to share expenses at Primrose Cottage, a home filled

with  rich, Rutledge history that she cherishes and adores. Emotions 

run high when Linnea discovers that John, the man who rejected

her after an impulsive move to California, is now living next door under 

quarantine with his mother. Their relationship ended with some 

soul-searching on her part, so why is Linnea finding his clever 

overtures to rekindle their romance, increasingly hard to ignore? 

To complicate things, Linnea's new British love interest, Gordon,

is set to return to the Isle of Palms after spending time in England.

Sparks are about to ignite, as Linnea finds herself in an unanticipated

love triangle, with both men vying for her affections. Fearful of making 

the wrong decision only adds to the uncertainty in her already

tumultuous life. 

As always, her Aunt Cara is a solid, soothing source of comfort.

But Cara is facing troubles of her own. Husband David is stricken

with Covid, and must remain in quarantine within their home, 

leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness for Cara. She fears

what exposure could mean for her immune-compromised young

daughter. Her strong marriage is showing the strain of living together,

yet so far apart.  

With a little ingenuity and creativity, this small circle of friends and family

finally unite to overcome the obstacles only a crisis like the pandemic can

bring. 

Mary Alice Monroe's signature style of writing is evident in every chapter of

her newest release. Whether it be the return of the sea turtles, heart-

wrenching family drama, sprinkles of humor, or environmental awareness, 

the message of the healing power of love, always comes shining through.

But this time, the author writes of forgiveness, compassion, and hope

in a more self-reflective, introspective way. We welcome the next Rutledge

generation as they take center stage in this current, compelling story 

showcasing warm, familiar characters we know so well.

"The Newcomer"

"The Newcomer" by Mary Kay Andrews 

Letty Carnahan feels like a fugitive on the run, and that's 

exactly what she is.

It was just hours ago, that Letty found the body of her sister, Tanya,

sprawled on the floor of her swanky New York City townhouse, dead 

from a brutal blow to the head. Panic and fear sets in as Letty vividly

recalls Tanya's recent, uncanny instructions, "if something happens

to me, promise me you'll take Maya and run". Tanya implied that her 

demise would be at the hands of an ex-boyfriend, Evan Wingfield, an

unsavory character with tons of money and power, a man Letty knows 

all too well. 

Wary of Evan's retaliation, and scared that she could be considered 

a suspect, Letty hurriedly leaves NYC with her innocent, precious 

cargo in tow, four-year-old, niece Maya. Letty's eyes are constantly 

checking the rear-view mirror of the battered, cramped Kia that's

taking them to a far away destination where anonymity might save their

lives. 

The duo are headed South, to sunny Florida, after finding a tattered

magazine article featuring The Murmuring Surf Motel, a place Letty thinks

holds the clues to Tanya's former life. Armed with Tanya's hidden "go-bag" 

of cash, and her sister's monstrous, diamond ring, Letty sets out on a 

risky, perilous trip, hoping to stay one step ahead of those who are determined

to find her. 

Despite the yellow "No Vacancy" sign outside the dated motel that surely 

has seen better days, Letty pulls into the parking lot, and manages to talk

her way into staying. At first, the snow-bird regulars find the newcomer to be 

mysterious and offbeat. But in a matter of time, Letty and Maya ingratiate 

themselves with the senior citizens, and become part of this lovable, motley

community.

And all the while, Letty continues to investigate the agonizing murder of her sister,

hoping to find enough evidence to uncover the real killer, before her own world

comes crashing down. Complications arise when Letty finds herself fiercely 

attracted to Joe, a local cop, who just happens to be the son of the motel owner. 

His mission is to find out the real story behind Letty's puzzling arrival, and the

truth about what she's clearly hiding from the authorities. 

Will Joe betray her confidence and turn her in, or will he find it impossible to

deny the growing chemistry he feels when he's around Letty?

A summer without a Mary Kay Andrews beach read is hard to imagine. Luckily, 

her fans won't have to wait long, until this May 4th intriguing, romantic escapade 

is released, just in time for those balmy, leisurely days of relaxation we've all

been waiting for.....

 

  

On Ocean Boulevard

On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe

With a bruised ego, broken love affair, and
two suitcases containing all her worldly possessions,
Linnea Rutledge returns home to The Lowcountry
of South Carolina, a place where soft, ocean breezes,
sizzling days, and starlit nights, spell new beginnings.

Linnea's first stop is a visit to Primrose Cottage on
Sullivan's Island to see her Aunt Cara, a woman she's
admired since she was a child. Finding unexpected love
later in life, Cara was then tragically widowed, adopted a
child, and forged a remarkable career with her usual grit
and determination. Linnea needs the advice and guidance
only her Aunt can give, now more than ever.

Both women are about to embark on a summer of
discovery. Cara, now engaged to the dashing,
wealthy David Wyatt, is planning a lavish wedding that
her friends and family want far more than she does.
And Linnea, longing for a purpose in life after experiencing
disappointment and failure, dares to dream of romance
with a man who seems to fulfill her every need.

A season of turmoil and upheaval lies ahead. The cruel reality
of dementia torments a cherished neighbor as dear acquaintances
watch her slip away, and a serious, life-threatening illness
threatens to tear apart a blended family.

The author, true to form, includes research about environmental
issues facing our world with insight and compassion, this time
shedding light on the frightening statistics about plastics in our oceans.
Fascinating facts about the amazing journey and survival of sea turtles,
blends itself gracefully into a story of awakening and starting over.

Mary Alice Monroe envelopes her readers in a soothing, captivating
story about self-reflection, budding romance, forgiveness, and precious
memories, all centered around characters her faithful fans know
and love, and her new readers will come to embrace.

A lovely addition to Monroe's Beach House Series, this soon-to-be-released
novel leaves open all sorts of possibilities about what the future
holds for the next generation of the indestructible, Rutledge women.

For more information, please go to: MaryAliceMonroe.com

Hello, Summer

Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews

Hotshot journalist, Conley Hawkins, is back home
in Silver Bay, Florida, after her dream job in
Washington, D.C. fizzled and died.

Low on money and self-esteem, Conley begins working
at the local, family-owned newspaper, The Beacon, a
small-town publication with financial woes. It means
reporting to older sister, Grayson, who doesn't embrace
Conley's return, overseeing the weekly gossip column,
written by a cantankerous, old relic who's stuck in the
past, and overhauling a paper that's far from current.

When Conley witnesses a horrific accident after a night
of carousing with an old friend, her investigative instincts
take over, and soon she's probing into the shady life of an
esteemed congressman, and decorated war veteran, who
perished in the fiery crash. It takes her down a winding,
dangerous path of dusty, decades-old secrets in a peaceful,
little town that doesn't take kindly to having the past resurrected.

Returning to Silver Bay is turning out to be anything but boring,
as Conley acknowledges painful memories, and the realization
that love can blossom in a place of easy living, powdery, white
sands, and spectacular Gulf water sunsets.

Now, more then ever, we need the mystery, romance, and humor, that
veteran writer Mary Kay Andrews always provides in her stories, and
this new release is no exception. With an intriguing plot, the author
introduces readers to some memorable characters that will make you
smile. There's Rowena, the gossip columnist with her caked-on
makeup, garish ensembles, and bedazzled cane, and G'mama, the shrewd,
steadfast matriarch of the family who may be ancient, but seems to
know exactly what her granddaughter needs for a lifetime of happiness.

Wrap yourself around this warm, witty, beach read, to mark
the beginning of sunny, summer days ahead.

the Summer Guests

the Summer Guests by Mary Alice Monroe

The hot, sultry days of August are about
to change on the Southern coast as
Hurricane Noelle prepares to unleash fury
and might on everything and everyone
in her path.

A diverse mix of friends, family, and casual
acquaintances prepare to evacuate to the
sprawling farm of Grace and Charles
Phillips in North Carolina. Facing the
unknown, they take only their most prized
possessions, uncertain as to what will remain
in the aftermath of this powerful storm.

Grace's daughter, Moira, conflicted and confused
in her marriage, arrives with a pack of
dogs, seeking refuge. Famed equestrian, Javier
Angel de la Cruz, checks in with his current
flame, make-up artist, Hannah, along with
Grace's dear German friend, Gerta.
Wealthy, influential, and renowned for her
intuitive horse breeding skills, Gerta has
a valuable stake in these animals, and she's
determined to save them at all cost.

But will she be able to stop controlling
her restless daughter, Elise, before their
relationship is fractured beyond repair?

They all are about to embark on a journey
of discovery about themselves and those
they love. Forbidden desire, pent-up anger
and resentment, hidden secrets, and unfilled
dreams take center stage as they weather
Mother Nature's rage and ferocity.

Mary Alice Monroe's latest novel leaves the
familiar shores of South Carolina to tell a
captivating story in a new locale, but as with
all her books, the reader takes away enlightening
facts. This time it's about the fascinating world of
horses, their trainers, those who ride competitively,
and those who feel a deep connection to these
magnificent animals.

And for those loyal fans of the author's
Beach House series, the beloved character of Cara
Rutludge makes an appearance in this story,
as she races against time to save her beloved home,
Primrose Cottage on The Isle of Palms from the
relentless winds of the hurricane. Perhaps she'll
find it's time to commit to new beginnings in the
eye of a storm.

Another absorbing novel from an author who
continues to delight her many faithful readers
with relevant topics, appealing characters,
twisty plots, and of course, a touch of romance.
 

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach by Mary Kay Andrews

Drue Campbell's life is in shambles.

She's out-of-work, down to her last penny,
bruised and battered from a serious
kiteboarding accident, and mourning the death
of the long-suffering mother who raised her.

When her polished, well-to-do, estranged
father shows up at the funeral after a twenty
year absence, she's stunned to see him and
baffled by the surprising news he shares.

Drue has inherited her grandmother's
dilapidated house in trendy Sunset Beach, a place
filled with warm, childhood memories. Even more
astonishing, is Dad's job offer with a steady
paycheck at his thriving personal injury law firm.
Drue reluctantly accepts, and cringes when she learns the
office manager is her former fair-weather, eighth-grade friend,
who just happens to also be her new stepmother. It appears
she's going to have to swallow her pride more than
once in order to survive.

Drue tolerates her tedious job until she fixates on one
particularly suspicious case about a beach worker killed
at a swanky ocean resort. There's a distinct possibility that
her father's firm is somehow involved in a cover-up
of what really happened that fateful evening of the girl's
death.

And what's the connection between her father and
a missing person's file from decades ago?
Drue has the uneasy feeling he's somehow entangled
in the woman's disappearance, and she shudders at
the thought that he's hiding a terrible secret.
Her investigations shed new light on a father
she admittedly loves, but doesn't completely trust.

In Mary Kay Andrews signature style, her new
release seamlessly blends two captivating mysteries
with a smoldering office romance, to make this
the perfect beach read of the season.

The Perfect Couple

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

There's nothing like finding a dead body to ruin
a girl's wedding day....

Celeste Otis and Benji Winbury are getting married.
She's the only child of a couple who epitomize devotion
and love. He's the son of a famous, British mystery
writer and a hedge fund owner who rubs elbows
with the elite. Fabulous festivities are underway, when the bride
discovers her deceased maid of honor floating in the tranquil
waters of Nantucket Harbor the morning of the nuptials.
Suddenly, the celebration ends before it begins, with
every family member and guest under suspicion of murder.

Readers are now privy to every juicy detail in the lives
of rich, well-developed characters in the months and days
prior to this tragic event. It's easy to vividly picture them in your mind.
There's Greer, the cool, sophisticated mother of the groom, who watches
her once successful literary career waning away. And Tag, father of the groom,
intent on resurrecting his youth in the shadow of his wealthy wife.
Karen, Celeste's mother, valiantly fights her battle with cancer
while learning a few startling surprises about her seemingly ideal
union. These are just a few of the many people gathered
on the island, replete with flaws and fears, hiding
salacious secrets, telling devious lies, protecting one another,
and praying the past doesn't come back to haunt them.

Elin Hilderbrand fans will enjoy reconnecting with popular
characters from her previous novels in this latest release. References
to succulent foods and tourist attractions will find you
wishing for a trip of your own to the dreamy, magical island of
Nantucket.

Romance meets mystery, and the result is the best beach read
of the summer season.

"Perfect", indeed.......

Beach House Reunion

Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe

Nostalgic, warm, and wonderful....just in time for Mother's Day.

Cara Rutledge is home. After years away, it suddenly feels right to return to The Isle of
Palms, where bittersweet memories fill each and every room of the Beach House. It's the place where Cara fell in love with Brett, where she learned to love the sea turtles, where she found peace and solitude after searching for the missing pieces of her life.

Her beloved mother, Lovie, is gone now, but Cara feels her presence when the familiar scent of jasmine fills the salty air.  And Brett's gone, too. The love of her life, taken from her just when the promise of a new tomorrow was on the horizon. Now she's a fifty-some-year old woman with a much-wanted child, feeling frightened and exhilarated at the thought of starting over.

Cara's niece, Linnea, arrives just in time to help her with the overwhelming challenge of raising a child and trying to make a living. But, like her aunt, Linnea must make decisions of her own when it comes to finding that perfect job, now that college days are behind her. There's constant pressure from her controlling father to choose the path he's picked for her rather than the career of her dreams.
And to complicate things, she falls hopelessly in love at a most inopportune time.

Troubles continue to mount upon Cara's return. She's dismayed by her brother's uncontrolled drinking, and the fact that her nephew seems to be headed down the same road of self-destruction. Through it all, Cara draws upon her inner strength to face a whirlwind of problems, just as Lovie did when life seemed insurmountable. She finally acknowledges feelings for a new love, letting go of the treasured memories of the past. There's a blossoming future within Cara's reach when she discovers loss can bring new beginnings.

Those readers who read Monroe's original book, The Beach House (and viewed the movie
recently on Hallmark Channel) will thoroughly enjoy spending time once again with the strong women of the Rutledge family. If you are a new reader, indulge yourself by meeting this memorable cast of characters in the earlier books of this series. By the time you finish, you'll look upon them as good friends.

How lucky her fans will be if Mary Alice Monroe chooses to continue the story about what happens next at The Beach House in sweet, sultry South Carolina.

A Nantucket Wedding

A Nantucket Wedding by Nancy Thayer

Blended families unite on this tranquil island for their parents'
upcoming nuptials, but soon discover there's a whole lot of chaos
and surprises waiting for them in paradise.

Alison never thought she'd find love again after her husband died.
All that changes when she meets charismatic David at a cocktail
party, sparking an attraction and passion she hasn't felt since she
was young. With this handsome, successful man by her side, she
begins to plan their spectacular wedding at his idyllic summer
home on Nantucket. But their grown children have to meet one
another before wedded bliss has a chance, and that's where the
drama begins.

When sisters Jane and Felicity arrive to help plan their mother's
wedding, their stormy relationship slowly dissolves as they share their innermost insecurities about marriage and children. Perhaps it's time for lovely Felicity to stand up to a husband who chides her for not understanding his needs. Maybe Jane has the right to change her mind about a decision she and her obstinate husband
made long ago. And how does a vulnerable woman resist
the flirtations of her soon-to-be step brother? David's determined
daughter questions a will that leaves her newfound siblings some serious
money, while struggling to find a place in her father's empire. It's anyone's
guess as to how they will survive the tumultuous ride ahead.

Usher in the season of beach reads and romance with this fun, delectable story
about forgiveness, second chances, and starting over. A great choice to kick-off
sunny days ahead, cool ocean breezes, and cobalt blue skies, if only
in your dreams.

The Identicals

The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand


It's Nantucket versus Martha's Vineyard in this refreshing, truly entertaining story about estranged identical twins and the deep bond they share.

Tabitha and Harper Frost are separated as teenagers when their parents divorce and take each girl to a different island to live.

 The unlucky draw has Tabitha growing up on Nantucket with her famous, fashion designer mother. Polished and refined, she curses the everyday headache of running the financially strapped, stuffy boutique that caters to her mother's sophisticated, but somewhat passe designs. And then there's her rebellious daughter, Ainsley, who engages in self-destructive behavior, when all she really longs for is attention and a home-cooked meal.

Harper spends her life on Martha's Vineyard with their likable, easygoing father, finding that being carefree and irresponsible has dire consequences. People tend to gossip when you sleep with an admired married doctor and get caught delivering illegal drugs.

A series of circumstances force the now grown women to switch islands, essentially trading lives. Preconceptions they have of one another has taken a toll on the friendship they once shared. The root of their animosity dates back to a tragedy that occurred many years ago. Maybe it's time to shed the blame and become sisters once again.

What a delight this novel is...Hilderbrand cleverly meshes the twin islands with twin sisters for a thoroughly engaging story. Told with warmth and humor, readers will enjoy meeting memorable characters whose lives effortlessly intertwine. It's fun just anticipating what the next chapter will bring. Scandal, teenage angst, heartache, forgiveness..this one has it all.

 For those of you looking for the ever-popular beach read, put this selection on your summer list.
Outrageously good.

Secrets in Summer

Secrets in Summer by Nancy Thayer


 Thirty-year old divorcee, Darcy Cotterill, finds that true friendship comes in all shapes and sizes during one memorable summer on the tranquil island of Nantucket.

Darcy leads a fulfilling life. Rescued many years ago from a dysfunctional family, she inherits her late grandmother's home, allowing her to live year-round on this little piece of paradise. Having a dream job as the assistant director of the children's library and spending time with a good-looking, mysterious carpenter, only adds to her contentment.

 The summer months bring in the usual onslaught of tourists, but she never imagined that her ex-husband and his new gorgeous wife and vulnerable, teenage stepdaughter would move in next door. Living on the other side, is a feisty, wise, elderly woman and her suave grandson. Darcy grows fond of them all, including a stressed out young mother with three rambunctious boys and a husband with a roving eye. Somehow, these new acquaintances become far more than just neighbors. In three short months, this motley crew of mismatched women share secrets and dreams, finding they are surprisingly alike in many ways.

If visiting Nantucket is on your bucket list (it's on mine), then close your eyes and travel there vicariously without spending a penny. Walk down the cobblestone streets and envision the sandy beaches. Author Nancy Thayer introduces the reader to a place she knows so well. As in any good beach read, there's desire and passion, but ultimately, this engaging plot speaks of lasting friendship, long after the season ends.

A smooth, savory slice of summer.

The Forever Summer

The Forever Summer by Jamie Brenner


The cover says it all...summer! Picturesque Cape Cod, with its rocky, sandy coast and brilliant blue skies, is the perfect setting for a story of  blossoming love, family turmoil, and well-kept secrets.

Marin Bishop's fall from grace is swift and certain. One day a polished attorney with a promising future and a pedigree fiance, the next day, she's relegated to office gossip about a scandalous affair. She dreads telling her parents that her life is in shambles, since they seem to have achieved marital bliss after thirty years. But in the days ahead, Marin is about to discover that losing her job and identity is just the beginning of a series of unexpected surprises and shocking revelations.

Suddenly, Marin finds herself in trendy Provincetown, Massachusetts meeting family she never knew existed. Four ladies and an array of quirky characters spend an unforgettable summer learning how to accept one another's flaws and shortcomings, realizing that life is too short to do anything but live in the moment. Marin unlocks a passion she never knew she had, sees loved ones in a whole new light, and opens her heart to taking chances on a future filled with hope and happiness.

Usher in the new season with this delightful, breezy, refreshing novel. You'll wish indeed, that summer could go on forever.

Here's to Us

Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand


Here's to one of many addictive beach reads kicking off  the summer of 2016!

Three battling ex-wives unite on the dreamy island of Nantucket to spread the ashes and celebrate the life of a man they all once loved, the irrepressible, Deacon Thorpe.

Deacon's meteoric rise to fame as one of the best known chefs and restaurateurs in the country, is nothing short of astonishing, Considering his renegade childhood days, few people could have imagined this kind of success .But notoriety leaves Deacon restless and alone. He's filled with memories of the father he loved unconditionally; a father who walked out on him years ago after spending"one perfect day" with his son in paradise.

Summoned to the dilapidated island home Duncan loved, the former wives reluctantly agree to meet in order to settle their ex-husband's messy financial affairs. There's first love, Laurel, an idealistic social worker with such natural beauty, Belinda, a conniving Hollywood prima donna and award-winning actress, and Scarlett, the alluring Southern beauty and former nanny.  All so different. But they are soon to find out that they have far more in common with one another than they'd like to admit, including the shocking secrets they never thought they would share. A long weekend in a crowded home, filled with antagonism and distrust...who knows what can happen?

It wouldn't be summer without a visit to the trendy, tranquil island of Nantucket that author Elin Hilderbrand knows so well. This one is perhaps a bit edgier and raw, detailing the pitfalls that often accompany money and fame.

Choosing a high-profile celebrity chef as the protagonist of this novel, is a stroke of genius.The author actually commissioned new recipes from a food writer and blogger, which are sprinkled throughout the novel, making for a unique addition to a satisfying story that ushers in the mellow, lazy days of summer.

The Summer's End

The Summer's End by Mary Alice Monroe

Summer is here. Sunny days are sure to follow this wave of endless rain, so relax and enjoy some delicious beach reads. Written by the queens of this genre, they're guaranteed to take you away....you'll savor these new releases rain or shine.

Mary Alice Monroe concludes her trilogy about the story of three half-sisters reconnecting with one another under the guidance of their beloved and very wise grandmother, "Mamaw".

This final chapter centers on Harper, the youngest granddaughter from New York. Independent, feisty, and beautiful, she longs to escape from the endless criticism of her intimidating mother. The family estate on Sullivan's Island known as Sea Breeze, offers her the opportunity to discover her true identity and talents. When Mawaw announces she is selling the property, Harper and her siblings must face the harsh reality that they may no longer have a place to call home. Together, with the help of a handsome Marine, sisters bond to define what it means to be a family.

Monroe fans will not be disappointed as she brings this story to a close. I suggest starting with The Summer Girls (beach read, June, 2013 on my blog), followed by the second book The Summer Wind in order to meet the array of personalities involved.  The Lowcountry of  South Carolina with  its white sand and swaying palmetto trees is a perfect setting for this rich and fulfilling trilogy about characters you'll come to know as friends. Hard to say goodbye to them.      









































.

The Rumor

The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand

Gossip is the norm on the tiny island of Nantucket. When it spirals out of control, there's nothing left to do but pick up the pieces.

Grace and "Fast Eddie" Panick's home and gardens are a showcase. Everyone admires and envies exquisite perfection. Grace, along with her incredibly handsome landscape architect, Benton Coe, have created an outdoor masterpiece. But people say Benton is doing a whole lot more than pruning rosebushes.....

Eddie is trying to save his crumbling real estate business. Unbeknownst to Grace, he's resorted to some very unsavory tactics....

Allegra and Hope are their identical twin daughters. That's where the similarities end.  Allegra is popular,wild and reckless. Hope is quiet, and refined. When Allegra's behavior borders on the dangerous, Hope has no choice but to watch her sister self-destruct.

Madeline Llewellyn is Grace's best friend. She is a successful writer, feeling the pressure to crank out another hit. When her writer's block seems to have no end, she panics, knowing that financially the family is in trouble. So she pressures Eddie to return the $50,000 she and her husband invested with him for a big profit that never materialized. When Eddie is seen visiting Madeline,.....people say these two obviously must be having a clandestine relationship. In the meantime, Madeline hears about a torrid adulterous affair between her best friend and a hunky landscaper, the perfect plot for her next bestseller. She can't betray a friend. Or can she?

Rumors, rumors, rumors. It's amazing how quickly they can spread, creating havoc on this little stretch of an island four miles wide by thirteen miles long. Hildebrand is at her best with this one, creating vulnerable characters who gossip about one another with ease, never stopping to think about the ramifications.

A beach read worthy of the accolades.

Beach Town

Beach Town by Mary Kay Andrews

Check this one out for lazy days by the pool...

Greer Hennessy is cautiously optimistic that the tranquil little town of Cypress Key, Florida, is exactly what hot shot movie director Bryce Levy has in mind for his next big-budget film. She's counting on it. Her career as a movie location scout hinges on finding the  perfect spot for his supposedly blockbuster hit. Nothing can get in her way. But then she wasn't counting on meeting Eben Thibadeaux.....

Eb Thibadeaux is the mayor of Cypress Key, the once thriving home of a now defunct paper plant. He's also the city engineer, the co-owner of a motel, proprietor of a grocery store and operator of a boat repair shop. In other words, he does it all. As a native of this small town, Eb is intent on preserving the richness and heritage of his community. That includes the old rambling casino that Bryce and Greer want to demolish in an instant with a single blast. It seems Eb and Greer are constantly at odds with one another, which makes it even harder to ignore the mutual attraction.

When you take this basic premise and add in a litany of  interesting characters, another Mary Kay Andrews novel comes to life. Greer has to deal with movie star egos, a scheming former socialite, adoring fans, and a volatile teenager. When her estranged father reaches out to her to  give him a second chance, she has some tough decisions to make about life and love.

A playful romantic story  to stow in your bag for vacation days.



  

The Matchmaker

The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand

"The summer wind, came blowin' in from across the sea
It lingered there to touch your hair and walk with me..."

As I turned the pages of this novel, the lyrics of this timeless song came to mind. Once again, this author writes a meaningful story of lost love, forgiveness, and redemption against a backdrop of white sands and sunny skies. If you are looking for a beach read on a mellow summer day, give this one a try.

Dabney Kimball Beech lives on the Island of Nantucket; she has most of her life. There are a few things you should know about her. With her trademark pearls and polished appearance, Dabney excels as the director of the local chamber of commerce, admired and respected by all who know her. She is known as the "Matchmaker" because of her uncanny ability to unite compatible couples that result in happy, satisfying marriages. Behind this facade of contentment lie undeniable truths. Her mother left her one day with no explanation. Those scars will never heal. She is married to John Boxmiller Beech, a revered professor of economics at Harvard who officially adopted  her lovely daughter, Agnes, many years ago. He has been by her side through all the ups and downs, yet decidedly distant to her wants and needs. Perhaps that's because Dabney truly loves only one man; Clendenin Hughes, her daughter's biological father. When he left her brokenhearted eons ago, she never expected to see him again. But he's back on the Island and faded memories come hurdling toward her. Her life is spinning out of control, and she is determined to right the wrongs with the time she has left.

You see, Dabney is dying of pancreatic cancer.

One month before publication of this book, Erin Hilderbrand began her own battle with breast cancer. Little did she know how her words of fiction would relate to her own life. It's all just a bit fear-fetched, but nonetheless a captivating, emotional read, intended to entertain and isn't that what beach reads are all about....

It may just open your mind to the precious, fragile moments of life.  Fleeting.  Just like the summer wind.

The Last Original Wife

The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank

Enticed by the title?   Yes, this novel is exactly what you think......

Leslie Anne Greene Carter's circle of friends is dwindling;  well, it has actually disappeared.  She finds herself without the comfort of cherished female relationships that molded her life as a wife and mother for so many years.  Her friend Tessa died of cancer.  Tessa's  husband Paolo easily replaced her with young, gorgeous Lissete...hm..perhaps she was waiting in the wings all along?   Then there is Harold who unceremoniously dumped Danette for sumptous, young (see the pattern?) Cornelia.  Leslie must face the realization that her children are spoiled, irresponsible adults while her husband, Wesley, who expects starched shirts and a spotless home, continues to rob her of dreams she once envisioned.  He is unwilling to show appreciation or love.  Maybe he just doesn't know how.  Maybe she is to blame.

Now Les finds solace and a therapeutic refuge at her brother Harlan's home in Charleston, S.C.

This historical, enchanting city is  just what Leslie needs to ponder a life-changing decision.   Oh how she has missed Harlan; pompous, gay, flamboyant, endearing to all who know him, and with a heart of gold.  She also reconnects with first love Jonathan.  Together they soak up all that Charleston has to offer, and gradually Les begins to understand the path she must choose at this stage of her life to achieve happiness.

This is a simple story of lives gone astray peppered with humor.  You will laugh out loud at the antics and escapades of the Barbie Wives On Parade.  Sugar-coated?  Perhaps.  However, one might consider rather than looking for the fountain of youth, try aging gracefully and embracing rhe benefits of the golden years.  Creating independence and self-confidence in our children?   The greatest gift of all.

As for Wesley, Harold, and Paolo....

Watch what you wish for, it may just come true.

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.

   

Beautiful Day

Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand

Wedded bliss

Happily ever after

A vision in white

Not necessarily....

Jenna Carmichael and Stuart Graham are getting married on the beautiful island of Nantucket. Her late mother, Beth, has left behind the Notebook, a detailed guide to the perfect wedding.  Little did Beth know that scandel, heartaches, betrayals, and fragile friendships would threaten to destroy Jenna's ideal wedding.

Doug, the bride's father, is seriously questioning his second marriage, sister Margot no longer believes in finding true love and harbors a secret she lives with daily, Ryan longs for acceptance and Nick continues  reckless behavior that could destroy those around him. Stuart's mother, married to the same man twice, still struggles with her own identity;  her insecurities once again surface. Jenna's best friend, Finn, spirals into a dark hole that encompasses her. 

Hilderbrand has written a page-turning summer read.  The setting of Nantucket (her home) lends itself beautifully for a fairy tale wedding. Those of you planning a wedding may relate to the frenzy that these characters encounter, although I doubt you have this much drama. Everyone has flaws-the question is, can love of family be strong enough to heal old wounds? Can a mother's presence, long after she is gone, unite a divided family?  This is an engaging story, expertly told which will hold your interest and might have you planning a trip to a magical location. Once again, this author delivers...


Ah, wedded bliss.....