I’ve been to quite a few beaches in my life and they’re all beautiful and unique. When I needed a setting for my Inlet Beach books, I knew exactly which one would be my inspiration.

The beach there is wide: dark sand sprinkled with sand dollars, driftwood, and black stones.

Some things, I’ve never seen anywhere else.

I’ve found blue and green sea glass on the sand, sea stars and anemones in the tide pools, and sea caves that are only visible at low tide.

People dig for clams at low tide and they’re happy to show you how it’s done.

The town is small, the locals are friendly, and everyone knows everyone else.

I found the inspiration for Inlet Beach, the setting for The Inheritance and Christmas at Inlet Beach in Cannon Beach Oregon.

It’s beautiful there. I have seen people walk ankle-deep into the surf at sunset and raise a glass to the horizon, to toast the end of the day.

I’ve seen family bring blankets and beach chairs onto the sand at dusk and roast marshmallows over bonfires piled high with driftwood.

I have seen winter storms so fierce that the rain falls sideways and the wind can lift a child off the ground.

I love it there.  I love walking on the beach, I love the quirky little shops in town, I love the wildlife.

And if you get a chance to visit, you’re going to love it too.

Disclaimer:  I don’t work there, I own any property there, I don’t benefit at all if you visit. In fact, I’m pretty sure the people of Cannon Beach couldn’t pick me out of a line up.

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