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Chesapeake Shores #7
Beach Lane
In the close-knit community of Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, Susie O'Brien and Mack Franklin's "not dating" claim befuddles everyone, especially since the two spend every spare minute together. Susie's thrilled when their friendship finally heats up. Then, just when happily-ever-after seems within reach, Mack loses the job he loves and Susie faces a devastating diagnosis.
But O'Briens always unite in a crisis. Even her cousin Jess, Susie's rival for most of their lives, becomes her staunchest supporter - especially when Mack's former lover comes to town. The stakes are higher than ever before, but Susie's definitely up to the challenge - as long as Mack's right there by her side.
But O'Briens always unite in a crisis. Even her cousin Jess, Susie's rival for most of their lives, becomes her staunchest supporter - especially when Mack's former lover comes to town. The stakes are higher than ever before, but Susie's definitely up to the challenge - as long as Mack's right there by her side.
360 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 31, 2011
589 people are currently reading
4185 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,522 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
June 22, 2017
I was glad to see Susie and Mack get their own story. They hang out together all the time but neither will admit that they are dating...just friends. But, they do care about each other secretly. Patriarch Mick O'Brien doesn't like his niece Susie out when it comes to meddling in her life. Ex-jock and sports writer Mack gets a blow when he loses his job with the paper...right when he decides to get serious with Susie.
I enjoyed how they work through the problems that life throws their way. Expect the O'Brien clan to always look after their own.
I enjoyed how they work through the problems that life throws their way. Expect the O'Brien clan to always look after their own.
August 24, 2024
Beach Lane #7 Chesapeake Shores
4🌟
4🌟
January 21, 2024
Susie O’Brien och Mack Franklin har känt varandra sen de var små. Sedan Mack kom tillbaka till Chesapeake Shores har de fortsatt vara vänner. Inte mer. Susie vill inte bli en av Macks alla erövringar. Vänner räcker alldeles utmärkt. Så det så. Sen att alla runt omkring tycker att deras vänskap verkar väldigt lik ett förhållande är deras problem.
Fast egentligen har de ju rätt… Och Mack är redo att fråga Susie om hon vill bära hans ring. Men då får han veta att han är uppsagd och han kan ju inte be henne gifta sig med honom om han inte har något sätt att tjäna sitt levebröd!
Susie å sin sida blir övertalad av sin mamma att göra en kontroll hos läkaren - den rikliga och smärtsamma menstruationen kan vara av samma sort som hennes en gång var: symptom på cancer…
***
Jag rekommenderar näsdukar när ni läser den här! 😭 Men å vad den var bra!
Och ja, den slutar så klart lyckligt. 🙂
Fast egentligen har de ju rätt… Och Mack är redo att fråga Susie om hon vill bära hans ring. Men då får han veta att han är uppsagd och han kan ju inte be henne gifta sig med honom om han inte har något sätt att tjäna sitt levebröd!
Susie å sin sida blir övertalad av sin mamma att göra en kontroll hos läkaren - den rikliga och smärtsamma menstruationen kan vara av samma sort som hennes en gång var: symptom på cancer…
***
Jag rekommenderar näsdukar när ni läser den här! 😭 Men å vad den var bra!
Och ja, den slutar så klart lyckligt. 🙂
December 2, 2011
A nice romantic novel. Two friends on the road to being more, but then future plans were stalled because of personal troubles so the relationship goes to limbo. The secrets they kept from each other seemed such an unhealthy way to have a future together so it was hard for me to root for them. But as the story continued, I couldn't help but wish for the couple's success. I'm a sucker for love that way!
The supporting characters functioned well here. The O'Brien family was a hoot. It was also nice to read Jess's turn of character. It's always a treat to read family working things out.
My only qualm was that Mack was too perfect (except in the beginning). Once the secrets were out, Mack did a 360 and everything fell in line. Nothing rocked the boat for him from then on. He was supportive, loving, thoughtful, sexy, and just did and said everything right. Every girls dream! I guess I just couldn't believe it ... too good to be true kind of thing. No wonder men are lost. When they give us perfection, we still question (I'm not the only one, right?). Anyway, maybe Ms Woods will rattle some bones in the family trip to Ireland in the next installment?
Jinky is Reading
The supporting characters functioned well here. The O'Brien family was a hoot. It was also nice to read Jess's turn of character. It's always a treat to read family working things out.
My only qualm was that Mack was too perfect (except in the beginning). Once the secrets were out, Mack did a 360 and everything fell in line. Nothing rocked the boat for him from then on. He was supportive, loving, thoughtful, sexy, and just did and said everything right. Every girls dream! I guess I just couldn't believe it ... too good to be true kind of thing. No wonder men are lost. When they give us perfection, we still question (I'm not the only one, right?). Anyway, maybe Ms Woods will rattle some bones in the family trip to Ireland in the next installment?
Jinky is Reading
October 10, 2012
2.5 Stars. I'm a little disappointed with this one.
The first half was excellent and there was a lot of charm and the usual amount of shenanigans that comes with the O'Briens, but this is the first time that we have encountered a genuinely unpleasant character in this series, in the form of Kristen.
Mac was a big disappointment for me. I was shocked that he showed so little foresight and understanding in putting poor Susie in that position in the first place. I thought it was selfish of him and he should be ashamed of himself for making Susie feel that way, especially with everything she was dealing with physically.
Are you telling me there was no one else in the whole of America who could produce his website? No way. Mac didn't exactly go out of his way to ensure that Kristen knew he wasn't interested and then when he did finally realise his mistake, I thought it was too little too late.
Really bad judgement on his part that made me feel unsure about his feelings for his wife. He occasionally said all the right things but then did exactly what he wanted anyway, despite the consequences.
The first half was excellent and there was a lot of charm and the usual amount of shenanigans that comes with the O'Briens, but this is the first time that we have encountered a genuinely unpleasant character in this series, in the form of Kristen.
Mac was a big disappointment for me. I was shocked that he showed so little foresight and understanding in putting poor Susie in that position in the first place. I thought it was selfish of him and he should be ashamed of himself for making Susie feel that way, especially with everything she was dealing with physically.
Are you telling me there was no one else in the whole of America who could produce his website? No way. Mac didn't exactly go out of his way to ensure that Kristen knew he wasn't interested and then when he did finally realise his mistake, I thought it was too little too late.
Really bad judgement on his part that made me feel unsure about his feelings for his wife. He occasionally said all the right things but then did exactly what he wanted anyway, despite the consequences.
August 6, 2016
Two-haiku review:
They're friends, not dating
But finally admit love
When she gets bad news
They go through a lot
Believable characters
Kind of tear jerker
They're friends, not dating
But finally admit love
When she gets bad news
They go through a lot
Believable characters
Kind of tear jerker
March 11, 2021
Translation widget on The blog!!!
“Alături de tine” este o întreagă încrengătură de emoții și sentimente diverse, piedici menite să testeze iubirea, momente tensionate și clipe de suspans ce se joacă cu tensiunea noastră. Iar toate acestea îi au în centru pe cei doi eroi ai noștri, dar întregul clan O’Brien și familia extinsă iau parte la fiecare moment important din viața fiecăruia.
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
“Alături de tine” este o întreagă încrengătură de emoții și sentimente diverse, piedici menite să testeze iubirea, momente tensionate și clipe de suspans ce se joacă cu tensiunea noastră. Iar toate acestea îi au în centru pe cei doi eroi ai noștri, dar întregul clan O’Brien și familia extinsă iau parte la fiecare moment important din viața fiecăruia.
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
September 13, 2011
Reviewed by Valerie
Book received via NetGalley
I haven’t read the rest of the Chesapeake series but the blurb for this one caught my eye and I decided to give it a try. I will say that, for me, when I read romance I’m looking for escape and while this book is a fantastic story, it really was too deep for what I like to read. For anyone who has dealt with the big C word personally, this story will speak to you.
The loving family members and friends that the series is known for are definitely included in this story about Susie and Mack. Everyone’s been betting for years that they will eventually get together, yet they never have. When Mack finally decides to propose to her, he loses his job. How can an unemployed man ask the woman he loves to be his wife? He can’t and doesn’t. So what’s he supposed to do now?
Susie’s viewpoint is that Mack’s a player and she can just sit around and wait for him to get serious about their relationship. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that time waits for no one, including her. The games that they have been playing have to stop with so much on the line, yet neither one knows how to behave any other way.
Over and over again, both of them keep things from each other and have their doubts about their relationship and future. I did find that Mack had more faith in their relationship then Susie did, but felt that her fears and insecurities were true to her medical situation and health issues. When her husband hires an old fling to help start his new business, things just get worse for Susie. Their family members and friends offer advice, assistance, and help in any way they can hoping both of them will be happy. But, ultimately, it’s up to them to find their way.
I laughed some, I cried some, and while it was very deep on an emotional level, I’ll read more about this family in the next book when it’s released.
Book received via NetGalley
I haven’t read the rest of the Chesapeake series but the blurb for this one caught my eye and I decided to give it a try. I will say that, for me, when I read romance I’m looking for escape and while this book is a fantastic story, it really was too deep for what I like to read. For anyone who has dealt with the big C word personally, this story will speak to you.
The loving family members and friends that the series is known for are definitely included in this story about Susie and Mack. Everyone’s been betting for years that they will eventually get together, yet they never have. When Mack finally decides to propose to her, he loses his job. How can an unemployed man ask the woman he loves to be his wife? He can’t and doesn’t. So what’s he supposed to do now?
Susie’s viewpoint is that Mack’s a player and she can just sit around and wait for him to get serious about their relationship. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that time waits for no one, including her. The games that they have been playing have to stop with so much on the line, yet neither one knows how to behave any other way.
Over and over again, both of them keep things from each other and have their doubts about their relationship and future. I did find that Mack had more faith in their relationship then Susie did, but felt that her fears and insecurities were true to her medical situation and health issues. When her husband hires an old fling to help start his new business, things just get worse for Susie. Their family members and friends offer advice, assistance, and help in any way they can hoping both of them will be happy. But, ultimately, it’s up to them to find their way.
I laughed some, I cried some, and while it was very deep on an emotional level, I’ll read more about this family in the next book when it’s released.
June 10, 2011
Absolutely loved this book,such a emotional read i really had tears in my eyes on many occasions,adored each characters and the way they have their relationships also how the years of resentment and bitterness was solved and how a tragedy brings everyone close
Susie was such a sweet character,my heart went out out her,the way she handled the news and the changes that brought about,also loved the way everyone around her were always filled with positive energy and if any time even one of the family members would start to shake then there were many others who will remind them to be positive and think positive,the way she never let anyone cry for her and enjoyed each second of her time and made new memories
Mack is such a sweet adorable guy,the way he has redeemed himself is applaudable,from scratch he started again and despite many hurdles he proved himself,his love,loyalty n dedication for Susie was applaudable,he never thought any thing negative nor did he let Susie or others break,he was the rock for Susie
Absolutely loved their love journey and was so so happy their both got their much deserved HEA
Good read
Recommend it
Susie was such a sweet character,my heart went out out her,the way she handled the news and the changes that brought about,also loved the way everyone around her were always filled with positive energy and if any time even one of the family members would start to shake then there were many others who will remind them to be positive and think positive,the way she never let anyone cry for her and enjoyed each second of her time and made new memories
Mack is such a sweet adorable guy,the way he has redeemed himself is applaudable,from scratch he started again and despite many hurdles he proved himself,his love,loyalty n dedication for Susie was applaudable,he never thought any thing negative nor did he let Susie or others break,he was the rock for Susie
Absolutely loved their love journey and was so so happy their both got their much deserved HEA
Good read
Recommend it
May 18, 2018
Unbelievable! None of the characters is this book believe in telling each other the truth about almost anything. Instead they anticipate how it will affect the others in their lives and assume the others need protection thus depriving other people of their God-given right to decide things for themselves. The characters also continually threaten each other if their friend, relative etc doesn't treat someone the way they think they should.
Given the core premise of two young adults who are in love with each other for years but somehow can't reach the point of discussing it, it's no surprise that the communications model used in this book is extremely skewed and very bizarre. I did think there were brief episodes of good writing but given the unreality of the characters, those episodes were definitely lost in translation. I will check our this author's other books just in case this one was a fluke.
Given the core premise of two young adults who are in love with each other for years but somehow can't reach the point of discussing it, it's no surprise that the communications model used in this book is extremely skewed and very bizarre. I did think there were brief episodes of good writing but given the unreality of the characters, those episodes were definitely lost in translation. I will check our this author's other books just in case this one was a fluke.
May 27, 2018
This is a modern day romance or a feel good story. It is the story of Susie O'Brien and Mack Franklin who are best friends but want to be more. The book also includes the story of another relationship that is just beginning between Matthew O'Brien who is Susie's brother and Laila who runs the town bank. Some tough times in this story but love and faith will survive. The book was a quick easy read.
September 26, 2019
Enjoyed the Mick O'Brien family stories, but was disappointed with this one. Characters are basically a couple for years but don't admit it. When they do, there is a major health issue and a job loss. Throw in an ex-lover and trust issues ensue. I am also reminded how overused the words wryly and incredulously are used. So many problems in the relationships could have easily been avoided. Overdone.
August 6, 2017
L'histoire aurait pu être extrêmement émouvante sans pour autant faire de l'héroïne malade, une emmerdeuse. De plus, quitte à répéter que le héros est un coureur, il aurait fallu le montrer mais pas en fait un parfait amoureux depuis 6 bouquins 🙄
August 21, 2020
Odio/amo este libro con ganas. Una parte de mí sólo quería lanzarlo por ahí y olvidarme de él pero la otra ansiaba saber cómo iban a terminar las cosas.
February 6, 2017
Another excellent installment in the Chesapeake Shores Series. Can't wait to start the next book
December 5, 2021
7 of the series, halfway through! Didn’t enjoy this one as much (for personal reasons - cancer has affected my family greatly). Ready for the next one as it’s Christmas related!
June 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this book...it brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes several times. It is rare that you find a romance that portrays dealing with a potentially fatal illness in such a way as this one did. I wanted more of an ending which is the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars!
March 29, 2014
I enjoyed some of the characters Ms. Woods created in this series; however, because there were so many characters, I never felt very close to any one of them. There is much interference from the O'Brien relatives that at some points it annoyed me. If my parents, brothers, sisters, had asked about my sex life or personal relationships as often as this family did, I'd go insane.
Mack and Susie are adults, but at times it felt as if they were teens being watched over by a group of well intentioned relatives and friends. I found it too claustrophobic. Reading about a family that became so intertwined in their relative's personal business that they threatened to beat up or handle the relative's significant other felt condescending and invasive.
I felt it was quite dreary with Susie's illness being a huge focus of the book. The intimate scenes were brief and fleeting. The romance was short and cut off by more serious issues. And with all the friends and family members taking up space in the book, I didn't really attach myself to the family or the romantic leads.
It just didn't work for me, I guess. We all have our own styles of writing we prefer to read and this storyline just didn't work for me.
The story felt like a roller coaster ride where you see a hill coming, hoping it might get your pulse pumping, but soon find the hill was just a bump and the bump flattens out. You get off feeling cheated...especially if you got on thinking it was going to be a grown-up roller coaster ride with peaks and valleys that would take your breath away. This felt flat to me and I don't intend on buying any others in the series. I live near the Chesapeake Bay and so I thought this would be an interesting read, but I much preferred Nora Roberts' Chesapeake Blue series.
Mack and Susie are adults, but at times it felt as if they were teens being watched over by a group of well intentioned relatives and friends. I found it too claustrophobic. Reading about a family that became so intertwined in their relative's personal business that they threatened to beat up or handle the relative's significant other felt condescending and invasive.
I felt it was quite dreary with Susie's illness being a huge focus of the book. The intimate scenes were brief and fleeting. The romance was short and cut off by more serious issues. And with all the friends and family members taking up space in the book, I didn't really attach myself to the family or the romantic leads.
It just didn't work for me, I guess. We all have our own styles of writing we prefer to read and this storyline just didn't work for me.
The story felt like a roller coaster ride where you see a hill coming, hoping it might get your pulse pumping, but soon find the hill was just a bump and the bump flattens out. You get off feeling cheated...especially if you got on thinking it was going to be a grown-up roller coaster ride with peaks and valleys that would take your breath away. This felt flat to me and I don't intend on buying any others in the series. I live near the Chesapeake Bay and so I thought this would be an interesting read, but I much preferred Nora Roberts' Chesapeake Blue series.
June 25, 2012
Were we really supposed to like Susie? She doesn't have many good qualities. She's a liar, manipulative, selfish, whiney, childish and totally unsupportive of her husband. She was never there for him. No help on the paper, can't make the parties without spoiling them for Mack, can't encourage him yet he couldn't take any job that might take him away from her and her secure little tiny life with her family. She had plenty of strength to build and furnish a house, but nothing for Mack. Yet he had better toe the line for her. Can't see her ever being much of a wife or a mother, too immature. Maybe Mack can get away from her somehow.
I didn't cry for her once. Most of her problems were of her own creation.
And yes I personally know about cancer and its treatments. Most women in chemo don't act like that.
Susie should have told Mack about the PET scan.That was unforgivable. Mack should have told Kristen about Susie's cancer. The illness had to be having an effect on Mack's work. And web developers for internet newspapers are not that special. This is old technology.
I didn't cry for her once. Most of her problems were of her own creation.
And yes I personally know about cancer and its treatments. Most women in chemo don't act like that.
Susie should have told Mack about the PET scan.That was unforgivable. Mack should have told Kristen about Susie's cancer. The illness had to be having an effect on Mack's work. And web developers for internet newspapers are not that special. This is old technology.
July 26, 2016
Susie and Mack have been friends for a long time and both have feeling the other. It is obvious to everyone they know. Finally, they finally decide to be honest with each other about their feelings. And of course, because these romances need some angst, Susie is diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and Mack loses his job. Do they tell each other this? Do they keep the diagnosis and lack of job from each other? The couple decides to immediately marry after declaring their feelings and their friends and family rally around them especially Jess, Susie's cousin. Neither has been entirely honest with each other and drama ensues. The O'Brien family rallies around them as the await news of Susie's prognosis A nice read for a cold dreary day.
September 20, 2018
I listened to this book on CDs. Horrendous! Not only is it fake, plotless, boring, pretentious, horrible dialogs, has the most irritating Irish grandma, it has a very deep former, of course, playboy named Mick, who sounds like a robot (thanks to the shitty narrator), who fell platonically, of course, for a red-headed annoying chick named Susie, who spent seven chapters questioning his love . The part which is supposed to make me cry is her cancer diagnosis, but the book is so horrible that no matter what I cannot be moved, even though Mick, while still platonically in love, married her the morning prior to her diagnosis. I thought it would be an easy listen, about a beach. Instead it feels like chewing through drywall on my way back and forth to work. Fake as hell.
June 5, 2011
I didn't know that I'd care as much about this "leg" of the O'Brien family... as we haven't seen much of Susie, even though readers of the series are familiar with the "Not Dating" dating they had been doing.
All in all, I liked the story. It was sweet and sad. I found myself tearing up several times throughout. I do love when a bad boy, or naughty boy is redeemed to such a degree that Mack does. I mean, his unwavering devotion to Susie was a big highlight for me!
All in all, I liked the story. It was sweet and sad. I found myself tearing up several times throughout. I do love when a bad boy, or naughty boy is redeemed to such a degree that Mack does. I mean, his unwavering devotion to Susie was a big highlight for me!
April 30, 2015
Beach Lane is the love story between Susie O'Brien and Mack Franklin. They move from friends to married in a couple of hours, as they start married life with Susie's health issues. Beach Lane is full of challenges that make the bond between these two stronger and stronger. When looking for a great love story with lots of real-life challenges, Sherryl Woods delivers some of the very best.
October 29, 2011
I did enjoy this story of Mack and Susie ... first one of Sherryl Woods books I have ever read and I would definitely read some more. Light, easy read EXCEPT for the cancer stuff. I hate to read about that stuff in a book! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone into her stories.
December 19, 2017
Another good read in this installment of the O'Brien clan. I have to admit I do miss hearing a lot about the past couples that have gotten together over the course of this series, some almost completely forgotten, and some heard about vaguely.
In this book, it's centered around Mack, the friend of Will who works as the sports writer for a newspaper and Suzie, the cousin of Abby, Jess and the other O'Briens in the core clan of the series. We've heard of Suzie and Mack before, the guys always teasing Mack about how for the last 3 yrs. either of them claim to be dating each other, but they're always together and never dating anyone else.
Well, Suzie is finally ready to take things to the next level, tired of being in the friend zone, just once in 3 yrs. getting a kiss from Mack. She now wants more. The trouble is, what she doesn't know is Mack just lost his job. The newspaper business is a dying thing, most people reading online and Mack is the kind of guy who feels like he needs his life together before starting a real relationship. Which sucks for Suzie, as she's throwing herself at him on Thanksgiving at the O'Briens and can't get a response out of him. Once she finds out about him losing his job, she starts giving him ideas of ways he can work for himself, starting his own local newspaper in town or starting a blog online. He wishes he would've told her before she heard it through the grapevine, as she is his biggest cheerleader.
Then Suzie is the one with issues. Staying home from work, (she works in her Dad's leasing office) with bad cramps that she's had her whole life, she soon finds out it's more than cramps. It could very well be ovarian cancer. Her mother had told her she herself had to have a complete hysterectomy after her last child because she was susceptible to cancer, now Suzie could be at risk as well.
When the tests are done and the waiting game is being played for the results, Mack finally finds out why Suzie has been avoiding him. It's right then and there that he proposes to her. He wants to be married to her before she finds out if she's going to live or die. He's had the ring for quite a long time and he wants her to know he's loved her and wanted her forever. So they decide to marry before knowing that she indeed, does have ovarian cancer.
This is a tug on your heart strings kind of story. Not knowing if Suzie will live or die is heart wrenching. Then there is also a side story of Suzie's younger brother Matthew taking up with older woman Layla. These two are hot and heavy and no one knows about it. And Layla thinks he's too young for her and people will talk, but can she stay away from Matthew?
Very good story, which sets up the reader for the next book in line, where the entire O'Brien family takes a Christmas vacation, taking Gram Nell back to Ireland. Can't wait to read it!
In this book, it's centered around Mack, the friend of Will who works as the sports writer for a newspaper and Suzie, the cousin of Abby, Jess and the other O'Briens in the core clan of the series. We've heard of Suzie and Mack before, the guys always teasing Mack about how for the last 3 yrs. either of them claim to be dating each other, but they're always together and never dating anyone else.
Well, Suzie is finally ready to take things to the next level, tired of being in the friend zone, just once in 3 yrs. getting a kiss from Mack. She now wants more. The trouble is, what she doesn't know is Mack just lost his job. The newspaper business is a dying thing, most people reading online and Mack is the kind of guy who feels like he needs his life together before starting a real relationship. Which sucks for Suzie, as she's throwing herself at him on Thanksgiving at the O'Briens and can't get a response out of him. Once she finds out about him losing his job, she starts giving him ideas of ways he can work for himself, starting his own local newspaper in town or starting a blog online. He wishes he would've told her before she heard it through the grapevine, as she is his biggest cheerleader.
Then Suzie is the one with issues. Staying home from work, (she works in her Dad's leasing office) with bad cramps that she's had her whole life, she soon finds out it's more than cramps. It could very well be ovarian cancer. Her mother had told her she herself had to have a complete hysterectomy after her last child because she was susceptible to cancer, now Suzie could be at risk as well.
When the tests are done and the waiting game is being played for the results, Mack finally finds out why Suzie has been avoiding him. It's right then and there that he proposes to her. He wants to be married to her before she finds out if she's going to live or die. He's had the ring for quite a long time and he wants her to know he's loved her and wanted her forever. So they decide to marry before knowing that she indeed, does have ovarian cancer.
This is a tug on your heart strings kind of story. Not knowing if Suzie will live or die is heart wrenching. Then there is also a side story of Suzie's younger brother Matthew taking up with older woman Layla. These two are hot and heavy and no one knows about it. And Layla thinks he's too young for her and people will talk, but can she stay away from Matthew?
Very good story, which sets up the reader for the next book in line, where the entire O'Brien family takes a Christmas vacation, taking Gram Nell back to Ireland. Can't wait to read it!
April 15, 2020
Novela romántica contemporánea escrita por Sherryl Wood, una auténtica dama del romance actual. Lo bueno de esta novela es que se lee muy rápido lo malo es que pertenece a una serie ambientada en un lugar costero lo que significa que personajes de otras novelas aparecen y desaparecen, si no has seguido la serie desde el principio, como yo, puedes perderte entre tanto personaje principal, secundario o terciario. Y para hacerlo más complicado hay parejas, niños, abuelos, padres, tíos y demás vecinos. Como digo si te has leído los libros anteriores es bonito ver cómo le va a estos personajes, pero si no ha sido así, puede que no entiendas algunas referencias. En cualquier caso el mayor problema con este libro es la inconsistencia de los protagonistas, me ha gustado que la protagonista, Susie, se enfrente a un gran problema -que no voy a decir cual es- pero si al principio parecía una mujer sencilla y tranquila, de repente cambia su comportamiento y se convierte en una mujer agresiva y atrevida, y luego vuelve a cambiar, y luego a cambiar. Da la sensación de que su personalidad varía dependiendo de lo que suceda en la escena, y no al revés.
En cuanto al protagonista, Mick, no varía tanto, él está más recortado bajo el patrón de hombre atractivo, con un gran pasado sexual, profesional de éxito y seguro de si mismo. Si lo comparo con otros personajes masculinos que aparecen aquí tales como primos, hermanos, amigos... no existen grandes diferencias entre ellos, salvo en nombre y la profesión. Por ese punto este libro se rige por los elementos clásicos de cualquier libro ubicado en un pueblo costero del este de Estados Unidos que pertenece a una serie familiar. Quien lea romántica de Harlequín entenderá a qué me refiero.
Si hablo de la historia, me ha gustado que existiera un momento difícil para la pareja, ha conseguido que la novela tenga un toque de tristeza y esperanza interesante. No le puedo poner quejas salvo que la presencia de una antigua amente de Mick resultaba innecesaria porque ya se sabe que eso siempre causa problemas.
Un momento de la vida es un libro romántico contemporáneo interesante, creo que le falta un toque de amor más profundo, algo que haga que sientas que los personajes se amen con locura pero considerando las dificultades por las que ambos pasan les podemos dar un poco de cuartelillo.
Sirve para pasar una tarde entretenida pero es totalmente olvidable.
En cuanto al protagonista, Mick, no varía tanto, él está más recortado bajo el patrón de hombre atractivo, con un gran pasado sexual, profesional de éxito y seguro de si mismo. Si lo comparo con otros personajes masculinos que aparecen aquí tales como primos, hermanos, amigos... no existen grandes diferencias entre ellos, salvo en nombre y la profesión. Por ese punto este libro se rige por los elementos clásicos de cualquier libro ubicado en un pueblo costero del este de Estados Unidos que pertenece a una serie familiar. Quien lea romántica de Harlequín entenderá a qué me refiero.
Si hablo de la historia, me ha gustado que existiera un momento difícil para la pareja, ha conseguido que la novela tenga un toque de tristeza y esperanza interesante. No le puedo poner quejas salvo que la presencia de una antigua amente de Mick resultaba innecesaria porque ya se sabe que eso siempre causa problemas.
Un momento de la vida es un libro romántico contemporáneo interesante, creo que le falta un toque de amor más profundo, algo que haga que sientas que los personajes se amen con locura pero considerando las dificultades por las que ambos pasan les podemos dar un poco de cuartelillo.
Sirve para pasar una tarde entretenida pero es totalmente olvidable.
September 25, 2021
After reading the blurb if this book, I've honestly been putting it off. Mostly because as soon as it said health scare, I knew it would be cancer. Its always cancer. And some days I just can't deal with reading about cancer. It makes me cry. And all spoilers aside, yes, this book made me cry.
I love the small town speculation around Susie and Mack. Probably one of the most ridiculous aspects of small town living is thr gossip in all honesty. And people's need to meddle and find out the answers. The fact that I swear half of Chesapeake Shores seems to be an O'Brien just makes it all that much better.
From the very beginning of this story, there is a lot of turmoil threatening Susie and Mack. In many moments its actually hard to stomach because it is so damn tragic. But, it also shows the amazing strength of the couple. Susie and Mack are able to find a way to create their own happily ever after, in spite of all of the difficulties they face.
This is a fantastic friends to lovers story. One that left my heart feeling just a little bit lighter and more beautiful. And kept me grinning happily long after I turned that final page. Even though there were multiple moments throughout that reduced me to tears....
I love the small town speculation around Susie and Mack. Probably one of the most ridiculous aspects of small town living is thr gossip in all honesty. And people's need to meddle and find out the answers. The fact that I swear half of Chesapeake Shores seems to be an O'Brien just makes it all that much better.
From the very beginning of this story, there is a lot of turmoil threatening Susie and Mack. In many moments its actually hard to stomach because it is so damn tragic. But, it also shows the amazing strength of the couple. Susie and Mack are able to find a way to create their own happily ever after, in spite of all of the difficulties they face.
This is a fantastic friends to lovers story. One that left my heart feeling just a little bit lighter and more beautiful. And kept me grinning happily long after I turned that final page. Even though there were multiple moments throughout that reduced me to tears....
September 10, 2022
2.75 stars. I read to feel good not depressed. I didn’t like Suzy at all. No, I liked her less and less each chapter. Oh and don’t get me started on Jess, my dependable Jess from every other book is the series was an ass at times. What the hell, she’s been a pistol in all the other books. Christine the beautiful computer genius was a total bitch. Sherryl Woods is not good at writing that kind of woman-stop! If it wasn’t for all the secondary characters I might have stopped reading this one. I’m so annoyed I’m going to stop reading this series for spell!
Grrrrr….
Argh…
Oh OK, there was one redeemable scene when we got to visit the boys at bedtime. Henry and the baby boy- he’s no longer a baby. He’s a cheeky, little, funny dude. That was a sweet scene.
Grrrrr….
Argh…
Oh OK, there was one redeemable scene when we got to visit the boys at bedtime. Henry and the baby boy- he’s no longer a baby. He’s a cheeky, little, funny dude. That was a sweet scene.
December 31, 2017
An inspiring story with life lessons
Beach Lane is filled with lessons of love, faith, ambition, truth, positivity and loyalty. Mack Franklin and Susie O'Brien have been in love for years but have always remained in the friend zone. Mack finally decides to take their relationship to the next level when he loses his job. Their relationship is tested, but of course Susie is there for him (once she finds out). She even suggests he start his own paper in Chesapeake Shores.
Meanwhile Susie gets a traumatic diagnosis which tests their love and relationship. We're taken along on the journey while they deal with a jealousy issue.
Even though you can predict the outcome, you're hoping and praying for the best. And it's a good lead in to the next book, An O'Brien Family Christmas!
Beach Lane is filled with lessons of love, faith, ambition, truth, positivity and loyalty. Mack Franklin and Susie O'Brien have been in love for years but have always remained in the friend zone. Mack finally decides to take their relationship to the next level when he loses his job. Their relationship is tested, but of course Susie is there for him (once she finds out). She even suggests he start his own paper in Chesapeake Shores.
Meanwhile Susie gets a traumatic diagnosis which tests their love and relationship. We're taken along on the journey while they deal with a jealousy issue.
Even though you can predict the outcome, you're hoping and praying for the best. And it's a good lead in to the next book, An O'Brien Family Christmas!
September 9, 2021
The book had a good plot line although it was a bit slow reading. Mack and Susie are adults, but at times it felt as if they were teens being watched over by a group of well intentioned relatives and friends. I found it too claustrophobic. Reading about a family that became so intertwined in their relative's personal business that they threatened to beat up or handle the relative's significant other felt condescending and invasive. A continuation of the O'Brien saga in Chesapeake Shores Maryland, the second book in the series although the first might have provided a bit of a back story this can be read on its own. Overall, it was well written and a light, fun read. But the angst that the different characters had about not telling their true feelings or worrying about sharing their true feelings or keeping their true feelings from their loved ones is a bit frustrating.
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