What do you think?
Rate this book
Diamond Beach #1
Last Summer at the Beach House: Feel Good Beachy Women's Fiction
All she wanted was one last summer at the beach house...
When the unthinkable happens and Claire Thompson’s husband dies suddenly, she’s left wondering how to go on. Being a wife and mother is all she’s ever known. Grieving and lost, she decides to take her family for one last trip to their beach house before she’s forced to put it up for sale. The house is filled with happy memories, and it seems like a great way to remember Bryan.
But as she soon finds out, Bryan was harboring some complicated secrets. The kind that will change the lives of Claire and her daughter. And those secrets come to light while Claire is at the beach house, shattering her memories and making her realize she never really knew her husband.
How does she move forward with these new revelations? How will her daughter cope? What will become of them now that they know Bryan wasn’t the man they thought he was?
Claire can only pray things work out for them during their last summer at the beach house.
When the unthinkable happens and Claire Thompson’s husband dies suddenly, she’s left wondering how to go on. Being a wife and mother is all she’s ever known. Grieving and lost, she decides to take her family for one last trip to their beach house before she’s forced to put it up for sale. The house is filled with happy memories, and it seems like a great way to remember Bryan.
But as she soon finds out, Bryan was harboring some complicated secrets. The kind that will change the lives of Claire and her daughter. And those secrets come to light while Claire is at the beach house, shattering her memories and making her realize she never really knew her husband.
How does she move forward with these new revelations? How will her daughter cope? What will become of them now that they know Bryan wasn’t the man they thought he was?
Claire can only pray things work out for them during their last summer at the beach house.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2023
1657 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Miller
42 books349 followersTime off is time best spent at the beach, don't you agree?
The beach is my happy place. The sound of the waves are my favorite background music. And the sand between my toes is the best massage I can think of.
When I'm not at the beach, I'm writing or reading or cooking for my family. You know, life.
I hope you enjoy my books. Drop me a line and let me know what you think of them! You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MaggieMiller... or at my website, https://www.maggiemillerauthor.com. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter!
The beach is my happy place. The sound of the waves are my favorite background music. And the sand between my toes is the best massage I can think of.
When I'm not at the beach, I'm writing or reading or cooking for my family. You know, life.
I hope you enjoy my books. Drop me a line and let me know what you think of them! You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MaggieMiller... or at my website, https://www.maggiemillerauthor.com. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! Strong female characters.
June 23, 2023
Very good book.
At first I wasn't happy with the way the book started. Too many books about the older women start with the death of a spouse and then 90% of the book is whining and crying and giving up on life. This had a twist that made this a very interesting read. I won reveal it for the people who have not read it yet. Cliff hanger is pretty good too. Can't wait to read the second book!
At first I wasn't happy with the way the book started. Too many books about the older women start with the death of a spouse and then 90% of the book is whining and crying and giving up on life. This had a twist that made this a very interesting read. I won reveal it for the people who have not read it yet. Cliff hanger is pretty good too. Can't wait to read the second book!
August 12, 2023
I think its deceptive to say that the book ends in a cliff hanger, because, it really just...ends. Its mildly interesting, but , I didnt really love any of the characters, nor did I feel overly invested in what happens with them. I pushed myself to finish the book to get a bit of resolution to the story, but, in the end, I got zero resolution, and walked away realizing that I dont even care enough about the characters to read the next book. Oh! One last, very important thing- I am speechless as to why the title of this book would say it is a "Feel Good" story! Literally, NOT ONE thing happens that makes you feel good! Its all terrible!!!
June 29, 2023
Maggie Miller is one of those authors that I consider a "Hallmark Movie" writer. She writes thos guilty pleasure books, that make you laugh, smile and feel good. There are sad things, but they all seem to turn out all right in the end. This is a good story, that brings two unlikely families together; and makes you wonder how it is all going to turn out. Some people binge on Netflix shows, I like a quick splurge on these feel good books.
June 3, 2023
A great lighthearted story
I am enjoying reading this funny and catchy story. I’ve smiled and even laughed
at these delightful ladies in this book. It makes you think and want to know
the characters in this story. Well written an amusing. Thank you!
I am enjoying reading this funny and catchy story. I’ve smiled and even laughed
at these delightful ladies in this book. It makes you think and want to know
the characters in this story. Well written an amusing. Thank you!
November 13, 2023
Disappointed
This was a well written thought out story, but with no ending. This book will make you go to the next in the series if you want to know what has happened. I never mind going to the next boom in a story, but not knowing the ending to the last one does not set well with me.
This was a well written thought out story, but with no ending. This book will make you go to the next in the series if you want to know what has happened. I never mind going to the next boom in a story, but not knowing the ending to the last one does not set well with me.
June 10, 2023
Another sensational read from Maggie! Unexpected twists and turns keep you reading. Now waiting for the next one in the series, hard to do.
August 1, 2025
This was a delightful story. I loved all the female characters in it especially Trina. she was wise beyond her years. she tried to keep the peace and I also loved Margo, the grandmother.
She finally took chances and she was very inspirational and it was kind of nice to see what happened between her and Conrad and what she wanted to do in the future. and then you have Mimi who was Willie and she was awesome and the surprise that she had at the end of the story. although it kind of left you hanging. what happened with the will.
It never really told you at the end who ended up with the house. this was a story that started out with this man Brian that died and his wife Claire Thompson and her daughter Kat decided they wanted to have a last summer in their summer house that they owned while they were there. They found out a secret and the secret was is that he had another family who also showed up so it was kind of comical.
The worst part though was the both daughters were named Katrina. one was called Trina and one was called Kat. they also were born only a few hours apart and so you wonder what happens with all the estate. it really didn't let you know I didn't like that par. You could feel how Roxie felt her daughter should get some things since Brian didn't really provide for Trina. ex. college.
I also didn't like was it kind of told you every little maneuver like they went up the steps. they told you exactly how they made a sandwich just I'm not used to. everything is like this is how it's done. I know how to make a sandwich. I know how to go to the grocery store and everything was on the list and they described all and I just thought that was a little bit wasteful
.
it was nice to get the lemon recipe.
but overall this was a great story. it made you laugh a few times. I love Jules, the sister of Claire and then their mom was Margo. they all ended up kind of getting a love interest and Kat just has to figure out what she wants to do with her boyfriend/ fiance with their relationship. I would say that it's a no-go. He was kind of the only character I kind of didn't like.
I really really like Danny. he was really good with Claire. I liked how the relationship with Claire and Roxy which was the other wife sort of unfolded and Trina. she was a peacemaker. I loved all the hair that she was doing with everybody. she really made people think about life. she was sooo positive. Dhe was a really really good person. I thought. of course Brian was a scoundrel but this is a great story and it went quickly. I was able to do this in like a day so I highly recommend if you need something that's light and funny
She finally took chances and she was very inspirational and it was kind of nice to see what happened between her and Conrad and what she wanted to do in the future. and then you have Mimi who was Willie and she was awesome and the surprise that she had at the end of the story. although it kind of left you hanging. what happened with the will.
It never really told you at the end who ended up with the house. this was a story that started out with this man Brian that died and his wife Claire Thompson and her daughter Kat decided they wanted to have a last summer in their summer house that they owned while they were there. They found out a secret and the secret was is that he had another family who also showed up so it was kind of comical.
The worst part though was the both daughters were named Katrina. one was called Trina and one was called Kat. they also were born only a few hours apart and so you wonder what happens with all the estate. it really didn't let you know I didn't like that par. You could feel how Roxie felt her daughter should get some things since Brian didn't really provide for Trina. ex. college.
I also didn't like was it kind of told you every little maneuver like they went up the steps. they told you exactly how they made a sandwich just I'm not used to. everything is like this is how it's done. I know how to make a sandwich. I know how to go to the grocery store and everything was on the list and they described all and I just thought that was a little bit wasteful
.
it was nice to get the lemon recipe.
but overall this was a great story. it made you laugh a few times. I love Jules, the sister of Claire and then their mom was Margo. they all ended up kind of getting a love interest and Kat just has to figure out what she wants to do with her boyfriend/ fiance with their relationship. I would say that it's a no-go. He was kind of the only character I kind of didn't like.
I really really like Danny. he was really good with Claire. I liked how the relationship with Claire and Roxy which was the other wife sort of unfolded and Trina. she was a peacemaker. I loved all the hair that she was doing with everybody. she really made people think about life. she was sooo positive. Dhe was a really really good person. I thought. of course Brian was a scoundrel but this is a great story and it went quickly. I was able to do this in like a day so I highly recommend if you need something that's light and funny
July 8, 2024
Good story but the writing is very dull. Way too much unnecessary storytelling. Examples—stating exactly what the characters were buying at the grocery store, what exactly they ordered for lunch, how exactly they cooked baked beans and bacon…not to mention how many times it was stated which characters took the stairs versus the elevator, when they went to another room to grab their purse, who unloaded the car. I ended up skimming a lot. The ending was incredibly abrupt. I was reading on my Kindle and wasn’t expecting it to end when it did. That said, of course I’m going to read book two! Since book one left on such a cliffhanger, I have no choice. 🤪
November 22, 2023
What I loved most about this book was the strong female characters. Kudos to the author for bringing to light a situation that happens way too often. The contrast between the two families is to perfection. I have read the previous two series by Maggie. My only beef is the way the story ended. I planned on reading the whole series, since I have already have books 2 and 3. But I would have loved to for the book not to leave me hanging.
March 26, 2025
I've already read two series by this author that were written after this series. I believe this was her first one and it shows. There are some things in this one that just don't work and took me out of the story, but I pushed through because I have enjoyed her later work. This series is a bit rough, so proceed with caution. For my steamy romance friends, these books are not that, this author's work is more women's fiction with a side of romance and no intimate times.
June 3, 2025
This is another of those "books" that's really only part of a book. The story is basically just stopped and you have to get the next one in the series to continue. It's a stupid money grab. For the person who wants to read the whole series, you end up reading repeated information as the author tries to keep any new readers in sync with what's happening. It's a cute story and I wish the author had just published it as a book.
June 7, 2023
Surprise
I was completely hooked right away and be I knew it I was halfway through the book it's that good. I have know idea what I would do if this was my life that'd for sure. The characters are very likable and very down to earth and very witty and you can't help but like them even under the current situation. I can't wait to read the next book. Recommend this book to anyone
I was completely hooked right away and be I knew it I was halfway through the book it's that good. I have know idea what I would do if this was my life that'd for sure. The characters are very likable and very down to earth and very witty and you can't help but like them even under the current situation. I can't wait to read the next book. Recommend this book to anyone
June 19, 2023
marriage and death
Your spouse dies from a heart attack and you go to the vacation home to try to grieve. The next thing you know another family is unlocking your front door. None of the renters are allowed a key. But this is not a rental agreement. Just his other wife and family.
Your spouse dies from a heart attack and you go to the vacation home to try to grieve. The next thing you know another family is unlocking your front door. None of the renters are allowed a key. But this is not a rental agreement. Just his other wife and family.
August 29, 2023
Two wives and two daughters
What a story! Too have two families. He had it all and more. The upset he left behind. The families were so different, but so nice and good. The caring for each other and helpfulness to all. I will read the other books to see how it all turns out. Thank you for a really interesting story. It's different then most other stioies.
What a story! Too have two families. He had it all and more. The upset he left behind. The families were so different, but so nice and good. The caring for each other and helpfulness to all. I will read the other books to see how it all turns out. Thank you for a really interesting story. It's different then most other stioies.
June 23, 2025
Not the greatest individual book but feel series has potential.
A man has heart attack and two loving families discover his secret that leads to future drama.
He was a good provider but could have been spending more time with the family.
I'll be interested in see if next book advances the series. It ended with a good cliff hanger.
A man has heart attack and two loving families discover his secret that leads to future drama.
He was a good provider but could have been spending more time with the family.
I'll be interested in see if next book advances the series. It ended with a good cliff hanger.
July 14, 2025
This was my 1st read by Maggie Miller and I loved it! I could see and hear Diamond Beach as I read each page. Each character was so intrinsically written and I could see a bit of myself in each one. I cannot wait to start reading the next one. This was a lighthearted beach read that has me hooked!🏝️
June 12, 2023
last summer at the beach house
Just started reading this authors books. Love her style. She really brings her characters to life. The story line kept me interested. Can’t wait to read book 2 in this series.
Just started reading this authors books. Love her style. She really brings her characters to life. The story line kept me interested. Can’t wait to read book 2 in this series.
June 13, 2023
This is a fun and entertaining beach read (literally 😊). There is plenty of emotion, fascinating characters, humor, tender moments - a bit of everything! It’s a fun and compelling first book in Maggie Miler’s new series. I can’t wait for book 2!
June 20, 2023
Last Summer at the Beach House
This was an usual blending of two families. Each one had Bryan as the Husband, dying and leavin each wife with a daughter approximately the same age minus a few days. What will happen next. Looking forward to the next story.
This was an usual blending of two families. Each one had Bryan as the Husband, dying and leavin each wife with a daughter approximately the same age minus a few days. What will happen next. Looking forward to the next story.
June 26, 2023
Another Winner from MAGGIE MILLER
An interesting twist on restarting life after a widow finds her husband was a bigamist! Well written with well developed characters that endear themselves to the reader.
An interesting twist on restarting life after a widow finds her husband was a bigamist! Well written with well developed characters that endear themselves to the reader.
July 20, 2023
Maggie Miller makes you see her stories.
Interesting story keeps you wanting to read more. Imagine finding out your husband had another family for almost the entire time of your marriage. What will happen to the estate, who will inherit and what will be left to his 2 daughters?
Interesting story keeps you wanting to read more. Imagine finding out your husband had another family for almost the entire time of your marriage. What will happen to the estate, who will inherit and what will be left to his 2 daughters?
September 21, 2023
Delightful characters
I had never heard of this author but I took a chance on her book. I am so glad I did!
The characters are well developed and the plot is logical with a few surprises! Looking forward to reading more by her.
I had never heard of this author but I took a chance on her book. I am so glad I did!
The characters are well developed and the plot is logical with a few surprises! Looking forward to reading more by her.
October 6, 2023
I’ve read several “heavy” books lately, so I wanted a lighthearted, beachy read. Although I’m giving major side eye to a lot of it, I do like the characters. Also, it could probably be one book instead of a series. I like it (mostly!) so I’ll continue on
November 18, 2023
Last Summer at the Beach House book 1
A happy family had just lost their Dad due to Heart Attack! They decided to go to their beach house to try and grieve and face the new life ahead! As it turned out there was far more to the story! Read and enjoy!
A happy family had just lost their Dad due to Heart Attack! They decided to go to their beach house to try and grieve and face the new life ahead! As it turned out there was far more to the story! Read and enjoy!
November 19, 2023
This book is very sad and depressing. Much to much detail description. Don’t care what color shoes or earrings they wear. Made me think of the old song “Is That All There Is”. Very unrealistic story line .
January 5, 2024
Good read
Original storyline with lots of Interesting characters. A bittersweet situation that changes the lives of 6 women. Can't wait to read the next book cuz we were left hanging here!!!
Original storyline with lots of Interesting characters. A bittersweet situation that changes the lives of 6 women. Can't wait to read the next book cuz we were left hanging here!!!
January 12, 2024
Last summer
I really enjoyed this book about two families meeting at a beach house. Grief and a little bit of romance is included along with the individuals finding out more about themselves.
I really enjoyed this book about two families meeting at a beach house. Grief and a little bit of romance is included along with the individuals finding out more about themselves.
March 3, 2024
Beach read
Wow do you really know someone ? You go to your beach house one last time and your whole world changes even more then when you got there !! Are you mad,sad ?? How'd you feel?? Husband's make choices . Now I have to deal with them.
Wow do you really know someone ? You go to your beach house one last time and your whole world changes even more then when you got there !! Are you mad,sad ?? How'd you feel?? Husband's make choices . Now I have to deal with them.
March 11, 2024
Enjoyed this first book & looking forward to the second. I’m kind of guessing what will actually happen but one never knows? Easy, light hearted read & am enjoying the diversity of the characters & the beach vibe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews