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Serenity Cove #1
Kaleidoscope Summer: Samantha's Story
Samantha Forrester has it all together. Deafness at age fifteen has not hampered her success. Life, although predictable, has hit a comfortable stride. Her world crumbles when secrets of the past are brought to light. She travels to Serenity Cove to settle her birth mother’s estate and search for her true identity. Samantha soon becomes enamored with the town. And then there's police chief Logan Delatorre who startles her pulse, and grandparents who refuse to acknowledge her. More mystery unfolds when an attack is levied against her—someone wants her out of Serenity Cove. Samantha’s faith is called into question when she stumbles over the need to forgive. Can Dr. Ellie Clarimonde help her connect the pieces of her past and learn the power of forgiveness?
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258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2012
162 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Rita Garcia
16 books30 followersMeet Rita
Rita Garcia is the author of the popular Serenity Cove Series. She writes women’s fiction, clean contemporary small beach town romance with stories that warm the heart. Her characters charm and enchant her readers.
Rita is a wife, mom, devoted grandmother, animal lover, and avid rose gardener.
Two of the sweetest fur babies (rescues) add much love and joy to her home.
A favorite pastime is relaxing and spending time in the garden babying her roses, with her fur babies’ help, of course.
If you want to be transported to the beach—cut off your jeans—barefoot across the warm sand—view magical sunrises and sunsets, inhale the delicious aroma of Julia’s cinnamon rolls—you’ll fall in love with these stories, filled with beach friends, love, and the enchantment of a lamplight boardwalk winding along the shore.
Her Story
Born into a family of readers, Rita had never known a time she wasn’t reading or making up stories. Her imagination created stories when she was still too young to put pen to paper. In the next stage, Rita wrote stories, illustrating them with crayon drawings. She later found these stories among her mother’s things, treasured the way only a parent would do.
Her next writing adventure was for a local newspaper, where she wrote a weekly inspirational column. Much later in life, Rita published her first novel, Kaleidoscope Summer, set in Serenity Cove. Serenity Cove became one of the characters in her stories. One of the comments she hears most often is: “I want to live in Serenity Cove.” Her books are published in over a dozen countries, including Australia, Germany, England, and Canada.
Rita holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her training as a counselor is reflected in her novels in the character, Dr. Ellie. Readers have commented on how her sage advice has helped them. Always amazing how God takes a story and uses it in ways the writer never imagines.
Rita Garcia is the author of the popular Serenity Cove Series. She writes women’s fiction, clean contemporary small beach town romance with stories that warm the heart. Her characters charm and enchant her readers.
Rita is a wife, mom, devoted grandmother, animal lover, and avid rose gardener.
Two of the sweetest fur babies (rescues) add much love and joy to her home.
A favorite pastime is relaxing and spending time in the garden babying her roses, with her fur babies’ help, of course.
If you want to be transported to the beach—cut off your jeans—barefoot across the warm sand—view magical sunrises and sunsets, inhale the delicious aroma of Julia’s cinnamon rolls—you’ll fall in love with these stories, filled with beach friends, love, and the enchantment of a lamplight boardwalk winding along the shore.
Her Story
Born into a family of readers, Rita had never known a time she wasn’t reading or making up stories. Her imagination created stories when she was still too young to put pen to paper. In the next stage, Rita wrote stories, illustrating them with crayon drawings. She later found these stories among her mother’s things, treasured the way only a parent would do.
Her next writing adventure was for a local newspaper, where she wrote a weekly inspirational column. Much later in life, Rita published her first novel, Kaleidoscope Summer, set in Serenity Cove. Serenity Cove became one of the characters in her stories. One of the comments she hears most often is: “I want to live in Serenity Cove.” Her books are published in over a dozen countries, including Australia, Germany, England, and Canada.
Rita holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her training as a counselor is reflected in her novels in the character, Dr. Ellie. Readers have commented on how her sage advice has helped them. Always amazing how God takes a story and uses it in ways the writer never imagines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 16, 2013
A captivating story.
Serenity Cove is a small town where everyone knows each other, the same families have lived there for generations and skeletons are settled nicely into cupboards.
Therefore, when Samantha and her hearing dog Goldie arrive spectacularly in town, she soon becomes the centre of attention, especially when people discover her identity.
Samantha, who became deaf at 15 years of age, is a beautiful, capable, independent woman and soon romance is in the air as she captures the heart of police chief Logan Delatorre. She makes some good friends, especially Logan’s sister Mandy, however, in towns like this, there are always unusual characters and mischief-makers.
We follow her on her rollercoaster journey of discovery, sharing her emotions as she discovers her roots and, with her faith in God, comes to terms with her discoveries.
Anybody who has lived in a small village or community can immediately emphasise with Serenity Cove, its very real characters and the life this book portrays.
A lovely story, which captivated me from page one and kept me guessing throughout with its twists and turns.
Serenity Cove is a small town where everyone knows each other, the same families have lived there for generations and skeletons are settled nicely into cupboards.
Therefore, when Samantha and her hearing dog Goldie arrive spectacularly in town, she soon becomes the centre of attention, especially when people discover her identity.
Samantha, who became deaf at 15 years of age, is a beautiful, capable, independent woman and soon romance is in the air as she captures the heart of police chief Logan Delatorre. She makes some good friends, especially Logan’s sister Mandy, however, in towns like this, there are always unusual characters and mischief-makers.
We follow her on her rollercoaster journey of discovery, sharing her emotions as she discovers her roots and, with her faith in God, comes to terms with her discoveries.
Anybody who has lived in a small village or community can immediately emphasise with Serenity Cove, its very real characters and the life this book portrays.
A lovely story, which captivated me from page one and kept me guessing throughout with its twists and turns.
January 15, 2014
I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads.
I love the setting of small town Serenity Cove and the well developed characters. This is a story of finding yourself and accepting yourself that is filled with faith, hope and clean romance.
The only thing that bothered me about this book was not the few grammatical errors or the fact that Sam is deaf, but that a few times Sam was said to be "waiting to hear what he would say next." It is almost on every page that she is deaf and has been since a teenager, she read lips... she can't actually hear what he has to say next...
Everyone is also very good at remembering to look directly at the new girl when speaking so she may read their lips.
I love the setting of small town Serenity Cove and the well developed characters. This is a story of finding yourself and accepting yourself that is filled with faith, hope and clean romance.
The only thing that bothered me about this book was not the few grammatical errors or the fact that Sam is deaf, but that a few times Sam was said to be "waiting to hear what he would say next." It is almost on every page that she is deaf and has been since a teenager, she read lips... she can't actually hear what he has to say next...
Everyone is also very good at remembering to look directly at the new girl when speaking so she may read their lips.
July 20, 2019
This new-to-me author captured my attention with this wonderful contemporary romance, and I am the first to admit that contemporary romance is not my favorite genre. This book had several unique features that made it extra special. First, the heroine, Samantha Forrester, is deaf. She lost her hearing as a pre-teen and both signs and read lips. Next, the small town of Serenity Cove is utterly delightful and filled with kind, caring, warmhearted people including the hero, Police Chief Logan Delatorre. Finally, this is the first book that I have read that had a character that was a Christian counselor who was actively involved with one of the main characters. Dr. Ellie Clarimonde helped Sam understand and deal with her past and learn the power of forgiveness. Add in wonderful spiritual content, and I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
April 30, 2019
Um...I mean...the plot meandered a bit. I enjoyed the characters. The story...didn't really know what it wanted to be, so it was kind of a mish-mash of several. Overall, sweet.
August 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Well developed, engaging characters and a delightful sense of place that had me living there, in the moment, all supported by a tight writing style.
May 16, 2025
It was sweet. Predictable. I really liked the characters and the descriptions made you really see the environment. It just didn’t have me reading it every free moment.
May 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Loved all the the characters. I am ready for the next one.
January 27, 2013
Rita Garcia in her new book, “Kaleidoscope Summer” Book One in the Serenity Cove series published by the author takes us into the life of Samantha Forrester and gives us Samantha’s Story.
From the back cover: Samantha Forrester has it all together. Deafness at age fifteen has not hampered her success. Life, although predictable, has hit a comfortable stride.
Her world crumbles when secrets of the past are brought to light. She travels to Serenity Cove to settle her birth mother’s estate and search for her true identity. Samantha soon becomes enamored with the town. And then there’s police chief Logan Delatorre who startles her pulse, and grandparents who refuse to acknowledge her. More mystery unfolds when an attack is levied against her—someone wants her out of Serenity Cove.
Samantha’s faith is called into question when she stumbles over the need to forgive. Can Dr. Ellie Clarimonde help her connect the pieces of her past and learn the power of forgiveness?
Samantha Forrester has a comfortable existence; nothing spectacular but then, at the moment, there is nothing to complain about. That is until she travels to Serenity Cove and her unresolved past issues begin to arise. Now, if she wants to move forward with her life, Samantha will have to deal with these issues and some individuals in town as well. “Kaleidoscope Summer” is great fun as Samantha shows us how healing can be obtained through forgiveness. It’s not easy but it is so worth it. Then on top of everything there is the romance between Samantha and Logan. This is a warm, wonderful story that is told very well.
For those who are interested Ms. Garcia has written an E-Book called, “Christmas Future” Sarah Anne’s Story, which takes us back to Serenity Cove.
ABOUT RITA GARCIA
Dr. Rita Garcia is an inspirational novelist—her imagination was creating stories when she was still too young to put pen to paper. Romance is a big part of her novels. Hope is an even larger element of the stories. Rita and her husband reside in Southern California. They have four adorable daughters and seven fantastic grandchildren who fill their lives with love and never a dull moment.
She is a Clinical Christian Counselor, licensed by the National Christian Counselors Association, and certified as a Biblical Christian Counselor by the American Association of Christian Counselors. She has a passion for helping others achieve their most important life goals.
Please visit Rita at her blog and website:
Blog: http://www.reflectionswithdrrita.com/
Website: http://www.ritagarcia.com/
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Samantha Forrester has it all together. Deafness at age fifteen has not hampered her success. Life, although predictable, has hit a comfortable stride.
Her world crumbles when secrets of the past are brought to light. She travels to Serenity Cove to settle her birth mother’s estate and search for her true identity. Samantha soon becomes enamored with the town. And then there’s police chief Logan Delatorre who startles her pulse, and grandparents who refuse to acknowledge her. More mystery unfolds when an attack is levied against her—someone wants her out of Serenity Cove.
Samantha’s faith is called into question when she stumbles over the need to forgive. Can Dr. Ellie Clarimonde help her connect the pieces of her past and learn the power of forgiveness?
Samantha Forrester has a comfortable existence; nothing spectacular but then, at the moment, there is nothing to complain about. That is until she travels to Serenity Cove and her unresolved past issues begin to arise. Now, if she wants to move forward with her life, Samantha will have to deal with these issues and some individuals in town as well. “Kaleidoscope Summer” is great fun as Samantha shows us how healing can be obtained through forgiveness. It’s not easy but it is so worth it. Then on top of everything there is the romance between Samantha and Logan. This is a warm, wonderful story that is told very well.
For those who are interested Ms. Garcia has written an E-Book called, “Christmas Future” Sarah Anne’s Story, which takes us back to Serenity Cove.
ABOUT RITA GARCIA
Dr. Rita Garcia is an inspirational novelist—her imagination was creating stories when she was still too young to put pen to paper. Romance is a big part of her novels. Hope is an even larger element of the stories. Rita and her husband reside in Southern California. They have four adorable daughters and seven fantastic grandchildren who fill their lives with love and never a dull moment.
She is a Clinical Christian Counselor, licensed by the National Christian Counselors Association, and certified as a Biblical Christian Counselor by the American Association of Christian Counselors. She has a passion for helping others achieve their most important life goals.
Please visit Rita at her blog and website:
Blog: http://www.reflectionswithdrrita.com/
Website: http://www.ritagarcia.com/
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 9, 2013
Samantha Forrest had a privileged childhood, although she often felt a distance between herself and her parents. Left death at age fifteen after a bout of meningitis, they provided for her financially but not emotionally. When, after their deaths, she discovered she was adopted, she began a journey to find her birth mother and to piece together the puzzle of the past. In Serenity Cove, she found all the pieces to the puzzle; the only question was, would she ever be able to make the pieces fit?
Written by a Clinical Christian Counselor, Serenity Cove is a fascinating look into the methods of counseling and therapy. The novel has an interesting premise in Samantha searching for her birth mother, and there is romance and suspense thrown in for good measure. Sadly, the suspense fizzles out halfway through the book, with the only mystery left being the paternity of Samantha.
The most interesting character of the book is Anne, whom we only meet through letters from the past and the remembrances of friends. I did appreciate Samantha's aggravation with Logan's take-charge attitude. It seemed very realistic that a man could subconsciously feel the need to "fix" everything for a hearing-impaired woman.
One thing that caused a problem for me was the change in point-of-view from chapter to chapter. I never understood why Logan was in the first person, while Samantha was in the third person. The fact that her chapters began with her journal entry was a nice touch, and gives the reader a clue as to her feelings at the moment.
It isn't a bad novel, and some will thoroughly enjoy it. For me, it just didn't keep my attention throughout. I found myself skimming some passages, especially when the dialogue contained too many clichés. But the theme of forgiveness and hope, as well as that of new beginnings, is good.
Clean romance with mild suspense; strong Christian themes; appropriate for adolescents and up.
3.5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Pump Up Your Book book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Written by a Clinical Christian Counselor, Serenity Cove is a fascinating look into the methods of counseling and therapy. The novel has an interesting premise in Samantha searching for her birth mother, and there is romance and suspense thrown in for good measure. Sadly, the suspense fizzles out halfway through the book, with the only mystery left being the paternity of Samantha.
The most interesting character of the book is Anne, whom we only meet through letters from the past and the remembrances of friends. I did appreciate Samantha's aggravation with Logan's take-charge attitude. It seemed very realistic that a man could subconsciously feel the need to "fix" everything for a hearing-impaired woman.
One thing that caused a problem for me was the change in point-of-view from chapter to chapter. I never understood why Logan was in the first person, while Samantha was in the third person. The fact that her chapters began with her journal entry was a nice touch, and gives the reader a clue as to her feelings at the moment.
It isn't a bad novel, and some will thoroughly enjoy it. For me, it just didn't keep my attention throughout. I found myself skimming some passages, especially when the dialogue contained too many clichés. But the theme of forgiveness and hope, as well as that of new beginnings, is good.
Clean romance with mild suspense; strong Christian themes; appropriate for adolescents and up.
3.5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Pump Up Your Book book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 24, 2013
I have to say that I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I know that sounds bad, but let me elaborate. I began the book, and it was fine, but I felt no connection. That is until I had read about one third of the way into the book. I suddenly got hooked, and I honestly did not want to put the book down. This book has a little bit of everything--mystery, romance, and forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the key elements in this book, and it truly made me stop and think about the consequences of unforgiveness. Although the book deals with these issues from a Christian perspective, it is never preachy. In fact, even the counselor in the book talks about other issues besides spiritual issues, and I was quite pleased to read about that. I honestly don't think this book would offend anyone--even those who do not subscribe to the Christian belief system.
I am grateful to tell you that there are no sex scenes and no profanity. The romance never comes across as being sappy nor cheesy. This book even deals with the issues of mental illness and disability. These are issues that many inspirational books don't tackle--at least, not in the fiction arena. Though a small issue, I appreciate her short, manageable chapters. As far as I'm concerned, books that have manageable chapter lengths are much easier to read.
There is only one thing I would change about the book. The book is told form two different perspectives--Samantha and Logan. It took me a good fifty pages into the book to figure out that the perspective changed each time a new chapter began. That was somewhat unclear, and I think it would have been good for the author to point that out from the beginning. But this was just a minor detail. Overall, this book was amazing!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I am grateful to tell you that there are no sex scenes and no profanity. The romance never comes across as being sappy nor cheesy. This book even deals with the issues of mental illness and disability. These are issues that many inspirational books don't tackle--at least, not in the fiction arena. Though a small issue, I appreciate her short, manageable chapters. As far as I'm concerned, books that have manageable chapter lengths are much easier to read.
There is only one thing I would change about the book. The book is told form two different perspectives--Samantha and Logan. It took me a good fifty pages into the book to figure out that the perspective changed each time a new chapter began. That was somewhat unclear, and I think it would have been good for the author to point that out from the beginning. But this was just a minor detail. Overall, this book was amazing!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
July 27, 2016
I received this book from the author " Rita Garcia". When I started reading this book I did not know what to expect. I knew it had an Awesome cover and sounded really good. Then when I started reading it I did not want to put it down.If you love clean romance and mystery mixed you will love this book.
Samantha had meningitis and it left her deaf at the age of 15. Samantha's world starts to fall apart as she travels to Serenity Cove to handle her birth mother's estate and to find out who she really was. There are some people in this small town that does not want her there stirring up old memories. Her grandparents do not claim her and want nothing to do with her. They say they do not have a granddaughter. Now this really hurts Samantha . She cannot understand everything that is going on .There is a lot of mystery going on in Serenity Cove and it has to do with Samantha and her birth mother.
Logan Delatorre is the police chief in this small town and he takes a liking to Samantha right off and he wants to help her. Then there is logan's sister ,Maggie who is a really good friend To Samantha. When Samantha is around Logan her pulse starts racing and Logan has a thing for this beautiful woman. All Samantha want to do is settle the estate of her birth mother and leave Serenity Cove. Will Samantha let her doctor help her and learn to hope and forgive? What will happen to her and Logan? This book is about hope and forgiveness and I loved it. I gave Serenity Cove a 5 stars rating because i enjoyed reading it and it is a good clean book. I loved this book. I got this book from the author "Rita Garcia" and was not told I had to give a positive review. You will want to be sure and pick you up a copy to read . There is also the second book in A serenity Cove Novel "Tangerine Morning" that is already out . I have my copy and planning on reading it.
Samantha had meningitis and it left her deaf at the age of 15. Samantha's world starts to fall apart as she travels to Serenity Cove to handle her birth mother's estate and to find out who she really was. There are some people in this small town that does not want her there stirring up old memories. Her grandparents do not claim her and want nothing to do with her. They say they do not have a granddaughter. Now this really hurts Samantha . She cannot understand everything that is going on .There is a lot of mystery going on in Serenity Cove and it has to do with Samantha and her birth mother.
Logan Delatorre is the police chief in this small town and he takes a liking to Samantha right off and he wants to help her. Then there is logan's sister ,Maggie who is a really good friend To Samantha. When Samantha is around Logan her pulse starts racing and Logan has a thing for this beautiful woman. All Samantha want to do is settle the estate of her birth mother and leave Serenity Cove. Will Samantha let her doctor help her and learn to hope and forgive? What will happen to her and Logan? This book is about hope and forgiveness and I loved it. I gave Serenity Cove a 5 stars rating because i enjoyed reading it and it is a good clean book. I loved this book. I got this book from the author "Rita Garcia" and was not told I had to give a positive review. You will want to be sure and pick you up a copy to read . There is also the second book in A serenity Cove Novel "Tangerine Morning" that is already out . I have my copy and planning on reading it.
February 11, 2013
Kaleidoscope Summer: Samantha's Story
A Serenity Cove Novel
By Rita Garcia
Samantha Forrester is on a mission to discover who she is. Everything she tought she knew about herself and her parents was a lie. Just like a Kaleidoscope her life is colorful bits and pieces that she is trying to see as a whole picture but some of the pieces are missing. Can Samantha discover the missing pieces and reconstruct her life?
Sam's birth mother lived in Serenity Cove and left everything she owned to Sam. But who is Anne and why did she give her daughter up for adoption? But someone is determined to drive Sam away. Is the someone who is threatening her trying to protect a secret concern Sam's past or is there something else motivating the the threats.
Serenity Cove brings new friends, friends who knew Anne and are able to allow Sam to know in a small way the woman who gave birth to her. The two people who most affect Sam are Police Chief Logan Delatorre and his sister Maggie. Maggie offers her friendship and a place to stay after Sam is injured in fall. And Logan offers her something more - a hope for the future. But does Sam want a future in Serenity Cove or to return to what she knows in Stoney Valley?
With the help of Dr. Ellie Clarimonde can Sam let go of the past and its hurts? Or will she allow bitterness to hold her back in the what if's and what might have been's of life? Can Sam find a future if all of the pieces of her life never come together? Is God the answer she's been looking for all along? This will be a summer Samantha Forrester won't soon forget!
I was provided a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of this review.
A Serenity Cove Novel
By Rita Garcia
Samantha Forrester is on a mission to discover who she is. Everything she tought she knew about herself and her parents was a lie. Just like a Kaleidoscope her life is colorful bits and pieces that she is trying to see as a whole picture but some of the pieces are missing. Can Samantha discover the missing pieces and reconstruct her life?
Sam's birth mother lived in Serenity Cove and left everything she owned to Sam. But who is Anne and why did she give her daughter up for adoption? But someone is determined to drive Sam away. Is the someone who is threatening her trying to protect a secret concern Sam's past or is there something else motivating the the threats.
Serenity Cove brings new friends, friends who knew Anne and are able to allow Sam to know in a small way the woman who gave birth to her. The two people who most affect Sam are Police Chief Logan Delatorre and his sister Maggie. Maggie offers her friendship and a place to stay after Sam is injured in fall. And Logan offers her something more - a hope for the future. But does Sam want a future in Serenity Cove or to return to what she knows in Stoney Valley?
With the help of Dr. Ellie Clarimonde can Sam let go of the past and its hurts? Or will she allow bitterness to hold her back in the what if's and what might have been's of life? Can Sam find a future if all of the pieces of her life never come together? Is God the answer she's been looking for all along? This will be a summer Samantha Forrester won't soon forget!
I was provided a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of this review.
September 12, 2016
I liked the story at the beginning, but as it went on, I became disenchanted. There were way too many typos. The transitions between settings were choppy and confusing. The characters, especially Sam, were rash and unpredictable. It seemed like quite a few of the characters thoughts and sentences weren't complete. The scene or conversation would just end and I'd turn back thinking I'd missed a page. An example is the fight Maggie and Sam had about being honest with Logan about Sam's feelings. Another was the first time Logan went to question characters about the vandalism. The visits were abrupt and not professional. The scene just ended. There were some sentences that I didn't understand. It was like they were an inside joke or from a past experience that I wasn't privy to. I understand that Sam was at an emotional and confusing time in her life, but I wanted to shake her and tell her to get a grip. I thought Logan was really going out on a limb getting his grandmother's ring sized when Sam said she just wanted friendship. There were so many characters that at times, I couldn't keep them all straight. The author described the beach settings very vividly. I liked the last therapy session with the puzzle pieces and talking of forgiveness. I liked that it was a clean read and spoke of God often. I probably wouldn't read another book by this author because this one seemed all over the place.
April 8, 2013
First of all, this is a book that I won in a Firstreads contest. I'm so glad that I won this book! This was also my first Christian book of fiction to win, I chose this book to read because the front cover said that Rita Garcia is an author of hope filled fiction. I decided that I needed a brimming cup of hope filled fiction at that moment.
I just loved the book. One thing that appealed to me throughout the book was the beach scenery. Just mentally picturing the salty winds and the sounds of sea gulls. I just loved the scenic descriptions in the book.
I loved the relationships throughout the book. They weren't perfect, but life is never perfect. To me the main message of the book is that it is through our weakness that God's mighty strength is showcased for us and people observing us to see. I do believe this is true.
The message of forgiveness and hope that is sprinkled throughout this book is very uplifting. It really spoke to me...especially the second to the last chapter.
This is a very meaningful book. Even if you aren't Christian this book would still bring someone hope and happiness by reading it. It did bring a smile to my face and left my heart a little lighter than before. It also reminded me that I'm not alone in being challenged by forgiving someone who has betrayed me...others have a hard time with this situation too. :)
June 29, 2018
I really enjoyed the story, despite being a little disjointed in places.
It's told in 1st person and it took me a few chapters to work out that the journal entry at beginning of chapter meant it was Samantha talking, if not it was Logan talking.
Favourite Quotes
“Breathe out the negative and inhale His hope.”
"Sweetie, there’s some answers we’ll never have until we walk the golden pathways in heaven.”
You’ve had so much thrown your way, like a juggler, juggling for the first time—he ends up chasing after the balls.”
“It would be good to believe that as a society we’ve risen above name-calling and attaching labels. But you can learn to embrace your own truth and reject the ill-formed opinions of others.”
“Knowledge of the past is only important if it propels life forward. I don’t want to become so mired in the past the future dims in comparison.”
“Night turns darkest at the edge of dawn.”
“When we hold the root of bitterness inside us, it never remains stagnant—it continues to grow. Clinging to the past allows it to hold us prisoner, prevents us from moving forward.”
“When we extend forgiveness to others, we are set free. Forgiveness benefits the one giving much more than the one receiving.”
December 30, 2015
Rita Garcia knows how to spin a tale that will keep you hoping and guessing right up to the last chapter. I loved this one, Book 1 of the Samantha's Story series--I think you will too.
Samantha's stable, elite world took some strange turns when she found out she was adopted, and it spun nearly out of control when her birth mother, Anne, died and left her a book store with an apartment upstairs--and a farm with her birth grandparents living there.
Anne had died suddenly of heart problems before Samantha had a chance to meet her, although they had exchanged emails. Odd--Everyone in town thought Anne almost walked on water, even though she had birthed Samantha in a town and in a time when babies born outside of marriage were reason for scorn.
Samantha had been adopted by an older couple whose parents had already passed away, and now her adopted parents were also deceased. The thought of having grandparents was a welcome one until she found out they wanted nothing to do with her.
And something strange is happening around town; in particular around the store. That good-looking cop, Hank, has his hands full. But Samantha isn't interested in him (much) but she hopes he can solve this mystery. Still--he's been her rescuer several times over....
Samantha's stable, elite world took some strange turns when she found out she was adopted, and it spun nearly out of control when her birth mother, Anne, died and left her a book store with an apartment upstairs--and a farm with her birth grandparents living there.
Anne had died suddenly of heart problems before Samantha had a chance to meet her, although they had exchanged emails. Odd--Everyone in town thought Anne almost walked on water, even though she had birthed Samantha in a town and in a time when babies born outside of marriage were reason for scorn.
Samantha had been adopted by an older couple whose parents had already passed away, and now her adopted parents were also deceased. The thought of having grandparents was a welcome one until she found out they wanted nothing to do with her.
And something strange is happening around town; in particular around the store. That good-looking cop, Hank, has his hands full. But Samantha isn't interested in him (much) but she hopes he can solve this mystery. Still--he's been her rescuer several times over....
January 28, 2013
This book is an easy read, hope-filled novel. I enjoyed reading it. It will hook you from the start. It has just the right amount of mystery, romance, and authenticity. Samantha will capture your heart as you follow her story and get involved in her life, and her relationship with Logan. The characters are down to earth people you can relate to. We all have areas in our lives where we need to learn forgiveness. And we all need a little more HOPE. Only through the grace of God, at times, can we have the Hope we need and the ability to offer the forgiveness many times others do not deserve. But forgiveness is freeing for us and brings healing to the soul. Dr. Rita Garcia incorporates her counseling knowlege to this story in a very unique way. I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I have.
August 2, 2013
This was a very interesting story. I like that the main character was deaf. It did good job of describing some of the things she might face because of this limitation.The overall story was sound as well. I had a hard time sticking with it though. I felt there were too many sub-stories going on for them to be fully developed. I also felt it moved a bit slowly.
The characters were likable but I never really got vested in them. It was good but not great.
It was clean and dealt with some real life emotional situations.
The characters were likable but I never really got vested in them. It was good but not great.
It was clean and dealt with some real life emotional situations.
March 6, 2013
The book flows well and I finished reading it in one sitting as I was intrigued to find the answers. I enjoyed the character development as well as the way the varying perspectives were incorporated. It's a good read, especially if you enjoy hope-filled stories that have elements of romance and mystery.
February 24, 2013
I absolutely loved this beautiful book. It took me away to paradise. You will fall in love with the characters and the place, just like I did. Check it out and don't miss this one. You'll be glad you didn't. It's a full-length novel and well worth the price. The author makes you feel like you're there. Great descriptions that allow the reader to visualize another world.
March 17, 2014
This was such a beautiful story. The characters were well-defined and easy to love. There were several different relationships explored. Everything from the connection between a woman and her adoptive mother to a wonderful romance to God's abundant love. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read an incredible story of love and perseverance.
February 21, 2013
Awesome book by a wonderful Christian Counselor. So fun to read a romance story that is faith based and full of the fruits of the spirit. I love to get lost in Serenity Cove! Will be reading the next one in the series, Tangerine Morning, soon!
August 26, 2013
Very enjoyable story; I think I might have liked it better if I'd been able to finish it in a few days. All of it is in 1st person, and POV switches back and forth between heroine and hero, which confused me at first. Really need to negotiate with my daughter for Kindle time.
February 25, 2015
Wonderful
I loved it. Great illustration, great writing, great plot. I had a perpetual smile on during most of the book and the ending was amazing. Beautiful work, I'm proud to be your grandson.
I loved it. Great illustration, great writing, great plot. I had a perpetual smile on during most of the book and the ending was amazing. Beautiful work, I'm proud to be your grandson.
August 12, 2015
Loved this book
This author writes the kind of stories I like to read and write--stories where conflicts happen but you know everything will work out in the end just like God gives us more than we can ask or imagine!
This author writes the kind of stories I like to read and write--stories where conflicts happen but you know everything will work out in the end just like God gives us more than we can ask or imagine!
January 1, 2020
*This book was won from a First Reads giveaway on goodreads.com*
March 21, 2013
I love the setting of the small village near the ocean. Rita Garcia developed the characters in a way that you feel like you know them. She fills the pages with romance, hope, and faith.
May 12, 2013
What drew me to this book was the main charactor was dealing with deafness, I am hard of hearing myself and mainly lip read too to understand people. Story was pretty good!
April 28, 2024
Good read
I enjoyed the story of Samantha and I felt so bad for it was such a loss that Anne could not have known her daughter. I was glad when she finally followed her heart.
I enjoyed the story of Samantha and I felt so bad for it was such a loss that Anne could not have known her daughter. I was glad when she finally followed her heart.
July 1, 2024
The story was good, but the writing was so chaotic and the editing wasn't great.
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