Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans

The Seaside Saga #1

by Joanne DeMaio

New York Times Bestseller

Escape to Stony Point, cuff your jeans and walk along the water's edge in this nostalgic story bringing old friends, and their lives, back to the sea.

After years of pursuing a denim design career, Maris Carrington never imagined trading her Chicago studio for a New England shingled cottage. But a forgotten home movie tucked inside a dusty attic box leads to an unexpected summer ... One of uncovering family secrets while settling her father's estate, one of inheriting a forlorn German shepherd, one of reconnecting with old friends on a weathered boardwalk, beneath starlit skies on a beach nestled in a crook of the Connecticut coast.

Her design career had become a shell, curving around her like the intricate whorls of a conch, shielding her until now. Until fried clam dinners and carousel rides beckon a lost love. But can Maris ever really go back? Can these beach friends ever be who they were to each other all those summers ago? Now one of her circle is dead; another unemployed and struggling in a tenuous marriage; another regretting a fateful decision; while one is missing a mother, ever seeking a connection she longs for.

To the backdrop of seaside cottages and a boarded-up beach hangout, to the soundtrack of whispering lagoon grasses and a vintage jukebox, Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans asks if we can really design our own lives, or if our fate lies somewhere in the stars.

The Seaside Saga Reading Order:
Book 1 - Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans
Book 2 - The Denim Blue Sea
Book 3 - Beach Blues
Book 4 - Beach Breeze
Book 5 - The Beach Inn
Book 6 - Beach Bliss
Book 7 - Castaway Cottage
Book 8 - Night Beach
Book 9 - Little Beach Bungalow
Book 10 - Every Summer
Book 11 - Salt Air Secrets
Book 12 - Stony Point Summer
Book 13 - The Beachgoers
Book 14 - Shore Road
Book 15 - The Wait
Book 16 - The Goodbye
Book 17 - The Barlows
Book 18 - The Visitor
Book 19 - Stairway to the Sea
And more Seaside Saga Books

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Beach Reads, Contemporary, Summer Reads, Womens Fiction

330 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Joanne DeMaio is the prolific New York Times bestselling author of The Seaside Saga and other novels. She lives with her family in Connecticut and is currently at work on upcoming books.

Joanne enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am way out of line with the rest if the reviewers it seems. I thought this is book was an easy summer read but it was very short on creativity. It was painfully predictable. I also found the characters to be cliched as well as her "come back to your roots" story unoriginally done.
There are a lot if books out there about finding oneself at the beach, dealing with past mistakes, and such. It must be hard to stand out. This book didn't.

Not a terrible summer read but not very inspiring either.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS was my first read by Joanne DeMaio and loved it! Since this time I have read all her newer books, and each one is unique and engaging. The characters begin their journey here.

There are so many stories within this charming read and great takeaways. Each character brings a unique part to the novel –each of the characters is dealing with demons of their own and the soothing seas of this quaint beach town of Stony Point help them all face their fears and begin healing.

A story of real life and connections, friendships, family, loss, secrets, regrets, and love. A captivating story which was hard to put down. You will fall in love with the characters and the writing style of seamlessly connecting the past with the present.

Maris is a fashion designer from Chicago who travels back to her favorite beach town to tie up loss ends from her father’s death while considering a marriage proposal from a corporate attorney in Chicago.

Jason is still guilt-ridden after his brother’s death-a successful architect who returns home to this same beach town to deal with his demons. Could he have a life with Maris-something started years ago?

Eva, her oldest friend, is someone to whom Maris feels a very close connection. The others, like Lauren, Kyle, and especially Jason Barlow, whose life has tragically taken its toll on him....their connection also tugs at her, and as she extends her time at the beach, she begins to believe that there is more in this town for her. This sea environment is inspiring her as she completes her designs.

While Eva is looking for her real mother, Maris finds out she has a sister out there somewhere, Lauren and Kyle fight for a life outside of Neil who died in accident years ago. This book holds so many mysteries and lives begin to come together.

Each of the friends has a secret they are carrying around from their past. One by one, they reveal the tragedy that keeps them from the life they are seeking. Life throws us curves and sometimes what does not kill us makes us stronger.

My top New England author! An avid fan; everything the author writes is brilliantly crafted and compelling, and the characters linger long after the book ends.

Highly recommend, along with Joanne’s other novels, Whole Latte Life, Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes, True Blend, The Denim Blue Sea, Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer, Beach Blues, and Wishing on Snowflakes. You have to read them all. It is like visiting special friends. All 5 star winners.

Now, please: Wishing for a Hallmark TV series!

JDCMustReadBooks

Featured on Street Blog Tour

[Anne (Booklady) Molinarolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for an afternoon at the beach! I loved the characters - a group of friends that either live or summered at Stoney Point Beach with an exception of one who died a few years back. Neil Barlow still makes his presence known though. Eva is looking for her birth parents - still. Kyle and Lauren are having trouble - he's unemployed again, but finds part time work at the local diner and Lauren is unhappy in their marriage. Jason Barlow has moved back to Stoney Point and has survivor's guilt. Maris is in Stoney Point to close her father's house and estate. She'll find more secrets than she wants to and maybe she'll stop running from her life.

A little predictable, maybe. But I chuckled and shed a couple of tears here and there. Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans reminds me of a summer with my old gang.

[Tammy O · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not care for the writing style of this book. It jumped around, there were too many shallow characters, and far too many words for the bits and pieces of real storyline. The denim design descriptions were cheesy and based on an idealistic view of what fashion designers do--not realistic.

I agree with "Amy's" review from 7/14:
"I'm not sure what the writer was trying to achieve with this over written novel and it's easy to see why it was self published, rather than commercially published. The bare bones of the story, protagonist Maris returning to Connecticut after her fathers death, reconnecting with old friends who are also going through mid life "crises" is a solid, albeit predictable story. Unfortunately, the writer seemed to try too hard to produce unique, literary prose that she ruined the book with superfluous adjectives, adverbs and awkward wording that she ruined the story for me."

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the ebb and flow of the tide, life brings issues and changes to one's life, but the bonds of friendship, sea air and salt water are cleansing, they cure what ails you.

For a group of old friends, a summer reunion spent together on the shores of Long Island Sound in the idyllic seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, will bring them a chance to strengthen the bonds of friendship and provide a healing balm as they each deal with a variety life issues: love, relationships, loss, secrets, private demons, seeking redemption and second chances.

Maris Carrington is a top denim fashion designer living in Chicago, who comes back to her hometown in Connecticut to settle the estate of her late father. Old memories of summers spent in Stony Point linger, it has been twelve years since her last summer at the Connecticut shore. Maris faces an indecision of what she really wants in life: an engagement/marriage to her corporate attorney boyfriend Scott in Chicago, or the peace and tranquility of living in Stony Point. While viewing old home movies a family secret is revealed and a chance to rekindle an old love keeps Maris from wanting to return to Chicago.

Eva Gallagher is a Stony Point Realtor and is married to her childhood sweetheart Matt, a State Trooper. They have a teenage daughter named Taylor. But a happy marriage and family life isn't enough for Eva, she was adopted at the age of one and is haunted with not knowing who her birth parents are or her true identity. The wondering never goes away and her obsession with online searching of adoption websites causes issues and tension with her husband and daughter.

Jason Barlow is an architect who owns Barlow Architecture, a small design and construction business specializing in renovating beach cottages that he started with his deceased brother Neil. Seven years ago, Jason and Neil were in a motorcycle accident that took Neil's life and left Jason with a prosthetic left leg. Wracked with guilt over the loss of his brother, he is consumed with grief, Neil is now but a shadow and a whispered voice in his head. Trying to heal and move forward with his life and business, perhaps a rekindling of old friendships and an old love may be just what he needs to quiet his private demons.

Kyle Bradford is an unemployed shipbuilder who works part-time as a cook in a diner. He is married to his childhood sweetheart Lauren, and they have two children: Evan (six) and Hailey (four). Cooking is his passion, but it is also his downfall, as his continued unemployment stands in the way of maintaining a happy marriage. Lauren is unhappy with the constant financial struggle in their marriage, she longs for a lost lover and a time when she used to paint seascapes on driftwood.

For this group of old friends, a summer in Stony Point will strengthen their bonds of friendship and provide a healing solace that will help rebuild their lives.

Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans is a poignant story of rebuilding friendships and dealing with life's issues that tug at your heartstrings. In her second novel, author Joanne DeMaio weaves an emotional tale written in the third person narrative that alternates between five character perspectives, and is set in the present with flashbacks to the past. The reader is transported to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where they follow along with Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle and Lauren as they reconnect and deal with challenges of real life, secrets and personal demons. Each has a story to tell, they come alive as their hopes, regrets, love, loss, choices and memories are revealed to the reader.

Author Joanne DeMaio easily captivates her readers' attention with this beautifully written and emotional tale through a seamless and flowing storyline, and with a wonderful description of a tranquil beach setting that wraps itself around the reader like a sun-warmed beach towel. The characters draw you into their lives with a strong emotional pull, their complexities and flaws are true-to-life, it is easy to relate to each of their stories with compassion, empathy and hope.

Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and real life challenges that is both heart wrenching and inspirational. It is a powerful and compelling story that will have you feeling the full gamut of emotions while soothing your soul, it is a story that will resonate with you long after the last word has been read.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS is the story of a group of long time friends on the shores of Long Island Sound in the idyllic seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut. They will do just about anything for a chance to strengthen the bonds of friendship. Joanne DeMaio easily captivates her readers’ attention with this beautifully written and emotional tale through a seamless and flowing storyline. The group of high school friends all of which still live in the same community except for Maris, who has returned to attend her father’s funeral & settle his estate. Maris, Eva and Jason are three characters that have an overwhelming amount of emotional pain. They reach out and grab a hold of your heart very quickly.

BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS will have you laughing out loud and snickering with the banter and sarcastic comments these people are involved in. I completely surrendered to the story and was lost in the sea of emotion and drama. All of the individual stories are interesting, heart wrenching and had me in anticipation from chapter to chapter. This is the second book I have had the pleasure of reading by Ms. DeMaio and let me tell you I enjoyed it just as much as the last. As I was reading this story the descriptions of the beach and the water are so detailed that I swore I heard the waves crashing on shore and felt the sand between my toes. A fantastic book! I totally enjoyed reading about this group of friends and really liked how they’ve been there for each other for many years, through good and bad times. It was wonderful being transported to this small beach town and I want to go back again very soon!

Joanne DeMaio takes her time introducing you to each of the characters and their problems and how they are feeling. I immediately felt as if I knew them all and was right there at the bar hashing things out. In no time, I was totally sucked in to their lives and the issues they were dealing with. The plot is very interesting and had me turning the pages late into the night. I have never read this author before but after reading BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS, I’m looking forward to reading more of the books in this series. Be prepared not to do anything else once you start reading this well written and hopeful tale. With a title like BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS, one automatically thinks of comfortable clothes and relaxing with friends over a cup of coffee. I found myself thinking about all of these wonderful characters long after I finished reading.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure what the writer was trying to achieve with this over written novel and it's easy to see why it was self published, rather than commercially published. The bare bones of the story, protagonist Maris returning to Connecticut after her father’s death, reconnecting with old friends who are also going through mid life "crises" is a solid, albeit predictable story. Unfortunately, the writer seemed to try too hard to produce unique, literary prose that she ruined the book with superfluous adjectives, adverbs and awkward wording that she ruined the story for me.

[Kathy Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest from women's fiction author Joanne DeMaio is poetic, profound and infinitely stirring. The writing is gorgeous, the setting both soothing and provocative, the characters and their situations haunting. Believable, too. So believable you're bound to see something of yourself in one or more of the Stony Point crowd. And that familiarity is not always comforting — though it certainly does make for an alluring read.

Settling into this story is like wading into a cool ocean on a sunny day — you just can't resist the invitation. Even when you discover a surprise or two underfoot, still you move on into deeper waters, not quite ready to turn back to the hot grit of summer sand. And that's the situation Maris finds herself in. She has a successful life waiting for her back in Chicago, but the Stony Point pull of memories and possibilities tug like a stubborn undertow. The most tempting of the possibilities is Jason, the friend who has changed the most since Maris moved to Chicago. Maris and Jason never shared more than a few kisses, but she has always been drawn to him. Now he's a wounded man, both physically and emotionally, but Maris envies him—why can't she be as brave as he is, doing what it takes to get the life he wants, despite the guilt he can't shake? And that's the compelling core of Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans — the choices we make (or not), and the connections we make (or break) as a result.

She walks first to the front porch doorway, sipping her coffee. Except for an early jogger passing by, the street outside looks still, yet liquid somehow, like a watercolor painting. Shadows and light softly blend in the greens of the maple trees, the blues of the sky. Summer quiet follows behind the jogger's footsteps, touching upon the porch and its comfortable old white wicker furniture. Above the windows, a high shelf holding brass hurricane lanterns and starfish and pale pink conch shells reaches around the room. Spiky cattails rise from the large clay floor vase in the corner, standing against the crisp white paneling. Outside, scarlet red geraniums and pretty petunias spill from the flower boxes Maris filled weeks ago.

But seashells and white wicker and summer flowers can't keep complications away. She sits in a chair on the porch, cupping her coffee. This complication is a new one. No man has ever kept her from her work before. Her career had become a shell, curving around her like the intricate whorls of the conch, shielding her, until now.

DeMaio tells the story through multiple points of view and with the help of an occasional flashback. I did find myself disoriented once or twice, but it didn't take me long to become thoroughly invested in every single character. The couples, too — I kept changing my mind about which was my favorite, and fretted over which pair would endure. What one husband did for his wife, to symbolize what she means to him and what he hopes their future will embrace, had me in tears and I thought, Now that's romance.

Guilt, regrets, discoveries, realizations, old wants, tragedy, forgiveness, recognition, bitterness, competition, hunger, dreams — so many layers to savor. The rhythm of DeMaio's prose echoes the cadence of the sea that inspires the story's imagery and pace and her characters' choices. Like DeMaio's debut, Whole Latte Life, this Stony Point story will entangle and entrance you.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why? I read a review at some time on Laurel Rain's blog - one of the books Joanne DeMaio wrote and I decided to try one. Now this is the second book I have read by this author.

Plot It is set in Stony Point, New England and is the story of three women and three men. Each with their own life challenges at this point in time. Maris keeps taking on then off her engagement ring. Eva longs to know her real birth mother, Lauren doesn't want what she has. Jason is still dealing with grief, Kyle can't seem to make his wife happy and Matt is annoyed by Eva's addictive search for her mother.

What Appeals to me?
It is beautifully written, the seaside is very much present. Yes its a beach read but it is so much more as the characters struggle with their issues. Yet there are strong supportive ties among them. And there is some healing.

And so... There are more books about these characters - at least two, maybe three so I am very keen to continue on and read the next one The Denim Blue Sea.
4.5 stars

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up caring about the characters by the end, but a lot of the descriptions of jeans design was too hokey for me. And the issues with Jason dragged. It was a decent story but too sappy and I didn't care for the writing style.

[Literary Chanteuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon the death of her father, Maris returns to Stony Point and the summer cottage of her childhood. More than just memories are re-hatched when she discovers evidence of a family secret and reunites with her old friends. Running back to Chicago seems like the solution until she realizes that no matter where she goes Stony Point will always have a piece of her heart.

Maris, Eva and Jason are three characters that have an overwhelming amount of emotional pain. They reach out and grab a hold of your heart very quickly. I completely surrendered to the story and was lost in the sea of emotion and drama. All of the individual stories are interesting, heart wrenching and had me in anticipation from chapter to chapter. A fantastic book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect story for anybody who loves the beach. The Connecticut shoreline is such a beautiful place, it was great to see it on the page. Maris and her beach friends took me on a journey I won't soon forget. The characters felt real to me, and I couldn't help rooting for them. Everybody loves to come back home, especially when home is set by the sea. I also loved the denim threaded throughout the storyline, and the creative way it mirrors a casual beach life. Ready to don my blue jeans and walk along the shore with this gang!

Friendships, secrets, old loves, all set against a charming seaside community make for an inspiring, true-blue cool read. Definitely recommend. Five stars.

[Marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess this author is just not for me. I liked the underlying story lines in this book, but the overly-descriptive way she writes just made me skip right through. You don't need to take 20 words to describe blue.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I read this one during the dead of winter, it makes for a nice beach read. It’s emotional with a few twists I didn’t see coming. The characters are flawed and quite realistic. I can easily picture these characters in real life. They are real people with real problems.

Overall, I thought the author did a great job in storytelling and bringing the readers right into the atmosphere of Stony Point. There were a couple of spots that seemed to move slowly for me, but I really came to care about these characters. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

[meghann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the Barnes and Noble Nook serial read for the month of August. Okay, this is kind of crazy. The third book in this series was a Nook serial read a while back. I really did not like that one. So I think it's kinda strange that I really enjoyed this. Same characters, setting, etc. There's still a bit of a rushed romance in this one (though nowhere near the level of what happened in the other book). And I knew that two of the characters would end up together since they were in the later book. I think I liked the characters this book focused on more than the other. And it was interesting to get the backstory and put all the pieces together with this. I'm actually wanting to read the second book in this now to see what happens to everyone between the first and third stories. And it would be interesting to read book three again after and see if I feel differently the second time round and after reading the first two books.

[Dee Gurganus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great story. This is my first read by Ms DeMaio, but will definitely not be my last. It took me a few chapters to get all the characters straight in my mind, but then the story held my interest until I did not want to put it down. The group of high school friends all of which still live in the same community except for Maris, who has returned to attend her father's funeral & settle his estate. With Maris' return, the group of friends is faced with memories & how they effect the present. The scenery of the beach, the sea, moonlight with late night walks just add to the wonderful flavor of this book. Give Ms DeMaio a try, you may find that she hits a little closer to our own lives than you would realize.

[Patti Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! That is very first word that came to mind after I finished Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans by Joanne DeMaio. This is the second book I have had the pleasure of reading by Ms. DeMaio and let me tell you I enjoyed it just as much as the last. As I was reading this story the descriptions of the beach and the water are so detailed that I swore I heard the waves crashing on shore and felt the sand between my toes. Not only can Ms. DeMaio transport us to the beach, she has created characters that are memorable, charismatic, compelling, and Personable. I wouldn't mind sitting down with these folks for a visit. This is another one of those very emotional books that takes you along for the ride. This story revolves around a group of friends that knew each when they were young. It is a nice story of a reunion of friends that still have a connection all these years late.

Maris Carrington has returned to her hometown to take care of her fathers estate. While she is cleaning and packing she finds questions that she has to answer before she goes home. Maris has some life decisions to make and longs for some time at the beach. She decides to extend her stay and try to work out her life. She meets up with some old friends while at the beach. She starts her search to uncover the mystery she longs to understand. I really liked Maris she is s strong, independent woman that I truly admired.

Eva is Maris best friend and has been for years, she helps Maris find a cottage by the beach to rent for a few weeks. Eva has some family problems of her own. She longs to find her birth parents. She gets so caught up in her search that it's putting a strain on her husband and daughter. Eva has a wonderful husband Matt who feels a little abandon when Eva goes on her searches. Eva has a great life but feels like she is missing something. There is a huge mystery here that unfolds that left me speechless for a few moments. I'm not going to do tell you more then that. I'll let you read this wonderful story to find out for yourself.

Jason Barlow went through a tremendous loss and is struggling to find his way back to life. He not only lost his brother but part of his leg as well. Jason is carrying a lot of emotional baggage around. Maris just may be the one person that can help him deal with his past. I really enjoyed learning Jason's story. If you have a box of kleenex handy you might want to grab it here when he's explaining what happened. I cried and hurt for him. His is a very emotional story.

Matt & Lauren's marriage is suffering the impact of financial insecurity due to job loss and the economy. Matt is doing his best to keep his family a float but feels he's losing his wife and doesn't know how to get her back. Lauren has suffered a great loss and is living in the world of "WHAT IF" things had been different. These two pulled at my heart. What they need most is each other and their children. They just have find their way back together.

Over all, this was one fabulously written story full of drama, friendship, love, a nice reunion, and lots of emotion. Ms. DeMaio has a wonderful way of telling a story that pulls you right in and touches you so deep you can feel the pain, the sorrow and the joy of each of her delightfully fascinating characters. I truly felt a bond with each character. I was so engrossed in this story that I hated to set the book down to do other things. I couldn't wait to pick it back up to see what in the world as going to happen next.

Now that I have had the pleasure of reading two sensational stories by Ms. DeMaio, I will certainly be looking forward to her next release. I enjoy her unique writing style and way of transporting you to the beach with her phenomenal details.

If you are looking for a great summer time read that you can read at the beach or just imagine you are at the beach, check this one out. But don't leave the Kleenex behind. I hope you find this book as enjoyable as I did.

I had the delightful opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review. As always it has been a great pleasure to share my thoughts on this story with you.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reconnecting with childhood friends can be both life-affirming and life-altering.

Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a fascinating tale of friendship, loss, hope, loyalty, secrets, and finding one’s self in BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS. She sets the story in the beautiful New England oceanside community of Stony Point. The ocean, with its mesmerizing waves and alluring sounds, plays a major roll in the story offering its calming and cleansing properties to those returning to visit.

Maris Carrington, pursuing a denim design career in Chicago, has to return to the Connecticut coast to settle her late father’s estate. While packing and cleaning, Maris discovers a forgotten home movie. After watching it, she decides to stay a bit long so she can reconnect with her best friend. As old memories surface, catching up with other friends from over a decade ago takes on new meaning.

Even after her boyfriend proposes, Maris isn’t ready to return to her regular life. She feels drawn to stay near the beach and see what the summer brings. Meanwhile, Maris’ friends have their own problems and worries. Each is dealing with their doubts and uncertainty in their own way, but are there for their friends when needed.

This story is set amid a backdrop that defines summer - the ocean, a sandy beach, cottages, sunshine, and good friends. DeMaio has an eye for detail as she expertly describes the setting so that you can almost feel the ocean breeze on your face and feel the sand falling through your fingers.

The story moves at a steady pace pulling readers in. The characters are well-developed and likable. They have flaws and are faced with daily challenges making them appear more realistic. While there may seem to be quite a few central characters, in reality we all tend to gather numerous friends around us instead of only one or two. The author has given each character their own problems and specific ways they contribute to the story.

With a title like BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS, one automatically thinks of comfortable clothes and relaxing with friends over a cup of coffee. DeMaio has created a story of nostalgia that will have you longing to slip into your summer clothes, call your old friends, and escape to the beach.

FTC Full Disclosure - An eBook copy of this book was gift to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading something from this author - my first impression was that she writes in a very descriptive style. A little too descriptive for my tastes. But it could be my haste to just "get on with it already". After awhile, I settled into her story telling style and did like the book. I'll probably try another by this author and see how it goes.

Unfortunately, her books are not available at my local library, which is a bummer.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and flowed thru the book with ease. Loved the twist in the story although I figured it out about halfway thru the book. The book really emphasizes that sometimes you can't see what is right in front of you. Definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a relaxing read.

[Tracy Fitzpatrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read this book but was sadly disappointed. There was something that really bugged me about the writer's style. I can't quite put my finger on the issue. I also found the book to be very predictable.

[Quinn Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I was surprised by how much I liked this book. It’s a quick beach read and a fun story to follow. Even though it was easy to guess the ending, I still enjoyed the journey to get there.

[Mariston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it but not looking to read another by this author.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pass

If I could give this book a negative rating, I would. There are so many things about this book that just made my head hurt. I read for enjoyment, and this book was so badly written that I couldn't enjoy it at all. The sentences were sometimes so long they took up an entire page. And the extremely detailed description of things had me so confused most of the time that I had to re-read over and over again to figure out what the bell was being said. Not to mention the fact that the plot was so predictable that I had it worked out about 30% into the book. Suffice it to say I won't be reading the remaining dozen or so books in the series.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional roller-coaster!

It took a few to get the characters straight, but once I did, I enjoyed the storyline.
She did a great job at describing the settings, sceneries, and objects. I could see myself there.

The story itself is about 6 friends who reconnect after many years.
All of them are struggling in some way with loss, secrets, ghosts, and just normal day to day issues.
It showed the true strength of friendship even after years apart.

[marissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

wow. this book was not for me. there were way too many characters and they were all so similar. there were way too many details that didn’t matter or add anything to the story. so it was really hard to follow at times.

[Hope Franks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the storyline and the characters in the story. I felt like there were too many long explanations of the surroundings. I loved how she made the scenery feel but I just thought it was over done. In that note-I am going to start the next book Denim Blue Sea.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I finally got to read book #1 of the Saga...

[Kristin Sohns Stanfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start but once I got about 75 pages in the book started to pick up and I flew through it after that ! I can’t wait to continue the series .