The Siesta Key Retreat 1

Seaside Melodies #1

by Grace Meyers

When Robert’s illness struck, everything changed. The loss of her high school sweetheart left a hole in Juliana’s heart that transformed the outgoing and compassionate woman into a shell of grief and pain. Their home, once filled with laughter and love from their foster children, became cold and empty.

But after a search through his old belongings unearths Robert’s secret dream, Juliana is infused with a newfound sense of purpose that drags her out of her sorrow. Determined to finish her husband’s work, she and her “perfect” – yet estranged – sister embark on a turbulent and emotional adventure to build his dream house.

Faced with roadblocks, troublesome contractors, and unspoken family drama that threatens life-changing consequences, Juliana pours her soul into realizing Robert’s last wish. With an unlikely new friendship blossoming between her and the architect Ezra, can Juliana embrace her new purpose and find a new direction in life? Or will the pressure cause her to retreat back into her shell?

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2023

About the author

Grace Meyers is an author of beachy feel-good romances and women's contemporary fiction. She was born in the south, but has traveled a bit since then and now lives in a small coastal town.

https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Meyers...

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/grace...

Reviews

[Jennifer Kayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more of this series.

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

She lays the foundation for the series and introduces you to all of the characters & how they fit in. She tells you how Juliana had just lost her husband and what a hard time she’s having adjusting to the lost of her husband. She just doesn’t think she can go on without him. Juliana & Robert fostered children because they couldn’t have any of their own, but she just couldn’t do it on her own. Her sister Hilary raised but they haven’t spoken since Robert died so all she had was her dog Zuzu. Her sister never liked Robert or their lifestyle so they went their separate ways. I’m so glad she finally was able to see a therapist, maybe that will lead to healing the relationship with her sister! Hopefully the therapist & Hilary together will be able to help Juliana.

I received this ARC Book for free and I’m giving my review for free in my own words.

[Lynne Spreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juliana is struggling. Her beloved husband died around a year ago, and she has become a hermit in her sweet little beachside house. However, Juliana isn't eating properly, she's reclusive, the house is a mess and needs maintenance, and she's about to get fired from her online job. At the end of this short book, her difficult sister shows up on her doorstep with her suitcases. To help. But she's a mean person, so you wonder what her motives are. I think this is a novel that's been broken into serial novellas. It was intriguing, although there were typos ("mutinous" threw me, but from context I figured the author meant "monotonous.") Anyway, I'm going for book two.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert hid his illness from his wife Juliana. His death a year and a half ago has left her depressed and devastated. She reluctantly seeks counseling. A surprise phone call from her sister Hilary leave Juliana with lots of unanswered questions

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much, although I’d like to smack Juliana now and then for being so dense! But then I stop and remember she’s had a lot to deal with, so I cut her some slack.

I’m looking forward to the next installment in this saga.

I received an advance copy of this book and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bev Stegmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting read. Grief over the loss of her husband, dealing with a lackluster work from home job, and connecting with a therapist to deal with her emotions. Ends on a cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the next book to answer questions. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by the author and I am freely sharing my review.

[Jana Beckhusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliana is dealing with the death of her husband 18 months earlier. She decides to seek a counselor to help her begin to heal. Surprise, her sister, Hilary, shows up at her door to help her or is she running from something?
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This review is my own opinion.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Good!
Great emotional well written start to a new series. Lots to unpack in this first book. Beautiful setting. I look forward to seeing where this series goes.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really quick read. Good story. Can’t wait for book number two. Does Juliana find peace after her husband’s death?

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very enjoyable. I hope to continue with the series . I higly recommend it I am curious to see where story goes from here

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good novella

This is a short novella, it leaves you hanging because you have to read all the books. These are not my favorite, but I am invested. Good character, good storyline.

[Karlene Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relaxing read and actually at the beach it feels so real. Have your towel and beverage ready before enjoying this book.