A Sea of Past and Present

Mendocino Cove #3

by Nellie Brooks

Past and present collide in this second-chance feel-good saga! Ava, an empty-nester with a failing marriage, has reached a crossroads in life. When her mother's old arts and crafts home comes on the market in the small beach town of Mendocino Cove, Ava makes a split decision. Startled out of his routine, her husband attempts to save their marriage—but should Ava give him a second chance? Faye gets a surprise that will change her life forever, Jenny trades her life as homemaker for a job at the university, and Billie juggles the demands of her family, friends, and marine animal rescue. This is the third book in a beautiful friendship saga about four sisters of the heart. Northern California, with its stunning coastline, charming vineyards, and majestic redwood forests full of ferns and secrets provides the gorgeous settings for dreams, hopes, and second chances.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

Reviews

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mendocino Ca
Ava comes to Mendocino Cove Billie has her stay with her., Ava a little apprehensive about coming after many years had passed. But the ice is broke and they jump right into their lives. But she not telling she want a divorce.
They have get together all the girls come and spell the beans. Ava is not happy in her marriage as she is lonely. She thought when he retired he’d spend more time with her. But not. She tried to talk to him, he just spent more time away.
They are having a get together, Jenny’s daughter is making cookies then Billie’s 2 sons come Louis starts flirting with Audrey right away.
Jenny starts teaching her class at the college. Auntie Georgie is supposed to come for a visit she shot down the idea of opening the hotel.
Bruno comes to win back Ava she doesn’t believe him. Then he says he’ll move to MendoCove and she starts to believe him. All the attention and lovy eyes. Like when they were young. They bought the house Ava group in redid it and had a recommitment ceremony. It was very nice.
Faye tells everyone she is pregnant, they are all excited Gabe the most.
Billie is feeling a little left out all her friends are couples now but her. Her ex calls and want all 4 of them to have a vacation together. Interesting….

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting even better! I think this might be my favorite in this series so far. I am not usually a fan of stories about established couples or second-chance romance, but Ava’s story really got to me in the best way. I was so moved by how she and Bruno grew closer again, to Ava’s own surprise, really. I so enjoyed every part of A Sea of Past and Present. The great friendships, the charm of the small town, the hope and mystery upon the sea breeze, and the way each character, no matter their age, grows and learns and finds happiness and connection are at the heart of why I love this book, and the other ones in this series, so much. There’s heartache and loss, but things also fall into place—maybe sometimes a bit more easily than they would in real life, but I love that for these characters. I had a blast getting to know the younger generation and wouldn’t mind seeing more of them either! The story focuses mostly on Ava, but life is also throwing Faye quite the curveball. Loved that!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely series. I read all six books in less than two days. The characters are special and the stories are wonderful! I recommend this series whole heartedly!

Amazon synopsis:
Ava, an empty-nester with a marriage teetering on the brink and an uncertain future ahead, finds herself at a life-altering crossroads. In a whirlwind decision, she seizes the opportunity of a lifetime—a chance to reclaim her late mother’s enchanting arts and crafts home in beautiful Mendocino Cove.

Her sudden move rocks her husband’s world, prompting him to embark on a journey to salvage lost romance, broken promises, and forgotten feelings. But as the two navigate the delicate balance between yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s dreams, Ava faces a heart-wrenching dilemma—should she even give love another chance?

[CindyG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a great beach read. Mendocino Cove is so beautifully described, makes me want to go there. Also makes me hungry because boy can they cook! The descriptions surely make ME hungry too! Here we have 4 childhood friends who are more like sisters. Ava has just returned to the area, starting fresh after her “failed” marriage. But does she still love Bruno? Does he love her at all? Jenny & Jon, Faye & Gabe, but then there’s Ava and Billie. If Ava & Bruno can make it, what about Billie? Can’t wait to read the next book…

[Deanna Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Good Read

Was a nice change up for a second chance romance to actually be falling in love with your spouse all over again. Good to be back in Mendocino Bay with “the gang”. I really enjoyed the buying and renovating of Ava’s childhood home it sounds delightful.
It did get a bit too mushy for me at one point. But I did enjoy it all

[cheryl slaton]

Review

Love is in the air, Ava's husband had the lightbulb go on when she left him. He immediately followed her and declared his love and she doesn't believe him.
Faye discovers she is pregnant and tells The girls and finally the father.
Enjoy

[Shirley Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be continued

[Michele Reise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This one wasn't as good as the first two but it was still a nice read.

[DevBev · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️’s- Super cozy little series, I love the beachy cottage setting and the heart warming friendships!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava has decided her marriage is over and she is ready to start a new life in Mendocino Cove. Having her best friends there to help her makes her decision easier. When her husband shows up and wants to fight for their marriage, it really changes her plans. I liked this turn of events. There is so much love and friendship in this series, it is so enjoyable.