Three generations of women learn to own their mistakes and rebuild their bonds as they prepare to compete in the Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition in South Florida.
West Palm Beach, 1999. A phone call summons fifty-eight-year-old Cherie Anderson from a frozen Minnesota to help her two Dale, the mother who left her when she was five and is facing eviction from her budget apartment complex, Soleil City, and Marlys, the mother who raised her from that moment on--and who’s now dying, but won’t admit it to her daughter. Cherie seeks a reason to stay in town long enough to give Dale the help she’s finally asked for and Marlys the help she clearly needs. And she must find a project to distract her pregnant daughter Laura, whose marriage has fallen apart weeks before her due date.
The South Florida Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition seems to be the answer. The publicity from winning the competition, along with the ten-thousand-dollar prize money, could help save Soleil City. With Laura, who used to captain a dance team, as their coach, they’ve got a fighting chance. And with everyone else preoccupied by the competition, Cherie can focus on saving Marlys before it’s too late.
Over the course of a month in an apartment complex filled with feisty, funny, strong-willed women in their 70s, four women who make up an uneasy family will realize that in life, and motherhood, there isn't good and bad. There's only trying to get it right.
This was a good book, but apparently not for me, and I usually like books about the over-60 crowd! So many others loved this deep look into motherhood that if it sounds interesting at all, I definitely would give it a shot.
This was a difficult, gritty look into the lives of two mothers who shared a daughter. It also looked into the lives of a granddaughter who is expecting her first baby and a group of senior women who are trying to save their budget retirement home.
One of Cherie's mothers is dying of lung cancer, one Mother is losing her home, and everyone's mess is on Cherie's shoulders to clean up.
This was a very difficult book to read. We jumped around in timelines. We jumped around with Dale's various husbands and figuring out who belonged to whom at various times nearly drove me to distraction.
Not my glass of Zinfandel.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Random House, the author, and NetGalley.
A heartwarming story about mothers and daughters, the challenges of balancing work and motherhood and finding joy in old age. I loved the premise of this book set in a Florida retirement community where a group of seniors form a synchro swimming team and try to win a regional competition. With three generations of women in one family trying to reconcile their past hurts, this was a moving intergenerational story that was great on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
In the sun-kissed backdrop of West Palm Beach, 1999, "The Sirens of Soleil City" by Sarah C. Johns invites readers to plunge into the lives of three generations of women. Johns masterfully weaves a tale of resilience, forgiveness, and the intricate dynamics of family bonds.
At the heart of the story is 58-year-old Cherie Anderson, summoned from her frozen Minnesota home to help her estranged mother, Dale, and her adoptive mother, Marlys. Dale, facing eviction from her budget apartment complex in Soleil City, reaches out for help. Marlys, silently battling illness, refuses to admit her condition to her daughter.
Cherie's pregnant daughter, Laura, adds another layer of complexity. Her marriage has crumbled just weeks before her due date. Seeking a reason to stay in town, Cherie stumbles upon the South Florida Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition. The stakes are high: winning the competition could save Soleil City, and the ten-thousand-dollar prize money would be a lifeline.
With Laura as their coach (she used to captain a dance team), the unlikely team of senior swimmers embarks on a journey of self-discovery. In an apartment complex filled with feisty, funny, and strong-willed women in their seventies, Cherie finds herself navigating not only the intricacies of synchronized swimming but also the delicate threads that bind her family together.
Johns paints vivid portraits of these women, each with her quirks, dreams, and regrets. As they practice their routines, they learn that life isn't about neatly defined categories of good and bad. Instead, it's about trying to get it right, even when faced with past mistakes and uncertain futures.
The prose flows effortlessly, capturing the warmth of friendships forged over shared dreams and the bittersweet moments of reconciliation. Johns deftly explores themes of aging, motherhood, and the power of forgiveness. The characters' voices resonate, and their struggles feel authentic.
"The Sirens of Soleil City" is more than a novel; it's a symphony of emotions. Johns orchestrates laughter, tears, and hope, leaving readers with a sense of renewal. The Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition becomes a metaphor for life: a chance to dive into the deep end, embrace imperfections, and find grace in the water.
As the sun sets over Soleil City, the bonds between these women grow stronger. They learn that second chances are not just for the young; they're for anyone willing to leap into the unknown. Johns has crafted a poignant and uplifting tale that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Random House Trade Paperbacks for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This novel is a little more lowkey than my more recent reads but I am always down for a generational exploration of mother and daughterhood. Although the plot seems a little strange, I found it to be very tender and sweet at its core. A lovely exploration on how the decisions we make now impact all those who come after us.
I don’t typically read stories with characters toward the end of life, but the wisdom and perspective they provided was enlightening. Also, the Soleil women are quite the bunch. It’s hard not to love them. The characters more than anything draw the reader in. Each so unique, each with a different view of the world, attempting to navigate it as they see fit. If anything, they show that there is no right way to live life, there are just choices to be made. With all the characters, I do think it was a little challenging to get acclimated, especially toward the beginning. The writing style only furthered this confusion, as it felt like sentences were running on with details to provide readers context. It was a bit overwhelming when it didn’t need to be. Regardless, this was a heartwarming story with perfectly imperfect women trying to navigate uncontrollable life.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Unexpectedly heartwarming and tender, THE SIRENS OF SOLEIL CITY explores motherhood, friendship, and the intricacies of mother/daughter relationships as we age. Bound together by the complicated ties of family, three generations of women (and a cast of other memorable characters) work towards saving the Soleil City apartment complex from gentrification. Their brilliant idea? To enter a local geriatric synchronized swimming competition to bring awareness to their community (as well as the cash prize of $10,000).
SIRENS' wit and poignancy makes it a wonderful choice for a makes-you-feel-all-the-feels summer read!
I loved this book. I cared about the characters and their relationships, and laughed out loud. Also, relatable as someone sandwiched between aging parents and young adult children. And there was (light) revenge, which I always enjoy! I read it while traveling and didn’t even care that I was sitting around airports and on planes - was glad to have time I could dedicate just to tearing through the book.
The Sirens of Soleil City" takes readers on an emotional journey through the complex relationships of a diverse group of women, all connected by the bonds of motherhood. Written by Sarah C. Johns, this captivating novel brings to life the challenges and triumphs of the characters against the backdrop of West Palm Beach in 1999. The story revolves around fifty-eight-year-old Cherie Anderson, who receives a life-altering phone call that draws her back to her hometown from the frozen state of Minnesota. Her two mothers, Dale and Marlys, are in desperate need of her assistance. Dale, her biological mother who abandoned her at a young age, is facing eviction from Soleil City, a budget apartment complex. On the other hand, Marlys, the woman who raised Cherie, is secretly battling a terminal illness and refuses to confide in her daughter about her condition. With the determination to help both her mothers, Cherie must find a reason to prolong her stay in town. Simultaneously, she seeks to distract her pregnant daughter, Laura, from her failed marriage, which has left her vulnerable and unsettled. The South Florida Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition emerges as an unexpected solution. Cherie believes that winning the competition, accompanied by the substantial prize money of ten thousand dollars, could save Soleil City from its impending demise. With Laura's experience as a former dance team captain, she becomes their coach, igniting a glimmer of hope. As the characters immerse themselves in the world of synchronized swimming, they discover that the competition offers more than just a chance at financial security. Amidst the spirited atmosphere of the apartment complex, Cherie encounters a community of strong-willed, funny, and tenacious women in their 70s. These women, who form an unconventional family, share their wisdom and experiences. Together, they navigate the complexities of life and motherhood, realizing that there is no absolute distinction between good and bad choices—only the relentless pursuit of doing what is right. "The Sirens of Soleil City" is a heartfelt exploration of the intricacies of family dynamics and the unyielding love between mothers and their children. Sarah C. Johns skillfully crafts a narrative that resonates with authenticity, capturing the challenges, sacrifices, and joys that accompany the journey of motherhood. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and a delightful blend of humor and poignancy, this novel is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. In conclusion, "The Sirens of Soleil City" is a remarkable tale that reminds us of the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of love. Johns' writing shines as she delves into the multifaceted lives of her characters, painting a vivid picture of their struggles and growth. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering bond between mothers and daughters. "The Sirens of Soleil City" is an absolute must-read for those seeking a heartfelt and captivating story that will leave a lasting impression.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ – Heartfelt and Hilarious, with a Few Stumbles The Sirens of Soleil City is a charming and refreshingly original story that blends humor, heartache, and the complexities of family across generations. Set in 1999 Florida, the novel follows Cherie Anderson as she returns to help her two mothers—one biological, one who raised her—and her pregnant daughter, all while rallying a group of feisty seniors to compete in a synchronized swimming competition to save their apartment complex. Sarah C. Johns does a lovely job capturing the spirit of older women who refuse to be sidelined. The cast is vibrant, especially the residents of Soleil City, whose sass and solidarity bring warmth and laughter to the story. The intergenerational dynamics are compelling, and the unconventional family structures are handled with sensitivity and nuance. Where the book falters slightly is in its pacing and emotional depth. Some plot points—particularly around Marlys’s illness and Laura’s personal struggles—could have used more space to breathe. The humor occasionally overshadows the more poignant moments, making it harder to fully connect with the emotional stakes. Still, this is a feel-good read with a lot of heart. It celebrates resilience, forgiveness, and the idea that family can be found in the most unexpected places. If you enjoy stories about strong women, second chances, and quirky community bonds, The Sirens of Soleil City is worth diving into.
THE SIRENS OF SOLEIL CITY by Sarah C. Jones had me laughing and emotional both at the same time. It’s a quick look at mother/ daughter relationships, being there for each other, the power of female friendships, and generational wealth (or lack there of).
Cherie Anderson’s mother, Dale, is on the verge of being evicted from the crumbling, rundown apartment complex that she calls home. Cherie’s relationship with Dale has been compromised ever since Dale left her when she was five years old to go off and marry six times and travel the country. Raised by her father, Ed and his wife, Marlys, Cherie grew up with a loving stepmother and holds many resentments towards Dale for her actions and behaviour. Cherie is in the position that she would be able to just write out a check to help Dale but decides to go to Florida to visit with both Dale and Marlys, her ‘mom’.
When she gets there She learns that the owner will not repair the property as he wants to sell. With a ragtag group of older women, Cherie enlists the help of her own daughter, Laura who is six months pregnant and has just left her husband. They too, have a strained relationship. The women of the complex decide to enter the South Florida Synchronised Swimming Competition in just a little over a month in hopes of winning the prize money to make the necessary repairs on the property. Along the way we meet the other women on the team and learn of their perseverance and tenacity which keeps them going in times of need and crisis. We also see the inter-generational dynamics and how the stories of one affect the lives of other others. As death calls for one of the women, another life begins.
There were many times in this book where I caught myself chuckling at the conversations between the women, then cringing at the conversations of the women and cheering as they all fought to save the complex but learned to save themselves. As each new story was told we learned of the triumphs and tragedies in the lives of the women that chose to become a family. I loved it! The writing was clear and concise and led to a very enjoyable read. I could feel the sun beating down and the ripple of the water as I kicked and flipped along with the music. This is my first Sarah C Jones novel, but it will not be my last. An enjoyable afternoon romp while lying by your own pool or on the beaches.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
This is a book about three generations of women and takes place in Florida in 1999. It's a great book about aging and how some older women still have a love of life and adventure despite what the world thinks.
Cherie is 58 and has a strange family -- she has two mothers. One is her biological mother, Dale, who was a free spirit and left her daughter when she was a baby and saw her infrequently when she was growing up. The other mom (and the one she refers to as Mom) is Marlys who married her father and raised her after her bio mom left. Interestingly, Dale and Marlys are now best friends and see each other frequently. Both of the women have a major problem. Marlys is dying but doesn't want anyone to know - especially not her daughter. Dale is facing eviction from her budget senior apartment -- actually all of her friends there may soon be without a home when the owner sells the complex. Cherie is someone who always wants to be in charge and tell everyone what to do so she feels it's her duty to save the apartment complex. She decides that the women should compete in the South Florida Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition. The prize is $10,000 which will save the complex. Do any of the seniors know how to synchronize swim -- well no, but surely they can learn in a month. To help out, Cherie calls on her pregnant daughter to come to Florida to help out. Can this feisty group of older women win the prize and save their homes?
My favorite characters were Dale and the other women who lived in the apartment complex. They may all be in their 70s but they are an outspoken and tenacious group of women. Even when they argued, they remained friends. Some of their conversations were hilarious - they didn't really care what other people thought of them, they wanted to live their lives in peace and knew that winning this competition would keep them in their homes. It was also interesting to see the three different generations of women interact. Cherie was comfortable with both of her mothers but her daughter failed to understand the relationship at first.
This is a book about families of all types. The different type of family that Cherie had with two mothers. The life that her daughter was going to have by having a baby after her husband leaves her. The family unit made up of Dale and Marlys. And the unconventional group of women who lived in the apartment who were a family based on the love that they all had toward each other as they navigated their aging. Overall, there is no good or bad type of family - the important thing is that it works and brings people closer together and happy with their lives.
A story of mothers, daughters, and the family we make. Cherie has two moms- her biomom Dale and Marlys, the stepmother who raised her. Now, she's in her late 50s, her own daughter Laura is pregnant and having marital issues and Dale and Marlys need her. Badly. She decides that the women of the retirement community where Dale lives can save their building by winning a synchronized swimming competition. Unlikely to be sure but that's the mechanism that brings together the group which will be led by Laura who was once a dance line leader. This jumps around in time and between the characters, which I found distracting because individually, the women are great. It's in the quiet moments, the moments when Cherie is sitting in a bar, when Laura is thinking about her life, when Dale is thinking about all of them, and when Marlys, well, Marlys in general, that this is at its best. There are some chuckles, some pain, and some pulls at the heartstrings. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This wasn't the easy read I thought it would be based on (let's face it) the cover but it's a good one.
The Sirens of Soleil City blends multigenerational drama with a synchronized swimming competition in an offbeat but heartfelt exploration of motherhood, aging, and found family. While I didn’t find myself fully drawn to the central storyline of saving the apartment complex, the eccentric cast of characters living in Soleil City provided memorable, if sometimes uneven, moments of connection and humor.
Some of the main characters’ motivations and emotional arcs felt underdeveloped, which made it difficult to fully engage with their personal journeys. However, the competition plotline brought energy and forward momentum, offering plenty of unexpected turns and delightfully absurd scenarios that helped carry the story.
What stood out most was the found family dynamic—messy, surprising, and, in the end, moving. While the blood ties at the core of the novel didn’t always strike a chord, the relationships formed within Soleil City’s quirky community offered moments of real warmth and clarity. For readers who enjoy character-driven stories with an ensemble cast and a touch of humor, this might be a good fit—even if it’s not quite a perfect 10.
This book is about women at a Seniors apt complex that decide to start a synchronized swimming team to try and save their building from being sold. On another level though, the book is about relationships between mothers and daughters and between friends. I enjoyed some of the women who lived in the complex and their views on life. Some of them were funny and irreverant. I did find that the relationship between the mothers and daughters were complicated and at times quite sad.
The writer did manage to navigate all the twists and turns well and never had us lost trying to figure things out. The plot fell short for me though and I think I would have preferred less of the famiy drama and more humour. If you like books about senior citizens or family relationships, you will really enjoy this one. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book.
The Sirens of Soleil City is the story of three generations - Laura, a pregnant twenty-something, her mother Cherie, and Cherie's biological mother, Dale and adopted mother, Marlys. I enjoyed the family dynamics of this story. The chapters alternate between the four women, each highlighting their own perspectives and adding depth and layers to the story as it unfolds. The novel is also about the residents of Soleil City, a retirement apartment building that is in disrepair and on the verge of being closed. I especially loved the relationships and found family element among the women of Soleil City, as they work together to try to save their home by winning a synchronized swimming competition. This novel is at times funny and outrageous and at other times, poignant and emotional. Thank you to Random House and the Thoughts from a Page podcast for the ARC.
Don't let the breezy cover fool you--this book is far more than just a delightful beach read (though it is also a quick vacation companion). The multilayered relationships, generational history, and complicated emotions invite reflection, especially in regards to family. Sarah Jones reminds me of Emily Henry in the way that she crafts beautifully believable characters whose flaws are not just relatable, but somehow enhance their strengths. It's refreshing and inspiring to read about how life experience has shaped these women in their marriage, parenting, vocations, and friendships. I read this alone but am already planning to do it with a couple of book clubs; there is so much to dive into and discuss!
“The Sirens of Soleil City” by Sarah C. Johns is a heartfelt and entertaining read. It is about the complexities of motherhood, family dynamics and Mothers and Daughters. The story revolves around a senior women’s synchronized swimming competition formed by friends in a senior living community. It was a very cleaver way to bring out the very heavy struggles of aging parents, and the bonds between family no matter what the family issues may be. This book will remind all women how precious their relationships are with other women.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
"The Sirens of Soleil City" is such a fun and touching read! It's all about Cherie, who gets pulled back to South Florida to help her estranged mom, Dale, and her dying stepmom, Marlys, while also trying to support her pregnant daughter, Laura. These women decide to team up for a Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition, hoping the prize money can save Dale’s home. The story is full of humor and heart as these stubborn, hilarious ladies learn to face their past mistakes and rebuild their relationships. It's a beautiful reminder that no matter how messy things get, it's never too late to make things right. If you want a book that feels like a warm hug and a good laugh, you’ll love this one.
**I was give an ARC from Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
This book had a good story but I don’t think it was my cup of tea. It took me way longer to finish this book than other books so far this year.
There are multiple stories and POVs in this book. You got two moms that share a daughter, the daughter and then the granddaughters.
Over all the actual story was good. It had sad parts and then there were parts that had me cracking up. There was a group of older woman in the story that lived in a senior facility with one of the mothers. They all gave me kinda like a golden girls/designer woman vibe when they were all together talking.
Thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me a free copy of this book. My 100% totally honest opinion on this book follows.
This book was a fun read for me! The story revolved around family and friends who decide to compete in a synchronized swimming competition for seniors so they can save their community, Soleil City. The relationships between these characters were perfectly crafted to show so much emotion that I could feel it coming off the pages. I don’t think that I’ve ever read a story with septuagenarians as the main characters and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it and wasn’t bored or disappointed at any point. It was emotional and funny. I enjoyed reading this one!
While the cover suggests much lighter fare, the story it contains focuses on the complexities of family, motherhood, and death. It is easy to fall in love with supporting cast of feisty and funny retired women that bring levity and joy to the otherwise tenuous and difficult relationships between the generations of women central to the story. I greatly enjoyed this novel. It is well written, paced, and I found myself laughing out loud in sections. I certainly recommend this novel should you find the book blurb interesting.
Thank you to Random House Books and Goodreads for the book giveaway. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and leave this voluntary review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. The Sirens of Soleil City follows multiple generations over a span of a few weeks. Cheri is in Florida helping her mother’s Dale and Marlys with their struggles. She also has to help her daughter Lauren with her failing marriage. Unfortunately The Sirens of Soleil City is not my cup of tea. I made to 30% and I could not find myself interested in the storyline. I do think that others will enjoy it if they like multi generational stories with heavy topics.
I chose this book for our monthly book club because it sounded like a story all the members could relate to...and was I right! Many of us are in our 40s and 50s (one is a 20-something), so we could see ourselves in Cherie's position and have/had older women in our lives that have allowed us to witness the aging process. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and while reading it, I could visualize it as a movie featuring some of older actresses (think Jane Fonda, Kathy Bates, Lily Tomlin, etc). It's a great vacation read!
This sory tells the complicated tale of three generations of women dealing with complicated family dynamics, marriage in many stages, from early, to broken, to stale, to long term, secrets and betrayals, friendship, forgiveness. It's all here, but I could not find any empathy or compassion for any of them. I just didnt find any of these women likeable, nor could I buy the main premise of this woman with two mothers in this scenario.
Maybe it's me and you'll love The Sirens of Soleil City. It certainly has a lot for the reader to think about. It just wasn't for me.
I quite liked the nuanced women and their complicated relationships, as they seemed to live in a real world where emotions and motivation are not black and white. I'm not particularly convinced by the scheme to save the condo and preferred the family growth instead. But seriously, there wasn't nearly enough synchronized swimming in the story, since that was why I plucked this off the library shelf. Once the plan was made it mostly fell to the background with no moves or skills talked about, and the story without actually covering the competition.
Things I liked: - intergenerational families - complex characters - complicated families who stick together despite previous flaws and hurts
Things I struggled with: - a packed plot with time jumps - reveals that lacked umph - at least one plot point that seems problematic - the incident on the beach doesn’t necessarily warrant to me Dale being deemed an unfit mother? - the MC goes on a date with a guy despite being married and then at the end decides she’s in love with her unproblematic husband? Just seems a little wack at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to the author Sara C John, NetGalley and the publisher for opportunity to read this novel as my last book of 2023! Expecting a. Simple novel about senior citizen ladies rallying together to save their senior residence by competing in a synchronized swimming event and found the story to include a lot more. It’s a story of mothers and daughter, mothers who leave daughter and lots of other complications of different families,
This book could be great ! The story line is wonderful . Only problem is the characters were a bit confusing for me to understand who was who , and I often missed when it was describing current times vs. describing the past . I also was reading it during a readarhon ,so maybe I’m needed to read it slower and concentrate more on the characters . Ended up rereading the first chapter to get an understanding of who’s who .
A lot of this book was very fun. I love a senior centered novel. I love complicated characters and silly situations. An all seniors synchronized swimming competition to save their living complex? Yes please. The backstory of each character was very interesting and multilayered. I enjoyed it but also didnt find this story extremely special, as I thought it had the potential to be.
Thank you penguin random house/Ballantine books for this arc! #indigoemployee
This is such a unique story about three generations of women, the men they have loved and the bond between the three of them they are hoping to repair.
I found there were too many main characters and a complicated relationship between the 4 women to really understand this via audiobook. But I loved the older women that were part of the synchronized swimming team, they were a group of characters!
This is a book about 2 mothers and 1 child. It s a book about family and the choices made. It is also a book about what secrets should be shared and which should remain secrets. But the synchronized swimming was the best. Imagining people over 60 doing this even as amateurs is so fun. The women in the story were great and so much fun. Interesting issues.