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Welcome to Beach Town
Every town has its secrets...
In idyllic Alara Cove, a California beach town known for its sunny charm and chill surfer vibe, it’s graduation day at the elite Thornton Academy. At Thornton, the students are the worldly and overindulged children who live in gated enclaves with spectacular views. But the class valedictorian is Nikki Graziola, a surfer’s daughter who is there on scholarship. To the shock of everyone in the audience, Nikki veers off script while giving her commencement address and reveals a secret that breaks open the whole community. As her truth explodes into the light, Alara Cove will face a reckoning.
Nikki Graziola’s accusation shakes the foundation of Alara Cove, pitting her against the wealthy family whose money runs the town. Her new notoriety sends Nikki into exile for years, where she finds fame—but not fortune—overseas as a competition surfer... until a personal tragedy compels her to return to Alara Cove.
As Nikki struggles to rebuild her future, she finds that the people of the town have not forgotten her. But time has changed Alara Cove, and old friendships, rivalries, and an unexpected romance draw her back into the life of the beach town she’s never quite forgotten, and where joy and redemption may be possible after all.
In idyllic Alara Cove, a California beach town known for its sunny charm and chill surfer vibe, it’s graduation day at the elite Thornton Academy. At Thornton, the students are the worldly and overindulged children who live in gated enclaves with spectacular views. But the class valedictorian is Nikki Graziola, a surfer’s daughter who is there on scholarship. To the shock of everyone in the audience, Nikki veers off script while giving her commencement address and reveals a secret that breaks open the whole community. As her truth explodes into the light, Alara Cove will face a reckoning.
Nikki Graziola’s accusation shakes the foundation of Alara Cove, pitting her against the wealthy family whose money runs the town. Her new notoriety sends Nikki into exile for years, where she finds fame—but not fortune—overseas as a competition surfer... until a personal tragedy compels her to return to Alara Cove.
As Nikki struggles to rebuild her future, she finds that the people of the town have not forgotten her. But time has changed Alara Cove, and old friendships, rivalries, and an unexpected romance draw her back into the life of the beach town she’s never quite forgotten, and where joy and redemption may be possible after all.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
1366 people are currently reading
27894 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wiggs
171 books7,491 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 982 reviews
March 7, 2023
Thank you William Morrow Books for the Giveaway copy of Welcome to Beach Town!
While this ultimately wasn’t my cup of tea, it was a sweet story of overcoming some of life’s harshest curveballs and speaking up for injustices. A dreamy beach setting, dirty politicians, upper class elitists… Susan Wiggs’ strong talent is detailed descriptions.
It was hard for me to catch the flow of the story, however, right off the bat. It was written in a way that I imagine most people experience thoughts- a bit sporadic, glimpses of futures, snapshots of times past, stresses and emotions of the present. Ironically (or purposely?) similar to the waves Nikki rides.
The sorry takes place over 4 Parts. There is a small time jump where Nikki is just living in the Thornton, then all of the sudden she’s graduating. But the real shock came when Part Two jumped 15 years in the future after graduation when I JUST spent 100+ pages getting to know and understand Nikki as a teen. It felt haphazard as I struggled to fill in the gaps to learn who she was “now”.
There were several times I asked myself where the plot was going and what the climax was going to be. I thought it would be discovering the truth of Mark’s death- no. Maybe Nikki and Johnny’s grand love story?- no. Nikki learning to handle grief of loss (both her “husband” and the life she created over 15 years)- kinda this. There were several storylines I think I would have enjoyed seeing flushed out (Mark’s case, the Buccaneers, Shasta, Carmella, Patsy & Guy, Al’s new career!! but I digress) and just when I thought I had it figured out, the tides turned (more surf puns? 🫣) but like, not in a psychological way. It was frustrating.
I was waiting for the plot realization STILL by page 263… when Cal and Nikki had their walk on the beach and he just— ugh— says the cringe-worthy “I’m in love you (uses Nikki’s full name) I love you and always have” and then all of the sudden they’re in bed together and an item? It just didn’t seem to flow with what we had seen of Nikki’s grief and conflicting thoughts of her future. I don’t know.. I skimmed the next few pages. She already had a fast and consuming love with Johnny. I felt like Cal should have been a slow burn. Maybe I feel a little cheated from it?
The ending read fine. Coming full circle, Nikki stays true to herself and her character by publicly speaking out about the wealthy using their positions in the community in cover up scandals (and murder — again). It was very cool to see a glimpse of Gloria grown.. although I would have liked to see how Thornton had changed its ways.
I guess overall, it was an OK read. I wanted more character development, more believable interactions between characters, and maybe a smaller time jump between Parts 1&2.
While this ultimately wasn’t my cup of tea, it was a sweet story of overcoming some of life’s harshest curveballs and speaking up for injustices. A dreamy beach setting, dirty politicians, upper class elitists… Susan Wiggs’ strong talent is detailed descriptions.
It was hard for me to catch the flow of the story, however, right off the bat. It was written in a way that I imagine most people experience thoughts- a bit sporadic, glimpses of futures, snapshots of times past, stresses and emotions of the present. Ironically (or purposely?) similar to the waves Nikki rides.
The sorry takes place over 4 Parts. There is a small time jump where Nikki is just living in the Thornton, then all of the sudden she’s graduating. But the real shock came when Part Two jumped 15 years in the future after graduation when I JUST spent 100+ pages getting to know and understand Nikki as a teen. It felt haphazard as I struggled to fill in the gaps to learn who she was “now”.
There were several times I asked myself where the plot was going and what the climax was going to be. I thought it would be discovering the truth of Mark’s death- no. Maybe Nikki and Johnny’s grand love story?- no. Nikki learning to handle grief of loss (both her “husband” and the life she created over 15 years)- kinda this. There were several storylines I think I would have enjoyed seeing flushed out (Mark’s case, the Buccaneers, Shasta, Carmella, Patsy & Guy, Al’s new career!! but I digress) and just when I thought I had it figured out, the tides turned (more surf puns? 🫣) but like, not in a psychological way. It was frustrating.
I was waiting for the plot realization STILL by page 263… when Cal and Nikki had their walk on the beach and he just— ugh— says the cringe-worthy “I’m in love you (uses Nikki’s full name) I love you and always have” and then all of the sudden they’re in bed together and an item? It just didn’t seem to flow with what we had seen of Nikki’s grief and conflicting thoughts of her future. I don’t know.. I skimmed the next few pages. She already had a fast and consuming love with Johnny. I felt like Cal should have been a slow burn. Maybe I feel a little cheated from it?
The ending read fine. Coming full circle, Nikki stays true to herself and her character by publicly speaking out about the wealthy using their positions in the community in cover up scandals (and murder — again). It was very cool to see a glimpse of Gloria grown.. although I would have liked to see how Thornton had changed its ways.
I guess overall, it was an OK read. I wanted more character development, more believable interactions between characters, and maybe a smaller time jump between Parts 1&2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
I forgot to include this one in my batch of books I had picked up at the library the other day. It caught my eye because of, its title, and I enjoyed the author’s book, “The Lost and Found Bookshop.”
So, what is home? Is it the home you were raised in – or is it the home you choose?
In many ways this can be considered a warm engaging story that gave readers a cozy feeling. It emphasized the importance of self-worth, perseverance, personal growth and the significance of family – the one you are born into and the family you choose.
If you are patient with it, readers will find the story heart-warming. Perhaps even a redemption story of sorts.
And for anyone who loves the surf – “welcome to beach town,” where one finds freedom amongst the waves.
So, what is home? Is it the home you were raised in – or is it the home you choose?
In many ways this can be considered a warm engaging story that gave readers a cozy feeling. It emphasized the importance of self-worth, perseverance, personal growth and the significance of family – the one you are born into and the family you choose.
If you are patient with it, readers will find the story heart-warming. Perhaps even a redemption story of sorts.
And for anyone who loves the surf – “welcome to beach town,” where one finds freedom amongst the waves.
January 7, 2023
A Susan Wiggs novel is a masterclass in storytelling, and WELCOME TO BEACH TOWN is no exception. Wiggs handles protagonist Nikki Graziola’s journey as a teenager and an adult with equal skill and tenderness in this page-turning novel that proves that second chances might be waiting right where we left them—and that speaking our truth is always the path to healing. Readers will savor sunny skies and perfect surf in this stunning new novel, but one thing is for sure: In this Beach Town, there is always more happening than meets the eye. Don’t miss this expansive beauty of a summer book!
July 10, 2023
Welcome to beach town
This was a disappointment. Ms Wiggs has written better books in her earlier career. This book was way to woke for me. Romance readers read romance for the fantasy and good feelings they get from the story. They want a hopeful, feel good story NOT a woke agenda story. This is the 4th recent wokey story by Ms Wiggs in her last few books that she had wokely ruined. This is her last book I attempted to read I quit after chapter 4. No more!!
This was a disappointment. Ms Wiggs has written better books in her earlier career. This book was way to woke for me. Romance readers read romance for the fantasy and good feelings they get from the story. They want a hopeful, feel good story NOT a woke agenda story. This is the 4th recent wokey story by Ms Wiggs in her last few books that she had wokely ruined. This is her last book I attempted to read I quit after chapter 4. No more!!
July 14, 2023
I have enjoyed several of Susan Wiggs’ novels, giving them all solid 4 star ratings. But this book was so poorly constructed I’ve got a headache from all the eye rolling it inspired. The messages she was trying to convey just became muddled in the attempt to touch on every current hot button issue and tick all the boxes. So disappointing.
June 14, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My Selling Pitch:
Do you want a mommy book club nothing read about living in a small beach town? Do you love peaked in high school energy?
Pre-reading:
I know nothing about this book, and I am not a beach girl.
Thick of it:
Miasma
Who cares about high school? I mean really.
The irony is that I stopped reading the Wizard of Oz smut to pick this up and it too mentions Oz.
In no world would I allow a high school to stop me from using the internet at night. In no world is a high schooler’s homework done by 10 pm.
I didn’t know this was about a high schooler. God, I could not give a shit.
I don’t think a glass of milk is wholesome, but go off.
Enemies to lovers? (No. Sad.)
Mark is gay.
milieu
Don’t sexualize 14-year-olds? Thanks.
I don’t feel bad for rich kids.
Who is this book for? Middle schoolers?
Girl, this book is so repetitive and predictable.
No one talks like this.
Lmao having a mom does not guarantee you’ll get that education.
Louvered
Pray the gay away murdered him. (would have been a better book)
The truth ruins plenty of people. What do you mean?
I feel like a lot of these lines are supposed to be deep, but they’re literally just common sense
I love a Boston accent.
What kind of name is Johnny Mercury? They really said this is a surfing book.
So, not a Boston accent. He’s dead to me.
Also, I hate when people say can I ask you a question before they ask you a question. Like just ask me the question.
What do you mean your dream doesn’t exist without a man? Then it’s not your dream, babes.
You know, I’m trying to find sympathy for this girl, but this is like willful ignorance, and I’m not trying to victim blame, but grow the fuck up.
Like she wasn’t dumb. She was the top student. Like, do a cursory google.
indigent
I do not find that to be a beautiful quote at all. That’s kind of rapey actually
Ew, a cop.
I thought people stopped growing height after 18? So how did he shoot all the way to 6’3? (Yeah, this is very much a thing. If he grew at least 6 inches in the span of a year or two he would be in so much pain.)
Is him being a corrupt cop supposed to be appealing???
Oh my god, such pandering. I do not like this book at all.
The librarian seems like an author insert. In a small prejudiced town, men are not lining up for women with wacky colored hair. Like they’re just not.
Also, it’s even weirder then that the dad is trying to set them up if they knew each other as kids. Like he thought she was fat and ugly. I do not like a romance where the characters have to fundamentally change their physical appearance to be of any romantic value.
Also, the dad doesn’t speak like a dad.
Swag bag-get out.
There is so much gross therapy speak in this book.
This book is panderingly woke and aggressively PC, and it feels like it’s written by one of those women who make the fact that they have a therapist their personality.
You don’t know who you are without a man? Girl, take the codependency and leave.
It’s probably the rich kid’s brother who ruined the boat.
This man is such a nice guy simp, and if the book doesn’t acknowledge that, it’s going to really piss me off. She should not wind up with this man. He is not a good romantic love interest.
Oh, so he’s just even more of a corrupt police officer. They’re complaining about a corrupt mayor, and he’s like I’m gonna misuse police resources. What the fuck.
SHE’S NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS
God, I hate this book.
sopapillas
She moved on fastttt.
She’s going 5 miles over the speed limit. Is that a joke?
Title drop
This book is fucking awful. Real love does not mean giving up yourself, so you don’t lose another person.
Post-reading:
I hated every second of this.
It’s not that the writing is bad. It was like one of those books you had to read in sixth grade that was like a contemporary classic. Like Stargirl. Probably niche, but same vibes.
The characters in this book are fundamentally unlikable. The main character has so much I’m not like other girls energy, and it’s exhausting. Her father is blatantly neglectful and somehow gets a redemption arc. The best friend feels like an author insert. Her love interests are terrible. The guy she ends up with is a toxic nice guy.
All the romantic messaging in this book is beyond toxic. You should not lose yourself in love. That’s not an aspirational thing. You should not give up your hopes and dreams for another person. Another person cannot be your dream. Go to therapy.
Which is ironic because so much of this book’s “deep moments” feel ripped from a therapy transcript. They’re not deep. They’re common sense, or worse, they’re platitudes.
The book tries to be woke and virtue signal by discussing campus hazing and corrupt political families but fails spectacularly. It’s not a nuanced discussion. It’s been done before and done better. Characters’ actions have no consequences. The book really ends with a character being charged like the justice system is capable of exacting any kind of fair justice. Like you missed your own point.
The plot is hallmark. There was really nothing in this book for me. And I’ll forgive bucket nothingness in a book, but not if you couple it with self-help advice that literally no one should take. I genuinely can’t figure out the audience for this book because adults should not want to read about high schoolers. And high schoolers shouldn’t read about people in their 30s with this kind of messaging. So who the fuck is this book for? The mommy book clubs? Let them read their smut. It’ll have more emotional depth.
Who should read this:
Mommy book clubbers
Wine moms
Do I want to reread this:
No
Similar books:
* Our Place on the Island by Erika Montgomery-family drama beach read
Unhinged Summary:
Girlypop grows up so poor and neglected by her surfer dude father that she’s put into a foster home run by a local artist. Girlypop gets a scholarship to go to private school and unsurprisingly “struggles” to fit in with the privileged students. She makes friends with the gardener’s nice guy son and her author insert fellow foster child. Then she literally has no trouble making friends because at 14 she “looks like a sports illustrated model” and is super good at surfing. She’s valedictorian for her class and poised to go to college on a scholarship, but decides to blow up her life because one of her besties went to a school frat party and overdosed. She's like the school should've protected him! And it's like well, the school said no drinking and doing drugs, and your bestie decided to anyway. She's like well, it’s the frats’ fault! And the audience is like where? They didn't force him to drink. She's like well, the school is claiming he overdosed because he was an addict, and he wasn't! So I'm gonna expose them. And it's like okay? Do that?
And then because this is a fictional world, the school denies her her high school diploma for accusing them of wrong doing and obviously that makes her college rescind their acceptance. Sure, Jan. But don’t worry, she meets a super hottie surfer staying at her father’s trailer park, and they fall instantly in love, and she decides to blow up her life for a boy. So she becomes a professional surfer and moves to Australia. Somehow she used up all her brain cells to become valedictorian and literally never used her brain again because she relied entirely on her man to handle money and getting married and never questioned any of it. He's a surfer dude. Spoiler alert, financial planning and legal documents are not his forte. They’re broke and about to be evicted, and he's been hiding this from her. And if you're like Girlypop don’t you look at your bank statement? Apparently not. So she goes to confront him, and they get in a car accident and he dies. Men don’t face consequences for their actions lol. Women will just clean up the mess. So now that he’s dead, Girlypop finds out that plot twist they were never actually married, and so she’s in Australia illegally. She has no choice but to go back to Beach Town.
When she arrives, she finds out that her scummy father hooked up with a drug addict and had more spawn. But like he took a single parenting class, so he’s father of the year for this toddler now. His trailer park business is on the verge of ruin because the city isn’t going to lease him the land anymore. Girlypop is like I can fix this. Why go to therapy when I can reconnect with my high school friends and save the town! Foster bestie is now a hottie and a librarian and running for mayor. She’s multi-hyphenate. And she’s like omg babes, I know we haven’t spoken in forever, but librarians are superheroes, so I can solve all your problems. We’ll file for grants. This just works. And now they have money to restore the trailer park to be #Vintage so that they can lease the trailers out on Airbnb and make a buttload of money. And because they’re #Vintage the city will declare the land historical so they won’t be able to sell it. Hallmark movie plot! Nice guy is a cop. Yep. He dreamed of traveling the world, but he’s given all that up to look after his blind father. He’s just such a good, helpful guy. So they meet up again and she’s like omg, you’re hot now! And he’s like oh my god, the girl I was friends with because I wanted to sleep with her in high school. Oh my god, I’m still in love. And the audience is like that’s not love.
So they restore the trailers, and she decides her dad is a good dad after all. And the audience is like fucking where? Now they just need the town council to vote yes to making the land a historical landmark, but oh no, her high school frat boy nemesis is the mayor, and he’s the swing vote! Luckily his whole family is corrupt because they have money. His little brother drives a boat drunk with all his friends and crashes it. A girl dies in the crash, but they claim she was driving so that none of the other kids will be charged. But omg, Girlypop is dating a cop who just happens to be the first responder on the scene, so he knows the truth. Girlypop can finally use her truth to bring down the corrupt family just like she wanted to in high school. The trailers are saved. She has a codependent relationship. Happily ever after. The end!
My Selling Pitch:
Do you want a mommy book club nothing read about living in a small beach town? Do you love peaked in high school energy?
Pre-reading:
I know nothing about this book, and I am not a beach girl.
Thick of it:
Miasma
Who cares about high school? I mean really.
The irony is that I stopped reading the Wizard of Oz smut to pick this up and it too mentions Oz.
In no world would I allow a high school to stop me from using the internet at night. In no world is a high schooler’s homework done by 10 pm.
I didn’t know this was about a high schooler. God, I could not give a shit.
I don’t think a glass of milk is wholesome, but go off.
Enemies to lovers? (No. Sad.)
Mark is gay.
milieu
Don’t sexualize 14-year-olds? Thanks.
I don’t feel bad for rich kids.
Who is this book for? Middle schoolers?
Girl, this book is so repetitive and predictable.
No one talks like this.
Lmao having a mom does not guarantee you’ll get that education.
Louvered
Pray the gay away murdered him. (would have been a better book)
The truth ruins plenty of people. What do you mean?
I feel like a lot of these lines are supposed to be deep, but they’re literally just common sense
I love a Boston accent.
What kind of name is Johnny Mercury? They really said this is a surfing book.
So, not a Boston accent. He’s dead to me.
Also, I hate when people say can I ask you a question before they ask you a question. Like just ask me the question.
What do you mean your dream doesn’t exist without a man? Then it’s not your dream, babes.
You know, I’m trying to find sympathy for this girl, but this is like willful ignorance, and I’m not trying to victim blame, but grow the fuck up.
Like she wasn’t dumb. She was the top student. Like, do a cursory google.
indigent
I do not find that to be a beautiful quote at all. That’s kind of rapey actually
Ew, a cop.
I thought people stopped growing height after 18? So how did he shoot all the way to 6’3? (Yeah, this is very much a thing. If he grew at least 6 inches in the span of a year or two he would be in so much pain.)
Is him being a corrupt cop supposed to be appealing???
Oh my god, such pandering. I do not like this book at all.
The librarian seems like an author insert. In a small prejudiced town, men are not lining up for women with wacky colored hair. Like they’re just not.
Also, it’s even weirder then that the dad is trying to set them up if they knew each other as kids. Like he thought she was fat and ugly. I do not like a romance where the characters have to fundamentally change their physical appearance to be of any romantic value.
Also, the dad doesn’t speak like a dad.
Swag bag-get out.
There is so much gross therapy speak in this book.
This book is panderingly woke and aggressively PC, and it feels like it’s written by one of those women who make the fact that they have a therapist their personality.
You don’t know who you are without a man? Girl, take the codependency and leave.
It’s probably the rich kid’s brother who ruined the boat.
This man is such a nice guy simp, and if the book doesn’t acknowledge that, it’s going to really piss me off. She should not wind up with this man. He is not a good romantic love interest.
Oh, so he’s just even more of a corrupt police officer. They’re complaining about a corrupt mayor, and he’s like I’m gonna misuse police resources. What the fuck.
SHE’S NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS
God, I hate this book.
sopapillas
She moved on fastttt.
She’s going 5 miles over the speed limit. Is that a joke?
Title drop
This book is fucking awful. Real love does not mean giving up yourself, so you don’t lose another person.
Post-reading:
I hated every second of this.
It’s not that the writing is bad. It was like one of those books you had to read in sixth grade that was like a contemporary classic. Like Stargirl. Probably niche, but same vibes.
The characters in this book are fundamentally unlikable. The main character has so much I’m not like other girls energy, and it’s exhausting. Her father is blatantly neglectful and somehow gets a redemption arc. The best friend feels like an author insert. Her love interests are terrible. The guy she ends up with is a toxic nice guy.
All the romantic messaging in this book is beyond toxic. You should not lose yourself in love. That’s not an aspirational thing. You should not give up your hopes and dreams for another person. Another person cannot be your dream. Go to therapy.
Which is ironic because so much of this book’s “deep moments” feel ripped from a therapy transcript. They’re not deep. They’re common sense, or worse, they’re platitudes.
The book tries to be woke and virtue signal by discussing campus hazing and corrupt political families but fails spectacularly. It’s not a nuanced discussion. It’s been done before and done better. Characters’ actions have no consequences. The book really ends with a character being charged like the justice system is capable of exacting any kind of fair justice. Like you missed your own point.
The plot is hallmark. There was really nothing in this book for me. And I’ll forgive bucket nothingness in a book, but not if you couple it with self-help advice that literally no one should take. I genuinely can’t figure out the audience for this book because adults should not want to read about high schoolers. And high schoolers shouldn’t read about people in their 30s with this kind of messaging. So who the fuck is this book for? The mommy book clubs? Let them read their smut. It’ll have more emotional depth.
Who should read this:
Mommy book clubbers
Wine moms
Do I want to reread this:
No
Similar books:
* Our Place on the Island by Erika Montgomery-family drama beach read
Unhinged Summary:
Girlypop grows up so poor and neglected by her surfer dude father that she’s put into a foster home run by a local artist. Girlypop gets a scholarship to go to private school and unsurprisingly “struggles” to fit in with the privileged students. She makes friends with the gardener’s nice guy son and her author insert fellow foster child. Then she literally has no trouble making friends because at 14 she “looks like a sports illustrated model” and is super good at surfing. She’s valedictorian for her class and poised to go to college on a scholarship, but decides to blow up her life because one of her besties went to a school frat party and overdosed. She's like the school should've protected him! And it's like well, the school said no drinking and doing drugs, and your bestie decided to anyway. She's like well, it’s the frats’ fault! And the audience is like where? They didn't force him to drink. She's like well, the school is claiming he overdosed because he was an addict, and he wasn't! So I'm gonna expose them. And it's like okay? Do that?
And then because this is a fictional world, the school denies her her high school diploma for accusing them of wrong doing and obviously that makes her college rescind their acceptance. Sure, Jan. But don’t worry, she meets a super hottie surfer staying at her father’s trailer park, and they fall instantly in love, and she decides to blow up her life for a boy. So she becomes a professional surfer and moves to Australia. Somehow she used up all her brain cells to become valedictorian and literally never used her brain again because she relied entirely on her man to handle money and getting married and never questioned any of it. He's a surfer dude. Spoiler alert, financial planning and legal documents are not his forte. They’re broke and about to be evicted, and he's been hiding this from her. And if you're like Girlypop don’t you look at your bank statement? Apparently not. So she goes to confront him, and they get in a car accident and he dies. Men don’t face consequences for their actions lol. Women will just clean up the mess. So now that he’s dead, Girlypop finds out that plot twist they were never actually married, and so she’s in Australia illegally. She has no choice but to go back to Beach Town.
When she arrives, she finds out that her scummy father hooked up with a drug addict and had more spawn. But like he took a single parenting class, so he’s father of the year for this toddler now. His trailer park business is on the verge of ruin because the city isn’t going to lease him the land anymore. Girlypop is like I can fix this. Why go to therapy when I can reconnect with my high school friends and save the town! Foster bestie is now a hottie and a librarian and running for mayor. She’s multi-hyphenate. And she’s like omg babes, I know we haven’t spoken in forever, but librarians are superheroes, so I can solve all your problems. We’ll file for grants. This just works. And now they have money to restore the trailer park to be #Vintage so that they can lease the trailers out on Airbnb and make a buttload of money. And because they’re #Vintage the city will declare the land historical so they won’t be able to sell it. Hallmark movie plot! Nice guy is a cop. Yep. He dreamed of traveling the world, but he’s given all that up to look after his blind father. He’s just such a good, helpful guy. So they meet up again and she’s like omg, you’re hot now! And he’s like oh my god, the girl I was friends with because I wanted to sleep with her in high school. Oh my god, I’m still in love. And the audience is like that’s not love.
So they restore the trailers, and she decides her dad is a good dad after all. And the audience is like fucking where? Now they just need the town council to vote yes to making the land a historical landmark, but oh no, her high school frat boy nemesis is the mayor, and he’s the swing vote! Luckily his whole family is corrupt because they have money. His little brother drives a boat drunk with all his friends and crashes it. A girl dies in the crash, but they claim she was driving so that none of the other kids will be charged. But omg, Girlypop is dating a cop who just happens to be the first responder on the scene, so he knows the truth. Girlypop can finally use her truth to bring down the corrupt family just like she wanted to in high school. The trailers are saved. She has a codependent relationship. Happily ever after. The end!
July 15, 2023
An excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was not a bland, light & fluffy beach read, but a strong story with real emotions that happened to take place in a Beach Town. Positive role models, and satisfying outcomes, sad events, tempered with joy.
June 28, 2023
One of my favorite things about the way Susan Wiggs writes is the heavy heavy topics she’s willing to tackle and write about. On the outside her books are light womens fiction reads if you simply look at the cover, but Welcome To Beach Town delves into the world of college hazing, death, and the effect of trauma on a woman’s life in multiple ways; the book felt a touch disjointed, there’s a big time jump halfway through and the plot shifts…. But otherwise I really enjoyed the read.
July 9, 2023
Maybe a 3.5 but not quite a 4. Overall the story is enjoyable and I liked seeing Nikki return home and rebuild her relationships with her dad, baby sister, old friends, etc. I didn’t even mind the 15 year time jump.
However, these are a couple pet peeves:
The narrator has Nikki have these long one-sided conversations with her toddler sister, where Nikki discusses adult topics, kind of as a brain dump. The child clearly doesn’t understand, but it’s so inappropriate! And as an author it’s such a shortcut for sharing the character’s thoughts. And also, throughout the book, Nikki and her dad and everyone swear around this child and she is constantly mimicking them. No one tries to tell her not to say words or makes any attempt to adjust their does speech around this little girl. The author never outright has people laugh, but I hate this in real life, and so I really dislike this aspect of neglect in these characters that she seems to be highlighting as responsible?
Again, it’s enjoyable, but there were multiple instances where characters and plot lines just didn’t seem developed how I would enjoy.
However, these are a couple pet peeves:
The narrator has Nikki have these long one-sided conversations with her toddler sister, where Nikki discusses adult topics, kind of as a brain dump. The child clearly doesn’t understand, but it’s so inappropriate! And as an author it’s such a shortcut for sharing the character’s thoughts. And also, throughout the book, Nikki and her dad and everyone swear around this child and she is constantly mimicking them. No one tries to tell her not to say words or makes any attempt to adjust their does speech around this little girl. The author never outright has people laugh, but I hate this in real life, and so I really dislike this aspect of neglect in these characters that she seems to be highlighting as responsible?
Again, it’s enjoyable, but there were multiple instances where characters and plot lines just didn’t seem developed how I would enjoy.
June 21, 2023
Review coming soon.
June 21, 2023
I feel like I should have liked this one better than I did. It's from an author I really like, set in a very cool place, has a character that goes through some tough times and by the end figures out her life. All things that should have me dancing for joy about this one. Sadly that was not the case.
I loved the town and what Nikki was able to do the camp ground, it makes me want to find something similar and spend a couple weeks there. But I didn't care much for Nikki herself. Did she speak up (2 times even) when things were getting swept under the rug, yes, but each time she did the bare minimum and then let it go. I didn't get why, with her friend, she didn't fight harder for him, heck she lost everything, so why not keep standing up. Instead she let herself be sweep away, much like an ocean tide, with Johnny. Then even in that life she was very passive, to the point where when things ended they ended badly and she was in dire straights.
It was nice seeing her build her relationship with her father and sister, but it felt like most things in her life were things that were right in front of her face and she just went along with them. By the end of this one, I liked seeing the camp ground succeed, the bad family finally having to face up to things, but I was also glad to be done with the book.
I loved the town and what Nikki was able to do the camp ground, it makes me want to find something similar and spend a couple weeks there. But I didn't care much for Nikki herself. Did she speak up (2 times even) when things were getting swept under the rug, yes, but each time she did the bare minimum and then let it go. I didn't get why, with her friend, she didn't fight harder for him, heck she lost everything, so why not keep standing up. Instead she let herself be sweep away, much like an ocean tide, with Johnny. Then even in that life she was very passive, to the point where when things ended they ended badly and she was in dire straights.
It was nice seeing her build her relationship with her father and sister, but it felt like most things in her life were things that were right in front of her face and she just went along with them. By the end of this one, I liked seeing the camp ground succeed, the bad family finally having to face up to things, but I was also glad to be done with the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
Entertaining enough to stick with the audiobook all the way through, but not amazing.
August 12, 2023
I used to enjoy Susan Wiggs’ books but this one wasn’t it for me.
I felt the story truly began at part 4 of the book. I wasn’t enthralled by the revelation that started the novel. Then, there was this 15 years break. The epilogue frustrated me even more.
It is as if the author did not feel like writing this story, just told us what had happened.
Nikki has two love stories but both happen off the book… Most of the story happened outside of the book.
I don’t recommend. But, it wins for best cover of this 2023 summer!
I felt the story truly began at part 4 of the book. I wasn’t enthralled by the revelation that started the novel. Then, there was this 15 years break. The epilogue frustrated me even more.
It is as if the author did not feel like writing this story, just told us what had happened.
Nikki has two love stories but both happen off the book… Most of the story happened outside of the book.
I don’t recommend. But, it wins for best cover of this 2023 summer!
February 2, 2024
Count on Susan Wiggs to pen a wonderful redemption story set in a picturesque California beach town with characters you can’t help but love. Bravo!
August 17, 2023
"Welcome to Beach Town" by acclaimed author Susan Wiggs is a captivating and heartwarming tale that skillfully weaves together the threads of life, love, and second chances. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Alara Cove, a California beach town with its own secrets, the story follows Nikki Graziola's journey from her teenage years to her early thirties. Wiggs masterfully portrays Nikki's resilient and spirited personality as she navigates unexpected twists and turns, both in her personal life and the community around her. The seamless blend of intricate details, genuine emotions, and the town's enchanting atmosphere brings the story to life, drawing readers into Nikki's world.
Nikki's courage to stand against convention during her graduation speech sets off a series of events that reverberate for years. Her subsequent exile and rise to fame as a sportswoman showcase her determination and strength. When life throws her a curveball, the allure of Alara Cove calls her back, presenting her with a chance for redemption, healing, and perhaps even love. Through Nikki's experiences, Wiggs deftly explores the complexities of human relationships and the dynamics between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' in the town.
"Welcome to Beach Town" is a beautifully crafted narrative that captures the essence of resilience and the power of homecoming. With its richly developed characters, evocative setting, and a touch of unexpected romance, this novel is a testament to Susan Wiggs' storytelling prowess. Fans of heartwarming fiction will find themselves immersed in Nikki's journey towards self-discovery and forgiveness, making this novel a must-read that lingers in the heart long after the final page
Nikki's courage to stand against convention during her graduation speech sets off a series of events that reverberate for years. Her subsequent exile and rise to fame as a sportswoman showcase her determination and strength. When life throws her a curveball, the allure of Alara Cove calls her back, presenting her with a chance for redemption, healing, and perhaps even love. Through Nikki's experiences, Wiggs deftly explores the complexities of human relationships and the dynamics between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' in the town.
"Welcome to Beach Town" is a beautifully crafted narrative that captures the essence of resilience and the power of homecoming. With its richly developed characters, evocative setting, and a touch of unexpected romance, this novel is a testament to Susan Wiggs' storytelling prowess. Fans of heartwarming fiction will find themselves immersed in Nikki's journey towards self-discovery and forgiveness, making this novel a must-read that lingers in the heart long after the final page
June 7, 2023
Sincere, heart-tugging, and rewarding!
Welcome to Beach Town is an emotional, immersive, heartwarming tale that takes us into the life of the sweet, vulnerable Nikki Graziola as she struggles to juggle returning to her hometown that’s laced with tragic memories and a place she hoped she’d never have to live again, the overwhelming grief caused by the sudden loss of the love of her life, a strained relationship with a father she hardly knows, a determination to finally uncover all the secrets hidden by those in power, and a newly budding attraction to a friend she was pretty close with in the past.
The writing is sentimental and engaging. The characters are layered, supportive, and generous. And the plot is a touching tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, heartbreak, taking chances, growth, healing, revelations, tender moments, light drama, greed, corruption, selflessness, romance, and new beginnings.
Overall, Welcome to Beach Town is another heartwarming, uplifting, nostalgic tale that reminds us that the true meaning of family is unconditionally respecting, loving, supporting, and accepting each other through all the highs and lows. It’s the perfect read for summer that proves once again that when it comes to writing heartfelt, moving stories with characters you can’t help but root for, Wiggs is one of the best.
Thank you to Uplit Reads for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to Beach Town is an emotional, immersive, heartwarming tale that takes us into the life of the sweet, vulnerable Nikki Graziola as she struggles to juggle returning to her hometown that’s laced with tragic memories and a place she hoped she’d never have to live again, the overwhelming grief caused by the sudden loss of the love of her life, a strained relationship with a father she hardly knows, a determination to finally uncover all the secrets hidden by those in power, and a newly budding attraction to a friend she was pretty close with in the past.
The writing is sentimental and engaging. The characters are layered, supportive, and generous. And the plot is a touching tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, heartbreak, taking chances, growth, healing, revelations, tender moments, light drama, greed, corruption, selflessness, romance, and new beginnings.
Overall, Welcome to Beach Town is another heartwarming, uplifting, nostalgic tale that reminds us that the true meaning of family is unconditionally respecting, loving, supporting, and accepting each other through all the highs and lows. It’s the perfect read for summer that proves once again that when it comes to writing heartfelt, moving stories with characters you can’t help but root for, Wiggs is one of the best.
Thank you to Uplit Reads for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2023
I’m from SC and felt sickened when I read about the boat crash. This scene had the Murdough - Mallory Beach tragedy written all over it. I pray that no one close to this tragic case picks up this book to read. I’ve definitely lost respect for this author.
June 25, 2023
boring
Wiggs’ wrote some of my favorite books but this one was boring. I skimmed through much of it and couldn’t wait to be finished. Waste of money.
Wiggs’ wrote some of my favorite books but this one was boring. I skimmed through much of it and couldn’t wait to be finished. Waste of money.
November 11, 2023
I think this book appeared just at the right time in my life. Could relate with the main character on so many levels. Well written, nicely paced, read it in one day.
Please be mindful of possible triggers.
Please be mindful of possible triggers.
June 19, 2024
3.5 stars!
I’m really glad I read this, despite the 3 star rating! It was the perfect summer read, especially if you love the beach and surfing. I’ve been wanting to read it for a while, so I’m glad I finally got to it!
Why I gave it 3 stars was because of the middle. It really dragged in the middle for me. It had a fantastic start and a really solid ending! I thought it all came together super well.
I think it was because of my expectations on why I didn’t like it as much either. I thought it was going to show more the aftermath on her exposing the school on what happened to Mark, and we were going to see that shown out. Not a time skip to a relationship that we barely got any information on.
I didn’t care about Johnny and I couldn’t feel that sad considering we barely knew him. I think maybe that was the point because he was more so just a plot device to get her back to her home. But I felt like the aftermath of that dragged on for too long that I was getting bored.
Then, as sad as it was, when the accident happened, that’s when it started picking up again for me, but that was at the way end of the book.
I really liked Nikki as a main character, I liked her relationship with Cal, even though it felt like she moved on too fast, but what I really liked was her relationship with her dad and how they became so much closer later on.
I surprisingly really liked Kylie, even though she was barely in it. I love the “mean popular girl” actually turns out to be really nice, and that’s exactly what she was! I would have loved to see her in it more and see more of a friendship with Nikki.
I thought it was cute how it brought Gloria back in the epilogue when she was older, again with that full circle moment.
It was a story filled with loss and sadness, but also a sense of good people who stood up for what was right! It was a story about the people, and I really wish the middle wasn’t as slow so I could enjoy it more!
I still recommend trying it! The audiobook narrator was great.
I’m really glad I read this, despite the 3 star rating! It was the perfect summer read, especially if you love the beach and surfing. I’ve been wanting to read it for a while, so I’m glad I finally got to it!
Why I gave it 3 stars was because of the middle. It really dragged in the middle for me. It had a fantastic start and a really solid ending! I thought it all came together super well.
I think it was because of my expectations on why I didn’t like it as much either. I thought it was going to show more the aftermath on her exposing the school on what happened to Mark, and we were going to see that shown out. Not a time skip to a relationship that we barely got any information on.
I didn’t care about Johnny and I couldn’t feel that sad considering we barely knew him. I think maybe that was the point because he was more so just a plot device to get her back to her home. But I felt like the aftermath of that dragged on for too long that I was getting bored.
Then, as sad as it was, when the accident happened, that’s when it started picking up again for me, but that was at the way end of the book.
I really liked Nikki as a main character, I liked her relationship with Cal, even though it felt like she moved on too fast, but what I really liked was her relationship with her dad and how they became so much closer later on.
I surprisingly really liked Kylie, even though she was barely in it. I love the “mean popular girl” actually turns out to be really nice, and that’s exactly what she was! I would have loved to see her in it more and see more of a friendship with Nikki.
I thought it was cute how it brought Gloria back in the epilogue when she was older, again with that full circle moment.
It was a story filled with loss and sadness, but also a sense of good people who stood up for what was right! It was a story about the people, and I really wish the middle wasn’t as slow so I could enjoy it more!
I still recommend trying it! The audiobook narrator was great.
May 22, 2024
I recently listened to Welcome to Beach Town by Susan Wiggs on Audible, and as always, Brittany Pressley’s narration was FANTASTIC! Love, love, love her work. Unfortunately, that’s where my enthusiasm for this book ends.
The synopsis promised a low-key mystery or at least some intriguing elements surrounding a friend’s murder. Sadly, this expectation was not met—at all. Instead, we get a main character who makes a series of bafflingly stupid decisions. I mean, how do you live in a country for 15 years and not check into your own legal status? Not to mention failing to check your bank accounts or the status of your marriage for the same amount of time. It’s infuriating!
The plot itself was a snoozefest centered on saving a trailer park, which felt like it dragged on forever. The protagonist's old friends, whom she abandoned, miraculously come to her aid. Honestly, she does not deserve their loyalty. The entire story felt like a missed opportunity for something more engaging and meaningful.
If it weren't for Brittany Pressley’s superb narration, I might have given up on this book altogether. Unfortunately, even her talents couldn't save this one from being a major disappointment. If you're looking for a gripping mystery or even just a compelling story, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. Welcome to Beach Town was, quite frankly, a bore.
The synopsis promised a low-key mystery or at least some intriguing elements surrounding a friend’s murder. Sadly, this expectation was not met—at all. Instead, we get a main character who makes a series of bafflingly stupid decisions. I mean, how do you live in a country for 15 years and not check into your own legal status? Not to mention failing to check your bank accounts or the status of your marriage for the same amount of time. It’s infuriating!
The plot itself was a snoozefest centered on saving a trailer park, which felt like it dragged on forever. The protagonist's old friends, whom she abandoned, miraculously come to her aid. Honestly, she does not deserve their loyalty. The entire story felt like a missed opportunity for something more engaging and meaningful.
If it weren't for Brittany Pressley’s superb narration, I might have given up on this book altogether. Unfortunately, even her talents couldn't save this one from being a major disappointment. If you're looking for a gripping mystery or even just a compelling story, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. Welcome to Beach Town was, quite frankly, a bore.
June 21, 2023
Thank you to @uplitreads @williammorrowbooks for the #gifted copy
Ahh, imagine sitting on the beach waves crashing all around you sipping on a and reading this book. Yes, this is the perfect beach read! The setting is a California beach town called Alara Cove where it is known for its surfers and Airstreams.
I devoured this book. Nikki attends prestigious Thornton Academy that all the rich kids attend not because her family can afford it though. She is on scholarship determined to prove herself. Her mother died when she was little of a drug overdose. Her dad taught her everything she knows about surfing and the ocean, but when she becomes a teenager he ships her off to his dear friend, Carmella. At her high school graduation, after an incident that rocked her world Nikki speaks her truth, but in doing so her whole world comes crashing down. All of her dreams and goals in life come crashing down with it. Was it worth it? Can she rebuild what she lost? This heartfelt story was so worth the read. Add this one to your beach bag!
Ahh, imagine sitting on the beach waves crashing all around you sipping on a and reading this book. Yes, this is the perfect beach read! The setting is a California beach town called Alara Cove where it is known for its surfers and Airstreams.
I devoured this book. Nikki attends prestigious Thornton Academy that all the rich kids attend not because her family can afford it though. She is on scholarship determined to prove herself. Her mother died when she was little of a drug overdose. Her dad taught her everything she knows about surfing and the ocean, but when she becomes a teenager he ships her off to his dear friend, Carmella. At her high school graduation, after an incident that rocked her world Nikki speaks her truth, but in doing so her whole world comes crashing down. All of her dreams and goals in life come crashing down with it. Was it worth it? Can she rebuild what she lost? This heartfelt story was so worth the read. Add this one to your beach bag!
August 19, 2023
This one felt just a little too typically chick-lit for me with so many cliches (hometown girl comes back after years away and reconnects with awkward male bestie who is now hunky and amazing...). My fault for reading because that's not my genre and this is definitely that. I can absolutely see this as a Hallmark movie. Lots of discussion of emotions that I kind of skimmed through. Also, the Sangers were so obviously modeled after the infamous Alex Murdaugh family (including the generational political corruption and even the horrific drunken boating accident where a girl dies after the boat is crashed into a bridge and she is lost overboard, while the rich political family tries to cover it up...literally taken verbatim from the headlines) that I almost felt there should be a "based on a true story" notation in the back for that whole portion of the novel. Nope nope nope.
July 6, 2023
TITLE: Welcome to Beach Town
AUTHOR: Susan Wiggs
PUB DATE: 06.20.2023 Now Available
I love Susan Wiggs’ writing because the stories she writes always lifts, resonates, warms the heart, and include characters that are complex and hard to forget. This book is a must have in your beach bag and be sure to take this book with you wherever you are traveling to this summer.
Welcome to Beach Town is a wonderful story of second chances, secrets, and being brave to speak your truth no matter the consequences. This California Beach Town serves not only sand, sunshine and surf, but also a story that will shake you, leave you wanting for more, and turning those pages for this fantastic beach read I cannot get enough of.
Be sure to add this to your TBR - I highly recommend it!
AUTHOR: Susan Wiggs
PUB DATE: 06.20.2023 Now Available
I love Susan Wiggs’ writing because the stories she writes always lifts, resonates, warms the heart, and include characters that are complex and hard to forget. This book is a must have in your beach bag and be sure to take this book with you wherever you are traveling to this summer.
Welcome to Beach Town is a wonderful story of second chances, secrets, and being brave to speak your truth no matter the consequences. This California Beach Town serves not only sand, sunshine and surf, but also a story that will shake you, leave you wanting for more, and turning those pages for this fantastic beach read I cannot get enough of.
Be sure to add this to your TBR - I highly recommend it!
September 23, 2023
A great summer beach read set in a California beach town that's a surfer's paradise.
Surfing was Nikki's place to center herself and find peace, even in her most difficult times. It also connected her to a father who wasn't always there for her. Now, years later she's back to her Dad's Airstream trailer park looking for her place and purpose in life after experiencing a terrible loss, only to recognize that sometimes home is the best place to be.
I live close to where they manufacture Airstream trailers, so it was fun to see them featured in the story.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Surfing was Nikki's place to center herself and find peace, even in her most difficult times. It also connected her to a father who wasn't always there for her. Now, years later she's back to her Dad's Airstream trailer park looking for her place and purpose in life after experiencing a terrible loss, only to recognize that sometimes home is the best place to be.
I live close to where they manufacture Airstream trailers, so it was fun to see them featured in the story.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
July 6, 2023
I usually love SusannWiggs books. But this one I found rather boring.
July 23, 2023
So many issues…loss, bravery, privilege…love, family, friendships.
Susan Wiggs always presents stories that make me feel as if I know everyone i. It.
Susan Wiggs always presents stories that make me feel as if I know everyone i. It.
August 5, 2025
I think I would have liked this better if I didn’t go in with the preconceived notion that this was going to be a light beach read. It wasn’t. I did think the character development and setting were well done and I enjoyed picturing all the little airstream trailers. This would be great for someone who wants a meatier story but set with beach vibes.
August 4, 2023
IThis is what I call a full circle Loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
🌊BOOK TOUR🌊
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Welcome to Beach Town
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Susan Wiggs
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Out now! 🎉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a perfect read for the summer, especially at the beach! I knew my copy would be coming with me to the beach this week ☀️🏖️
This story truly has a little bit of everything.. romance, mystery, family relationships. Sometimes, it’s really hard to return home but it may be exactly what you need. Nikki found herself returning to her hometown and facing a lot of unresolved issues. She is determined to set the record straight about her friend’s death and has the courage to stand up to those responsible for continuing to control the town.
This was largely character driven, and I adored several of the characters. I enjoyed learning about Nikki’s past and then living through her present day. I loved that even in high school, she wasn’t afraid to use her voice when everyone else was. The way this story ties up, I wanted to audibly cheer. I hated the Sanger family so much, and I really hope that the entire family has a horrendous future 🤣
This story makes me want to move to a tiny beach town. Between the setting, the characters, the love between everyone— you won’t be disappointed to give this one a read. And have you seen how beautiful the cover is?! 😍😍 If the gorgeous cover isn’t enough to make you pick it up.. I hope seeing this post will be!
Thank you @uplitreads and William Morrow books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Welcome to Beach Town
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Susan Wiggs
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Out now! 🎉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a perfect read for the summer, especially at the beach! I knew my copy would be coming with me to the beach this week ☀️🏖️
This story truly has a little bit of everything.. romance, mystery, family relationships. Sometimes, it’s really hard to return home but it may be exactly what you need. Nikki found herself returning to her hometown and facing a lot of unresolved issues. She is determined to set the record straight about her friend’s death and has the courage to stand up to those responsible for continuing to control the town.
This was largely character driven, and I adored several of the characters. I enjoyed learning about Nikki’s past and then living through her present day. I loved that even in high school, she wasn’t afraid to use her voice when everyone else was. The way this story ties up, I wanted to audibly cheer. I hated the Sanger family so much, and I really hope that the entire family has a horrendous future 🤣
This story makes me want to move to a tiny beach town. Between the setting, the characters, the love between everyone— you won’t be disappointed to give this one a read. And have you seen how beautiful the cover is?! 😍😍 If the gorgeous cover isn’t enough to make you pick it up.. I hope seeing this post will be!
Thank you @uplitreads and William Morrow books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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