The Liars

The Seaside Saga #20

by Joanne DeMaio

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes The Liars, Book 20 of The Seaside Saga.

Behind every cottage door is a liar. Look past the tended lawns and screened windows open to the sea breeze and dusky porch lights shining on waning summer nights. And listen closely. Are those whispers of swaying marsh grasses? Or hushed secrets floating in the salt air?

Walking the sandy roads, it's hard to tell. There. There's the imposing Barlow cottage on the bluff. Elsa's shingled inn by the sea. The Fenwicks' last-standing cottage on the sand. Cliff's ramshackle beach trailer. Celia's tucked-away guest cottage. And Shane's little rented bungalow. In the New England beach town of Stony Point, some of these weathered cottages hold their secrets well. In others, the lies are beginning to show.

And The Seaside Saga continues.

The Seaside Saga Reading Order:
Book 1 - Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans
Book 2 - The Denim Blue Sea
Book 3 - Beach Blues
Book 4 - Beach Breeze
Book 5 - The Beach Inn
Book 6 - Beach Bliss
Book 7 - Castaway Cottage
Book 8 - Night Beach
Book 9 - Little Beach Bungalow
Book 10 - Every Summer
Book 11 - Salt Air Secrets
Book 12 - Stony Point Summer
Book 13 - The Beachgoers
Book 14 - Shore Road
Book 15 - The Wait
Book 16 - The Goodbye
Book 17 - The Barlows
Book 18 - The Visitor
Book 19 - Stairway to the Sea
Book 20 - The Liars
And more Seaside Saga Books

278 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2024

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much. As I sit down with each new book, I know I am going to be treated to another wonderful glimpse into the lives of the people of Stony Point. This story was just was delightful as all of the rest.

The title, The Liars, totally sums up this book to a T. Who knew this world was so full of lies, liars, and secrets? Most of the lies and secrets are for a good reason, but what happens when the lies, and liars, are found out?

This is the 20th book in the series and after twenty books, these characters have become like family to me. I can't wait to get immersed into their lives again.

I highly recommend this series, I've loved every single one of the stories and getting to know all of the characters of this amazing community. If you have not picked up these books yet, you really should. You will come to love this community and these people as much as I do.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Joanne DeMaio, I read The Liars (Book #20) in 1 day. This picks right up where Stairway to the Sea left off with Celia and Shawn. Since the book just came out this week, I will not leave any spoilers. The main theme is Celia and Shawn, Elsa, Cliff and Mitch and Shawn and Kyle. As always there is a great cliffhanger making us wait until May to find out what happens next. Enjoy!!!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Liars, the beach friends' story continues where Stairway To The Sea left off. Author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader back to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut. The story picks up in late September, where our beach friends lives are like the tides, sometimes they keep moving and changing, but they will always have the support of their friends and family.

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

The Liars is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and ever changing life events. It is a wonderful story that continues to demonstrate the power of the magical sweet salt air that will cure what ails you. In this twentieth installment in The Seaside Saga Series, the author weaves a story that focuses on the beach friends guarding their secrets with subtle lies, not to deceive, but to hold onto them until it is time to reveal the truth. And if that isn't enough, the beach friends each discover how their conversations, secrets and revelations have a way of coming to the surface.

I loved how this installment's focus continues to be on how Shane, Celia, Elsa, Cliff, and Jason deal with their inner personal issues. You can't help but feel the full gamut of emotions as Shane's internal struggle pulls at your heartstrings, and how intriguing it is to see how the rest of the beach friends deal with daily and past issues that surface. The author teases her readers with another cliffhanger ending that keeps the reader waiting to see how Elsa, Cliff, Celia and Shane's relationships will turn out, and how Jason's past will surface. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what is revealed in The Mistake, the twenty-first installment of the series ... sigh.

In this installment in the series, the reader follows along with the beach friends' lives that are full of friendship, love, secrets, lies, regrets, challenges, heartbreak, grief, surprises, and second chances. As you read this installment, the beach friends continue along in their life journey in Stony Point.

So now that I have whet your interest in the beach friends latest comings and goings, drive under the railroad trestle and enter the enchanting beach town of Stony Point ... pull up a beach chair ... and visit with the close-knit longtime friends in author Joanne DeMaio's delightful novel, The Liars.

The Seaside Saga Series is a heartwarming series of stories of friendship, family, painful secrets, lies, and regrets, new beginnings and second chances. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a wonderful tale written in the third person narrative, that is set in the present with flashbacks to the past. The reader is transported to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where they follow along with Celia, Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle, Lauren, Nick, Elsa, Cliff, Mitch, and Shane as their lives change like the tide's ebb and flow on their little tranquil coastal town.

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

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[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Liars is book #20 in Joanne DeMaio’s seaside saga. These books all take place in Stony Point, Connecticut which is a beautiful, scenic seaside town. Although the descriptions of the local scenery is enough to keep anyone wanting to read, it’s the characters that you fall in love with. I have read this entire series and have grown to care about all of these characters. They feel like real people to me, like they are close friends and family. From my reading, it feels as if I know them each personally, through all the good times and the bad. In this book you get to see how they sometimes make poor choices and later have regrets. They sometimes have to resort to telling little lies, but in the end it’s usually because they don’t want to bring hurt or pain to the others. As usual, the author has left us with a cliffhanger! I’m curious to see if Jason is about to make a mistake that he’s going to live to regret. If spending time seaside, breathing in the sweet salt air while watching the dune grasses blowing in the breeze sounds good to you, then you need to read these books. I know I love them and can’t seem to get enough. I’m giving this book a 5 star rating and am anxiously waiting book #21, The Mistake, which is set to release on May 13, 2024.

[Penny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seaside Saga series takes place in the quaint, charming seaside town of Stony Point. Each addition to this series adds onto the stories of the amazing characters Joanne has so eloquently brought to life. They quickly became family to me. They are very close-knit. They are loyal, supportive, trust-worthy, and no matter what the situation is, they are always there to lend a helping hand or ear.
“THE LIARS” adds a little more to their stories. Celia and Shane’s love story unfolds a bit more. Elsa seems to be making her decision about Cliff and Mitch. I am pulling for Elsa and Cliff all the way!
Lies and secrets, especially among friends and family, never ends well. Someone is always hurt, even if the secret was meant to keep them from being hurt. You have to read this fabulous series to see how this special group bands together.
I can’t wait for the next book to see how things progress. I certainly hope this series never ends!!

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer has wound down and most of the tourists have left Stony Point CT. It’s more quiet now and everyone is settling in to enjoy the Fall and coming Winter. But author, Joanne DeMaio hasn’t given her readers a peaceful entry in this the 20th book in her Seaside Saga. But rather, she has added some turmoil among our friends, Shane and Celia and their secret relationship. Elsa and her love life with Cliff and Mitch and Maris and Jason with a decision Maris has made.
Behind the cottage doors secrets have been kept and little white lies have been said. This is a must read as the author continues to keep her readers wanting more, especially with her clever cliffhangers.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Steven Barnett, continues to give a great performance for all the characters.
I received an arc from the author and this review is my personal opinion.

[Karen Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Liars

I so enjoy all of Joanne’s Seaside Saga books as each one picks up where the last one left off. In The Liar, as with all of Joanne’s books, you are drawn in and feel as if you are part of Stony Point and each of the characters lives. You feel the struggles that Shane is going through - the support and advice he gets from Jason and Celia helps him through this. Celia also standing by Shane through thick and thin. Also Elsa’s struggles regarding Cliff and Mitch. Family and friends are always there for each other; however, it seems like several have something to hide - hence the name of this book. Every one of the Seaside books draw you in and leave you wanting more. Definitely a great read! Pick it up as you’ll fall in love with these books too!

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to every spring because the new book from the Seaside Saga comes out! I have read this whole series and look forward to each book. “The Liars” did not disappoint. It was great to see what happens next in the character’s lives. I am so glad that Elsa finally came to her senses regarding Cliff, I just hope that it’s not too late. I love the love story between Celia and Shane. I really hope it works out for them. It’s good to see Kyle and Shane reuniting as brothers. Maris and Jason are continuing to work on their relationship, but as usual, the author throws in a glitch. Who is the woman that Jason goes off with at the end of the book? I can’t wait for “The Mistake” to find out.
Joann is one of my favourite authors and I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.

[Carol Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting back to friends I last read about in Stairway to the Sea; to see what happens next is my favorite sequel to look forward to!! Shane is still working on re-building the steps and Celia is with him. Unexpectedly there is tension in the air. Shane is saying things Celia can't believe! Then there is the Secret that is bursting to be told at Elsa's dinner... Who's is it ? What about Elsa and Cliff or is it Mitch? Oh, the lies these friends are keeping from one another and to themselves....You have to read the Liars to find out, you won't be disappointed! This book can also be read alone but I am always excited to read the next book Joanne De Maio writes. It's meeting up with characters who have long been book friends I love.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Joannes DeMaio’s latest addition to the Seaside Saga we again find ourselves in the beach town of Stony Point. It is now fall and there is a peacefulness that comes with the end of tourist season. On the surface all seems well with our beach friends. They are found having conversations on the newly remodeled stairway to the sea, or perhaps the guys Friday night fishing and even the entire gang when enjoying dinner at Elsa’s inn. However things are not exactly as they appear and we soon realize not all is well. The book is aptly titled as there are so many lies. Most well intentioned and not meant to cause issues …..but there are just so many! How will it all end? We’ll have to wait for the next addition to this series The Mistake to find out how this web of lies is untangled.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Liars by Joanne DeMaio
What I like abou tthis story is that all the characters are lying, to either themselves or others. Yes they are white lies, some of them. A lot of going forward is happening as life goes on. There are tragedies and happy moments and breaking up but getting together also. Everybody is moving in their own direction and sometimes they all come together. That's the best part for me, the food! Aire and smells of the ocean are there always, calming you.
Love the scenes that are described so well, the events taking place and what everyone is up to. Love following how they've moved on during the saga from the very first book.
Can't wait to read another.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any book by this author it will not disappoint you. I just love these books and hope that the series will never end. I would be lost if I couldn't get away or a couple of days every now and then with my beach friends. The way these books are written, Joanne pulls you into the story and her characters feel like you are really friends sitting on the beach or sharing their lives with them. All the ups and downs, and the need to keep some things to yourself or away from some others.

Check out the series and this book for yourself, you will be glad that you had the chance to meet the Stoney Point gang and be part of their day to day life.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

reunited with old friends

Every time I pick up a new book from this series, it’s like being reunited with old friends. I feel like I know the characters intimately, and that is because the author gives us such insight into what they are all thinking. Each family member, every friend, each couple, faces the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows, the love and loss that we all do. In this book, The Liars, we are privy to all of their secrets, the lies they tell each other—some harmless, some not—and the lies they tell themselves. And as the lies pile up, where does that leave them?

[Kristen Karter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading the Seaside saga books over the years and this one was definitely a jaw dropper. I liked how Jason takes Shane under his wing and gives him the best advice to get him out of his slump in his life.
Loved how the seaside friends get together at their Sunday dinners and reminisce about events that take place currently and in their past, And of course the last chapters in the book really had me on the edge of my seat and now make me eager to read the next one. Highly recommend to all East Coast and romance lovers. Keep them coming Joanne.

[Christie Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

it will keep you hanging

(I love that each book picks up right where the last left off, and this one has a real cliffhanger - I can’t wait until The Mistake publishes on 05/13) The Liars features my favorite couple, Shane and Celia. We learn a lot more of their backstories and ride along with their secret courtship. There are also side stories with Elsa, Cliff, Mitch, and Kyle to keep one interested. No spoilers, but the ending to this one will make you gasp.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Joanne takes you to Stony Point to visit the ones that live there. Each book in this series is an invitation to Stony Point. I love this series and I never want it to stop, it’s like going back to visit old friends and making new friends. The way she writes is like you’re a part of the store. You can’t go wrong with the Seaside Saga and The Liars is just another wonderful look into their lives.

[Joanne Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liar, Liar

I originally thought it was an odd title for a Seaside Saga book. As usual Joanne DeMaio takes a simple word & off we go to unexpected moments in our Stony Point friends lives. Now what is in store for everyone next? Will the lies remain secret or will they be brought out into the open giving each character a clear conscience. Only time will tell!
Looking forward, as usual, to the next book.

[Amy Brinker smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like her as an author but she is dragging out the storylines. I feel this is just to sell more books and the reader is not getting enough story for the money spent A but of course I want to know how the series ends.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

pants on fire. love is smoking.

Liars are among us, love fills us, hope propels us. These characters never disappoint, always sent me forward, my
I’ve has more meaning and love. Thank you very much. 💖💖💖

[Amy Mahaffey-Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seaside Saga goes out with another cliffhanger!

Just another amazing read in the fabulous Saga series! So many questions that won't be answered until the next book! Which cannot come soon enough!

[Cindy Reddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so in love with this series, all the characters have become like my own family. The Liars was another great book full of so many lies and secrets, but not really a bad thing, kind of. Can hardly wait for the book!

[Marion Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series has become very disappointing. No depth to stories and poorly written.
The author gives spoilers on her page re current books which does in fact spoil the book if you haven't already it.
No more for me by this author.

[Lesley Perkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books are dragging on way too long. Condense a few at least! I only keep reading them to see what happens to all the characters. Brainless reading which I guess has its place. Entire series takes place within same season.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good light reading.

I enjoy reading the books in this series between the heavier novels I read for my book club. I like the family of friends and family she has created. It’s like watching an episode or two of a soap opera between movies.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always look forward to reuniting with the beach gang.Such details and connections to previous novels in the Seaside Saga.Elsa’s happiness jars,the ocean stars ,and that trestle bridge that leaves you with unanswered questions as you drive beneath it.Celia confronts Shane,who is at a crossroads in life.Will his decision ruin their future?Elsa has made a decision about her two admirers,but is it too late now?Maris shares her decision with Jason.Can their future happiness survive this?Anxiously awaiting “The Mistake”out in May.How will this affect our beach gang?Who makes it?

[Shelby Clinard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a page turner and love this series. So many lies in this one and secrets kept. Can’t wait for the next and hope Jason doesn’t mess things up.

[Patty Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book of the seaside saga! I absolutely love this seaside group of friends and family! There are always some surprises and lots and lots of love and laughs! I can’t wait to see what the next book brings. Thanks Joanne for another fantastic book!

[Katrina Murray-hesterlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, another great read!!!!
Continue Joanne DeMaio, Absolutely addicted!!
👏👏🙏🏻💗💐

[Heather G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book leaves a lot of room for so many more books!