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Mendocino Beach #1
The Mendocino Book Club
When a page turns, a new chapter starts....
After her husband announces he wants divorce, Hannah escapes reality with a good book from the local bookstore. When Hannah discovers kindred spirits among her fellow book lovers, it starts a journey of friendship, independence, and self-discovery. Together, the women navigate the twists and turns of life's unexpected chapters, finding that amidst the chaos, second chances can lead to the greatest adventures of all.
Each book in this three-book series follows one of three friends in the captivating world of Mendocino Beach, where wonderful characters find support, romance, and second chances amidst the stunning coastal scenery. Each turn of the page will sweep you away with charm, depth, and beautiful settings. From heartwarming friendships to unexpected family secrets this feel-good sisterhood saga entertains and enchants until the very end!
After her husband announces he wants divorce, Hannah escapes reality with a good book from the local bookstore. When Hannah discovers kindred spirits among her fellow book lovers, it starts a journey of friendship, independence, and self-discovery. Together, the women navigate the twists and turns of life's unexpected chapters, finding that amidst the chaos, second chances can lead to the greatest adventures of all.
Each book in this three-book series follows one of three friends in the captivating world of Mendocino Beach, where wonderful characters find support, romance, and second chances amidst the stunning coastal scenery. Each turn of the page will sweep you away with charm, depth, and beautiful settings. From heartwarming friendships to unexpected family secrets this feel-good sisterhood saga entertains and enchants until the very end!
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
734 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 25, 2025
Easy Read
Don't decide on my review. This was wildly out of my preferred genre. Just thought I'd give it a try. It's an easy one day read. Completely unrealistic and strung together with mindless wishful thinking and unmature daydreams.
Don't decide on my review. This was wildly out of my preferred genre. Just thought I'd give it a try. It's an easy one day read. Completely unrealistic and strung together with mindless wishful thinking and unmature daydreams.
July 25, 2025
I don't give 5 star ratings often, but this book just had exactly all the things I needed. Hannah is heartbroken, yet rises above, and is handed several emotional whirlwinds that she handles gracefully. Beth and Sarah have their own stories that bring a lot of emotion in this book making it a relatable read
August 4, 2025
Great Beach Read
I read this book on the beach in Ocean City, NJ. The first chapter was the catalyst that kept me reading. I had to tell my husband, then my daughter and niece the shocker at the end of the 1st chapter. Great read throughout!
I read this book on the beach in Ocean City, NJ. The first chapter was the catalyst that kept me reading. I had to tell my husband, then my daughter and niece the shocker at the end of the 1st chapter. Great read throughout!
October 8, 2025
Provides exactly what a reader will expect from a "beach read series". Light-hearted, uplifting, girlfriend supportive relationships...
July 31, 2025
Sappy Romance
This book might have been more believable if it had been set in the 1950s. The character Beth is the only character that rings true to me.
How could Hannah, a working woman who has been out in the real world, be so clueless as to just say to her husband "Okay, I guess you can have EVERYTHING!" She is a complete doormat. Then she immediately falls in love within a couple of days!
Next there is Sarah, who we learn rather abruptly is dissatisfied with her marriage. She is the only employee of an attorney and has been working for him for years, yet it doesn't seem like they have ever had ANY kinds of conversations. Years! Not realistic!And after all those years she and her boss suddenly feel this great attraction! Really?
We are given only a glimpse into the past relationships of any of these characters, and it seems that Hannah and Alex might have been great friends in high school; however she doesn't remember him at all. He's supposedly going to enlighten her about it at some point in the future, but we never learn anything more.
Finally Mendocino. I would encourage you to Google its average summer temperature. I've been there.
It's in northern California on the Pacific Ocean; cool, often foggy days, and I challenge the idea that there are ever any balmy nights. However it has a beautiful rocky picturesque coastline and charming shops. Great for tourists. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go, but take appropriate clothing.
Finally, If you like simple romance stories without much depth, then you might like this one.
This book might have been more believable if it had been set in the 1950s. The character Beth is the only character that rings true to me.
How could Hannah, a working woman who has been out in the real world, be so clueless as to just say to her husband "Okay, I guess you can have EVERYTHING!" She is a complete doormat. Then she immediately falls in love within a couple of days!
Next there is Sarah, who we learn rather abruptly is dissatisfied with her marriage. She is the only employee of an attorney and has been working for him for years, yet it doesn't seem like they have ever had ANY kinds of conversations. Years! Not realistic!And after all those years she and her boss suddenly feel this great attraction! Really?
We are given only a glimpse into the past relationships of any of these characters, and it seems that Hannah and Alex might have been great friends in high school; however she doesn't remember him at all. He's supposedly going to enlighten her about it at some point in the future, but we never learn anything more.
Finally Mendocino. I would encourage you to Google its average summer temperature. I've been there.
It's in northern California on the Pacific Ocean; cool, often foggy days, and I challenge the idea that there are ever any balmy nights. However it has a beautiful rocky picturesque coastline and charming shops. Great for tourists. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go, but take appropriate clothing.
Finally, If you like simple romance stories without much depth, then you might like this one.
April 3, 2025
I liked the premise of the book, the main character moves to her childhood town, loses her husband, her childhood home that they had just bought together, finds out she has 3 old friends in the town, starts a book club , moves into an apartment above the bookstore that is owned by one of the old friends, takes him to the hospital for an operation, meets the husband's very pregnant girlfriend, helps her give birth, applies for divorce which ex doesn't contest and she gets her house back and oh yes, falls in love with the bookstore man and lives happily everafter - all in a week! She's one fast mover!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
After her husband announces he wants divorce, Hannah escapes reality with a good book from the local bookstore. When Hannah discovers kindred spirits among her fellow book lovers, it starts a journey of friendship, independence, and self-discovery. Together, the women navigate the twists and turns of life's unexpected chapters, finding that amidst the chaos, second chances can lead to the greatest adventures of all.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Contemporary Fiction
Womens Fiction
Review:
This is a beautiful uplifting feel good story about second chances and moving on. The book is nicely written and flows well, set in an idyllic quaint seaside village, the scenery is vividly depicted this made the story more captivating. The characters are interesting and nice people their actions are explained well this gave them a realistic feel.
Overall a great feel good story with nice characters, a great relaxing summer read.
After her husband announces he wants divorce, Hannah escapes reality with a good book from the local bookstore. When Hannah discovers kindred spirits among her fellow book lovers, it starts a journey of friendship, independence, and self-discovery. Together, the women navigate the twists and turns of life's unexpected chapters, finding that amidst the chaos, second chances can lead to the greatest adventures of all.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Contemporary Fiction
Womens Fiction
Review:
This is a beautiful uplifting feel good story about second chances and moving on. The book is nicely written and flows well, set in an idyllic quaint seaside village, the scenery is vividly depicted this made the story more captivating. The characters are interesting and nice people their actions are explained well this gave them a realistic feel.
Overall a great feel good story with nice characters, a great relaxing summer read.
June 19, 2024
A heartwarming, moving story about new beginnings, friendship and love. Hannah is a wonderful heroine who retains a sweetness and generosity of spirit in the face of adversity that is admirable and inspiring. She is an ordinary woman facing a kind of heartbreak and betrayal that is sadly a common occurrence, so she is very easy to relate to. I love that she is a librarian! At the beginning of the story, her whole world seems to crumble beneath her feet, but she rallies with the help of kind strangers and friends. It’s really uplifting to see her build a new life for herself and stand up to her husband at last. I adore Alex, the unlikely bookshop owner! And Hannah’s new book club friends, Sara and Beth, are both really amazing as well. I’m already plenty intrigued and hopeful for whatever might come their way. Alli is a bit of a surprise character. I really felt for her, and I liked how she and Hannah formed a tentative friendship too. There are some cameos from beloved familiar faces from the previous Mendocino Cove books, which was a delight! A great summer read!
June 20, 2024
How in the world can you have a wonderful love story without any curse words, nudity or explicit sex? Just ask Nellie Brooks. She has done it again – written a beautiful story about strong women who are not so young anymore and who are surviving seemingly overwhelming difficulties.
Hannah and her husband, Evan, are moving to Mendocino Beach where they have just purchased a seaside cottage that had been in Hannah’s family years ago. Then, just before Hannah walks into the cottage, her world spins out of control and she is left with basically the clothes on her back and an old car. Where can she go and how will she survive? Are there even any people in town who knew her mother and grandmother? Where can she find help?
Thank you, Nellie Brooks, for writing such a beautiful story and furnishing for me a copy. I gladly write this review so that others will be tempted to discover your wonderful style of writing. It is refreshing to think there are still kind and gracious people in this world.
Hannah and her husband, Evan, are moving to Mendocino Beach where they have just purchased a seaside cottage that had been in Hannah’s family years ago. Then, just before Hannah walks into the cottage, her world spins out of control and she is left with basically the clothes on her back and an old car. Where can she go and how will she survive? Are there even any people in town who knew her mother and grandmother? Where can she find help?
Thank you, Nellie Brooks, for writing such a beautiful story and furnishing for me a copy. I gladly write this review so that others will be tempted to discover your wonderful style of writing. It is refreshing to think there are still kind and gracious people in this world.
July 13, 2024
This was a lovely book with interesting characters. This book is mostly Hannah's story.
Note to self: don't start a series without checking to see if the rest has been published. The second book is not due until March 2025!
Amazon synopsis:
After her husband reveals a shocking secret he's been hiding for years, librarian Hannah suddenly finds herself alone and stranded in the small coastal town of Mendocino Beach. Seeking refuge, she escapes into a quaint bookstore - and discovers more than just good books. Run by a hero from her past who’s healing his own wounds, the old bookstore unexpectedly becomes a haven of hope, love, and new beginnings.
Soon, Hannah meets kindred spirits among her fellow book lovers and reconnects with former girlfriends. Together, they decide to revive their grandmothers' book club, embarking on a heartwarming journey of friendship, independence, and self-discovery. The newfound sisterhood navigates life's unexpected twists and turns with humor and heart, proving that second chances can lead to the most uplifting adventures!
Note to self: don't start a series without checking to see if the rest has been published. The second book is not due until March 2025!
Amazon synopsis:
After her husband reveals a shocking secret he's been hiding for years, librarian Hannah suddenly finds herself alone and stranded in the small coastal town of Mendocino Beach. Seeking refuge, she escapes into a quaint bookstore - and discovers more than just good books. Run by a hero from her past who’s healing his own wounds, the old bookstore unexpectedly becomes a haven of hope, love, and new beginnings.
Soon, Hannah meets kindred spirits among her fellow book lovers and reconnects with former girlfriends. Together, they decide to revive their grandmothers' book club, embarking on a heartwarming journey of friendship, independence, and self-discovery. The newfound sisterhood navigates life's unexpected twists and turns with humor and heart, proving that second chances can lead to the most uplifting adventures!
September 20, 2025
Home
As Hannah and her husband arrived at Mendocino Beach, he abruptly announced his desire for a divorce. Stunned, Hannah took the car and left, while he retained their house. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Through these connections, she found a quaint living space above a local bookstore. Alex, a friend from her school days, offered her the room with the condition that she help maintain the space. Despite the challenging job market and being away from the area for years, Hannah gratefully accepted the opportunity, hoping to rebuild her life in this small coastal town.
As Hannah and her husband arrived at Mendocino Beach, he abruptly announced his desire for a divorce. Stunned, Hannah took the car and left, while he retained their house. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Through these connections, she found a quaint living space above a local bookstore. Alex, a friend from her school days, offered her the room with the condition that she help maintain the space. Despite the challenging job market and being away from the area for years, Hannah gratefully accepted the opportunity, hoping to rebuild her life in this small coastal town.
March 25, 2025
new friends
Hannah returns to her hometown prepared to move into her old home. That day rocks her world. Beth unexpectedly lost her husband, and Sarah‘s life isn’t filled with the love that she had hoped for when she got married. Through a series of unexpected events, these three become close friends ready to help one another whenever necessary.
I think it’s an indication of a good writer who can make you absolutely despise some of the characters. So I must say Ms. Brooks is a good writer. I look forward to the sequel.
Hannah returns to her hometown prepared to move into her old home. That day rocks her world. Beth unexpectedly lost her husband, and Sarah‘s life isn’t filled with the love that she had hoped for when she got married. Through a series of unexpected events, these three become close friends ready to help one another whenever necessary.
I think it’s an indication of a good writer who can make you absolutely despise some of the characters. So I must say Ms. Brooks is a good writer. I look forward to the sequel.
April 2, 2025
This a sweet homage to everything that makes the value of life
I first read Nellie Brooks' book because Mendocino is such a beautiful place, but now I am enjoying her work for more reasons. She writes of the smells of the ocean breeze, the warmth of the sun, the scent of the medley of flowers that flourish everywhere, fresh coffee, delicious food, and the scent of trees. She fills the story with the evocation of all the senses plus a lovely story of second chances and good friends. I am looking forward to her next book while cherishing the pleasure of reading this one again.
I first read Nellie Brooks' book because Mendocino is such a beautiful place, but now I am enjoying her work for more reasons. She writes of the smells of the ocean breeze, the warmth of the sun, the scent of the medley of flowers that flourish everywhere, fresh coffee, delicious food, and the scent of trees. She fills the story with the evocation of all the senses plus a lovely story of second chances and good friends. I am looking forward to her next book while cherishing the pleasure of reading this one again.
April 9, 2025
Captivating Story
When I first started to read this story, I became angry at Evan, Hannah's husband, with good reason. What a monster! I felt sorry for Hannah, but then I read on and enjoyed how she was making great friends and that she had a place to stay. She is a likeable character, as are her friends and Alex. Allison turned out to be a good person, too. When you read this book you will understand all that I wrote. And DO read this feel-good story! You won't be disappointed. I loved it.
When I first started to read this story, I became angry at Evan, Hannah's husband, with good reason. What a monster! I felt sorry for Hannah, but then I read on and enjoyed how she was making great friends and that she had a place to stay. She is a likeable character, as are her friends and Alex. Allison turned out to be a good person, too. When you read this book you will understand all that I wrote. And DO read this feel-good story! You won't be disappointed. I loved it.
July 16, 2025
Hannahs dream was to buy back her childhood home at Mendocino Beach. When it comes up for sale she tells her husband, and they buy it and move there. However, Hannah doesn’t even get to go inside when her husband tells her he wants a divorce and he is keeping the house. He gives her their old car and tells her to leave. She runs into some old school friends, and they help her find her somewhere to stay while she works out what to do. This was a great story of found family and a pleasure to read.
March 29, 2025
A Second Chance for Love
Hannah thought she and her hubby were going to begin a wonderful new chapter in their marriage with a move back to her childhood home. On the day of the move she got the surprise of her life, but not in a good way.
Can she pick herself up and move on with her life? Will she find happiness she could never have imagined? Nellie Brooks will lead you on an adventure that will warn your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Hannah thought she and her hubby were going to begin a wonderful new chapter in their marriage with a move back to her childhood home. On the day of the move she got the surprise of her life, but not in a good way.
Can she pick herself up and move on with her life? Will she find happiness she could never have imagined? Nellie Brooks will lead you on an adventure that will warn your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
March 30, 2025
A heartwarming story about a woman named Hannah. She is moving to her childhood home with her husband. As soon as they get there, he tells her he wants a divorce and he’s keeping the house. She stumbles around a bit and every person that she comes upon is in love with her, even the guy whose apartment she’s taking and her husband’s pregnant mistress. Everything worked out so well for her, but I don’t think I’ll continue with the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
A story of sisterhood, friendship, and love!
It was lovely to see how Sarah, Beth, and Hannah
worked together to empower one another and see how their full circle moments came together like their grandmothers once had. Each woman in a different season of life through trials of their own bond, learn from each other, and grow together to form a sisterhood. A story of betrayal, sadness, loss, and rekindling love! I’m excited for the next book of the series!
December 18, 2025
I wasn’t sure how to rate this . I enjoyed it , but it was fairly predictable and the constant descriptions of food started to get old . For what it is .. a simple, feel
Good story with a happy ending I rate it a four . But it was tempting to just give it a three because everything just happened to “ fix itself” .. not very true to life .
I read it just before Christmas so it was good time if for this simple story. .
Good story with a happy ending I rate it a four . But it was tempting to just give it a three because everything just happened to “ fix itself” .. not very true to life .
I read it just before Christmas so it was good time if for this simple story. .
June 20, 2024
Hannah's return to Mendocino Beach didn't turn out like she had planned, all her hopes and dreams were over, the last four years of her life all lies. Renewing friendships and finally learning the truth gives Hannah the fortitude to do what she has to do. I enjoyed Hannah's story and I look forward to Beth and Sara's.
June 20, 2024
Beautiful love story with all the feels. Heartbreak, friendship, shocking moments, new love. Hannah is an amazing person who has hidden reserves of strength. Alex is the most patient guy I can imagine. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
August 25, 2024
I love all the emotion displayed in this story! Ms. Brooks has a way with words that makes you feel as if you're living the story. I can wait until Book 2 becomes available to read next March 2025. I wish it were sooner so I could read what happens next. If you loved romance, start reading the series now!!
December 5, 2024
Story With a Wonderful ending!
This story began nice enough, then the axe was dropped and a bewildered wide was told a divorce was pending! She thought she was beginning a new life in her mother’s house where she was raised. That wasn’t happing. Read to find out about life’s drama!
This story began nice enough, then the axe was dropped and a bewildered wide was told a divorce was pending! She thought she was beginning a new life in her mother’s house where she was raised. That wasn’t happing. Read to find out about life’s drama!
April 1, 2025
A beach house to bring back home
This was a love and hate story about how a husband created on his wife, but a love story how old friends got back together and developed a book club like there grandmother's did. How one fell in love with an old school friend. It is a wonderful book to read and hard to put down .
This was a love and hate story about how a husband created on his wife, but a love story how old friends got back together and developed a book club like there grandmother's did. How one fell in love with an old school friend. It is a wonderful book to read and hard to put down .
April 1, 2025
The Mendocino Book Club
Good, easy book about Hannah who comes back to her hometown to find out that her husband and another lady are going to have a baby. She stays in the Room above the Book Store. She finally enjoys the company of the Book store owner. Read the story to find out what happened.
Good, easy book about Hannah who comes back to her hometown to find out that her husband and another lady are going to have a baby. She stays in the Room above the Book Store. She finally enjoys the company of the Book store owner. Read the story to find out what happened.
April 20, 2025
The Mendocino Book Club
Sweet story of how important it is to have good friends. The little town of Mendocino seems to be a nice town. Typical small town where people care about each other, are down to earth, and of course no everyone's business. Can people find love a second time?
Sweet story of how important it is to have good friends. The little town of Mendocino seems to be a nice town. Typical small town where people care about each other, are down to earth, and of course no everyone's business. Can people find love a second time?
April 20, 2025
Hannah had always dreamed of buying back her mother's home at Mendocino Beach. When it comes up for sale she tells her husband and they buy it and move there. However, Hannah doesn’t even get to go inside when her husband tells her he wants a divorce and he is keeping the house. Luckily, Hannah runs into some old school friends, and they find her somewhere to stay while she works out what to do.
April 24, 2025
A 5* rating as this book ticked all the boxes. An idyllic coastal town and interesting characters all with their own story. Four individuals are brought together through friendship, kindness and support at difficult times in their lives enabling them to come to terms with their own issues and look to the future. It is very easy to read, thoroughly enjoyable and is most heartwarming. A great choice for a time of relaxation. I look forward to reading where they go from here.
April 28, 2025
Perfect feel-good vacation read! Honestly could have been a higher rating if the story was expanded upon and the book timeline was over a span of months versus just days. Her in-depth food descriptions were five stars! I’ll definitely check out the next books in this series, especially if they are also free downloads on KU like this one was. Oh to be back in a hammock with this book again…
August 6, 2025
Fast Read
Well-written, compact book about divorce, second chances, friendships and community. The characters are relatable and likeable, but it all seemed a little circumstantial and on-the-surface. She made the most of it, I will say, although most of the action takes place over just a few days it seemed. Great beach read.
Well-written, compact book about divorce, second chances, friendships and community. The characters are relatable and likeable, but it all seemed a little circumstantial and on-the-surface. She made the most of it, I will say, although most of the action takes place over just a few days it seemed. Great beach read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews