FORTY NIGHTS IN ARUBA

by BEA ANN ARGH

Sara and Kathy Sweeney always counted the days until they returned to their island paradise of Aruba. For one week each year, they put their real lives on hold and played in the sparkling blue sea of the Caribbean. Life slowed down on the powder-like beaches and the biggest obstacle was where to dine each night. That all changed in May 2024, when Sara returned to the island on a mission to cleanse her soul. She would spend forty nights exploring the beauty of the island and its people. Sara’s search for love would turn onto a twisted path as her new friends became valuable allies in her time of need. Lessons learned from Kathy would soon be put to the test during her Forty Nights In Aruba.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2024

Reviews

[Liz Tate · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was truly one of the worst books I’ve ever read. The formatting was awful. The amount of “pointless” quotation marks was intense. The ellipses all had 4 (or more) periods. Instead of thinking in italics, characters thought in “More quotation marks.” Not only that, but I was trying to picture who would write this book. A high schooler who dreams of growing up and being so gorgeous that she is always the center of every man’s gaze, or a middle aged woman who is so unattractive that she places physical beauty on a pedestal. Also, a 15 year old telling her aunt that she was turned on by hearing her aunt have a one night stand is weird. Maybe real people like Sara Sweeney exist in this world, but they aren’t the norm. This book was a wild ride and I would have immediately stopped if we didn’t buy this book before a girl’s trip to Aruba. But my friend made me finish so I could appreciate how terrible it is. I am now questioning all 3.9 star books after reading this one.

[Lainie Buckles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very cute, very cheesy. Plot was all over the place, but the mention of all the local Aruba hot spots was fun.

[Kathleen Gregorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been going to Aruba for over 20 years. I saved this read for the last day, read it on the plane coming home and finished it the next day. I loved it. I so enjoyed the author naming all the wonderful places on the Island. The story was good and it kept me guessing and the ending was exactly how I thought it would be. If you have ever been to Aruba and explored the island as we have, you will enjoy this book. If you have never been to Aruba I suggest you go and enjoy the warm hospitality that the people offer their guests. Although I will admit (note to the government) I am not happy about the building of so many hotels on the island or so many cruise ships visiting Aruba. It has become very crowded and I do not want to see it loose it’s charm. Aruba has a magical pull once you see that beautiful water!

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Forty Nights in Aruba" by Bea Ann Argh is a captivating story of transformation and self-discovery set against the idyllic backdrop of Aruba. Sara and Kathy Sweeney cherished their annual week-long escapes to the island paradise, where they enjoyed the serene beaches and carefree lifestyle. However, Sara's return in May 2024 marks a significant shift as she embarks on a forty-night journey to cleanse her soul. Throughout her extended stay, Sara's quest for love and meaning takes unexpected turns, with new friendships providing support and challenges. The novel delves into themes of healing, friendship, and the lessons learned through life's trials, making it an engaging read for those who appreciate heartfelt narratives.

[Barry N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise. I travel to Aruba so this book caught my eye. I was taken on a fun ride through the island with several plot twists. Sara is a very kind, but screwed up lead character and reminds me of the young adults today. I ordered this book after I finished enjoying the authors first book and was happily surprised. The story is a romance, but not an erotic one. I read it in one day and the book kept me glued to it.

[Karen Ruymann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up at the resort library for an afternoon's enterainment and hoped to glean a bit about island life.

Oh boy! This was a big let-down. It was beyond poorly written and I found the sexual activity of the protagonist devolved in to smut - quite rapidly.

Lots of names referring to local haunts to keep you engaged, but the plot twist to bring us to the conclusions was absurd.

[Connie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romantic read about a imperfect woman in her search for love. Sara's relationship with Aunt Kathy was very heartwarming and their love for Aruba made me want to go there. I loved the male characters accept for Dave. Don't want to ramble on and give away the storyline. I only wish I was on a beach reading it.

[Beth Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aruba! Who doesn't love this "One Happy Island" of paradise?! This book was so enjoyable to read with moments of excitement, sadness, adventure, suspense, and love all wrapped up into one. Loved the references to condos, beaches, restaurants, and bars. Why? Because I've been there!
OVERALL, A FUN READ!!!

[Lenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for Aruba lovers - you feel like you’re there. A fast paced book (no unnecessary lingering by this author), but that at times was at the expense of plot development. Somewhat overly unrealistic in places, but a good read nonetheless.

[Lana Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a frequent vacationer to Aruba, I felt like I was there every step of the way. The twist and turns caught me off guard a few times (all in a good way) the only negative I can say is.....I did not want this book to end!

[Maggie Mestraud · Rating 1 out of 5]

weak plot and one dimension character.

Two plot was very weak. Not excitement. Characters were not three dimensional or believable. Lack of financial sense of characters was offensive.

[Deborah A Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Aruba

I loved how this book took me to all my favourite places in Ash a and what a beautiful story of love with so many of the characters in this book I wanted more never wanting it toen

[Renee goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aruba

Please anyone who has been to Aruba will lo,ve this book. Reading about a place where you know & understand the island is wonderful.
Have been to La cabana every May & October for years, love the people there and on the whole island.

[Kass · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodness where to start. This book was quite the roller coaster. One star for entertainment factor and one star for mentioning all the places in Aruba so accurately. But I have to admit I kind of enjoyed it 😆

[Patty]

2.5 stars

Love the locale, I am a frequent island visitor. Nice to read about locations on the island that I've visited in person.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that I could know where Sara was in the story. Quick read

[Katherine M White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

The story was wonderfully told and it captured so much of the love and essence of what is "One happy island".

[Lorri Vagnone-tamburro · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know, you know

This book is for all of us who leave a piec
e of our hearts in Aruba every year as we depart our beautiful island.

[Jodi Morris-Pond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a little rough 😂 BUT a quick easy read while IN Aruba :)

[Meredith T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to read this book because it's story included Aruba and I fell in love with the island and people. But I quickly learned this is an amazing book and hits all the feels! Highly recommended!

[Julie Golin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps our shared love of Aruba and her warm, welcoming people, and the fact that a good portion of this book takes place in May 2024 when I was actually in Aruba influenced my opinion, but I absolutely LOVED this book. I started it Saturday morning and finished late that night. I couldn’t put it down!

This captivating story of transformation has it all (love, suspense, dysfunction, intrigue), and plays to every emotion. Those who have visited this island of paradise will enjoy numerous references to familiar places. Those who haven’t will enjoy a literary escape. Either way, be sure to tuck this one in your summer beach bag - I promise you’ll be glad you did!

[coleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have been to Aruba, it is fun to read because they mention lots of fun places in the island. If you’ve never been there, you may not like it. The plot is eh.