August Dove

The Seaside Saga #24

by Joanne DeMaio

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes August Dove, Book 24 of The Seaside Saga.

Shane Bradford has to make a decision. It won't be easy since there are plenty of consequences either way. He has to gauge the risk, the reward. He also has to act fast—second nature to him as a New England lobsterman. The clock is ticking. Every minute counts. So as the golden beach grasses sway, as Long Island Sound's lazy waves roll in, as the gulls call, as the tides turn, he decides. But at what cost?

And The Seaside Saga continues.

The Seaside Saga Reading
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
Book 21 - The Mistake
Book 22 - Miss Moonchild Starbeam
Book 23 - The Shack
Book 24 - August Dove
And more Seaside Saga Books

Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2025

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 Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

the series that keeps on giving

August Dove is book 24 in this series, and each book gets deeper into the emotions of its characters. You can feel their joy, their anguish, their confusion, their determination, their love, because the author lets us know what they’re thinking. I love Shane and Celia—their relationship is not easy for many reasons, but their feelings for each other are honest and genuine. I can’t wait to see what happens next with all of these friends.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entry in the Seaside Saga has Celia and Shane back from California. She has resigned herself to not having her mother in her life. But Shane has seen something that he feels could change everything for Celia. Now he wrestling with a troublesome decision. Should he tell Celia? He knows it could change everything between them. The author once again pulled this reader into the lives of these wonderful characters that reside in Stony Point. She makes you feel the heartache that Celia is suffering and the agony of Shane’s decision. Once again she gives us just enough of what the characters are experiencing to tease us and keep our interest heighten to see what will happen in her next book. Her next book ‘Hush’ is coming this summer, so the wait will not be long and I am glad.

[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Dove is the latest installment in Joanne DeMaio’s seaside saga. I have read all 24 books and the more I read the more I become entwined in these characters lives. This particular book centers mainly around my 2 favorite characters, Shane and Celia. While Shane is spending a lazy day helping to spruce up the local guard shack a stranger comes to town. Because of this unexpected visitor Shane’s world is turned upside down. He makes a rash decision to intervene out of love but does he make the right decision or has he overstepped? This book is filled with a lot of emotions, some much needed soul searching and as always a cliffhanger as to what will play out next. I love reading this series, the characters are like close friends and family and the setting which is right on the water sounds absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. What I wouldn’t do to spend some time in Stony Point and hang out with my favorite beachside characters. This is a great series and one I highly recommend. Now that I’ve finished reading August Dove, I can’t wait to read Hush which is the next book in the seaside saga and is set to release on August 4, 2025. I’m anxiously waiting to see what surprises Joanne DeMaio has in store for her readers and with her characters future lives.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

sorry bings joy

This novel brings a heart felt chapter to beloved characters. This was a lovely trip to another chapter. Thank you very much 🌻

[Sharon Schaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the characters and the story lines. I just wish some of it would resolve itself a little quicker. I can't wait for the next one. We need to see what Shane is finally going to do.

[Kathie Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment to this awesom series
I hope i dont have to wait too long for the next one

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In August Dove, the beach friends' story continues where The Shack left off. Author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader back to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut. The story takes place in early October, and the readers will catch up with the beach friends' lives.

August Dove is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and ever-changing life events. In this twenty-fourth installment in The Seaside Saga Series, the author continues to weave a story that focuses on Celia and Shane. Upon returning home from the trip to San Francisco, Celia has come to terms with the traumatic reunion with her estranged mom Heather and has put it behind her. But now an unexpected visitor arrives at Stony Point, and Shane is determined to protect Celia at all costs. With drama, secrets, heartache, choices, decisions and regrets, will Shane make the right decision, or will it cost him a chance at losing Celia?

I loved how this installment continued to focus on Celia and Shane. I loved how we get to see how Shane is so protective of Celia, and how he works out the choices and decisions that he makes to ensure that she isn't hurt again. You can't help but feel for Shane as he agonizes over what to do when an unexpected visitor arrives in Stony Point, and the upheaval that this visitor can bring to Celia's life. I struggled over his decision, but I get how he was just trying to protect Celia, and I couldn't help but worry that his decision would cost him when Celia learns what he did. This installment kept me turning the pages, I just had to see how Shane's decision would pan out.

The author teases her readers with another cliffhanger ending that keeps the reader waiting to see what happens in the aftermath of the unexpected visit, and how Celia and Shane deal with his decision. Let's just say the cliffhanger ending left me in shock! I guess we'll just have to wait and see what is revealed in Hush, the twenty-fifth 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, mistakes, 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. I loved that the reader also gets to catch up on the rest of the beach friends' lives, it's always fun to see what they have been up to in their daily lives.

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, August Dove.

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

I just love the cover of this book! And these sequined dove wings on denim are such important and meaningful symbols in this series, and in this book in particular.

I love everything about this series and love going back to Stony Point to hang out with all the people I've become acquainted with over the years. I have to admit, this story one felt a little different to me as I was frustrated with Shane for keeping such vital information from the woman he loves. I just wanted him to be honest with her, but he was looking out for her and didn't want her to be hurt. I get it, but I didn't like it. See how invested I am in all of their lives? 😉

I'm always excited when the next installment comes out so I can catch up. Luckily Joanne keeps producing so I can just keep reading!

I highly recommend August Dove and this entire series. If you haven't read them yet, you need to get started with book one and catch up. Book #25, Hush will be released on August 4th!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back with the beach friends that have become family.Once you start this series you will become invested in the characters lives.The author writes so descriptive that you actually feel as though you are there amongst them.If that trestle bridge could talk!The magnificent glitter of the ocean stars.Will Elsa and Cliff now be able to move forward to become more than friends?Maris ,whose talents are inspiring pushes forward to complete Neil’s novel.She crafts a denim jacket to gift Celia with the “reunion” of her mother.Willl Celia and Shane ‘s relationship survive that reunion?Can Shane give up the sea to be with the woman he loves?So many plots to be resolved.Cliff’ s dance recital,Shane and Celia ‘s future.What does the letter from Celia’s mother reveal ?.Anxiously awaiting book 25,The Hush!

[Karen Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Dove picks up right where "the Shack" left off. August Dove centers mainly around Celia and Shane and the aftermath of their trip to CA. There are many reasons why Celia and Shane keep their relationship a secret; however, they don't know that they were seen together by Elsa (also in CA). When a surprise visitor shows up at Stony Point, Shane becomes distraught. His love for Celia, and his need to protect her, has him do something rash and willing to face the consequences. As with previous books, there is a cliffhanger! I can't wait for "Hush" to come out to see what happens next. This series is awesome, and I highly recommend all of the Seaside Saga books.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Dove by Joanne DeMaio is #24 in her Seaside Saga. If you have not started this wonderful series, the beginning of summer is a great time to read these (in order). The books are written like a TV series. Each book has a cliffhanger and continues on with the same characters in the same wonderful beach setting. Celia and Shane are still dealing with the aftermath of the San Francisco trip. Celia has released her grief over her mother, who abandoned her as a little girl. Unbeknownst to Celia, her mother shows up at the beach. Shane has to decide if he should intervene and protect her from additional grief. The Saga continues….. Enjoy these wonderful books!!!

[Kristen Karter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this installment of the Seaside Saga series really tugged at my heartstrings. I am in awe that Celia’s Mom traveled to Long Island Sound to reunite with her daughter but was sad that it never took place due to Shane’s intervention. Also sad for Shane who is struggling on what decisions he is trying to make whether he wants to go back from where he came or stay in Long Island Sound. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series and highly recommend it to all my friends and family and to all the romance lovers out there who will also be eager to read each upcoming episode as they’re released.

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved August Dove! This is one of those books I couldn't put down. At first, I was frustrated with how Shane handled things with Heather, but once I finished the book and Celia explained his actions, I found myself seeing the situation in a whole new light.

I really wish Shane and Celia's relationship could be public. They make such a beautiful and happy couple, and I feel like it would add a lot to the story if everyone knew what was going on between them.

I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. I’ve read them all and highly recommend this series to everyone!

[Penny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne DeMaio has created the perfect characters for the Seaside Saga series. I would love to stroll down the charming streets of Stony Point, have a chat with Elsa on the boardwalk, smell the sea salt from the ocean, have a nice lunch at Kyle’s restaurant, and dessert at the Scoop Shop. Stony Point is a charming New England town where the community of friends are loyal and always there to support you.

AUGUST DOVE continues the saga of Celia and her estranged mother, Heather. She left Celia with her father at an early age so she could pursue her dreams in California as a jewelry designer to the stars. Celia accompanies Elsa to California where Elsa is meeting an old friend.
Celia takes this opportunity to visit her mother, but things don’t go as planned. Heather then decides to visit Stony Point to see Celia, but Shane, Celia’s lobsterman boyfriend, intercedes. He convinces Heather that Celia is better off without her in her life if she can’t commit to really being a mother. All of this without Celia knowing.
Shane is in hot water. Does he tell Celia? Or keep it to himself? Do Heather and Celia get a chance to make things right?
Don’t miss this amazing addition to the Seaside Saga series!!

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book by Joanne DeMaio. Once I started reading it was hard to walk away when I had too. I didn't want to leave my beach friends.

This is like the rest of the series. It feels like you are right there enjoying Stoney Point with them. This book has alot to do with Shane, Heather and Celia. You ask who Heather is, well it's Celia's Mother who was never around because she chose to have a business in California and not raise her daughter in Stoney Point.

Check out this story I think you will enjoy it as much as I did, but I would recommend reading the Series in order.

[Christie Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Anxiety

You know how authors love to type “The End”? Joanne DeMaio doesn’t do that, she just stops and leaves you hanging until the next installment. I read this one very slowly, as I - like so many of Seaside Saga groupies - am thoroughly invested in Team Shane & Celia. The closer I got to 100%, the more anxious I became (and of course I logically know that Joanne wouldn’t do anything to disappoint us), and it took an extra day to finally step up to the cliff. August (the month, not the Dove) can’t come fast enough; I’m ready for Hush.

[Joanne Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Genuine Love

Shane front and center! I've liked him from the moment he arrived in Stony Point. He stood up for the woman he loves. He made Heather Gray aware that her"dream" caused deep seeded emotional repercussions and unresolved abandonment issues for her daughter.

It also helped Cecelia face all those feelings head on, make peace with herself so she can move forward with her life with Shane and Aria.

Looking forward where life will take them & all the Stony Point family next!

[Tracy Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of her seaside series books. This one makes me want to read the next one which comes out in a few months. Once I pick up her books to read they’re very hard to put down! Then when you finish the book you can’t wait until the next one comes out to see what happens. I highly recommend all of her books.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love

I'm hoping Shane ends up deciding to make a life on land after he comes to the realization that he has found his one and only. After what he did to protect Cecilia
and her response to it, I'm hoping will guide him.

Top rating in writing . I open the book, drive under the tresell, and back home to life and family in Stone Point.

[Cindy Reddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Dove is the latest installment in the seaside saga. Shane and Celia, I love these two!! This book has me feeling so many emotions, I feel like the characters are all close friends in real life! I love this series and I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read Hush which is the next book and is set to release on August 4, 2025.

[Lynn Bartels O'Neill Beam · Rating 4 out of 5]

stairs and Shane’s honor.

The entire sequence of The Seaside Saga was just so inviting. Decent people. But the first half of 24 was just unremarkable. The thought process for Shane - yawn. But he is smart and insightful his analogy of being caught up in the rope was brilliant!! The end makes up for the beginning!

[Becky Rathke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run! I am so invested in this friend group and everything that they go through! I feel like they are my best friends. I wasn’t sure how things were going to work out with some of the drama in this book and still might be too soon to tell. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Joanne has given us an epic story from the Stony Point gang. This is #24 in a great series where you are so involved with the characters, you feel like they are friends. I highly recommend this and all the books in this series as well as her Winter Books. Check her out.

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

👏👏🙏🙏💐💐

[Shelby Clinard · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many emotions and questions went through my mind reading this one. Ohhh to see decisions made and not knowing if they are the right ones or not. I cannot wait for the next book as always!

[COLLEEN D UPTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust

Wow! To put your trust in someone else to hold on so tight it hurts everything you do. Just to protect the ones you love. Lobe goes way beyond😍

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one you can’t put down!

I hope this series goes on and on. They get a hold of you and don’t let go, then make you want another one!

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES, Joanne has done it again!! She has written us another fantastic story! Decisions have to be made and we are all hoping that the right one is made. Well now I can't tell you the answer to that question, you will have to read it for yourself, but I can tell you that it's a fantastic book! Thanks Joanne for giving us another best seller!

[Kathi Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane is taking the lead,this time!He wants to protect Celia…from her mother!Their trip to California,didn’t go as planned,&led to much heartbreak.Can Celia forgive his decision?As the tide rolls in,a decision must be made!