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Cliffside Point #1
Beach Home Beginnings: Cliffside Point, Book 1
Starting over at 55 can be difficult, but a new beach house, great friends, and a sweet guy can make things a bit easier. Amazon number one best-selling author, Ellen Joy, delivers an uplifting story about second chances at life and love.
It’s been five years since Evelyn’s beloved husband passed, but the 55-year-old is stuck in the past. Evelyn’s sister has had enough, so she buys her a trip to their old summer getaway, Martha’s Vineyard, where Evelyn learns she’s not alone after meeting Wanda, a divorcee with a secret, and Bitty, a sassy widow. As the three women make fast friends, they help each other learn how to move forward and start living again. So when Evelyn sees that her longtime dream home is on the market, she doesn’t hesitate. But, Evelyn’s newfound inspiration to move on is tested when she reunites with an old flame.
Beach Home Beginnings is perfect for fans of Amelia Addler and Rachel Hanna.
Check all of Ellen Joy’s
Cliffside Point
Beach Home Beginnings
Sea View Cottage
Sugar Beach Sunsets
Camden Cove
The Inn by the Cove
The Farmhouse by the Cove
The Restaurant by the Cove
The Christmas Cottage by the Cove
The Bakery by the Cove
Prairie Valley Sisters
Coming Home to the Valley
Daydreams in the Valley
Starting Over in the Valley
Second Chances in the Valley
New Hopes in the Valley
Feeling Blessed in the Valley
Beach Rose Harbor
Beach Rose Secrets
It’s been five years since Evelyn’s beloved husband passed, but the 55-year-old is stuck in the past. Evelyn’s sister has had enough, so she buys her a trip to their old summer getaway, Martha’s Vineyard, where Evelyn learns she’s not alone after meeting Wanda, a divorcee with a secret, and Bitty, a sassy widow. As the three women make fast friends, they help each other learn how to move forward and start living again. So when Evelyn sees that her longtime dream home is on the market, she doesn’t hesitate. But, Evelyn’s newfound inspiration to move on is tested when she reunites with an old flame.
Beach Home Beginnings is perfect for fans of Amelia Addler and Rachel Hanna.
Check all of Ellen Joy’s
Cliffside Point
Beach Home Beginnings
Sea View Cottage
Sugar Beach Sunsets
Camden Cove
The Inn by the Cove
The Farmhouse by the Cove
The Restaurant by the Cove
The Christmas Cottage by the Cove
The Bakery by the Cove
Prairie Valley Sisters
Coming Home to the Valley
Daydreams in the Valley
Starting Over in the Valley
Second Chances in the Valley
New Hopes in the Valley
Feeling Blessed in the Valley
Beach Rose Harbor
Beach Rose Secrets
Audible Audio
Published October 28, 2022
2158 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Joy
38 books111 followersEllen lives in a small town in New England, between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains. She lives with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled puppy princess.
Ellen writes in the early morning hours before her family wakes up. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song.
All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.
Join Ellen Joy's newsletter to connect with Ellen and receive updates!
http://www.ellenjoyauthor.com
Ellen writes in the early morning hours before her family wakes up. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song.
All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.
Join Ellen Joy's newsletter to connect with Ellen and receive updates!
http://www.ellenjoyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
June 25, 2025
I loved this book. It was my first book by Ellen Joy and I loved it so much that I bought 4 more books by Ellen Joy before I even finished it. Evelyn was a 55 year old widow who was just going through the motions after losing her husband 5 years ago. She returns to Martha’s Vineyard where she runs into her first love. This is so much more than a love story. It’s a story about finding yourself and finding a family. It was beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down. If you have never read one of her stories I highly recommend it.
January 3, 2024
So refreshing to read a book where people over fifty are having interesting lives rather than sinking into old age. Beach Home Beginnings Ellen Joy
Unable to move on from the loss of her husband, 55 yo Evelyn takes a cruise which stops at Martha's Vineyard. There she reconnects with her former fiance and meets friends who bring her out of her isolation. The peace she finds on the coast enables her to return to her career as a bestselling romance novelist, reigniting her creative energies and zest for life. A very restful listen.
Audiobook version.
Unable to move on from the loss of her husband, 55 yo Evelyn takes a cruise which stops at Martha's Vineyard. There she reconnects with her former fiance and meets friends who bring her out of her isolation. The peace she finds on the coast enables her to return to her career as a bestselling romance novelist, reigniting her creative energies and zest for life. A very restful listen.
Audiobook version.
July 7, 2023
I had a love-hate relationship with this book. What I liked about it was the friendships that formed between the women of the book, especially finding friendships as women get older. Those relationships were great—fun, hopeful, caring, and supportive. I found the second chance romance a bit meh, though I can appreciate the desire of rekindling with an old flame, especially the big one that hadn’t worked out. Where the book lost me was with the Martha’s Vineyard setting. If you’ve ever been to Martha’s Vineyard, it’s an experience that stays with you. There are so many beautiful places to see, a number of picturesque towns to visit, restaurants, stores, and beaches to frequent. None of these even got a mention in the book, and the real-life things that had been mentioned were incorrect in their telling (most to do with the ferry, transportation, and getting to and from the Cape). It made me wonder if the author had ever been to the Vineyard at all. And while I know it helps with flexibility in storytelling to fictionalize places, it rendered the Vineyard setting insignificant. This book could have been set anywhere and had the same effect. I thought there was a lost opportunity to make the magical setting of Martha’s Vineyard another character in the book, and its casual treatment didn’t live up to the story’s promise. There are also timeline issues that jarred me out of the story as I tried to make sense of the pacing of events. Obviously, I bought the book thinking I’d find a women’s fiction story set in a place I love, so while the women’s fiction piece works fine I was still disappointed in the end result.
August 19, 2024
If it were true
It was a great book but there were too many unanswered questions. Happy ending of sorts not knowing where it will go. I guess I'll wait for this next book.
It was a great book but there were too many unanswered questions. Happy ending of sorts not knowing where it will go. I guess I'll wait for this next book.
July 3, 2023
Feel Good Beach Read!
Starting over for a second chapter of life is never easy, but what romance writer Evelyn discovers is that life is easier the fuller it becomes, and revisiting beloved places can revive old memories that spark new connections.
Starting over for a second chapter of life is never easy, but what romance writer Evelyn discovers is that life is easier the fuller it becomes, and revisiting beloved places can revive old memories that spark new connections.
October 15, 2024
This was free on Apple audio books it was cute but I didn’t like how the 30 something adults behaved like actual children lol
October 19, 2022
I first came across this author reading her Camden Cove series, and I really enjoyed that series, so I thought I'd like this one and I wasn't disappointed.
This series is set on Martha's Vineyard, Evelyn, a successful writer lost her husband 5 years before, and she'd gone into a depression. Her sister had encouraged her to go on a holiday with others on their own.
30 years before, she'd fell in love on the Island, was her first love still there? This is the story of Evelyn and Charlie.
There follows a story of reconnection, making new friends and forgiveness.
A great series, I'm writing this review sheet finishing the series and I loved each book. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
This series is set on Martha's Vineyard, Evelyn, a successful writer lost her husband 5 years before, and she'd gone into a depression. Her sister had encouraged her to go on a holiday with others on their own.
30 years before, she'd fell in love on the Island, was her first love still there? This is the story of Evelyn and Charlie.
There follows a story of reconnection, making new friends and forgiveness.
A great series, I'm writing this review sheet finishing the series and I loved each book. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
May 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. So much explained, in good detail, about Evelyn's past. What she gave up in the past and how she married her much loved, but deceased husband, George. Charlie, the lead male has a calm, easygoing personality that is truly easy to like and fall for. Together they renew their friendship from almost 30 years ago and the rollercoaster ride of life that went with and grew, also, with their friendship. Enough mystery and intrigue in how book will end that it was tough to put book down to sleep at night. Highly recommend this first book in Cliffside Point Series.
September 4, 2022
My first Ellen Joy book and I've read the first four of this series now and I'm waiting on the next installment. I love that this has slightly complicated characters and that moving on to the next book doesn't mean everything is wrapped up from the book before it. Not that there are cliffhangers but that these books just follow the real patterns of life. You get your HEA but it doesn't mean things are always perfect and you get some of that in the following books.
Also I don't care if a book is clean or not but Joy shows you that not relying on sex to fill pages really can be done.
Also I don't care if a book is clean or not but Joy shows you that not relying on sex to fill pages really can be done.
Read
February 21, 2023Beachside Beginnings
This was very thought provoking. It was very cool how the women all met at the right time when they needed friends. This was very interesting how Evelyn's life came full circle, overcoming her grief as well as her writer's block. It was also a lighthearted & fun read.
This was very thought provoking. It was very cool how the women all met at the right time when they needed friends. This was very interesting how Evelyn's life came full circle, overcoming her grief as well as her writer's block. It was also a lighthearted & fun read.
May 9, 2022
a great Beginning
First time for me as a new author. I loved this story, it had so much of life’s experiences that you can probably find some of yourself there. Quirky characters with great backstories.
When three strangers meet up with each other, instant friendships & caring
Personalities.
It’s about grief, illness & making room in your life for others. If you haven’t read this author or any of her books. Try this series.
First time for me as a new author. I loved this story, it had so much of life’s experiences that you can probably find some of yourself there. Quirky characters with great backstories.
When three strangers meet up with each other, instant friendships & caring
Personalities.
It’s about grief, illness & making room in your life for others. If you haven’t read this author or any of her books. Try this series.
January 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. A great story about three women. Evelyn lost her husband five years ago and hasn't been able to find her bearings to live life again. She eventually goes on a singles cruise and makes friends with two other women with issues of their own. The three of them bond and start learning to live their lives again. Their journey is a heartfelt one that takes one through many ups and downs as they progress.
April 1, 2022
This is a wonderful story of hope, love, and acceptance. You will find yourself immersed in the lives of three women while they support each other through joy, sadness, and new beginnings. You will feel the passion and misgivings of a second chance romance. HEA. Recommend.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 1, 2022
This a great older woman starting over
This was a great read characters were good storyline. This a woman starting over at 55 years of age, when most women don't know how. It's a woman's story of going after her happy ever after even going back 30 yrs in her past. I recommend This book to read.
This was a great read characters were good storyline. This a woman starting over at 55 years of age, when most women don't know how. It's a woman's story of going after her happy ever after even going back 30 yrs in her past. I recommend This book to read.
January 21, 2023
Clean romance
I enjoyed reading this story about a widow who is feeling lost. She goes on a singles cruise to Martha's Vineyard where she had spent much of her youth. While there she meets the man who had been the love of her life but broke up with him.
Will they have another chance at love?
I enjoyed reading this story about a widow who is feeling lost. She goes on a singles cruise to Martha's Vineyard where she had spent much of her youth. While there she meets the man who had been the love of her life but broke up with him.
Will they have another chance at love?
September 21, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Beach Home Beginnings is the first title in the Cliffside Point series, a Romantic Women’s Fiction release featuring Evelyn, who has been just going through the motions since her husband’s sudden death. She’s a best-selling author who can no longer write, consumed by grief, a woman without a direction these days. Her sister will convince her (actually nag her) to take a single’s vacation, hoping that she’d meet someone who would bring her back into the living world… or at least react to something beyond her grief. What Evelyn will find on this unwanted trip goes beyond a week back in Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a chance to start living once again, to find her writing voice, to connect with strangers who will become as close as family, and perhaps, to reconnect with her first love, the man who broke her heart into a million pieces.
I enjoyed my time in Beach Home Beginnings by Ellen Joy. Cliffside Point is a ten-book series, just the kind of immersion into a book world that I love. There are real-life issues to be dealt with in this first story. How to survive when a loved one dies. How to face the future when the unthinkable happens. How to open one’s heart to love again. How to draw new friends close and plan a future together. How to trust again, especially when the one you love is sending mixed signals. How to live with a free heart and a desire to embrace all that life has to offer in the time left to one on this planet. Some heavy subjects written with tender grace and compassion, some lighthearted fun moments of life, and some changes in a family dynamic.
Strong women coming together as strangers at first, and quickly becoming those soul-mate kind of friends that are so precious when found. In this first story, we’ll get to know the basic story that brought them all together. A few glimpses into what may be coming in their future, and so many possibilities for them all. I love a story with strong women who become even stronger with time, circumstance, family, and a circle of good friends to help weather the storms of life.
I had such a good time in this world, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next title in this series. If you love a well-written, emotional, and engaging Women’s Fiction story with a romantic twist, found family, touches of reality, with humor and grace, then you’d enjoy Beach Home Beginnings by Ellen Joy.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Beach Home Beginnings is the first title in the Cliffside Point series, a Romantic Women’s Fiction release featuring Evelyn, who has been just going through the motions since her husband’s sudden death. She’s a best-selling author who can no longer write, consumed by grief, a woman without a direction these days. Her sister will convince her (actually nag her) to take a single’s vacation, hoping that she’d meet someone who would bring her back into the living world… or at least react to something beyond her grief. What Evelyn will find on this unwanted trip goes beyond a week back in Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a chance to start living once again, to find her writing voice, to connect with strangers who will become as close as family, and perhaps, to reconnect with her first love, the man who broke her heart into a million pieces.
I enjoyed my time in Beach Home Beginnings by Ellen Joy. Cliffside Point is a ten-book series, just the kind of immersion into a book world that I love. There are real-life issues to be dealt with in this first story. How to survive when a loved one dies. How to face the future when the unthinkable happens. How to open one’s heart to love again. How to draw new friends close and plan a future together. How to trust again, especially when the one you love is sending mixed signals. How to live with a free heart and a desire to embrace all that life has to offer in the time left to one on this planet. Some heavy subjects written with tender grace and compassion, some lighthearted fun moments of life, and some changes in a family dynamic.
Strong women coming together as strangers at first, and quickly becoming those soul-mate kind of friends that are so precious when found. In this first story, we’ll get to know the basic story that brought them all together. A few glimpses into what may be coming in their future, and so many possibilities for them all. I love a story with strong women who become even stronger with time, circumstance, family, and a circle of good friends to help weather the storms of life.
I had such a good time in this world, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next title in this series. If you love a well-written, emotional, and engaging Women’s Fiction story with a romantic twist, found family, touches of reality, with humor and grace, then you’d enjoy Beach Home Beginnings by Ellen Joy.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
March 29, 2025
Martha’s Vineyard,
Evelyn goes on a 55 singles tour to Martha’s Vineyard. She goes to revisit her young life. Her husband passed away she is now back in MV she wrote a series from there. She worked there during the summer and met Charlie he helped her explore her writing style.
Now she’s on the Ferry Mets Wanda she talks and talks and attaches herself to Evelyn. She grows on her, Evelyn takes her in. Then they meet another friend. They all bond and make a strong friendship.
Once on MV she wants to go to the bookstore. Where Charlie is. He sees her and he comes to her they talk just a moment, but he makes a date to chat. She. Meets Charlie’s daughter who lets to write and Evelyn helps her with her book.
While the ladies are walking on the beach they see a house for sale. Evelyn makes a big move and calls the realtor and she buys the house. The girls all go to look at the house while there Wanda gets sick, her cancer is back. Evelyn tells her she will take care of her and the other friend is going to stay too
They have the contractor working on the house getting things ready. Charlie comes has dinner with her they spend the night on the deck talking and sleeping. Then Evelyn daughter shows up, real upset that she saw her mom kissing a man. They talk and it ends up that Renee is pregnant and the husband wants nothing to do with it. So Evelyn tells her she can stay in MV.
So Evelyn in 2 weeks went from a lonely house to a beach house with friends her daughter and a man.
Evelyn goes on a 55 singles tour to Martha’s Vineyard. She goes to revisit her young life. Her husband passed away she is now back in MV she wrote a series from there. She worked there during the summer and met Charlie he helped her explore her writing style.
Now she’s on the Ferry Mets Wanda she talks and talks and attaches herself to Evelyn. She grows on her, Evelyn takes her in. Then they meet another friend. They all bond and make a strong friendship.
Once on MV she wants to go to the bookstore. Where Charlie is. He sees her and he comes to her they talk just a moment, but he makes a date to chat. She. Meets Charlie’s daughter who lets to write and Evelyn helps her with her book.
While the ladies are walking on the beach they see a house for sale. Evelyn makes a big move and calls the realtor and she buys the house. The girls all go to look at the house while there Wanda gets sick, her cancer is back. Evelyn tells her she will take care of her and the other friend is going to stay too
They have the contractor working on the house getting things ready. Charlie comes has dinner with her they spend the night on the deck talking and sleeping. Then Evelyn daughter shows up, real upset that she saw her mom kissing a man. They talk and it ends up that Renee is pregnant and the husband wants nothing to do with it. So Evelyn tells her she can stay in MV.
So Evelyn in 2 weeks went from a lonely house to a beach house with friends her daughter and a man.
July 15, 2023
This is a real as it gets.
Her husband's been dead for five years. Her daughters' lives don't revolve around her anymore. Her sister and a bird convince her to take a singles vacation to Martha's Vineyard, the scene of her youthful summer days. And where she fell in love the first time. Is she looking for healing? Closure? The old love? A new man? What will she find?
Ellen Joy is a new author to me, but she is now one to keep. By the end of the book, I was ready to buy the whole series, though I could read it for free on KU. Being from Massachusetts may have predisposed me to feel good things toward this story even though I haven't ever actually been to Martha's Vineyard. It felt like a hometown story. Each of the characters I found to be interesting and worth getting to know. Their interactions were real. Conversations felt like something you would actually hear among people. And I loved "the girls". Evelyn, Wanda, and Bitty made such wonderful friends. Each so unique and quirky. Yet they made such a complimentary group. This is so not just a romance. The mix of romance and women's storylines is fantastic. The slow hesitation of feelings previously hurt and the bursting spontaneity of feelings just wanting to give, help, and care for someone in pain. This has it all. Highly recommended.
Her husband's been dead for five years. Her daughters' lives don't revolve around her anymore. Her sister and a bird convince her to take a singles vacation to Martha's Vineyard, the scene of her youthful summer days. And where she fell in love the first time. Is she looking for healing? Closure? The old love? A new man? What will she find?
Ellen Joy is a new author to me, but she is now one to keep. By the end of the book, I was ready to buy the whole series, though I could read it for free on KU. Being from Massachusetts may have predisposed me to feel good things toward this story even though I haven't ever actually been to Martha's Vineyard. It felt like a hometown story. Each of the characters I found to be interesting and worth getting to know. Their interactions were real. Conversations felt like something you would actually hear among people. And I loved "the girls". Evelyn, Wanda, and Bitty made such wonderful friends. Each so unique and quirky. Yet they made such a complimentary group. This is so not just a romance. The mix of romance and women's storylines is fantastic. The slow hesitation of feelings previously hurt and the bursting spontaneity of feelings just wanting to give, help, and care for someone in pain. This has it all. Highly recommended.
May 27, 2025
"Beach Home Beginnings" offers a breezy, aspirational journey into coastal living, but it doesn't quite dive deep enough to satisfy those seeking practical, hands-on guidance. The book excels in setting a mood, painting a picture of tranquil beachside retreats and inspiring readers to envision their own seaside havens. Its strength lies in its ability to evoke the sensory experience of beach living—the gentle sea breeze, the sound of crashing waves, and the warmth of sun-kissed interiors.
However, the book falls short in providing concrete advice for those looking to transform their own spaces. While it touches on various design elements and styles, it often skims the surface, leaving readers wanting more detailed instructions and actionable tips. The photographs, while visually appealing, sometimes lack context, making it difficult to understand how to replicate the featured looks in a real-world setting.
Ultimately, "Beach Home Beginnings" is a pleasant read for those seeking inspiration and a general overview of coastal design. However, readers looking for a comprehensive guide with step-by-step instructions and practical advice may find themselves needing to supplement it with additional resources. It's a good starting point, but not a definitive guide.
However, the book falls short in providing concrete advice for those looking to transform their own spaces. While it touches on various design elements and styles, it often skims the surface, leaving readers wanting more detailed instructions and actionable tips. The photographs, while visually appealing, sometimes lack context, making it difficult to understand how to replicate the featured looks in a real-world setting.
Ultimately, "Beach Home Beginnings" is a pleasant read for those seeking inspiration and a general overview of coastal design. However, readers looking for a comprehensive guide with step-by-step instructions and practical advice may find themselves needing to supplement it with additional resources. It's a good starting point, but not a definitive guide.
July 10, 2023
A departure from the usual books that I read, this was a most welcome surprise. A very good book with excellent characters. Not exactly a happily ever after ending, but the potential for one knowing the full story wasn't over just yet. This was mostly a standalone novel and no cliffhangers, but there is more to come in future books with I'm presuming some carryover as the focus shifts to other characters.
This story is about Evelyn reclaiming her life five years after her husband died. Her sister sends her on a singles trip to Martha's Vineyard. On the trip she meets two other women who become her best friends. They all have something in common and form a sort of sisterhood. Evelyn also meets her first love again, a bookstore owner who lives on the island. He's divorced and he never stopped loving her. His daughter loves Evelyn, (who is her favorite author!) and Evelyn takes a liking to her as well.
I really liked this book and look forward to reading the next one in this series.
This story is about Evelyn reclaiming her life five years after her husband died. Her sister sends her on a singles trip to Martha's Vineyard. On the trip she meets two other women who become her best friends. They all have something in common and form a sort of sisterhood. Evelyn also meets her first love again, a bookstore owner who lives on the island. He's divorced and he never stopped loving her. His daughter loves Evelyn, (who is her favorite author!) and Evelyn takes a liking to her as well.
I really liked this book and look forward to reading the next one in this series.
February 16, 2025
I cheated a little and listened to this one free on my Spotify! With a weekend full of errands and to-dos, I decided to multitask—and I have to say, it made all the difference. I truly enjoyed it!
As a lady of a certain age myself, I absolutely loved how this book celebrates the fact that we can still live boldly, embrace adventure, and have guts at any stage of life. It was refreshing and inspiring!
I haven’t been to Martha’s Vineyard in over 20 years, and this book really made me want to go back—or better yet, spend an entire summer in New England, one of my favorite places in the country. The setting was pure magic. However, it's London this summer.....so maybe next summer!
Now, as for the daughter’s behavior? Absolutely deplorable! I would have had a thing or two to say about that, I wish the author had not let her be so horrible, even though she did redeem herself a bit at the end.
All in all, I really loved this book. It turned what could have been a dull, chore-filled day into something fun and enjoyable. A perfect, easy, and delightful read!
As a lady of a certain age myself, I absolutely loved how this book celebrates the fact that we can still live boldly, embrace adventure, and have guts at any stage of life. It was refreshing and inspiring!
I haven’t been to Martha’s Vineyard in over 20 years, and this book really made me want to go back—or better yet, spend an entire summer in New England, one of my favorite places in the country. The setting was pure magic. However, it's London this summer.....so maybe next summer!
Now, as for the daughter’s behavior? Absolutely deplorable! I would have had a thing or two to say about that, I wish the author had not let her be so horrible, even though she did redeem herself a bit at the end.
All in all, I really loved this book. It turned what could have been a dull, chore-filled day into something fun and enjoyable. A perfect, easy, and delightful read!
July 11, 2023
Enjoyable read
I did enjoy this book, but couldn’t read it for hours on end like some books. There were some annoying contradictions at times and toward the end the roller coaster of emotions, ponderings and insecurities by both Evelyn and Charlie, got a bit much. The daughter showing up and having hissy fits, then being ok, then hissy fitting again was another annoying thing as she was an adult, (even though at the end the author put that this daughter shows up next book, when it was this one)
On One page Charlie’s saying that Evelyn is a good role model for his daughter as she exudes confidence, the next several chapters were Evelyn second guessing everything, her insecurities and worry! That being said I think it’s well written book, but could have been just as good without all the overt insecurities and the on again off again romance. But it was good enough to want to read the next book.
I did enjoy this book, but couldn’t read it for hours on end like some books. There were some annoying contradictions at times and toward the end the roller coaster of emotions, ponderings and insecurities by both Evelyn and Charlie, got a bit much. The daughter showing up and having hissy fits, then being ok, then hissy fitting again was another annoying thing as she was an adult, (even though at the end the author put that this daughter shows up next book, when it was this one)
On One page Charlie’s saying that Evelyn is a good role model for his daughter as she exudes confidence, the next several chapters were Evelyn second guessing everything, her insecurities and worry! That being said I think it’s well written book, but could have been just as good without all the overt insecurities and the on again off again romance. But it was good enough to want to read the next book.
December 29, 2023
A pleasant read in a beach setting
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters were likable and interesting. The story had a comfortable relaxed feel.
There were only a few things I was not happy with. I thought Charlie’s meltdown was more suited to an immature teen girl, and did not seem to fit his character at all.
When the first big dinner is planned at Sea View and then canceled, the author forgot to uninvite the plumber.
The biggest thing I did not like was there is not a continuing of all the characters in this 10 series collection. The ending of this book was incomplete and did not bring any conclusion for all the characters present in this story. So, I looked to the description of the other 9 books. None of these characters take top billing in the other books. I have no desire to read about totally new characters when the ones I just read about are left without endings.
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters were likable and interesting. The story had a comfortable relaxed feel.
There were only a few things I was not happy with. I thought Charlie’s meltdown was more suited to an immature teen girl, and did not seem to fit his character at all.
When the first big dinner is planned at Sea View and then canceled, the author forgot to uninvite the plumber.
The biggest thing I did not like was there is not a continuing of all the characters in this 10 series collection. The ending of this book was incomplete and did not bring any conclusion for all the characters present in this story. So, I looked to the description of the other 9 books. None of these characters take top billing in the other books. I have no desire to read about totally new characters when the ones I just read about are left without endings.
January 25, 2025
I was really hoping for more….
More about the three women, strangers at first, who end up meeting while on a singles holiday in Martha’s Vineyard. They were all great, Interesting and could have provided another depth to the story. Sadly that fell short.
More movement with Evelyns rekindled love with an old flame which started out just fine and a bit intriguing, but lost any traction really fast and became felt one big giant cliche the further along it went. I was soooo bored with their past repeated over and over as if I couldn’t possibly remember they had once been an item and what had already been said about their earlier life.
This would have been much better as a novella because it’s about 10 chapters too long and lacks the depth to be worthy of a full novel. The daughter coming into the picture late in the story is touching but is once again sooooo cliche.
I was hoping to get wrapped up in a series but it won’t be this one.
More about the three women, strangers at first, who end up meeting while on a singles holiday in Martha’s Vineyard. They were all great, Interesting and could have provided another depth to the story. Sadly that fell short.
More movement with Evelyns rekindled love with an old flame which started out just fine and a bit intriguing, but lost any traction really fast and became felt one big giant cliche the further along it went. I was soooo bored with their past repeated over and over as if I couldn’t possibly remember they had once been an item and what had already been said about their earlier life.
This would have been much better as a novella because it’s about 10 chapters too long and lacks the depth to be worthy of a full novel. The daughter coming into the picture late in the story is touching but is once again sooooo cliche.
I was hoping to get wrapped up in a series but it won’t be this one.
September 11, 2022
Charlie and Evelyn
After reading Camden cove series I thought I would read this one,Cliffside inn has been mentioned but only in the "I'm staying at Cliffside Inn" so I figured they are close by.This is not about the Inn.
I was surprised by the storyline it's focused on three women two in there 60s and Evelyn who is 50 I think, it's mainly focused on evelyn and her family and her love interest charlie.
The storyline is mainly about loneliness when it comes to the three women finding themselves alone now in life and each one has a different backstory but a sister bond develops and Evelyn pulls them close on her knee journey.
It did bug me that Charlie or Evelyn would not say what happened you had to read between lines.hate tanya I think she moved in when he was low, but still he didn't cheat but she was a no
After reading Camden cove series I thought I would read this one,Cliffside inn has been mentioned but only in the "I'm staying at Cliffside Inn" so I figured they are close by.This is not about the Inn.
I was surprised by the storyline it's focused on three women two in there 60s and Evelyn who is 50 I think, it's mainly focused on evelyn and her family and her love interest charlie.
The storyline is mainly about loneliness when it comes to the three women finding themselves alone now in life and each one has a different backstory but a sister bond develops and Evelyn pulls them close on her knee journey.
It did bug me that Charlie or Evelyn would not say what happened you had to read between lines.hate tanya I think she moved in when he was low, but still he didn't cheat but she was a no
July 26, 2023
Wow! First even begin to state how wonderful this book is!
I loved this book . To begin a series with such wonderful characters and so many issues going on and making it all work for us readers. So many books are like Hallmark movies with young women finding cowboys or fire fighters,yes I do like these also, but when a writer takes the lives of 50 something women and makes their lives relevant may heart aches. These feel like real women who make you as a reader laugh , cry and reevaluate your own life. I can't wait to see where this series goes. I already have #2 loaded on the kindle. Great summer reading for anyone who loves a great read. Throw in New England in the summer and it makes my day .Enjoy!
I loved this book . To begin a series with such wonderful characters and so many issues going on and making it all work for us readers. So many books are like Hallmark movies with young women finding cowboys or fire fighters,yes I do like these also, but when a writer takes the lives of 50 something women and makes their lives relevant may heart aches. These feel like real women who make you as a reader laugh , cry and reevaluate your own life. I can't wait to see where this series goes. I already have #2 loaded on the kindle. Great summer reading for anyone who loves a great read. Throw in New England in the summer and it makes my day .Enjoy!
August 7, 2023
This isn’t a genre that I usually read but picked it up for a light summer read. I was very pleasantly surprised. The characters were believable and up to date which made the book hard to put down. It isn’t often easy to find a book that includes romance without graphic sexual content. The Beach House is not one of those books. I found the friendship of the women wonderful. After retirement or the death of a spouse, reforming relationships isn’t easy. The main characters struggles were true yet, in the end, heartwarming. I’m going on to read the next book in this series. I want to see how the author deals with the multigenerational issues coming to the surface. Definitely an enjoyable read that was much more enjoyable to read than I expected.
September 25, 2025
Not my usual thing but it was free so thought I’d try it. At first I thought it had good potential but after a few chapters it quickly went downhill. I’m really surprised by all the good ratings. I really disliked the main characters Evelyn and Charlie, their reunited love story was excruciatingly sickening and stupid. Poor George. I thought the book was going to be about three elderly ladies becoming friends on a summer holiday and their shenanigans but no. The side characters were much better than the main two, so if it had focused on their friendship it would have been much better. The narration was good though on the audiobook but from half way through I had to listen to the rest on 2x speed just to survive.
June 26, 2023
I absolutely loved "Beach Home Beginnings" by Ellen Joy. I've become a huge fan of this author - having read pretty much all of her books. She writes with such kindness in her heart that it pours into these characters and storylines and the result is a fun heartwarming story that will leave you wanting more. Her characters are always so engaging and well-written that it seems like they are a part of your everyday lives. I'm loving the premise for this series and I cannot wait to watch how the books will develop along the way. This book is a great addition to your book collection along with all the other stories this amazing author has written.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
Happy Reading...enjoy!
July 15, 2025
A Feel-Good story!!!
What a WONDERFUL story!!! Honestly, I read this in a out a day and did my usual activities outside my home. I felt so good reading this book! Evelyn and George had a marriage full of love. When George died suddenly, Evelyn got stuck in her grief for five dark years. Her sister offered her a singles trip to Martha's Vineyard, where she had spent summer as a young woman. Then there is Evelyn's first love, who happens to own a book store on Martha's Vineyard. Hmmmm..... Oh, you just HAVE to read this book to learn about everyone!! Then, read the rest of this great series, too. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
What a WONDERFUL story!!! Honestly, I read this in a out a day and did my usual activities outside my home. I felt so good reading this book! Evelyn and George had a marriage full of love. When George died suddenly, Evelyn got stuck in her grief for five dark years. Her sister offered her a singles trip to Martha's Vineyard, where she had spent summer as a young woman. Then there is Evelyn's first love, who happens to own a book store on Martha's Vineyard. Hmmmm..... Oh, you just HAVE to read this book to learn about everyone!! Then, read the rest of this great series, too. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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