The Beach Shack

by Cindy Nichols

An uplifting story of rediscovery, family bonds, and the strength of a grandmother and granddaughter determined to save what matters most.

Meg Walsh always had a plan. Climb the ladder. Earn the title. Build a life on her terms.

But when she returns to Laguna Beach after her brother's emergency call, the tidy version of her life begins to unravel. The Beach Shack—her grandmother's restaurant and the heart of their coastal town—is floundering. The money is disappearing. And no one wants to talk about why.

Suddenly Meg is swept into a world of sourdough starters, bonfires, and unexpected truths. Her uncle has stayed away for years. Her grandmother is hiding something beautiful. And Luke Donovan? He's back in her life—with a marine conservation dream and a smile that still makes her forget about spreadsheets.

As Meg grapples with the choices that brought her here, she realizes the Beach Shack isn't just a business. It's her family's legacy. And saving it might just mean saving a part of herself.

Set against the backdrop of sea-salt mornings and slow summer nights, The Beach Shack is a story about what we lose when we leave—and what we find when we come home.

Genres: Summer Reads

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2025

About the author

Cindy Nichols also writes as Cindy Caldwell

Cindy Nichols writes heartwarming stories interwoven with the bonds of friendship and family that combine what she loves most about women's fiction and romance.

She's lived most of her life near a beach...just the way she likes it. She hopes to share that feeling of peace and serenity with readers in her gently thought-provoking, feel-good stories.

Feel free to sign up for her mailing list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available. Just copy and paste into your browser:
https://www.subscribepage.com/goodreads

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! I always like a beach setting. I liked the characters who worked in The Beach Shack restaurant. Relaxing read. 🙂

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the story

Loved this story of how Meg learns life is not about profit and loss but the ripple effect of taking care of people.

Note: someone needs to check the kindle edition as some parts of the story are duplicated.

[Katharine Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is something I really wanted to like. I like all of the characters, but the way it’s written is so bad. Meg has two conversations 100 pages apart with her sister that are nearly verbatim. I want to like Meg and all of the self discovery she does, but even towards the end she’s still minimizing the grilled cheeses and her work balance between both jobs seems like it’s being handled differently throughout the book, sometimes I think she’s put her things aside and is avoiding it, but somehow she made a huge presentation for the account? I also don’t understand why Joey was always filling napkin holders like it was such a random thing to constantly write about. I really did want to like this book, but I don’t understand why we never find out why her brother was gone and I don’t understand how her and luke both say I love you before they even kissed, it was so not needed and so lacking. I loved the idea of this book a lot and there was a lot of small town charm and good dialogue, but the bad stuff was just too bad.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beach Shack (paperback) by Cindy Nichols was a fun read for me as I have spent a lot of time in Laguna Beach. I could picture all the locations the author refers to in the story. Margo runs the Beach Shack which he family has been operating for over 50 years and only serves Grilled Cheese. They are known for having the best grilled cheese anywhere and are popular with the community, surfers and tourists. Meg, Margo’s granddaughter, comes to help Margo when Meg’s brother Tyler has to leave unexpectedly. This was a quick one and the sequel comes out in August. With no trip to Laguna currently planned this summer, this is the next best thing. Enjoy!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read! The storyline is intense with family values, finding your "lane" in life and reaching goals. All of this is so important and to read about Meg realizing her value while working with her Grandma Margo, was the heart of the book. I felt like I was part of the family making grilled cheese sandwiches, which are my favorite. The author did a great job of bringing the family image to the forefront; the beauty of the Laguna Art Festival, and the people who live there was outstanding. Thanks for a wonderful story.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Meg is on the fast track in the corporate world with no down time at all. She is called home to Laguna Beach and her grandmother’s lunch place. Here, family values are the focus and helping those in need. I love how Meg learns to slow down and take stock of life, what really matters and finding love. A great read!

[Carole Anne Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that speaks to your heart

Loved getting to know these characters. In so many ways I saw myself in Meg. Hopefully her revelations can help me. Can't wait to read the next book and hopefully hear Tyler's story.

[Candy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

just a small restaurant….?

That touches the lives of all who live in the area, or are just passing through… Community…at its best.
Impressive book, very well written. Every chapter drew me in, didn’t want to stop reading!

[Melissa Durfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Fav!!!

This is the first book from this author that I have read and I am very excited to say it will not be the last! I had a very hard time putting it down, and was sad when I came to the last page. Looking forward to reading the 2nd book in this series!

[robert mccants]

Revealing a secret that brought a family together

Broken family members coming together to become one. Recognizing talents in each other that were overlooked because each was making their own path alone. Beautiful story.

[Kim greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, good story.

[Miriam Brito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard work pays off!

Really beautiful story showing us faith in ourselves and others.
Friendships, perseverance and love.
Art of giving to the highest potential.