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The Seaside Saga #26
The Diner
From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes The Diner, Book 26 of The Seaside Saga.
Like misty wisps of salt air, The Seaside Saga weaves its way into readers’ lives and hearts. The fluid, ongoing storyline not only makes for an immersive literary experience—it redefines modern fiction and the very notion of a novel. At 26 books (and counting) and nearly 8,000 pages, The Seaside Saga follows the tangled adult lives of a group of beach friends on the New England coast.
Quite simply, The Seaside Saga’s made a distinct splash. And it does once again in The Diner , picking up from DeMaio’s most stunning cliffhanger yet.
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
Book 25 - Hush
Book 26 - The Diner
And more Seaside Saga Books
Like misty wisps of salt air, The Seaside Saga weaves its way into readers’ lives and hearts. The fluid, ongoing storyline not only makes for an immersive literary experience—it redefines modern fiction and the very notion of a novel. At 26 books (and counting) and nearly 8,000 pages, The Seaside Saga follows the tangled adult lives of a group of beach friends on the New England coast.
Quite simply, The Seaside Saga’s made a distinct splash. And it does once again in The Diner , picking up from DeMaio’s most stunning cliffhanger yet.
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
Book 25 - Hush
Book 26 - The Diner
And more Seaside Saga Books
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2026
74 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Joanne DeMaio
41 books970 followersJoanne 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.
Joanne enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 3, 2026
I am always so excited to get my hands on the latest installment of the Seaside Saga series, that I begin reading as soon as the book arrives! The Diner is no exception, and I devoured it in one day—kinda like the way Jason eats the crullers at the diner itself. From start to finish, I was once again wrapped up in the lives of these friends, and this book begins with a bang, and ends with hope and possibilities. One of the things I love most about these books is how intimately we get to know these characters, not just through their actions, but also through their thoughts, their reminiscences, their dreams, and their fears. I can’t wait to catch up with the folks of Stony Point in the next installment.
March 6, 2026
Oh my goodness, another awesome book by Joanne DeMaio. After leaving us hanging for months between the last book and this one, she left us hanging and kept us on the edge of our seat worrying about what was gonna happen to Kyle and Jason.
This book is a must read I just could not put it down and got very little sleep until I had completely finished reading the whole book. It probably won't mean alot to you unless you have read the whole series which I highly recommend that you do.
This book is a must read I just could not put it down and got very little sleep until I had completely finished reading the whole book. It probably won't mean alot to you unless you have read the whole series which I highly recommend that you do.
March 11, 2026
On a dark night in Stony Point a thief upends Jason and Kyle’s lives.
We waited months to find out what happened to them and in true fashion of the author’s writing, she showed us the dark side and also the bond that the beach friends and others in Stony Point have for these men.
Her character’s lives are descriptive and layered with the intensity of shared memories and hopeful futures.
Not to be outdone, another character, Shane, feels a pull back to Stony Point. Especially since he was not there to support his brother Kyle and friend Jason.So he has some decisions to make also and hopefully we will learn more in the next book.
This series draws you in till you feel you too are a beach friend. Fears, deep feelings and also the love of belonging can be found in each of Joann DeMaio’s wonderful books.
I was able to listen to the audio of this book from the author. This review is my opinion without remuneration for the gifted arc.
We waited months to find out what happened to them and in true fashion of the author’s writing, she showed us the dark side and also the bond that the beach friends and others in Stony Point have for these men.
Her character’s lives are descriptive and layered with the intensity of shared memories and hopeful futures.
Not to be outdone, another character, Shane, feels a pull back to Stony Point. Especially since he was not there to support his brother Kyle and friend Jason.So he has some decisions to make also and hopefully we will learn more in the next book.
This series draws you in till you feel you too are a beach friend. Fears, deep feelings and also the love of belonging can be found in each of Joann DeMaio’s wonderful books.
I was able to listen to the audio of this book from the author. This review is my opinion without remuneration for the gifted arc.
April 4, 2026
The Diner is the 26th book in Joanne DeMaio’s seaside saga. I have read the entire series and have really come to know and care about these characters almost as if they are real live people. In this particular book, a life altering senseless crime takes place that has lasting repercussions on the individuals involved. It really makes one stop and think about just how much you value your life and that you shouldn’t take it for granted. It also displayed the love of family and friends and how community rallies around and comes together when bad things happen. As usual, the author has left us with a bit of a cliffhanger leaving me wondering if by chance Shane has decided to give up his life’s work in Maine and return to Stony Point for love and family. I look forward to reading the next book, The Architect, which is set to release on June 2, 2026. I’m hoping to learn more about my 2 favorite characters, Shane and Celia, but the title is telling me it’s going to revolve more around Jason and the effects his fall has on his future. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see!
April 9, 2026
And here we go again, dropping into the wonderful world of Stony Point, the town Joanne writes about in the Seaside Saga series. Picking up right where we left off in the diner and the drama that was unfolding there, Jason and Kyle relive the evening as everyone tries to process and get past what just happened.
I love this series and look forward to each book, where I can revisit with the friends I've made and enjoy the comradery of the people in the community. Life continues as drama and love embrace each and every character. I highly recommend this series and this author.
I love this series and look forward to each book, where I can revisit with the friends I've made and enjoy the comradery of the people in the community. Life continues as drama and love embrace each and every character. I highly recommend this series and this author.
March 16, 2026
Simply the Best
Again, one paragraph, and I am entranced with these characters and story. Moving, intense, caring. Love.
Please send the next soon. Thank you very much for your talent.
Again, one paragraph, and I am entranced with these characters and story. Moving, intense, caring. Love.
Please send the next soon. Thank you very much for your talent.
March 9, 2026
Absolutely love this series! Can’t wait for the saga to continue in the next book coming in June!
March 10, 2026
Awesome book
I loved this book, couldn't put it down.Read it in one day and can't wait for the next one. Your books are amazing, please keep writing.
I loved this book, couldn't put it down.Read it in one day and can't wait for the next one. Your books are amazing, please keep writing.
March 10, 2026
In The Diner, the beach friends' story continues where Hush left off. Author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader back to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut. The story takes place during one week in late October where the readers will catch up with the beach friends' lives.
Just like in the previous installments, The Diner is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and ever-changing life events. In this twenty-sixth installment in The Seaside Saga Series, the author stuns the readers with a near tragic incident that involves Jason and Kyle, while also continuing to focus on Celia and Shane's relationship. And The Seaside Saga continues.
The Diner opens up with a shocking near tragic incident that involves Jason and Kyle at the diner. This was a very heavy storyline to read; I felt the full gamut of emotions as I followed the aftermath of the incident. As Jason and Kyle struggle with the aftermath of the incident, their community of friends and family surround them with love and support and downright anger at the senseless incident. This was a very sobering story to read, you can't help but sense how the incident affected everyone, while also bringing this little beach community together even more.
I loved how this installment also continued to focus on Celia and Shane's relationship. As Shane returned to Maine for his lobstering job, Celia struggles with the long-distance between them and takes Aria up there to surprise Shane. They profess their love and commit to make their long-distance relationship work, but it's a true struggle when they want to be with each other so badly. The dilemma they face is how to make their relationship work ... especially when the author leaves the reader with an exciting cliffhanger ending, we'll have to wait and see what Shane has planned in The Architect, the twenty-seventh installment of the series.
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 novel, The Diner.
The Seaside Saga Series is a heartwarming series of stories of friendship, family, painful secrets, lies and regrets, near tragedies, heartbreak, 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.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
Just like in the previous installments, The Diner is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and ever-changing life events. In this twenty-sixth installment in The Seaside Saga Series, the author stuns the readers with a near tragic incident that involves Jason and Kyle, while also continuing to focus on Celia and Shane's relationship. And The Seaside Saga continues.
The Diner opens up with a shocking near tragic incident that involves Jason and Kyle at the diner. This was a very heavy storyline to read; I felt the full gamut of emotions as I followed the aftermath of the incident. As Jason and Kyle struggle with the aftermath of the incident, their community of friends and family surround them with love and support and downright anger at the senseless incident. This was a very sobering story to read, you can't help but sense how the incident affected everyone, while also bringing this little beach community together even more.
I loved how this installment also continued to focus on Celia and Shane's relationship. As Shane returned to Maine for his lobstering job, Celia struggles with the long-distance between them and takes Aria up there to surprise Shane. They profess their love and commit to make their long-distance relationship work, but it's a true struggle when they want to be with each other so badly. The dilemma they face is how to make their relationship work ... especially when the author leaves the reader with an exciting cliffhanger ending, we'll have to wait and see what Shane has planned in The Architect, the twenty-seventh installment of the series.
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 novel, The Diner.
The Seaside Saga Series is a heartwarming series of stories of friendship, family, painful secrets, lies and regrets, near tragedies, heartbreak, 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.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
March 6, 2026
The Diner by Joanne DeMaio
In this story we find Shane and he's back to Maine for work. He hates the pull of Stony Point, CT and what's there for him.
He gets some surprises when he returns for the day and then the phone call about the CT group. People almost died and he wasn't there to help them.
Back at Stony Point Jason walks into the diner after hours and finds a robber holding a gun to Kyle's face. He takes matters into his own hands stating the rest of the guys will be there soon to play cards.
They are able to escape harm but it eats at their brains the whole week and then some.
Love how they find solace in others and how they are able to just let it all go.
So emotional and touching as things are happening. Jason has an out of body experience and he can't explain it to anybody but Shane.
Love how the group will be celebrating in the next book.
Love the beach scene and all that comes with it Love catching up with the others and Cliff's son is new to the series. Lots of mysteries, secrets and there's a lot more to come.
Love this series and can't wait to read more.
In this story we find Shane and he's back to Maine for work. He hates the pull of Stony Point, CT and what's there for him.
He gets some surprises when he returns for the day and then the phone call about the CT group. People almost died and he wasn't there to help them.
Back at Stony Point Jason walks into the diner after hours and finds a robber holding a gun to Kyle's face. He takes matters into his own hands stating the rest of the guys will be there soon to play cards.
They are able to escape harm but it eats at their brains the whole week and then some.
Love how they find solace in others and how they are able to just let it all go.
So emotional and touching as things are happening. Jason has an out of body experience and he can't explain it to anybody but Shane.
Love how the group will be celebrating in the next book.
Love the beach scene and all that comes with it Love catching up with the others and Cliff's son is new to the series. Lots of mysteries, secrets and there's a lot more to come.
Love this series and can't wait to read more.
April 10, 2026
A return to THE SEASIDE SAGA SERIES is like attending a family reunion. You step into the lives of a group of tight knit friends that are loyal and support each other through thick and thin. This wonderful addition to the series is emotional and once again proves how loyal they are. THE DINER starts with a different scenario than what we are used to and adds drama and heartfelt emotion. The ongoing relationship between Shane and Cecelia takes a turn and keeps us entwined in their complicated situation.
This is the best series you will find. Joanne DeMaio has created an excellent cast of characters everyone wants to meet and a remarkable setting.
One click this series now and get started. You can thank me later.
This is the best series you will find. Joanne DeMaio has created an excellent cast of characters everyone wants to meet and a remarkable setting.
One click this series now and get started. You can thank me later.
March 18, 2026
The Diner is book #26 for Joanne DeMai0’s Seaside Saga. If you have not read these books, start with book number one and get read to binge this series. Each book ends with a cliffhanger and gets better and better with every book. This latest book finds Jason and Kyle in a dangerous predicament. Meanwhile Shane is back in Maine and Celia makes a surprise visit. What will be next for these two? The community of characters in Stony Point, Connecticut become your very close friends as this series progresses. Don’t miss this fun seaside experience and ENJOY!!!
March 21, 2026
Wow what an intense story episode
Wow this episode of the Seaside Saga series really floored me. It really tugged at me with the diner robbery incident to the love chemistry between Shane and Celia. I really felt sad for Jason and Kyle and what they went through to the aftermath of the PTSD after the diner incident. Also felt happy for Shane and Celia and hope they can keep their relationship going even though they live in two different states. Can't wait to read the next installment.
Wow this episode of the Seaside Saga series really floored me. It really tugged at me with the diner robbery incident to the love chemistry between Shane and Celia. I really felt sad for Jason and Kyle and what they went through to the aftermath of the PTSD after the diner incident. Also felt happy for Shane and Celia and hope they can keep their relationship going even though they live in two different states. Can't wait to read the next installment.
March 31, 2026
Let out that breath you’ve been holding since Hush
No spoilers - we all knew that the Queen of cliffhanger endings would leave us crying. Jason and Kyle made it through their ordeal a little more grateful for their blessings. The friendships run deep in Stony Point and this was yet another reminder to appreciate your loved ones - and give hugs. And, of course, as we’ve all come to expect from our Queen of cliffhanger endings, we are crossing the days off the calendar until June 2nd and just maybe get some good news from Team Shane
No spoilers - we all knew that the Queen of cliffhanger endings would leave us crying. Jason and Kyle made it through their ordeal a little more grateful for their blessings. The friendships run deep in Stony Point and this was yet another reminder to appreciate your loved ones - and give hugs. And, of course, as we’ve all come to expect from our Queen of cliffhanger endings, we are crossing the days off the calendar until June 2nd and just maybe get some good news from Team Shane
March 23, 2026
I found this book incredibly emotional. The trauma that Jason and Kyle have gone through—and the way it impacts their family and friends—is very well written. I had a hard time putting it down. I also think it’s time for Celia and Shane to come clean about their relationship. Keeping it a secret is clearly taking a toll on them, and it’s affecting Elsa as well. As usual, the author ends on a cliffhanger, and now I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
March 29, 2026
The Diner - A Great Read
Another great addition to the Seaside Series. Again Joanne brings you right into each of the characters lives. They are always there for each other and that plays out so well in The Diner. The Diner leaves you wanting more and has the reader anxious to read the next book in this series, The Architect!
Another great addition to the Seaside Series. Again Joanne brings you right into each of the characters lives. They are always there for each other and that plays out so well in The Diner. The Diner leaves you wanting more and has the reader anxious to read the next book in this series, The Architect!
April 6, 2026
Riveting.
As usual Joanne DeMaio doesn't disappoint. From every fry dragged through ketchup and the detail of ocean light, you're there with the Barlows and Kyle and Shane and brother who won't stay dead. Then the secrets. Always secrets. Maria and Celia, Elsa and her love life and memories of her son.
This one is riveting. Breath -holding. No spoilers, just read it.
As usual Joanne DeMaio doesn't disappoint. From every fry dragged through ketchup and the detail of ocean light, you're there with the Barlows and Kyle and Shane and brother who won't stay dead. Then the secrets. Always secrets. Maria and Celia, Elsa and her love life and memories of her son.
This one is riveting. Breath -holding. No spoilers, just read it.
March 19, 2026
Kind of like reading a soap opera now. The next one picked up exactly where the prior one finished. There is no ending to any book anymore. This is book 26 of a never ending series! I’m so deep into it, it’s hard to stop now!
March 20, 2026
THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK!!! I know I say that after I read all her new books but WOW this one is just extra! You are going to have to hurry and get it so I can find out for yourself. You won't be sorry!! Thank you Joanne for giving us another wonderful book!
April 10, 2026
Oh my goodness!!! Another fantastic book in this series. I feel like I’m besties with the whole gang. Warning, you won’t want to put this one down until you have read the last word!! Thank you Joanne for continuing this amazing series and sharing it with us 💜
April 15, 2026
As with the rest of the Seaside Saga books by Joanne DeMaio The Diner leaves you hanging and craving for more! The friend group continues to support one another in good times and bad times! Can’t wait til The Architect is released!
March 12, 2026
Highly anticipated!! Wonderful! Pulled me right back in and now will have to await next release!
👏📚🙏💐
👏📚🙏💐
March 16, 2026
Always great to follow along with these seaside families. Just when you think the author can’t improve the story, she does. Excited for the next book on 6/2/26b
March 22, 2026
Cliff hanger
I love this series but this one for me leaves a big cliff hanger more than the others. Can't wait to read the next one
I love this series but this one for me leaves a big cliff hanger more than the others. Can't wait to read the next one
March 27, 2026
Another wonderful book. I have read all of her books and love them. Can't wait for The Architect to come out in June
March 27, 2026
Excellent! I hope Joanne never stops writing them because Seaside Sage Books as I love each and everyone of them.Highly recommend it and all of them
April 23, 2026
I love the Seaside saga! I can’t wait for the next book Architect to come out.
I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in 2 and a half days!
I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in 2 and a half days!
March 8, 2026
I loved this story. Wow. Just wow. Things can change in just a second and this was no different. The characters are so strong but real. You can just imagine their lives. Can't wait for the next one.
March 27, 2026
My anxiety was so high reading the first few chapters of The Diner.. so much anticipation waiting on the outcome of that bullet! Solid book #26! I’m ready for The Architect! Some more history of Jason and his dad and Neil in this one so good!!
April 26, 2026
By the Sea
Oh how I love the Seaside Saga Series! It's like going home each & every time. The connection to these friends feels like family. Kyle & Jason have become "brothers" by choice from the very beginning, now that Shane is back is just icing on the cake! Looking forward to the next one already👏
Oh how I love the Seaside Saga Series! It's like going home each & every time. The connection to these friends feels like family. Kyle & Jason have become "brothers" by choice from the very beginning, now that Shane is back is just icing on the cake! Looking forward to the next one already👏
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews