Beach Trip: Laughs, Lies and a Dash of Divine

by Jane Jenkins Herlong

Five college friends.
One sacred sun, sand, and sisterhood.

But this year? The tide rolls in with more than just beach chairs and sunscreen.
There are old secrets… sharp as sea glass.
Salty confessions whispered over coffee and crab cakes.
And a preacher’s wife—sassier than ever—who might just start a revival before brunch.

One’s misplacing more than just her keys.
One’s holding onto fading memories with both hands.
Another’s marriage is coming apart at the seams.
One sets a place for someone who’s never coming back.
And one? She’s holding a diagnosis no one saw coming.

They laugh. They cry.
They speak truth, spill tea, and share things they swore they’d never say out loud.
But somewhere between the flare-ups and forgiveness…
They remember who they are.

Messy. Funny. Real.
Just like life.
Just like friendship.
Just like this trip.

Enjoying Beach Trip? Gift the paperback to someone who deserves a day at the beach.

Know a mom, aunt, or friend who lives for the coast — but can't get there this Memorial Day? Slip a paperback copy into their hands and watch their whole mood shift. It's the next best thing to salt air and bare feet in the sand. The perfect escape for the beach lover in your life, wherever they are.

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Speaker Hall of Fame, Professional humorist, singer and best-selling author, Jane Jenkins Herlong finds the funny in dysfunction while entertaining folks with her comedy and singing heard on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and Pandora.

From the tomato fields of her native Johns Island, South Carolina all the way to runway of the Miss America Pageant, Jane's contagious optimism helps audiences learn how to handle difficult life situations with a sense of humor and grace. Through really funny original Southern stories and award-winning singing audiences learn life-skills dealing with stress to achieve more success. Jane travels across the country and has spoken in New Zealand and Germany. She is fluent in four langues: English, Southern, Northern and Gullah.

Jane's story of overcoming being labeled Dyslexic and other challenges give audiences a recipe for balancing their own personal journey with humor and hope through folksy wisdom-Southern style.

Jane is the author of the book, "Bury Me with My Pearls," "Bare Feet to High Heels: You Don't Have to be a Beauty Queen to be a Beautiful Person,"and "What Ta-Tas Teach Us." Coming soon to be released September 2017 by Hachette Publishing, "Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops." https://goo.gl/aN5otq

As a professional singer, Jane has recorded multiple CDs including her Big Band, Gospel and Broadway CD entitled, "Favorites." In addition, Jane has recorded her CD of Christmas Classics entitled, "The Spirit Of Christmas" along with numerous live recording of her comedy and live speeches that are available on iTunes and Pandora.

For more information visit her web site: www.janeherlong.com and check out Jane's funny YouTube Channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/janeherl

Reviews

[Denise P. Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently purchased this book at a book signing by Ms. Herlong at a store in Tabor City, NC. I bought copies for me and my best friend, both of us in our 60’s. I had not heard of her or her books. I noticed that it was a short novel, but I was hooked from the first few pages. I laughed so much, read passages to my husband, and can’t wait for my friend to finish so we can discuss it together. I admire the author’s ability to weave the lives of these women together, though only seeing one another as a group once a year. The characters were each different, but they all complemented one another the way best friends should. The love and support they all shared with one another is priceless not only in fiction but real life. I will be looking up more of her books, I have actually been reading most of this book from a beach chair, and it has been one of the highlights of my SC beach vacation.

[Jamie Gatchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beach Trip: Laughs, Lies and a Dash of Divine

I enjoyed the book. I read it in one sitting. It had humor, tragedy, love, triumph and all the things that make a story good. However, there were some holes that left me feeling like the story was not full enough. The ending left too many questions for me. I know that is a good thing in certain novels, but it just wasn’t in this case. I do consider this a good story, and by all means, you should read it if you like clean, funny relationship stories.

[Nancy Franson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was given as a gift by a dear friend with whom I’d shared a beach trip with three other dear friends. Sweet read. Finished in one day. Would have liked if author had fleshed characters out more, given them more of a back story. Also thought that the ending was a bit too neat and tidy. Still, would make a good beach read.

[Deana Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laughs. Lies. A Dash of Divine

A love story between 5 friends

The forgetful one
The quiet and brave one
The lonely one
The lost one
The sassy one

Beach Trip will have you laughing and crying. It will have you reliving your own girls’ trip. But this year’s trip is about healing ❤️‍🩹

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Met the author at our Women’s Leadership Conference and and received a copy of her book. Been waiting to read it on my Outer Banks vacation and it did not disappoint! Quick read and easy to follow characters

[LB · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Fun and quick novella. Definite beach read size and content.

[Courtenay Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolute delight!
If you’re 60-ish, grew up in SC, and have friend groups that go waaaay back, you’ll love this book!