The Novelists

The Seaside Saga #28

by Joanne DeMaio

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes The Novelists, Book 28 of The Seaside Saga.

Maris and Neil. To many, they’re known as the novelists of Stony Point. But while Maris is tasked with completing Neil Barlow’s unfinished manuscript, there’s a problem. She’s stymied by the ending. It’s clear her old friend had something in mind—but what? In this New England beach town, Neil’s ghost is ever elusive.

Or is it? Because after a startling confession one evening, Neil unexpectedly returns to Maris—and Jason especially—in an entirely new way. A way that brings a stunning plot twist to Maris and Neil’s manuscript, as well as to Jason Barlow’s life.

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
Book 27 - The Architect
Book 28 - The Novelists
And more Seaside Saga Books

260 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2026

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

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been reading this series then you know how awesome they are. If you have not picked up any of these books, then you are missing an awesome story. You could probably read them separately and out of order but why would you want to.

She does an awesome job telling each story and making you feel like you are on the beach at Stoney Point with all the friends. I look forward to each and every book. Once I start reading the book keeps me interested that it takes me no time at all to finish it and then I find myself waiting for the next one to come out.

The characters are great but I think my favorites are Jason and Maris. Maris is trying to finish Neil's book The Driftline and she is trying to write the story using notes that she found from Neil.

Check out the book I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Novelists by Joanne DeMaio is #28 in her Seaside Saga. For those of you who have not read these books, think about an addictive series with numerous seasons that you end up binging. These books are binge-worthy. Each one has a cliff hanger and I have loved every book. This one finds Maris trying to finish Neil’s book. She is struggling with the end. Her husband, Jason is still dealing with the loss of his brother, Neil. Their new friend Ted changes everything with a box of tapes and a tape recorder. He essentially brings Neil back. All the Stony Point characters continue and it feels like coming home for a visit. Don’t miss this series. Enjoy!

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

It ain’t nothing

This put a meaning to this saga that brought me to tears, my heart hurting, and my head reeling. The characters walked off the page, took residence in my home and life. Thank you for giving such a meaningful memory.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 28 of the books in this series, loving the characters and their stories, becoming fully entrenched in their lives. There is intimacy and sincerity on every page, as we delve into their loves, their friendships, their mistakes, their joys, and their sorrows. Nothing comes easy for these folks, even when they are surrounded by those they love. There are often hard choices to be made, grief to overcome, people to forgive, and memories to remind them where they came from and where they’re going. Jason’s story is so intertwined with his brother’s, even years after the accident that ripped them apart, and new revelations bring all of that back to the forefront of Jason’s mind. I am always in awe of the strength of these characters, as well as their deep devotion and commitment to their families, friends, jobs, and the special beachside town where they all live.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to be amazed as you read this memorable 28th novel of The Seaside Saga by Joanne DeMaio.
Like the sea as it continues to rush ashore in Stony Point, so do many secrets rush to be heard. This is an emotional book and a few tears did come to my eyes. But that is what happens, when you become fully invested in the lives of the Stony Point friends. If you have the chance to listen to the Novelists, narrator Steven Barnett does the voices and depth of the characters wonderfully in each of the Seaside Saga books.

[Sharon Schaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The feelings it stirred up for both the characters in the book and the real world. Just amazing. Can't wait for the next one.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Novelists, the beach friends' story continues where The Architect left off. Author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader back to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut. The story takes place during early November where the readers will catch up with the beach friends' lives.

Just like in the previous installments, The Novelists is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and ever-changing life events. In this twenty-eighth installment in The Seaside Saga Series, the author catches the reader up with the beach friends' daily lives. And The Seaside Saga continues.

The Novelists opens up with Shane still struggling with what direction to take his life and relationship with Celia. Then there is Kyle who has been dealing with the lingering after-effect to the traumatic diner robbery by over-working himself at the diner. Maris is struggling with some of Neil's notes and is trying to finish the last chapters of Driftline before handing off the manuscript to Mitch for editing. Maris also receives a photo from Lauren that has her and Neil sitting on the beach from fifteen years ago, and Jason says it is a picture of the novelists, because that is what they are. Cliff has been dealing with his fifty-year-old secret of being the Little Sailor that caused Mitch's family grief, he considers whether it may be time to come clean about who he was back then to Mitch. Then we have Jason who is the keynote speaker at the annual Architecture Conference, and his moving speech about his brother Neil and dad John leads his friend Ted to give Jason a gift that he had been holding for John, oh what a wonderful but emotional gift it is for Jason ... but the author once again leaves the reader with another cliffhanger ending, we'll have to wait and see how Jason handles the gift in Driftline, the twenty-ninth 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 Novelists.

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.

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[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Novelists is the 28th book in Joanne DeMaio’s seaside saga. Readers probably wonder how someone can write a series that consists of so many books and still hold the readers attention. Well I have read them all and can tell you it’s because of all the wonderful characters involved. The stories take place in Stony Point, Connecticut, which I believe is a fictional beach town that sounds like the most beautiful, tranquil place to live. The characters are all people that I have grown attached to, in my mind I feel like I have actually come to know each and everyone of them even though they are fictional, they seem very real to me. They are either somehow related or just very close friends and the antics between them are so amusing at times. But the stories are really lifelike and not only depict fun and good times but display times of hurt, pain and heartache such as what it’s like to lose someone you love. This book I felt was extra special. While reading, it gave me a much deeper look into who Neil was and the bond that he and Jason his brother had shared. It was a really emotional book for me as tears were running down my face as I read it. It might actually be one of my favorites but honestly I have enjoyed them all. As usual the author leaves you kind of hanging at the end and I’m excited to find out who it is that is there with Jason during his demolition of the old cabin by the sea. For some reason it left me feeling like there just might be a move in the future for the Barlow’s but I’ll have to wait to read Driftline which releases on March 2, 2027 to see if my predictions are right. I’m giving this a 5 star rating and look forward to revisiting Stony Point very soon!

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Novelists by Joanne DeMaio
Catching up with the crew: Maris is almost done writing Neil's book from notes of his journal, talking to others and her own experiences with him.
Jason meets with Ted after a dinner meeting he took Ted, Kyle and his wife to.
Lots of hidden things arise from Ted, for Jason.
Kyle is still having issues with the diner break-in.
Shane is on the outs with Elsa and is trying to find out what job he could do if he switches his job from sea to land.
Cliff confronts Mitch when he wants to swap hats...
So many twists and turns and LOTS of new information about he past.
Love the travel, the ocean, the smells, the air itself, listening about others careers and how they do them. Love hearing of the approach of the fall and the decorating...
Lot more love making than we had been seeing. WOW things I never thought would happen are now happening!
So much at every turn of the page that will keep you reading til the book is completed.
I can never just put the book down once I have them in my hands.
Great entertainment and can't wait for the next.

[Karen Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Novelist - what a great addition to The Seaside Saga! I wasn't expecting the raw emotion and how powerful The Novelist would be. From Kyle trying to figure out how to have a better relationship with his brother, Shane. Cliff finally letting on that he is the little sailor boy everyone looked for many years ago. Maris trying to finish up the book, "Driftline" that Neil started while using his journal and notes that made no sense at first. Ted reaching out to Jason letting him know about the relationship Ted and Jason's Dad developed after Jason's accident (the one that killed Neil). Ted giving Jason the box of cassette tapes that his Dad left with Ted (tapes Neil recorded when Jason left to go to start a new job). Jaso listening to those tapes and all of the emotion they brought up. This book was very hard to put down. Bravo Joanne as this was awesome! Definitely can't wait until "Driftline" comes out.

[Kristen Karter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this episode of the seaside saga really made me feel deeply for Maris, Jason, Celia, Shane, Elsa, Cliff, etc. I felt Maris’s determination and her persistence to getting the Driftline book finished, my heart went out to Jason as he glanced over the various photos of his brother Neil and his dad, how sad he felt when he listened to Neil’s tapes and recalled the stories that his dad would share with him and his brother, I felt Shane’s confusion on where he should live whether he stays in Maine and break it off with Celia or go and live in Stony Point and have a life with Celia and Aria and find work there too. I felt Elsa’s fear of losing Celia and Aria if Celia decided to move to Maine live with Shane or her relief if she decided to stay in Stony Point. Can’t wait to see what next adventures await the characters of the Seaside Saga.

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

The Novelists continues right where the previous book ended, dropping me into the world of Maris and Neil, as she continues writing Neil's story. Life goes on in Stony Point, as people are living their best lives as love, friendship, and drama continue. I love this community and all of the people who live there. I find myself completely wrapped up in their lives and enjoy each moment I get to spend with them.

And like always with this series, the ending leaves me wanting more and wondering where the story is going to go from here. I'm love getting the newest story in the Seaside Saga and quickly devour it, anxious for the next installment. I highly recommend this series and this author.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series.The author always manages to include key elements from previous novels.Shane must make a life decision about whether he moves and restarts life in Conn with Celia, or return to the sea in Me.Maris is plugging away at Neil ‘s unfinished novel.Does Jason listening to Neil’s tapes fill him with guilt?How will Maris incorporate the meaning of Neil’s notes in the novel?Who stops Jason from destroying the abandoned cottage?As always the cliffhanger ending leaving you wanting answers!March is just too far away.

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best of the Seaside Saga books released this year. I had a very hard time putting it down. We learned so much about Jason and his brother. Although very emotional, I enjoyed getting to know Neil more. It is clear Jason is still struggling with the loss of his brother. In the last scene of the book, I can truly feel his frustration, sadness, and anger over Neil’s death. The author, once again, leaves us hanging at the end of the book and I can’t wait for the next one to be released next year. A truly amazing series.

[Christie Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best installment so far

I feel like all the prior iterations were black and white sketches of life at Stony Point, and Joanne has broken out the crayons to color inside the lines and bring the characters to life. The history was well researched, and added depth and more emotion. I especially appreciated seeing Jason’s vulnerability - he always seemed so strong for everyone and it’s a change to see a chink in the armor. I feel more optimistic for everyone. I can’t wait for Driftline, where the Sound washes up on shore and cleanses the crew.

[Joanne Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Revelations

I have read every one of Joanne DeMaio's books. This one, The Novelists, is by far her best ever!
I look forward to returning to Stony Point & my friends often. This time the visit was deep & personal for Jason, Cliff & Shane. They each went on a self reflecting journey to free themselves of the weight holding them back from moving forward in their lives.
The author has surpassed herself showcasing her talent for telling a story that was gripping, keeping us glued to each page & leaving breathless. Bravo👏

[Penny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to THE SEASIDE SAGA series. The characters in this series have been perfectly created. The series takes place in a quaint little New England beach town, Stony Point. The characters are close-knit and support each other through thick and thin.
Maris continues to work on the manuscript that Jason’s brother, Neil, started before his death. It will be a wonderful tribute to him. And it means the world to Jason.
There are lots of twists and turns, tears and laughter. If you want a great series to read, start with Book 1. You won’t be disappointed!!

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get so excited when I know that there's a new book to there series being released! I can't wait to start reading and turning the pages to see what adventures all my friends are on in this book! Joanne always surprises me because she writes such great stories! Be sure to get your copy so you can keep caught up! Don't forget to leave that all important review, authors love them. Thanks Joanne for another great book!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've stuck with this series. It is about a group of friends that meet at the fictional CT shore community. It could be a Hallmark series. My complaint each book is very short. You can read in a day or two and they are expensive. I think the author could merge some stories or explore the stories a little more. I keep saying I'm not going to continue with the series but I still seem too. Don't pick up to read if your not invested to read 28+ short books.

[COLLEEN D UPTON · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Novelists

I've read every book from the Seaside Saga and really enjoyed each one. This book just went back and forth leaving me feeling distracted. No real direction on the characters. Hopefully the next book will relate more to the relationship we want to see succeed. And to carry on with memories we've come to love from this wonderful series.

[Cindy Reddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! Another great book in the Seaside Saga. Maris trying to figure out how to finish the book Neil left behind and the emotions it brought gave me all the feels. Like with all the other books, I cried and laughed with our dear friends. Can’t wait for the next chapter in this series.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of the series so !

Loved this book!! Again I was smacked in face with the abrupt ending but as usual it made me anxious for the next book.

[Teresa Tipton · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series. I love any book by Joanne Demaio. I highly recommend this series. I received an arc and this is my honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read
The best one yet! This has been one of the best series I’ve ever read and each book has me anxiously waiting for the next one! Keep it up Joanne.

[Becky Rathke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again a home run for Joanne! The beach friends brought all the emotions. Absolutely love this series and can’t wait for the next book to see what happens..

[Kathie Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though i knew it was about to end i did not want it to
I am so involved in this series and feel like i know all the characters personally.
I can’t wait to see what happens next