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Ten Beach Road #4
Sunshine Beach
In this brand-new summer read by the USA Today bestselling author of The House on Mermaid Point, three women join forces to bring a historic seaside hotel back to life… There’s nothing that a fresh coat of paint and a few glasses of wine can’t fix… After losing their life savings in a Ponzi scheme, Maddie, Avery, and Nikki have banded together to make the most of what they have left, using their determination, ingenuity, guts, and a large dose of elbow grease. It’s Maddie’s daughter Kyra who stumbles across a once glorious beachfront hotel that has fallen into disrepair. The opportunity to renovate this seaside jewel is too good to pass up—especially when they come up with the idea of shooting their own independent television show about the restoration. What could possibly go wrong? Everything. With the cameras rolling, Maddie’s second-chance romance with her all-too-famous new boyfriend gets complicated, Avery struggles with grief over the loss of her mother, and Nikki’s reluctance to commit to the man who loves her could leave her to face the biggest challenge of her life. Even the hotel seems to be against them, when their renovation uncovers a decades-old unsolved murder which just might bring their lives tumbling down all over again…
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2016
327 people are currently reading
3167 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Wax
22 books1,583 followersI write novels that explore friendship, self-discovery and the challenges life brings us, leavened with a touch of humor. I'm proud of all my books and perhaps best known for my "Ten Beach Road" titles including the USA Today bestsellers, Ten Beach Road and The House on Mermaid Point, and for While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.
I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
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June 8, 2025
Top 50 Books of 2016!
Talented Southern storyteller, Wendy Wax returns with my favorite gals and summer series, following the last wild renovation adventure, The House on Mermaid Point (2014) with her fourth installment of the Ten Beach Road series: SUNSHINE BEACH.
This time around, the gals, are on to the next exciting boutique hotel renovation project while stumbling upon a mysterious past.
A quaint 1952 Gulf Coast historic seaside , Old Florida family owned hotel with plenty of dark mysterious secrets and an unsolved old murder case.
From wit, romance, cocktails, summer fun, and redos— plus plenty of their own personal and professional drama, and action! They all need a Do Over to pour themselves into, after being let down at the network. There was no reward without risk, and certainly not without hard work. The gals are ready for the fight!
From living together in one house, a business; taking on challenges, of restoring historic Florida seaside properties, a Do Over TV Show—while all the while developing bonds of strong friendship, and reinventing themselves even better the second time around. (some romance involved, as well).
The book opens with a brief opening, July 1952 at the Sunshine Hotel and Beach Club at Pass-a-Grille, on the Gulf coast of Florida.
A young five-year-old girl, wanting to show off for her parents with her superb swimming skills. The place was almost empty during the summer season and the winter folks had left the small family owned hotel and cottages. She liked to stay under water and surprise everyone. However, she only found her know-it-all sister watching.
Flash forward to the present - catching up with gals from the Florida Keys with their last project from Mermaid Point in Islamorada, Florida.
Madeline Singer (51 yrs old, mother of two, and grandmother of one) former divorced suburban housewife, now officially dating live rock star William Hightower (age 62). They are at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar (one of my favorites when I lived there), and all the women are flocking over the older star, the musician who is making a comeback with his new song, “Free Fall”.
The crew formerly, was to turn Hightower’s private island into a high-end bed and breakfast, which ultimately turned into a sober living facility. They were there celebrating his first song he had written in more than a decade without the benefits of drugs or alcohol. He only has eyes for Maddie; however, does not stop women from throwing themselves on him, making her feel some insecurities.
Maddie and William are heading up to the famous Bella Flora, (Historic, Pass-A-Grille, the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach), to their first renovation; the house, she Nichole and Avery had nursed back to life which had now become their new home on the West Coast of Florida. They would have to figure out what to do about the show they had created, lost control of, and then quit publicly—a wreckage.
Kyra (Maddie’s daughter) and grandson, Dustin (2 ½ yrs. old) live in the Bella Flora house after her ex-boyfriend and her son’s father, Daniel (movie star) bought the house for them (worth millions). They put their heart and soul into the house and are looking forward to coming together once again.
Maddie, Nikki, Avery, and Kyra had become close friends and all the gals still love to hold their nightly happy hour with cheese doodles and cocktails, in between hiding out from the cameras, media, and paparazzi.
Daniel still comes to visit in an array of disguises from Hollywood. The cameras are always rolling. Now they have another star, William to link to, plus the media always wants to get a glimpse of Dustin- and get the scoop on what the gals have planned, next. (and catch them at their worst). Not a lot of privacy. . .
The gals had lost everything due to Malcolm Dyer’s Ponzi scheme and now two years later than had managed to stay afloat with their renovation projects—from filming, seeking sponsors, and a lot of down and dirty hard work for their show Do Over.
They have also lost one of their team, beloved Deirdre (Avery’s mom) a top designer on Do Over, and now things will be sad when they all return to Bella Flora. She had been full of life one minute, and dead the next. She and daughter had only just found their way back to one another. Who could replace her?
Malcom, Nichole’s (Nikki) brother put her in a bad place, from earlier books. She is still dating the Joe—the hunky FBI, she met during the investigation, out of Miami. He wants to take their relationship to the next level. However, she is not so sure, since their careers are up in the air, plus she feels like she failed with her brother Malcolm.
The gals have to decide where to go from here since they worked too hard to lose it all now. They need money coming in. They want to find a project, get sponsors and start filming. Hopefully, they could pitch to other networks since they have a track record and possibly HGTV would be a good fit.
Their old network which handled their renovation show turned it into a mean-spirited reality TV show. They want to produce something of their own if they can make it work. Their relationship with the current network is under review. They need to find a new renovation project close by in order to stay in Bella Flora house, rent free.
While they are looking at all their options, they stumble upon an older small family owned hotel, Sunshine Hotel, not too far from Don CeSar Hotel (I love). The property was run-down and closed, but no For Sale sign. It would have plenty of history and they are intrigued. After research, they find a man had died there under mysterious circumstances in the early fifties. The main suspect disappeared the same day and was never found.
They meet with Franklin Realty and John’s wife, Renee (who had helped them with the gardens and restoration at Bella Flora). They laid out their plan, after doing research—and let them know their interest in renovating the Sunshine Hotel. It originally opened in 1942 and was owned by a man named Ezra Handelman. He died there in the early fifties. His wife disappeared the same night. The police named her as the main suspect.
The gals are shocked to learn the hotel belongs to two sisters. They are not interested in a renovation project. One sister says tear it down and bulldoze the hotel, and the other wants to keep it alive- hoping they will reopen the case of the unsolved mystery.
A sore subject since everyone thought their mother killed their dad. They had not heard of her since, being raised by their grandparents, having inherited the old hotel. It was sitting there, untouched in all these years, sitting on prime real estate. They were only young girls, ages five and eight years old at the time.
The gals want this project desperately for their show. Obstacles and tension are mounting, while they use every trick in the book to change the minds of the owners. This would be the perfect project to get them back on track!
They can see a retro look with a nice beach casual vibe (less showy than South Beach or Ft. Lauderdale). They have to be careful so as not to exploit the women, the way they were done. It has more than sixty years ago, and the tragedy was still a reminder of their parent’s death. They get the police and FBI involved to reopen the case.
They want to bring back the property to its heyday. Quaint and laid back. (You have to love those old 1920-1950’s Old Florida style motel/hotels– family owned). With cottages, pool, and a perfect prime location to relive a scene from Happy Days. A prime example of mid- twentieth-century architecture which is hot, or a remake of Psycho after they fumigated. They are up for the task. This is not their first rodeo!
The family lived here after the war while Renee’s father was helping to run the hotel. The girls were young and lived on the property with their parents. They have never gotten over the tragedy. They had no closure. The sister does not think her mother did it. She thinks an intruder killed their father and abducted their mother, even though there was no evidence. Renee wants it torn down.
While the team continues working on a compromise, trying to attain the Sunshine Hotel for their Do Over project, they have the job of replacing Deidre. (This part was hilarious, with the interviews and look-a-likes). Love Ray! (hope we see more of him).
Between all the mystery around the project and its past, the renovation, Maddie’s ex-husband Steve shows up, since he lost his money in the same scheme, and does not like his ex-wife dating a rock star. He is being a freeloader and not pulling his weight. Maddie and William are trying to see each when they can. Daniel is trying to wear down Kyra (filmmaker), Nichole is having issues with Joe since he wants a family and marriage. Avery is still dating Chase, who shares her love of historically interesting structures, he and his father and sons are dropping in and she is missing her mom, especially when they see the last show.
Plus, there is still money missing and unaccounted for-- and her brother is in prison and wants to see her. Does he have money hidden somewhere and probably expects her to find it? How can she see him after what he did to Avery’s father, Maddie and her family, and Nikki herself?
From challenges, and obstacles---full of life, wit, design, history, renovations, romance, chick-lit, summer beach fun, ex’s, concerts, with a cast of characters I have adored since Book #1! This time, they get a new added twist from forensics, crime scene, mystery, suspense, and an old murder when they find more than they expected when they begin their renovation. They may become a part of solving a mystery, and help this family move on—and hopefully, a hotel brought back to life. And possibly a new show for next series? Can't wait.
I loved catching up with Bitsy Baynard from my neck of the woods (Palm Beach), Enrico, the roofer, and love Maddie and William's romance, Nikki and Joe, Avery and Chase, Dustin and Kyra, and as always lots of charm. Plus in this edition, someone has some news at the end, which hopefully we will learn more with the next installment.
One of my favorite summer covers! So nice to catch up with the gals, their lives, and the new exciting Florida renovation project. Sunshine Beach has non-stop action and adventure. It makes you want to join them for their nightly cocktails overlooking the sunset.
Wax's passion is reflected throughout the pages with her vivid Florida settings, as characters come alive. (great job with construction, renovation, and design). I love the west Gulf Coast area as much as the east coast (actually beaches are prettier). My Gulf Coast favorite hidden spot.
Please do not let this series end! Where Memories are made! Each can be read as a standalone, (but why limit yourself)? Highly recommend reading ALL the books. My favorite summer beach series. Fun, fun, fun!
Ten Beach Road #1
Ocean Beach #2
Christmas at the Beach #2.5
The House on Mermaid Point #3
Look for One Good Thing Coming April 25, 2017, as we continue the journey with this incredible women! When friendship is made for times like these, to keep each other—and their dreams—from crumbling.
Wendy, I share your love of Florida on the East Coast!
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Talented Southern storyteller, Wendy Wax returns with my favorite gals and summer series, following the last wild renovation adventure, The House on Mermaid Point (2014) with her fourth installment of the Ten Beach Road series: SUNSHINE BEACH.
This time around, the gals, are on to the next exciting boutique hotel renovation project while stumbling upon a mysterious past.
A quaint 1952 Gulf Coast historic seaside , Old Florida family owned hotel with plenty of dark mysterious secrets and an unsolved old murder case.
From wit, romance, cocktails, summer fun, and redos— plus plenty of their own personal and professional drama, and action! They all need a Do Over to pour themselves into, after being let down at the network. There was no reward without risk, and certainly not without hard work. The gals are ready for the fight!
From living together in one house, a business; taking on challenges, of restoring historic Florida seaside properties, a Do Over TV Show—while all the while developing bonds of strong friendship, and reinventing themselves even better the second time around. (some romance involved, as well).
The book opens with a brief opening, July 1952 at the Sunshine Hotel and Beach Club at Pass-a-Grille, on the Gulf coast of Florida.
A young five-year-old girl, wanting to show off for her parents with her superb swimming skills. The place was almost empty during the summer season and the winter folks had left the small family owned hotel and cottages. She liked to stay under water and surprise everyone. However, she only found her know-it-all sister watching.
Flash forward to the present - catching up with gals from the Florida Keys with their last project from Mermaid Point in Islamorada, Florida.
Madeline Singer (51 yrs old, mother of two, and grandmother of one) former divorced suburban housewife, now officially dating live rock star William Hightower (age 62). They are at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar (one of my favorites when I lived there), and all the women are flocking over the older star, the musician who is making a comeback with his new song, “Free Fall”.
The crew formerly, was to turn Hightower’s private island into a high-end bed and breakfast, which ultimately turned into a sober living facility. They were there celebrating his first song he had written in more than a decade without the benefits of drugs or alcohol. He only has eyes for Maddie; however, does not stop women from throwing themselves on him, making her feel some insecurities.
Maddie and William are heading up to the famous Bella Flora, (Historic, Pass-A-Grille, the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach), to their first renovation; the house, she Nichole and Avery had nursed back to life which had now become their new home on the West Coast of Florida. They would have to figure out what to do about the show they had created, lost control of, and then quit publicly—a wreckage.
Kyra (Maddie’s daughter) and grandson, Dustin (2 ½ yrs. old) live in the Bella Flora house after her ex-boyfriend and her son’s father, Daniel (movie star) bought the house for them (worth millions). They put their heart and soul into the house and are looking forward to coming together once again.
Maddie, Nikki, Avery, and Kyra had become close friends and all the gals still love to hold their nightly happy hour with cheese doodles and cocktails, in between hiding out from the cameras, media, and paparazzi.
Daniel still comes to visit in an array of disguises from Hollywood. The cameras are always rolling. Now they have another star, William to link to, plus the media always wants to get a glimpse of Dustin- and get the scoop on what the gals have planned, next. (and catch them at their worst). Not a lot of privacy. . .
The gals had lost everything due to Malcolm Dyer’s Ponzi scheme and now two years later than had managed to stay afloat with their renovation projects—from filming, seeking sponsors, and a lot of down and dirty hard work for their show Do Over.
They have also lost one of their team, beloved Deirdre (Avery’s mom) a top designer on Do Over, and now things will be sad when they all return to Bella Flora. She had been full of life one minute, and dead the next. She and daughter had only just found their way back to one another. Who could replace her?
Malcom, Nichole’s (Nikki) brother put her in a bad place, from earlier books. She is still dating the Joe—the hunky FBI, she met during the investigation, out of Miami. He wants to take their relationship to the next level. However, she is not so sure, since their careers are up in the air, plus she feels like she failed with her brother Malcolm.
The gals have to decide where to go from here since they worked too hard to lose it all now. They need money coming in. They want to find a project, get sponsors and start filming. Hopefully, they could pitch to other networks since they have a track record and possibly HGTV would be a good fit.
Their old network which handled their renovation show turned it into a mean-spirited reality TV show. They want to produce something of their own if they can make it work. Their relationship with the current network is under review. They need to find a new renovation project close by in order to stay in Bella Flora house, rent free.
While they are looking at all their options, they stumble upon an older small family owned hotel, Sunshine Hotel, not too far from Don CeSar Hotel (I love). The property was run-down and closed, but no For Sale sign. It would have plenty of history and they are intrigued. After research, they find a man had died there under mysterious circumstances in the early fifties. The main suspect disappeared the same day and was never found.
They meet with Franklin Realty and John’s wife, Renee (who had helped them with the gardens and restoration at Bella Flora). They laid out their plan, after doing research—and let them know their interest in renovating the Sunshine Hotel. It originally opened in 1942 and was owned by a man named Ezra Handelman. He died there in the early fifties. His wife disappeared the same night. The police named her as the main suspect.
The gals are shocked to learn the hotel belongs to two sisters. They are not interested in a renovation project. One sister says tear it down and bulldoze the hotel, and the other wants to keep it alive- hoping they will reopen the case of the unsolved mystery.
A sore subject since everyone thought their mother killed their dad. They had not heard of her since, being raised by their grandparents, having inherited the old hotel. It was sitting there, untouched in all these years, sitting on prime real estate. They were only young girls, ages five and eight years old at the time.
The gals want this project desperately for their show. Obstacles and tension are mounting, while they use every trick in the book to change the minds of the owners. This would be the perfect project to get them back on track!
They can see a retro look with a nice beach casual vibe (less showy than South Beach or Ft. Lauderdale). They have to be careful so as not to exploit the women, the way they were done. It has more than sixty years ago, and the tragedy was still a reminder of their parent’s death. They get the police and FBI involved to reopen the case.
They want to bring back the property to its heyday. Quaint and laid back. (You have to love those old 1920-1950’s Old Florida style motel/hotels– family owned). With cottages, pool, and a perfect prime location to relive a scene from Happy Days. A prime example of mid- twentieth-century architecture which is hot, or a remake of Psycho after they fumigated. They are up for the task. This is not their first rodeo!
The family lived here after the war while Renee’s father was helping to run the hotel. The girls were young and lived on the property with their parents. They have never gotten over the tragedy. They had no closure. The sister does not think her mother did it. She thinks an intruder killed their father and abducted their mother, even though there was no evidence. Renee wants it torn down.
While the team continues working on a compromise, trying to attain the Sunshine Hotel for their Do Over project, they have the job of replacing Deidre. (This part was hilarious, with the interviews and look-a-likes). Love Ray! (hope we see more of him).
Between all the mystery around the project and its past, the renovation, Maddie’s ex-husband Steve shows up, since he lost his money in the same scheme, and does not like his ex-wife dating a rock star. He is being a freeloader and not pulling his weight. Maddie and William are trying to see each when they can. Daniel is trying to wear down Kyra (filmmaker), Nichole is having issues with Joe since he wants a family and marriage. Avery is still dating Chase, who shares her love of historically interesting structures, he and his father and sons are dropping in and she is missing her mom, especially when they see the last show.
Plus, there is still money missing and unaccounted for-- and her brother is in prison and wants to see her. Does he have money hidden somewhere and probably expects her to find it? How can she see him after what he did to Avery’s father, Maddie and her family, and Nikki herself?
From challenges, and obstacles---full of life, wit, design, history, renovations, romance, chick-lit, summer beach fun, ex’s, concerts, with a cast of characters I have adored since Book #1! This time, they get a new added twist from forensics, crime scene, mystery, suspense, and an old murder when they find more than they expected when they begin their renovation. They may become a part of solving a mystery, and help this family move on—and hopefully, a hotel brought back to life. And possibly a new show for next series? Can't wait.
I loved catching up with Bitsy Baynard from my neck of the woods (Palm Beach), Enrico, the roofer, and love Maddie and William's romance, Nikki and Joe, Avery and Chase, Dustin and Kyra, and as always lots of charm. Plus in this edition, someone has some news at the end, which hopefully we will learn more with the next installment.
One of my favorite summer covers! So nice to catch up with the gals, their lives, and the new exciting Florida renovation project. Sunshine Beach has non-stop action and adventure. It makes you want to join them for their nightly cocktails overlooking the sunset.
Wax's passion is reflected throughout the pages with her vivid Florida settings, as characters come alive. (great job with construction, renovation, and design). I love the west Gulf Coast area as much as the east coast (actually beaches are prettier). My Gulf Coast favorite hidden spot.
Please do not let this series end! Where Memories are made! Each can be read as a standalone, (but why limit yourself)? Highly recommend reading ALL the books. My favorite summer beach series. Fun, fun, fun!
Ten Beach Road #1
Ocean Beach #2
Christmas at the Beach #2.5
The House on Mermaid Point #3
Look for One Good Thing Coming April 25, 2017, as we continue the journey with this incredible women! When friendship is made for times like these, to keep each other—and their dreams—from crumbling.
Wendy, I share your love of Florida on the East Coast!
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2016
Sunshine Beach is the fourth book in the series. We get to meet up with the ladies as they plan the next steps in the next do over in their home renovation TV show. With hearts and family on the line, we get an intimate look at all of the behind the scenes issues with the renovation as well as an unsolved murder that keeps the intrigue high.
With deep insight into the ladies lives, we are once again entertained by the good friends and co workers as they work on their life issues and business too.
Because this is part of a series, you should definitely read one of the other books first, just to get to know the characters. This book starts off immediately assuming that you know who they are so you could feel lost. It took me a few pages to remember who is who myself.
Wendy Wax knows how to entertain us with her fun summer beach reads series. Perfect for those lazy days and hot evenings. Beautifully written with imaginative descriptions that transports us to the Florida beaches, you will enjoy this read.
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/sunshine-beac... copy rec'd for review purposes
With deep insight into the ladies lives, we are once again entertained by the good friends and co workers as they work on their life issues and business too.
Because this is part of a series, you should definitely read one of the other books first, just to get to know the characters. This book starts off immediately assuming that you know who they are so you could feel lost. It took me a few pages to remember who is who myself.
Wendy Wax knows how to entertain us with her fun summer beach reads series. Perfect for those lazy days and hot evenings. Beautifully written with imaginative descriptions that transports us to the Florida beaches, you will enjoy this read.
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/sunshine-beac... copy rec'd for review purposes
August 12, 2016
I've read the first three of the Ten Beach Road series and was eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. It did not disappoint. I was torn between wanting to binge read the entire book, and forcing myself to slow down to make it last longer. I think its best if you read them in order, otherwise you won't know the history these 4 women have built and the other characters that come back into their lives again in this book. My only negative is that now I have to wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
June 30, 2016
Sunshine Beach by Wendy Wax is the fourth book in the Ten Beach Road series. The story starts in 1952 at the Sunshine Beach Club in Pass-a-Grille, Florida. A little girl that likes to show off who lives with her parents, older sister, and grandparents at the Sunshine Hotel and Beach Club. We then return to the present day as the group slowly returns to Bella Flora (also in Pass-a-Grille). Nicole, Madeline, Avery, and Kyra need to discuss what they are going to do now. They walked out on the home improvement they were working on after the network made them all look horrible and for the treatment they received. The group decides to produce a show on their terms, but they need a new project. They need a local project to save on costs. Kyra is out walking with her son, Dustin and discovers the abandoned Sunshine Hotel and Beach Club. It would be the perfect project. The owner turns out to be Renee Franklin (John Franklin’s wife) and her sister, Annelise Handleman (a real piece of work). The two sisters inherited the property jointly (which means they both have to agree on the disposition of the estate). But because of what happened to their parents, the two sisters (especially Annelise) cannot move on. Renee and Annelise never found out what happened to their mother. She disappeared and was never heard from again. They agree to let the four women work on the hotel, if the investigation into their mother’s disappearance is reopened. Annelise, an avid crime show watcher, is convinced that evidence will still exist in her parent’s cottage (which has not been touched). Will the ladies be able to make their own show and revitalize the Sunshine Hotel? Can the police figure out what happened to Renee and Annelise’s parents? You will have to read Sunshine Beach to find out!
I normally enjoy reading the books in this series (there a nice break) and was looking forward to this latest installment. But Sunshine Beach was a big letdown. It seemed to dwell more on Nicole and Joe’s relationship and Nicole’s commitment issues; Malcolm Dyer (Nicole’s brother and the person responsible for the Ponzi scheme) wanting to see Nicole (and it would help the FBI), but she does not wish to see him (and dwells on it for many pages); Kyra and Daniel Deranian’s relationship (even though he is married), the press (which are camped out in front of Bella Flora), and their son, Dustin; Avery having trouble dealing with the loss of her mother, Deidre Morgan (they were estranged for more than two decades); and Maddie’s romance with recovering rock-n-roll star, Will Hightower. I have to admit that the characters (that I normally enjoyed) got on my nerves in Sunshine Beach (too many issues especially with Nicole). I thought the pace was slow and the renovation project rushed. This book just was okay. I give Sunshine Beach 3 out of 5 stars. There was definitely something lacking in Sunshine Beach. This book was just not up to Wendy Wax’s usual standards. Sunshine Beach can be read as a stand-alone novel. Ms. Wax does a great job of updating the reader on what happened in the previous novels. I will probably read the next book in the series, but I think it should be the last book. It is time to put Ten Beach Road series to bed (let it go out with the tides).
I received a complimentary copy of Sunshine Beach from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
I normally enjoy reading the books in this series (there a nice break) and was looking forward to this latest installment. But Sunshine Beach was a big letdown. It seemed to dwell more on Nicole and Joe’s relationship and Nicole’s commitment issues; Malcolm Dyer (Nicole’s brother and the person responsible for the Ponzi scheme) wanting to see Nicole (and it would help the FBI), but she does not wish to see him (and dwells on it for many pages); Kyra and Daniel Deranian’s relationship (even though he is married), the press (which are camped out in front of Bella Flora), and their son, Dustin; Avery having trouble dealing with the loss of her mother, Deidre Morgan (they were estranged for more than two decades); and Maddie’s romance with recovering rock-n-roll star, Will Hightower. I have to admit that the characters (that I normally enjoyed) got on my nerves in Sunshine Beach (too many issues especially with Nicole). I thought the pace was slow and the renovation project rushed. This book just was okay. I give Sunshine Beach 3 out of 5 stars. There was definitely something lacking in Sunshine Beach. This book was just not up to Wendy Wax’s usual standards. Sunshine Beach can be read as a stand-alone novel. Ms. Wax does a great job of updating the reader on what happened in the previous novels. I will probably read the next book in the series, but I think it should be the last book. It is time to put Ten Beach Road series to bed (let it go out with the tides).
I received a complimentary copy of Sunshine Beach from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
July 6, 2016
Sunshine Beach by Wendy Wax is an entertaining continuation of a beach series revolving around a group of very talented women who restore derelict properties. Sunshine Beach hotel suffered from a major disaster, murder/disappearing suspect, in the mid-twentieth century. Fortunately our gifted group has the expertise and willing to put in the elbow grease to bring the lovely Florida gulf coast property back to life. And, to solve the mystery! I'm a big fan of Ms. Wax characters: Maddie, Kyra, Avery, and Nikki with their attendant companions. I look forward to reading her next novel.
I was lucky to receive Sunshine Beach through goodreads.
I was lucky to receive Sunshine Beach through goodreads.
September 14, 2016
I enjoyed #4 in the series, although this was less about renovation and more about the ongoing relationships that everyone has. And an old unsolved mystery of a murder. I would have liked a little bit more resolution at the end, but that's just me!
Narration of the book was excellent.
Narration of the book was excellent.
August 19, 2016
As always with any Wendy Wax book, you feel like you're revisiting old friends. I enjoy this series & its characters.
January 26, 2017
Grown women acting like teens. Kinda fun as chick lit, but several of the women were idiots. Editor needs to do a word-count check on "skitter."
May 27, 2018
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Sunshine Beach is #4 in the series and it is a little different from the previous books. While there is a renovation project happening, sort of, this is more about the women's growing personal relationships. I am cheering wildly for Maddie and just want to shake some sense into Nicole, but that's just the 50+ woman and mother in me. This was a good read and I look forward to the next book.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
June 19, 2019
Another cute installment of the series. The reason I keep reading these is for the 4 women's stories- not the renovation project that they're doing. That was especially true in this one. I had no interest in the hotel they were renovating and the mystery involved with that. I thought it was uninteresting and underdeveloped and really just felt like something the author threw in because that's what these women do, but she wanted us to be emotionally invested in the homeowners and their story as well. There's also an accidental pregnancy in this book and I just hate that trope. ESPECIALLY when its someone who has struggled with fertility and then woops! It just happens! It's so unrealistic and almost disrespectful to the infertility community that it is just one of my major red flags. I also don't like the weird on/off cheating relationship thats going on. Married is married in my opinion. Finally, I'm not really sure what kind of show Do Over is. They mentioned in past books that it showed Max's murder and then it alludes to the fact that it shows Dierdre's death too. This is public TV right?
Overall, I will continue reading because I love reading these women's stories, but hopefully the next renovation project is more interesting.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Unlike the others, this one is told pretty evenly through all perspectives. I'd say we get more of Nikki than anyone else, but not by much.
Kira and Daniel still have a very gray relationship. Dustin goes on set with Daniel for awhile and Kira's not thrilled about it, but recognizes the value and they are very flirty and friendly. They kiss in this book and Daniel says all sorts of things to her that are not at all appropriate for a married man to be saying.
Maddie is still being the mom of the group. Steve, her ex husband, comes to Bella Flora to try to rekindle their relationship, but she's happily with Will and Steve is still being shut down and needy. He expects everyone to cater to him because Maddie always did, but thankfully Kira has a come to Jesus talk with him and he starts actually being helpful. Maddie and Will are still going strong, though there is some jealousy now that his music career has sparked back up and he's on tour.
Avery and Chase are still together and going strong. She's really grieving the loss of her mother, Deirdre, especially as the Mermaid Point season of Do Over is airing and she has to watch her be alive and their relationship not be great.
Finally, Nikki and Joe are very rocky. He still wants to get married; she still doesn't. They end up breaking up because they just can't get on the same page, but then she starts feeling really sick and SURPRISE! She's pregnant with twins. She doesn't tell him and he gets really mad and accuses her of sleeping with someone else, but in the end, they get back on better terms and the book ends with Nikki saying she'll figure out how to be a parent because she's got her tribe (including Joe and the other women). She says she had fertility problems in the past and its just so annoying to me that she just so happened to get pregnant.
Finally, they mystery is an old hotel that the owner's are split on what they want to do with it because there was a murder. It's a pair of sisters and the dad was killed and they've always blamed the mom but she disappeared. Long story short, it was a world war thing and there was another guy who loved the mom so he came and killed them both. The sisters decide to tear the hotel down but in the end, its all okay and they renovate it to be a functioning hotel again. Yay.
Overall, I will continue reading because I love reading these women's stories, but hopefully the next renovation project is more interesting.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Unlike the others, this one is told pretty evenly through all perspectives. I'd say we get more of Nikki than anyone else, but not by much.
Kira and Daniel still have a very gray relationship. Dustin goes on set with Daniel for awhile and Kira's not thrilled about it, but recognizes the value and they are very flirty and friendly. They kiss in this book and Daniel says all sorts of things to her that are not at all appropriate for a married man to be saying.
Maddie is still being the mom of the group. Steve, her ex husband, comes to Bella Flora to try to rekindle their relationship, but she's happily with Will and Steve is still being shut down and needy. He expects everyone to cater to him because Maddie always did, but thankfully Kira has a come to Jesus talk with him and he starts actually being helpful. Maddie and Will are still going strong, though there is some jealousy now that his music career has sparked back up and he's on tour.
Avery and Chase are still together and going strong. She's really grieving the loss of her mother, Deirdre, especially as the Mermaid Point season of Do Over is airing and she has to watch her be alive and their relationship not be great.
Finally, Nikki and Joe are very rocky. He still wants to get married; she still doesn't. They end up breaking up because they just can't get on the same page, but then she starts feeling really sick and SURPRISE! She's pregnant with twins. She doesn't tell him and he gets really mad and accuses her of sleeping with someone else, but in the end, they get back on better terms and the book ends with Nikki saying she'll figure out how to be a parent because she's got her tribe (including Joe and the other women). She says she had fertility problems in the past and its just so annoying to me that she just so happened to get pregnant.
Finally, they mystery is an old hotel that the owner's are split on what they want to do with it because there was a murder. It's a pair of sisters and the dad was killed and they've always blamed the mom but she disappeared. Long story short, it was a world war thing and there was another guy who loved the mom so he came and killed them both. The sisters decide to tear the hotel down but in the end, its all okay and they renovate it to be a functioning hotel again. Yay.
June 1, 2022
3.5 Stars. I really do enjoy this series and once again this was like visiting old friends.
It's been six months since the end of the last book and the Do Over crew is regrouping at Bella Flora to determine what they should do next following their nasty breakup with Lifetime.
Before the others arrive, Kyra stumbles across an abandoned property not far from Bella Flora and learns that it has a storied past including an unsolved murder - and that the owners are Renee Franklin, head of the gardening club which helped bring Bella Flora back to life - and her sister. The murder victim was their father and their mother, who was never seen again after that night was the main suspect.
After much cajoling, the crew is granted permission to restore the property and they decide to self-produce Do Over the way they want to do it and try to shop it around. But the renovation isn't really the forefront of the story as it was in other books. This one was more about their personal relationships, which was a nice change of pace. Maddie is still having a hard time adjusting to dating a former and once again popular rock star. Avery is still having a hard time with the loss of her mother. Kyra is still having a hard time resisting the married movie star father of her son. And Nikki is still having a hard time saying yes to happily ever after with her FBI agent boyfriend and shaking her nefarious brother, Malcom.
The personal stories interwoven with the mystery of the hotel gave this book a different depth than the others had and made the characters a bit more real. (Though I did find it a bit farfetched they had never noticed the hotel before). I was actually glad to see that Nikki had more of a role in this book having been more of a backburner character in the last one. I enjoyed the story; it was a quick read. But, ugh! The editing! I lost count of how many times the wrong character's name was used! Steve was referred to as Maddie's father, not Kyra's. Maddie did a nice gesture for Avery, who wasn't even in the scene; it was Nikki, etc, etc. I would have been tempted to rate this higher had it not been for that!
It's been six months since the end of the last book and the Do Over crew is regrouping at Bella Flora to determine what they should do next following their nasty breakup with Lifetime.
Before the others arrive, Kyra stumbles across an abandoned property not far from Bella Flora and learns that it has a storied past including an unsolved murder - and that the owners are Renee Franklin, head of the gardening club which helped bring Bella Flora back to life - and her sister. The murder victim was their father and their mother, who was never seen again after that night was the main suspect.
After much cajoling, the crew is granted permission to restore the property and they decide to self-produce Do Over the way they want to do it and try to shop it around. But the renovation isn't really the forefront of the story as it was in other books. This one was more about their personal relationships, which was a nice change of pace. Maddie is still having a hard time adjusting to dating a former and once again popular rock star. Avery is still having a hard time with the loss of her mother. Kyra is still having a hard time resisting the married movie star father of her son. And Nikki is still having a hard time saying yes to happily ever after with her FBI agent boyfriend and shaking her nefarious brother, Malcom.
The personal stories interwoven with the mystery of the hotel gave this book a different depth than the others had and made the characters a bit more real. (Though I did find it a bit farfetched they had never noticed the hotel before). I was actually glad to see that Nikki had more of a role in this book having been more of a backburner character in the last one. I enjoyed the story; it was a quick read. But, ugh! The editing! I lost count of how many times the wrong character's name was used! Steve was referred to as Maddie's father, not Kyra's. Maddie did a nice gesture for Avery, who wasn't even in the scene; it was Nikki, etc, etc. I would have been tempted to rate this higher had it not been for that!
January 11, 2023
The Ten Beach Road ladies are like old friends. I love reading about their lives and how they’ve grown and continued to change. I’m glad each book has a slightly different plot but centered around the same core group. I do wish this one had more William Hightower! I liked the mystery element and the new renovation and TV challenges. Also will Kyra and Troy ever get together?
December 7, 2020
Talk about one big dysfunctional family! Another great book in this series
July 3, 2023
This is a favorite series of mine. I enjoy everything about it, the characters, storyline and settings.
May 18, 2024
I love these series. It’s about friendship, some romance and great story! Ready for book 5!
June 28, 2016
SUNSHINE BEACH No Idyll for the Idle
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Audiofile provided by publisher for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
This is light fiction — perfect for vacations or stay-cations — with several stories running through it and, I suspect, story-line continuations from the first three books. I didn't even realize this was a series at first; it's pretty complete on its own, but there are a few things I felt were glibly handled — like how one creates a TV show — that were probably addressed in earlier books.
One aspect of the story that doesn't resolve is one woman's on again, off again relationship with a married, movie star. His involvement in her life is kind of permanent because they share a child but his constant wanting a relationship with her seems less than sweet, and she doesn't want to cheat on his wife any more than they have. He keeps pushing and I couldn't tell if the character had given in. Because of a weird living situation her parents are also there and after an initial unpleasant encounter with her father and the guy the parents don't ask or do anything.
Other issues left up in the air also involve whether someone is cheating because he can, and whether a man is really committed to a woman from whom he has been wanting a commitment. There are a couple of other ends left untied.
Except for one man, the characters in this story are, like most people, very busy. The "slacker" situation is a thorn in the side of the busy people. But his eventual good intentions are not helpful. He would have been better off working on his tan, somewhere else. But, he learns the hard way that you cannot go home again.
I loved the story of the old hotel and the mystery there. It's a unique and interesting premise and an exciting mystery.
The recording was okay, but Ms. Rubinate presents a "descendant of a roofer brought [from Italy] by Addison Minzer to help complete the transformation of Palm Beach (p 119 at Amazon "Look Inside") as having an accent (apparently genetic) and let me tell you, it is not an Italian accent.
This male character sounds more like Chekov than Fabio.
Plus, Addison Minzer died in 1933. So this Italian American should have no more accent than I or my mother would. Seriously, the last time I saw the "classic Italian gesture" Wendy Wax ascribes to him was in a TV Ad in the 1970s (Anna Maria Alberghetti selling salad dressing).
Of course the family is also described as a large Italian family that spread across Florida so it's possible she was confused about his nationality, but still it is a terrible accent and a distraction.
There is one scene near the end of the book that is really lovely and is a good description of how ideas in a collaboration can form. In all the story is a nice look at the lives of these women and their families, and how they work together to achieve the improbable. I think books placed on a beach are great vacation reads.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Audiofile provided by publisher for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
This is light fiction — perfect for vacations or stay-cations — with several stories running through it and, I suspect, story-line continuations from the first three books. I didn't even realize this was a series at first; it's pretty complete on its own, but there are a few things I felt were glibly handled — like how one creates a TV show — that were probably addressed in earlier books.
One aspect of the story that doesn't resolve is one woman's on again, off again relationship with a married, movie star. His involvement in her life is kind of permanent because they share a child but his constant wanting a relationship with her seems less than sweet, and she doesn't want to cheat on his wife any more than they have. He keeps pushing and I couldn't tell if the character had given in. Because of a weird living situation her parents are also there and after an initial unpleasant encounter with her father and the guy the parents don't ask or do anything.
Other issues left up in the air also involve whether someone is cheating because he can, and whether a man is really committed to a woman from whom he has been wanting a commitment. There are a couple of other ends left untied.
Except for one man, the characters in this story are, like most people, very busy. The "slacker" situation is a thorn in the side of the busy people. But his eventual good intentions are not helpful. He would have been better off working on his tan, somewhere else. But, he learns the hard way that you cannot go home again.
I loved the story of the old hotel and the mystery there. It's a unique and interesting premise and an exciting mystery.
The recording was okay, but Ms. Rubinate presents a "descendant of a roofer brought [from Italy] by Addison Minzer to help complete the transformation of Palm Beach (p 119 at Amazon "Look Inside") as having an accent (apparently genetic) and let me tell you, it is not an Italian accent.
This male character sounds more like Chekov than Fabio.
Plus, Addison Minzer died in 1933. So this Italian American should have no more accent than I or my mother would. Seriously, the last time I saw the "classic Italian gesture" Wendy Wax ascribes to him was in a TV Ad in the 1970s (Anna Maria Alberghetti selling salad dressing).
Of course the family is also described as a large Italian family that spread across Florida so it's possible she was confused about his nationality, but still it is a terrible accent and a distraction.
There is one scene near the end of the book that is really lovely and is a good description of how ideas in a collaboration can form. In all the story is a nice look at the lives of these women and their families, and how they work together to achieve the improbable. I think books placed on a beach are great vacation reads.
November 23, 2016
It is time to catch up with the ladies of Ten Beach Road. This series started with book one Ten Beach Road. Four ladies found one another: Avery, Nicki, Maddie, and Kyra in a Ponzi scheme. Their story continues in this next book four Sunshine Beach by Wendy Wax.
Synopsis:
Kyra and Dustin have a home at the Ten Beach Road house. Stephanie is finally starting over since the divorce with Will the rocker. Avery is still grieving over the loss of her mother Deirdre the interior designer. Nicki and FBI agent Joe are progressing in their relationship. What will their next renovation project be? Kyra and Dustin stumble onto this hotel on the beach. This would be their biggest renovation project yet. Maddie’s ex-husband Steve appears for a visit with thoughts of reclaiming his wife. Will he be successful? Who will be Deirdre’s replacement?
My Thoughts:
I loved this novel! It was great to catch up with the characters that I have gotten to know so well, in the previous book. Readers can pick this up series with this book or start at the beginning with Ten Beach Road. Sunshine Beach can stand alone. There is not much mentioned in it about the renovation of the hotel. In other words because of the story the physical work was not as documented as usual. I loved the twist in the plot with bringing back Steve the ex-husband.
A mystery is also associated with the story. This mystery surrounds the hotel and its past, and the family that owns it. The two sisters that own it are not sure they want to renovate. It adds a nice flavor to the story. One readers will find very interesting.
Synopsis:
Kyra and Dustin have a home at the Ten Beach Road house. Stephanie is finally starting over since the divorce with Will the rocker. Avery is still grieving over the loss of her mother Deirdre the interior designer. Nicki and FBI agent Joe are progressing in their relationship. What will their next renovation project be? Kyra and Dustin stumble onto this hotel on the beach. This would be their biggest renovation project yet. Maddie’s ex-husband Steve appears for a visit with thoughts of reclaiming his wife. Will he be successful? Who will be Deirdre’s replacement?
My Thoughts:
I loved this novel! It was great to catch up with the characters that I have gotten to know so well, in the previous book. Readers can pick this up series with this book or start at the beginning with Ten Beach Road. Sunshine Beach can stand alone. There is not much mentioned in it about the renovation of the hotel. In other words because of the story the physical work was not as documented as usual. I loved the twist in the plot with bringing back Steve the ex-husband.
A mystery is also associated with the story. This mystery surrounds the hotel and its past, and the family that owns it. The two sisters that own it are not sure they want to renovate. It adds a nice flavor to the story. One readers will find very interesting.
September 25, 2016
As our old friends gather once again to plan another renovation, I was all set to curl up and enjoy the adventures in Sunshine Beach. The characters have tentatively landed a renovation of an old mid-century beach hotel.
I loved reviving old friendships with the characters while they planned the new project. They settle in at Bella Flora, the home Kyra, Maddie’s daughter, now owns, thanks to her son’s father. As usual, Avery is all set with her construction crew; Kyra is ready to film, and eager to do the project independently after the disaster of the Do Over show. A wrinkle in the production had morphed that experience into a reality show.
Nikki has some issues with her boyfriend, FBI agent Joe Giraldi, while her brother Malcolm, the one responsible for all of their financial worries, has reached out to her.
Maddie is still feeling bliss about her new romance with the rock star William Hightower…but insecurities threaten that bliss.
When Maddie’s ex, Steve, shows up and seems ready to make himself at home, they all feel the irritation born from his laziness and his inability to effectively help them.
What will happen to threaten the project? How will a mystery from WWII add conflict? How will they rise above the threats of their former bosses? Can they move beyond the challenges and find gratification once again? A very satisfying new chapter in the life of the characters, and enjoyable to this reader. 4.5 stars.
I loved reviving old friendships with the characters while they planned the new project. They settle in at Bella Flora, the home Kyra, Maddie’s daughter, now owns, thanks to her son’s father. As usual, Avery is all set with her construction crew; Kyra is ready to film, and eager to do the project independently after the disaster of the Do Over show. A wrinkle in the production had morphed that experience into a reality show.
Nikki has some issues with her boyfriend, FBI agent Joe Giraldi, while her brother Malcolm, the one responsible for all of their financial worries, has reached out to her.
Maddie is still feeling bliss about her new romance with the rock star William Hightower…but insecurities threaten that bliss.
When Maddie’s ex, Steve, shows up and seems ready to make himself at home, they all feel the irritation born from his laziness and his inability to effectively help them.
What will happen to threaten the project? How will a mystery from WWII add conflict? How will they rise above the threats of their former bosses? Can they move beyond the challenges and find gratification once again? A very satisfying new chapter in the life of the characters, and enjoyable to this reader. 4.5 stars.
May 9, 2016
First of all, I would like to thank First to Read and Penquin for providing an advance copy of this book to read.
Before reading "Sunshine Beach" by Wendy Wax, I thought the novel would be an easy summer read with friendship and some adventure in restoring "a historic seaside hotel back to life"(as indicated in the description.) I didn't realize that there are several books in a series with the same characters.These characters have "history" and previous events that seem to predate the current read. I found it confusing for the first 100 pages, and I finally caught up!!What made the book interesting was a history of a murder and scenic beachlike description. Wendy Wax uses the scenic background,which is a plus. The friendships seemed weak in some cases.There was some touches of romance. In addition there were many details involved in restoring the property. I do not want to give any spoilers away. I will say I was disappointed with the ending. I would give the book a 3.5 rating out of 5. For those readers that have been involved in Wendy Wax's other book/books in this series, I hope that you enjoy this.
Before reading "Sunshine Beach" by Wendy Wax, I thought the novel would be an easy summer read with friendship and some adventure in restoring "a historic seaside hotel back to life"(as indicated in the description.) I didn't realize that there are several books in a series with the same characters.These characters have "history" and previous events that seem to predate the current read. I found it confusing for the first 100 pages, and I finally caught up!!What made the book interesting was a history of a murder and scenic beachlike description. Wendy Wax uses the scenic background,which is a plus. The friendships seemed weak in some cases.There was some touches of romance. In addition there were many details involved in restoring the property. I do not want to give any spoilers away. I will say I was disappointed with the ending. I would give the book a 3.5 rating out of 5. For those readers that have been involved in Wendy Wax's other book/books in this series, I hope that you enjoy this.
June 21, 2016
If you can’t get to the beach this summer you’ll feel like you’re there when reading Sunshine Beach. Maddie, Avery, Nikki and Kyra are back together looking for a new renovation project. While on a morning walk Kyra comes across a small, partially hidden, falling-down but perfectly situated hotel and just knows it has potential. When the other women agree they assume their roles and get the wheels of renovation turning.
Wendy Wax’s novel hit all the marks I’ve come to appreciate in this series: women’s friendship, perseverance when life gets tough, and the ability to get along even when they didn’t always agree. There’s a mystery to solve along the way and the return appearances of all love interests from the previous novels. I enjoyed it all and recommend it to fans of the series and women’s fiction.
This book can stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order because you’ll get a deeper understanding of the growth in each character. Also, I’m the type of person who can get sucked into a HGTV marathon so I loved reading about the project at the center of each novel.
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Wendy Wax’s novel hit all the marks I’ve come to appreciate in this series: women’s friendship, perseverance when life gets tough, and the ability to get along even when they didn’t always agree. There’s a mystery to solve along the way and the return appearances of all love interests from the previous novels. I enjoyed it all and recommend it to fans of the series and women’s fiction.
This book can stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order because you’ll get a deeper understanding of the growth in each character. Also, I’m the type of person who can get sucked into a HGTV marathon so I loved reading about the project at the center of each novel.
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 25, 2016
This was a Goodreads giveaway win, and #4 in a series. Although it was ok to follow all of the characters, it would have helped with the often mentioned back stories to have read this series from the beginning. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this tale of strong independent women trying to keep their home rehab business/reality TV show afloat after disasters from the past books. I especially enjoy books that take place in beachy locales such as this in St. Pete Beach. I'll definitely have to go back to the beginning of this series to see where it all started.
June 10, 2016
It was a great read with real interesting characters and a few love stories all going on at once.
More than just the sand sparkled in this romantic page turner, there was one laugh out loud moment and a few times the intrigue was in high gear.
All in all this is a book I would recommend to friends, and I would love to see it made into a movie.
More than just the sand sparkled in this romantic page turner, there was one laugh out loud moment and a few times the intrigue was in high gear.
All in all this is a book I would recommend to friends, and I would love to see it made into a movie.
could-not-finish
September 23, 2016Audiobook
I didn't give this audiobook much of a chance but it felt so much like the movie (not the book which I enjoyed) The First Wives Club that I stopped listening to it. Privileged women and their unrealistic romances just doesn't do anything for me. Next!
I didn't give this audiobook much of a chance but it felt so much like the movie (not the book which I enjoyed) The First Wives Club that I stopped listening to it. Privileged women and their unrealistic romances just doesn't do anything for me. Next!
May 9, 2016
I received an ARC to review and will do so when I get to a real computer and not my phone. I absolutely loved this book and could not stop reading until I finished! I sincerely hope there are more books to follow and now I have to read Mermaid Point, the previous book in the series.
June 29, 2024
Sunshine Beach by Wendy Wax is the fourth book of the Ten Beach Road mystery series set in contemporary Florida. In the first book of the series (Ten Beach Road) Maddie, Avery and Nikki were total strangers. The only thing they had in common: all were impoverished by a Ponzi scheme. The women closely bonded during their struggle to restore the stately Bella Flora without much money, and with plenty of personal challenges to overcome. The women succeeded on a second restoration project (Ocean Beach) and became mildly famous on the Do Over television series. They hated the network made it more of a reality show than about historic mansion restoration. In the third book (Mermaid Point) the network cuts the budget further, plays tricks to make their project harder than it already is. But their loyal crew grows, and they resolve to strike out on their own with a new project.
Maddie's daughter Kyra stumbles upon the perfect beachfront overgrown, nearly ruined property. It was once the Sunshine Beach Hotel and Beach Club. One family has always owned it, left it abandoned due to tragedy. Maddie, Avery, Nikki, Kyra convince the family of their ability to restore the mansion. But money runs short, and a mystery surrounds the tragedy. Nikki faces a tremendous change in her life, unwisely does not confide in the man who loves her. The struggle to secure funding, unexpected project cancellation, plus a lawsuit from the TV network are huge obstacles to overcome.
Unlike Ten Beach Road, Ocean Beach and Mermaid Point, this book contains very little description of the actual backbreaking work they all do to restore the Sunshine Beach Hotel. Focus is on funding struggles, relationship hurdles, and a long ago murder. The grand opening chapter immediately follows the chapter where they get a final go-ahead after cancellation. Hmm...more like a reality show than about restoration. Yet the women are engaging, the challenges keep you turning pages, their determination and loyalty make it a feel-good read, keeping you curious what they'll do next.
For best enjoyment of the evolving relationships, definitely, positively read this series in order.
Maddie's daughter Kyra stumbles upon the perfect beachfront overgrown, nearly ruined property. It was once the Sunshine Beach Hotel and Beach Club. One family has always owned it, left it abandoned due to tragedy. Maddie, Avery, Nikki, Kyra convince the family of their ability to restore the mansion. But money runs short, and a mystery surrounds the tragedy. Nikki faces a tremendous change in her life, unwisely does not confide in the man who loves her. The struggle to secure funding, unexpected project cancellation, plus a lawsuit from the TV network are huge obstacles to overcome.
Unlike Ten Beach Road, Ocean Beach and Mermaid Point, this book contains very little description of the actual backbreaking work they all do to restore the Sunshine Beach Hotel. Focus is on funding struggles, relationship hurdles, and a long ago murder. The grand opening chapter immediately follows the chapter where they get a final go-ahead after cancellation. Hmm...more like a reality show than about restoration. Yet the women are engaging, the challenges keep you turning pages, their determination and loyalty make it a feel-good read, keeping you curious what they'll do next.
For best enjoyment of the evolving relationships, definitely, positively read this series in order.
March 5, 2017
The excessive whining over money and finances was a drawback in this book, I understand that the women needed to find backing for their next home renovation project, but it was a bit too much. There is a great deal of rehashing of the prior books in this series. The reader is reminded on a couple of occasions of the Ponzi scheme that had gotten the women into their current situation and Nikki’s reluctance to have any further contact with her brother. There is a bit of forward movement with this part of the story, but Nikki’s has another secret. One that will both terrify her and delight her at the same time.
Maddie is still with Wild Bill and her ongoing angst of “she is good enough” was beginning to wear thin. Kyra is somewhere in her on again off again relationship with her son’s father who is going to funny extremes to see his son. Surprisingly, there were only a few brief mentions of Avery’s grief over the loss of her mother. Plus, there is a new designer on the scene that waits until the last minute to reveal why he is so good at what he does.
Stumbling across a dilapidated beachfront hotel, the women get it into their heads that this would be the perfect renovation project for their yet newly unnamed show. Since they quit “Do Over” so publicly, they are now in need of a new network, project and cash. How hard could an independent show be? Turns out that the wreck of a hotel is owned by locals and has quite a dubious past. Wendy Wax does an interesting job here in trying to throw in some depth, but it was too little too late.
This book was intended to be a mindless summer type read, but I was hung up over the numbers. Loans, costs and profit figures did not add up. I know, that is not what this book was supposed to be about, but still, it started to distract me. Yet, I will continue with this series, I figure that I am invested this far, why not ride out their adventure.
Maddie is still with Wild Bill and her ongoing angst of “she is good enough” was beginning to wear thin. Kyra is somewhere in her on again off again relationship with her son’s father who is going to funny extremes to see his son. Surprisingly, there were only a few brief mentions of Avery’s grief over the loss of her mother. Plus, there is a new designer on the scene that waits until the last minute to reveal why he is so good at what he does.
Stumbling across a dilapidated beachfront hotel, the women get it into their heads that this would be the perfect renovation project for their yet newly unnamed show. Since they quit “Do Over” so publicly, they are now in need of a new network, project and cash. How hard could an independent show be? Turns out that the wreck of a hotel is owned by locals and has quite a dubious past. Wendy Wax does an interesting job here in trying to throw in some depth, but it was too little too late.
This book was intended to be a mindless summer type read, but I was hung up over the numbers. Loans, costs and profit figures did not add up. I know, that is not what this book was supposed to be about, but still, it started to distract me. Yet, I will continue with this series, I figure that I am invested this far, why not ride out their adventure.
April 22, 2022
The Do Over gang is back, but in a pickle. After finishing Mermaid Point for the second season of the show, Maddie has fallen in love with it's owner, rehabbed rocker Will Hightower. Kyra is working on figuring out how they can continue doing renovations, since Lifetime has said they have a no compete clause in the contracts. Plus, Daniel is pushing to have Dustin play his son in a movie he's directing. Avery is recovering from her mother's, Dierdre's death at Mermaid Point, and Nikki is in a hot and heavy relationship with Joe, but also finds herself pregnant - at 47! - with twins! Steve is there to stay and has gotten his realtor's license, and is working with realtor, JohnFranklin. For their next project, Kyra finds Sunshine Beach, a resort close by that's been closed for years. But doing it up won't be easy. Since quitting the network, there is no money, plus, the owners - John Franklin's wife, Renee, and her sister, Annalise, are conflicted about what to do with the property. There father was murdered there in the 1950s, and their mother disappeared. So, with help from FBI Agent Joe Giraldi, they local police are contacted about reopening the case. And bigger secrets are to come.
July 8, 2017
Technically, I read an ARC of this book, though I just read it, well after the 5th in the series was out to the public. Still, I'll say that this was an honest review, no matter how I got it. And any type-os are going to be overlooked because of it's status.
I really like this series. I didn't start reading it until I began working at a local book store a few months ago. This author does frequent events there, so I figured I should be familiar with her work. It's generally not my type of thing, but I do read from all sorts of genres. I fully intend to read the rest of the things she's written in due time. I actually held onto this one so I could do some pool-side reading! This is the just the book to read during hot weather at the pool or the beach.
There are a few unresolved things with this book, but since it's a series, I'm not complaining too much. There aren't any MAJOR cliffhangers that would annoy the reader at all. I look forward to continuing with the next book, One Good Thing.
I really like this series. I didn't start reading it until I began working at a local book store a few months ago. This author does frequent events there, so I figured I should be familiar with her work. It's generally not my type of thing, but I do read from all sorts of genres. I fully intend to read the rest of the things she's written in due time. I actually held onto this one so I could do some pool-side reading! This is the just the book to read during hot weather at the pool or the beach.
There are a few unresolved things with this book, but since it's a series, I'm not complaining too much. There aren't any MAJOR cliffhangers that would annoy the reader at all. I look forward to continuing with the next book, One Good Thing.
January 27, 2018
The Ten Beach Road series is just fabulous. Maddie, Avery, and Nikki lost everything when their financial advisor turned out to be running a Ponzi scheme. Through some twists and turns in the first book (and the addition of Maddie's daughter Kyra), they get back on their feet by renovating a historic old home and form a deep friendship. It is definitely better to read this series from the beginning because the arc of their friendship and the evolution of each woman is part of what makes this so engaging and powerful.
In Sunshine Beach, the women work to renovate an old hotel with a mysterious past. John and Rene Franklin (from the first book) play a more important role, and I loved the exploration of what it means to accept and come to terms with the past. This is a beach read/chick lit book, but it has so much more substance than those labels might imply.
In Sunshine Beach, the women work to renovate an old hotel with a mysterious past. John and Rene Franklin (from the first book) play a more important role, and I loved the exploration of what it means to accept and come to terms with the past. This is a beach read/chick lit book, but it has so much more substance than those labels might imply.
April 18, 2019
Although this story was fine and kept me occupied while I was cleaning and such, I did not enjoy it as much as Ten Beach Road. Part of that reason could be my fault as I thought this was number 2 and not number 4.
The story just didn't keep me as interested as the first one and there were just way too many cheese doodles. I got to the point where I hoped there were no more anywhere in the book because I just didn't want to hear "cheese doodles" anymore.
The ladies in the book were the same characters as in the first, of course, and they actually seemed more whiny this time than the first book and I think they were way worse off in the first book.
I liked that they were still revamping old beach homes and thought that the story behind the one they wanted was interesting and maybe should have been delved into more.
The story just didn't keep me as interested as the first one and there were just way too many cheese doodles. I got to the point where I hoped there were no more anywhere in the book because I just didn't want to hear "cheese doodles" anymore.
The ladies in the book were the same characters as in the first, of course, and they actually seemed more whiny this time than the first book and I think they were way worse off in the first book.
I liked that they were still revamping old beach homes and thought that the story behind the one they wanted was interesting and maybe should have been delved into more.
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