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What Happens at the Beach...
For the perfect summer romance…
It’s finally time for Natalie Dryden to decide what she really wants! After ditching her sparkling engagement ring, and her ghastly fiancé, she jets off for the sun-kissed shores of Southern France – the only place that has ever truly felt like home. For the first time ever, Natalie is determined to forget all about men and follow her dreams!
…head to the French coast!
Only, avoiding the male population isn’t quite so easy, especially when she meets smooth-talking Philippe and gorgeous fisherman, Remy! But then Natalie, quite literally, bumps into brooding millionaire Mark whilst swimming in the glittering azure-blue bay – and her life is turned upside-down.
Love might be off the cards for Natalie, yet suddenly she finds herself in her dream job and working with her dream man! But is it all too good to be true…?
It’s finally time for Natalie Dryden to decide what she really wants! After ditching her sparkling engagement ring, and her ghastly fiancé, she jets off for the sun-kissed shores of Southern France – the only place that has ever truly felt like home. For the first time ever, Natalie is determined to forget all about men and follow her dreams!
…head to the French coast!
Only, avoiding the male population isn’t quite so easy, especially when she meets smooth-talking Philippe and gorgeous fisherman, Remy! But then Natalie, quite literally, bumps into brooding millionaire Mark whilst swimming in the glittering azure-blue bay – and her life is turned upside-down.
Love might be off the cards for Natalie, yet suddenly she finds herself in her dream job and working with her dream man! But is it all too good to be true…?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2016
258 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Williams
46 books591 followersFirstly, my name isn't T A. It's Trevor. I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. In my first book, one of the (female) characters suggests the imbalance is due to the fact that men spend too much time getting drunk and watching football. I couldn't possibly comment. Ask my wife...
I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely Cozy Mysteries. I lived and worked in Italy for a number of years, married an Italian, and fell in love with the country. I set almost all my books in Italy and I hope that my love from the country shines through my work.
I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in most of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.
I've been writing since I was 14 and that is well over half a century ago. I'm now approaching 1 million books sold worldwide and I find it wonderful that people as far away as India and New Zealand are reading and enjoying my work. Thank you to everybody who reads my stuff.
I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely Cozy Mysteries. I lived and worked in Italy for a number of years, married an Italian, and fell in love with the country. I set almost all my books in Italy and I hope that my love from the country shines through my work.
I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in most of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.
I've been writing since I was 14 and that is well over half a century ago. I'm now approaching 1 million books sold worldwide and I find it wonderful that people as far away as India and New Zealand are reading and enjoying my work. Thank you to everybody who reads my stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 2, 2020
Natalie breaks off her engagement from a stuffy fiance and heads to France. She decides to stay with her grandmother and swear off men for awhile but then she meets Mark, Phillipe and Remy.
First of all I am really glad that we didn't need to read more of Natalie's life with the ex as I did not like him or his mom and sister, They were such snobs. Natalie recently got her degree in Medieval History and is seeking for job opportunities and the ex and his family did not think she could make a career of it and wanted her to stay home and be a wife and raise children. Why can't she have a career too?
When Natalie meets Mark and his dog, Mark hires her to help him write a book and she will be using her degree,
We get to "visit" France while these 2 are discovering France. I had never wanted to visit France before but while reading this I thought well maybe it would be fun to visit,
I received this from NetGalley for review.
First of all I am really glad that we didn't need to read more of Natalie's life with the ex as I did not like him or his mom and sister, They were such snobs. Natalie recently got her degree in Medieval History and is seeking for job opportunities and the ex and his family did not think she could make a career of it and wanted her to stay home and be a wife and raise children. Why can't she have a career too?
When Natalie meets Mark and his dog, Mark hires her to help him write a book and she will be using her degree,
We get to "visit" France while these 2 are discovering France. I had never wanted to visit France before but while reading this I thought well maybe it would be fun to visit,
I received this from NetGalley for review.
July 18, 2016
First I must just praise how bright and summery the cover is, really gets you in the mood for summer. What Happens at the Beach is a pleasing romance with three dashing French men who could all have been the romantic interest in the book, as well as an ex-fiancee who I'm so glad we didn't have much more than a chapter of contact with, a sunny location in Southern France, a wonderful grandma and of course Barney.
T.A. Williams has a habit of having a dog somewhere in this books, so I am going to just praise what a wonderful labrador Barney is now, he is easily one of the most well trained and best behaved dogs I have encountered for a while and is incredibly good at sitting under a table and not begging for food, knowing he will be rewarded after his master has eaten.
Natalie has escaped to France after breaking up with the ex-fiancee, and has sworn herself off men for the summer. She is staying with Colette her gran. She has just completed her studies in Medieval History and while she is in France attempts to get a job with her new qualification.
When Mark hires her as a research assistant, as she conveniently is a specialist in the period that Mark is hoping to set a work of fiction in, it means they have to spend a large amount of time together, travelling around various regions in France which have relevance to the Cathars.
Unforunately I am not a history buff, and felt the amount of detail that went into on some of the road trips and discussions between Mark and Natalie made me feel like I was reading historical fiction at one point, and at another I did have doubts as to how much more history, especially religious history I was going to be able to put up with.
I was though very impressed and amused with the level of detail expressed, implying that T.A. Williams must have had his own research assistant to help research that role and the subject matter!
The locations gave a good sense of France and I loved so much about the book, however it just didn't quite please me the way previous books by the author have, mainly due to the amount of history. That being said it clearly has all of the author's normal trademarks and I loved discovering just who Natalie would end up with, as I did have my doubts as to whether she would choose who I thought she would.
I was fortunate to be able to read this on a hot summery day in my garden and it definitely does make you long for hot summery days as you delve into this enjoyable tale.
Thank you to Carina and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
July 9, 2016
Readers - you are in for a treat -
‘What Happens at the Beach’ is really neat
History, men, a beach and more
Just don't forget the labrador!
This is definitely one of my favourite ‘real life’ reads for 2016, so much so that I kept tweeting about it as soon as I’d downloaded an ARC of it and whilst I read it, especially when something worrying happened!
Natalie Dryden has woken up to the fact that it is her life she’s living and it is time for her to decide what she wants rather than following the directions chosen for her by others - especially her manipulative fiancé. She gives him his engagement ring back and escapes to her safe haven, her childhood home on the coast of Southern France. She’s determined to forget men and start living her own life, making her own decisions for herself. You just know she’s not going to be able to forget men - in fact there are a plethora of them around and all seem hot, handsome and attractive - especially fisherman Remy and millionaire Mark! As she befriends the visiting Labrador she knows she has many choices to make, including finding herself a job. Fortunately, finding a temporary job that makes good use of her skills and knowledge proves surprisingly easy - and very local! If only all aspects of life could work out that easily! Even for heroines in novels, life is never that simple. In this case by the time I’d reached 66% I was tweeting the author …..
Me: Oh no! How could you do this to me? 66% of ARC for ‘What Happens at the Beach’ read- so emotional! So sad!
Trevor’s response: It’s a hard life, Elaine! But, keep reading and keep your fingers crossed…
Me: I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep till I read the end of this now . . . I blame you for writing such enthralling books ☺
I was right. I didn’t go to sleep till I’d finished … It was another riveting read that had superb characters, a rollercoaster plot full of twists and turns and I loved the settings, too. Southern France isn’t an area I’ve visited, but as I learnt about the history of the area through the story I found it intriguing - I may try to actually go see for myself! I loved this novel, exploring personal expectations, taking chances, trusting things to work out in the end even after serious losses and other things have gone wrong. Brilliantly written by a superb wordsmith, this is definitely going to be one I’ll re read again and again because I thoroughly enjoyed it - and that has to be an extremely high accolade when you consider just how many books I read, I rarely read any twice! Needless to say this is one novel I cannot recommend highly enough, an exemplary contemporary romance that will take you through the whole gamut of emotions, a journey through history and on to a much deserved HEA!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.
‘What Happens at the Beach’ is really neat
History, men, a beach and more
Just don't forget the labrador!
This is definitely one of my favourite ‘real life’ reads for 2016, so much so that I kept tweeting about it as soon as I’d downloaded an ARC of it and whilst I read it, especially when something worrying happened!
Natalie Dryden has woken up to the fact that it is her life she’s living and it is time for her to decide what she wants rather than following the directions chosen for her by others - especially her manipulative fiancé. She gives him his engagement ring back and escapes to her safe haven, her childhood home on the coast of Southern France. She’s determined to forget men and start living her own life, making her own decisions for herself. You just know she’s not going to be able to forget men - in fact there are a plethora of them around and all seem hot, handsome and attractive - especially fisherman Remy and millionaire Mark! As she befriends the visiting Labrador she knows she has many choices to make, including finding herself a job. Fortunately, finding a temporary job that makes good use of her skills and knowledge proves surprisingly easy - and very local! If only all aspects of life could work out that easily! Even for heroines in novels, life is never that simple. In this case by the time I’d reached 66% I was tweeting the author …..
Me: Oh no! How could you do this to me? 66% of ARC for ‘What Happens at the Beach’ read- so emotional! So sad!
Trevor’s response: It’s a hard life, Elaine! But, keep reading and keep your fingers crossed…
Me: I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep till I read the end of this now . . . I blame you for writing such enthralling books ☺
I was right. I didn’t go to sleep till I’d finished … It was another riveting read that had superb characters, a rollercoaster plot full of twists and turns and I loved the settings, too. Southern France isn’t an area I’ve visited, but as I learnt about the history of the area through the story I found it intriguing - I may try to actually go see for myself! I loved this novel, exploring personal expectations, taking chances, trusting things to work out in the end even after serious losses and other things have gone wrong. Brilliantly written by a superb wordsmith, this is definitely going to be one I’ll re read again and again because I thoroughly enjoyed it - and that has to be an extremely high accolade when you consider just how many books I read, I rarely read any twice! Needless to say this is one novel I cannot recommend highly enough, an exemplary contemporary romance that will take you through the whole gamut of emotions, a journey through history and on to a much deserved HEA!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.
December 16, 2016
Natalie decided to go to France after breaking up with her fiancee. Her grandmother lives in France, so it was a great place to escape to, especially because she wants to spend more time with her as well. Natalie recently got her degree in Medieval History and is seeking for job opportunities, which are not so easy to find, so she is willing to travel for work. In France Natalie is spending quality time with her grandmother, spending time at the beach and meeting new people, and of course she meets a few handsome men. Even though she met three men, only one holds a special place in her heart. Ever since she met Mark and his dog there's been a spark between them. When it turns out that Mark is searching for someone to help him with the history of France for his writing, Natalie is the perfect person for that job. They start visiting different locations and learn about the history. When it's time for Natalie to decide where she is going to settle, do they stand a chance for a happily ever after?
It was a delightful book set in a wonderful place. I really like the feel of France and all the descriptions of various cafes and dishes they ate. The story flowed well and it's a perfect read for summer time, but of course can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
It was a delightful book set in a wonderful place. I really like the feel of France and all the descriptions of various cafes and dishes they ate. The story flowed well and it's a perfect read for summer time, but of course can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
August 7, 2016
T A Williams delivers another delightful weekend read in an amazing setting! Every book that I have read by T A has me wanting to travel to visit these places. Each chapter has you wanting to read the next one to see what happens with Natalie next and leaves you hoping for the best each time. We can all relate to at least one scenario that Natalie is in. I enjoyed the bond that Natalie had with her grandmother and then bringing in a dog - love! I was left with a smile on my face when I was finished reading.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2016
Having loved all of Trevor's books, I couldnt wait to get my hands on this new addition. Besides, look at that cover it just screams summer. Its colourful, fresh and inviting.
Meet Natalie Dryden, recently graduated with a PhD in Medieval History and after overhearing her boyfriends sister and mum slating her and the way she dresses, Natalie breaks off her engagment to fiance David. He didnt stick up for her and didnt see any wrong in what she overheard. Natalie decides to go and visit her 90 year old grandmother Colette who lives in a beautiful old house next to the beach in France. Her grandmother is her only surviving relative after the sudden death of her parents in a car accident. As Natalie settles into her time in Port Renard visiting the beach, meeting new people and swimming in the clear turquoise sea. She bags herself a part time job helping out in the local beach front restaurant. Throw in 3 yummy Frenchmen, fisherman Remy, neighbour Mark and millionaire yachtsman Phillipe. Natalie ends up spending a lot of time with Mark and his dog Barney (who i might add, was a great added bonus) because Mark needs help with the local history for writing his upcoming book, they set about visiting the area and learning its history.
Personally i am not a history buff and at times those parts went over my head but Trevor clearly did his research in that area. Its so lovely to get lost in another country, the descriptions of Port Renard had me smiling. The clear sea, the beautiful beach, the local area and even her grandmothers house had me beaming from ear to ear. And i can not go without mentioning the tantalising food that was eaten. The descriptions of different meats and cheese, thrown in with the odd glass of wine, sounded devine. Oh the lobster, now that had my mouth watering. This story will have you laughing, smiling and you may even shred a tear. I liked all the characters and i am always pretty sad when i get to the end of his books as he has a way to draw the reader in to the story where you can just feel and taste everything and dont want it to end. Everytime i hear he has a new book coming out i just know its going to be as good as the last if not better.
Meet Natalie Dryden, recently graduated with a PhD in Medieval History and after overhearing her boyfriends sister and mum slating her and the way she dresses, Natalie breaks off her engagment to fiance David. He didnt stick up for her and didnt see any wrong in what she overheard. Natalie decides to go and visit her 90 year old grandmother Colette who lives in a beautiful old house next to the beach in France. Her grandmother is her only surviving relative after the sudden death of her parents in a car accident. As Natalie settles into her time in Port Renard visiting the beach, meeting new people and swimming in the clear turquoise sea. She bags herself a part time job helping out in the local beach front restaurant. Throw in 3 yummy Frenchmen, fisherman Remy, neighbour Mark and millionaire yachtsman Phillipe. Natalie ends up spending a lot of time with Mark and his dog Barney (who i might add, was a great added bonus) because Mark needs help with the local history for writing his upcoming book, they set about visiting the area and learning its history.
Personally i am not a history buff and at times those parts went over my head but Trevor clearly did his research in that area. Its so lovely to get lost in another country, the descriptions of Port Renard had me smiling. The clear sea, the beautiful beach, the local area and even her grandmothers house had me beaming from ear to ear. And i can not go without mentioning the tantalising food that was eaten. The descriptions of different meats and cheese, thrown in with the odd glass of wine, sounded devine. Oh the lobster, now that had my mouth watering. This story will have you laughing, smiling and you may even shred a tear. I liked all the characters and i am always pretty sad when i get to the end of his books as he has a way to draw the reader in to the story where you can just feel and taste everything and dont want it to end. Everytime i hear he has a new book coming out i just know its going to be as good as the last if not better.
July 29, 2016
Reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
One of the things I appreciate most about T.A. Williams, are the exotic locations his novels are always set in. You want nothing more than to be where he’s describing, and he describes the scenery so well! While Natalie finds herself in a bit of a dilemma, she’s dealing with her own personal roller coaster ride while enjoying the beauty of Southern France. It definitely takes the edge off her failed engagement, as well as the unwanted advances she’s finding herself in where local men are concerned.
Only, there is one man she can’t seem to shake. Mark is someone she is instantly drawn to, and when he hires her to help him with a novel he’s writing, using her expertise in Medieval History, she’s near him as much as he’ll allow. For some reason, he’s standoffish with her, making it seem as though there is no interest there, whatsoever. A wall is built up between them, no matter how hard Natalie tries to penetrate it.
Natalie is trying desperately to stick with the plan, the goal for her life. To find a long-term career. The job Mark has offered her will only last so long, and afterwards, there’s no guarantee that she’ll remain in his life, especially if she’s offered jobs outside of France. And, if he’s involved with someone else, a real possibility, where would that leave Natalie?
One of the main characters is Natalie’s ninety year-old grandmother, someone who Natalie feels very close to, like a surrogate mother. I could really identify and relate with that relationship, considering my own experiences with my grandmother. She tries hard to steer Natalie in the right direction, at times the voice of reason. It’s like a touch of nostalgia and familiarity, making What Happens at the Beach a very sweet read, indeed.
One of the things I appreciate most about T.A. Williams, are the exotic locations his novels are always set in. You want nothing more than to be where he’s describing, and he describes the scenery so well! While Natalie finds herself in a bit of a dilemma, she’s dealing with her own personal roller coaster ride while enjoying the beauty of Southern France. It definitely takes the edge off her failed engagement, as well as the unwanted advances she’s finding herself in where local men are concerned.
Only, there is one man she can’t seem to shake. Mark is someone she is instantly drawn to, and when he hires her to help him with a novel he’s writing, using her expertise in Medieval History, she’s near him as much as he’ll allow. For some reason, he’s standoffish with her, making it seem as though there is no interest there, whatsoever. A wall is built up between them, no matter how hard Natalie tries to penetrate it.
Natalie is trying desperately to stick with the plan, the goal for her life. To find a long-term career. The job Mark has offered her will only last so long, and afterwards, there’s no guarantee that she’ll remain in his life, especially if she’s offered jobs outside of France. And, if he’s involved with someone else, a real possibility, where would that leave Natalie?
One of the main characters is Natalie’s ninety year-old grandmother, someone who Natalie feels very close to, like a surrogate mother. I could really identify and relate with that relationship, considering my own experiences with my grandmother. She tries hard to steer Natalie in the right direction, at times the voice of reason. It’s like a touch of nostalgia and familiarity, making What Happens at the Beach a very sweet read, indeed.
July 29, 2016
What Happens at the Beach… was another wonderful novel written by T.A. Williams. The author has a beautiful, serene writing style; vividly descriptive but not so much so that it takes away from the story and leaves you bored with a long description. He makes you aware of the sights and smells as if you were there yourself, along-side the main character. I thoroughly enjoy his writing and this novel is the perfect example of why.
This novel is a classic example of the old saying that ‘when it rains it pours’. When Natalie visits her Gran (without a set date to leave) she’s desperate to find a job that will utilize her special skill set and Ph.D. In Medieval Studies. After frantically searching, she suddenly finds herself with multiple prospects all at once, and a difficult decision in which to choose.
This novel was well-written in the author’s classic writing style and was thoroughly enjoyable. I believe it’s intended to be enjoyed over a period of time, rather than sitting down and gobbling it all up in one go. I enjoyed the characters and the overall premise of the novel and particularly enjoyed watching Natalie grow as an individual and watching her new relationships blossom, especially with Barney! There were no large surprises, but isn’t it nice to get exactly what you want out of a story? I’d love to go get myself a friendly lab too!
This novel is a classic example of the old saying that ‘when it rains it pours’. When Natalie visits her Gran (without a set date to leave) she’s desperate to find a job that will utilize her special skill set and Ph.D. In Medieval Studies. After frantically searching, she suddenly finds herself with multiple prospects all at once, and a difficult decision in which to choose.
This novel was well-written in the author’s classic writing style and was thoroughly enjoyable. I believe it’s intended to be enjoyed over a period of time, rather than sitting down and gobbling it all up in one go. I enjoyed the characters and the overall premise of the novel and particularly enjoyed watching Natalie grow as an individual and watching her new relationships blossom, especially with Barney! There were no large surprises, but isn’t it nice to get exactly what you want out of a story? I’d love to go get myself a friendly lab too!
July 12, 2016
I usually like TA Williams books and adore the dogs in it. In this beach side story of Natalie and Mark I missed the fun and passionate sides in the characters personalities. They were too mature and laid back to my liking. I've been reading other reviewers praise this book but the French lovers just didn't blow my mind; the dog and the supporting characters esp Colette made the reading easier for me.
July 11, 2017
Cheesy and perfect. Everything a (clean) romance should be!
July 6, 2016
This was a gorgeous summer read. It has everything to make you lose yourself in a wonderful holiday bubble. Gorgeous beach setting, brooding lead male, romance, warm family time, sightseeing stunning historical sites in South France and a cute labrador who goes visiting.
Natalie escapes to France to stay with her grandmother in a glorious setting. Her grandmother helps her overcome her recent split with a fiance and gives her such a warm family embrace whilst she's still tender. She's trying to play cupid and at the same time getting Natalie to follow her dreams. We'd all love a grandmother like this.
She meets Mark who lives locally and is helping him on his research for a book set in France which combines some amazing sightseeing trips with historical importance with the research she wants to spend her life sharing. Sparks would fly between these two if they were free to let them ignite. Will they listen to their souls?!
I really loved everything about this book- the food in various places sounded delicious and I'd love to visit the cafe . The characters are all warm and engaging. The hint of romance between various characters is enticing and you are left with a completely relaxed, satisfied feel although sorry to have to say goodbye to everyone.
You are always guaranteed a wonderful read with TA Williams and this one was no exception. It really is the perfect book to pack in your holiday suitcase. If you aren't lucky enough to be going away this year- this book will transport you on a 'virtual' holiday wherever you choose to spend your summer.
With many thanks to Carina UK who always deliver a great read and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie escapes to France to stay with her grandmother in a glorious setting. Her grandmother helps her overcome her recent split with a fiance and gives her such a warm family embrace whilst she's still tender. She's trying to play cupid and at the same time getting Natalie to follow her dreams. We'd all love a grandmother like this.
She meets Mark who lives locally and is helping him on his research for a book set in France which combines some amazing sightseeing trips with historical importance with the research she wants to spend her life sharing. Sparks would fly between these two if they were free to let them ignite. Will they listen to their souls?!
I really loved everything about this book- the food in various places sounded delicious and I'd love to visit the cafe . The characters are all warm and engaging. The hint of romance between various characters is enticing and you are left with a completely relaxed, satisfied feel although sorry to have to say goodbye to everyone.
You are always guaranteed a wonderful read with TA Williams and this one was no exception. It really is the perfect book to pack in your holiday suitcase. If you aren't lucky enough to be going away this year- this book will transport you on a 'virtual' holiday wherever you choose to spend your summer.
With many thanks to Carina UK who always deliver a great read and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2016
Oh to have been on a sunlounger whilst reading this as it is a summer holiday in book form! As soon as I started I felt myself relax and very quickly became involved with the lovely Natalie as she leaves behind her boyfriend in the UK to go and live with her beloved French grandmother, whilst evaluating her life and deciding what to do next. As soon as she arrived in France, I could feel all her tensions start to melt away (as did my own!!) as she met up with the gorgeous millionaire Mark and his adorable Labrador, Barney. For me, Barney was the star of the show and stole every scene he was in! There certainly is nothing like a dog for bringing people together!
This was a lovely, gentle romantic comedy that was so beautifully written with characters that I really engaged with. Although there were many paths for Natalie to travel down, you are never quite 100% sure exactly what she will do especially when some rather exciting job opportunities appear on the horizon! I especially liked the way it was interspersed with historical facts as Natalie shows Mark around various places of interest in her role as his research assistant, my favourite being Carcassonne which is a place that I’ve always wanted to go, even more so after reading this! And as I absolutely love France, having holidayed there many times, the whole setting of this book along with all the descriptions of the delicious French delicacies really appealed to me and I wasn’t disappointed.
So for an easy to read beach read this year, you’d be well advised to take a copy of What Happens at the Beach with you and feel your tensions melt away….until you realise there are going to be NO MORE LABRADORS!
This was a lovely, gentle romantic comedy that was so beautifully written with characters that I really engaged with. Although there were many paths for Natalie to travel down, you are never quite 100% sure exactly what she will do especially when some rather exciting job opportunities appear on the horizon! I especially liked the way it was interspersed with historical facts as Natalie shows Mark around various places of interest in her role as his research assistant, my favourite being Carcassonne which is a place that I’ve always wanted to go, even more so after reading this! And as I absolutely love France, having holidayed there many times, the whole setting of this book along with all the descriptions of the delicious French delicacies really appealed to me and I wasn’t disappointed.
So for an easy to read beach read this year, you’d be well advised to take a copy of What Happens at the Beach with you and feel your tensions melt away….until you realise there are going to be NO MORE LABRADORS!
July 10, 2016
"This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review"
I didn't like the cover yet the discription was a bit interesting, because i don't usually go for this type of books , so i thought i should try something different. Well... i shouldn't.
The story was very slow-paced , it went on throughout the entire book . It contained a lot of boring parts filled with unnecessarily details, where i just had to skim through them.
The characters were dull , shallow and unrelatable , the only thing we know about them is that they look good .
The history job our main character had was more interesting than her relationship with these men. And for someone who just broke an engagement she surly is eager. Good for her! A bit unhealthy but whatever.
The events were very obvious, you can tell what's going to happen just by reading that discription i guess..
I didn't find it funny or sparkling, it was just not interesting. . At all..
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone i know
I didn't like the cover yet the discription was a bit interesting, because i don't usually go for this type of books , so i thought i should try something different. Well... i shouldn't.
The story was very slow-paced , it went on throughout the entire book . It contained a lot of boring parts filled with unnecessarily details, where i just had to skim through them.
The characters were dull , shallow and unrelatable , the only thing we know about them is that they look good .
The history job our main character had was more interesting than her relationship with these men. And for someone who just broke an engagement she surly is eager. Good for her! A bit unhealthy but whatever.
The events were very obvious, you can tell what's going to happen just by reading that discription i guess..
I didn't find it funny or sparkling, it was just not interesting. . At all..
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone i know
August 19, 2017
Probably 3.5 - good summer read. Thought this was going to be a total beach read but it is set in France on the coastline in a chateau which just made it a little bit more interesting. It was a cheap kindle buy and fun quick read.
October 17, 2017
A fun little read
I read most of it in one sitting. A little heartbreak, a little romance, a lot of beach, and some really cool geography and history. I'll definitely read more of her books.
I read most of it in one sitting. A little heartbreak, a little romance, a lot of beach, and some really cool geography and history. I'll definitely read more of her books.
October 13, 2022
Nicola’s review
A lovely story that turns out to be quite romantic about Natalie’s life and her relationships concerning her career, men, romance and friendships. An easy read. I found it encapsulating and easy to envisage the scenes. I would definitely recommend this book.
A lovely story that turns out to be quite romantic about Natalie’s life and her relationships concerning her career, men, romance and friendships. An easy read. I found it encapsulating and easy to envisage the scenes. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 21, 2017
It's my first time reading any books by this author and definitely read more.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
June 7, 2017
What a great read!
June 16, 2017
It's a good beach read. It's predictable. The book does move along and is a fast read. The characters are enjoyable
December 19, 2022
Awesome.
August 23, 2023
Great read from start to finish. I didn't want it to end
Love this book. Fascinating read. I did not want to put the book down. Wish there was a follow book
Love this book. Fascinating read. I did not want to put the book down. Wish there was a follow book
June 16, 2021
Loved this one. Everything you want in a summer read. Need I say more.
August 4, 2016
This is the third and final stop for TWG on this tour! Big thank you to Karan from #KEPRTours for having me involved in the tour three times and for having me take part in her other tours! Means a lot. Also, thank you to the publishers for letting me have an ARC of the book in return for my thoughts!
Have you ever felt as though you didn't belong? You know, the sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach as though something wasn't right? A partner that considered you to be a 'thing', well, his family thinking that you're a 'using thing'. Sound familiar? Oh, just me then...
Natalie has been going with the flow with her fiancé for a few years, but then one day, after a casual sausage roll with the dog...in a pantry...she realised that the flow wasn't enough. Natalie knows that the carpet can be pulled from under people all too quickly, she was determined to not let that happen to her. She has worked hard in her studies and what better place to find herself again, than in France. Surely she will be able to take time for herself and be true to who she really is? You would think so, but when three eligible bachelors and a Labrador catch her eye, I'm sure even Natalie will begin to wonder 'What happens at the beach....'.
Ever since I saw the cover and the title of this book I have been intrigued. I asked myself 'what DID happen at the beach?'. I had no idea whether the book would be a 'typical' romantic comedy, and, if I'm honest, I was hoping it wouldn't be.
I adored the fact that Natalie and her grandmother had such chequered pasts because it made them stand out as characters. Their pasts aren't revealed completely in one go, so as the story progresses, you get to find out more about them and are able to connect with them on multiple levels. 'What happens at the beach...' was such an easy book to read, despite several emotional circumstances, it didn't involve too much of my brain power. That, is definitely a bonus, (if I think too much my head hurts ;) ).
My favourite part of the whole book was taking a walk down memory lane with Natalie, literally. The amount of history that oozes from the book is mind-blowing. Every place that was visited by Natalie and her new boss, was laced with vivid description. I felt as though I was right there, in France, soaking up the historic atmosphere. Phenomenal.
One thing I have to sit on the fence for where the book is concerned, is the situation of the three guys and Natalie. I couldn't believe that part as much as I believed the rest of the book. Now, I could be a cynic, maybe it's because I have never had three guys take a shine to me at once, or maybe Natalie was incredibly lucky. That is just my personal opinion though, and despite my reservations on that situation, it didn't ruin the book for me. I just didn't gel with it. I did gel with the dog though, now he's a keeper! At least I wouldn't need a foot warmer!
I did say at the beginning of the review that I wondered if I was going to be reading a 'typical' romance novel, and I didn't. However, I did cry like a baby and feel the urge to eat masses of chocolate. In my eyes that didn't make it a typical romance read because none of the three guys were involved in my snot induced weeping. Ah, I can see why I have never had three males taking a shine to me now..... ;).
'What happens at the beach' is a book about finding your feet and doing what is right for you no matter what hurdles you have to jump over. It's also a book that I felt as though it hugged me, it captured part of me from within and opened my eyes to the fact that there is a whole world out there. All you need is a Labrador, and hope...
Have you ever felt as though you didn't belong? You know, the sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach as though something wasn't right? A partner that considered you to be a 'thing', well, his family thinking that you're a 'using thing'. Sound familiar? Oh, just me then...
Natalie has been going with the flow with her fiancé for a few years, but then one day, after a casual sausage roll with the dog...in a pantry...she realised that the flow wasn't enough. Natalie knows that the carpet can be pulled from under people all too quickly, she was determined to not let that happen to her. She has worked hard in her studies and what better place to find herself again, than in France. Surely she will be able to take time for herself and be true to who she really is? You would think so, but when three eligible bachelors and a Labrador catch her eye, I'm sure even Natalie will begin to wonder 'What happens at the beach....'.
Ever since I saw the cover and the title of this book I have been intrigued. I asked myself 'what DID happen at the beach?'. I had no idea whether the book would be a 'typical' romantic comedy, and, if I'm honest, I was hoping it wouldn't be.
I adored the fact that Natalie and her grandmother had such chequered pasts because it made them stand out as characters. Their pasts aren't revealed completely in one go, so as the story progresses, you get to find out more about them and are able to connect with them on multiple levels. 'What happens at the beach...' was such an easy book to read, despite several emotional circumstances, it didn't involve too much of my brain power. That, is definitely a bonus, (if I think too much my head hurts ;) ).
My favourite part of the whole book was taking a walk down memory lane with Natalie, literally. The amount of history that oozes from the book is mind-blowing. Every place that was visited by Natalie and her new boss, was laced with vivid description. I felt as though I was right there, in France, soaking up the historic atmosphere. Phenomenal.
One thing I have to sit on the fence for where the book is concerned, is the situation of the three guys and Natalie. I couldn't believe that part as much as I believed the rest of the book. Now, I could be a cynic, maybe it's because I have never had three guys take a shine to me at once, or maybe Natalie was incredibly lucky. That is just my personal opinion though, and despite my reservations on that situation, it didn't ruin the book for me. I just didn't gel with it. I did gel with the dog though, now he's a keeper! At least I wouldn't need a foot warmer!
I did say at the beginning of the review that I wondered if I was going to be reading a 'typical' romance novel, and I didn't. However, I did cry like a baby and feel the urge to eat masses of chocolate. In my eyes that didn't make it a typical romance read because none of the three guys were involved in my snot induced weeping. Ah, I can see why I have never had three males taking a shine to me now..... ;).
'What happens at the beach' is a book about finding your feet and doing what is right for you no matter what hurdles you have to jump over. It's also a book that I felt as though it hugged me, it captured part of me from within and opened my eyes to the fact that there is a whole world out there. All you need is a Labrador, and hope...
July 11, 2016
This is TA Williams 5th novel in the What Happens series. Each book is a standalone but each one and a further other contemporary romance novel TA Williams has written features a wonderful furry friend character. They say a man’s best friend is his dog but in TA Williams novels it appears the dog has a liking for the female leads.
This story is set around Natalie, a recent graduate in Medieval History. Following the very recent split from her fiancé David, Natalie escapes his over bearing mother and travels to the south of France to stay with her elderly grandmother. Her grandmother, Collette, is 90 but is still quite young at heart in her mind. She lives in a gorgeous house close to the beach. The house has been in the family for years and Natalie has enjoyed many summers spending time with her gran at the beach.
Natalie is enjoying this time relaxing with her gran, visiting the beach, swimming in the glorious clear turquoise blue sea. She’s managed to gain a part-time job helping out old friends at the local restaurant and manages to catch the eye of a millionaire yachtsman and the local fisherman. However, Natalie is not interested in love so soon after her break-up with David until she meets the owner of the chateau next door to her gran’s. Mark Markeson sparks an interest in Natalie, not only is he her gran’s neighbour but he is also the master of the adorable black Labrador that visits Natalie’s gran daily. The black Labrador is such a wonderful addition to this story, he sparks a warmth to the storyline and I also do believe animals can help bring people together. I believe this is very clever of TA Williams acknowledging the charm of animals and bringing it to life in his stories. Without revealing too much about the storyline Mark Markeson has a secret job and aspiring dream and when it’s revealed it helps bring Natalie and Mark closer together strictly in a professional manner (much to her gran’s dismay). Can the hurt from both Natalie and Mark’s past be healed?
I loved how this story led us into the history of the area. I could tell the author knew about the area and I was fascinated hearing about this and it has sparked my interest in finding out more. This is my first read of TA Williams, although I do have a few of his other books patiently waiting for me on my kindle. I love his writing style, his description of the location of his settings is very clear in this case I could picture the beach and the sea and I had fallen for this wonderful chateau that Mark lived in. The whole area sounded so idyllic. I loved all the characters, the main characters were easily recognisable and soon well liked and the array of sub-characters fitted in well with the storyline. I could easily imagine further stories being told about some of the sub-characters. The story had much warmth, humour, it was quite touching and emotive at times. A thoroughly delightful story that will encourage me to read all the other What Happens books. 4.5/5*
This story is set around Natalie, a recent graduate in Medieval History. Following the very recent split from her fiancé David, Natalie escapes his over bearing mother and travels to the south of France to stay with her elderly grandmother. Her grandmother, Collette, is 90 but is still quite young at heart in her mind. She lives in a gorgeous house close to the beach. The house has been in the family for years and Natalie has enjoyed many summers spending time with her gran at the beach.
Natalie is enjoying this time relaxing with her gran, visiting the beach, swimming in the glorious clear turquoise blue sea. She’s managed to gain a part-time job helping out old friends at the local restaurant and manages to catch the eye of a millionaire yachtsman and the local fisherman. However, Natalie is not interested in love so soon after her break-up with David until she meets the owner of the chateau next door to her gran’s. Mark Markeson sparks an interest in Natalie, not only is he her gran’s neighbour but he is also the master of the adorable black Labrador that visits Natalie’s gran daily. The black Labrador is such a wonderful addition to this story, he sparks a warmth to the storyline and I also do believe animals can help bring people together. I believe this is very clever of TA Williams acknowledging the charm of animals and bringing it to life in his stories. Without revealing too much about the storyline Mark Markeson has a secret job and aspiring dream and when it’s revealed it helps bring Natalie and Mark closer together strictly in a professional manner (much to her gran’s dismay). Can the hurt from both Natalie and Mark’s past be healed?
I loved how this story led us into the history of the area. I could tell the author knew about the area and I was fascinated hearing about this and it has sparked my interest in finding out more. This is my first read of TA Williams, although I do have a few of his other books patiently waiting for me on my kindle. I love his writing style, his description of the location of his settings is very clear in this case I could picture the beach and the sea and I had fallen for this wonderful chateau that Mark lived in. The whole area sounded so idyllic. I loved all the characters, the main characters were easily recognisable and soon well liked and the array of sub-characters fitted in well with the storyline. I could easily imagine further stories being told about some of the sub-characters. The story had much warmth, humour, it was quite touching and emotive at times. A thoroughly delightful story that will encourage me to read all the other What Happens books. 4.5/5*
July 7, 2016
I received a free copy of this book by the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for letting me read this!
Natalie is left embarrassed and angry by her fiance who doesn't stand up for her and allows his mother and sister to make cruel remarks about her. Realising they have both changed, Natalie splits from her ghastly fiance and jets over to Southern France to see her only remaining family member, Carmina her grandmother. She can't help but question whether her decision to do a PhD in History was worthwhile and if her ex-fiance was right that she wouldn't be able to find a job. For now, men are off the table and Natalie is focussed upon healing and finding a job perfect for her. However, whether or not men want to be off the cards is another question. The handsome Mark and his gorgeous labrador, Phillipe and Remy all seem to pine for her attention. Can she really be so lucky to find the perfect job and the perfect man?
I am a huge fan of T. A. Williams and eagerly anticipated his latest book! His romance/chicklit books are as always the perfect summer books and as ever, feature a gorgeous labrador. This book repeatedly put a smile on my face and quite merrily secluded me in a bubble away from the rest of the world. I ended up reading the entire book in a day it was that good!
The characters in the story really make it exceptional. There is great character development and imagery in his writing which brings the story to life. Natalie is a brilliant protagonist for the story and I absolutely adored her journey to self-discovery to find her new identity. Mark was also one of my favourite characters and his gorgeous black labrador! The true hero of the story has to be the labrador who instantly befriends Natalie and her grandmother and seems to always be there when needed. Their journey together through history was fascinating and fun to read!
I really loved the elements of history, self-discovery and friendship which were woven seamlessly into the story. I was also salivating at times whilst reading this with all of the tantalising food being described! It's cruel to tempt readers with lovely sounding lobster, sandwiches, meats, cheese, wine and I could go on... I really fancied visiting the local cafe where Natalie helped out, the food sounded exquisite.
As ever, T. A. Williams has another brilliant read which I can't recommend highly enough. If you want to be whisked away on holiday to France with a gorgeous, light chick-lit read then this is perfect for you! 5/5 stars!
Natalie is left embarrassed and angry by her fiance who doesn't stand up for her and allows his mother and sister to make cruel remarks about her. Realising they have both changed, Natalie splits from her ghastly fiance and jets over to Southern France to see her only remaining family member, Carmina her grandmother. She can't help but question whether her decision to do a PhD in History was worthwhile and if her ex-fiance was right that she wouldn't be able to find a job. For now, men are off the table and Natalie is focussed upon healing and finding a job perfect for her. However, whether or not men want to be off the cards is another question. The handsome Mark and his gorgeous labrador, Phillipe and Remy all seem to pine for her attention. Can she really be so lucky to find the perfect job and the perfect man?
I am a huge fan of T. A. Williams and eagerly anticipated his latest book! His romance/chicklit books are as always the perfect summer books and as ever, feature a gorgeous labrador. This book repeatedly put a smile on my face and quite merrily secluded me in a bubble away from the rest of the world. I ended up reading the entire book in a day it was that good!
The characters in the story really make it exceptional. There is great character development and imagery in his writing which brings the story to life. Natalie is a brilliant protagonist for the story and I absolutely adored her journey to self-discovery to find her new identity. Mark was also one of my favourite characters and his gorgeous black labrador! The true hero of the story has to be the labrador who instantly befriends Natalie and her grandmother and seems to always be there when needed. Their journey together through history was fascinating and fun to read!
I really loved the elements of history, self-discovery and friendship which were woven seamlessly into the story. I was also salivating at times whilst reading this with all of the tantalising food being described! It's cruel to tempt readers with lovely sounding lobster, sandwiches, meats, cheese, wine and I could go on... I really fancied visiting the local cafe where Natalie helped out, the food sounded exquisite.
As ever, T. A. Williams has another brilliant read which I can't recommend highly enough. If you want to be whisked away on holiday to France with a gorgeous, light chick-lit read then this is perfect for you! 5/5 stars!
July 10, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Trevor's books so I knew instinctively this would be a welcome read that I could relax into.
The cover lures you in with it's tranquil beauty and the story lives up to it. Natalie has come to a point in her life where she has chucked her engagement ring back at her pompous fiance after hearing comments from his mother sealing the deal that he really wasn't suitable for her or vice versa.
So she ups and leaves to go and stay with her elderly grandmother in France. Having completed her PhD she needs to find a job, concentrate on her career and she places a self ban on any involvement with men.
But of course this is a chick-lit so that situation won't last long! She manages to pick up a few hours work as a waitress which leaves her ample time to swim, sun bathe and spend time with Grandma. She finds an admirer in Phillipe the sailor , gets rather interested in Remy the fisherman but it's literally bumping into Mark during one of her swims when the tell-tale tingles begin.
It's a happy coincidence that Mark is writing a book and needs some local knowledge which Natalie has studied so he employs her as his guide/informer and they enjoy some wonderful sight-seeing trips, with a generous smattering of history relayed. Anyone who has read Trevor's books will know there is always a faithful Labrador involved somewhere and this time his name is Barney .. there are some really cute scenes with him.
Grandma is intent on playing cupid, but as usual does the journey of true love run smoothly? I enjoyed this as much as I anticipated, the setting was idyllic and perfect as a destination to lose oneself in. There was an adequate number of hunky men, some nice side characters in the cafe, a dreadfully sad moment but that leads to happier times, so to sum it up there is everything you need for a grand book, ideal for holiday reading or just for those who wish they were on holiday!
Thanks go to Trevor, Netgalley and Carina for another fabulous ARC.
The cover lures you in with it's tranquil beauty and the story lives up to it. Natalie has come to a point in her life where she has chucked her engagement ring back at her pompous fiance after hearing comments from his mother sealing the deal that he really wasn't suitable for her or vice versa.
So she ups and leaves to go and stay with her elderly grandmother in France. Having completed her PhD she needs to find a job, concentrate on her career and she places a self ban on any involvement with men.
But of course this is a chick-lit so that situation won't last long! She manages to pick up a few hours work as a waitress which leaves her ample time to swim, sun bathe and spend time with Grandma. She finds an admirer in Phillipe the sailor , gets rather interested in Remy the fisherman but it's literally bumping into Mark during one of her swims when the tell-tale tingles begin.
It's a happy coincidence that Mark is writing a book and needs some local knowledge which Natalie has studied so he employs her as his guide/informer and they enjoy some wonderful sight-seeing trips, with a generous smattering of history relayed. Anyone who has read Trevor's books will know there is always a faithful Labrador involved somewhere and this time his name is Barney .. there are some really cute scenes with him.
Grandma is intent on playing cupid, but as usual does the journey of true love run smoothly? I enjoyed this as much as I anticipated, the setting was idyllic and perfect as a destination to lose oneself in. There was an adequate number of hunky men, some nice side characters in the cafe, a dreadfully sad moment but that leads to happier times, so to sum it up there is everything you need for a grand book, ideal for holiday reading or just for those who wish they were on holiday!
Thanks go to Trevor, Netgalley and Carina for another fabulous ARC.
August 9, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I’m picky with my romance reads, but I do love a funny chick lit book. When I read the blurb for this book, I was expecting something along the lines of Sophie Kinsella,(though not her Shopaholic series, that just annoys me) something light, funny and charming with oodles of chemistry and a lot of hot men.
Unfortunately what I got from this book was anything but. I didn’t warm to Natalie, the fact that she says she wants to focus on her career but can’t stop thinking about men drove me nuts. No woman thinks that much about men unless a) they’re in love; b) they’re in lust or c) they’re just really , really bored. And usually for the first two options it’s just one specific man.
Secondly I found the writing clunky, I couldn’t feel the chemistry between Natalie and any of the men. The whole paragraphs of French history and the places they visited meant I started skimming towards the end. Just reading about all the stuff she did in a day exhausted me.
Thirdly, I find it inconceivable that Natalie had 4 men she felt were interested in her or she them. 3 of them were in love with her all at the same time. And the one she conveniently written off for being too hairy was in love with someone else anyway. One who basically declared himself her love servant came off as sort of creepy. And there was really no contest between the other two.
There wasn’t really any character development, so if you pick this up expecting lessons to be learnt you will be sorely disappointed. The plot devices weren’t really used in any extent to add to the story in my opinion. This wasn’t what I look for in my romances at all and I didn’t much care for it at all. However if you do enjoy French history and want to get a little taste of France, you might just enjoy this.
I’m picky with my romance reads, but I do love a funny chick lit book. When I read the blurb for this book, I was expecting something along the lines of Sophie Kinsella,(though not her Shopaholic series, that just annoys me) something light, funny and charming with oodles of chemistry and a lot of hot men.
Unfortunately what I got from this book was anything but. I didn’t warm to Natalie, the fact that she says she wants to focus on her career but can’t stop thinking about men drove me nuts. No woman thinks that much about men unless a) they’re in love; b) they’re in lust or c) they’re just really , really bored. And usually for the first two options it’s just one specific man.
Secondly I found the writing clunky, I couldn’t feel the chemistry between Natalie and any of the men. The whole paragraphs of French history and the places they visited meant I started skimming towards the end. Just reading about all the stuff she did in a day exhausted me.
Thirdly, I find it inconceivable that Natalie had 4 men she felt were interested in her or she them. 3 of them were in love with her all at the same time. And the one she conveniently written off for being too hairy was in love with someone else anyway. One who basically declared himself her love servant came off as sort of creepy. And there was really no contest between the other two.
There wasn’t really any character development, so if you pick this up expecting lessons to be learnt you will be sorely disappointed. The plot devices weren’t really used in any extent to add to the story in my opinion. This wasn’t what I look for in my romances at all and I didn’t much care for it at all. However if you do enjoy French history and want to get a little taste of France, you might just enjoy this.
December 13, 2016
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
I’ve got a definite affinity for the works of T.A. Williams. There is something about his writing that draws me in and keeps me captivated and it doesn’t seem to matter what type of story it is. I first read What Happens in Tuscany which was more of a mystery novel. What Happens at the Beach is more romantic. In both novels though I felt entirely at home in the setting of the plot- I could feel the warmth of the sun, I could see the sparkle of the ocean and I could smell the scents of the countryside.
All very poetic- but actually the novels aren’t filled with endless description at all. They are fast paced with good supporting voices and very likeable main characters. In this novel we meet Natalie who has just left her fiancé and escaped to her grandmother’s home in France where she intends on getting her career on track and mending her heart. Natalie’s grandmother is full of life, a delightful companion and someone I wish I could meet. She actually reminded me a bit of my own grandmother- perhaps this is why I was so comfortable with her.
With financial constraints she determines she’d best find a job (or two) while she sorts herself out. With her degrees having centred round a very specific moment of history she’s hard pressed to find a job that will suit so it seems wonderfully coincidental that someone writing a novel on her exact thesis subject should be living a few moments away from her grandmother’s home.
Romantic liaisons (with mixed results) end just the way it should so it’s bound to make every romantic happy. Another delightful read, can’t wait to pick up the next one!
Thank you to Carina Press for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
I’ve got a definite affinity for the works of T.A. Williams. There is something about his writing that draws me in and keeps me captivated and it doesn’t seem to matter what type of story it is. I first read What Happens in Tuscany which was more of a mystery novel. What Happens at the Beach is more romantic. In both novels though I felt entirely at home in the setting of the plot- I could feel the warmth of the sun, I could see the sparkle of the ocean and I could smell the scents of the countryside.
All very poetic- but actually the novels aren’t filled with endless description at all. They are fast paced with good supporting voices and very likeable main characters. In this novel we meet Natalie who has just left her fiancé and escaped to her grandmother’s home in France where she intends on getting her career on track and mending her heart. Natalie’s grandmother is full of life, a delightful companion and someone I wish I could meet. She actually reminded me a bit of my own grandmother- perhaps this is why I was so comfortable with her.
With financial constraints she determines she’d best find a job (or two) while she sorts herself out. With her degrees having centred round a very specific moment of history she’s hard pressed to find a job that will suit so it seems wonderfully coincidental that someone writing a novel on her exact thesis subject should be living a few moments away from her grandmother’s home.
Romantic liaisons (with mixed results) end just the way it should so it’s bound to make every romantic happy. Another delightful read, can’t wait to pick up the next one!
Thank you to Carina Press for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
July 22, 2016
My thoughts:
Natalie is a lovely character that I instantly liked. I think all of the characters in this book added a special something to the story. I thought it was a good thing to have multiple love interests for Natalie. It made it a little bit more interesting to read and to find out who would suit her best.
The plot moved at a brisk pace and I enjoyed the interactions between Natalie and the other characters. I loved the history aspect of this book as at school it was my favourite subject. No matter where I travel to I am always interested in the local history. So this was in my opinion a definite plus side to the book as it added extra depth. The writing was descriptive and at times I could really imagine I was there in France with Natalie, her grandmother and friends. The attention to detail is perfect and really helps set the scene.
T. A. Williams has wrote another hit with some lovely characters and a really engaging story.
Overall:
This story has a little bit of everything romance, history and lots of charm. I am already looking forward to reading more books by T. A. Williams.
What Happens at the Beach is a thoroughly enjoyable romance that left me with a smile!
Five stars from me!
Thank you to Carina UK & Netgalley for my copy to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
Natalie is a lovely character that I instantly liked. I think all of the characters in this book added a special something to the story. I thought it was a good thing to have multiple love interests for Natalie. It made it a little bit more interesting to read and to find out who would suit her best.
The plot moved at a brisk pace and I enjoyed the interactions between Natalie and the other characters. I loved the history aspect of this book as at school it was my favourite subject. No matter where I travel to I am always interested in the local history. So this was in my opinion a definite plus side to the book as it added extra depth. The writing was descriptive and at times I could really imagine I was there in France with Natalie, her grandmother and friends. The attention to detail is perfect and really helps set the scene.
T. A. Williams has wrote another hit with some lovely characters and a really engaging story.
Overall:
This story has a little bit of everything romance, history and lots of charm. I am already looking forward to reading more books by T. A. Williams.
What Happens at the Beach is a thoroughly enjoyable romance that left me with a smile!
Five stars from me!
Thank you to Carina UK & Netgalley for my copy to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
June 28, 2016
I am a huge fan of this author and his books never fail to bring a smile to my face. This one was no different.
The one defining thing about all of his books is they all feature a black Labrador. The lab featured in this book plays a huge part in the whole story, as he aids in bringing together the main players.
Natalie is running away to France to reunite with her much missed grandmother and escape a relationship which was not perfect. She needs to rediscover the person she actually is, rather than the one everyone else expects her to be.
Mark is someone who is running as well, but we don't know from what exactly. He offers Natalie a way to take her mind off her troubles and use her studies to their fullest potential.
As always the characters are all brilliantly written, the storyline flows extremely well throughout, and I loved every bit of it. For lovers of history and scenic descriptions this book is second to none. The author transports us to the South of France and you can almost imagine yourself there as his story unfolds. Highly recommended read for lovers of chick lit at its best.
Many thanks to Carina and Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The one defining thing about all of his books is they all feature a black Labrador. The lab featured in this book plays a huge part in the whole story, as he aids in bringing together the main players.
Natalie is running away to France to reunite with her much missed grandmother and escape a relationship which was not perfect. She needs to rediscover the person she actually is, rather than the one everyone else expects her to be.
Mark is someone who is running as well, but we don't know from what exactly. He offers Natalie a way to take her mind off her troubles and use her studies to their fullest potential.
As always the characters are all brilliantly written, the storyline flows extremely well throughout, and I loved every bit of it. For lovers of history and scenic descriptions this book is second to none. The author transports us to the South of France and you can almost imagine yourself there as his story unfolds. Highly recommended read for lovers of chick lit at its best.
Many thanks to Carina and Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews