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The Seaside Saga #3
Beach Blues
New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio invites you to spend the summer by the sea, in a quaint New England beach town where friends and love await just outside the cottage doors.
Celia Gray finds herself house-sitting a silver-shingled cottage at Stony Point. She arrives with her guitar, a few staging jobs ... and a bit of summertime sadness. That is, until an unforgettable group of beach friends draws her in like a breath of salt air.
Sal DeLuca heard the words in a dream: Take me to the sea. So after a decade of demanding work, he takes his first vacation in years. Trading in his suit and tie for blue jeans and boat shoes, Sal unexpectedly arrives at his mother's shabby inn on the Connecticut shore, winding his way into the lives and hearts of the close-knit beach community.
When Stony Point's two wash-ashores, Sal and Celia, meet, some say it's a match made in beach-heaven. And so begins a sweet seaside summer ... forging friendships, adventures and new love. But all is not at ease in the gentle sea breeze as a dark secret turns the tide for the Stony Point crew.
Beach Blues is a novel bringing you right to its secluded fishing shack and weathered boardwalk, to its wooden rowboat and lantern-lit porches. A novel that welcomes you, as much as it may break your heart.
The Seaside Saga Reading Order:
Book 1 - Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans
Book 2 - The Denim Blue Sea
Book 3 - Beach Blues
Book 4 - Beach Breeze
Book 5 - The Beach Inn
Book 6 - Beach Bliss
Book 7 - Castaway Cottage
Book 8 - Night Beach
Book 9 - Little Beach Bungalow
Book 10 - Every Summer
Book 11 - Salt Air Secrets
Book 12 - Stony Point Summer
Book 13 - The Beachgoers
Book 14 - Shore Road
Book 15 - The Wait
Book 16 - The Goodbye
Book 17 - The Barlows
Book 18 - The Visitor
Book 19 - Stairway to the Sea
And more Seaside Saga Books
Celia Gray finds herself house-sitting a silver-shingled cottage at Stony Point. She arrives with her guitar, a few staging jobs ... and a bit of summertime sadness. That is, until an unforgettable group of beach friends draws her in like a breath of salt air.
Sal DeLuca heard the words in a dream: Take me to the sea. So after a decade of demanding work, he takes his first vacation in years. Trading in his suit and tie for blue jeans and boat shoes, Sal unexpectedly arrives at his mother's shabby inn on the Connecticut shore, winding his way into the lives and hearts of the close-knit beach community.
When Stony Point's two wash-ashores, Sal and Celia, meet, some say it's a match made in beach-heaven. And so begins a sweet seaside summer ... forging friendships, adventures and new love. But all is not at ease in the gentle sea breeze as a dark secret turns the tide for the Stony Point crew.
Beach Blues is a novel bringing you right to its secluded fishing shack and weathered boardwalk, to its wooden rowboat and lantern-lit porches. A novel that welcomes you, as much as it may break your heart.
The Seaside Saga Reading Order:
Book 1 - Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans
Book 2 - The Denim Blue Sea
Book 3 - Beach Blues
Book 4 - Beach Breeze
Book 5 - The Beach Inn
Book 6 - Beach Bliss
Book 7 - Castaway Cottage
Book 8 - Night Beach
Book 9 - Little Beach Bungalow
Book 10 - Every Summer
Book 11 - Salt Air Secrets
Book 12 - Stony Point Summer
Book 13 - The Beachgoers
Book 14 - Shore Road
Book 15 - The Wait
Book 16 - The Goodbye
Book 17 - The Barlows
Book 18 - The Visitor
Book 19 - Stairway to the Sea
And more Seaside Saga Books
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2017
305 people are currently reading
1830 people want to read
About the author
Joanne DeMaio
39 books947 followersJoanne DeMaio is the prolific New York Times bestselling author of The Seaside Saga and other novels. She lives with her family in Connecticut and is currently at work on upcoming books.
Joanne enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor.
Joanne enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
September 6, 2017
This story continues a year later with the close group of friends in the New England town of Stony Point. We are introduced and get to know Celia Gray, recently divorced and house sitting for some friends in a cottage there in Stony Point, and Salvatore (Sal) DeLuca who is taking a much needed summer break from his incredibly busy job on Wall Street to help his mother Elsa with the beach inn she is planning to open. Both Celia and Sal get to know and instantly become great friends with not only each other but the rest of the "gang" as well. Another wonderful book about close friendships, secrets, love and loss that made me smile, laugh out loud at times, and made me teary-eyed. I love this fictional group of friends. The ending here definitely has me wanting to grab the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 24, 2018
BEACH BLUES has a slightly different spin than DeMaio's other books, which shows that there is something new to look forward to with each and every book DeMaio writes. I love that there continues to be depth in the novels that DeMaio writes, which makes opening a new book by her so much fun. Life is sad...there is loss, heartache and hurt feelings. These are universal themes, that make a reader get the feels. In BEACH BLUES, you will definitely get the feels. DeMaio writes characters that are flawed, struggling and real. That makes her books so readable. I was transported in this book and became very attached to the characters...some that were known to me and others that were new. I adored every moment and cannot wait for more books by this very talented and gifted writer! 5 stars
September 14, 2016
I love books that take me on a vacation through the author's words. Beach Blues by Joanne DeMaio took me on a lovely trip to the beach with the added bonus of catching up with old friends and making a few new friends on the beach shores of Stony Point.
Joanne DeMaio has yet again hit the spot with a wonderful beach story, enticing characters, and a plot that that had my emotions all over the map. I laughed with my Stony Point friends and I shed a few tears with them as well.
I enjoyed the chance to meet Sal, Elsa's son. He's such a sweet and charming guy. He is one of those guys that is so kind, caring, and has a way of becoming a best friend with everyone right away. He really reached out and touched my heart as well as everyone in Stony Point. He helped out at Kyle and Lauren's restaurant. He helps Jason on his project sites and is a wonderful sounding board for creative thoughts. He also takes a turn with Nick on guard duty cursing the shores to make sure everyone is behaving themselves. Then there is Celia.
Celia Gray is a sweet, independent lady that is doing her best to put her life back together after a divorce. A summer on the beach is just the thing she needs. All the terrific people take Celia in and bond are quickly formed.
Celia and Sal are exactly what each other is looking for. Their romance starts out slow and sweet as friends and grows into more. I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other and bond not only with each other but fitting in with the whole gang at the beach.
Then there is the ending. Oh Ms.DeMaio you made me cry my eyes out over this one. That is a sign of a good book though. If there are tears in my eyes I know I'm reading a work of art so job well done!
If you are looking for a trip to the beach, good friends to enjoy while you are there, and plenty of emotion in a story you need to grab this book. I have read everything Ms. DeMaio has published so far and let me say there isn't a book on her list that isn't fabulous. I can not wait to see what Ms. DeMaio has in store for us next. I know it's going to be a wonderful read.
I was given the opportunity to read this great book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Beach Blues.
Joanne DeMaio has yet again hit the spot with a wonderful beach story, enticing characters, and a plot that that had my emotions all over the map. I laughed with my Stony Point friends and I shed a few tears with them as well.
I enjoyed the chance to meet Sal, Elsa's son. He's such a sweet and charming guy. He is one of those guys that is so kind, caring, and has a way of becoming a best friend with everyone right away. He really reached out and touched my heart as well as everyone in Stony Point. He helped out at Kyle and Lauren's restaurant. He helps Jason on his project sites and is a wonderful sounding board for creative thoughts. He also takes a turn with Nick on guard duty cursing the shores to make sure everyone is behaving themselves. Then there is Celia.
Celia Gray is a sweet, independent lady that is doing her best to put her life back together after a divorce. A summer on the beach is just the thing she needs. All the terrific people take Celia in and bond are quickly formed.
Celia and Sal are exactly what each other is looking for. Their romance starts out slow and sweet as friends and grows into more. I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other and bond not only with each other but fitting in with the whole gang at the beach.
Then there is the ending. Oh Ms.DeMaio you made me cry my eyes out over this one. That is a sign of a good book though. If there are tears in my eyes I know I'm reading a work of art so job well done!
If you are looking for a trip to the beach, good friends to enjoy while you are there, and plenty of emotion in a story you need to grab this book. I have read everything Ms. DeMaio has published so far and let me say there isn't a book on her list that isn't fabulous. I can not wait to see what Ms. DeMaio has in store for us next. I know it's going to be a wonderful read.
I was given the opportunity to read this great book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Beach Blues.
June 24, 2016
Stony Point, Connecticut, is the perfect place for both old and new friends to enjoy the summer months.
Celia Gray is a newcomer who has arrived to stage cottages for local realtors, and to heal from a painful divorce, and while she stays in her friends’ cottage during her time here, she begins to form connections among the friendly residents.
Elsa DeLuca is the first of many who engage her, sweeping her up into a cozy circle of warmth, bringing her into her own whirl of activity as she renovates Old Foley’s into an inviting bed and breakfast inn, which she has dubbed Ocean Star Inn.
Soon Elsa is joined by her son Salvatore, who is seeking to heal from his stressful job on Wall Street. But could Sal be harboring other reasons for his summer sojourn?
While new connections form, the old friends show up to provide a backdrop for the summer explorations, and remind us of why we love visiting the beach community populated by Jason and Maris, Kyle and Lauren, and Eva and Matt. We watch as all the old friends share the memories that are part of their legacy in this place, nourishing them during hard times, and how they now bring the newcomers into their circle of trust.
One newcomer, the new beach commissioner, offered an annoying yet humorous backdrop to the usual friendly interactions. He was constantly on hand to issue citations for supposed violations to residents and visitors, with a pompous air and inflexible attitude. The Hammer Law was another rather strange rule: no hammering between the first day of summer until Labor Day, which put a kibosh on any construction work. It was interesting to see how Jason, the resident architect, managed his way around the rules.
Beach Blues is a continuation of the adventures of the characters’ journeys from previous books, and we come to look forward to what they add to this year’s adventures. More secrets are revealed, and with a sense of hidden darkness hovering overhead, we begin to suspect that sadness is not far off. But can the love and romance and celebration of the new lives they have created bring joy, despite any potential sorrow?
This delightful read is a book to savor for the summer, which earned 5 stars.
Celia Gray is a newcomer who has arrived to stage cottages for local realtors, and to heal from a painful divorce, and while she stays in her friends’ cottage during her time here, she begins to form connections among the friendly residents.
Elsa DeLuca is the first of many who engage her, sweeping her up into a cozy circle of warmth, bringing her into her own whirl of activity as she renovates Old Foley’s into an inviting bed and breakfast inn, which she has dubbed Ocean Star Inn.
Soon Elsa is joined by her son Salvatore, who is seeking to heal from his stressful job on Wall Street. But could Sal be harboring other reasons for his summer sojourn?
While new connections form, the old friends show up to provide a backdrop for the summer explorations, and remind us of why we love visiting the beach community populated by Jason and Maris, Kyle and Lauren, and Eva and Matt. We watch as all the old friends share the memories that are part of their legacy in this place, nourishing them during hard times, and how they now bring the newcomers into their circle of trust.
One newcomer, the new beach commissioner, offered an annoying yet humorous backdrop to the usual friendly interactions. He was constantly on hand to issue citations for supposed violations to residents and visitors, with a pompous air and inflexible attitude. The Hammer Law was another rather strange rule: no hammering between the first day of summer until Labor Day, which put a kibosh on any construction work. It was interesting to see how Jason, the resident architect, managed his way around the rules.
Beach Blues is a continuation of the adventures of the characters’ journeys from previous books, and we come to look forward to what they add to this year’s adventures. More secrets are revealed, and with a sense of hidden darkness hovering overhead, we begin to suspect that sadness is not far off. But can the love and romance and celebration of the new lives they have created bring joy, despite any potential sorrow?
This delightful read is a book to savor for the summer, which earned 5 stars.
June 6, 2016
Joanne Demaio's book, Beach Blues, returns to Stony Point, Connecticut, an idyllic location for a summer read. This summer brings two visitors to Stony Point: Celia Grey, an interior designer recovering from a divorce; and Salvatore DeLuca, a Manhattanite looking for a calm respite to escape the grueling demands of his job. As Celia begins to heal, she opens her heart to Sal and the other residents who call Stony Point home. Sal forges friendships with the locals, too, assisting them in their businesses, as well as listening to their secrets. But it's Sal who is hiding the biggest secret of all... This book is filled with rich characters, and the setting itself is a main character. The sea, the marshes, the quaint cottages, are all an integral part of the story. Although, this is a stand-alone book, some characters were introduced in previous books written by the author. If you haven't read her other books, the author provides back stories that will fill the reader in on the histories of the characters. This book is not your typical lighthearted beach-read; this book has a much more serious storyline. All in all, it is a warm, funny, poignant story about a summer of friendships, love, and loss.
April 20, 2017
I was gifted an early copy of Joanne's book and so thankful that I was. I have been a fan of her books since the very first and have made a few of them my book club selections. This book was no exception of course, I loved being transported back to Stony Point and the familiar cast of characters. Lightly intertwining Addison Cove (from other books) into this story was a nice highlight as well. I always feel like I'm reading about friends when I read any of Joanne's books...like I could jump right in the book and feel right at home. There is something about that type of magical and friendly writing that pulls me in every time and the reason I love reading so much. This particular book had an ending that pulled on my heartstrings and I'm now anxious for the next one in the series to be published. Definitely another worthwhile read from Joanne DeMaio.
March 5, 2019
Loved it
June 30, 2017
Wow - a great story of friendship and the tests of time with an ending I never saw coming.
June 13, 2016
In Beach Blues, author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader back to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where the reader is introduced to the story of Celia Gray, a house stager, and Salvatore DeLuca, a Wall Street analyst, while also allowing the reader to catch up with the lives of friends: Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle, Lauren and Elsa.
Just like the ebb and flow of the tide, life brings issues and changes to one's life, but the bonds of friendship, sea air and salt water are cleansing, they cure what ails you. For this group of old friends, the summer arrival of Celia Gray and Elsa's son Sal DeLuca to Stony Point will bring them together, but the bonds of friendship and personal relationships will be tested with personal secrets and life issues that surface and swirl around in the shimmering denim blue sea, yet its calming effect will offer them another chance of hope, love, family, friendship, forgiveness, and redemption.
So drive under the railroad trestle and enter the enchanting beach town of Stony Point ... pull up a beach chair ... and visit with the close-knit longtime friends in author Joanne DeMaio's delightful novel, Beach Blues.
Beach Blues is a poignant story of friendship and family, dealing with life's issues, and long held secrets that will tug at your heartstrings. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves an emotional tale written in the third person narrative, that is set in the present with flashbacks to the past. The reader is transported to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where they follow along with Celia, Sal, Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle, Lauren, and Elsa as they each deal with challenges of real life, loss, love, heartbreak, secrets, and personal demons.
Author Joanne DeMaio easily captivates her readers' attention with this beautifully written and emotional tale through a seamless and flowing storyline, and with a wonderful description of a tranquil beach setting that wraps itself around the reader like a sun-warmed beach towel. The characters draw you into their lives with a strong emotional pull, their complexities and flaws are true-to-life, it is easy to relate to them with compassion, empathy and hope. With a mixture of intrigue, suspense, drama, humor, heartache, hidden secrets, romance, and a strong bond of friendship, this story takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride that will keep you turning the pages until the satisfying conclusion.
Beach Blues is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and real life challenges that is both heart wrenching and inspirational. It is a powerful and compelling story that will have you feeling the full gamut of emotions while soothing your soul. It is a wonderful story that demonstrates the power of the magical sweet salt air that will cure what ails you, and it will resonate with you long after the last word has been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour hosted by author Joanne DeMaio.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Just like the ebb and flow of the tide, life brings issues and changes to one's life, but the bonds of friendship, sea air and salt water are cleansing, they cure what ails you. For this group of old friends, the summer arrival of Celia Gray and Elsa's son Sal DeLuca to Stony Point will bring them together, but the bonds of friendship and personal relationships will be tested with personal secrets and life issues that surface and swirl around in the shimmering denim blue sea, yet its calming effect will offer them another chance of hope, love, family, friendship, forgiveness, and redemption.
So drive under the railroad trestle and enter the enchanting beach town of Stony Point ... pull up a beach chair ... and visit with the close-knit longtime friends in author Joanne DeMaio's delightful novel, Beach Blues.
Beach Blues is a poignant story of friendship and family, dealing with life's issues, and long held secrets that will tug at your heartstrings. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves an emotional tale written in the third person narrative, that is set in the present with flashbacks to the past. The reader is transported to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where they follow along with Celia, Sal, Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle, Lauren, and Elsa as they each deal with challenges of real life, loss, love, heartbreak, secrets, and personal demons.
Author Joanne DeMaio easily captivates her readers' attention with this beautifully written and emotional tale through a seamless and flowing storyline, and with a wonderful description of a tranquil beach setting that wraps itself around the reader like a sun-warmed beach towel. The characters draw you into their lives with a strong emotional pull, their complexities and flaws are true-to-life, it is easy to relate to them with compassion, empathy and hope. With a mixture of intrigue, suspense, drama, humor, heartache, hidden secrets, romance, and a strong bond of friendship, this story takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride that will keep you turning the pages until the satisfying conclusion.
Beach Blues is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and real life challenges that is both heart wrenching and inspirational. It is a powerful and compelling story that will have you feeling the full gamut of emotions while soothing your soul. It is a wonderful story that demonstrates the power of the magical sweet salt air that will cure what ails you, and it will resonate with you long after the last word has been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour hosted by author Joanne DeMaio.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 23, 2018
First let me say that I got this book free through Nook, serial reads. They spoon feed you two to three chapters each day. As an avid reader, I can read that in less than 15 minutes. That is not the authors fault but the caliber of the book was very simple and predictable.
The characters were poorly developed and the narrative was very unbelievable. 35 year-old men do not talk to each other the way this was written. This book was way too long for the story and I really thought this book would never end. One of the only reasons I finished it is because I am a first-born, over-achiever.
I don’t know that I have ever given such a negative review but this book was not a good one for me.
The characters were poorly developed and the narrative was very unbelievable. 35 year-old men do not talk to each other the way this was written. This book was way too long for the story and I really thought this book would never end. One of the only reasons I finished it is because I am a first-born, over-achiever.
I don’t know that I have ever given such a negative review but this book was not a good one for me.
July 15, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Joanne Demaio has topped herself. This story just blew me away.
The tourist season is about to start and the Hammer Law will go into effect. No construction is allowed as it would disturb the visiting families. This means the noisy renovations on Elsa DeLuca’s inn project are stopped but quiet ones like painting and cooking
Joanne Demaio has topped herself. This story just blew me away.
The tourist season is about to start and the Hammer Law will go into effect. No construction is allowed as it would disturb the visiting families. This means the noisy renovations on Elsa DeLuca’s inn project are stopped but quiet ones like painting and cooking
August 9, 2018
The cover and the setting are gorgeous. I liked the characters, but there were a lot of them to keep track of. If I had started with the first book, it might not have been a problem for me. Also, I didn't like the ending, but it wasn't because it leads into another book. There was an incident near the end of the book that I didn't like.
July 25, 2018
Me reviewing this book is like a vegetarian reviewing a steak house. It is not going to be a good experience. Now, first, the only reason I read it was because it the Nook-free read for the month of July in which they let readers read just two-four chapters a day until the end of the month. Its kind of like having a knife slowly plunged into your heart. (Think Poe's The Pit & The Pendulum).
My biggest gripe is that the main plot was exceeding slow in unfolding. It was like grass growing or paint drying. Celia Gray comes to Stony Point to get over her divorce, only to find love in the arms of Sal DeLuca, who in turns after finding out all the secrets of Stony Point, drops dead. I strongly suspect of boredom, although the author says differently.
Despite having over twenty-five characters who wander in and out of storyline I couldn't connect with any of them. Despite having male names and male roles, the men came off as being female characters. The one dark secret that Sal discovered was that Neil (brother of Jason) had an affair with Maris and is the father of Evan Barlow. Neil had the decency to die in a motorcycle accident that left Jason with only one leg. Why Maris would suddenly reveal this to a complete stranger like Sal after eight years makes no sense to me.
And speaking of not making sense neither does the "romance" between Elsa DeLuca and beach commissioner Raines. In today's #MeToo world his actions would have gotten him arrested, not a... whatever they did.
While reading this I kept wondering to myself, how could the author made this book more engaging. What plot twists, hidden agendas did she overlook? So here are my suggestions for some of the main characters:
Celia Gray-a sexy, secret government agent goes undercover in Stony Point to uncover a diabolical plot to destroy the world. She falls in love with both Sal DeLuca and Jason Barlow and who she chooses will decide the fate of the world.
Elsa DeLuca-Runs a gambling den and brothel for some of the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy. She is also a minor demon from Hell. She has the gem known as the Devil's eye and seeks its twin to make herself more powerful.
Sal DeLuca-Her son and the financial genius behind her empire. He is a powerful vampire and the last canasta player on earth.
Jason Barlow- A time-traveling cyborg who has amnesia and can't recall his mission. A programming glitch causes him to tap dance unexpectedly.
Maris Barlow-Jason's wife or ex-wife or future wife. She is a dimension hopping witch. Sadly the dimension hopping is caused whenever she gets the hiccups or sneezes. She likes to juggle and play the bassoon to heavy metal tunes.
Madison Barlow-A shape-shifting sprite stuck in the form of a Golden Lab because Jason can't recall the phrase to break the spell. She knows what his mission is but can't speak. Enjoys charades
Neil Barlow-Younger brother of Jason and a flaming, Harley-riding ghost. Big trivia buff sadly for those around him.
Kyle Bradford-Mad scientist bent on unleashing a zombie army on the world and a part-time chef. He is very proud of his soufflés. A mysterious gem powers his evil ray-gun turning people into telemarketers. With the second gem added the ray gun would turn them into zombies.
Lauren Bradford-Kyle's wife. She is also a werewolf and professional thief looking for a certain cursed gem. Makes her own jewelry.
Mr. Raines-local law enforcement and goblin overlord. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Well, that's enough. I think you get the idea.
Now I do realize that Ms DeMaio is a best selling New Times writer which means she has an army of ardent supporters and if they can find joy and happiness in the pages of Beach Blues that is wonderful. But as for me, give characters facing unspeakable dangers and impossible choices. Please don't give me ordinary people with ordinary problems
My biggest gripe is that the main plot was exceeding slow in unfolding. It was like grass growing or paint drying. Celia Gray comes to Stony Point to get over her divorce, only to find love in the arms of Sal DeLuca, who in turns after finding out all the secrets of Stony Point, drops dead. I strongly suspect of boredom, although the author says differently.
Despite having over twenty-five characters who wander in and out of storyline I couldn't connect with any of them. Despite having male names and male roles, the men came off as being female characters. The one dark secret that Sal discovered was that Neil (brother of Jason) had an affair with Maris and is the father of Evan Barlow. Neil had the decency to die in a motorcycle accident that left Jason with only one leg. Why Maris would suddenly reveal this to a complete stranger like Sal after eight years makes no sense to me.
And speaking of not making sense neither does the "romance" between Elsa DeLuca and beach commissioner Raines. In today's #MeToo world his actions would have gotten him arrested, not a... whatever they did.
While reading this I kept wondering to myself, how could the author made this book more engaging. What plot twists, hidden agendas did she overlook? So here are my suggestions for some of the main characters:
Celia Gray-a sexy, secret government agent goes undercover in Stony Point to uncover a diabolical plot to destroy the world. She falls in love with both Sal DeLuca and Jason Barlow and who she chooses will decide the fate of the world.
Elsa DeLuca-Runs a gambling den and brothel for some of the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy. She is also a minor demon from Hell. She has the gem known as the Devil's eye and seeks its twin to make herself more powerful.
Sal DeLuca-Her son and the financial genius behind her empire. He is a powerful vampire and the last canasta player on earth.
Jason Barlow- A time-traveling cyborg who has amnesia and can't recall his mission. A programming glitch causes him to tap dance unexpectedly.
Maris Barlow-Jason's wife or ex-wife or future wife. She is a dimension hopping witch. Sadly the dimension hopping is caused whenever she gets the hiccups or sneezes. She likes to juggle and play the bassoon to heavy metal tunes.
Madison Barlow-A shape-shifting sprite stuck in the form of a Golden Lab because Jason can't recall the phrase to break the spell. She knows what his mission is but can't speak. Enjoys charades
Neil Barlow-Younger brother of Jason and a flaming, Harley-riding ghost. Big trivia buff sadly for those around him.
Kyle Bradford-Mad scientist bent on unleashing a zombie army on the world and a part-time chef. He is very proud of his soufflés. A mysterious gem powers his evil ray-gun turning people into telemarketers. With the second gem added the ray gun would turn them into zombies.
Lauren Bradford-Kyle's wife. She is also a werewolf and professional thief looking for a certain cursed gem. Makes her own jewelry.
Mr. Raines-local law enforcement and goblin overlord. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Well, that's enough. I think you get the idea.
Now I do realize that Ms DeMaio is a best selling New Times writer which means she has an army of ardent supporters and if they can find joy and happiness in the pages of Beach Blues that is wonderful. But as for me, give characters facing unspeakable dangers and impossible choices. Please don't give me ordinary people with ordinary problems
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2016
A special thank you to the author and publicist for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Join me for Beach Blues Blog Tour Stop, May 31!
Talented Joanne DeMaio (my favorite New England author) returns following (2015) The Denim Blue Sea and Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer with BEACH BLUES, to idyllic Stony Point, a quaint and magical New England Beach seaside town- with some familiar characters and newcomers. Compelling, inspiring, and emotional-a summer bittersweet tale of love and loss.
A poignant portrait of past and present relationships, reminiscing, memories, nostalgia, secrets, grief, hurts, and forgiveness. Some light new romances, difficult choices, connections, and friendships.
Acceptance of the things that cannot be changed, and the courage to change the things they can. This cast of flawed characters, weather the storms of life, on their road to redemption and healing.
Celia Gray arrives at the storybook charming cottage named Summer Winds, where even the name evokes the promise of easy, breezy days.
Every cottage tells a story. As a home stager, for real estate properties, she looks at a house with a For Sale sign-as a sign, the dream is over. The home, the nostalgia, and anticipation of another summer. Letting go, and saying good-bye of a weathered cottage, similar to life and those precious to us.
She is staging the cottage, for the listing real estate agent, Eva. Celia thinks a beach cottage is a little different than a normal house, because selling a cottage seems sad. Celia knows about lost dreams. Celia is only planning on staying temporarily for a month or two at a friend’s place and picking up some other cottages. Little does she know all the newfound friends she will meet, and come to treasure.
Elsa DeLuca knows the best place to start over is somewhere by the sea. She knows all too well. She is busy transforming her run-down beach house into a future beach chic bed and breakfast inn by the Sea at Stony Point. The Ocean Star Inn.
She has all sorts of challenges rushing to get things finished before the Hammer Law sets (they have to cease construction before the season begins). Summer-Labor Day. She sold her house in Milan and starting over. She had reunited with her nieces after thirty years apart. Her husband died and she moved to this magical place and has found a home and many friends.
For those who have read previous books we also reconnect with Jason Barlow, now an architect at Stony Point and married to Maris (Elsa’s other niece and Eva’s sister). He had a motorcycle accident which killed his brother, and Jason lost his leg years earlier. Maris and Jason married the previous year and she is currently in Europe with her denim fashion business. (Denim Blue Sea line).
Neil had been dead for nine years, after the accident, and this community of friends still feel his strong presence. Jason still talks to his brother, about his thoughts and inspirations. His brother’s was also an architect, and finds his brother’s voice comes to him when he is alone, with no distractions. He also refurbished his father’s old barn for his studio. We also catch up with Kyle and Lauren:
Kyle owns the Sand Bar, a local diner. He is married to Lauren, an artist. Lauren and Neil had a past, and all the gang have many fond memories (old beach hangout) at the old Foley’s house which is now Elsa’s inn property. The beach inn will be turned into a grand destination spot if Elsa can get past the new beach commissioner, Cliff Raines; which she keeps butting heads with (maybe something more).
Elsa DeLuca’s grown son, Salvatore (Sal), age thirty-five lives in Manhattan and works on Wall Street, after growing up in Milan. She is so excited when Sal shows up unannounced and decides to take a few months off to visit with his mom and help her get the inn ready through Labor Day. She has to find a way to get him to stay longer and wants to fix him up with Celia.
Sal is an interesting guy. (love his character) From suits to flip flops, he enjoys the simpler way of life and fits in perfectly with the seaside town. He jumps in helping everyone. A true friend. A teacher of wisdom, how to live in the moment and treasure time.
Drifting in and out of lives, lots of action, with the construction, Celia and Elsa become good friends, and Sal is a delight to everyone. Sal and Celia have an attraction, Jason and Sal become fast friends.
The anniversary is approaching for Neil’s death, and emotions are high. Some are keeping secrets and guarding their hearts. Some have history, sorrows, and regrets, and they are tangled up as the seaweed running along the beach.
From the nostalgic vibes of journals, scrapbooks, sea glass, secret magical Little Beach, hurricane lanterns, rowboats, sea shells, beach hangouts, sweet salt air, old friends, family, and loved ones.
New friends develop bonds, and learn to rely on one another for strength and support. Simple pleasures, old trucks, fishing, rowboats, good food and faithful friends. Some characters handle problems their own way, in isolation. Some have to confront the past, and forgive in order to move on with the future. Some find they have to let go. Others need more time.
DeMaio has a keen eye and skill for detailing the emotional landscape of her characters; she delves into their hearts and souls; and once again delivers a compelling insightful drama suspense. From the vivid settings, drawing you into this summer magical world, and beautifully written prose—where things are not always tied up in a neat bow. True life storms come with conflicts, choices, unexpected sadness, and obstacles.
She skillfully blends light contemporary romance and friendships, with intense family domestic drama suspense. Having read all her books—(a long time fan) you can expect heartwarming stories about real people, issues, and raw emotional human dynamics. Always anxiously await, the next.
Hoping we will see more of this cast of characters for a continuation of the complex lives at Stony Point. Looking forward to catching up with the gang and the exciting opening of the bed and breakfast. As a consultant and (stager) for coastal vacation properties, hotels, and bed and breakfast inns-always some fascinating stories surrounding the guests!
Make sure to pack this one in your summer beach bag!
JDCMustReadBooks
Join me for Beach Blues Blog Tour Stop, May 31!
Talented Joanne DeMaio (my favorite New England author) returns following (2015) The Denim Blue Sea and Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer with BEACH BLUES, to idyllic Stony Point, a quaint and magical New England Beach seaside town- with some familiar characters and newcomers. Compelling, inspiring, and emotional-a summer bittersweet tale of love and loss.
A poignant portrait of past and present relationships, reminiscing, memories, nostalgia, secrets, grief, hurts, and forgiveness. Some light new romances, difficult choices, connections, and friendships.
Acceptance of the things that cannot be changed, and the courage to change the things they can. This cast of flawed characters, weather the storms of life, on their road to redemption and healing.
Celia Gray arrives at the storybook charming cottage named Summer Winds, where even the name evokes the promise of easy, breezy days.
Every cottage tells a story. As a home stager, for real estate properties, she looks at a house with a For Sale sign-as a sign, the dream is over. The home, the nostalgia, and anticipation of another summer. Letting go, and saying good-bye of a weathered cottage, similar to life and those precious to us.
She is staging the cottage, for the listing real estate agent, Eva. Celia thinks a beach cottage is a little different than a normal house, because selling a cottage seems sad. Celia knows about lost dreams. Celia is only planning on staying temporarily for a month or two at a friend’s place and picking up some other cottages. Little does she know all the newfound friends she will meet, and come to treasure.
Elsa DeLuca knows the best place to start over is somewhere by the sea. She knows all too well. She is busy transforming her run-down beach house into a future beach chic bed and breakfast inn by the Sea at Stony Point. The Ocean Star Inn.
She has all sorts of challenges rushing to get things finished before the Hammer Law sets (they have to cease construction before the season begins). Summer-Labor Day. She sold her house in Milan and starting over. She had reunited with her nieces after thirty years apart. Her husband died and she moved to this magical place and has found a home and many friends.
For those who have read previous books we also reconnect with Jason Barlow, now an architect at Stony Point and married to Maris (Elsa’s other niece and Eva’s sister). He had a motorcycle accident which killed his brother, and Jason lost his leg years earlier. Maris and Jason married the previous year and she is currently in Europe with her denim fashion business. (Denim Blue Sea line).
Neil had been dead for nine years, after the accident, and this community of friends still feel his strong presence. Jason still talks to his brother, about his thoughts and inspirations. His brother’s was also an architect, and finds his brother’s voice comes to him when he is alone, with no distractions. He also refurbished his father’s old barn for his studio. We also catch up with Kyle and Lauren:
Kyle owns the Sand Bar, a local diner. He is married to Lauren, an artist. Lauren and Neil had a past, and all the gang have many fond memories (old beach hangout) at the old Foley’s house which is now Elsa’s inn property. The beach inn will be turned into a grand destination spot if Elsa can get past the new beach commissioner, Cliff Raines; which she keeps butting heads with (maybe something more).
Elsa DeLuca’s grown son, Salvatore (Sal), age thirty-five lives in Manhattan and works on Wall Street, after growing up in Milan. She is so excited when Sal shows up unannounced and decides to take a few months off to visit with his mom and help her get the inn ready through Labor Day. She has to find a way to get him to stay longer and wants to fix him up with Celia.
Sal is an interesting guy. (love his character) From suits to flip flops, he enjoys the simpler way of life and fits in perfectly with the seaside town. He jumps in helping everyone. A true friend. A teacher of wisdom, how to live in the moment and treasure time.
Drifting in and out of lives, lots of action, with the construction, Celia and Elsa become good friends, and Sal is a delight to everyone. Sal and Celia have an attraction, Jason and Sal become fast friends.
The anniversary is approaching for Neil’s death, and emotions are high. Some are keeping secrets and guarding their hearts. Some have history, sorrows, and regrets, and they are tangled up as the seaweed running along the beach.
“From what I saw today, it’s like your brother was never set free with the beautiful sea breezes and whispering lagoon grasses that were his world. Back home, the Italians say that if you stew in your sadness, you’re not letting it go. You have to find a way to celebrate a life.”
From the nostalgic vibes of journals, scrapbooks, sea glass, secret magical Little Beach, hurricane lanterns, rowboats, sea shells, beach hangouts, sweet salt air, old friends, family, and loved ones.
New friends develop bonds, and learn to rely on one another for strength and support. Simple pleasures, old trucks, fishing, rowboats, good food and faithful friends. Some characters handle problems their own way, in isolation. Some have to confront the past, and forgive in order to move on with the future. Some find they have to let go. Others need more time.
DeMaio has a keen eye and skill for detailing the emotional landscape of her characters; she delves into their hearts and souls; and once again delivers a compelling insightful drama suspense. From the vivid settings, drawing you into this summer magical world, and beautifully written prose—where things are not always tied up in a neat bow. True life storms come with conflicts, choices, unexpected sadness, and obstacles.
She skillfully blends light contemporary romance and friendships, with intense family domestic drama suspense. Having read all her books—(a long time fan) you can expect heartwarming stories about real people, issues, and raw emotional human dynamics. Always anxiously await, the next.
Hoping we will see more of this cast of characters for a continuation of the complex lives at Stony Point. Looking forward to catching up with the gang and the exciting opening of the bed and breakfast. As a consultant and (stager) for coastal vacation properties, hotels, and bed and breakfast inns-always some fascinating stories surrounding the guests!
Make sure to pack this one in your summer beach bag!
JDCMustReadBooks
October 12, 2017
Joanne DeMaio has a way with describing the beachfront setting that really awakens the senses and makes the reader feel like they are there with the characters. I leisurely read this book as summer came to a close, here on the east coast. The weather and sunsets in Boston seemed to mirror some of the images created in the book. This circle of beach friend characters, expanded in both number and wisdom. I really liked the influence of European culture as it was woven through the tapestry of a familiar life on the coast of CT. I was baffled by the use of explicatives (darn this, that damn) in too many sentences within this story. Honestly, it interrupted the flow of the story and caused me to wonder if the author was held to a certain word count; inserting unnecessary highlights to a mood, feeling or object that got in a character's way. Her band of friends are in their 30's but communicate in a voice that is often of an older generation. That too, bumps the believability. Overall, this is delightful story of friendship, love and loss that is to be steadily enjoyed during the heat of summer.
July 24, 2018
Book #51 read in 2018
It appears I jumped into the middle of a series with this novel. Because of that I didn't form any real attachments to the characters apart from Elsa. Sal seemed entirely too perfect to be true. But it was a decent summer read.
It appears I jumped into the middle of a series with this novel. Because of that I didn't form any real attachments to the characters apart from Elsa. Sal seemed entirely too perfect to be true. But it was a decent summer read.
July 31, 2018
A clean, neat, and fun read. A very fresh story with wholesome characters in a charming beach setting. Almost too good to be fiction. Then, a surprising and shocking end. I didn't see it coming. No spoilers here, i won't tell. You have to read it, to find out.
July 15, 2018
I enjoyed visiting the friends of the beach community Stony Point. Sal is the new citizen of this close knit community. And he changes their lives forever. The ending was a surprise and it made me order the next book in the series
January 20, 2017
I really enjoy reading about Stony Point. Ms. DeMaio paints such a picture that you feel you are really there. We are joined by all of our friends that we have met in some of her other books. We know Maris and Eva and their story. We are now meeting Celia who has come to Stony Point to get over a rough divorce.
Elsa is Maris and Eva's Aunt that we met before. Her so Sal is a big Wall Street Financial WIzard who is getting burned out being in the city and constantly working. He is heading to Stony Point to help his Mom Elsa open her new Inn.
This is such a charming book that once you start reading it you will have a lot of mixed emotions. As you go through each characters life you feel like you are actually there. Feeling all the joy, sorrow and disappointment that they feel. Some times you will laugh with them and then others you will cry with them. This is definitely a must read for anyone who wants to actually get lost in a beautiful seaside town.
Elsa is Maris and Eva's Aunt that we met before. Her so Sal is a big Wall Street Financial WIzard who is getting burned out being in the city and constantly working. He is heading to Stony Point to help his Mom Elsa open her new Inn.
This is such a charming book that once you start reading it you will have a lot of mixed emotions. As you go through each characters life you feel like you are actually there. Feeling all the joy, sorrow and disappointment that they feel. Some times you will laugh with them and then others you will cry with them. This is definitely a must read for anyone who wants to actually get lost in a beautiful seaside town.
May 6, 2018
Well written, and gets the salty summery feel to a good beach read. Bad thing is, I’m torn with this book! I loved every moment of it...until Sal dies. There was a good deal of foreshadowing and I knew that something bad was going to happen, but really? Ugh.
I think I still like this book because of how emotionally moved I am from it...still a tough read, but I really liked the characters and setting and the storyline....
I think I still like this book because of how emotionally moved I am from it...still a tough read, but I really liked the characters and setting and the storyline....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2017
I have enjoyed every book written by this author and this was no exception. I love the beach and she adds plenty of beach, water and sand in her stories plus I would love to live in one of the cottages on the beach she describes in her books. I recommend any of her books but would suggest you read the beach books in order.
February 14, 2018
I just couldn't finish this book. The author spends way too much effort with the descriptions and not enough on character development. The library said this was a first in a series but realistically, one needs to read other books by this author to understand the characters' back-stories.
July 27, 2018
This was the July Free Serial Read on Barnes & Noble's Nook app.
The setting is Stony Point, a beach community in Connecticut on Long Island Sound. Celia comes to the town to recover from a bitter divorce, staying in a house owned by friends and also staging beach cottages for sale. She soon runs into Elsa, who is renovating an old inn, hoping to open it as a bed & breakfast. Through Elsa, Celia meets Lauren and Kyle (she's an artist; he owns the local diner), Jason (an architect who is married to Maris, Elsa's niece), and finally, Sal. Sal is Elsa's son who was raised in Italy and works on Wall Street.
Lauren tells Celia that people who come to Stony Point usually leave with one of three things: a ring, a baby, or a broken heart. But it's really Sal who stars in this story--everyone has secrets, and Sal is especially good at getting the characters to reveal them. And it becomes obvious pretty early on that Celia and Sal will become a couple.
Most of the characters have grown up together, so there is a lot of backstory to reveal. There is also one rather surprising romance. But, as another reviewer noted, Ms. DeMaio has a "tic": she is obsessed with characters, especially the female ones, pushing a lock of hair back behind their ear. Or a male character does that for them. She's also obsessed with what the characters are wearing: sandals, clam diggers, frayed denim shorts/cut-offs/bermudas, sundresses, etc., etc. Sea glass and "ocean stars" are a continuing theme as well. I get it--the setting is a beach. It's summer. It's hot . I don't expect the characters to be dressed up.
The book ends with a cliffhanger, but it's not clear what the next book in the series is. Or what the previous ones were. Overall, not a complete waste of time, but not something I would search out to read.
The setting is Stony Point, a beach community in Connecticut on Long Island Sound. Celia comes to the town to recover from a bitter divorce, staying in a house owned by friends and also staging beach cottages for sale. She soon runs into Elsa, who is renovating an old inn, hoping to open it as a bed & breakfast. Through Elsa, Celia meets Lauren and Kyle (she's an artist; he owns the local diner), Jason (an architect who is married to Maris, Elsa's niece), and finally, Sal. Sal is Elsa's son who was raised in Italy and works on Wall Street.
Lauren tells Celia that people who come to Stony Point usually leave with one of three things: a ring, a baby, or a broken heart. But it's really Sal who stars in this story--everyone has secrets, and Sal is especially good at getting the characters to reveal them. And it becomes obvious pretty early on that Celia and Sal will become a couple.
Most of the characters have grown up together, so there is a lot of backstory to reveal. There is also one rather surprising romance. But, as another reviewer noted, Ms. DeMaio has a "tic": she is obsessed with characters, especially the female ones, pushing a lock of hair back behind their ear. Or a male character does that for them. She's also obsessed with what the characters are wearing: sandals, clam diggers, frayed denim shorts/cut-offs/bermudas, sundresses, etc., etc. Sea glass and "ocean stars" are a continuing theme as well. I get it--the setting is a beach. It's summer. It's hot . I don't expect the characters to be dressed up.
The book ends with a cliffhanger, but it's not clear what the next book in the series is. Or what the previous ones were. Overall, not a complete waste of time, but not something I would search out to read.
January 18, 2017
This novel held my heart as the beauty of living by the shoreline in CT as I do, is what I love to see. Joanne De Maio perfectly describes the shimmering sunlight atop gentle waves, like twinkling stars that fall from the sky. Ocean Stars, is the seaside inn that brings the characters of Ceclia Gray, a recent divorcee, hired by Elsa to help stage the interior, and Salvatore De Luca her son, who comes home from his demanding wall street job for the summer. The story holds secrets for many from the past to the present, Jason's due to an accident he can't let go of, resulting in losing his leg and needing a prosthesis, to Sal who has a deeper one he keeps from everyone. The couples romances hold joy and sadness, the humor is plentiful, the gatherings full of wonderful delicious foods, told throughout making one feel as if they were partaking along with them. I loved this book, with the beauty of the blue water, blue skies, blue hydrangeas, the shore, the finding of exquisite sea glass, the charm of the cottages, all together made for such a rich and enchanting story about people who loved one another through losses and hoped for second chances.
July 24, 2018
Well, this was a bit of a downer. Beach Blues was the Barnes and Noble Nook serial read for the month of July. I was expecting summer fun, and that was the tone for most of the book. But I just couldn't shake the feeling that . I was right. I go back and forth on how I feel about this book. I looked forward to reading each section as it was released, but I really didn't connect with most of the characters. Celia was that person. The one who always has a guitar and has to perform at every gathering. Gross. Sal just creeped me out with how he inserted himself into everyone's lives and told them how to fix their problems. Kyle and Lauren should have divorced. Or never married. Honestly, Elsa, Jason and the dog were the only characters I liked, and their parts of the story were engaging enough to keep me interested. I actually didn't know this was part of a series (I think book 3), so I was impressed with how well this does as a standalone.
January 30, 2017
Summer Romance
Beach Blues by Joanne De Maio is the story of long time friends opening their lives and secrets to summer visitors, Cecilia and Sal.
The sweet summer romance of Sal and Cecilia seem destined to bring the same love and friendship as the others who live on Stoney Point.
Cecilia rents a cottage from friends and begins the task of staging cottages to sell.
Sal comes to Stoney point to share the summer with his mother, Elsa as she begins to build an inn.
Beach Blues is their story and the continued story of Jonas, Maris, Kyle, Lauren, Matt and Eva.
As the summer winds down, these friends experience a deeper understanding of how short time can be and how much their friendship can mean even to newcomers.
If you want to read a book of friendship, then sit back and enjoy the summer breeze of Beach Blues.
I was given this book free for my review.
Beach Blues by Joanne De Maio is the story of long time friends opening their lives and secrets to summer visitors, Cecilia and Sal.
The sweet summer romance of Sal and Cecilia seem destined to bring the same love and friendship as the others who live on Stoney Point.
Cecilia rents a cottage from friends and begins the task of staging cottages to sell.
Sal comes to Stoney point to share the summer with his mother, Elsa as she begins to build an inn.
Beach Blues is their story and the continued story of Jonas, Maris, Kyle, Lauren, Matt and Eva.
As the summer winds down, these friends experience a deeper understanding of how short time can be and how much their friendship can mean even to newcomers.
If you want to read a book of friendship, then sit back and enjoy the summer breeze of Beach Blues.
I was given this book free for my review.
July 24, 2018
Beach Blues by Joanne DeMaio is a wonderful story about a small New England beach town where friends are like family. Celia has recently gone through a divorce and is living in a friend's cottage in Stony Point. The people she meets will have an impact on her. Sal is visiting his mother and quickly becomes a best friend to everyone. He and Celia also find love.
This is a sweet, happy, sad story. Make sure you have a box of tissues close by because this book will warm your heart and bring tears at the same time. The plot and characters are well developed. The story is relaxed and you will find yourself in a vacation mode.
I highly recommend this book. It was a B&N serial read when a few chapters are delivered each day until the book is competed. It is a great way to meet new authors. Enjoy.
This is a sweet, happy, sad story. Make sure you have a box of tissues close by because this book will warm your heart and bring tears at the same time. The plot and characters are well developed. The story is relaxed and you will find yourself in a vacation mode.
I highly recommend this book. It was a B&N serial read when a few chapters are delivered each day until the book is competed. It is a great way to meet new authors. Enjoy.
July 24, 2018
When I started this book as a Nook Serial read I did not know it was part of a series, however, it was pretty obvious early on that other books/stories came before this one. I normally prefer to read series in order but since I wasn't having trouble following the characters and I was enjoying all the imagery of the beach I continued on. I loved how DeMaio described all the ocean elements and it made me want to go spend time on a big body of water. It was a great book for summer reading. I enjoyed all the characters and I look forward to going back to the beginning. I will also have to read the subsequent books because this book does not wrap anything up. By the end of the novel, I definitely felt I had read just a small piece of an ongoing story and I would have preferred if this one could have stood on it's own a little more.
December 30, 2018
Beach Blues is another great book by Joanne Demaio about a group of beach friends on Stony Point, along the Connecticut shore. Along with all the original gang, some new friends are introduced. Aunt Elsa's son, Salvatore, comes to the beach supposedly for a much needed vacation from Wall Street. Then there's Celia, who is there temporarily because she's trying to find her way after a painful divorce. This new mix also brings new romance. However things don't always work out like we hope, and pain and loss intervenes. The authors descriptive writing makes you feel as if you are actually right on the beach. You feel like you really know the characters and what they are feeling. Between the beautiful beach landscapes and the beach friends, you fall in love with it all. This book does have a little more sadness and ends with a cliffhanger, which only makes me more anxious to read what is yet to come in Joanne's next installment of Beach Breeze. If you're looking for the perfect beach inspired read, look no further. I can promise, you won't be disappointed!
July 23, 2018
Great story! I've had this Stony Point series by Joanne DeMaio on my TBR shelf for a long time. When I saw this one in the Barnes & Noble serial read this , I just had to read it. What a great story about friendship, family, love and dealing with grief. I fell in love with these people and the little beach town. The book had me laughing at times, and brought tears to my eyes at the end. Now I have to read all the books to fill in on the history of what went before and after this one. It's a very well written book because it kept me interested and wanting to read on to see what is going to happen. It can stand by itself too. Well done Joanne!
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