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Follow Your Bliss #1
To the Sea
This is an alternate cover edition for B00I4BXWO8
Fresh out of college and newly married, twenty-something Kira plans the perfect future with a house in the suburbs, ski getaways, and fancy dinners. When her husband Jeremy dies in a car accident, loss casts her adrift, but her heart cracks wide open when she uncovers the secrets he left behind.
Despite her dislike for the ocean with the whipping wind and itchy sand, Kira seeks solace in salt: tears, sweat, and the sea, helping her move beyond the myth of perfection, and guiding her toward the truth of who she really is.
She takes surf lessons to overcome her fear of the water and her well of grief. In the local surf scene, she meets sultry Jamie, with a hot Australian accent. He’s eager to spend time with her, but mostly between the sheets. Then there’s soulful Ian, her surf instructor, who helps her get on her feet and ride the waves.
During a transformative trip to South Africa on surfari, she learns the best way to be loved, yet when she returns to the shores of New England, grief continues to haunt her. She must let go, but how? Torn between the tides, Kira discovers strength and courage, navigates loss, lust, and love, taking readers along for the plunge.
Fresh out of college and newly married, twenty-something Kira plans the perfect future with a house in the suburbs, ski getaways, and fancy dinners. When her husband Jeremy dies in a car accident, loss casts her adrift, but her heart cracks wide open when she uncovers the secrets he left behind.
Despite her dislike for the ocean with the whipping wind and itchy sand, Kira seeks solace in salt: tears, sweat, and the sea, helping her move beyond the myth of perfection, and guiding her toward the truth of who she really is.
She takes surf lessons to overcome her fear of the water and her well of grief. In the local surf scene, she meets sultry Jamie, with a hot Australian accent. He’s eager to spend time with her, but mostly between the sheets. Then there’s soulful Ian, her surf instructor, who helps her get on her feet and ride the waves.
During a transformative trip to South Africa on surfari, she learns the best way to be loved, yet when she returns to the shores of New England, grief continues to haunt her. She must let go, but how? Torn between the tides, Kira discovers strength and courage, navigates loss, lust, and love, taking readers along for the plunge.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2014
14 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Deirdre Riordan Hall
45 books264 followersDeirdre Riordan Hall is the author of the contemporary young adult bestseller Sugar, Pearl, and several YA fantasy novels. When she's not writing, she's probably surfing or in pursuit of magic. She also has a healthy case of wanderlust, is a major Harry Potter nerd, loves chips and salsa, and dreams about learning no less than three languages.
For more, please visit her blog or twitter
For more, please visit her blog or twitter
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 31, 2014
Overall 4.5 star
-Book Description: 3.5
-Cover: 4
-Plot: 4
-Creativity: 4
-Grammar: 4.5
-Simile Use: 4 (minimal usage)
-Description: 3
-Show Not Tell: 3.5
To the Sea is the debut novel of New Adult Author, Deidre Riordan Hall, and it will certainly leave you happy and with a smile on your face. The book description, honestly, did not draw me in. Perhaps, I have a small attention span, but with a description that long, I got lost somewhere in the middle. I like short, concise blurbs that draw me in. Still, something about it caught my attention. I wanted an easy read, so I clicked buy, and that was what I received. Not only that, but the cover is so pretty! Each cover in this series has an easy cohesiveness that draws you in. The novels each have warm covers, and you can imagine yourself there. The plot of this novel, is not like one I've read before. It was nice to read a New Adult novel that smoothly mixed the physical aspects of relationships, working life and captured human emotion so well. Many New Adult novels I've encountered focus on sexual expatiates that leave the other interactions feeling emotionless and dull, because that's the core of the story. That was not the case with To the Sea. The one thing that felt slightly forced, at times, was the word choices for the inner monologue. The first chapter was filled with flowery words, and while they are a part of my own repertoire and make sense for the MC's background, it left me with a feeling of trying too hard. It's very clear that Ms. Hall is an extremely talented author, and, in my humble opinion, those 'fancy' words aren't necessary. In fact, they distracted from the story and pulled me out of the novel at times. If you like books with a lot of description, then this book will be something you will love even more than I did. I don't personally find a need to know exact details of the salad the character is eating, unless it's important to the story line. That being said, the descriptions were well written, unique and were not similes or cliques; I just found myself skimming over many of them. Working directly with show not tell, the amount of description led to the lower rating here. Overall, this book demonstrated Ms. Hall's writing skills, editing skills and ability to create an easy read the pulls at the heart strings. The book was the perfect balance of real life, lust and love, all which led me to say 4.5 stars. With a bit less description and more show not tell, this book could be a perfect 5 stars, but both of these are unique to my tastes. Now, pick up this book, and Find Your Bliss!
-Book Description: 3.5
-Cover: 4
-Plot: 4
-Creativity: 4
-Grammar: 4.5
-Simile Use: 4 (minimal usage)
-Description: 3
-Show Not Tell: 3.5
To the Sea is the debut novel of New Adult Author, Deidre Riordan Hall, and it will certainly leave you happy and with a smile on your face. The book description, honestly, did not draw me in. Perhaps, I have a small attention span, but with a description that long, I got lost somewhere in the middle. I like short, concise blurbs that draw me in. Still, something about it caught my attention. I wanted an easy read, so I clicked buy, and that was what I received. Not only that, but the cover is so pretty! Each cover in this series has an easy cohesiveness that draws you in. The novels each have warm covers, and you can imagine yourself there. The plot of this novel, is not like one I've read before. It was nice to read a New Adult novel that smoothly mixed the physical aspects of relationships, working life and captured human emotion so well. Many New Adult novels I've encountered focus on sexual expatiates that leave the other interactions feeling emotionless and dull, because that's the core of the story. That was not the case with To the Sea. The one thing that felt slightly forced, at times, was the word choices for the inner monologue. The first chapter was filled with flowery words, and while they are a part of my own repertoire and make sense for the MC's background, it left me with a feeling of trying too hard. It's very clear that Ms. Hall is an extremely talented author, and, in my humble opinion, those 'fancy' words aren't necessary. In fact, they distracted from the story and pulled me out of the novel at times. If you like books with a lot of description, then this book will be something you will love even more than I did. I don't personally find a need to know exact details of the salad the character is eating, unless it's important to the story line. That being said, the descriptions were well written, unique and were not similes or cliques; I just found myself skimming over many of them. Working directly with show not tell, the amount of description led to the lower rating here. Overall, this book demonstrated Ms. Hall's writing skills, editing skills and ability to create an easy read the pulls at the heart strings. The book was the perfect balance of real life, lust and love, all which led me to say 4.5 stars. With a bit less description and more show not tell, this book could be a perfect 5 stars, but both of these are unique to my tastes. Now, pick up this book, and Find Your Bliss!
August 6, 2016
I think this was a good start for Deirdre Riordan Hall's first published book. I liked it for the most part. The story itself had a lot of potential. I really enjoyed the good chunk of the book that focused on Kira's self-discovery. She was someone who was so eager to get away from the hippie lifestyle her parents raised her in, she easily lost herself on the way. She became too dependent on the need for structure and stability, and it was nice to see her come to that realization.
I did have a few hang-ups though. In my honost opinion, this story could have done without the first few chapters. I don't think it was completely necessary.
I think the story would have benefited from having less of the drama with Jeremy and more of the build-up betwen Ian and Kira's relationship. Aside from those things, I think this story had some good bones to it. I commend Kira for being able to move forward and get past all the shit those assholes did to her, and there were quite a few assholes in this story.
May 20, 2014
Review: Contemporary! That is the very first thing I need to say about this wonderful book. I love to read contemporary books, especially ones that can make me feel a lot of different emotions, and this book certainly did that for me. I took the step up and read New Adult instead of Young Adult, and I still really enjoyed it. I think that it helped that Kira, the main character, was pretty much my age. Out of college and working her first job. I could understand where she was in her life, though I cannot imagine dealing with everything that she had.
The beginning of the book was a tear jerker, but for more ways than one. Kira receives a call that her husband Jeremy, who was supposedly working late at his law firm, was in a car accident and was in the hospital. After getting there, she is told that he did not make it, but that the woman that was in the car with him did. From there, Kira finds out that Jeremy was not really a "husband" at all, but a real jerk who wanted to make his parents happy, win bets against his horrible friend, and still do whatever he wanted despite being married. I felt so horrible for Kira, and found myself happy that Jeremy died (I know that's harsh, but I don't care!).
The majority of the book is about Kira trying to get over the grief and anger she feels, and to find a way to move on. She has wonderful friends in the form of Nicole, who helps her come up with ways to let go, and Alice who takes her to yoga most days after work in order to get their minds on other things. They were both the kinds of friends that a girl would need and want when going through a horrible situation like that.
To move on, Kira decides she needs to get over her fear of the water and try something knew, so she decides to take on surfing lessons after running into a surfer, Ian, on the beach. The whole experience teaches her a lot; about letting go of control and allowing herself some freedom, but also what love should look like. She meets Jamie, who makes her feel great, but is just interested in sex. Then there is Ian. Man, do I love Ian! He is just the thing that she needs; stable, kind, understanding, patient. I was SO happy that Kira finally found the guy that she deserved after going through so much, even if the thing with Jeremy made her cautious about all of it.
While the whole book was amazing, it was the ending that I loved more than anything. Yup, I'm a fan of the sometimes over-romantic happy ending. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that, either! This book gave me just what I was looking for in an ending, and I could not have been happier with the conclusion as I put the book down. Huge congratulations to Deirdre Hall on her debut novel, and thank you again for allowing me to review the book.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The beginning of the book was a tear jerker, but for more ways than one. Kira receives a call that her husband Jeremy, who was supposedly working late at his law firm, was in a car accident and was in the hospital. After getting there, she is told that he did not make it, but that the woman that was in the car with him did. From there, Kira finds out that Jeremy was not really a "husband" at all, but a real jerk who wanted to make his parents happy, win bets against his horrible friend, and still do whatever he wanted despite being married. I felt so horrible for Kira, and found myself happy that Jeremy died (I know that's harsh, but I don't care!).
The majority of the book is about Kira trying to get over the grief and anger she feels, and to find a way to move on. She has wonderful friends in the form of Nicole, who helps her come up with ways to let go, and Alice who takes her to yoga most days after work in order to get their minds on other things. They were both the kinds of friends that a girl would need and want when going through a horrible situation like that.
To move on, Kira decides she needs to get over her fear of the water and try something knew, so she decides to take on surfing lessons after running into a surfer, Ian, on the beach. The whole experience teaches her a lot; about letting go of control and allowing herself some freedom, but also what love should look like. She meets Jamie, who makes her feel great, but is just interested in sex. Then there is Ian. Man, do I love Ian! He is just the thing that she needs; stable, kind, understanding, patient. I was SO happy that Kira finally found the guy that she deserved after going through so much, even if the thing with Jeremy made her cautious about all of it.
While the whole book was amazing, it was the ending that I loved more than anything. Yup, I'm a fan of the sometimes over-romantic happy ending. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that, either! This book gave me just what I was looking for in an ending, and I could not have been happier with the conclusion as I put the book down. Huge congratulations to Deirdre Hall on her debut novel, and thank you again for allowing me to review the book.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
February 3, 2015
Psychocat Reads Review of TO THE SEA by Deirdre Riordan Hall
Coming off of Harry Potter and a few other fantasy type books, I found myself excited to start Deirdre's Follow Your Bliss series. I've been tempted by her books since she showed up for the Sassy Summer Book Party offering up an adorably unique guitar pick necklace for one of the other books
Let's see how things shook out when Psychocat and I dove into the first book.
The Characters: Kira goes through quite a transformation through the course of the book. I found her character While she was a relatively naive doormat in the beginning, I really enjoyed following along on her journey through the pain of betrayal and her path of self discovery.
Though we don't spend any huge portion of time with her friends or sister, it was great to see three different women and the way they fit into Kira's life.
As far as the guys in the book go, they represent three very different guys. You'll want to bring Jeremy back from the dead just to beat the hell out of him. When it comes to the surfer guys, Jamie and Ian share little aside from their affiliation with the surf shop. I pretty much adored Ian's character from the start.
The Relationships: Relationships in TO THE SEA range from completely screwed up to amazing and a few combinations in between. Outside from the romance, my favorite relationship is Nicole and Kira. While Jamie and Ian both played a role in her path to fully recover from everything that happens (or she discovers) early in the book, it's Nicole that is with her all the way. Seeing that kind friendship always makes me happy.
When it comes to Kira's relationships with men, she covers an amazing amount of ground. She starts the book believing she has the storybook marriage, but quickly finds out it was anything but the stuff of fairy tales. Then we we see her understanding and involvement in romantic entanglements evolve as she finds herself.
Too Perfect or Perfectly Flawed: I'm pretty sure Kira would jump out of the pages of the book and kick my ass if i said the story was too perfect. She goes through no small amount of hell in an effort to find her HEA.
Jen's Final Rating: 4 STARS! The story was emotionally engaging, sweet, and easy to read. There were some minor editing issues, but based on this first novel I'm looking forward to reading more of Deirdre's work.
Psychocat's Final Rating: She's been all claws since the truth about Jeremy was uncovered. She may be evil and sadistic sometimes, but even Psychocat has her limits of acceptable behavior.
Coming off of Harry Potter and a few other fantasy type books, I found myself excited to start Deirdre's Follow Your Bliss series. I've been tempted by her books since she showed up for the Sassy Summer Book Party offering up an adorably unique guitar pick necklace for one of the other books
Let's see how things shook out when Psychocat and I dove into the first book.
The Characters: Kira goes through quite a transformation through the course of the book. I found her character While she was a relatively naive doormat in the beginning, I really enjoyed following along on her journey through the pain of betrayal and her path of self discovery.
Though we don't spend any huge portion of time with her friends or sister, it was great to see three different women and the way they fit into Kira's life.
As far as the guys in the book go, they represent three very different guys. You'll want to bring Jeremy back from the dead just to beat the hell out of him. When it comes to the surfer guys, Jamie and Ian share little aside from their affiliation with the surf shop. I pretty much adored Ian's character from the start.
The Relationships: Relationships in TO THE SEA range from completely screwed up to amazing and a few combinations in between. Outside from the romance, my favorite relationship is Nicole and Kira. While Jamie and Ian both played a role in her path to fully recover from everything that happens (or she discovers) early in the book, it's Nicole that is with her all the way. Seeing that kind friendship always makes me happy.
When it comes to Kira's relationships with men, she covers an amazing amount of ground. She starts the book believing she has the storybook marriage, but quickly finds out it was anything but the stuff of fairy tales. Then we we see her understanding and involvement in romantic entanglements evolve as she finds herself.
Too Perfect or Perfectly Flawed: I'm pretty sure Kira would jump out of the pages of the book and kick my ass if i said the story was too perfect. She goes through no small amount of hell in an effort to find her HEA.
Jen's Final Rating: 4 STARS! The story was emotionally engaging, sweet, and easy to read. There were some minor editing issues, but based on this first novel I'm looking forward to reading more of Deirdre's work.
Psychocat's Final Rating: She's been all claws since the truth about Jeremy was uncovered. She may be evil and sadistic sometimes, but even Psychocat has her limits of acceptable behavior.
April 16, 2014
***I was given a complimentary copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
I really enjoyed reading To The Sea. I thought it was a great debut novel for the author. I am a huge fan of the New Adult genre, but some of them follow the same pattern of angst and drama. While there was plenty of drama and heartbreak, this book was fresh and different.
Kira believes she has the perfect life. She has a great job, a lovely new home, and a wonderful husband. But, Kira will soon find out that this is all an illusion. She suffers a devastating loss when she loses her new husband in a car accident. As she is grieving, she comes to see that her life was a lie, especially when she finds out her husband was not at all the man she thought he was. With the support of her best friend, she tries to rebuild her life. One day she drives to the ocean to spread her husband's ashes, but she finds she can't. Even though she has always feared the ocean, she finds herself drawn to it and keeps coming back. One day she meets sexy, soulful surfer, Ian, who offers to teach her how to surf. She decides to take a big step and get over her fear of the ocean and agrees. During her lessons, she feels drawn to Ian, but then she meets another surfer, Jamie. He awakens lustful feelings in her that she has never really felt for someone. She is attracted to both men for very different reasons, but this is more than a story about a woman torn between to very different men. It's about a woman's journey in discovering what she wants in life and who she really is. And, what an incredible journey she takes readers on.
I loved Deirdre's style of writing. It's so incredibly descriptive. I felt like I was in the ocean surfing with Kira and on her trip to Africa hiking the mountains alongside her. The author's love of the ocean is apparent in her writing as well. It is as much a character in the book as Kira is, and it's as much a healer and supporter of her as her best friend. You feel her strong connection with the sea. I have always been a lover of the ocean. There is something calming and peaceful hearing the crashing waves and feeling the salt and sand drying on your skin. Again, this sentiment comes through in her writing. Anyone who isn't a lover of the sea will be after reading this book. I see that she has a sequel coming out, and I am very excited to read it!
I really enjoyed reading To The Sea. I thought it was a great debut novel for the author. I am a huge fan of the New Adult genre, but some of them follow the same pattern of angst and drama. While there was plenty of drama and heartbreak, this book was fresh and different.
Kira believes she has the perfect life. She has a great job, a lovely new home, and a wonderful husband. But, Kira will soon find out that this is all an illusion. She suffers a devastating loss when she loses her new husband in a car accident. As she is grieving, she comes to see that her life was a lie, especially when she finds out her husband was not at all the man she thought he was. With the support of her best friend, she tries to rebuild her life. One day she drives to the ocean to spread her husband's ashes, but she finds she can't. Even though she has always feared the ocean, she finds herself drawn to it and keeps coming back. One day she meets sexy, soulful surfer, Ian, who offers to teach her how to surf. She decides to take a big step and get over her fear of the ocean and agrees. During her lessons, she feels drawn to Ian, but then she meets another surfer, Jamie. He awakens lustful feelings in her that she has never really felt for someone. She is attracted to both men for very different reasons, but this is more than a story about a woman torn between to very different men. It's about a woman's journey in discovering what she wants in life and who she really is. And, what an incredible journey she takes readers on.
I loved Deirdre's style of writing. It's so incredibly descriptive. I felt like I was in the ocean surfing with Kira and on her trip to Africa hiking the mountains alongside her. The author's love of the ocean is apparent in her writing as well. It is as much a character in the book as Kira is, and it's as much a healer and supporter of her as her best friend. You feel her strong connection with the sea. I have always been a lover of the ocean. There is something calming and peaceful hearing the crashing waves and feeling the salt and sand drying on your skin. Again, this sentiment comes through in her writing. Anyone who isn't a lover of the sea will be after reading this book. I see that she has a sequel coming out, and I am very excited to read it!
March 19, 2014
I am really impressed with this book! I was so excited to read it because I'm a beach girl. I love the sea, I love the idea of surfing, and above all, I LOVE guys. This book incorporated all my loves into one spectacular story. I really had no idea that this book would take me on such a deep, heartwarming journey. This is a great debut novel!
Kira has gone through unimaginable pain. She's a widow at a very young age and is completely lost, having experience the unexpected as such a young age. The pain that she encounters is so heart wrenching. Kira is broken and can't seem to get over her disappointing loss. Her loss in not only in a person, but also in her dreams and expectations. She eventually comes to the realization that life goes on. This is something that I loved about the book. The journey the character takes is inspiring and completely relatable.
The Sea. Kira's fear for the unknown is such a crucial role in this novel. I loved how the sea was incorporated in this novel. I seriously went to the sea while reading the book because I wanted to feel that connection Kira had with the sea. It made me related to her by looking at the daunting unknown. The sea perfectly portrayed her growth as a person.
BOYS. TWO SURFER BOYS! LOVE THEM, kind of. I really loved Ian. The connection he forms with Kira is such a special bond. There was just something in the way he felt Kira's pain that made me love him for being so understanding. I just hope that men like him really do exist because I really need an Ian in my life! Jamie was HOT and I would totally love to have a fling with him. Although they two distinct roles in Kira's life, Jamie and Ian are completely swoon-worthy. (I have a BIG thing for surfer guys)
This book is not about physical relationships, but more about a woman trying to find herself. I usually don't like reading these types of books, but there was something about this one that made me read it nonstop! Do I recommend it? YES!!! You must read this book, it speaks to you on some levels. So relatable, so real, so perfect. LOVED IT!
Kira has gone through unimaginable pain. She's a widow at a very young age and is completely lost, having experience the unexpected as such a young age. The pain that she encounters is so heart wrenching. Kira is broken and can't seem to get over her disappointing loss. Her loss in not only in a person, but also in her dreams and expectations. She eventually comes to the realization that life goes on. This is something that I loved about the book. The journey the character takes is inspiring and completely relatable.
The Sea. Kira's fear for the unknown is such a crucial role in this novel. I loved how the sea was incorporated in this novel. I seriously went to the sea while reading the book because I wanted to feel that connection Kira had with the sea. It made me related to her by looking at the daunting unknown. The sea perfectly portrayed her growth as a person.
BOYS. TWO SURFER BOYS! LOVE THEM, kind of. I really loved Ian. The connection he forms with Kira is such a special bond. There was just something in the way he felt Kira's pain that made me love him for being so understanding. I just hope that men like him really do exist because I really need an Ian in my life! Jamie was HOT and I would totally love to have a fling with him. Although they two distinct roles in Kira's life, Jamie and Ian are completely swoon-worthy. (I have a BIG thing for surfer guys)
This book is not about physical relationships, but more about a woman trying to find herself. I usually don't like reading these types of books, but there was something about this one that made me read it nonstop! Do I recommend it? YES!!! You must read this book, it speaks to you on some levels. So relatable, so real, so perfect. LOVED IT!
June 19, 2014
This novel is about the protagonist, Kira, finding herself. We begin with her married to Jeremy, but she is soon widowed. I don't want to give away spoilers, but after her world is shattered, she is on a quest to heal herself.
I liked this novel and I didn't like it. I honestly can't remember ever feeling so conflicted about a book before!! I liked the concept. I liked Ian. But something just didn't click for me. I sympathized with Kira a lot, but I just never connected all the way with her. I also hated the length of time spent on the storyline with Jamie. I feel than the relationship between Kira and Ian was only a small part of the book in comparison to Kira and Jamie, and, obviously, Kira and Jeremy. Some other things just didn't work for me-
Overall, it was a decent read. It is the author's first novel and I am curious to read more by her. I have to say- I am tempted to read book 2 in the series! I typically avoid novellas, but I'm intrigued!
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this novel and I didn't like it. I honestly can't remember ever feeling so conflicted about a book before!! I liked the concept. I liked Ian. But something just didn't click for me. I sympathized with Kira a lot, but I just never connected all the way with her. I also hated the length of time spent on the storyline with Jamie. I feel than the relationship between Kira and Ian was only a small part of the book in comparison to Kira and Jamie, and, obviously, Kira and Jeremy. Some other things just didn't work for me-
Overall, it was a decent read. It is the author's first novel and I am curious to read more by her. I have to say- I am tempted to read book 2 in the series! I typically avoid novellas, but I'm intrigued!
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Kira and her husband, Jeremy are living the perfect life. When Jeremy suddenly dies in an accident, Kira's life is, obviously, turned upside down. After finding out that their perfect life wasn't so perfect after all, Kira needs to find a way to work through all these emotions. In Kira's quest to grieve for Jeremy, she gets some tough questions answered. After some soul searching, she meets two very sexy men, Jaime and Ian. Both men help Kira realize she can love, trust and be happy again. Even when sometimes she doesn't think it will happen.
I thought both Jaime and Ian were both great characters. Just in different ways. Kira is a strong woman, who I was wanting to find true happiness through the entire story. I loved this book! I'm very excited to read book 2 in the series! I recommend this book to ALL women!
Thank You, Deirdre, for letting me read your beautiful book!
5 'I love those triangles' Stars!
Kira and her husband, Jeremy are living the perfect life. When Jeremy suddenly dies in an accident, Kira's life is, obviously, turned upside down. After finding out that their perfect life wasn't so perfect after all, Kira needs to find a way to work through all these emotions. In Kira's quest to grieve for Jeremy, she gets some tough questions answered. After some soul searching, she meets two very sexy men, Jaime and Ian. Both men help Kira realize she can love, trust and be happy again. Even when sometimes she doesn't think it will happen.
I thought both Jaime and Ian were both great characters. Just in different ways. Kira is a strong woman, who I was wanting to find true happiness through the entire story. I loved this book! I'm very excited to read book 2 in the series! I recommend this book to ALL women!
Thank You, Deirdre, for letting me read your beautiful book!
5 'I love those triangles' Stars!
August 13, 2014
This is a really good book. It has three parts. In the first part, you get to know what a pig her now-dead husband is (and his best friend is too!). Kira is a weak woman during this time. She has become a doormat. Part two has appropriate choices and growth for the timing in Kira's life. Things are looking up with the additions of both Ian and Jamie in her life. She begins to surf. The descriptions involving the surfari make me jealous. Part three makes the entire book worthwhile as her growth as a woman is wonderful. She has a new, solid relationship based on honesty and respect. Surfing has become a central part of her life. Several minor characters are great. Nicole, her best friend, is so supportive and awesome throughout the entire book. Alice, from work, becomes a really good coworker and friend. Winter, her sister, is supportive and becomes more important later in the book.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
July 29, 2014
This is a good story. Kira is married to Jeremy and when he dies in a car wreck her life is shattered. Then it gets worse. I'm surprised she doesn't seek professional help especially after what Blaine tells her.
With the help of 2 friends she slowly pulls herself up but knows she needs more so she signs up for surfing lessons. That's where she meets Ian and Jamie. Her and Jamie automatically start up a fling that I knew wouldn't last. That's when Ian tells Kira he thought he had lost his chance with her.
While this was a good story and well written there was just something about it I didn't like. I think too much time is spent over needless issues and that her and Ian move to fast.
Although I didn't love the book I did the story and will read more by this author.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.
With the help of 2 friends she slowly pulls herself up but knows she needs more so she signs up for surfing lessons. That's where she meets Ian and Jamie. Her and Jamie automatically start up a fling that I knew wouldn't last. That's when Ian tells Kira he thought he had lost his chance with her.
While this was a good story and well written there was just something about it I didn't like. I think too much time is spent over needless issues and that her and Ian move to fast.
Although I didn't love the book I did the story and will read more by this author.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.
February 10, 2014
I think this was a great start for debut author Deirdre Riordan Hall. The characters were likeable. The plot was well-thought out. I just thought some of the things that could have been focused on were skimmed over. I would have liked to see more emotion from Kira in the first chapters of the book. Especially anger. I know I would have been one angry chick! But, overall, I liked the book and would recommend it for a good read! (Especially on the beach. LOL :)
April 21, 2014
Having a guy disrespect you so badly can be quite painful. But I loved seeing Kira work her way through the different challenges while staying true to herself.
So many of the things that I connected to are spoilers, and personally relatable for me too. I will just say that this is a beautiful book about growing up, even after you think you have grown up!
This is NA done well, not just trashy sex scenes, she handles the subject with a perfect balance!
So many of the things that I connected to are spoilers, and personally relatable for me too. I will just say that this is a beautiful book about growing up, even after you think you have grown up!
This is NA done well, not just trashy sex scenes, she handles the subject with a perfect balance!
December 3, 2014
Great story about personal strength and growth. Absolutely loved that with everything that life threw at Kira, she works it out.
December 2, 2017
The book is a slow read due to all the descriptive pages about anything and everything. There are scenes that are drawn out that were not necessary. The plot is a good one. Neglected wife whose husband is killed and she finds out why she was neglected. Kira goes through much emotional pain as she struggles to find herself. When she does watch out, although she keeps having relapses.
To the rescue enter two different types of men. One teaches her to face her fears and learn to surf. The other teaches her other hotter things.
I liked it in spite of the fact that I would put it aside to relieve tedium.
I read this free book and have given an honest review without compensation.
To the rescue enter two different types of men. One teaches her to face her fears and learn to surf. The other teaches her other hotter things.
I liked it in spite of the fact that I would put it aside to relieve tedium.
I read this free book and have given an honest review without compensation.
July 20, 2017
This is a perfect beach read. There is a bit of drama and heartache but everything ends up OK.
June 2, 2019
Good story, but the writing/editing need work!
Following a young widow's journey through tragedy, betrayal and heartbreak to healing, self-discovery, honesty and true love, To the Sea is an often depressing, yet captivating story. I would have given this book four stars if the writing/editing had been better. The end is sloppy to the point of distraction. The increased frequency of omitted words, typographical and grammatical errors give the impression that the last quarter of the book was hastily slapped together.
Following a young widow's journey through tragedy, betrayal and heartbreak to healing, self-discovery, honesty and true love, To the Sea is an often depressing, yet captivating story. I would have given this book four stars if the writing/editing had been better. The end is sloppy to the point of distraction. The increased frequency of omitted words, typographical and grammatical errors give the impression that the last quarter of the book was hastily slapped together.
October 29, 2015
Mediocre
Trite story with unbelievable characters and storyline advancement. You know this book: sad woman, bad man, Deus ex machina, another wrong man, life change, right man. Eh.
Trite story with unbelievable characters and storyline advancement. You know this book: sad woman, bad man, Deus ex machina, another wrong man, life change, right man. Eh.
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