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The Beach House #4
The Beach House: Coming Home
Bestselling author Georgia Bockoven is at her powerful and emotional peak in this novel perfect for fans of Nancy Thayer and Elin Hilderbrand.
Unlock the door to the beach house…a place where life slows down, people come together, and love is the strongest force of all.
After you’ve given your baby to strangers, what do you say when someone asks if you have children?
Fourteen years ago, Melinda Campbell was fifteen and a half, pregnant and terrified. Desperate to protect her baby from a malicious grandfather and needed at home to take care of her own critically ill father, Melinda makes the most generous, heart-wrenching choice of adoption. Now she’s living the successful life her father struggled to give her, but missing her daughter with a longing that shadows every joy.
Jeremy Richmond knows the beach house the way a painter knows his canvas, intimately and focused on detail. His life revolves around his adopted daughter, Shiloh, the girl who’s owned his heart from the moment he first held her as an infant. They were a picture-perfect family until Shiloh was diagnosed with pediatric lupus and Jeremy’s wife walked away. When Shiloh tells her father she’s tired of fighting her illness and wants to meet her biological mother before it’s too late, Jeremy agrees to find a woman he has no desire to meet.
From the moment Melinda and Jeremy come face-to-face, they realize their worlds will never be the same. Will the beach house that has harbored troubled hearts for decades prove to be the balm they need to heal…?
Unlock the door to the beach house…a place where life slows down, people come together, and love is the strongest force of all.
After you’ve given your baby to strangers, what do you say when someone asks if you have children?
Fourteen years ago, Melinda Campbell was fifteen and a half, pregnant and terrified. Desperate to protect her baby from a malicious grandfather and needed at home to take care of her own critically ill father, Melinda makes the most generous, heart-wrenching choice of adoption. Now she’s living the successful life her father struggled to give her, but missing her daughter with a longing that shadows every joy.
Jeremy Richmond knows the beach house the way a painter knows his canvas, intimately and focused on detail. His life revolves around his adopted daughter, Shiloh, the girl who’s owned his heart from the moment he first held her as an infant. They were a picture-perfect family until Shiloh was diagnosed with pediatric lupus and Jeremy’s wife walked away. When Shiloh tells her father she’s tired of fighting her illness and wants to meet her biological mother before it’s too late, Jeremy agrees to find a woman he has no desire to meet.
From the moment Melinda and Jeremy come face-to-face, they realize their worlds will never be the same. Will the beach house that has harbored troubled hearts for decades prove to be the balm they need to heal…?
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2017
373 people are currently reading
1425 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Bockoven
28 books175 followersGeorgia was a Army child, who after a successful career as a freelance photo journalist before she turned to fiction writing. Published since 1983, she is an award-winning author whose books have sold more than four million copies worldwide. Her romance novel, A Marriage of Convenience, became a CBS movie in October of 1998 starring Jane Seymour and James Brolin.
Married wich John Bockoven, she is the mother of two, and resides in Northern California. When her husband retired from the fire department, she decided to take a break from writing and spend more time together. The result was a nature photography business that is both challenging and filled with creative energy.
Married wich John Bockoven, she is the mother of two, and resides in Northern California. When her husband retired from the fire department, she decided to take a break from writing and spend more time together. The result was a nature photography business that is both challenging and filled with creative energy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 16, 2017
Summer reading should always include a book with the beach on the cover. Just maybe not this one. Parts were interesting and affecting as Melinda is reunited with the daughter she was forced to give up for adoption as a teenager, but the ending is so rushed and unbelievable that I kept thinking there had to be more explanation. If you're not looking for anything too deep, go for it and enjoy it on the beach, but if rapid conclusions tied up with a bow bother you, you might want to skip this one.
July 29, 2019
Picked this up at a used book store while on vacation. The cover screamed irresistible summer read. I really thought this would be an emotional intense read but with super payoff for HEA in the end. It was really just empty and rushed at the end. The author never developed Jeremy and Melinda’s connection nor that of Melinda and her daughter. The book moves Along without any real character development. The same goes for the back story. I wanted to know more about Daniel and Melinda and it was never even explained how and when Shiloh was conceived. The ending was what I was hoping for but, I’m left wondering how and when did that happen there was never any real connection or moments that would have led the reader to believe the outcome. This is a shame because this book had potential.
May 26, 2017
Melinda Campbell made the most difficult decision of her life – as a teenager she gave her baby up for adoption to protect her child. As an adult, Melinda more than regrets her choice and wants nothing more than to have her daughter be a part of her life again. She knows that can’t happen, but it doesn’t stop her from wanting it.
Melinda thought, if nothing else, she was giving her child to a loving family. It may have started out that way, but things didn’t turn out as expected. Melinda’s daughter, Shiloh – now a teenager, is suffering from lupus. The adoptive mother walked out leaving Jeremy Richmond behind to take care of their daughter alone. Jeremy loves the girl and will do anything for her. When Shiloh’s illness worsens, she tells him she wants to meet her biological mother. Jeremy reluctantly agrees.
The last time Jeremy saw Melinda is when she gave up her child. He never knew the circumstances behind her decision, but he never could understand giving up her beautiful baby. He wants nothing to do with her, but for Shiloh he will find her.
Jeremy and Melinda’s meeting doesn’t go well, but for Shiloh they put aside their differences.
This is the fourth book in the series. I’ve read two others in the series and still have one to read, but honestly, I feel each book stands alone. They do mention characters from previous books, but it’s more in passing than having anything to do with the current storyline.
What an emotional roller coaster of a book! This book touches all those emotional heartstrings. I couldn’t help but feel torn apart for Jeremy, Melinda, and Shiloh. All three are true innocents who have been tossed into an awful situation not of their making. I couldn’t help but route for it all to work out for them.
It’s a poignant, touching story with realistic characters. It’s the perfect “beach read” to enjoy with a nice refreshing glass of iced tea.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Melinda thought, if nothing else, she was giving her child to a loving family. It may have started out that way, but things didn’t turn out as expected. Melinda’s daughter, Shiloh – now a teenager, is suffering from lupus. The adoptive mother walked out leaving Jeremy Richmond behind to take care of their daughter alone. Jeremy loves the girl and will do anything for her. When Shiloh’s illness worsens, she tells him she wants to meet her biological mother. Jeremy reluctantly agrees.
The last time Jeremy saw Melinda is when she gave up her child. He never knew the circumstances behind her decision, but he never could understand giving up her beautiful baby. He wants nothing to do with her, but for Shiloh he will find her.
Jeremy and Melinda’s meeting doesn’t go well, but for Shiloh they put aside their differences.
This is the fourth book in the series. I’ve read two others in the series and still have one to read, but honestly, I feel each book stands alone. They do mention characters from previous books, but it’s more in passing than having anything to do with the current storyline.
What an emotional roller coaster of a book! This book touches all those emotional heartstrings. I couldn’t help but feel torn apart for Jeremy, Melinda, and Shiloh. All three are true innocents who have been tossed into an awful situation not of their making. I couldn’t help but route for it all to work out for them.
It’s a poignant, touching story with realistic characters. It’s the perfect “beach read” to enjoy with a nice refreshing glass of iced tea.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 16, 2017
Tedious.
If you are looking for a simple and obvious romance, this could be it. Personally, I didn't find anything to recommend the characters or the plot! The male love interest sure wouldn't do it for me: too much anger, and who believes that would change.
Check out Susan Mallory for flippant, feminist fun, or Susan Wiggs for thoughtfully developed characters and compelling plots.
If you are looking for a simple and obvious romance, this could be it. Personally, I didn't find anything to recommend the characters or the plot! The male love interest sure wouldn't do it for me: too much anger, and who believes that would change.
Check out Susan Mallory for flippant, feminist fun, or Susan Wiggs for thoughtfully developed characters and compelling plots.
April 30, 2017
Melinda Campbell never stops remembering the little baby she gave up for adoption when she was a teenager. Everything she did at the time was to protect her daughter from the hands of an evil grandfather. One day she gets word that her daughter Shiloh wants to meet her. Arrangements have been made for Melinda to stay in a beach house in Santa Cruz by Shiloh's adoptive father Jeremy. From the moment she finally meets her daughter and Jeremy, her life completely changes. The beach house becomes a peaceful sanctuary for her to begin a new life.
I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. This was a most enjoyable beach read.
I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. This was a most enjoyable beach read.
July 16, 2017
I have really enjoyed this series...it's light, with excellently woven stories, and this book was no exception although a single story instead of the multiples of the first 3 books.
As a huge fan of recurring characters in book series, I have enjoyed getting to know the characters better in each successive book.
Recommended series.
As a huge fan of recurring characters in book series, I have enjoyed getting to know the characters better in each successive book.
Recommended series.
June 17, 2017
A good, 1-day read facilitated by a long plane ride. The story is fairly predictable, but told in a compelling way with flashbacks that felt purposeful rather than forced.
May 16, 2017
Heartwarming and riveting, I was sad when I turned that last page. I cannot imagine the pain of giving my child away, and this was something that interested me immensely. I know people who have given their child up for adoption and I have always admired. This story was interesting because it gave all three perspectives, the birth mother, the adoptive father, and the little girl. Each has powerful feelings about the adoption and they are completely different from each other.
Melinda had such a tough childhood and I felt so horrible for her, yet she had such amazing parents who loved her so much. From growing up without much money, her father’s poor health, falling in love with a boy whose father was pure evil, then the untimely death of Daniel, and having no choice but to give up her baby, and then the guilt and judgment that she dealt with about that choice. The lot she was dealt in life was difficult but she was still such a strong and loving person. I loved her character and was impressed with her throughout the book.
This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone. This would be a perfect beach read! I read this in one and a half sittings, making it a perfect vacation or lazy weekend read.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
Melinda had such a tough childhood and I felt so horrible for her, yet she had such amazing parents who loved her so much. From growing up without much money, her father’s poor health, falling in love with a boy whose father was pure evil, then the untimely death of Daniel, and having no choice but to give up her baby, and then the guilt and judgment that she dealt with about that choice. The lot she was dealt in life was difficult but she was still such a strong and loving person. I loved her character and was impressed with her throughout the book.
This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone. This would be a perfect beach read! I read this in one and a half sittings, making it a perfect vacation or lazy weekend read.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
March 2, 2017
The Beach House: Coming Home
By
Georgia Bockoven
What it's all about...
Melinda has led a sad life...she grew up poor, her father died because he worked in coal mines and her mother spent most of her time just trying to keep the two of them fed. When Melinda has a baby at 16...she has no choice but to give her baby girl away. The baby's father...Daniel...had an explosive relationship with his father and Melinda wanted to keep her baby away from that evil man, too. When she finally reconnects with her daughter...her life becomes totally complicated.
Why I wanted to read it...
I just started reading this and couldn't stop. It's beachy and romantic and there is enough evil stepmother in it to keep the pages flying.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Melinda and her cat Heidi...were wonderful characters. A bit sad and dysfunctional...that would be Melinda. Funny and cute...that would be Heidi!
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love romances that don't flow without complications...should enjoy this book!
By
Georgia Bockoven
What it's all about...
Melinda has led a sad life...she grew up poor, her father died because he worked in coal mines and her mother spent most of her time just trying to keep the two of them fed. When Melinda has a baby at 16...she has no choice but to give her baby girl away. The baby's father...Daniel...had an explosive relationship with his father and Melinda wanted to keep her baby away from that evil man, too. When she finally reconnects with her daughter...her life becomes totally complicated.
Why I wanted to read it...
I just started reading this and couldn't stop. It's beachy and romantic and there is enough evil stepmother in it to keep the pages flying.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Melinda and her cat Heidi...were wonderful characters. A bit sad and dysfunctional...that would be Melinda. Funny and cute...that would be Heidi!
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love romances that don't flow without complications...should enjoy this book!
May 19, 2017
https://oneblogtwobroads.com/2017/05/...
I love this series. It makes me want to rent a little beach house and smell that salty air. I live in the San Francisco bay area so I know all about the area in the book. Even if I didn’t, I would still feel that I did with this wonderful writing.
Melinda has never forgotten the baby she gave up when she was 16. Now, 13 years later, the adoptive father Jeremy, has contacted her about seeing her daughter Shiloh. It ends up being a lot more than she expected. Shiloh suffers from Lupus and has been sick on and off since she was a little girl. Her adoptive mother left when she was 7, not wanting to be saddled with a sick child. Jeremy has raised her on his own and he is hesitant about them meeting but it’s what Shiloh wants. What they don’t expect is to find the family that they all need and deserve.
You get to meet up with old friends Andrew and Cheryl from a past book, that’s always a plus to see how people are doing that you have read about before. Another plus is that these characters are so darn likable! I was rooting for them from their opening moments. I admit was I teary turning the last few pages. I hated to say goodbye to this little group and to this book. I hope there are more in store for us readers.
I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series. It makes me want to rent a little beach house and smell that salty air. I live in the San Francisco bay area so I know all about the area in the book. Even if I didn’t, I would still feel that I did with this wonderful writing.
Melinda has never forgotten the baby she gave up when she was 16. Now, 13 years later, the adoptive father Jeremy, has contacted her about seeing her daughter Shiloh. It ends up being a lot more than she expected. Shiloh suffers from Lupus and has been sick on and off since she was a little girl. Her adoptive mother left when she was 7, not wanting to be saddled with a sick child. Jeremy has raised her on his own and he is hesitant about them meeting but it’s what Shiloh wants. What they don’t expect is to find the family that they all need and deserve.
You get to meet up with old friends Andrew and Cheryl from a past book, that’s always a plus to see how people are doing that you have read about before. Another plus is that these characters are so darn likable! I was rooting for them from their opening moments. I admit was I teary turning the last few pages. I hated to say goodbye to this little group and to this book. I hope there are more in store for us readers.
I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2017
Thank you to Goodreads and Harper Collins Publishers for sending me a copy of this book.
This is a wonderful "Beach" book. The characters are very relevant and relatable. Nearly everyone has a back story. The darker characters get just enough ink, so you understand how they have impacted the others - to make choices and decisions.
I appreciate that most of the women in this book are strong and resourceful, as well as compassionate and supportive. The furry family members have wonderful supporting roles. Those of us with 4-legged family KNOW they bring comfort and therapy in many ways.
This was a quick read. Each chapter flowed into the next. Not too much information, just enough to stitch these people into a "happenstance family." They pull together for the support each needs.
Loss, adoption, and illness are tough subjects that will strike a cord in anyone. Most everyone can relate...and shed a tear. The ending came quickly, but there are many "side stories," and each characters future - the window could easily be open for a sequel.
This is a wonderful "Beach" book. The characters are very relevant and relatable. Nearly everyone has a back story. The darker characters get just enough ink, so you understand how they have impacted the others - to make choices and decisions.
I appreciate that most of the women in this book are strong and resourceful, as well as compassionate and supportive. The furry family members have wonderful supporting roles. Those of us with 4-legged family KNOW they bring comfort and therapy in many ways.
This was a quick read. Each chapter flowed into the next. Not too much information, just enough to stitch these people into a "happenstance family." They pull together for the support each needs.
Loss, adoption, and illness are tough subjects that will strike a cord in anyone. Most everyone can relate...and shed a tear. The ending came quickly, but there are many "side stories," and each characters future - the window could easily be open for a sequel.
June 11, 2023
Genuinely confused by the first chapter of the book. I feel like it doesn’t have any connection to the rest of the book. Even after finishing and re-reading it still makes no sense.
The rest of the story was pleasant. I feel like the end was wrapped up way too quickly and without enough build up. It seemed like the author was trying to shoehorn in a happy ending and in order to do that, had to pull some items from left field.
Edit: Apparently the first chapter is looking back on previous characters as this is an entire series. Genuinely didn’t that when I first picked up the book at the library’s store.
The rest of the story was pleasant. I feel like the end was wrapped up way too quickly and without enough build up. It seemed like the author was trying to shoehorn in a happy ending and in order to do that, had to pull some items from left field.
Edit: Apparently the first chapter is looking back on previous characters as this is an entire series. Genuinely didn’t that when I first picked up the book at the library’s store.
July 2, 2017
FirstLine ~ El Nino teased the California coast, promising weeks of rain, but delivering just enough to keep hope alive.
This book is amazing...an emotional read that captures the attention and keeps the reader engaged until the very end. I have loved this series from the start and this book was a great installation. There is a lot of depth in this book...there are tears of heartbreak and joy. You will be rooting for the characters and will love seeing past characters. This series is one of my summer favorites.
This book is amazing...an emotional read that captures the attention and keeps the reader engaged until the very end. I have loved this series from the start and this book was a great installation. There is a lot of depth in this book...there are tears of heartbreak and joy. You will be rooting for the characters and will love seeing past characters. This series is one of my summer favorites.
August 7, 2018
It's easy to read, I'll give it that. But it's a total beach read, nothing substantial to it. The plot is basic and contains very little characters, and the summary gives just about anything away. Totally fine if that's what you want, but that's not what I was looking for. There's too much fluff for what the plot line was, and it just seems like nothing was really happening. Add to that drama by the estranged wife, and I just couldn't handle it. Also, Jeremy was a jerk. I understood where he was coming from but he handles it like a total jerk.
June 28, 2017
Being back at the beach house was wonderful! This is a great series. You can read this one alone, but the back story is great and worth reading.
I really liked the characters in this book. I wanted them to work everything out and be happy together. It pulled at my heart to see them struggle and figure out their relationships.
The ending is everything you would want it to be and more! I hope if there is another one in this series and we will see these characters again.
I really liked the characters in this book. I wanted them to work everything out and be happy together. It pulled at my heart to see them struggle and figure out their relationships.
The ending is everything you would want it to be and more! I hope if there is another one in this series and we will see these characters again.
August 14, 2017
This the 4th in the series about the Beach House. It centers around the people who rent the beach house each summer. A mother is reunited with the daughter that she gave up for adoption 12 years ago. Covers the difficulty of a parent allowing his child to meet with her biological mother while dealing with a serious illness. Although I feel like the author tied up things a little too unbelievably, she still is one of my favorite authors.
October 24, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. Melinda gave her child up for adoption when she was a teenager to protect her. This story delves in to the emotions of giving up your child for adoption, the emotions of being given up for adoption and the emotions of the adoptive father fearing losing his place in his daughter's life. The setting at the beach house was the perfect place to let the world stop and focus on building relationships. I loved the relationships in this book as well as the writing style of the author. Easy, quick and enjoyable read.
July 1, 2021
When Melinda was 16, she had a baby with her true love, Daniel. Unfortunately, she had to put the baby up for adoption because Daniel's family was crazy. Shortly afterward, Daniel died in a car accident. Years later, Melinda gets a call from her baby's adopted father, Jeremy. Through a series of connections, they become close and the family becomes whole. It's a nice, light beach read.
Note: I did not read this as an ebook, but a real book.
Note: I did not read this as an ebook, but a real book.
September 17, 2022
Loved this book:) It has well-written, believable characters, a plausible storyline and a satisfying ending.
A young teenage pregnant girl is in a difficult situation. She's determined to do the best thing for her child and gives it up for adoption.
Years later, she's in a situation when the daughter wants to meet her biological mother and is asked why did you give me up?
Your heart strings will be tugged numerous times while reading "The Beach House: Coming Home'
A young teenage pregnant girl is in a difficult situation. She's determined to do the best thing for her child and gives it up for adoption.
Years later, she's in a situation when the daughter wants to meet her biological mother and is asked why did you give me up?
Your heart strings will be tugged numerous times while reading "The Beach House: Coming Home'
October 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️½
This started out incredibly. Melinda, who gave her child up for adoption -we get her story and see her reasons through flashbacks. Jeremy, the adoptive dad. And Shiloh- adopted daughter.
There is so much emotion, vulnerability, conflict- I loved it. It was not your typical predictable love story. But….somewhere along the way it became trite, boring, and predictable. The ending was even worse as it just wrapped up in a rushed, unrealistic way.
What a Let Down.
This started out incredibly. Melinda, who gave her child up for adoption -we get her story and see her reasons through flashbacks. Jeremy, the adoptive dad. And Shiloh- adopted daughter.
There is so much emotion, vulnerability, conflict- I loved it. It was not your typical predictable love story. But….somewhere along the way it became trite, boring, and predictable. The ending was even worse as it just wrapped up in a rushed, unrealistic way.
What a Let Down.
May 21, 2017
Took me a chapter or two to figure out where this story was going but from then on I thought is was extremely good and finished the whole book yesterday. Story of a young woman who gave up her baby for adoption at the age of 16 to protect the child from an evil grandfather who seemed to own the mining town in the hills of Kentucky. Sad and compelling. Good read.
June 19, 2017
she gave her baby up for adoption so the grandfather wouldnt take her. the dad died in a car accident. her parents both died. the baby got lupus. her father found the birth mother and brought her into the girls life after the adoptive mother abandoned both of them. the father and birth mother fell in love
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2018
A sweet and quick read that deals with adoption issues revolving around a teenager who decides to find her birth mother and learn why she gave her up after her adoptive mother also deserts the family. Her adoptive dad is an amazing guy but not too sure about the idea. I love the beach house stories and how the house ties many people together.
November 21, 2018
After the lovely The Beach House, I thought this book would also be charming. Nope. The book should have been a novella, it!s low on substance.
And the author never misses an opportunity to reinforce that Melinda grew up poor. We get it! Her mother walked in the bitter cold so she wouldn’t have ro buy gas. Everyone dressed in secondhand clothes! Enough!
And the author never misses an opportunity to reinforce that Melinda grew up poor. We get it! Her mother walked in the bitter cold so she wouldn’t have ro buy gas. Everyone dressed in secondhand clothes! Enough!
June 27, 2023
The overall story of this book was really cute and heart warming! I really wish the romance that came into the end of the book started earlier than that, so I could enjoy that storyline for longer. I gave this book 3 stars because it was a little slow/boring. I felt like there wasn’t any big moments/turning points/drama in a good chunk of the middle of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2017
3.5 Stars! Won an advance copy in a Goodreads giveaway, thank you!! My first book by Georgia Bockoven; I'll be looking at others from this author. A great summer read. I didn't realize there were other books in this series, even so, this read well as a stand alone title.
July 7, 2017
An absolutely fabulous book that kept me up. I really didn't want it to end. You really love the characters in in this book and feel their emotions. Now I have to read her other books she's written. Two thumbs up
September 17, 2017
One day to read a book, that's more like it. I finally had a blustery day to sit and read and this book was perfect. The story had great characters and developed quickly, it was nice to read about the beach house that we have been waiting to read more about. Good book.
July 19, 2018
Is nice to read about the location of the Beach House since I'm somewhat familiar with it. I liked the preview of the book, but I was a little let down with the story. I thought it was too hurried and especially the ending was like an after thought.
July 21, 2020
This book did not fall in line with the previous ones. Very little was mentioned about the house, the ocean, or previous guests. The previous books interweaves the reoccurring guests and gave updates on their lives. Overall, it was a nice story but shouldn't have been part the beach house series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews