Beach Bliss

The Seaside Saga #6

by Joanne DeMaio

Have a seaside seat with the beach friends in this irresistible novel from New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio.

Blue skies and smooth seas return to the coastal community of Stony Point. Until a new arrival in this little New England beach town sets forth a competition like no other. As the temperature rises beneath the summer sun, so do the antics and good-natured fun.

Join Jason Barlow, Maris, Kyle, Elsa and the rest of the gang for another unforgettable season at the shore. The sound of gulls and lapping waves are calling you to the page ... for a summer read that's purely Beach Bliss.
 
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

Genres: Fiction

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2018

About the author

Joanne 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.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It is almost time for the tourists to return to Stony Point. Elsa’s Inn is ready to open but she is holding off until September so she can enjoy time with her newly born granddaughter, Aria. She is so happy that Celia has returned to Stoney Point and agreed to help her with the inn. Jason’s finishing up the last tasks on his list as the debut of his television show documenting the renovation of Elsa’s inn will be premiering soon. Maris is still working on her deceased brother in law’s novel. Kyle and Lauren are moving into their home on Stony Point. But this story really is all about Aria. Celia has chosen her godmother and before she even has a chance to choose a godfather, the men all decide they want the honored position. So they come up with a competition with the winner becoming the godfather of their friend Sal’s daughter. The whole group is still mourning his death. Everyone wants to be there for Aria in any way that they can.

I will admit, my nose got a little out of joint when the men took the choice of godfather out of Celia’s hands. I am sure she had put a lot of thought into her decision. But, by the end of the goofy competition, I think Celia was appreciative of their efforts and I do think her choice was also the winner. I know the group was not trying to disrespect her in any way and the contests were very interesting. I was surprised though at one of the guys participating in one of the contests that would have been super painful after hurting his back earlier in the story. I get it, it’s fiction 🙂

I really identify with Elsa the most. We have both lost adult sons and that it something you never get over. We just keep putting one foot in front of the other and a smile on our faces even when you don’t feel like smiling. Like Elsa my son left a daughter behind, mine was almost 3 when she lost her daddy. Sadly, Sal never got to meet his daughter. But it is these young little ladies that keep us going. The light shines from within them and we have so many memories to share to keep their fathers alive in their hearts. It also helps when you have the wonderful support system both Elsa and Celia have.

Joanne DeMaio has created such true characters. I feel like I am visiting old friends every time I pick up one of her books. I am engaged by them and interested in their lives. Their friendship is a true bond. I am jealous of the way they see each other every day and are totally involved in each other’s lives. True friendships like this are hard to have these days when the world is pulling everyone in so many different directions.

The author’s words take us to a place where friends, ocean waters and the rich salt air can soothe all your troubles. Our visits there always end much too soon. This was a perfect escape!!

Until next time . . . The Castaway Cottage releases soon, May 15!!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the middle of June and another summer season is beginning at the seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut. So grab your beach towel, chair, and umbrella and soak up some sun-filled beach bliss as you catch up with the town locals.

In Beach Bliss, author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader back to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where the reader catches up with the lives of friends: Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle, Lauren, Elsa, Cliff, Nick, Paige, Vinny, and Celia.

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 heart-wrenching sudden death of Elsa's son Sal DeLuca a year ago has brought the friends closer than ever. As time heals all wounds, so does the sea air, and this group of friends lives by the credo: "salt air, not a care" and "cast away your troubles straight into the sea." And the shimmering denim blue sea with its calming effect will offer them another summer season of hope, love, family, friendship, forgiveness, redemption, and blissful new beginnings.

The reader will catch up with the friends as many changes have been occurring since their last visit: Elsa's newly renovated beach inn, Ocean Star Inn, is getting ready for the grand opening in September. Since Sal's death, peace has gradually swept back into her days like the turning tide, and she makes plans to give her guests "happiness jars," where they can fill them with tokens from their visit (sand, seashells, driftwood, etc) as a keepsake memory. Then there's Celia, who returned to Stony Point and gave birth to her and Sal's little girl Aria. Celia and Aria live in a little cottage behind Elsa's inn, and Celia is planning Aria's christening for later in the summer with all the guys vying for the coveted title of Godfather in a series of hilarious competitions. Meanwhile, Maris continues to complete her late brother-in-law Neil's manuscript, while husband Jason is busy preparing for his new cottage renovation program on the local public television station. Finally, there is Kyle and Lauren, who purchased a cottage in Stony Point and have moved in with the promise of making new beach memories.

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 Bliss.

Beach Bliss is a heartwarming story of friendship and family. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a wonderful 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, Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle, Lauren, Nick, Elsa, and Cliff as a new summer season dawns on their little tranquil coastal town.

Author Joanne DeMaio easily captivates her readers' attention with this beautifully written 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 a fun-filled roller coaster ride that will keep you smiling as you turn the pages. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I look forward to catching up with this special group of close-knit friends. It's like you're a summer visitor, and the beach friends envelop you in a warm hug and offer up enough smiles, laughter, and fun-filled beach bliss as their summer adventures unfold.

Beach Bliss is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and life events. 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.

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[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach Bliss is the 5th book in her series about friendships and love in Stony Point, a picturesque beach community. By now, this group of friends are people I really care about, and I was eager to catch up with them. The relationships in this book are the heart of the story and they are as real as our own relationships, with their ups and downs but mostly their deep love and affection for each other. I feel like Stony Point is a place I've actually been to, and the setting is a very important part of this book, too. I highly encourage you to start this series from the beginning, because the history behind this story is so important, and without it you will miss so much. This is a wonderful book to take to the beach, or the lake, or your own backyard...a touching story filled with love and humor.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach Bliss by Joanne DeMaio
What I like about this book is they bring you up to date but not give away all the previous books secrets.
Everybody is going in different directions but they do come together. Men are having competitions to find out who would be the best godfather for Aria now that Celia has moved back to the point near the Inn.
Excited to learn about what dishes others like that Elsa will serve once the Inn is open.
Maris is busy working on Neil's novel and feels she's failing misersably but others are putting their two cents in.
Jason is busy at all kinds of things design wise and now a tv show.
Kyle and Lauren have moved to the point while still working at the diner.
So much fun the group does have by themselves or together. Love the ocean and I love hearing the Italian phrases Sal would use. Said out loud to my spouse the other day when at the ocean that we need to bring a glass jar and bottle up the air.
Like this book also because there are all different ages and you learn their current problems and how they are fixed.
Always find treasures in this author's books, so informative on so many subjects.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Kennedi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not really my cup of tea, bunch of men fighting each other with contests to win the title of godfather to a baby? Glad they all want in on the baby’s life but why does it always have to be a rude, over bearing competition with men

[Kim Bruce Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual not disappointed. Loved reading more of my beach friends. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Margie Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s just something special about a Joanne DeMaio book, and Beach Bliss is no different. Reading it takes you away to the Connecticut shore of Stony Point for a summer of beach bliss with all the gang. The characters are so well depicted, you feel as if you actually know them and are a part of their group. And with the authors descriptive writing technique, you can actually visualize everything in your mind and it makes you feel as if you are right there in the moment. It’s like you can feel the beach breeze and smell the sweet salt air. There are times that I cried but then there were times that I found myself laughing. The guys antics that took place while vying for the position of godfather to Aria was really a hoot! This book can be read as a stand-alone as the author does fill you in with enough backstory but I would recommend reading them all in order. Each book picks up where the other left off. Don’t be surprised though when the author leaves you hanging at the end and makes you wait until the next book to find out how the story is going to play out. I have come to love this seaside saga and I’m sure you will too! I give it a 5 star review and want to thank author Joanne DeMaio for giving me the opportunity to read and enjoy her books.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally like Joanne DeMaio's
books but this one was hard to get through. The long time characters that were always fun to meet again in the next book somehow disappeared. In their place a group of 30 year old friends seem immature, silly and not very interesting. They all have a bad case of hero worship for a man they only knew for one summer. Granted Sal was a charismatictbc young man. I liked his personality too. It just seemed unrealistic to worship him after one summer. They quote him, talk about him endlessly and in general are nauseating. In addition these 30 year olds act more like 10 year olds. I was amazed at the competitions they had and not in a good way. This book was a huge disappointment to me.

[Laurel-Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue skies and smooth seas return to the coastal community of Stony Point. Until a new arrival in this little New England beach town sets forth a competition like no other. As the temperature rises beneath the summer sun, so do the antics and good-natured fun.

Join Jason Barlow, Maris, Kyle, Elsa and the rest of the gang for another unforgettable season at the shore. The sound of gulls and lapping waves are calling you to the page ... for a summer read that's purely Beach Bliss.

My Thoughts: I love joining in with familiar characters who feel like friends, and in Beach Bliss, the crew is all there at Stony Point Beach.

This time, we are watching as Elsa finishes renovating her cottage into Ocean Star Inn, with the help of architect Jason Barlow. Jason’s wife Maris is Elsa’s niece, and is trying to finish writing Neil’s manuscript. The accident that killed Neil seriously injured his brother Jason, and Jason still struggles with the after-effects, both physically and emotionally.

Elsa’s son Sal died the year before, and his fiancée Celia was pregnant at the time, and now has a baby she named Aria.

Everyone in the community has taken the two under their wings…and even organized a series of “godfather contests.” Funny and poignant moments carry us along. I especially enjoyed how the old Foley’s Back Room remained intact in the inn, as part of their past and their history.

The godfather contests were the least interesting aspects to me, but I did smile when the women set out to find their own way to enjoy a piece of the godfather action. As the rest of the novel picked up and carried us along to Aria’s christening and Jason’s attempt to find out more about a mysterious cottage, I was once again glued to the pages. 5 stars.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Seaside Saga Series reminds me of my mother's side of our family. Not the individual characters or the location but the sense of family, expanding and contracting, full of joys and sorrows. Beach Bliss is a story of Family growing and becoming stronger. Celia, who fell in love with Salvatore DeLuca, now has a precious little daughter named Aria. This group of family and friends are now all tied together with their memories of Salvatore.

Aria's grandmother, Elsa is getting ready for the opening of the Ocean Star Inn. Elsa give Celia and Aria star pendants like she did for her nieces previously. Celia will be christened later in the summer. Celia has already chosen the godmother but not the godfather. The men in the story know that it is a special honor and responsibility to be the godfather. They get together, watch the Godfather movie and are inspired to have a tournament for the title of the godfather. Elsa is very touched by this because she knows that competition is because they all loved her son so much.

Parts of the competition are so funny that you will be laughing as you read it, some of the scenes at the end of this book are so poignant that you will be crying. I love the idea that this story will continue with the same characters. It is like getting to know a big family!

I received an advance reading copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review, my thoughts and feelings are all my own.

[Carol Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a delightful warm welcome feeling to be back with Jason, Maris, Lauren, Kyle, Elsa, Cecilia, Aria and the whole beach crew, as they become part of a wonderful memory having read about them before and following this series. If this is your first book by Joanne DeMaio you will want to read her other ones, although each is a special pleasure and could be read alone. I love reading about how Elsa has decided to renovate the inn, and preparing scrumptious new recipes like that egg croissant sandwich she is adding to her menus and is waiting for her first guests. Everyone in Stony Point is so happy that Celia is back again and with her baby girl Aria. There is a lot of excitement and crazy antics as the men challenge one another to various ways to win the coveted Godfather challenge for Aria. I savor all the wonderful descriptive details Joanne puts in her novels. One I love the most and stays in my heart is how she talks Ocean Stars the name of the inn, that comes from the lovely sight of seeing the sun sparkling on the surf like diamonds in the sun.... With this and many other lovely images there is a magical dreamy bliss like feel to her books. I loved it and can't wait for her next one Castaway Cottage!

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all the other books in this series, opening it is like getting back to a bunch of old friends. These characters stick with me and it feels like coming home when I open the pages of a new book in this series. Once Again, the beach friends are together for a summer at Stony Point. This time there's a new character in the "family" - Aria, Celia's little baby. A lot of the story focuses around the competition amongst the guys to see who will be Aria's Godfather. They come up with such fun ideas to compete with each other, my favorite being The List. You'll have to read the book to find out what this is all about. Joanne writes such a great story and always writes so vividly that you can actually feel like you are amongst the friends taking part in all their shenanigans. Beach Bliss is a fun read, perfect for the beach, or anywhere that you want to just sit and relax, and enjoy a great story. I highly recommend it. I can't wait for the next book in the adventures of the beach friends!

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joanne's beach books series! Whenever I start one, I know I'm going back to the warm and welcoming community of Stony Point full of fun, caring people who I have come to think of as friends. I've celebrated with them as they go through their good times, as well as watching them support each other through the bad ones.

Beach Bliss was a fun visit to Stony Point as we see the men pit each other in a tough competition they call 'The List' to see who will win the coveted prize. I loved watching their antics as they work through the challenges. You can tell they are all close friends who love to rib each other. I love the friendships and the banter between the men—what great friends they are to each other.

I have watched relationships bloom and grow throughout this whole series and I love that I feel right at home when I go back. I always look forward to my next journey to the beach.

[Penny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEACH BLISS
AUTHOR: JOANNE DEMAIO

FIVE STARS

Joanne DeMaio quickly became one of my favorite authors after I read “BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS”, the first book in her beach series. This series takes place in Stony Point, Connecticut, a beautiful New England beach town. “BEACH BLISS” continues the wonderful story of friendship and love that Joanne writes so beautifully. She has created an amazing cast of characters that will steal your heart. The friendships that were formed long ago, are still just as strong as ever. There is never a doubt that no matter what life throws at them – they will always be there for one another.

“BEACH BLISS” is the perfect book to read as you relax on the beach. What are you waiting for!!!! Grab your copy today and be whisked away to sand, surf, warm ocean air, and a group of friends that will delight you. Be sure and go back and read the other books in this series. You won’t be disappointed.

[Pam Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach Bliss is another great book by Joanne DeMaio in the beach series. It picks up right where The Beach Inn leaves off. Jason is filming the pilot for the cottage fixer upper show he is trying to get off the ground. The Ocean Star Inn is ready for visitors and Celia and Aria have returned to Stony Point as the summer begins. Aria is going to be christened at the end of the summer, the men in the story have a competition to see who will be her Godfather, the godmother has already been chosen. The story is fun and gets you in the mood for summer. I love this beach series, you feel like you are on the beach with all the characters. You get dragged into the story and can’t put the book down. Living in a beach town myself, I can relate to having your favorite places to hang out. Read the book, you won’t be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book in the series, The Castaway Cottage.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to live in the magical places Joanne DeMaio creates. I love how she's able to get us up to speed without revealing the mysteries of the previous books in the series. although I've read them all, not everyone starts at book one. Everyone is busy doing their thing, while baby Aria is bringing out the competitive spirit in the guys.

My favorite part of Ms. DeMaio's books is that she incorporates all ages with her characters. The characters themselves and well developed, they're so appealingly "real". And, of course, the ocean/friendship/love/overcoming obstacles ring clear and true into each story, making me wish I could slip into the book. Her books remind me of home ❤

I appreciate this gifted book. The honest opinions and review are strictly my own. You NEED to add this to your must-read list!

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blissful Summer

This book isn’t as much of a story, as it is a reunion with friends that you have come to slowly know, love and miss as you wait for the next book. You cry tears of sadness as they ache in the loss of a good friend. But cheer with happinesses as we learn of baby Aria, Jason’s TV debut with the completion of the Ocean Star Inn, Maris deciding to turn Neil’s manuscript into a book and the antics of the men claiming the right to be Aria’s Godfather.
Yes, a lot has changed this summer. This summer seems to be more of a sweet blissful summer. More of finally being able to look ahead, rather than living in the past. Once more, Joanne DeMaio has brought Stony Point and its friends into the heart of this reader. I was gifted a copy of this book.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

#FirstLine ~ Beyond the dune grass, Long Island Sound sparkles beneath the summer sunshine.
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

[Christie Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Reunion

I always feel like I'm among friends when I read this series. The characters are so well developed that you feel every emotion. You can't help but laugh - and cry - as you read. This was a story of new beginnings and hope for the future. And don't be surprised if you suddenly get a craving for a croissant egg sandwich! Perhaps the best part is the ending; while it's always sad to turn that last page, you know that there is another book not far behind, that picks up at the end - another new beginning. 'Til we meet again ....

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Reading this book brings you right back to the beach where the previous one left off. You feel like you are right on the beach with the whole gang making happiness jars while feeling the sea breeze and watching the sea stars. With a new competition between the guys this is one of my favorites in the series. Heartwarming and funny at times. Can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book as well as any book by this author. They are all amazing reads.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Awesome Book

I have read every book Joanne DeMaio has written and each time I say "This one is the best". They just get better and better. And she teases us with an excerpt from the next book.

In Beach Bliss we meet all the beach friends one more time. We continue through their feelings about Sal's death, meet his daughter and go through life's challenges.

When you end this book, she has you craving for the next one.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stony Point gang is back. Jason getting ready to kick off his Cottage Reno sow and the guys competing for the coveted title of Aria’s Godfather. Lots of silliness in thee competitions but, still a sweet story of relationships formed by the ocean. As always, this book takes me to my happy place; the Beach. or the time reading this series, Joanne takes me to the beach. Thank you so much. Staring Castaway outage today and staring this series with beach living, land locked Colorado friends.

[Justin Lambe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first novel I've read by this author. The story is well-developed, and will give you the feel that you are sitting by the seashore watching the waves crash again the shore. This novel is part of a series. It would have been better for me to start with book one, that way I could have got familar with the characters, but this is a good stand alone series book. Would recommend as a great Summertime read!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach Bliss is book 6 in the seaside saga by Joanne DeMaio. Set in the New England coastal Community of Stony Point, this quaint town with corky characters will captivate you. Could be read as a standalone but I would definitely recommend starting from the beginning! This book can best be described as sweet and fun. A perfect Beach read, a perfect summer lesson, and always a pleasure to revisit Stony Point and it's residents.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through celebrations, competitions, and reunions, the South Point beach friends join together to enjoy the blissfulness of their local beach and the summer weather in New England. Another awesome beach read by Joanne Demaio. Highly recommend to all beach lovers and New England admirers who enjoy beach bliss as much as the beach friends do in the story.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another look into the lives of our beach friends. I only cried a few times, and once was when I realized I was almost done with the book! After about the second book in this series, you will want to go to Connecticut to hang out with them. One day I am going to make it to the east coast and check around. ...just in case!

Okay, I'm ready for the next one!

[Cj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. So far, I think this is the best one in the series.
It made me laugh, have tears and all in all enjoyed.
The Godfather hijinx were hilarious. Men will be boys.
Sal made a great impression on all of them the little
time he was with them.
So many memories, so many traditions and happiness jars.

[Russ Maida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story in the saga of beach friends along the Connecticut shoreline. Once again I am drawn into their world and find myself deeply involved with the characters and their development over time. Memories of my youth place me in some of the same situations with very similar friends and relationships making the book especially enjoyable.

[Cindy Feigert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely to visit the old gang again! Surprising how quickly you can pick up the thread of a book series. This book finds the gang of Stony Point carrying on with their lives after the death of a dear family member and friend. I enjoyed the contest to find the godfather of the new baby. Very humorous! Ready for the next book. Will it solve the mystery of the cottage?