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Rosemary's Beach House
Rosemary Lewis divorced her husband after she discovered him with another woman. Suffering from depression at her loss, the young woman threw herself into work as a registered nurse. Then, she met Malcolm Beach who represented her dream. Together, they did enjoy a perfect life. Devotion from her new husband thrilled her as they traveled all over the world. Sailing became their pastime until the sudden death of her love. Once again, Rosemary found herself devastated and alone. Suddenly, an unknown foe threatened her very life. Why did this begin after the death of her husband? Slowing gleaning bits of information, she discovers that Malcolm's previous lover was insane. Is this the one who makes her life hell? Now, a wealthy widow, Rosemary must fight to survive in the beautiful home named, Rosemary's Beach House.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2019
30 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Linda Heavner Gerald
21 books110 followersLinda Heavner Gerald has received much acclaim for her books. She has been writing for over seven years and published eighteen novels. Her work includes all genres. Linda writes each day with the goal of publishing books of substance. She draws from her medical background to alert her readers of current medical problems as well as providing inspiration through her many travels.
Linda hopes to transport her readers from the safety of their home to places which they may never discover. Her most important goal is demonstrating that God loves all of us. Even though her characters create problems for themselves, she wittingly shows how God can extract us from the mess we make.
The President's Book Award has been awarded several of her books for the past three years. This author has also obtained international acclaim. Linda's books are all over the world. Reader’s Favorite bestowed the silver medal for her YA book, AnnaPolis Summers in 2018. In 2019, Linda won the Reader’s Favorite Gold medal in Urban Fiction for the book: Cycles Of Hatred.
The Gulf of Mexico delights her as she shares her world with her husband, Buddy, of twenty-six years and their yellow cat, Jackson Brownie Gerald. Her son recently joined them in Florida, where the most beautiful beaches in the world welcome them.
Linda hopes to transport her readers from the safety of their home to places which they may never discover. Her most important goal is demonstrating that God loves all of us. Even though her characters create problems for themselves, she wittingly shows how God can extract us from the mess we make.
The President's Book Award has been awarded several of her books for the past three years. This author has also obtained international acclaim. Linda's books are all over the world. Reader’s Favorite bestowed the silver medal for her YA book, AnnaPolis Summers in 2018. In 2019, Linda won the Reader’s Favorite Gold medal in Urban Fiction for the book: Cycles Of Hatred.
The Gulf of Mexico delights her as she shares her world with her husband, Buddy, of twenty-six years and their yellow cat, Jackson Brownie Gerald. Her son recently joined them in Florida, where the most beautiful beaches in the world welcome them.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 27, 2019
This is a kindle e-book that I won in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you Lime Pie Publishers, Linda Heavner Gerald and Goodreads for this gem. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it seems it was just what I wanted to read. The book is largely set in Macon, Georgia and near Destin, Florida; both places that I am familiar with. The main character divorced her husband when she found him cheating on her. While a large part of the book is a romance, there is more going on. Every now and then, we get a chapter from a different POV and this one is quite sinister in tone. The suspense grows as the story progresses.
The novel deals with romance, depression, overwork, faith, stress, stalking, pranks, hope, philanthropy, loneliness, trust, family, friends, mental health, and attempted assault. The main character is well developed and you feel for Rosemary as she goes through her ups and downs. If you are looking for a character driven novel with romance and suspense then I recommend that you enter Rosemary's life and see how it turns out.
The novel deals with romance, depression, overwork, faith, stress, stalking, pranks, hope, philanthropy, loneliness, trust, family, friends, mental health, and attempted assault. The main character is well developed and you feel for Rosemary as she goes through her ups and downs. If you are looking for a character driven novel with romance and suspense then I recommend that you enter Rosemary's life and see how it turns out.
May 26, 2019
Rosemary's Beach House by Linda Heavner Gerald
Rosemary's Beach House is a delightful novel by well-known author Linda Heavner Gerald. It transports the reader to wonderful places with pleasant experiences. The novel is an easy, fun read that is perfect for the beach or by the pool. Ms. Heavner Gerald's narrative has several components which will keep her audience engaged because of the confusion, panic, heartache, and recovering from life's curve balls.
Rosemary's Beach House was gifted to me by Goodreads Giveaway for an honest opinion. Thank you very much!!
Rosemary's Beach House is a delightful novel by well-known author Linda Heavner Gerald. It transports the reader to wonderful places with pleasant experiences. The novel is an easy, fun read that is perfect for the beach or by the pool. Ms. Heavner Gerald's narrative has several components which will keep her audience engaged because of the confusion, panic, heartache, and recovering from life's curve balls.
Rosemary's Beach House was gifted to me by Goodreads Giveaway for an honest opinion. Thank you very much!!
April 16, 2019
I won this book on good reads for an honest review -
Rosemary, a divorced woman is a RN nurse who is working too hard after her divorce.
Then she meets Malcome who is like a dream, he treats her so well, and has money, and homes, a boat to enjoy. They are enjoying the perfect life - until someone is threatening to ruin it.
Why? Rosemary must fight to survive
Rosemary, a divorced woman is a RN nurse who is working too hard after her divorce.
Then she meets Malcome who is like a dream, he treats her so well, and has money, and homes, a boat to enjoy. They are enjoying the perfect life - until someone is threatening to ruin it.
Why? Rosemary must fight to survive
May 10, 2019
Such an interesting read. Kept me from the beginning. Thank you
June 12, 2019
Great powerful read!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great suspenseful but emotionally uplifting book! It has all the elements of a book you can’t put down!!!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great suspenseful but emotionally uplifting book! It has all the elements of a book you can’t put down!!!
June 20, 2019
Good Book
I have enjoyed reading this book. It has romance and murder without the gore. It is a good read for everyone.
I have enjoyed reading this book. It has romance and murder without the gore. It is a good read for everyone.
March 7, 2019
The search for love
Florida author Linda Heavner Gerald has retired from her medical background and is living and writing along the Gulf of Mexico. She has already established a solid reputation as a writer of twelve mystery thrillers, winning awards both in this country and abroad, having been awarded the Florida Authors and Publishers Association award for Fiction. Linda's keen eye for evil in her books is matched by her conviction that 'regardless of our actions, God is always ready to welcome us back with forgiveness.' Rather than simply titillate her readers with superbly terrifying stories and psychological drama she offers a bit of a rainbow at the end - a sense of hope or encouragement for the characters of her books. ‘ Her goal is to demonstrate that God loves all of us. No one is beyond his redemptive grace.’ Her numerous books have embraced PTSD, bullying, the effects of war on families, and now she approaches sibling rivalry and misogyny.
In this era of #MeToo where women’s rights are finally being addressed Linda’s book could not be more timely. Linda's ability to paint a setting for a novel grows with each of her books. She opens her book with a Prologue that sets the tone: ‘Tonight is the end of madness! The other’s life is over. She deserves to die. After she stole my life with HIM. How dare she think she can strut around being the grieving widow? It is difficult for me to picture the two of them together. He could not have loved someone so undignified. She was always just a silly woman. Never did she accomplish anything of substance. I remember Malcolm well. All of his accomplishments: his brilliant education and philanthropy all wasted on her! They looked ridiculous together…’ a significant hint of what is to come.
But on to the story as per the synopsis – ‘Rosemary Lewis divorced her husband after she discovered him with another woman. Suffering from depression at her loss, the young woman threw herself into work as a registered nurse. Then, she met Malcolm Beach who represented her dream. Together, they did enjoy a perfect life. Devotion from her new husband thrilled her as they traveled all over the world. Sailing became their pastime until the sudden death of her love. Once again, Rosemary found herself devastated and alone. Suddenly, an unknown foe threatened her very life. Why did this begin after the death of her husband? Slowing gleaning bits of information, she discovers that Malcolm's previous lover was insane. Is this the one who makes her life hell? Now, a wealthy widow, Rosemary must fight to survive in the beautiful home named, Rosemary's Beach House.’
Once again Linda Heavner Gerard has accomplished a novel with a strong message for all ages so eloquently written that it becomes obvious that we are in the presence of a very fine author indeed.
Florida author Linda Heavner Gerald has retired from her medical background and is living and writing along the Gulf of Mexico. She has already established a solid reputation as a writer of twelve mystery thrillers, winning awards both in this country and abroad, having been awarded the Florida Authors and Publishers Association award for Fiction. Linda's keen eye for evil in her books is matched by her conviction that 'regardless of our actions, God is always ready to welcome us back with forgiveness.' Rather than simply titillate her readers with superbly terrifying stories and psychological drama she offers a bit of a rainbow at the end - a sense of hope or encouragement for the characters of her books. ‘ Her goal is to demonstrate that God loves all of us. No one is beyond his redemptive grace.’ Her numerous books have embraced PTSD, bullying, the effects of war on families, and now she approaches sibling rivalry and misogyny.
In this era of #MeToo where women’s rights are finally being addressed Linda’s book could not be more timely. Linda's ability to paint a setting for a novel grows with each of her books. She opens her book with a Prologue that sets the tone: ‘Tonight is the end of madness! The other’s life is over. She deserves to die. After she stole my life with HIM. How dare she think she can strut around being the grieving widow? It is difficult for me to picture the two of them together. He could not have loved someone so undignified. She was always just a silly woman. Never did she accomplish anything of substance. I remember Malcolm well. All of his accomplishments: his brilliant education and philanthropy all wasted on her! They looked ridiculous together…’ a significant hint of what is to come.
But on to the story as per the synopsis – ‘Rosemary Lewis divorced her husband after she discovered him with another woman. Suffering from depression at her loss, the young woman threw herself into work as a registered nurse. Then, she met Malcolm Beach who represented her dream. Together, they did enjoy a perfect life. Devotion from her new husband thrilled her as they traveled all over the world. Sailing became their pastime until the sudden death of her love. Once again, Rosemary found herself devastated and alone. Suddenly, an unknown foe threatened her very life. Why did this begin after the death of her husband? Slowing gleaning bits of information, she discovers that Malcolm's previous lover was insane. Is this the one who makes her life hell? Now, a wealthy widow, Rosemary must fight to survive in the beautiful home named, Rosemary's Beach House.’
Once again Linda Heavner Gerard has accomplished a novel with a strong message for all ages so eloquently written that it becomes obvious that we are in the presence of a very fine author indeed.
September 9, 2019
This book totally surprised me! Excellent.
June 4, 2013
I was asked by the author, Linda Heavner Gerald, to review a book about love and suspense, “Rosemary Beach”. I only review sweet and mild romance, mystery and suspense, and it sounded like a book I would enjoy, so I accepted a Kindle version. It was obvious after reading the first five chapters, that this is the author’s first attempt at writing a novel. Crafting a good book is not as easy as it sounds.
The prologue is written in first person by the criminal, stating that a woman deserves to die. It sets the reader up to expect a suspense story, where someone is trying to do something evil over and over again. The first chapter then goes to the viewpoint of a six-year-old child, telling all about her childhood. In the next three chapters, this character goes from being six to being a 28 year-old divorcee.
This is what is called an ‘information dump’. As my daughter says, “too much information, Mom, TMI.” I don’t need to know these details yet. Chapter one should skip to the scene where the first evil thing occurs, and then let the character tell her story in conversation to the person who is investigating it. Or, she can remember a childhood memory that is an important factor in the case or the way she responds to it. Limiting the background information to just the pertinent details keeps the suspenseful pace of the story going; pages turning, heart thumping.
It’s also an example of a typical newbie mistake of starting the story in the wrong place. The purpose of the first chapter is to introduce the three main characters and the problem that will be solved. Rose is the main character telling her point of view, but her childhood friends and step fathers, her mother and brother, are not needed here. What the author really needs, instead, is a reason for me to keep reading.
As this book is written, it’s a bit like ‘bait and switch’ where a salesman shows you one model of a product and then talks you into buying something totally different. The prologue is suspense. The chapters are Chick Lit. These are two different genres, with two different styles, and two different audiences. Suspense attracts readers who want to feel smart because they can figure out who is doing it before the answer is revealed. Chick Lit appeals to stay-at-home thirty-somethings that are lonely and want to feel like they just had a conversation with another adult woman. Suspense attracts people who are tired of being dull, and want some excitement. Chick Lit attracts readers who are hassled, and want to feel more relaxed, like a day at the beach. Suspense is written in third person so that the author can describe the setting, thus revealing the clues. Chick Lit is written in first person, like a gas bag chatter box who can’t stop yakking, thus revealing their deepest inner feelings.
It’s important for an author to know the guidelines for a specific genre and to stay within those guidelines as much as possible. They can’t sell a book if they don’t.
Picture a book store in your mind. They have sections for each type of book. A customer comes in and asks for a suspense novel, so the clerk walks her over to the suspense section, and pulls out this book. The customer opens the book at random to read a page or two, to see what the style is like and what the story is about, and says “what’s this doing in the suspense section? This isn’t suspense, it’s Chick Lit! I’m looking for something exciting I can read on my coffee break to get me past an energy slump.” Then the clerk puts the book on the Chick Lit shelf, and another customer opens it up to the prologue. “This will never do,” the customer says. “I’m looking for something relaxing I can read just before bed. This will keep me up all night.” Neither customer buys the book because neither one has found what they are looking for.
It’s also important for a writer to master grammar and spelling. This author needs to take one more class on that subject. The way the sentences are constructed makes it difficult to read. I had to read several passages over and over again, to try to make sense of the sentence. This takes away from the chatterbox style that is supposed to make the reader feel relaxed.
The good thing about e-publishing is that the author is allowed to rewrite and upload revisions as many times as they need to. The bad thing about e-publishing is that wanna-be authors can upload a book before they are ready for market. This book is an example of a book with too many faults to sell. If the author is smart, she’ll continue to hone her craft, either through an extensive rewrite, or by chalking this one up to experience, and giving it another try.
http://www.amazon.com/Rosemary-Beach-...
Kindle price $1.99
The prologue is written in first person by the criminal, stating that a woman deserves to die. It sets the reader up to expect a suspense story, where someone is trying to do something evil over and over again. The first chapter then goes to the viewpoint of a six-year-old child, telling all about her childhood. In the next three chapters, this character goes from being six to being a 28 year-old divorcee.
This is what is called an ‘information dump’. As my daughter says, “too much information, Mom, TMI.” I don’t need to know these details yet. Chapter one should skip to the scene where the first evil thing occurs, and then let the character tell her story in conversation to the person who is investigating it. Or, she can remember a childhood memory that is an important factor in the case or the way she responds to it. Limiting the background information to just the pertinent details keeps the suspenseful pace of the story going; pages turning, heart thumping.
It’s also an example of a typical newbie mistake of starting the story in the wrong place. The purpose of the first chapter is to introduce the three main characters and the problem that will be solved. Rose is the main character telling her point of view, but her childhood friends and step fathers, her mother and brother, are not needed here. What the author really needs, instead, is a reason for me to keep reading.
As this book is written, it’s a bit like ‘bait and switch’ where a salesman shows you one model of a product and then talks you into buying something totally different. The prologue is suspense. The chapters are Chick Lit. These are two different genres, with two different styles, and two different audiences. Suspense attracts readers who want to feel smart because they can figure out who is doing it before the answer is revealed. Chick Lit appeals to stay-at-home thirty-somethings that are lonely and want to feel like they just had a conversation with another adult woman. Suspense attracts people who are tired of being dull, and want some excitement. Chick Lit attracts readers who are hassled, and want to feel more relaxed, like a day at the beach. Suspense is written in third person so that the author can describe the setting, thus revealing the clues. Chick Lit is written in first person, like a gas bag chatter box who can’t stop yakking, thus revealing their deepest inner feelings.
It’s important for an author to know the guidelines for a specific genre and to stay within those guidelines as much as possible. They can’t sell a book if they don’t.
Picture a book store in your mind. They have sections for each type of book. A customer comes in and asks for a suspense novel, so the clerk walks her over to the suspense section, and pulls out this book. The customer opens the book at random to read a page or two, to see what the style is like and what the story is about, and says “what’s this doing in the suspense section? This isn’t suspense, it’s Chick Lit! I’m looking for something exciting I can read on my coffee break to get me past an energy slump.” Then the clerk puts the book on the Chick Lit shelf, and another customer opens it up to the prologue. “This will never do,” the customer says. “I’m looking for something relaxing I can read just before bed. This will keep me up all night.” Neither customer buys the book because neither one has found what they are looking for.
It’s also important for a writer to master grammar and spelling. This author needs to take one more class on that subject. The way the sentences are constructed makes it difficult to read. I had to read several passages over and over again, to try to make sense of the sentence. This takes away from the chatterbox style that is supposed to make the reader feel relaxed.
The good thing about e-publishing is that the author is allowed to rewrite and upload revisions as many times as they need to. The bad thing about e-publishing is that wanna-be authors can upload a book before they are ready for market. This book is an example of a book with too many faults to sell. If the author is smart, she’ll continue to hone her craft, either through an extensive rewrite, or by chalking this one up to experience, and giving it another try.
http://www.amazon.com/Rosemary-Beach-...
Kindle price $1.99
June 9, 2023
I wish I knew what work this book was based on or mimics. I would classify it as suspense or romantic suspense. Rosemary grew on me over time, and Malcom was a charmer. Lucy and Josh are notable characters as well. I enjoyed watching Rosemary and Malcom’s romance grow while the mystery and tension grew.
The first three-quarters of the book are about Rosemary life and then her life with Malcom. The last quarter covers her devastation after Malcom’s death. The suspense starts when she and Malcom marry and the danger is only revealed when the “intruder” finally comes to finish Rosemary off.
The mystery is solid. Bountiful clues and foreshadowing keep you guessing. The characters feel real and play their parts well. Also, there was a lot of referring to God, and a thread of Him keeping Rosemary safe by “closing her mouth,” but I wouldn’t call this an inspirational mystery. I recommend reading this book for the story—just to see how it turns out in the end.
The writing was a bit tedious for me to read. The MC tells us the whole thing. Only the dialogue feels natural. The rest is a narration. The one POV we never get is Malcom’s. We get his words and actions, but I’m not really sure he loved Rosemary. I think he did, and she “said” he did, but we get none of his thoughts. This could be my bias. I was so busy looking for clues in the mystery that I became suspicious of the love story.
Finally, I’m tired of vilifying mental illness by making the murderer “crazy.” Anger, betrayal, and jealousy are all good enough reasons to kill. That said…I know that plenty of “craziness” causes death, but using a diagnosis to explain “why” cheapens the worth of those diagnosed as such.
NOTE: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 3 stars because the MC survived awful events with her soul intact, and supported those around her.
The first three-quarters of the book are about Rosemary life and then her life with Malcom. The last quarter covers her devastation after Malcom’s death. The suspense starts when she and Malcom marry and the danger is only revealed when the “intruder” finally comes to finish Rosemary off.
The mystery is solid. Bountiful clues and foreshadowing keep you guessing. The characters feel real and play their parts well. Also, there was a lot of referring to God, and a thread of Him keeping Rosemary safe by “closing her mouth,” but I wouldn’t call this an inspirational mystery. I recommend reading this book for the story—just to see how it turns out in the end.
The writing was a bit tedious for me to read. The MC tells us the whole thing. Only the dialogue feels natural. The rest is a narration. The one POV we never get is Malcom’s. We get his words and actions, but I’m not really sure he loved Rosemary. I think he did, and she “said” he did, but we get none of his thoughts. This could be my bias. I was so busy looking for clues in the mystery that I became suspicious of the love story.
Finally, I’m tired of vilifying mental illness by making the murderer “crazy.” Anger, betrayal, and jealousy are all good enough reasons to kill. That said…I know that plenty of “craziness” causes death, but using a diagnosis to explain “why” cheapens the worth of those diagnosed as such.
NOTE: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 3 stars because the MC survived awful events with her soul intact, and supported those around her.
November 2, 2012
Rosemary Beach is a very entertaining book. It is much more than a love story. The relationship between Malcolm and Rosemary is a reverie. Their time together is so interesting; it touches your heart. An old love causes so much chaos that only God's intervention can allow Rosemary to escape. Sail, eat, shop, love and pray your way through a delightful and heartfelt story. The suspense at the end will both surprise and delight you.
Merged review:
The delightful tale of Rosemary Beach will wrap you in such emotion that you will find it difficult to stop reading. Escape your problems and worries for a sail into the life of an ordinary nurse that finds the man of her dreams. Malcolm provides Rosemary with a life that most only dream about. As life goes, the ending is filled with emotions other than happiness through "rose colored glasses." Rosemary is forced to deal with such experiences that break most. Watch her face life at the toughest as she draws on her faith to sustain her. You will laugh so hard at the antics of Lucy but you will fall in love with Rosemary Beach. Let me know what you think.
Merged review:
The delightful tale of Rosemary Beach will wrap you in such emotion that you will find it difficult to stop reading. Escape your problems and worries for a sail into the life of an ordinary nurse that finds the man of her dreams. Malcolm provides Rosemary with a life that most only dream about. As life goes, the ending is filled with emotions other than happiness through "rose colored glasses." Rosemary is forced to deal with such experiences that break most. Watch her face life at the toughest as she draws on her faith to sustain her. You will laugh so hard at the antics of Lucy but you will fall in love with Rosemary Beach. Let me know what you think.
July 11, 2013
ROSEMARY BEACH by Linda Heavner Gerald is an interesting Contemporary Christian Romance/Mystery/Thriller set in various areas. Including Macon, Georgia,Linville,NC,Savannah,Georgia,Hilton Head, SC and of course,Rosemary Beach, Florida. It interweaves the past with the present. It is the tale of an older wealthy man and a insecure nurse. Rosemary's jilted ex-lover is determined to destroy Rosemary as well as discredit her. An interesting tale of love,loss,faith,and courage. There are also some laughs along the way and if you enjoy sailing than you want to pick up "Rosemary Beach". Written with vivid descriptions, where engaging characters come to life. An interesting story. Some of it is written in first person,while, other parts are told from the characters point of view. I have enjoyed this author's stories so far and this was not a disappointment. Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
September 9, 2022
I received a copy of Rosemary's Beach House through Goodreads giveaway program in return for an honest review.
I don't know where to start. I loved the story written by Linda Heavner Gerald. There are so many twists and turns and I had no idea of the perpetrator until the very end. I love mysteries that keep me guessing.
However, there are SO many spelling, grammar, typos, and format problems that it made it very difficult to read at times. This is another author who desperately needs a better editor.
I don't know where to start. I loved the story written by Linda Heavner Gerald. There are so many twists and turns and I had no idea of the perpetrator until the very end. I love mysteries that keep me guessing.
However, there are SO many spelling, grammar, typos, and format problems that it made it very difficult to read at times. This is another author who desperately needs a better editor.
June 18, 2019
Stupid
I didn't get past chapter ten. I told myself ' one more stupid thing and I'm done' , and then the main character, a nurse, calls the guy she had two dates with instead of 911, when she thinks she's having a heart attack. Also, the sentence structures are terrible and spell check made some words consistently wrong.
I didn't get past chapter ten. I told myself ' one more stupid thing and I'm done' , and then the main character, a nurse, calls the guy she had two dates with instead of 911, when she thinks she's having a heart attack. Also, the sentence structures are terrible and spell check made some words consistently wrong.
October 30, 2019
What Enjoyment
I love Linda Heavner Gerald's refreshing writing style. This is delightful! Season's Shadow tied Rosemary's Beach House in Reader's Favorite Awards in the Christian Contemporary Romance category, so I was poised to find flaws! No complaints here!
I love Linda Heavner Gerald's refreshing writing style. This is delightful! Season's Shadow tied Rosemary's Beach House in Reader's Favorite Awards in the Christian Contemporary Romance category, so I was poised to find flaws! No complaints here!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews