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Newport Beach #1
Newport Harbor House
Jen Watson is worried that this may be her last summer at the family’s beach house. She looks forward to going there every year, but they’ve been grumbling about not wanting to sink money into any repairs. She’s hoping she can change their minds, but when a major catastrophe happens, it may be too late and the family insists that it go on the market.
Her two best friends, Faith and Carrie are struggling with issues of their own. Carrie has her own dental practice but dreams of a career where people are actually happy to see her, and Faith is mentoring a student teacher and can’t help but notice how much things have changed since she started teaching decades ago.
Jen, Faith and Carrie have spent their summers at the beach house, and the memories are many and warm. Even their adult children don’t want to see it go. They all hate to see Jen lose the Newport house and all put their heads together to find a way to save it.
Her two best friends, Faith and Carrie are struggling with issues of their own. Carrie has her own dental practice but dreams of a career where people are actually happy to see her, and Faith is mentoring a student teacher and can’t help but notice how much things have changed since she started teaching decades ago.
Jen, Faith and Carrie have spent their summers at the beach house, and the memories are many and warm. Even their adult children don’t want to see it go. They all hate to see Jen lose the Newport house and all put their heads together to find a way to save it.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2019
2931 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Nichols
69 books106 followersCindy Nichols also writes as Cindy Caldwell
Cindy Nichols writes heartwarming stories interwoven with the bonds of friendship and family that combine what she loves most about women's fiction and romance.
She's lived most of her life near a beach...just the way she likes it. She hopes to share that feeling of peace and serenity with readers in her gently thought-provoking, feel-good stories.
Feel free to sign up for her mailing list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available. Just copy and paste into your browser:
https://www.subscribepage.com/goodreads
Cindy Nichols writes heartwarming stories interwoven with the bonds of friendship and family that combine what she loves most about women's fiction and romance.
She's lived most of her life near a beach...just the way she likes it. She hopes to share that feeling of peace and serenity with readers in her gently thought-provoking, feel-good stories.
Feel free to sign up for her mailing list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available. Just copy and paste into your browser:
https://www.subscribepage.com/goodreads
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
June 16, 2020
Come on!
I read this book in a day. A cute story BUT so many editorial errors. I’m a middle school English teacher and was appalled at all the grammatical typos. Come on, you’re a big time author, work a little harder at the final copy. And close quotation marks!
I read this book in a day. A cute story BUT so many editorial errors. I’m a middle school English teacher and was appalled at all the grammatical typos. Come on, you’re a big time author, work a little harder at the final copy. And close quotation marks!
October 7, 2024
I truly enjoyed this slice of life women's fiction. It featured three lifelong friends and a family in transition and a beloved beach house. I could really idenitfy with the dilemma of a woman who wanted to preserve a precious place for family and the reasons other wanted to change it. Just a really pleasant read but it never moved too slow or bored me, And was not predictable! I have been reading a lot of cozy mysteries but have now switched to contemporary romance or clean women's fiction. Need some ease in my reading!
August 18, 2021
Soooo many errors in spelling, grammar, etc. I almost stopped reading because of that alone. Add in the poor writing and I came away feeling as though I had wasted several hours of my life. I was thinking it was due to the fact that it was her first book and was hopeful that her writing would improve with more experience. Then I discovered this was the first in THIS series, she has written at least a dozen other books prior to this one. Based on this one, would I read another one of her books? That's a hard no.
October 15, 2022
Every summer for her entire life, Jen has spent the season at her grandmother's beach house - a tradition she hopes to maintain for her grandchildren. Now that her grandmother has died, Jen plus Jen's father and brother are responsible for maintaining the place but the men have lost interest and don't want to spend money on repairs. Will Jen be able to save their summer home or will it be sold to a new family?
This could be a beach read - a nice story, not demanding too much attention. I did find errors in my copy that jarred me out of the plot and a re-edit wouldn't go amiss.
I had thoughts. Big spoilers ahead...
Perhaps I overthought this one... Which is a bit of a shock because I wasn't as invested when I was reading the story. If another in the series comes my way, I'll give it a read but this wasn't my cup of tea.
This could be a beach read - a nice story, not demanding too much attention. I did find errors in my copy that jarred me out of the plot and a re-edit wouldn't go amiss.
I had thoughts. Big spoilers ahead...
Perhaps I overthought this one... Which is a bit of a shock because I wasn't as invested when I was reading the story. If another in the series comes my way, I'll give it a read but this wasn't my cup of tea.
September 22, 2021
If this is all it takes to write a novel, I’m changing careers. Meh.
July 31, 2021
Dull, dull, dull. Plodding. Not much of a conflict. Definitely nothing to make me want to read any more in the series.
September 28, 2024
Trite. Beach read. Didn't realize it was a series and ending left you hanging. Won't be reading the rest of them.
January 6, 2020
FAMILY—FRIENDS—AND MEMORIES
What an amazing start to a new contemporary series by Ms. Cindy Nichols. The story would make a great beach read or one anytime to warm your heart and soul. It was an emotional roller-coaster ride where I felt joy among the friendships, anger with a family, and happiness with reunions.
I enjoyed the characters and interactions and the sharing of memories. The story does have a large cast of characters but this one focuses on Jen Watson, a widow with two grown sons. It is a summer spent at the Newport Beach house built by her late maternal grandparents. But this summer, she is experiencing family issues with both her older brother and father. What will happen when they can’t agree on a solution?
The story will have best friends, Jen, Faith, and Carrie, meeting up for the summer at Jen’s family beach home in Newport Beach. The house requires some major repairs, and what should be shared by her father and brother with her, they don’t want to contribute. Instead, they have been making plans behind her back to have the house put up for sale. What can Jen do to change their mind and why are they making plans without consulting her?
“Why were there suddenly so many secrets in her family?”
The story is full of angst, anger, and disillusionment with Jen’s family for something that holds the best of memories. A home that belonged to her grandparents, where they came to visit, learned to swim, grew up, and then, in turn, brought their own children. Losing the home is unacceptable. It is a group of friends who rally around Jen, the comradery between them, and the meeting up with Allen’s best friend, Joe. Joe Russo has returned to assist his mother after the death of his father and to determined what to do with their family business.
I liked the characters, especially knowing they weren’t kids; they were adults in their fifties and the real-life issues that they faced. The issue with the house, aging parents, the plans for retirement, the hopes of traveling, and the peace of knowing that the future included sharing this unique home with future generations. I can’t wait to read more in this series. The second book, Newport Beginnings, will release on March 31, 2020, and let’s see what is happening with Carrie and her friends in Newport Beach.
What an amazing start to a new contemporary series by Ms. Cindy Nichols. The story would make a great beach read or one anytime to warm your heart and soul. It was an emotional roller-coaster ride where I felt joy among the friendships, anger with a family, and happiness with reunions.
I enjoyed the characters and interactions and the sharing of memories. The story does have a large cast of characters but this one focuses on Jen Watson, a widow with two grown sons. It is a summer spent at the Newport Beach house built by her late maternal grandparents. But this summer, she is experiencing family issues with both her older brother and father. What will happen when they can’t agree on a solution?
The story will have best friends, Jen, Faith, and Carrie, meeting up for the summer at Jen’s family beach home in Newport Beach. The house requires some major repairs, and what should be shared by her father and brother with her, they don’t want to contribute. Instead, they have been making plans behind her back to have the house put up for sale. What can Jen do to change their mind and why are they making plans without consulting her?
“Why were there suddenly so many secrets in her family?”
The story is full of angst, anger, and disillusionment with Jen’s family for something that holds the best of memories. A home that belonged to her grandparents, where they came to visit, learned to swim, grew up, and then, in turn, brought their own children. Losing the home is unacceptable. It is a group of friends who rally around Jen, the comradery between them, and the meeting up with Allen’s best friend, Joe. Joe Russo has returned to assist his mother after the death of his father and to determined what to do with their family business.
I liked the characters, especially knowing they weren’t kids; they were adults in their fifties and the real-life issues that they faced. The issue with the house, aging parents, the plans for retirement, the hopes of traveling, and the peace of knowing that the future included sharing this unique home with future generations. I can’t wait to read more in this series. The second book, Newport Beginnings, will release on March 31, 2020, and let’s see what is happening with Carrie and her friends in Newport Beach.
December 29, 2024
And enjoyable light read. As others have said, there were some errors that could have been caught with good editing. Clearly the ending was designed to make you want to get the next book in the series. This is such a short book it could have been continued in this book instead of the next book.
February 1, 2023
The story is pretty predictable but it an easy, if not exciting, read.
January 14, 2020
A nice "beach read" book. Nothing monumental, but a nice story. Believable. A bit sad that the beach house might have to be sold. Read it to find out if the house stays in the family.
January 13, 2020
Cindy has written a wonderful and easy to read book about beautiful Newport Beach - so many people that have lived their lives in Southern California have very fond memories of spending time as children in this family friendly beach town - thanks for the memories Cindy - a delightful book - Judy G
June 30, 2020
A super fun summer beach read. This is my first read by this author but I will Definitely read more
Jen Watson head to the family beach house...a place full of fun family gatherings and memories. She is accompanied by friend Faith and the meet Carrie. The trip discovers the house needs lots of repairs and upgrades. Meanwhile Jen’s heart is breaking as she is opposed by her dad and brother Greg who are determined to sell the house.
Her dad has met a new lady friend and Greg is facing financial worries.
Jen cannot bear the thought that her children and potential grandchildren will lose this special family place. She is further devastated by the thought of all the old homes being torn down to make way for new sleek upscale homes.
The trio tries to upgrade the house, take care
Of a feisty puppy Daisy, and learn how to cook Italian food from childhood friend Joe’s mom.
Lots of great descriptions and feelings
Jen Watson head to the family beach house...a place full of fun family gatherings and memories. She is accompanied by friend Faith and the meet Carrie. The trip discovers the house needs lots of repairs and upgrades. Meanwhile Jen’s heart is breaking as she is opposed by her dad and brother Greg who are determined to sell the house.
Her dad has met a new lady friend and Greg is facing financial worries.
Jen cannot bear the thought that her children and potential grandchildren will lose this special family place. She is further devastated by the thought of all the old homes being torn down to make way for new sleek upscale homes.
The trio tries to upgrade the house, take care
Of a feisty puppy Daisy, and learn how to cook Italian food from childhood friend Joe’s mom.
Lots of great descriptions and feelings
July 5, 2020
I loved this great Beach read. A Sweet story of great friends who come together and support each other and make Precious Memories in what could be their last Summer at the beach house that they all love. It was a very fast and easy book to read.
June 24, 2020
Newport Harbor House
I loved this book. The characters are so real and interesting. The author brings you in to the story so nicely, you love them all. And, of course, there is always a dog or two to make you smile.
I loved this book. The characters are so real and interesting. The author brings you in to the story so nicely, you love them all. And, of course, there is always a dog or two to make you smile.
January 21, 2020
Jen’s beach house needs some love, and a renovation. She and her best friends Carrie and Faith decide to use the summer to patch it up a little. But is it worth the money or effort? Her family isn’t so sure, they are talking about selling, but she loves it with all the memories of her nonna and late husband. Can these group of friends really save the beach house?
I loved this story! While reading this story to just want them to save the house. Reading the description of the nature makes you want to visit Newport. Can’t wait to read the other stories of this series.
I loved this story! While reading this story to just want them to save the house. Reading the description of the nature makes you want to visit Newport. Can’t wait to read the other stories of this series.
August 28, 2021
Great Story
I loved the story and characters. But the editing needs work, especially to make sure the correct character's name is used. I got very confused at points because of this!
I loved the story and characters. But the editing needs work, especially to make sure the correct character's name is used. I got very confused at points because of this!
April 18, 2020
Enjoyed reading
It started out a little slower than I'm use to but it pick up never read this author before but would recommend this book.
It started out a little slower than I'm use to but it pick up never read this author before but would recommend this book.
May 2, 2020
A good story...quick read..
August 9, 2021
Slow moving. Not a lot of action.
July 4, 2022
This book definitely did not leave me excited for a sequel. It was a a very lack luster story.
August 7, 2023
A whole book where nothing happens. They were going to sell the house, they didn’t. HEA ending? Maybe- but a waste of a book that lacks plot.
August 20, 2020
First of a series
I really enjoyed the story concept, loved the characters and look forward to reading more of the series
The reason I only gave it three stars instead of 5 was because of the many inconsistencies in it. As one other reviewer said, she didn’t finish it because of the lack of proper editing. There were numerous times the names got mixed up. There were contradictions, and many things that didn’t make sense. Like Jen had totally packed her car and locked all the house, with the dog in the car,even though previously when the dog jumped in the car she said don’t get to comfortable you’re not coming. She did however end up taking the dog because just as she was ready to go she got a call from her son Max (who lived with her) saying he’d got an internship in Boston (even though it was his dog) and would be staying there (not sure why he couldn’t take his dog!) but when she got to the summer house she was nervous cos she didn’t know if the dog was housebroken even though they lived in the same house.
However I liked the story and characters enough to overlook it, but it was annoying to have to keep going back to see if I’d read something wrong. The puzzling thing at the end was, where was Jen going to find all the money to fix the house, and why was it never kept up year to year when they used it all the time?
I really enjoyed the story concept, loved the characters and look forward to reading more of the series
The reason I only gave it three stars instead of 5 was because of the many inconsistencies in it. As one other reviewer said, she didn’t finish it because of the lack of proper editing. There were numerous times the names got mixed up. There were contradictions, and many things that didn’t make sense. Like Jen had totally packed her car and locked all the house, with the dog in the car,even though previously when the dog jumped in the car she said don’t get to comfortable you’re not coming. She did however end up taking the dog because just as she was ready to go she got a call from her son Max (who lived with her) saying he’d got an internship in Boston (even though it was his dog) and would be staying there (not sure why he couldn’t take his dog!) but when she got to the summer house she was nervous cos she didn’t know if the dog was housebroken even though they lived in the same house.
However I liked the story and characters enough to overlook it, but it was annoying to have to keep going back to see if I’d read something wrong. The puzzling thing at the end was, where was Jen going to find all the money to fix the house, and why was it never kept up year to year when they used it all the time?
August 10, 2021
Newport Harbor House
This book is about a gal, Jen Watson, who finally after losing her husband, and raising her children on her own until they finished University, working very hard, decides to have a summer to herself, in the family owned each house in Newport Beach, California. She decides to take the summer off with two of her closest friends to enjoy the beach and spend precious time with her friends. They all have many memories of teaching their children to swim on the beach, building sandcastles and enjoying the freedom of running in the water and sand. As they are trying to enjoy the cottage they notice that the cottage needs serious repairs. Her good friends have agreed to assist her. Her brother who is co-owner decides he wants to sell and Jen is devastated. She try’s to stop the sale, much to the chagrin of her brother. As they try to sort things out many memories rip at her mind, about her Gran who owned the cottage, and all the fun they had there as children. One great thing was, she meets an old friend , who was the best friend to her husband,who try’s to help her out of her dilemma. Very interesting and intriguing storyline.
This book is about a gal, Jen Watson, who finally after losing her husband, and raising her children on her own until they finished University, working very hard, decides to have a summer to herself, in the family owned each house in Newport Beach, California. She decides to take the summer off with two of her closest friends to enjoy the beach and spend precious time with her friends. They all have many memories of teaching their children to swim on the beach, building sandcastles and enjoying the freedom of running in the water and sand. As they are trying to enjoy the cottage they notice that the cottage needs serious repairs. Her good friends have agreed to assist her. Her brother who is co-owner decides he wants to sell and Jen is devastated. She try’s to stop the sale, much to the chagrin of her brother. As they try to sort things out many memories rip at her mind, about her Gran who owned the cottage, and all the fun they had there as children. One great thing was, she meets an old friend , who was the best friend to her husband,who try’s to help her out of her dilemma. Very interesting and intriguing storyline.
July 10, 2022
A quick read with a good flow set in Southern California at a family's beach house. When Jen and two of best friends decide to spend the summer there she doesn't realize the work needed to get the place in shape. But with her dad and older brother not returning her calls about the maintenance needed things aren't going well.
There are beautiful and vivid descriptions of the homes, the area, memories and reminisces along with multiple story lines being told and artfully woven together. The multigenerational aspect of the story is done nicely and I liked Jen and her friends reconnection with Joe, Jen's deceased husband's best friend along with his very Italian mama. I could taste the food!
There are some unexpected twists and turns and connections between some of the characters which were unexpected. There is nice closure with closure but I wish the story went on a little longer. I'm glad this is the first book in the series and I look forward to reading more of them in this wonderful setting.
There are beautiful and vivid descriptions of the homes, the area, memories and reminisces along with multiple story lines being told and artfully woven together. The multigenerational aspect of the story is done nicely and I liked Jen and her friends reconnection with Joe, Jen's deceased husband's best friend along with his very Italian mama. I could taste the food!
There are some unexpected twists and turns and connections between some of the characters which were unexpected. There is nice closure with closure but I wish the story went on a little longer. I'm glad this is the first book in the series and I look forward to reading more of them in this wonderful setting.
November 7, 2022
Newport Harbor House by Cindy Nichols is a quick and easy read with relatable characters, a hint of (clean) romance, and some family drama over selling/keeping a family-owned beach house. This story appealed to me mostly because it is set at the beach and the characters are a bit older. I also loved that the three women have been best friends since childhood and are still close, spending their summers together at the beach, reminiscing the past, and accepting, encouraging, and supporting each other as they navigate through life’s ups and downs. What I didn’t love, however, was the lack of communication between the main character (Jen), her older brother (Greg), and their father regarding the family beach house. I also didn’t love how quick Jen caved to her brother. (Sorry, that’s a bit of a spoiler.) The ending, though not completely gratifying, gave me enough satisfaction, nonetheless, and I’ll likely read more from this author.
August 1, 2022
am i the only one to think that Amazon/Goodreads are odd?? so like some of the books i read will transfer over and show that i have read them here on Goodreads but others not so much ...wonder why?? and will Amazon allow me to review again?? i think it is plain dumb. don't u?? i think if you continue to purchase from them, they should allow that. but yet they allow dumb pointless reviews??! honest is key. the point. the review of this book. i will hope i see ...5 (total, so only 4 for me) more in this series and i loved it. December 31, 2019, this book was out in the book world. Later in life. (this saying makes me laugh. i mean i am 44. does that mean i will die tomorrow? sure as heck hope not?? why do folks make older age so old??! 93 is old. that is why my Pop-Pop died so when you get to that age ...please tell, lol!!) friendship fiction. clean and wholesome romance.
August 4, 2021
Valued friendship
Jen's family have a beach house in Newport Harbor where she and her friends spent much of their summer. Jen, Carrie and Faith are women in their fifties who are different in a lot of ways but loyal friends since childhood. They have a ritual for opening the house and spend as much time as possible together there.The house is rundown and Jens family don't have any inclination to help her refurbish and repair. So her friends pitch in to help. I love the friendship they shared. It was a major reason I chose it.
Things don't go according to plan and adjustments are made, an old friend from childhood comes back to town and they travel down paths they did not expect. Of course things work out in the end but I enjoyed taking the journey with them.
Jen's family have a beach house in Newport Harbor where she and her friends spent much of their summer. Jen, Carrie and Faith are women in their fifties who are different in a lot of ways but loyal friends since childhood. They have a ritual for opening the house and spend as much time as possible together there.The house is rundown and Jens family don't have any inclination to help her refurbish and repair. So her friends pitch in to help. I love the friendship they shared. It was a major reason I chose it.
Things don't go according to plan and adjustments are made, an old friend from childhood comes back to town and they travel down paths they did not expect. Of course things work out in the end but I enjoyed taking the journey with them.
July 4, 2022
Beach Reading Memories
Okay, I must confess beach reading should include at least at some point, some beach settings. And if you are sentimental about the each homes of yesteryear, the sort that weathered and aged, creaked and splintered, then this ole harbor house will capture you more than the characters, who are pleasantly seasoned. Nostalgic? Concerned about razing of time seasoned second, family shared, generational vacation family homes? This is your book for this book is as much a story of these homes and the shift in tides of real estate and society. This book embraces the need to have families unify to protect their homes and the small time feel of each beach community, all as threatened by tides and hurricanes as by greed.
Okay, I must confess beach reading should include at least at some point, some beach settings. And if you are sentimental about the each homes of yesteryear, the sort that weathered and aged, creaked and splintered, then this ole harbor house will capture you more than the characters, who are pleasantly seasoned. Nostalgic? Concerned about razing of time seasoned second, family shared, generational vacation family homes? This is your book for this book is as much a story of these homes and the shift in tides of real estate and society. This book embraces the need to have families unify to protect their homes and the small time feel of each beach community, all as threatened by tides and hurricanes as by greed.
October 2, 2022
Old friends and relationships
Really liked the connections between the three girls, Jen, Carrie, and Faith. Joe was a small portion of the book but made it more interesting, especially since he has a dog and Jen has her son's puppy. The story seemed slow to me but the ending was surprising. Most of this book was about friends spending the summer in Jen's family beach house. But the house needed a lot of repair. They started fixing what they could until Jen's brother wanted it sold for the money he needed. Jen is sidetracked with her mother wanting her to participate in a fundraiser. Very typical story with no twists or romances. I was disappointed but it's just not a story for me.
Really liked the connections between the three girls, Jen, Carrie, and Faith. Joe was a small portion of the book but made it more interesting, especially since he has a dog and Jen has her son's puppy. The story seemed slow to me but the ending was surprising. Most of this book was about friends spending the summer in Jen's family beach house. But the house needed a lot of repair. They started fixing what they could until Jen's brother wanted it sold for the money he needed. Jen is sidetracked with her mother wanting her to participate in a fundraiser. Very typical story with no twists or romances. I was disappointed but it's just not a story for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews