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The Book Club #2
The Beach House
Over the course of one summer spent on an idyllic island off the coast of North Carolina, a weekly book club offers three very different women the chance to rewrite their own stories. In bestselling author Rochelle Alers' second Book Club novel, a new chapter begins as one woman's seemingly perfect life unravels ...
It's been almost a year since Leah Berkley Kent left her lavish Richmond home to spend two months on Coates Island, North Carolina. There she found friendship with two extraordinary women, Kayana and Cherie. Together they formed a summer book club, meeting weekly at the Seaside Cafe. Leah also found the courage to finally stand up to Alan, her domineering husband of twenty-eight years.
With her twin sons now grown, Leah decides to return to Coates Island again this summer. Alan's explosive reaction only convinces her that her marriage, and her old life, may be ending. But what comes next? Helping out at the Seaside Cafe, Leah grows closer to Kayana's widowed brother, Derrick. He knows what it's like to start over--he traded a Wall Street career for a beachfront house and a slower pace. Derrick is drawn to Leah, but wonders if she's truly ready to move on.
It'll take a summer filled with lazy beach walks, bold new horizons, and book club meetings rich with shared laughter and support, for Leah to find the answers she's been looking for...
It's been almost a year since Leah Berkley Kent left her lavish Richmond home to spend two months on Coates Island, North Carolina. There she found friendship with two extraordinary women, Kayana and Cherie. Together they formed a summer book club, meeting weekly at the Seaside Cafe. Leah also found the courage to finally stand up to Alan, her domineering husband of twenty-eight years.
With her twin sons now grown, Leah decides to return to Coates Island again this summer. Alan's explosive reaction only convinces her that her marriage, and her old life, may be ending. But what comes next? Helping out at the Seaside Cafe, Leah grows closer to Kayana's widowed brother, Derrick. He knows what it's like to start over--he traded a Wall Street career for a beachfront house and a slower pace. Derrick is drawn to Leah, but wonders if she's truly ready to move on.
It'll take a summer filled with lazy beach walks, bold new horizons, and book club meetings rich with shared laughter and support, for Leah to find the answers she's been looking for...
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2020
173 people are currently reading
2034 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Alers
220 books1,050 followersRochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 29, 2021
I read this as a stand alone. This was also my first book by Alers. It was a fun read and I am happy the ending turned out like it did. The Characters were easy to connect with all but the nasty husband.
I gave this 3.5 stars.
I gave this 3.5 stars.
January 13, 2022
This was a cute little story...I actually enjoyed this one a little better than the first book of the series...I also like the fact that the author made the lead character Leah have a good relationship with her sons...because the first book eluded to the fact that her twin sons loved their father more and had a much better relationship with him. This was a nice story...but Shari Peele was nerve racking with that damn swallowing trying to keep her mouth moist.....She really has to do better.
May 25, 2021
Leah Berkley Kent has returned to Coates Island, NC where she has finally had the courage to leave her abusive husband and turns to the two friends she's bonded with the summer before during a summer book club. One of her friends, Kayana, has a restaurant, the Seaside Cafe, with her widowed brother, Derrick. Leah begins helping out at the cafe and in the meantime, also becomes closer to Kayana's brother, Derrick. The two are drawn to each other, but Derrick is hesitant with Leah until she truly files for divorce.
I am going to be completely honest, the first part of this book was very awkward for me. I don't know if trying to tell the story of how Leah and Alan met was rushed, but it felt awkward to me. Once the book fast-forwarded to Leah with her kids grown, the book became more readable and I enjoyed the story a lot more. once Leah was at Coates Island. Derrick was a great love interest for Leah and she deserved a happy ending after everything she had been through.
Overall, The Beach House is a good summer read. I am adding a trigger warning here as the book does contain domestic violence-not much and and in no graphic detail.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Books, and Rochelle Alers for an e-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am going to be completely honest, the first part of this book was very awkward for me. I don't know if trying to tell the story of how Leah and Alan met was rushed, but it felt awkward to me. Once the book fast-forwarded to Leah with her kids grown, the book became more readable and I enjoyed the story a lot more. once Leah was at Coates Island. Derrick was a great love interest for Leah and she deserved a happy ending after everything she had been through.
Overall, The Beach House is a good summer read. I am adding a trigger warning here as the book does contain domestic violence-not much and and in no graphic detail.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Books, and Rochelle Alers for an e-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2021
One of the worst books I’ve ever had the displeasure of reading.
June 19, 2022
The Beach House by Rochelle Alers is book two in her The Book Club series. This is Leah’s story. Kayana’s story is told in The Seaside Café, and Cherie’s story is told in Along the Shore.
The Beach House is well-written with a good premise and plot. However, the plot develops slowly. The characters are well-developed with complete backstories. Though this is book two in a series, the more than adequate character backstories let it read well as a standalone. Ms. Alers introduces another interracial romance, as she is known to do. I enjoyed the story, but the slow pace made it just 3 out of 5 stars for me. It is worth the read for those who like women’s fiction and/or multicultural romance.
My thanks to Kensington Books, Dafina, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
The Beach House is well-written with a good premise and plot. However, the plot develops slowly. The characters are well-developed with complete backstories. Though this is book two in a series, the more than adequate character backstories let it read well as a standalone. Ms. Alers introduces another interracial romance, as she is known to do. I enjoyed the story, but the slow pace made it just 3 out of 5 stars for me. It is worth the read for those who like women’s fiction and/or multicultural romance.
My thanks to Kensington Books, Dafina, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
May 18, 2021
This book packs a whollop, so here we go.
CW: Cheating, physical spousal abuse, domestic abuse
This book follows Leah. The first 25% of this book sets up the toxic marriage she is leaving. The other 75% consists of her going somewhere she feels safe, truly finding love for the first time in her 50 years, and getting back to all of the things she loves, like cooking.
Derrick is a fantastic love interest for her. His sister was the heroine of the previous book, so he knows first hand how a bad first marriage can effect someone. His patience and understand were an excellent counterpart for her.
TBH, I wish that this book would have given us the info on Leah's past in flashbacks or a short prologue, rather than getting so much perspective in the past.
CW: Cheating, physical spousal abuse, domestic abuse
This book follows Leah. The first 25% of this book sets up the toxic marriage she is leaving. The other 75% consists of her going somewhere she feels safe, truly finding love for the first time in her 50 years, and getting back to all of the things she loves, like cooking.
Derrick is a fantastic love interest for her. His sister was the heroine of the previous book, so he knows first hand how a bad first marriage can effect someone. His patience and understand were an excellent counterpart for her.
TBH, I wish that this book would have given us the info on Leah's past in flashbacks or a short prologue, rather than getting so much perspective in the past.
March 23, 2021
A quick, easy summer read. I did not read the first book but never felt lost.
I liked this story; we are following Leah as she is making changes in her life. Her sons are grown, and her marriage is not an ideal one. She heads back to a place she was happy, Coates Island. I enjoyed reading about the friendships she makes and her new life. I would have liked the author to explore more of the book club thread. Not a fan of Alan Kent, but the author wanted this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I liked this story; we are following Leah as she is making changes in her life. Her sons are grown, and her marriage is not an ideal one. She heads back to a place she was happy, Coates Island. I enjoyed reading about the friendships she makes and her new life. I would have liked the author to explore more of the book club thread. Not a fan of Alan Kent, but the author wanted this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
June 5, 2021
I like The Seaside Cafe and this book had such great promise. The beginning of Leah’s relationship with her husband could have been a lot shorter-in face it was hard to keep reading. Then it felt like there were a lot of things repeated many times throughout the book unnecessarily. The end felt really rushed. Overall it’s a great story but could have been done better.
May 15, 2021
Good book. The previous year Leah came to Coates Island to vacation by herself. She enjoyed the freedom so much that she plans to do it again this year. Those plans don't sit well with her husband, Alan, who expresses his displeasure physically. This is the final straw in her unhappy marriage, and Leah leaves for the beach as soon as she can.
The book opened with a look back at Leah's past, namely how she met and married Alan. I have to say that he gave me the creeps from his first appearance, and my opinion of him never improved. Leah had had no intention of pursuing a relationship with him, but the consequences of his actions gave her no choice. I suspected from the beginning what kind of man he was, and Leah's revelations confirmed that and more.
I liked Leah, though I wondered why she stayed in the marriage so long, especially after her sons were grown. I applauded her decision to end it when she did, with no hesitation or second-guessing. She has a good head on her shoulders and took steps to protect herself. I also liked how her sons supported her completely. She plans to use her time at the beach to read and to find herself under the layers created by her marriage.
I loved the immediate support she received from Kayana, co-owner of the Seaside Café and fellow book club member. Because Leah arrives so much earlier than her original plans, Kayana offers her the apartment above the café. The healing effect on Leah is immediately apparent. I liked seeing Leah and Kayana reconnect and pick up their friendship where they left off the previous summer. Kayana provides a great sounding board for Leah as she works through her options and resurrects her inner self.
The other owner of the café is Kayana's brother Derrick. He is a widower of five years with a teenage daughter and still grieves the loss of his wife. He loves his work cooking for the residents and tourists of the island. I enjoyed the scenes that involved him cooking, both and the café and at home, as his passion for it was obvious.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Leah and Derrick. The sparks between them were obvious from the start, though neither planned to do anything about it. Leah is a) still married and b) not interested in compromising any of her newfound freedom. Derrick doesn't engage with women who are married, engaged, or even dating someone else. Sparks aside, Leah and Derrick bond over cooking. She was taught to cook by her mother and grandmother, though she wasn't permitted to cook during her marriage. I loved seeing her knock Derrick's socks off with her baking ability. I also enjoyed seeing her push back against his judgmental attitude with her explanation of her childhood.
The connection between Leah and Derrick grew over the next few weeks, and the attraction grew right along with it. As his feelings for her grew, Derrick worried about getting too close and losing her if she decided to go back to her husband. I liked his determination to go slow and wait for Leah to work through all of her issues. Leah's feelings for Derrick grew quickly, partially because of having a man treat her with respect. Even when they disagreed, they worked through it by talking. I liked the ending and look forward to seeing them in the next book.
I liked seeing the changes in Leah as the book progressed. I got the feeling she had kept some of her spirit, but much was buried under the veneer created by her mother-in-law. Alan's actions cracked that veneer and allowed the real Leah to resurface. I liked following her plans to deal with him and looked forward to seeing him get what was coming. I wasn't very fond of the final resolution.
One thing I missed in this book was the actual book club. Though the books were mentioned several times, there wasn't much book club action. That may be because of the book's timeline and because Cherie didn't arrive until near the end. Hopefully, there will be more in the next book. I did like catching up with Kayana and Graeme.
#netgalley
The book opened with a look back at Leah's past, namely how she met and married Alan. I have to say that he gave me the creeps from his first appearance, and my opinion of him never improved. Leah had had no intention of pursuing a relationship with him, but the consequences of his actions gave her no choice. I suspected from the beginning what kind of man he was, and Leah's revelations confirmed that and more.
I liked Leah, though I wondered why she stayed in the marriage so long, especially after her sons were grown. I applauded her decision to end it when she did, with no hesitation or second-guessing. She has a good head on her shoulders and took steps to protect herself. I also liked how her sons supported her completely. She plans to use her time at the beach to read and to find herself under the layers created by her marriage.
I loved the immediate support she received from Kayana, co-owner of the Seaside Café and fellow book club member. Because Leah arrives so much earlier than her original plans, Kayana offers her the apartment above the café. The healing effect on Leah is immediately apparent. I liked seeing Leah and Kayana reconnect and pick up their friendship where they left off the previous summer. Kayana provides a great sounding board for Leah as she works through her options and resurrects her inner self.
The other owner of the café is Kayana's brother Derrick. He is a widower of five years with a teenage daughter and still grieves the loss of his wife. He loves his work cooking for the residents and tourists of the island. I enjoyed the scenes that involved him cooking, both and the café and at home, as his passion for it was obvious.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Leah and Derrick. The sparks between them were obvious from the start, though neither planned to do anything about it. Leah is a) still married and b) not interested in compromising any of her newfound freedom. Derrick doesn't engage with women who are married, engaged, or even dating someone else. Sparks aside, Leah and Derrick bond over cooking. She was taught to cook by her mother and grandmother, though she wasn't permitted to cook during her marriage. I loved seeing her knock Derrick's socks off with her baking ability. I also enjoyed seeing her push back against his judgmental attitude with her explanation of her childhood.
The connection between Leah and Derrick grew over the next few weeks, and the attraction grew right along with it. As his feelings for her grew, Derrick worried about getting too close and losing her if she decided to go back to her husband. I liked his determination to go slow and wait for Leah to work through all of her issues. Leah's feelings for Derrick grew quickly, partially because of having a man treat her with respect. Even when they disagreed, they worked through it by talking. I liked the ending and look forward to seeing them in the next book.
I liked seeing the changes in Leah as the book progressed. I got the feeling she had kept some of her spirit, but much was buried under the veneer created by her mother-in-law. Alan's actions cracked that veneer and allowed the real Leah to resurface. I liked following her plans to deal with him and looked forward to seeing him get what was coming. I wasn't very fond of the final resolution.
One thing I missed in this book was the actual book club. Though the books were mentioned several times, there wasn't much book club action. That may be because of the book's timeline and because Cherie didn't arrive until near the end. Hopefully, there will be more in the next book. I did like catching up with Kayana and Graeme.
#netgalley
July 23, 2024
Leah was in a bad marriage made worse when her husband finally beat her and pushed her down the stairs. She left him after getting out of the hospital and went to the small seaside town she had spent the previous summer at. There she was reunited with her book club buddy and her brother.
Derrick was a widower. Their attraction was mutual. They begin working together and then romance blooms.
I enjoyed this book but the ending seemed awkward.
Derrick was a widower. Their attraction was mutual. They begin working together and then romance blooms.
I enjoyed this book but the ending seemed awkward.
January 19, 2025
This was my first book by this author. It was a quick and easy read. Good choice for a beach read or vacation read or if you don’t get a lot of time to read it is easy to finish. The characters were well developed and it was great to see the transformation of the main character Leah.
March 29, 2021
This was a quick and easy, summery beach read. LOVED the cover. I did not read the first book, which did not hinder the reading of the current book for me. I heard the first book actually had Leah, Keyana and Cherie in a regular book club and this was absent in book 2, a shame. I liked the idea of Leah wanting to get away and discover herself and start over in an environment that brings comfort and joy to herself after her marriage ends to wealthy older judge. Obviously, he was outraged Leah wants to go back to Coates Island and is not supportive of her wishes and desires; they just do not see eye to eye anymore. Kudos to Leah for starting over and making Coates Island a real home.
What I did not like was this instant connection that seemed predictable to Keyana's brother, Derrick. It felt forced. He is widowed. Her marriage just ended. Is starting a new relationship so fast really necessary? I guess there had to be some romance/love story in the book to make this a beachy romance. The ending left it open for the last book in the series, but this was just ok for me, overall. I liked it but was not completely blown away by it.
Thanks to Netgalley, Rochelle Alers and Kensington Books Dafnia for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 5/25/21
What I did not like was this instant connection that seemed predictable to Keyana's brother, Derrick. It felt forced. He is widowed. Her marriage just ended. Is starting a new relationship so fast really necessary? I guess there had to be some romance/love story in the book to make this a beachy romance. The ending left it open for the last book in the series, but this was just ok for me, overall. I liked it but was not completely blown away by it.
Thanks to Netgalley, Rochelle Alers and Kensington Books Dafnia for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 5/25/21
April 30, 2021
Finally taking a stand to find happiness and most importantly true book club friends.
July 11, 2021
Excellent read…courage within us.
May 8, 2024
listened to audio edition - not listed on GoodReads
September 24, 2021
Just couldn't get into it. I brought this book with me on a beach vacation thinking it would be a nice, easy beach read, but I just couldn't get past the arrogant character of Alan and the lackluster storyline. I probably could've given it more time to get better, but I have too many other other books on my "to read" list. Sorry, but this was a DNF for me.
August 25, 2023
The Beach House: The Book Club by Rochelle Alers is a perfect summer beach read. It is about family drama, second chances at life and love, and friendships. The author did a good job in creating and crafting the characters who fit perfectly with the storyline. I rated it a five.
April 24, 2022
This is a great summer read. I fell in love with the main character immediately.
July 24, 2024
This book was a quick read. Only 3 stars due to words left out (to, at, as, etc) and not a lot of excitement.
April 6, 2021
This is a very blunt, matter of fact novel. The characters are a bit one dimensional and predictable. Leah and Allen have a bad marriage. They married because they had to. I’m not sure why Leah didn’t leave the marriage long before she is, especially since her kids were long gone. I’m not sure what to make of this story. It’s a traditional romance gone wrong find love again story, but it just seemed wooden. I did like the setting at the beach. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the early read.
dnf
July 18, 2021DNF at 30%. After reading the first book in the series, I was excited for Leah’s story. I thought this started off with too much backstory but was going along with it. However after getting to the way diet/exercise/weight are discussed - I’m done. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
July 11, 2021
This is a so-so beach read. There are many better. I thought it was going to be more about girlfriend relationships formed through a book club when it was more about falling in love again after an abusive marriage. I did finish it so it wasn't bad, but not remarkable either.
October 2, 2022
Great novel on the Beach ready to reset your life
September 20, 2021
Leah, Kayana and Cherie meet on Coates Island, North Carolina and form a book club. This is the second book in the series, so I will go back and read the first. This book centers on Leah Berkley Kent. Twenty-Eight years earlier, Leah got pregnant during a tryst with a man many years older than her. They get married and have twin boys. The marriage was never happy, although Leah does everything she can to make a happy home and help promote her husband's career. Now that the boys have moved to New York, there is no reason to pretend. Leah tells Alan she wants to spend the summer on Coates Island and he loses it. Battered, she is released from the hospital and heads to NC to heal and make decisions about her life. She finds what she needs and more as she grows closer to Kayana's widowed brother, Derrick. Neither of them are ready for a relationship, but friendship blossoms into something else.
I enjoyed the characters in this one, all except for Allan. The boys were wonderfully supportive of their mother and I really liked that. Kayana was a great support to Leah and I think we all need a friend like that. Derrick is a fantastic love interest for Leah. His patience and understanding were an excellent counterpart to what she had experienced in her life with Allan. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't much of a bookclub in this one, but will see how the bookclub started it all when I read the first book in the series. This is a story about abuse, how people get trapped in a loveless marriage, why women stay and finally healing with caring people. I loved that it is friendship that helps her heal and the romance comes later. She did not need a man and another relationship to move forward. This was an enjoyable story and I am looking forward to more from Rochelle Alers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed the characters in this one, all except for Allan. The boys were wonderfully supportive of their mother and I really liked that. Kayana was a great support to Leah and I think we all need a friend like that. Derrick is a fantastic love interest for Leah. His patience and understanding were an excellent counterpart to what she had experienced in her life with Allan. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't much of a bookclub in this one, but will see how the bookclub started it all when I read the first book in the series. This is a story about abuse, how people get trapped in a loveless marriage, why women stay and finally healing with caring people. I loved that it is friendship that helps her heal and the romance comes later. She did not need a man and another relationship to move forward. This was an enjoyable story and I am looking forward to more from Rochelle Alers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
July 4, 2025
The title of this book seemed like the perfect summer read but I was disappointed. The reader is not introduced to the "beach house" until about half way through the story. (I assume the beach house is Derrick's house.) The back stories of some of the characters are repeated several times throughout the book - like the author knew she needed to put them in there but was not sure where so she inserted them in several places and then forgot to remove them. This made the story disjointed because I thought - didn't I read this already. As a reader, I never got a good explanation why Leah stayed with her husband as long as she did, or why she even married him to be honest. There was limited character development. I never connected with any of the characters, not Leah or Kayana or Derrick or Alan or the sons or the other book club member. It was like reading an article in People Magazine about celebrities you didn't know - you were told they were beautiful, handsome or real jerks but you were never given an example of behavior that supported those adjectives. Then because Derrick and Kayana run a restaurant and Leah is supposedly a good cook, the reader is treated to all sorts of different food discussions. I am not a foodie and I like my meals simple so this did nothing for me. I could have tolerated this if the rest of the story was better. Of course Derrick's beach house is beautifully decorated but his wife (who has passed away) worked with a designer, so why did it matter. Maybe the story was just too superficial for my liking - beautiful people with sad back stories getting together because they are beautiful. The ending was very convenient. This is a good idea for a story but poorly executed. I don't recommend.
May 14, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Having really enjoyed the first book in the series, picking up The Beach House was almost guaranteed. And generally, I did enjoy the nice, cozy beach vibes and reuniting with familiar characters for new adventures.
This book is a bit heavier than the last, opening thirty years prior to the present, with the circumstances in Leah’s volatile, toxic marriage that led to her leaving for Coates Island and finally beginning the process toward divorce. It was abrupt, but an effective beginning, and made her journey of finding love again rewarding, especially as she found it with Kayana’s brother, who has himself faced the loss of his first wife. Their connection did seem a bit fast, given both were both licking fairly fresh wounds, but ultimately, I did really like them together.
However, I missed the camaraderie of the book club. There are scattered mentions of books they’re reading, and Kayana plays a role, being supportive of the new lovers and their respective healing journeys. But Cherie was barely in the book. While these books are still very much romances, one of the best parts of book one for me was the dynamic between all three women as they get to know and bond with one another, and I could have used more of that, given the heavy themes.
While I was somewhat let down by aspects of this book, I did still enjoy it for what it is: a story about finding love again after heartache, with the support of friends. If that sounds appealing to you, especially if you’re looking for a book with a beachy setting to read this summer, I recommend picking it up.
Having really enjoyed the first book in the series, picking up The Beach House was almost guaranteed. And generally, I did enjoy the nice, cozy beach vibes and reuniting with familiar characters for new adventures.
This book is a bit heavier than the last, opening thirty years prior to the present, with the circumstances in Leah’s volatile, toxic marriage that led to her leaving for Coates Island and finally beginning the process toward divorce. It was abrupt, but an effective beginning, and made her journey of finding love again rewarding, especially as she found it with Kayana’s brother, who has himself faced the loss of his first wife. Their connection did seem a bit fast, given both were both licking fairly fresh wounds, but ultimately, I did really like them together.
However, I missed the camaraderie of the book club. There are scattered mentions of books they’re reading, and Kayana plays a role, being supportive of the new lovers and their respective healing journeys. But Cherie was barely in the book. While these books are still very much romances, one of the best parts of book one for me was the dynamic between all three women as they get to know and bond with one another, and I could have used more of that, given the heavy themes.
While I was somewhat let down by aspects of this book, I did still enjoy it for what it is: a story about finding love again after heartache, with the support of friends. If that sounds appealing to you, especially if you’re looking for a book with a beachy setting to read this summer, I recommend picking it up.
May 30, 2021
I enjoyed this second installment in the Book Club series. It has many similarities with the first book in terms of featuring older couples who’ve faced complex relationship issues and are kind of too grown for drama. I think my main issue with this book was that it was a little piecey and disjointed in the build up of Derrick and Leah’s relationship and didn’t really feel cohesive to me. The escalation of their relationship to me, seemed kind of abrupt and out of nowhere.
The premise is that after 30 years of being in a toxic marriage, Leah has finally decided to leave her husband and return to Coates Island, where she spent a magical time the previous summer with her book club besties. Burned by her experience, she’s in no real mood for the sparks that fly with widower, Derrick Johnson.
I love how calm, quiet and soothing this author’s writing always is. I love that her main characters are proper grown ups and so all the petty dramas are pretty much non-existent. That’s why I was really happy to receive a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books (Dafina) through NetGalley. My biggest challenge with this romance was in the build up of the romantic relationship. I didn’t “buy” it. Whereas in the previous book in the series, you could kind of see where the romance came from, with this book, it almost seemed like they started dating because Kayana suggested it. They had a few troubling to me, quarrels and snits, that I wish had been addressed. I mean I liked this book, but it’s not a favourite of mine by this author. It is however a very chill and low key read and there’s definitely a mood for that. I enjoyed this.
CW: for physical and emotional abuse.
The premise is that after 30 years of being in a toxic marriage, Leah has finally decided to leave her husband and return to Coates Island, where she spent a magical time the previous summer with her book club besties. Burned by her experience, she’s in no real mood for the sparks that fly with widower, Derrick Johnson.
I love how calm, quiet and soothing this author’s writing always is. I love that her main characters are proper grown ups and so all the petty dramas are pretty much non-existent. That’s why I was really happy to receive a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books (Dafina) through NetGalley. My biggest challenge with this romance was in the build up of the romantic relationship. I didn’t “buy” it. Whereas in the previous book in the series, you could kind of see where the romance came from, with this book, it almost seemed like they started dating because Kayana suggested it. They had a few troubling to me, quarrels and snits, that I wish had been addressed. I mean I liked this book, but it’s not a favourite of mine by this author. It is however a very chill and low key read and there’s definitely a mood for that. I enjoyed this.
CW: for physical and emotional abuse.
May 28, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
Leah Berkley Kent first visited Coates Island the previous year to retreat from her life. Her second time to the island was to escape her abusive relationship and to rebuild. She reconnected with two sister-friends who helped her shed her old skin and open herself to new possibilities.
Leah was a young bride when she married Alan Kent. Alan never intended her to be his wife, but he did want her as his mistress. An unexpected pregnancy changed all of that. Unfortunately, while Alan doted on his twin sons, his resentment of his wife grew throughout their marriage, until on night he exploded. Alan hit Leah. Leah had lived with his verbal put-downs her whole married life, but she would not let her husband hit her. So she went to the only place when she had found peace, a place she hoped to heal her wounds and to discover just who Leah Berkley was.
Beautifully told, this story touches lightly on alcoholism and abuse, but mostly it shows a strong woman who can overcome anything. With two equally strong and protective women at her side and an equally strong man willing to back her up in any way he can, Leah truly comes into herself on Coates Island.
Through this story, I’ve come to realize the importance of strong female bonds, sister-friends who will lift you up when you are down and give you a lifeline when it’s needed.
Leah Berkley Kent first visited Coates Island the previous year to retreat from her life. Her second time to the island was to escape her abusive relationship and to rebuild. She reconnected with two sister-friends who helped her shed her old skin and open herself to new possibilities.
Leah was a young bride when she married Alan Kent. Alan never intended her to be his wife, but he did want her as his mistress. An unexpected pregnancy changed all of that. Unfortunately, while Alan doted on his twin sons, his resentment of his wife grew throughout their marriage, until on night he exploded. Alan hit Leah. Leah had lived with his verbal put-downs her whole married life, but she would not let her husband hit her. So she went to the only place when she had found peace, a place she hoped to heal her wounds and to discover just who Leah Berkley was.
Beautifully told, this story touches lightly on alcoholism and abuse, but mostly it shows a strong woman who can overcome anything. With two equally strong and protective women at her side and an equally strong man willing to back her up in any way he can, Leah truly comes into herself on Coates Island.
Through this story, I’ve come to realize the importance of strong female bonds, sister-friends who will lift you up when you are down and give you a lifeline when it’s needed.
August 15, 2021
The 2nd in the Book Club series is here! The Beach House belongs to Derrick, Kayana’s widowed brother. Leah is the main character and after 30 years with her husband, leaves him and goes to stay with Kayana in their little island town. After working at the café with Derrick, Leah’s attraction to him builds.
The story starts in Leah’s past, 30 years ago when she first meets Alan Kent when she is 18 and he is 35. At first things seem all right, but when he mentions that he is engaged and thinks that having Leah as a mistress is the way to go, we see he’s a scumbag. Throughout the story we find out just how bad Alan is. Leah wonders herself why she didn’t leave him sooner.
The relationship with Derrick happens quickly and there is a lot of fire. They each take offense at questions the other has for them, but then fall into bed with each other.
I thought that the storyline was great! I had trouble with the first third of the book, written like it was happening in the 1950’s instead of the 1990’s. It picked up for me in the second third and got quite exciting. The final third was a lot of repeating of all of the calamities and injustices that had happened to Leah and Derrick throughout the rest of the book.
So although this book wasn’t for me, I appreciated the chance to read and review. I did see that many of the author’s readers absolutely loved this book. Thank you to Kensington Books for the review copy.
The story starts in Leah’s past, 30 years ago when she first meets Alan Kent when she is 18 and he is 35. At first things seem all right, but when he mentions that he is engaged and thinks that having Leah as a mistress is the way to go, we see he’s a scumbag. Throughout the story we find out just how bad Alan is. Leah wonders herself why she didn’t leave him sooner.
The relationship with Derrick happens quickly and there is a lot of fire. They each take offense at questions the other has for them, but then fall into bed with each other.
I thought that the storyline was great! I had trouble with the first third of the book, written like it was happening in the 1950’s instead of the 1990’s. It picked up for me in the second third and got quite exciting. The final third was a lot of repeating of all of the calamities and injustices that had happened to Leah and Derrick throughout the rest of the book.
So although this book wasn’t for me, I appreciated the chance to read and review. I did see that many of the author’s readers absolutely loved this book. Thank you to Kensington Books for the review copy.
October 7, 2022
Leah Berkley Kent has returned to Coates Island, NC where she has finally had the courage to leave her abusive husband and turns to the two friends she's bonded with the summer before during a summer book club. One of her friends, Kayana, has a restaurant, the Seaside Cafe, with her widowed brother, Derrick. Leah begins helping out at the cafe and in the meantime, also becomes closer to Kayana's brother, Derrick. The two are drawn to each other, but Derrick is hesitant with Leah until she truly files for divorce.
I am going to be completely honest, the first part of this book was very awkward for me. I don't know if trying to tell the story of how Leah and Alan met was rushed, but it felt awkward to me. Once the book fast-forwarded to Leah with her kids grown, the book became more readable and I enjoyed the story a lot more. once Leah was at Coates Island. Derrick was a great love interest for Leah and she deserved a happy ending after everything she had been through.
Overall, The Beach House is a good summer read. I am adding a trigger warning here as the book does contain domestic violence-not much and and in no graphic detail.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Books, and Rochelle Alers for an e-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am going to be completely honest, the first part of this book was very awkward for me. I don't know if trying to tell the story of how Leah and Alan met was rushed, but it felt awkward to me. Once the book fast-forwarded to Leah with her kids grown, the book became more readable and I enjoyed the story a lot more. once Leah was at Coates Island. Derrick was a great love interest for Leah and she deserved a happy ending after everything she had been through.
Overall, The Beach House is a good summer read. I am adding a trigger warning here as the book does contain domestic violence-not much and and in no graphic detail.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Books, and Rochelle Alers for an e-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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