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Three Sisters Island #2
On a Coastal Breeze
For Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can't wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island--they're all too young, too old, or too weird--Maddie feels like she's finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.
And then Ricky O'Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again--the one who'd been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance--parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O'Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.
Time to panic.
With wit and a bit of whimsy, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Three Sisters Island where family, forgiveness, and a second chance at love await.
And then Ricky O'Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again--the one who'd been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance--parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O'Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.
Time to panic.
With wit and a bit of whimsy, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Three Sisters Island where family, forgiveness, and a second chance at love await.
306 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2020
399 people are currently reading
3073 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Woods Fisher
73 books3,978 followersSuzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
February 26, 2024
Three and a half stars
This was not the light romance I was expecting. Yes there is romance but it is also a very emotional read dealing with anxiety issues and panic attacks, handling fear, change and serious health issues among other things.
It concerns three sisters, their relationship with each other and their love lives. The three sisters are Madison, known as Maddie, Cam and youngest sister Blaine.
Maddie is a newly licensed marriage and family therapist. She has rented a space in the basement of an old house. Cam is planning to use grants to make Three Sisters Island self sufficient with an off the grid electrical system run by renewable energy.
She is also supposed to be planning her summer wedding to Seth and looking after her eight year old son Conner, who is dealing with a few issues. Blaine wants to branch out and change her life. She’s not completely sure how. But she needs change.
When the new pastor turns up, Maddie is shocked to see it is her childhood tormentor.
Everyone else on the island appears thrilled to see the new pastor. But he is going to challenge Maddie in ways she never dreamt of. But each of the three sisters have issues and personal quirks they need to deal with.
An involving story if not what I was expecting. It is a Christian and faith based book. That aspect was well done. I appreciated a number of the biblical insights. This is book 2 in a series about Three sisters Island but it stands alone fine.
This was not the light romance I was expecting. Yes there is romance but it is also a very emotional read dealing with anxiety issues and panic attacks, handling fear, change and serious health issues among other things.
It concerns three sisters, their relationship with each other and their love lives. The three sisters are Madison, known as Maddie, Cam and youngest sister Blaine.
Maddie is a newly licensed marriage and family therapist. She has rented a space in the basement of an old house. Cam is planning to use grants to make Three Sisters Island self sufficient with an off the grid electrical system run by renewable energy.
She is also supposed to be planning her summer wedding to Seth and looking after her eight year old son Conner, who is dealing with a few issues. Blaine wants to branch out and change her life. She’s not completely sure how. But she needs change.
When the new pastor turns up, Maddie is shocked to see it is her childhood tormentor.
Everyone else on the island appears thrilled to see the new pastor. But he is going to challenge Maddie in ways she never dreamt of. But each of the three sisters have issues and personal quirks they need to deal with.
An involving story if not what I was expecting. It is a Christian and faith based book. That aspect was well done. I appreciated a number of the biblical insights. This is book 2 in a series about Three sisters Island but it stands alone fine.
May 24, 2020
I am so happy to be back on Three Sisters Island. After loving the first book in the series last spring, I was excited to see what going on with the Grayson family-this story didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed this book which focuses more on Maddie and what happens when her nemesis/crush from childhood becomes the pastor on the island. Ricky was such a fun and likable character. Their relationship was fun to watch progress and the way Suzanne weaves in their backstory was a cool element. I also loved catching up with Cam, Seth and Cooper and seeing their story progress. Now I am super excited to get Blaine's story..can't wait to see what happens next!
I received this book through the RevellReads program and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book through the RevellReads program and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
May 19, 2020
As I was reading On A Coastal Breeze I felt welcomed home. The story continues right where the first left off. Now you could read this as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the first in the series as it sets up this book.
Three Sister's Island is where you're going to want to go to vacation but you'll feel so at home you won't want to leave!
Everyone on the island knows you and is there to lend a helping hand when you need it.
The father in the story may be a little gruff but here's no denying his love for his daughters.
This contemporary read is just what you need with it's endearing characters, family rebuilding and spiritual reawakening to make this a sure fire do not pass up read.
I recommend this book.
Pub Date 05 May 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Three Sister's Island is where you're going to want to go to vacation but you'll feel so at home you won't want to leave!
Everyone on the island knows you and is there to lend a helping hand when you need it.
The father in the story may be a little gruff but here's no denying his love for his daughters.
This contemporary read is just what you need with it's endearing characters, family rebuilding and spiritual reawakening to make this a sure fire do not pass up read.
I recommend this book.
Pub Date 05 May 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 1, 2020
This book continues on where On a Summer Tide left off. The author has a way of making this reader feel like I'm right there on the Island with the Grayson family and the community residents. I enjoyed every part of this book. I loved the author's writing style and the characters she penned into the story. Her description of island life in Maine made me want to vacation there. Very well researched.
Paul Grayson is starting into his second year of running the camp on Three Sister's Island. The newness of moving into the area and fixing up the cabins and camp grounds has worn off and Paul finds that some of the campers are impossible to please. He has little time to himself and as he turns 60 he seems to be having a hard time making decisions. He begins to notice Peg Legg , the owner of the town's cafe, and thinks about asking her out on a date, but then there's Bob Lotosky, the Potato farmer who also has an eye for Peg.
Cam and Seth are planning to get married that is if she can stop her quest in getting a grant to put in a reliable electrical grid for the island, long enough to plan her wedding.
Madison opens an office and sets up her practice as a marriage and family therapist. But then the new pastor Rick O'Shea lands in town and Madison learns he was the boy at school who made her life miserable. From kindergarten through high school. Can this really be happening to her just when she'd begun to get settled into her new practice.
Blaine comes home after attending one year of culinary school. Something seems wrong and she won't open up to anyone about it. Then she announces to the family that she won't be going back to culinary school in the fall. Instead she will go to Paris and eventually travel the world.
Copper Grayson develops a fear of water after he hears the new pastor preach a sermon on Jonah and the whale. It becomes so bad that he won't even agree to take a bath. Seth and Cam decide it's time to take him to see a child physiologist.
This is an excellent book for readers of contemporary romance . It also is clean read with references to God and the Bible. I found it to be enjoyable and the book met my expectations. I recommend it for your reading pleasure.
I downloaded an ebook copy to my Hoopla App. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
Paul Grayson is starting into his second year of running the camp on Three Sister's Island. The newness of moving into the area and fixing up the cabins and camp grounds has worn off and Paul finds that some of the campers are impossible to please. He has little time to himself and as he turns 60 he seems to be having a hard time making decisions. He begins to notice Peg Legg , the owner of the town's cafe, and thinks about asking her out on a date, but then there's Bob Lotosky, the Potato farmer who also has an eye for Peg.
Cam and Seth are planning to get married that is if she can stop her quest in getting a grant to put in a reliable electrical grid for the island, long enough to plan her wedding.
Madison opens an office and sets up her practice as a marriage and family therapist. But then the new pastor Rick O'Shea lands in town and Madison learns he was the boy at school who made her life miserable. From kindergarten through high school. Can this really be happening to her just when she'd begun to get settled into her new practice.
Blaine comes home after attending one year of culinary school. Something seems wrong and she won't open up to anyone about it. Then she announces to the family that she won't be going back to culinary school in the fall. Instead she will go to Paris and eventually travel the world.
Copper Grayson develops a fear of water after he hears the new pastor preach a sermon on Jonah and the whale. It becomes so bad that he won't even agree to take a bath. Seth and Cam decide it's time to take him to see a child physiologist.
This is an excellent book for readers of contemporary romance . It also is clean read with references to God and the Bible. I found it to be enjoyable and the book met my expectations. I recommend it for your reading pleasure.
I downloaded an ebook copy to my Hoopla App. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
April 25, 2020
There are several quirky characters in this series and they seem so real with their flaws and well meaning hearts. Three sisters Cam, Maddie and Blaine couldn't be more different. While the main focus of On a Coastal Breeze is Maddie, it was great to catch up with Cam and Blaine as well.
Oldest sister Cam is type A without a doubt. She describes herself: "I'm either on or off. I don't come with a dimmer switch. I go all in or all out."
Maddie was bullied beginning in Kindergarten by Ricky O'Shea. This continues for years, but she secretly likes him while continuing to loathe him. As an adult, Maddie is feeling confident and established as she begins her career as a counselor on Three Sisters Island in Maine. Then the new pastor turns out to be Richard O'Shea. I loved this line: "As a boy, Rick O'Shea had stolen her heart. As a man, he was back to claim it."
Blaine has difficulty finishing what she starts. Can't wait to get her story in book three. And will the widowed father of the girls, Paul, find romance as well? The duck that follows Paul around stole my heart.
It was simply delightful to spend time on this small island in Maine. Whether it's Amish or contemporary, Suzanne Woods Fisher is an author I don't want to miss.
My gratitude to publisher Revell for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Oldest sister Cam is type A without a doubt. She describes herself: "I'm either on or off. I don't come with a dimmer switch. I go all in or all out."
Maddie was bullied beginning in Kindergarten by Ricky O'Shea. This continues for years, but she secretly likes him while continuing to loathe him. As an adult, Maddie is feeling confident and established as she begins her career as a counselor on Three Sisters Island in Maine. Then the new pastor turns out to be Richard O'Shea. I loved this line: "As a boy, Rick O'Shea had stolen her heart. As a man, he was back to claim it."
Blaine has difficulty finishing what she starts. Can't wait to get her story in book three. And will the widowed father of the girls, Paul, find romance as well? The duck that follows Paul around stole my heart.
It was simply delightful to spend time on this small island in Maine. Whether it's Amish or contemporary, Suzanne Woods Fisher is an author I don't want to miss.
My gratitude to publisher Revell for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
May 18, 2020
What a great addition to the Three Sisters Island series! I really liked book one of the series and I enjoyed book two even more. I think that readers could probably jump in and enjoy this story even if they haven’t read book one, but they would miss out on this family’s initial decision to become residents of the island, as well as the very important backstory for Cam, Seth, and Cooper.
Just as in book one, On a Coastal Breeze gives the reader the account of the story from the perspective of each of the three sisters and also of their father, Paul. The reader does not get to see into the mind of the love interests in these particular books. And while I would have loved to hear Rick O’Shea’s thoughts and feelings in this story, I still enjoyed the building up of the plot through all of the other characters.
I liked catching up with Cam, Maddie, and Blaine. Each of them had their own situations building in this story and all three were interesting. However, I loved learning more about Maddie and all of the fear she struggled with throughout her life. Getting to see her interacting in both good and bad ways with Rick as they grew up made her reaction to him showing up on the island very understandable. Great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Just as in book one, On a Coastal Breeze gives the reader the account of the story from the perspective of each of the three sisters and also of their father, Paul. The reader does not get to see into the mind of the love interests in these particular books. And while I would have loved to hear Rick O’Shea’s thoughts and feelings in this story, I still enjoyed the building up of the plot through all of the other characters.
I liked catching up with Cam, Maddie, and Blaine. Each of them had their own situations building in this story and all three were interesting. However, I loved learning more about Maddie and all of the fear she struggled with throughout her life. Getting to see her interacting in both good and bad ways with Rick as they grew up made her reaction to him showing up on the island very understandable. Great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
May 12, 2020
i am really enjoying this series and, in fact, think that this one is better than the first one.
The Grayson family moved from Boston to an island off the coast of Maine when dad, Paul, purchased a camp on the island that included a huge amount of the island, renamed Three Sisters Island, the English version of the original name. He and his deceased wife met there, fell in love, and married. She always wanted to return but it never happened. Paul, in his own way, following her wishes, returns to give back to the island. While it is about getting the camp and the manor back on their feet as well as improving the rest of the island and life of the residents, it is so much more. All of the family has issues to deal with in order to pursue happiness going forth. While there are different focuses going on in this story, fear is the underlying factor that some of the characters need to overcome. This is an engaging story that pulled me in from the beginning to the end, filled with likable, realistic characters, cool setting, romance, emotional issues, and faith to overcome fears.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
The Grayson family moved from Boston to an island off the coast of Maine when dad, Paul, purchased a camp on the island that included a huge amount of the island, renamed Three Sisters Island, the English version of the original name. He and his deceased wife met there, fell in love, and married. She always wanted to return but it never happened. Paul, in his own way, following her wishes, returns to give back to the island. While it is about getting the camp and the manor back on their feet as well as improving the rest of the island and life of the residents, it is so much more. All of the family has issues to deal with in order to pursue happiness going forth. While there are different focuses going on in this story, fear is the underlying factor that some of the characters need to overcome. This is an engaging story that pulled me in from the beginning to the end, filled with likable, realistic characters, cool setting, romance, emotional issues, and faith to overcome fears.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
May 6, 2021
Book two of Three Sisters Island takes us back to Maine to see more of the Grayson family and the residents of this small island. The new preacher makes a grand entrance- by parachute and shocks Maddie. This book continues to peel back the personalities of the three sisters, Cam, Maddie and Blaine. I like that way the author does not leave anyone out. Cam is focused on a project but should her focus be on something closer to home? Maddie analyzes everyone else but should she take her own advice? Blaine cannot settle on any one thing and yearns to find herself. It seems everyone is trying hard to listen to God’s voice as he prods them to maturity. But are they really hearing Him?
Ms. Fisher paints a beautiful picture of the island and puts you right in the scene, especially the fierce thunderstorm and the skydiving trip.
Cannot wait to read the final book. I want to visit again.
*I borrowed this book from the public library. All opinions are my own.*
Ms. Fisher paints a beautiful picture of the island and puts you right in the scene, especially the fierce thunderstorm and the skydiving trip.
Cannot wait to read the final book. I want to visit again.
*I borrowed this book from the public library. All opinions are my own.*
June 9, 2020
I really liked On a Coastal Breeze and was happy to be back on Three Sisters Island. The book evoked pleasant memories of summer camping and cottage trips in the woods, even though the book doesn’t really focus on that; rather, the beauty of the island shone through the pages so well that it made me wish I was there myself!
As I had hoped in the first book, Maddie starts to conquer some of her worries, partly with the help of Pastor Rick (a great addition to the list of characters). I LOVED a lot of the points the author brought up about fears. They were really insightful and I honestly got some good shifts in perspective.
This was a great summer read and I’m already excited for the next book! 4.5 stars.
As I had hoped in the first book, Maddie starts to conquer some of her worries, partly with the help of Pastor Rick (a great addition to the list of characters). I LOVED a lot of the points the author brought up about fears. They were really insightful and I honestly got some good shifts in perspective.
This was a great summer read and I’m already excited for the next book! 4.5 stars.
May 4, 2020
I love being back on Three Sister Island, and picking up where we left off in the first book! The author starts this read off with a bang, well sort of, can you imagine the person who tormented you during your youth parachuting onto the Island? Better yet, he is the new minister! This is basically what happens to Maddie, and now she will work in the same building, an office at the church, and see him all the time. Has Rick O'Shea changed? Rather a chuckling picture, especially when we learn what he did to torment her from kindergarten on.
Now, remember Seth and Cam? We are waiting for a wedding, rather impatiently, and Blaine is dealing with her palate, and something worse, and we hope she will have it resolved! Dad, is still working to improve his dream, and dealing with an infatuated duck, as well as Peg, and keeping the Grayson family together!
I can't wait for the next book in this series, books to definitely get lost in!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
Now, remember Seth and Cam? We are waiting for a wedding, rather impatiently, and Blaine is dealing with her palate, and something worse, and we hope she will have it resolved! Dad, is still working to improve his dream, and dealing with an infatuated duck, as well as Peg, and keeping the Grayson family together!
I can't wait for the next book in this series, books to definitely get lost in!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
May 11, 2020
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads. These are my honest thoughts.
This was one of my most-anticipated books of 2020, and most of the story was really good.
It was fun to revisit Cam’s and Seth’s romance. I like that their story wasn’t an automatic happily-ever-after but was more realistic in that they were still figuring out their issues and learning to communicate well even after they became engaged in the previous book.
The family dynamics were wonderfully complex again in this book. That was something I really enjoyed about book one in the Three Sisters Island series, and I was glad to see it return in book two. At the halfway point, I was really looking forward to book three, which would appear to feature my favorite of the sisters, Blaine. I wanted so much to see her find her own happy ending.
At one point, one of the characters encouraged another person to not run from God. That was a very profound, well-written moment, and I paused to enjoy the scene. However, that profound moment was directly (within only two to four paragraphs) followed by the same character making a choice that was vastly out of character and not consistent with biblical principles. I found this very odd and highly disappointing. It was especially frustrating because the only purpose it seemed to serve was to shock the reader. It was not critical to the plot, nor was it logical for either of the characters as they had been established within the first half of the story.
That disappointing scene was enough to make me change my mind on wanting to read the last book of this series, because I prefer plot points to be logical and in character as well as hold up to biblical principles if the book is in the Christian fiction genre, as this one is.
Other readers might enjoy this book as well as others by this author. I know I certainly enjoyed the first book in this series.
Content: pre-marital sex, tobacco, tattoos
This was one of my most-anticipated books of 2020, and most of the story was really good.
It was fun to revisit Cam’s and Seth’s romance. I like that their story wasn’t an automatic happily-ever-after but was more realistic in that they were still figuring out their issues and learning to communicate well even after they became engaged in the previous book.
The family dynamics were wonderfully complex again in this book. That was something I really enjoyed about book one in the Three Sisters Island series, and I was glad to see it return in book two. At the halfway point, I was really looking forward to book three, which would appear to feature my favorite of the sisters, Blaine. I wanted so much to see her find her own happy ending.
At one point, one of the characters encouraged another person to not run from God. That was a very profound, well-written moment, and I paused to enjoy the scene. However, that profound moment was directly (within only two to four paragraphs) followed by the same character making a choice that was vastly out of character and not consistent with biblical principles. I found this very odd and highly disappointing. It was especially frustrating because the only purpose it seemed to serve was to shock the reader. It was not critical to the plot, nor was it logical for either of the characters as they had been established within the first half of the story.
That disappointing scene was enough to make me change my mind on wanting to read the last book of this series, because I prefer plot points to be logical and in character as well as hold up to biblical principles if the book is in the Christian fiction genre, as this one is.
Other readers might enjoy this book as well as others by this author. I know I certainly enjoyed the first book in this series.
Content: pre-marital sex, tobacco, tattoos
June 6, 2022
A nice feel good book.
July 29, 2025
I enjoyed the small, beachy town and sister dynamics. The romance was clean and more of a subplot. This book heavily hits on faith as the love interest is the new pastor. My favorite part was that, as a family counselor, Maddie was always thinking of and giving great advice. I read book 2 in the series first because the audiobook was available. I do think this series works slightly better in order.
May 21, 2020
Back on Three Sisters Island and I'm in a giddy tizzified state because -- this family! These islanders! That hunky new pastor!!!! He would be Maddie's childhood archnemesis -- the guy who was suspended from high school so many times that the principal kept his file on his desk so it was handy. And now he's a pastor with such a down-to-earth, easy-going approach to preaching that Maddie doesn't know what to think! Except she knows she's going to continue hoarding multiple grudges from their youth despite the fact that she's a certified counselor and she should know better. The romance is so appealing -- awkward and funny and heart-tugging -- and packed with surprises.
I love the way Fisher builds a community, bringing so much depth and realistic drama to the story. And humour. Both wry wit and hearty guffaw funny. And I love the way these sisters' relationships are growing and changing from when we first met them in On a Summer Tide. Now that we have Camden and Maddie sorted, it's time turn our attention to younger sis, Blaine and I predict that her story will be a doozy!
While On a Coastal Breeze could be read as a standalone, I think a reader would get so much more out of the story by reading the first book before starting in on this one. There are some ongoing secondary plot threads that carry over from book to book. Plus Cam and Seth's storyline continues to develop in this one and Fisher favors us with multiple points of view -- the three sisters as well as their father -- so while this is primarily Maddie and Rick's tale, there's lot of other fun (and not so fun) stuff happening on the side and it will all likely spill over into the final Three Sisters Island novel.
I love the way Fisher builds a community, bringing so much depth and realistic drama to the story. And humour. Both wry wit and hearty guffaw funny. And I love the way these sisters' relationships are growing and changing from when we first met them in On a Summer Tide. Now that we have Camden and Maddie sorted, it's time turn our attention to younger sis, Blaine and I predict that her story will be a doozy!
While On a Coastal Breeze could be read as a standalone, I think a reader would get so much more out of the story by reading the first book before starting in on this one. There are some ongoing secondary plot threads that carry over from book to book. Plus Cam and Seth's storyline continues to develop in this one and Fisher favors us with multiple points of view -- the three sisters as well as their father -- so while this is primarily Maddie and Rick's tale, there's lot of other fun (and not so fun) stuff happening on the side and it will all likely spill over into the final Three Sisters Island novel.
April 28, 2020
Welcome back to Three Sisters Island! A charming, thought provoking sequel featuring the Grayson family as they settle into island life on the Maine coast. Book two focuses more on Maddie, the middle sister, as she begins her private counselling practice, and renews an acquaintance with a childhood nemesis--the new pastor.
I loved this book! It has all of the small town feel, quirky islanders, and the subtle humor I enjoyed in the first book, plus some terrific character depth and insights. Rick is a larger than life type guy who seems to be Maddie's opposite, setting them up for a lot of sparks. The need to forgive is a significant theme for them and others, plus dealing with anxiety and fears, ultimately trusting God for the future. Given the uncertainty of the current events in our country, I found this to be a very timely read. I could relate to their struggles and found comfort in the reminders of faith.
"We live on borrowed time. Our lives belong to God."
The story includes developments in the other family member's lives as well, setting up for the next book. The ending is perfect--trust me--with a scene that had me holding my breath, then sighing and fighting tears.
A wonderful series that just seems to get better with each book. Looking forward to the next one! Fans of contemporary Christian fiction with some romance will enjoy it. Best to read them in order.
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
I loved this book! It has all of the small town feel, quirky islanders, and the subtle humor I enjoyed in the first book, plus some terrific character depth and insights. Rick is a larger than life type guy who seems to be Maddie's opposite, setting them up for a lot of sparks. The need to forgive is a significant theme for them and others, plus dealing with anxiety and fears, ultimately trusting God for the future. Given the uncertainty of the current events in our country, I found this to be a very timely read. I could relate to their struggles and found comfort in the reminders of faith.
"We live on borrowed time. Our lives belong to God."
The story includes developments in the other family member's lives as well, setting up for the next book. The ending is perfect--trust me--with a scene that had me holding my breath, then sighing and fighting tears.
A wonderful series that just seems to get better with each book. Looking forward to the next one! Fans of contemporary Christian fiction with some romance will enjoy it. Best to read them in order.
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
April 10, 2023
Hmm, I liked some aspects of this book but others fell a little flat.
I'll start with the good first.
The writing was yet again what I've come to expect of Suzanne Woods Fisher. It was light with bits of humor scattered throughout but still addressed many subjects with tact.
The characters were likable and seemed to jump off the page. I really liked how On a Coastal Breeze delved into Maddie's backstory. It gave a better understanding of why she is the way she is.
What I wasn't too fond of was the youngest sister, Blaine's, story. It is almost the exact same as a story of Britt from Becky Wade's Sweet on You.
I'd recommend this one to someone looking for a summer read.
Rating: 4/5
Crude Language: N/A
Romance: mentions some mistakes characters made in the past, some kissing
Spiritual: one of the characters is a paster
Violence: N/A
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
I'll start with the good first.
The writing was yet again what I've come to expect of Suzanne Woods Fisher. It was light with bits of humor scattered throughout but still addressed many subjects with tact.
The characters were likable and seemed to jump off the page. I really liked how On a Coastal Breeze delved into Maddie's backstory. It gave a better understanding of why she is the way she is.
What I wasn't too fond of was the youngest sister, Blaine's, story. It is almost the exact same as a story of Britt from Becky Wade's Sweet on You.
I'd recommend this one to someone looking for a summer read.
Rating: 4/5
Crude Language: N/A
Romance: mentions some mistakes characters made in the past, some kissing
Spiritual: one of the characters is a paster
Violence: N/A
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
May 10, 2020
It was great to return to Three Sisters Island and time catch up with the Graysons. This series makes me want to vacation on the island and stay at the camp. I loved the way this story was told from each of their perspectives. I found myself caring more for each of these characters. I really liked Maddie and Rick. I really can’t wait for the next book. I can’t wait to see what these characters are up to!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
June 23, 2020
Aww. I do believe I sighed at the end of the story.
May 25, 2020
4.5 Stars
ON A COASTAL BREEZE is a story full of complex family relationships, second chances, facing fear, having faith, and prioritizing what is most important. Again, readers follow the Graysons, Paul and his three daughters, as they continue to live and develop Three Sisters Island and Camp Kicking Moose. Not only do they face the challenges of living on this island, they also face their own fears and struggles. A heartfelt and inspiring story that is definitely recommended!
Goodness! This family! I think I wanted to strangle or shake each of them at one point or another. At the same time I loved them all and couldn't help cheering them on. Each of them were so individual with their talents and weaknesses, as well as the specific challenges they faced in this story. The author masterfully wove this series about these really complex characters who make up the Grayson family.
I loved all the characters from the first book, but I especially loved Cam, Seth and Cooper and was excited to see their happily-ever-after. The only problem being that Cam was getting in the way of it. That was quite frustrating. She still had some things to figure out and it made me realize how well the author didn't just let her characters have traits and tendencies that were all tied off in a nice bow at the end of the first book. No, they're still changing and learning even if it looked like their HEA ending had come. Definitely some life lessons there.
Then there was Maddie. How I loved this girl! It gave me a bit of insight into my daughter who deals with anxiety and fear constantly. I loved the parts with Maddie and her therapy, especially when her sisters just barge in or ask her for advice. It cracked me up, but also was an interesting dynamic where you have one person everyone trusts and holds the family together. And Rick. Oh my gosh! The way he's always aware of Maddie and how she never caught on that all that tormenting when they were young was because he liked her and was trying to get her attention. Not that I'm condoning what he did. The chemistry between those two! I wanted to laugh and swoon and cry... just a great relationship there with LOTS of history that they both (but really Maddie) had to work through. That ending... totally sweet and perfect, but I would have liked it a bit longer. I think I can handle a bit more swooning. 😉 Plus I wanted to see the family's and some of the islander's reactions.
Blaine came alive a bit more in this story. She's present in the first book, but I felt like I got to know her better in this one. Of course she's a bit older too and coming into her own. I'm very curious what happens in book three with her, especially after reading the teaser at the end of this book (could the author kill me any more—now I'm dying for book three and I have a whole year to wait!!)
Then there was the inspirational element. I have to say that the messages in the story really resonated with me. There were a couple of things that even gave me a light-bulb moment. I don't deal with a lot of fears, but we all have them regardless if we don't have anxiety. We all have issues with balancing our lives, in making what is most important a consistent priority, trusting in God fully, and not letting fear determine our choices. I felt the author didn't really preach (even though there were a few places where Rick's sermons were shared), but she did let her characters struggle, hear words of wisdom from others or from God, and come to some poignant moments of introspection and revelation.
Here are a few favorite parts:
"That's what motherhood is all about. Trying your best and messing it up, but somehow the Lord covers us. Somehow, it works out." - p. 250
"... God is faithful even when we are not. He always stretches out his arms to bring us back to him." - p. 251
He started off with a quote from Babe Ruth . . . "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." . . . "We have to be willing to face being up at bat. Think of what we'd miss if we let fear stop us. Babe Ruth wouldn't have hit 714 home runs." - p. 214
My one complaint would be that there were places where information was redundant. Each of switches between POVs towards the beginning of the story rehashed some of the first book, which was needed a bit so readers wouldn't be lost in this one. However, most of it was repeated multiple times, so that could have been edited more. I also did get just a touch frustrated between some of the POV switches because I wanted to focus more on Maddie's story and have some of the other characters fade a bit more in the background, but all the characters take precedence in this story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Great characters, a strong family dynamic, a bit of small-town charm, sweet romance, and inspirational messages woven throughout made for a very entertaining, heartfelt and rewarding read. Highly recommended!
Content: There is one reference to a one-night stand and one reference to an affair, but nothing descriptive.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
ON A COASTAL BREEZE is a story full of complex family relationships, second chances, facing fear, having faith, and prioritizing what is most important. Again, readers follow the Graysons, Paul and his three daughters, as they continue to live and develop Three Sisters Island and Camp Kicking Moose. Not only do they face the challenges of living on this island, they also face their own fears and struggles. A heartfelt and inspiring story that is definitely recommended!
Goodness! This family! I think I wanted to strangle or shake each of them at one point or another. At the same time I loved them all and couldn't help cheering them on. Each of them were so individual with their talents and weaknesses, as well as the specific challenges they faced in this story. The author masterfully wove this series about these really complex characters who make up the Grayson family.
I loved all the characters from the first book, but I especially loved Cam, Seth and Cooper and was excited to see their happily-ever-after. The only problem being that Cam was getting in the way of it. That was quite frustrating. She still had some things to figure out and it made me realize how well the author didn't just let her characters have traits and tendencies that were all tied off in a nice bow at the end of the first book. No, they're still changing and learning even if it looked like their HEA ending had come. Definitely some life lessons there.
Then there was Maddie. How I loved this girl! It gave me a bit of insight into my daughter who deals with anxiety and fear constantly. I loved the parts with Maddie and her therapy, especially when her sisters just barge in or ask her for advice. It cracked me up, but also was an interesting dynamic where you have one person everyone trusts and holds the family together. And Rick. Oh my gosh! The way he's always aware of Maddie and how she never caught on that all that tormenting when they were young was because he liked her and was trying to get her attention. Not that I'm condoning what he did. The chemistry between those two! I wanted to laugh and swoon and cry... just a great relationship there with LOTS of history that they both (but really Maddie) had to work through. That ending... totally sweet and perfect, but I would have liked it a bit longer. I think I can handle a bit more swooning. 😉 Plus I wanted to see the family's and some of the islander's reactions.
Blaine came alive a bit more in this story. She's present in the first book, but I felt like I got to know her better in this one. Of course she's a bit older too and coming into her own. I'm very curious what happens in book three with her, especially after reading the teaser at the end of this book (could the author kill me any more—now I'm dying for book three and I have a whole year to wait!!)
Then there was the inspirational element. I have to say that the messages in the story really resonated with me. There were a couple of things that even gave me a light-bulb moment. I don't deal with a lot of fears, but we all have them regardless if we don't have anxiety. We all have issues with balancing our lives, in making what is most important a consistent priority, trusting in God fully, and not letting fear determine our choices. I felt the author didn't really preach (even though there were a few places where Rick's sermons were shared), but she did let her characters struggle, hear words of wisdom from others or from God, and come to some poignant moments of introspection and revelation.
Here are a few favorite parts:
"That's what motherhood is all about. Trying your best and messing it up, but somehow the Lord covers us. Somehow, it works out." - p. 250
"... God is faithful even when we are not. He always stretches out his arms to bring us back to him." - p. 251
He started off with a quote from Babe Ruth . . . "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." . . . "We have to be willing to face being up at bat. Think of what we'd miss if we let fear stop us. Babe Ruth wouldn't have hit 714 home runs." - p. 214
My one complaint would be that there were places where information was redundant. Each of switches between POVs towards the beginning of the story rehashed some of the first book, which was needed a bit so readers wouldn't be lost in this one. However, most of it was repeated multiple times, so that could have been edited more. I also did get just a touch frustrated between some of the POV switches because I wanted to focus more on Maddie's story and have some of the other characters fade a bit more in the background, but all the characters take precedence in this story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Great characters, a strong family dynamic, a bit of small-town charm, sweet romance, and inspirational messages woven throughout made for a very entertaining, heartfelt and rewarding read. Highly recommended!
Content: There is one reference to a one-night stand and one reference to an affair, but nothing descriptive.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
May 13, 2020
On a Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Woods Fisher has Madison Grayson, newly licensed as family and marriage therapist, setting up her practice on Three Sisters Island, Maine. Maddie is optimistic and happy until she learns the identity of the new pastor who happens to be parachuting onto the island (talk about an entrance) on the day she is opening her practice. Rick O’Shea tormented from kindergarten through her senior year of high school. Maddie hopes she can avoid him, but that is hard to do on the postage stamped sized Three Sisters Island. Blaine is returning home for the summer after a year at culinary school. She has news for her father that Blaine knows he will not take well. Cameron is busy submitting grants to fund the self-sufficient, renewable energy program she wants to implement on the island. When Cam is working on a project, she makes it her sole focus which can be detrimental. On a Coastal Breeze is the 2nd novel in the Three Sisters Island series. While it can be read on its own, I recommend reading On a Summer Tide first (it is fabulous). I thought On a Coastal Breeze was well-written with developed, realistic characters on a beautiful island. There are some delightful quirky residents with my favorite being Peg Legg who runs the Lunch Counter and is the island’s mayor. I just love Three Sisters Island. It sounds like a great place to live. I can certainly understand why Cam wants the get the island its own energy source with the electric cutting out every day for hours at a time. The focus of On a Coastal Breeze is Maddie, but we catch up with Cam, Blaine, and Paul as well. Blaine is known for not finishing what she starts which worries her father. The author touches on a delicate subject which I thought was handled very well. I am eager to read Blaine’s story in the next Three Sisters Island novel. I enjoyed the humor in the story (I love a book that makes me laugh). I liked the flashbacks into Maddie’s life. It allows us to see what transpired between Rick and Maddie when they were kids as well as to understand Maddie’s feelings. My favorite thing in On a Coastal Breeze is the little duck that takes a fancy to Paul. As Paul said, some men get a dog as their faithful companion, he gets a duck. Fear is the main theme in On a Coastal Breeze. We see how fear affects each member of the Grayson family. My favorite line is, “All of life is a risk.” The only thing I found disappointing was the wedding scene (you will find out why when you read the book). On a Coastal Breeze is a delightful and touching novel with culinary catastrophes, an uneasy youth, funding misfortunes, a charismatic clergyman, decision dilemma, and a doting duck.
April 9, 2020
On A Coastal Breeze returns readers to the Three Sisters Island and the Grayson family. This second book in the series picks up where book one left off and continues the story with a new romance.
Cam and Seth are a couple, but waiting to plan their wedding and tell Cooper the truth about his parentage while Cam buries herself in the writing of grants to fund a power source for the island. Paul, the father of the three girls is unsure he has made the right decision in becoming a camp owner. Blaine has returned home from her first semesters of culinary school, but she is carrying a dark secret. And Maddie has started her own family counselling practice. But just as she gets her first clients, the island is graced with their new pastor and he is no less than the boy who tormented her right the way through kindergarten until she last saw him after senior prom. She is surprised to see him and the way the townspeople rally around him. Maybe he’s changed, but Maddie is sure they share too much history to kindle a friendship or explore what she might have felt for him before he broke her heart.
I loved that this book, this series, while featuring each of the Grayson sisters, really continues the whole family’s story. Maddie is the feature sister of this novel, as is her relationship with Rick, the new pastor. But it’s clear, that despite the way we left Cam and Seth in book one, that they don’t get an automatic happily ever after.
The three sisters are still as blind to their own faults while happy to point out the ares the others need to change. Maddie is my favourite of the three girls, and I enjoyed her story.
There is plenty of humour in this book, from Paul’s little duck that follows him around the camp to the endless irony in the sisters’ relationships and their constant ability to solve each others’ problems while ignoring their own. The other islanders also provide much comic relief, from the straight talking Cafe Owner, Peg Legg to the raucous fishermen.
A few sensitive themes are touched upon in the book, including Blaine’s secret as she returns from culinary school. This sets the scene for what promises to be a heartfelt third book.
I would have liked to see more scenes between Rick and Maddie. We only get their romance right at the end of the book. Fortunately, plenty of flashbacks to their youth give the readers background to their connect and reinforce their chemistry. We will, no doubt, see more of their growing relationship alongside Blaine’s story in the next book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Cam and Seth are a couple, but waiting to plan their wedding and tell Cooper the truth about his parentage while Cam buries herself in the writing of grants to fund a power source for the island. Paul, the father of the three girls is unsure he has made the right decision in becoming a camp owner. Blaine has returned home from her first semesters of culinary school, but she is carrying a dark secret. And Maddie has started her own family counselling practice. But just as she gets her first clients, the island is graced with their new pastor and he is no less than the boy who tormented her right the way through kindergarten until she last saw him after senior prom. She is surprised to see him and the way the townspeople rally around him. Maybe he’s changed, but Maddie is sure they share too much history to kindle a friendship or explore what she might have felt for him before he broke her heart.
I loved that this book, this series, while featuring each of the Grayson sisters, really continues the whole family’s story. Maddie is the feature sister of this novel, as is her relationship with Rick, the new pastor. But it’s clear, that despite the way we left Cam and Seth in book one, that they don’t get an automatic happily ever after.
The three sisters are still as blind to their own faults while happy to point out the ares the others need to change. Maddie is my favourite of the three girls, and I enjoyed her story.
There is plenty of humour in this book, from Paul’s little duck that follows him around the camp to the endless irony in the sisters’ relationships and their constant ability to solve each others’ problems while ignoring their own. The other islanders also provide much comic relief, from the straight talking Cafe Owner, Peg Legg to the raucous fishermen.
A few sensitive themes are touched upon in the book, including Blaine’s secret as she returns from culinary school. This sets the scene for what promises to be a heartfelt third book.
I would have liked to see more scenes between Rick and Maddie. We only get their romance right at the end of the book. Fortunately, plenty of flashbacks to their youth give the readers background to their connect and reinforce their chemistry. We will, no doubt, see more of their growing relationship alongside Blaine’s story in the next book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
May 29, 2020
"If you had no fear of death, then that vague dread that constantly hovered - it could be vanquished. Not just managed or discounted, but eliminated. Overcome. Conquered. Defeated."
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a gifted storyteller with a voice that wraps around your reader heart to deliver heartbreaks, showers of grace and mercy, and tender reconciliation. This is book 2 in the Three Sisters Island series, and, though it could be read as a stand-alone, it's better read after Cam and Seth's story in On a Summer Tide so you're better acquainted with the minor characters of the island who truly make the story more lively. Filled with family tension, misunderstandings, issues of fear and anxiety, and faith lessons of facing life's challenges head-on, the story will have you falling in love with the island and its inhabitants while walking with them in their daily lives on a remote island off the coast of Maine.
This story focuses on Maddie, the middle sister who starts a counseling/therapy center on the island. She's the glue that keeps the Grayson family together and works overtime with her sisters and father to help them become more self-aware. The islanders call Rick to be their very first pastor and he sweeps everyone off their feet but there's a lot of history between Maddie and Rick which come out in flashbacks. Misunderstandings and secrets swirl around all the Graysons and Rick. All the four Graysons (Paul the father, Cam the oldest, Maddie, and Blaine the youngest) have a voice in this story, which is fun because more pieces of all four of their lives come out in each book. This book delved deeper into the characters' thoughts, motives, fears, and dreams. What will the third book hold? I can't wait for Blaine's story!
Fans of well-written contemporary romance will thoroughly enjoy this book and the series. I received a copy of the book from Revell via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a gifted storyteller with a voice that wraps around your reader heart to deliver heartbreaks, showers of grace and mercy, and tender reconciliation. This is book 2 in the Three Sisters Island series, and, though it could be read as a stand-alone, it's better read after Cam and Seth's story in On a Summer Tide so you're better acquainted with the minor characters of the island who truly make the story more lively. Filled with family tension, misunderstandings, issues of fear and anxiety, and faith lessons of facing life's challenges head-on, the story will have you falling in love with the island and its inhabitants while walking with them in their daily lives on a remote island off the coast of Maine.
This story focuses on Maddie, the middle sister who starts a counseling/therapy center on the island. She's the glue that keeps the Grayson family together and works overtime with her sisters and father to help them become more self-aware. The islanders call Rick to be their very first pastor and he sweeps everyone off their feet but there's a lot of history between Maddie and Rick which come out in flashbacks. Misunderstandings and secrets swirl around all the Graysons and Rick. All the four Graysons (Paul the father, Cam the oldest, Maddie, and Blaine the youngest) have a voice in this story, which is fun because more pieces of all four of their lives come out in each book. This book delved deeper into the characters' thoughts, motives, fears, and dreams. What will the third book hold? I can't wait for Blaine's story!
Fans of well-written contemporary romance will thoroughly enjoy this book and the series. I received a copy of the book from Revell via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
April 29, 2020
I love the setting: Three Sisters Island, Maine. A tiny island with a hundred inhabitants. I’m from a small town of a thousand or fewer, so I understand the concept of a small community with challenges and struggles. This island is the home of three sisters—Cam, Maddie, and Blaine. This is book two and focuses on Maddie and her new business on the island and her possible relationship with Rick, the new pastor.
I have three sisters, and I’m the oldest. The similarities are amazing in the fact that each sister is so different in personality. It doesn’t matter that the parents are the same. The girls in the novel can’t help being different which brings challenges in relationships and family dynamics. Such a mystery in real life! As a side note, I’m married to a pastor; therefore, those problems being in the fishbowl are so true. Reading them on paper hit home.
On the island, where life should be simple and slow, things get heated with the arrival of the new pastor. The sisters have life problems that island life doesn’t help. Even though this is book two, Suzanne does an excellent job of introducing the characters that must have been revealed in book one. I liked this one so much that I’ve ordered number one. I’ll enjoy getting to know the characters better. And I hope there is a book three.
September 22, 2021
I loved this book too! I can hardly wait to read the third book in the series!
May 5, 2020
Suzanne Woods Fisher is best known for her Amish books so when I seen this series I knew I had to read it.
This book was such a delightful read and so is the author who wrote it. I love anything she writes!
I like how she makes her characters' feelings seem realistic and I can feel them coming out at me throughout the story.
Fear has a stronghold on these women's lives and it's what's holding each member of Maddy's family back.
I like how Woods gives us a look inside each family member and what really holds them back from being what they truly can be.
People can change but only if they want to. Rick is just such one character. I enjoyed him immensely. A Marine turned Pastor wow! You're in for a wonderful treat!
Suzanne weaves some wonderful messages throughout this book without being preachy about it. I like that.
I like this saying" Once you know a truth you can't unknow it." How true this is. Sometimes when you know a truth it changes in how you look at yourself as a person or it can change in how you look at the other person if that makes sense?
Maddy is my favorite person in the family. I think I like her because she's just like everyone else. She has fears, doubts and many other feelings. I love how she takes time out to analyze her feelings for life in general. Sometimes it takes time for her to process certain events in her life.
I'm the same way. It takes time for me to process things in my life. Especially the bad things. In other words it takes time for me to forgive. When I do it sets me free. Forgiving is hard I know but it's the best especially if we want to be Christ like minded. The truth will also set you free.
She's certainly got a tough job in the family that's for sure! One I sure wouldn't want but apparently I am.
Poor little Coop. Such a sweet little feller. All of us have anxieties in life but I think it's the kids who are hit the hardest. He's had so much change in his life. It's hard for him to process. I'm still rooting for you little guy! You've stolen my heart!
I was happy to see Peg back! I think she's got an even tougher job. I've been there and done that. I admire her spunk, courage and a good attitude towards people. She reminds me of Taco Charlie.
A very moving, well written book. One I enjoyed immensely! I didn't want to say goodbye to Maddy or her family!
I highly recommend this book and you'll be thinking about the characters long after the story is finished. Especially Paul. What will happen to him?
Will each family member face their fears or will they keep running away from them? You'll just have to read this awesome book to find out!
My thanks to Netgalley and Revell for a complimentary copy. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
This book was such a delightful read and so is the author who wrote it. I love anything she writes!
I like how she makes her characters' feelings seem realistic and I can feel them coming out at me throughout the story.
Fear has a stronghold on these women's lives and it's what's holding each member of Maddy's family back.
I like how Woods gives us a look inside each family member and what really holds them back from being what they truly can be.
People can change but only if they want to. Rick is just such one character. I enjoyed him immensely. A Marine turned Pastor wow! You're in for a wonderful treat!
Suzanne weaves some wonderful messages throughout this book without being preachy about it. I like that.
I like this saying" Once you know a truth you can't unknow it." How true this is. Sometimes when you know a truth it changes in how you look at yourself as a person or it can change in how you look at the other person if that makes sense?
Maddy is my favorite person in the family. I think I like her because she's just like everyone else. She has fears, doubts and many other feelings. I love how she takes time out to analyze her feelings for life in general. Sometimes it takes time for her to process certain events in her life.
I'm the same way. It takes time for me to process things in my life. Especially the bad things. In other words it takes time for me to forgive. When I do it sets me free. Forgiving is hard I know but it's the best especially if we want to be Christ like minded. The truth will also set you free.
She's certainly got a tough job in the family that's for sure! One I sure wouldn't want but apparently I am.
Poor little Coop. Such a sweet little feller. All of us have anxieties in life but I think it's the kids who are hit the hardest. He's had so much change in his life. It's hard for him to process. I'm still rooting for you little guy! You've stolen my heart!
I was happy to see Peg back! I think she's got an even tougher job. I've been there and done that. I admire her spunk, courage and a good attitude towards people. She reminds me of Taco Charlie.
A very moving, well written book. One I enjoyed immensely! I didn't want to say goodbye to Maddy or her family!
I highly recommend this book and you'll be thinking about the characters long after the story is finished. Especially Paul. What will happen to him?
Will each family member face their fears or will they keep running away from them? You'll just have to read this awesome book to find out!
My thanks to Netgalley and Revell for a complimentary copy. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
May 18, 2020
Welcome back to Three Sisters Island, where life is slow, electricity is spotty, and there are no secrets.
Yet, in On a Coastal Breeze, Book Two of Three Sisters Island by Suzanne Woods Fisher, we find that life is messy. Each sister in the Grayson family, plus their father, has a few secret fears. Paul, the father, is having a rough time being administrator of Camp Kicking Moose. Cam, the eldest, is putting off her wedding in favor of island improvement. How long can Seth wait? Cooper needs more attention than Cam is willing to give. Will this family-to-be happen? Maddy is settling into her dream job of counselor-therapist when Ricky O’Shea, the bane of her young existence, drops out of the sky...to become the new pastor. “As a boy, Ricky O’Shea had stolen her heart. As a man, he was back to claim it.” Can Maddy decide whether she hates or loves Rick? Blaine is as unsteady and unable to finish a goal as ever. However, she has a wonderful friendship with Artie Lotosky. They’re so fun, warm, and they totally understand each other. No wonder everyone but Blaine thinks they’d be a good match.
As always, Fisher has a charming sense of humor, with characters that are warm, real, and flawed. It is easy to identify with them, imagining them as your neighbors or even bits of yourself. Fisher’s voice and easy ebb and flow of words set the tone for an island that you almost want to locate for your next vacation. However, the waiting list for Camp Kicking Moose is a little long.
While I usually groan at lists of characters in the beginning of a book, it was very helpful to ease my transition back to this beautiful fishing island. I believe this book could be read alone, but I strongly recommend reading it as its part of the series.
We are left with enough unfulfilled hopes and unanswered questions at the end of the book to gratefully look forward to book three.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. (I also purchased my own copy.) This in no way affects my opinions which are solely my own.
Yet, in On a Coastal Breeze, Book Two of Three Sisters Island by Suzanne Woods Fisher, we find that life is messy. Each sister in the Grayson family, plus their father, has a few secret fears. Paul, the father, is having a rough time being administrator of Camp Kicking Moose. Cam, the eldest, is putting off her wedding in favor of island improvement. How long can Seth wait? Cooper needs more attention than Cam is willing to give. Will this family-to-be happen? Maddy is settling into her dream job of counselor-therapist when Ricky O’Shea, the bane of her young existence, drops out of the sky...to become the new pastor. “As a boy, Ricky O’Shea had stolen her heart. As a man, he was back to claim it.” Can Maddy decide whether she hates or loves Rick? Blaine is as unsteady and unable to finish a goal as ever. However, she has a wonderful friendship with Artie Lotosky. They’re so fun, warm, and they totally understand each other. No wonder everyone but Blaine thinks they’d be a good match.
As always, Fisher has a charming sense of humor, with characters that are warm, real, and flawed. It is easy to identify with them, imagining them as your neighbors or even bits of yourself. Fisher’s voice and easy ebb and flow of words set the tone for an island that you almost want to locate for your next vacation. However, the waiting list for Camp Kicking Moose is a little long.
While I usually groan at lists of characters in the beginning of a book, it was very helpful to ease my transition back to this beautiful fishing island. I believe this book could be read alone, but I strongly recommend reading it as its part of the series.
We are left with enough unfulfilled hopes and unanswered questions at the end of the book to gratefully look forward to book three.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. (I also purchased my own copy.) This in no way affects my opinions which are solely my own.
April 4, 2020
On A Coastal Breeze is the second book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's Three Sisters Island series. While I would say that this certainly COULD be read as a standalone, I think it would be most appreciated by those that have read the previous book first. This book focuses primarily on Maddie, but like the previous book it has glimpses of each sister's point of view (as well as their dad's) as well. Those who have read book one will love getting to revisit these characters, and while new readers get enough background that they won't be lost, I think they will relate better to the characters if they have more of their background story.
As I said, this book is Maddie's story. As she works to get her therapy practice going, a new preacher finally comes to town... Much to Maddie's surprise, that new preacher just happens to be her childhood nemesis, and of course... romance is sure to come! Aren't those sometimes the most fun romances? The ones where it seems like they don't really get along at first... I loved seeing this relationship develop, and really enjoyed getting to know both of these characters. Their history really drew me in, and had me rooting for them too.
I see a lot of myself in Maddie. As such, I found myself appreciating this book perhaps even more than the first. Maddie though great at helping others deal with their issues is constantly dealing with anxiety of her own and often seems to keep here from stepping out of her comfort zone. Fear has a way of doing that! Fear is a primary topic in this story, as we see not just with Maddie, but with many of the characters throughout in various ways. More importantly it had a good message about God's freedom from that fear that so many of us needed reminded of often I think.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. I have truly loved this series so far with it's flawed and quirky characters, small town feel and beautiful messages of faith. I look forward to seeing what the next book will bring! If you love a good clean romance, I highly recommend checking out this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
As I said, this book is Maddie's story. As she works to get her therapy practice going, a new preacher finally comes to town... Much to Maddie's surprise, that new preacher just happens to be her childhood nemesis, and of course... romance is sure to come! Aren't those sometimes the most fun romances? The ones where it seems like they don't really get along at first... I loved seeing this relationship develop, and really enjoyed getting to know both of these characters. Their history really drew me in, and had me rooting for them too.
I see a lot of myself in Maddie. As such, I found myself appreciating this book perhaps even more than the first. Maddie though great at helping others deal with their issues is constantly dealing with anxiety of her own and often seems to keep here from stepping out of her comfort zone. Fear has a way of doing that! Fear is a primary topic in this story, as we see not just with Maddie, but with many of the characters throughout in various ways. More importantly it had a good message about God's freedom from that fear that so many of us needed reminded of often I think.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. I have truly loved this series so far with it's flawed and quirky characters, small town feel and beautiful messages of faith. I look forward to seeing what the next book will bring! If you love a good clean romance, I highly recommend checking out this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
May 19, 2020
Author Suzanne Woods Fisher is well known for her Amish fiction, however she writes contemporary fiction that is just as good and I highly recommend them. On a Coastal Breeze is Book 2 of the Three Sisters Island series. It could be read as a stand alone but it makes more sense to read Book 1, On a Summer Tide, first. You’ll understand the first couple of chapters better.
I enjoyed revisiting Three Sisters Island and its inhabitants. Strong, well developed characters give this book a sense of reality that isn’t always easy to find. But I’m sure the island and people exist and I’d love to find them. And I’d love to visit the island; it sounds beautiful and peaceful. Well, most of the time. (No spoiler alerts here!)
On a Coastal Breeze visits the relationships between three sisters, who are each in some type of crisis. Add in a new counseling degree, a new pastor, and quirky islanders, and you have a story worth reading.
I appreciated the Christian theme of this book. Woods Fisher shows us that God is always waiting for us to turn to Him. He is the one to depend on in all situations. Don’t be afraid that the theme is preachy because it isn’t. It’s written very naturally and adds to the story.
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction with a sound plot and great characters then I recommend reading On a Coastal Breeze.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I enjoyed revisiting Three Sisters Island and its inhabitants. Strong, well developed characters give this book a sense of reality that isn’t always easy to find. But I’m sure the island and people exist and I’d love to find them. And I’d love to visit the island; it sounds beautiful and peaceful. Well, most of the time. (No spoiler alerts here!)
On a Coastal Breeze visits the relationships between three sisters, who are each in some type of crisis. Add in a new counseling degree, a new pastor, and quirky islanders, and you have a story worth reading.
I appreciated the Christian theme of this book. Woods Fisher shows us that God is always waiting for us to turn to Him. He is the one to depend on in all situations. Don’t be afraid that the theme is preachy because it isn’t. It’s written very naturally and adds to the story.
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction with a sound plot and great characters then I recommend reading On a Coastal Breeze.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
May 29, 2020
I don't know what I like best about this book. Is it the setting of Three Sisters Island, or could it be the realistic characters that live there and seem like they're old friends of mine? What about the suspense that is just enough to keep me guessing or the way the author adds little nuggets of advice and wisdom, along with moments of humor, as she tells her story? Could it be that all of these reasons combined are the reason that I enjoyed On a Coastal Breeze so much?
This is the second book of the Three Sisters Island series and I quickly fell in love with the people of this beautiful place. The main focus of this book is Madison Grayson, a newly licensed marriage and family therapist, but her two sisters and her dad are also included, along with Ricky O'Shea, the new minister who is also Madison's old acquaintance. To say that their past relationship is complex is an understatement but this is what adds so much interest to the present. Could there possibly be a future for the pastor and the therapist?
Susanne Woods Fisher has written an entertaining story filled with faith, trust, love, and family. I want to learn more about the residents of Three Sisters Island and I'd like to go back to see what is next in store for the Grayson family.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required. These are my own thoughts.
This is the second book of the Three Sisters Island series and I quickly fell in love with the people of this beautiful place. The main focus of this book is Madison Grayson, a newly licensed marriage and family therapist, but her two sisters and her dad are also included, along with Ricky O'Shea, the new minister who is also Madison's old acquaintance. To say that their past relationship is complex is an understatement but this is what adds so much interest to the present. Could there possibly be a future for the pastor and the therapist?
Susanne Woods Fisher has written an entertaining story filled with faith, trust, love, and family. I want to learn more about the residents of Three Sisters Island and I'd like to go back to see what is next in store for the Grayson family.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required. These are my own thoughts.
June 6, 2020
On A Coastal Breeze is the second book written by Suzanne Woods Fisher in her Three Sisters Island series. This book could be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend the first book so the reader can understand how and why the three sisters are on this island. Most of the characters are from the first book with the addition of Pastor Rick. I enjoy how the author does flashbacks to the sisters past years to connect with what is going on in the present. Each of the three sisters has their own unique story but their personalities are so very different. Each has their own story to tell but when combined together they make a very unique family. The journey the sisters take in this story adds great depth to the series. The cliffhanger at the end will definitely give the reader pause to consider the next story. Which at the end of the book there is a short passage as to the beginning of the next story. I am excited to see what happens to the youngest unsettled sister Blaine.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story filled with family, love, trust, and faith
Congratulations to Suzanne Woods Fisher on releasing another exceptional story for her readers enjoyment.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story filled with family, love, trust, and faith
Congratulations to Suzanne Woods Fisher on releasing another exceptional story for her readers enjoyment.
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