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Dewberry Beach #1
The Shore House
When the Bennett family arrive at the shore house to spend the summer together, they bring more baggage than just suitcases…
When Kaye Bennett, matriarch of the Bennett family, summons her adult children to the shore house, she anticipates a vacation full of nostalgia. It’s a chance to relive the carefree joy of summers basking in the hot sun, cooling off in the surf and enjoying long, relaxing evenings watching fireflies on the deck. But when Kaye’s son and daughter arrive, late and uncooperative, it becomes clear the family desperately need to reconnect.
Kaye and her daughter Stacy have been quietly at odds for years and resentment has grown around words unsaid. Faced with spending the summer months in such close quarters, Kaye is determined to remind Stacy of happier times and why she once loved their beautiful beachside home.
But both Kaye and Stacy are holding something back… and only when a heart-stopping accident on the beach puts what Stacy most loves at risk are the two women finally able to set free the secrets in their shared past.
Will opening up to each other about what’s in their hearts allow the Bennett family to finally heal? A story of love, forgiveness and the power of family bonds, The Shore House is a heartfelt summer read. Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Pamela Kelley and Nancy Thayer.
When Kaye Bennett, matriarch of the Bennett family, summons her adult children to the shore house, she anticipates a vacation full of nostalgia. It’s a chance to relive the carefree joy of summers basking in the hot sun, cooling off in the surf and enjoying long, relaxing evenings watching fireflies on the deck. But when Kaye’s son and daughter arrive, late and uncooperative, it becomes clear the family desperately need to reconnect.
Kaye and her daughter Stacy have been quietly at odds for years and resentment has grown around words unsaid. Faced with spending the summer months in such close quarters, Kaye is determined to remind Stacy of happier times and why she once loved their beautiful beachside home.
But both Kaye and Stacy are holding something back… and only when a heart-stopping accident on the beach puts what Stacy most loves at risk are the two women finally able to set free the secrets in their shared past.
Will opening up to each other about what’s in their hearts allow the Bennett family to finally heal? A story of love, forgiveness and the power of family bonds, The Shore House is a heartfelt summer read. Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Pamela Kelley and Nancy Thayer.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2020
491 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Hostetter
8 books89 followersI love books, always have. There’s just something about the way a story unfolds that seems magical to me. I remember riding my bike down to the public library when I was a kid. I'd filling my basket with anything that looked interesting - fairy tales, detective stories, mysteries. Then I'd pedal home and spend hours lost in story.
So, when I began writing my own stories, I made sure to weave together immersive description, characters you'll root for, struggles that reflect real life, and always –– always –– a happy ending.
THE GIRL I USED TO BE is the newest book in the New Jersey Shore collection. It asks "how much of yourself are you willing to give up for a comfortable life?" And "how hard are you willing to fight to find your way back?"
THE SHORE HOUSE is the first in the Dewberry Beach collection. A story of misunderstanding, forgiveness and the power of second chances, it’s a heartfelt summer read. Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Pamela Kelley and Nancy Thayer.
THINGS WE SURRENDER is the first book in my Lowcountry collection, novels set in Charleston, South Carolina. Three generations of strong Southern women share an ancestral home and not-quite-forgotten secrets. Can they learn to forgive past betrayal for a second chance at becoming a family? THINGS WE KEEP, the second book in the collection, is Eudora’s story and shows how she salvaged an fractured beginning to became a strong family matriarch.
If you like Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, you’ll love my Inlet Beach series. A small beach town on the coast of Oregon, Inlet Beach is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else, and they all have an opinion. THE INHERITANCE begins the collection, with three estranged sisters staking a claim to what looks like a dilapidated beach house but is actually a landmark beloved by the residents. A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW revisits Inlet Beach for Christmas, with a runaway teen desperate for help. Can the community come together in time to give a boy a home for the holidays?
So, when I began writing my own stories, I made sure to weave together immersive description, characters you'll root for, struggles that reflect real life, and always –– always –– a happy ending.
THE GIRL I USED TO BE is the newest book in the New Jersey Shore collection. It asks "how much of yourself are you willing to give up for a comfortable life?" And "how hard are you willing to fight to find your way back?"
THE SHORE HOUSE is the first in the Dewberry Beach collection. A story of misunderstanding, forgiveness and the power of second chances, it’s a heartfelt summer read. Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Pamela Kelley and Nancy Thayer.
THINGS WE SURRENDER is the first book in my Lowcountry collection, novels set in Charleston, South Carolina. Three generations of strong Southern women share an ancestral home and not-quite-forgotten secrets. Can they learn to forgive past betrayal for a second chance at becoming a family? THINGS WE KEEP, the second book in the collection, is Eudora’s story and shows how she salvaged an fractured beginning to became a strong family matriarch.
If you like Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, you’ll love my Inlet Beach series. A small beach town on the coast of Oregon, Inlet Beach is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else, and they all have an opinion. THE INHERITANCE begins the collection, with three estranged sisters staking a claim to what looks like a dilapidated beach house but is actually a landmark beloved by the residents. A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW revisits Inlet Beach for Christmas, with a runaway teen desperate for help. Can the community come together in time to give a boy a home for the holidays?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 6, 2020
EXCERPT: 'Everything goes.'
Kaye Bennett stood on the dewy grass in the early hours of a cool May morning and addressed the work crews scattered across the lawn. She pointed to the open front door of her family's beloved shore house and spoke in a clear voice. 'I want you to take it all - every dish in the kitchen, every blanket on the beds. All of it. Get rid of it.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When the Bennett family arrive at the shore house to spend the summer together, they bring more baggage than just suitcases…
When Kaye Bennett, matriarch of the Bennett family, summons her adult children to the shore house, she anticipates a vacation full of nostalgia. It’s a chance to relive the carefree joy of summers past: basking in the hot sun, cooling off in the surf and enjoying long, relaxing evenings watching fireflies on the deck. But when Kaye’s son and daughter arrive, late and uncooperative, it becomes clear the family desperately need to reconnect.
Kaye and her daughter Stacy have been quietly at odds for years and resentment has grown around words unsaid. Faced with spending the summer months in such close quarters, Kaye is determined to remind Stacy of happier times and why she once loved their beautiful beachside home.
But both Kaye and Stacy are holding something back… and only when a heart-stopping moment on the beach puts what Stacy most loves at risk are the two women finally able to set free the secrets in their shared past.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a nice, pleasant, quiet read, just not special or memorable. A perfect 'beach read' where you can doze as you read, and not tax your brain. This is also the first book in a planned series, each to feature a different family in the setting of Dewberry Beach, New Jersey.
The author has drawn on her own childhood summers for her inspiration. She portrays the atmosphere beautifully with sand, sun, iced tea, ice-cream trucks, crabbing, and even those pesky insects that like to nip and leave red welts.
Chase Bennett, patriarch of the Bennett family, has survived a heart attack. Kay, his wife, feeling guilty for not being able to be reached and for not knowing it was going to happen, has been micromanaging his life ever since. Stacy, their daughter, married with two children, has never felt particularly close to her mother but adores her father, and it is for him that she packs her family up for a summer vacation with her parents. Brad, her brother, is as unlike his father as he could possibly be. Whereas Chase was driven and ambitious, Brad is a free spirit, unsure of what direction he wants his life to take. He has been summoned back from travelling overseas to spend the summer with his family. What no one expects is for him to bring a girlfriend along with him, changing the whole family's dynamics.
This is a story of a family's imperfections. They haven't been together for any period of time for some years, so there are adjustments to make, boundaries to be reestablished, old hurts to be addressed, misunderstandings to clear up, and things which have been swept under the carpet for years to be brought out and aired.
Add into this mix business difficulties for Ryan, Stacy's husband, and an unexpected call for to return to work for the pregnant Stacy and it adds in a whole new level of interest. And then, of course, there is Brad's girlfriend who seems to be making and effort not to fit in!
I liked the characters, could even see a little of myself in the matriarch Kaye. I could see similarities in Kaye's and Stacy's characters, and wondered if that was part of the reason they found it so difficult to get along.
A pleasant read. And yes, I will be picking up the next in this series. Dewberry Beach is a very pleasant place to visit.
***.4
THE AUTHOR: I love books, always have. There’s just something about the way a story unfolds that seems magical to me. When I was a kid, I remember riding my bike down to the public library on Saturday mornings and spending the day lost in the stacks, filling my arms with anything that looked interesting. In the afternoon I’d pedal back up the hill on my bike, my basket loaded with possibilities, and spend the rest of the weekend reading.
So, when I started creating stories of my own, I made sure to include description that bring settings to life, characters who become friends, struggles that reflect real life, and always –– always –– a happy ending.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Shore House by Heidi Hotstetter for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Kaye Bennett stood on the dewy grass in the early hours of a cool May morning and addressed the work crews scattered across the lawn. She pointed to the open front door of her family's beloved shore house and spoke in a clear voice. 'I want you to take it all - every dish in the kitchen, every blanket on the beds. All of it. Get rid of it.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When the Bennett family arrive at the shore house to spend the summer together, they bring more baggage than just suitcases…
When Kaye Bennett, matriarch of the Bennett family, summons her adult children to the shore house, she anticipates a vacation full of nostalgia. It’s a chance to relive the carefree joy of summers past: basking in the hot sun, cooling off in the surf and enjoying long, relaxing evenings watching fireflies on the deck. But when Kaye’s son and daughter arrive, late and uncooperative, it becomes clear the family desperately need to reconnect.
Kaye and her daughter Stacy have been quietly at odds for years and resentment has grown around words unsaid. Faced with spending the summer months in such close quarters, Kaye is determined to remind Stacy of happier times and why she once loved their beautiful beachside home.
But both Kaye and Stacy are holding something back… and only when a heart-stopping moment on the beach puts what Stacy most loves at risk are the two women finally able to set free the secrets in their shared past.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a nice, pleasant, quiet read, just not special or memorable. A perfect 'beach read' where you can doze as you read, and not tax your brain. This is also the first book in a planned series, each to feature a different family in the setting of Dewberry Beach, New Jersey.
The author has drawn on her own childhood summers for her inspiration. She portrays the atmosphere beautifully with sand, sun, iced tea, ice-cream trucks, crabbing, and even those pesky insects that like to nip and leave red welts.
Chase Bennett, patriarch of the Bennett family, has survived a heart attack. Kay, his wife, feeling guilty for not being able to be reached and for not knowing it was going to happen, has been micromanaging his life ever since. Stacy, their daughter, married with two children, has never felt particularly close to her mother but adores her father, and it is for him that she packs her family up for a summer vacation with her parents. Brad, her brother, is as unlike his father as he could possibly be. Whereas Chase was driven and ambitious, Brad is a free spirit, unsure of what direction he wants his life to take. He has been summoned back from travelling overseas to spend the summer with his family. What no one expects is for him to bring a girlfriend along with him, changing the whole family's dynamics.
This is a story of a family's imperfections. They haven't been together for any period of time for some years, so there are adjustments to make, boundaries to be reestablished, old hurts to be addressed, misunderstandings to clear up, and things which have been swept under the carpet for years to be brought out and aired.
Add into this mix business difficulties for Ryan, Stacy's husband, and an unexpected call for to return to work for the pregnant Stacy and it adds in a whole new level of interest. And then, of course, there is Brad's girlfriend who seems to be making and effort not to fit in!
I liked the characters, could even see a little of myself in the matriarch Kaye. I could see similarities in Kaye's and Stacy's characters, and wondered if that was part of the reason they found it so difficult to get along.
A pleasant read. And yes, I will be picking up the next in this series. Dewberry Beach is a very pleasant place to visit.
***.4
THE AUTHOR: I love books, always have. There’s just something about the way a story unfolds that seems magical to me. When I was a kid, I remember riding my bike down to the public library on Saturday mornings and spending the day lost in the stacks, filling my arms with anything that looked interesting. In the afternoon I’d pedal back up the hill on my bike, my basket loaded with possibilities, and spend the rest of the weekend reading.
So, when I started creating stories of my own, I made sure to include description that bring settings to life, characters who become friends, struggles that reflect real life, and always –– always –– a happy ending.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Shore House by Heidi Hotstetter for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 20, 2020
Favorite Quote:
… the master bedroom was directly above the kitchen, which was where Brad and Iona chose to settle their differences. Chase slept through it, oddly enough, but Kaye did not. She listened, like a Cold War spy, straining to hear and not at all proud of her curiosity.
My Review:
I giggle-snorted, smirked, and thoroughly reveled in this cleverly penned tale from start to finish. I was quickly drawn into the characters' tangible vortex of complicated family dynamics and was dazzled by Ms. Hostetter’s effortless, crisp, wily, wryly humorous, and cunningly insightful writing. Her word voodoo was so strong I could smell the sea, hear the waves, and feel the sunburn. I want to know all about her curiously compelling yet deeply flawed characters; they intrigued me and left me with a taste for more. This was my first time wading into Ms. Hostetter’s pool but I am feeling the intense desire to splash further into her listings with a cannonball dive.
… the master bedroom was directly above the kitchen, which was where Brad and Iona chose to settle their differences. Chase slept through it, oddly enough, but Kaye did not. She listened, like a Cold War spy, straining to hear and not at all proud of her curiosity.
My Review:
I giggle-snorted, smirked, and thoroughly reveled in this cleverly penned tale from start to finish. I was quickly drawn into the characters' tangible vortex of complicated family dynamics and was dazzled by Ms. Hostetter’s effortless, crisp, wily, wryly humorous, and cunningly insightful writing. Her word voodoo was so strong I could smell the sea, hear the waves, and feel the sunburn. I want to know all about her curiously compelling yet deeply flawed characters; they intrigued me and left me with a taste for more. This was my first time wading into Ms. Hostetter’s pool but I am feeling the intense desire to splash further into her listings with a cannonball dive.
July 19, 2020
The Shore House by Heidi Hostetter is the first book of the new contemporary woman’s fiction Dewberry Beach series. Now Dewberry Beach is the setting of this family saga and according to the author the continuation of the series will feature a new family in the same location which was a rather quaint small town. With each being different characters though they all could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.
This first installment of the series features the Bennett family. Kaye, the matriarch of the family wants nothing other than to gather up her son and daughter and have them come to the shore with her and her husband. Kaye uses her husbands illness to pull at the sympathy of her grown children to bring them all together.
Stacy Bennett and her mother Kaye have never really seen eye to eye as she always felt Kaye favored her brother. Stacy’s husband convinces her that maybe a summer together with family is just what she and her children need though so they agree to Kaye’s plans. The summer however does not go as all had planned but maybe that’s what this family really needed.
I actually really enjoyed reading the tale of the Bennett family and thought this one is a great beach read. As with any family there are layers to each member and with the Bennetts a few secrets from the past to uncover. Really ever member is finding their new path to continue on in life so there was plenty of things that kept the pages turning all throughout.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
This first installment of the series features the Bennett family. Kaye, the matriarch of the family wants nothing other than to gather up her son and daughter and have them come to the shore with her and her husband. Kaye uses her husbands illness to pull at the sympathy of her grown children to bring them all together.
Stacy Bennett and her mother Kaye have never really seen eye to eye as she always felt Kaye favored her brother. Stacy’s husband convinces her that maybe a summer together with family is just what she and her children need though so they agree to Kaye’s plans. The summer however does not go as all had planned but maybe that’s what this family really needed.
I actually really enjoyed reading the tale of the Bennett family and thought this one is a great beach read. As with any family there are layers to each member and with the Bennetts a few secrets from the past to uncover. Really ever member is finding their new path to continue on in life so there was plenty of things that kept the pages turning all throughout.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 21, 2020
Sea. Sand. Family. Heidi Hostetter whisked me away to the Jersey shore with her vivid storytelling. A splashing story about family, forgiveness, food, and community. As the mother of adult children I completely related to Kaye and her desire to spend the summer making new memories with her adult children. Three years ago Kaye’s husband Chase had a heart attack and ever since Kaye has been super diligent. But this summer she wants some normalcy. A summer to never forget spent at the family‘s Beachhouse on the Jersey shore. Her daughter Stacey and son Bradley are less than thrilled about this but they are willing to go along to keep the family peace. Stacey has a doting husband, two adorable children and one on the way, but she is missing the buzz of her career. Bradley is still figuring things out, but one thing he knows is he is not living up to his father’s expectations. The family spends the summer getting to know one another again and healing old wounds.
I enjoyed spending time with this family in this charming seaside town. I probably found Kaye the most relatable character, but I did understand why she irritated her husband and children. Poor Chase The man was just trying to live and his well meaning wife was micromanaging everything. I really liked Stacey and her husband Ryan‘s relationship and how their story played out in the book. Bradley was another great character and I love the touching moments between his father and him. A lovely story about an authentic family, looking forward to future books in this series.
This book in emojis 🏖 🔨 📚 🍉 🌭 🎇 🦀
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
I enjoyed spending time with this family in this charming seaside town. I probably found Kaye the most relatable character, but I did understand why she irritated her husband and children. Poor Chase The man was just trying to live and his well meaning wife was micromanaging everything. I really liked Stacey and her husband Ryan‘s relationship and how their story played out in the book. Bradley was another great character and I love the touching moments between his father and him. A lovely story about an authentic family, looking forward to future books in this series.
This book in emojis 🏖 🔨 📚 🍉 🌭 🎇 🦀
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 8, 2020
This is my first book by this author and it was a nice welcome beach read compared to all the thrillers I’ve been reading during Covid. This is taking place in Dewberry Beach and it had me wanting to go there!!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2020
A light summer read about the Bennett family in their Shore House. Author Heidi Hostetter really knew how to bring joy and springtime buoyancy with her words. The book was special, warm and spicy, just like a family.
Kaye had decided the entire Bennett family would spend the summer in the Shore House. Her husband Chase’s heart attack three years ago had shaken her up. Her daughter Stacy had a prickly relationship with her and son Brad seemed to be in a prickly one. It was their story set over 6 weeks or so.
I thought the book was brilliant. The story flowed from one scene to the other seamlessly, the emotions it brought along set my heart into a journey through the woods of life where the pebbles did hurt but the flowers around brought peace and happiness. Such was the power of the author’s writing.
As I kept turning the pages, the Bennett family became real; their problems, skirmishes, and career issues became a part of my life. The story pulled me in so much that I never knew the passage of time. I asked Siri to read out to me, and I could see that this would make a fantastic audiobook.
The only tiny niggle, almost negligible, was that I wished that some of the issues between the mother and daughter were dealt in earlier so that their love shone in the last few chapters. Nevertheless, the book was a surprise as I never expected to fall in love with it so quickly.
I think I would read any book by this author. It was one of my best feel-happy reads in recent times.
Kaye had decided the entire Bennett family would spend the summer in the Shore House. Her husband Chase’s heart attack three years ago had shaken her up. Her daughter Stacy had a prickly relationship with her and son Brad seemed to be in a prickly one. It was their story set over 6 weeks or so.
I thought the book was brilliant. The story flowed from one scene to the other seamlessly, the emotions it brought along set my heart into a journey through the woods of life where the pebbles did hurt but the flowers around brought peace and happiness. Such was the power of the author’s writing.
As I kept turning the pages, the Bennett family became real; their problems, skirmishes, and career issues became a part of my life. The story pulled me in so much that I never knew the passage of time. I asked Siri to read out to me, and I could see that this would make a fantastic audiobook.
The only tiny niggle, almost negligible, was that I wished that some of the issues between the mother and daughter were dealt in earlier so that their love shone in the last few chapters. Nevertheless, the book was a surprise as I never expected to fall in love with it so quickly.
I think I would read any book by this author. It was one of my best feel-happy reads in recent times.
July 20, 2020
When a loved one has had severe health problems, you want to do everything you can to make sure they fully recover. It’s only natural because you don’t want to lose them. You have be careful not to start running that person’s life completely and lock them up in a box. You have to let go of the fears you have and start living again.
Parents love their children, but not always in the same way. It’s good to encourage children who are struggling a bit, but don’t forget about the others ones. They crave compliments too.
Sometimes you like a book, because the story is great. Sometimes you like a book because of the fluent writing style. A combination of these two things turns an ‘I like it’ into an ‘I love it’ and transforms a good book into a great one.
This book definitely belongs in the ‘I love it’ category. A wonderful start to a new series, a lovely summer beach read about family, compromising and finding your destiny. 5 stars.
Thank you, Heidi Hostetter and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Parents love their children, but not always in the same way. It’s good to encourage children who are struggling a bit, but don’t forget about the others ones. They crave compliments too.
Sometimes you like a book, because the story is great. Sometimes you like a book because of the fluent writing style. A combination of these two things turns an ‘I like it’ into an ‘I love it’ and transforms a good book into a great one.
This book definitely belongs in the ‘I love it’ category. A wonderful start to a new series, a lovely summer beach read about family, compromising and finding your destiny. 5 stars.
Thank you, Heidi Hostetter and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
July 3, 2020
This book fell flat for me. Both Kaye and Stacy were whiny and pushy and it turned out, I just didn't care about either of them, which was sad because the book centers on them. I wish more had been fleshed out with their relationship, which perhaps might have provided me with a little empathy for them. The male characters had minor roles but I actually liked them more than the female leads. Ryan was a good guy trying to do his best to support his family and deal with Stacy, and poor Chase was three years recovered from a heart attack and dealing with Kaye's obsessive control over him. I wish he had stood up to Kaye sooner. Brad needed more development as I was happy to see him start to settle down (even if it was entirely predictible) but why was Iona even introduced as a character? She showed up for what, half a chapter and then poof! Gone, never to be seen again. Totally not needed for the plot, had her relationship with Brad been long-distance instead of in-person, the drama still could have been used for developing Brad.
I won't be reading another in this series. Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I won't be reading another in this series. Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2020
There is a house which has held good memories of summers past for the Bennet family and now Kaye wants to recreate the same atmosphere that was there in the past. But the children are grown up now and nothing ever remains the same.
With good intentions two adult children are summoned for a holiday - Stacy and Ryan who is an easy going man with two kids and another on the way. Brad turns up with Iona his partner who from the word go is definitely not in sync with Kaye the matriarch of the family. Stacy and her mother do not really get on well and she needs her brother Brad to run interference. Chase the father is over protected by his wife after a near fatal heart attack and is now allowed any decisions of his own by Kaye. It does not augur well for a peaceful and happy summer.
Families - the threads of anxiety, of competitiveness, of animosity and feelings of overbearing as well as not being compassionate are common in lots of families. This is a story of one such family who try over one summer to iron out differences so that the family unit can be maintained.
Descriptive of the area in which the Shore House is situated almost idyllic in fact this was a family saga.
With good intentions two adult children are summoned for a holiday - Stacy and Ryan who is an easy going man with two kids and another on the way. Brad turns up with Iona his partner who from the word go is definitely not in sync with Kaye the matriarch of the family. Stacy and her mother do not really get on well and she needs her brother Brad to run interference. Chase the father is over protected by his wife after a near fatal heart attack and is now allowed any decisions of his own by Kaye. It does not augur well for a peaceful and happy summer.
Families - the threads of anxiety, of competitiveness, of animosity and feelings of overbearing as well as not being compassionate are common in lots of families. This is a story of one such family who try over one summer to iron out differences so that the family unit can be maintained.
Descriptive of the area in which the Shore House is situated almost idyllic in fact this was a family saga.
August 28, 2020
Rounded up to 3.5. I enjoyed the light summer read at the Jersey shore. The storyline kept my interest but I really did not care for either Kaye or Stacey. They both were strong minded women but their personalities were abrasive and you kept waiting for them to have more enlightenment about themselves. I did enjoy the depiction of the Jersey town with its small town treasures and family minded area. All in all was a nice easy summer time read.
April 27, 2023
A lovely family story about a summer at the beach.
A very enjoyable book. It was a nice easy and relaxing read with a nice family story. I look forward to her next book.
A very enjoyable book. It was a nice easy and relaxing read with a nice family story. I look forward to her next book.
June 25, 2020
The Shore House is a delightful novel about the Bennett family and the summer they spent in the quaint coastal town of Dewberry Beach, New Jersey. The town and summertime traditions seem so charming, I wish I could escape there! The characters are relatable and tackle realistic issues like health challenges, stressful jobs, and importance of family bonds. Hostetter artfully writes about childhood memories, both good and bad. The characters navigate how to juggle careers, parenting roles, and finding one's purpose. The Shore House will be published July 20, 2020 from Bookouture and can be purchased from Amazon for $3.99 in Kindle format. Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an advanced copy.
June 3, 2020
The Shore House is the story about the Bennett family who have a house at the Jersey shore that hasn’t been used for three years since the father’s heart attack. Matriarch Kaye decides the time to reunite at the shore has come. Each family member brings emotional baggage and expectations. The author has created a well written, complex story about relationships, fears, expectations, and growth that should delight lovers of good women’s fiction. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
June 17, 2020
A story about about a family with unresolved and complicated issues. They haven’t spent time together for years when the mother, Kaye, devises a way to get the whole family back together for the summer. As they work through their personal problems, they start to share things they have never talked about before or, known about each other.
The Shore House is a sweet, quick read but there is nothing memorable about it. It is a book you could easily enjoy at the beach or by the pool.
The Shore House is a sweet, quick read but there is nothing memorable about it. It is a book you could easily enjoy at the beach or by the pool.
August 11, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
‘The Shore House‘ begins the ‘Dewberry Beach‘ series which in itself is a rather unique series as it will consist of the stories of the families along the shore, each with their own book. So while the location, the town, and such will remain (and perhaps we might run into a familiar face) each new book in the series will focus on the life, loves, and drama of one family. After finishing the Bennett family story I’m anxious to discover the next family on Dewberry Beach.
This was my first time reading this author and I completely enjoyed her voice, the way she brings the reader into the story with a strong sense of sight, smell, and always emotions. ‘The Shore House‘ shows one summer at the beach for one family who has faced a medical scare for their father/husband, but it also shows a daughter’s long-held resentment which has nothing to do with her strong marriage or adorable children yet longs for her career, as well as a favored son and the girl he brings along who really doesn’t fit or even try to fit in with her boyfriend’s family. There are enough emotions, anger, resentment, fear, and deep love lying under the surface throughout this family’s story to keep your own emotions always on high alert.
Most of what you’d want to know can be found in the cover description, the rest you’ll have a good time discovering firsthand as this family will face some rough waters this summer – but at their core is a strong love that cannot be denied. I enjoyed myself in this world. It’s full of what I want in what I’d consider a family saga in the sense of different points of view, voices raised in anger, and wavery with tears, and… eventually forgiveness. This is going to be a roller coaster of emotions, but you’ll be caught up in the lives of the Bennett family every step of the way. I will be keeping an eye out for the next title in the series – and in the meantime, I’ll go look up some of this author’s other works.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Bookouture via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
‘The Shore House‘ begins the ‘Dewberry Beach‘ series which in itself is a rather unique series as it will consist of the stories of the families along the shore, each with their own book. So while the location, the town, and such will remain (and perhaps we might run into a familiar face) each new book in the series will focus on the life, loves, and drama of one family. After finishing the Bennett family story I’m anxious to discover the next family on Dewberry Beach.
This was my first time reading this author and I completely enjoyed her voice, the way she brings the reader into the story with a strong sense of sight, smell, and always emotions. ‘The Shore House‘ shows one summer at the beach for one family who has faced a medical scare for their father/husband, but it also shows a daughter’s long-held resentment which has nothing to do with her strong marriage or adorable children yet longs for her career, as well as a favored son and the girl he brings along who really doesn’t fit or even try to fit in with her boyfriend’s family. There are enough emotions, anger, resentment, fear, and deep love lying under the surface throughout this family’s story to keep your own emotions always on high alert.
Most of what you’d want to know can be found in the cover description, the rest you’ll have a good time discovering firsthand as this family will face some rough waters this summer – but at their core is a strong love that cannot be denied. I enjoyed myself in this world. It’s full of what I want in what I’d consider a family saga in the sense of different points of view, voices raised in anger, and wavery with tears, and… eventually forgiveness. This is going to be a roller coaster of emotions, but you’ll be caught up in the lives of the Bennett family every step of the way. I will be keeping an eye out for the next title in the series – and in the meantime, I’ll go look up some of this author’s other works.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Bookouture via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
August 31, 2021
This could have been a nice, light beach read, but too many characters and plot lines were just not developed and/or just left hanging. The “mystery” about Stacy not liking the beach was teased from almost the beginning of the book, but the “big reveal” didn’t happen until there were only about ten pages left in the book and was really very anticlimactic and then quickly glossed over. I never got the sense that Kaye was going to change her ways or that her husband, Chase, was going to be able to stop “sneaking” food that she didn’t think he should be eating. The couple, the Goldsmiths, that invited them to go along on a trip and initially Chase is angry that Kaye said no without even checking with him, but then, on page 199, when pressed, he says “Not with those two. Are you kidding? They’d drive me nuts.” Not 100 pages later, at the end of the book, Kaye’s talking about going to Maine with this same couple, saying “I think it might be fun.” -?!?!? So many things just didn’t make sense. The introduction of Brad’s girlfriend, Iona, who brought nothing to the story and then just as quickly was written out of it. Kaye not being aware that Stacy already knew the author, Billy Jacob, when she invited him to the house (and Stacy not telling her from the get go)but then helping him finish his book - ? Stacy telling Billy to never return to the house anymore because “that’s weird” and then him showing up there with his finished book, edited by Kaye - ??? Stacy is almost four months pregnant at the beginning of the book, making her almost seven months pregnant by the end, but other than saying that she wanted a big family and her being tired frequently, nothing is really ever said about her pregnancy. What was the point of her being pregnant? For someone who wanted a big family, Stacy never seemed at all excited about this baby, nor did her husband or their children. As I said, this could have been a nice, light beach read, but too many plots either didn’t make sense or just didn’t deliver.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2020
This was a book by an author not known to me but was a great summer read for me, full of sunshine, summer holidays, good food and family.
The story follows Kaye Bennett who goes to her holiday home "The Shore House" in New Jersey located at Dewberry Beach for the summer and wants all of her family to join her to have the kind of holiday they had when her children were young. Kaye's husband Chase had a heart attack 3 years previously and although recovered Kaye keeps a close eye on him and a rein on what he eats and what activities he does and worries that he will suffer another heart attack.
Her adult children arrive for the summer, her pregnant daughter Stacy with her husband Ryan and two children and her son Brad with a new girlfriend.
The story focuses on the relationship between Stacy and her mum who both tend to be at odds with one another and neither really know how to bridge the gap and strengthen the bond between them. Stacy does not really want to spend the entire summer at the family holiday home but is persuaded by her husband that this is what the family need and she slowly relaxes into a new pace of life. As the summer moves on and the family enjoy their time together do they all come to realise that family is so important?
When a near family tragedy occurs will Stacy and her mum find a way to forgive and forget and move forward together?
I gave this book 4 stars. It is filled with summer holidays, family, love and forgiveness and the ideal summer read for those who like the importance of place in a book they are reading. I loved the setting, the community and traditions of those who spend their summers in the same place and the family who realise the importance of each other and the experiences they share. I smiled most of the way through this book and was entertained from start to finish.
The story follows Kaye Bennett who goes to her holiday home "The Shore House" in New Jersey located at Dewberry Beach for the summer and wants all of her family to join her to have the kind of holiday they had when her children were young. Kaye's husband Chase had a heart attack 3 years previously and although recovered Kaye keeps a close eye on him and a rein on what he eats and what activities he does and worries that he will suffer another heart attack.
Her adult children arrive for the summer, her pregnant daughter Stacy with her husband Ryan and two children and her son Brad with a new girlfriend.
The story focuses on the relationship between Stacy and her mum who both tend to be at odds with one another and neither really know how to bridge the gap and strengthen the bond between them. Stacy does not really want to spend the entire summer at the family holiday home but is persuaded by her husband that this is what the family need and she slowly relaxes into a new pace of life. As the summer moves on and the family enjoy their time together do they all come to realise that family is so important?
When a near family tragedy occurs will Stacy and her mum find a way to forgive and forget and move forward together?
I gave this book 4 stars. It is filled with summer holidays, family, love and forgiveness and the ideal summer read for those who like the importance of place in a book they are reading. I loved the setting, the community and traditions of those who spend their summers in the same place and the family who realise the importance of each other and the experiences they share. I smiled most of the way through this book and was entertained from start to finish.
July 26, 2020
The Shore House by Heidi Hostetter is the engaging story of an extended family and their summer at their house on the Jersey Shore. Life had been different for the three years since Kaye Bennet's husband, Chase's, near-fatal heart attack. She was so frightened it would happen again she had become unbearably controlling. Every part of his life was mapped out: what and when he could eat; when and how far he walked; what he could do with his copious spare time. Kaye had tricked their daughter Stacey to bring her husband, Ryan, and two children to spend the entire summer at the beach. She had tried to have her son, Brad, join them but she could not find him. He was not returning her calls or responding to her messages. She craved a family summer, needed it to the bottom of her soul. As it turned out she got exactly what she wanted but not without some growing pains.
Kaye is a traditional upscale wife and mother in her late 50s or early 60s. She has always been in charge of the house and the children. They called her, "the general," and not without cause. She had never been close to Stacey, instead reserving herself for Brad; he seemed to need her more. Kaye was forced to face herself this summer and came out in the end better for it. The story is about a mildly dysfunctional family, which rights itself with some open communication and plenty of love. It is a wonderful story and deserves a close read. Hostetter got it right. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Shore House by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #theshorehouse
Kaye is a traditional upscale wife and mother in her late 50s or early 60s. She has always been in charge of the house and the children. They called her, "the general," and not without cause. She had never been close to Stacey, instead reserving herself for Brad; he seemed to need her more. Kaye was forced to face herself this summer and came out in the end better for it. The story is about a mildly dysfunctional family, which rights itself with some open communication and plenty of love. It is a wonderful story and deserves a close read. Hostetter got it right. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Shore House by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #theshorehouse
April 27, 2023
A good beach read set of course at the beach in a fictional inlet town on the Jersey Shore.
Kaye, the matriarch has brought her family back together after her husband Chase’s near death heart attack and 3 year long recovery. But the Bennet family has more than a health scare to rebound from. They also have to deal with the strains of family relationships, expectations, and the stress of modern life.
Eldest daughter Stacey, husband Ryan and their 6 year old son Connor and 4 year old daughter Sophie arrive at her parents shore house on Memorial Day weekend despite having other plans. Stacey felt summoned by her mom and doesn’t look forward to the trip, except to see her wandering younger brother Brad. But Brad has been non responsive to all messages. Yet both Kaye and Stacey hold out hope he’ll show up. When he does, he brings a surprise that no one quite knows how to deal with. Let the family drama begin.
One of the things that is unique about this book is the author’s very real dialogue and tension between the characters. Authentic dialogue is difficult to get right. Most importantly, with the exception of only one of the relationships, the author makes all of her characters work through their differences. They have to talk honestly and openly and yet remember YNthat they are on the same team. The marriage between Stacey and Ryan is well portrayed and unusually heathy compared to most family dramas. Throw in a start-up in run up to IPO and you’ve got an interesting plot.
Kaye, the matriarch has brought her family back together after her husband Chase’s near death heart attack and 3 year long recovery. But the Bennet family has more than a health scare to rebound from. They also have to deal with the strains of family relationships, expectations, and the stress of modern life.
Eldest daughter Stacey, husband Ryan and their 6 year old son Connor and 4 year old daughter Sophie arrive at her parents shore house on Memorial Day weekend despite having other plans. Stacey felt summoned by her mom and doesn’t look forward to the trip, except to see her wandering younger brother Brad. But Brad has been non responsive to all messages. Yet both Kaye and Stacey hold out hope he’ll show up. When he does, he brings a surprise that no one quite knows how to deal with. Let the family drama begin.
One of the things that is unique about this book is the author’s very real dialogue and tension between the characters. Authentic dialogue is difficult to get right. Most importantly, with the exception of only one of the relationships, the author makes all of her characters work through their differences. They have to talk honestly and openly and yet remember YNthat they are on the same team. The marriage between Stacey and Ryan is well portrayed and unusually heathy compared to most family dramas. Throw in a start-up in run up to IPO and you’ve got an interesting plot.
July 9, 2020
The Shore House will warm your heart while making you want to visit the Jersey shore in this summer tale of truths exposed and forgiveness.
The story of the Bennett family tells the many complexities, connections and layers of concerns that many families face, which made this such a good read for me.
I was immediately intrigued with Kaye Bennett’s, the matriarch of the family, character. The situation of keeping on top of her husband’s three-year long recovery from a massive heart attack, while also able to manipulate the rest of the family to spend the summer at the family’s shore house, indicated a person of resilience. Kaye’s character was deep, and I appreciated discovering where her different insecurities stemmed from.
The author also brings to light how fast time can go by where people go along in life and somehow lose their way. When the Bennett’s daughter, Stacy observes that her husband’s start up is turning out to be more stressful than enjoyable as when it began, while also reflecting on her decision of quitting her beloved editing career to be a stay-at-home mom, she questions her choice.
Overall, the entire family was scared to be honest with each other, which is what many families experience. Children are scared to disappoint their parents; parents feel guilty for mistakes they may have made with their children and so on. Hostetter’s smooth writing tackles these family intricacies and wraps it up in this thoroughly unputdownable story.
I can’t praise enough about this book. It has love, obstacles and descriptive settings that brought me right into the shore house with the Bennett family, making this is the perfect beach read.
The story of the Bennett family tells the many complexities, connections and layers of concerns that many families face, which made this such a good read for me.
I was immediately intrigued with Kaye Bennett’s, the matriarch of the family, character. The situation of keeping on top of her husband’s three-year long recovery from a massive heart attack, while also able to manipulate the rest of the family to spend the summer at the family’s shore house, indicated a person of resilience. Kaye’s character was deep, and I appreciated discovering where her different insecurities stemmed from.
The author also brings to light how fast time can go by where people go along in life and somehow lose their way. When the Bennett’s daughter, Stacy observes that her husband’s start up is turning out to be more stressful than enjoyable as when it began, while also reflecting on her decision of quitting her beloved editing career to be a stay-at-home mom, she questions her choice.
Overall, the entire family was scared to be honest with each other, which is what many families experience. Children are scared to disappoint their parents; parents feel guilty for mistakes they may have made with their children and so on. Hostetter’s smooth writing tackles these family intricacies and wraps it up in this thoroughly unputdownable story.
I can’t praise enough about this book. It has love, obstacles and descriptive settings that brought me right into the shore house with the Bennett family, making this is the perfect beach read.
August 3, 2020
When Kaye's husband Chase has a heart attack she overdoes it helping with his recovery. For 3 years she forces him to stop working and denies him the chance to state what he wants while she pushes healthy meals, physical therapy and daily exercise even after all his lab values are within range. She gets so used to making all the decisions that the poor man can't even order coffee if she's around.
Finally understanding that her husband is no longer content she tells her children that Chase wants them to all spend the summer together at their cottage that she's just reopened on the Jersey Shore. Stretching the truth and pushing her agenda, Kaye soon realizes that not everyone is happy with her demands. Her son Brad's new girlfriend, an unexpected and unwelcome guest, keeps Kaye from realizing she can't control everything while her daughter Stacy makes it clear that she and her family may be leaving within days, not months.
Even the two grandchildren become bored because they're never allowed to play on the beach due to Stacy's fears, fears that Kaye understands but keeps secret.
With the perfect elements of a summer cottage and strong family ties, the characters in this story learn to grow and claim their own independence in a surprising and delightful way.
I received an advance Kindle copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and read it in one day. Now I need to read more Dewberry Beach Books.
Finally understanding that her husband is no longer content she tells her children that Chase wants them to all spend the summer together at their cottage that she's just reopened on the Jersey Shore. Stretching the truth and pushing her agenda, Kaye soon realizes that not everyone is happy with her demands. Her son Brad's new girlfriend, an unexpected and unwelcome guest, keeps Kaye from realizing she can't control everything while her daughter Stacy makes it clear that she and her family may be leaving within days, not months.
Even the two grandchildren become bored because they're never allowed to play on the beach due to Stacy's fears, fears that Kaye understands but keeps secret.
With the perfect elements of a summer cottage and strong family ties, the characters in this story learn to grow and claim their own independence in a surprising and delightful way.
I received an advance Kindle copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and read it in one day. Now I need to read more Dewberry Beach Books.
July 18, 2020
A wife's worry over her husband's recovery from a serious heart attack. A family reunion at their summer house. A daughter who has never seen eye to eye with her mother. A son who has never put down roots. The scene is set for a wonderful story of a summer family get together which doesn't turn out the way it was planned. Kaye. has taken control of husband Chase's life since his heart attack three years ago and masterminds every aspect of his life. She is organised and efficient and has everything sorted for the family's summer break at Dewberry Beach. But as soon as everyone arrives there are tensions. Chase is still involved in an uphill struggle with Kaye, trying to convince her to let him lead a more normal life. Daughter Stacy has had a difficult relationship with her mother. Currently pregnant with her third child, this summer meet was something she didn't want. Son Brad is a wanderer; someone who has spent his adult life travelling from place to place. He arrives late and with someone in tow who is about to ruffle Kaye's feathers in more ways than one.
This is a great story of family love, loyalty, misunderstandings and an opportunity for second chances.
A worthy five star review.
This is a great story of family love, loyalty, misunderstandings and an opportunity for second chances.
A worthy five star review.
June 14, 2020
I can not say enough good things about this book. What an insightful, generous author. The Shore House is about the Bennett family. The family consists of the parents Kay, Chase and their grown children Brad, who is single and Stacy who is married to Ryan and has two children. The story is divided almost equally between the family members- including Ryan. Reading it, I wanted to know the Bennett’s~ heck, I even wanted to be related to them. I wanted to be a guest at their shore house, I wanted to be invited to one of Kay’s summer parties. Each character draws you in to their world ~the good and the bad. I’m not going into the story because it’s too good to spoil. I make it a point to try to not read series books but I was half way through this book and looked, hoping it was going to be a series. I will definitely recommend this book to anyone and will watch, hope for more books to read from Ms. Hostetter. THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.
July 20, 2020
When the summons was sent out to her children to spend summer at the Shore House, Kaye Bennett hopes that reliving the wonderful, carefree memories will help her disjointed family reconnect.
That hope seems to be dashed before it has a chance to flower, when her son and daughter both show up late and determined to remain steadfast.
Hostetter has crafted a powerful narrative of family, with resentment and compassion in equal measure. The bond between mother and daughter is strong and unbroken, despite the hurts that both harbour within themselves. She skillfully tugs at heartstrings, keeping you turning pages for an engrossing read that you are loathe to put down when it ends.
A beach read perfect for this uncommon summer, Shore House is a curl-up-with-wine-and-your-cat kind of book.
[Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author, for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a review; the opinions herein are entirely my own.]
That hope seems to be dashed before it has a chance to flower, when her son and daughter both show up late and determined to remain steadfast.
Hostetter has crafted a powerful narrative of family, with resentment and compassion in equal measure. The bond between mother and daughter is strong and unbroken, despite the hurts that both harbour within themselves. She skillfully tugs at heartstrings, keeping you turning pages for an engrossing read that you are loathe to put down when it ends.
A beach read perfect for this uncommon summer, Shore House is a curl-up-with-wine-and-your-cat kind of book.
[Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author, for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a review; the opinions herein are entirely my own.]
June 5, 2020
Communication Gap. Everybody has heard about this word but have they ever measured its depth? Sometimes the people are not prepared for the things that happen in their life. Sometimes they are too scared to admit that its an error from their side. Many times, people are scared to be vulnerable because they think that will lower their value. However, the key factor here would be communication. If the person communicated their feelings to their loved ones then their problems would be solved without any issue.
The Shore House is the vacation house that the family uses every summer but the hectic life offered the chance once again after some years. All the members have been busy in their life, fighting their own fights and surviving. However, there are some problems that they cannot solve by themselves and they will need help from others. The jumbled problems of all the members and different solutions make it a page-turner for me. A must-read for the summer.
The Shore House is the vacation house that the family uses every summer but the hectic life offered the chance once again after some years. All the members have been busy in their life, fighting their own fights and surviving. However, there are some problems that they cannot solve by themselves and they will need help from others. The jumbled problems of all the members and different solutions make it a page-turner for me. A must-read for the summer.
June 19, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion
The Shore House is the story of Kaye Bennett and the tumultuous relationships with her family. After enduring a very hard 3 years, she decides to get her grown up children and husband back to their beloved shore house for one more summer of memories. Once they get there, can Kaye rebuild her relationships with those she loves most at the Shore House?
This was a very enjoyable summer book. It has everything in it you would enjoy reading while relaxing by the pool, on a chair at the beach or soaking in the sun on your porch. The only thing I think it could’ve improved on was the ending. It seemed like there was sooo much buildup to the underlying issues that Kaye had with everyone seemed to just be suddenly gone and forget about. I wish the author would’ve spent a little more time on the forgiving part of the story.
The Shore House is the story of Kaye Bennett and the tumultuous relationships with her family. After enduring a very hard 3 years, she decides to get her grown up children and husband back to their beloved shore house for one more summer of memories. Once they get there, can Kaye rebuild her relationships with those she loves most at the Shore House?
This was a very enjoyable summer book. It has everything in it you would enjoy reading while relaxing by the pool, on a chair at the beach or soaking in the sun on your porch. The only thing I think it could’ve improved on was the ending. It seemed like there was sooo much buildup to the underlying issues that Kaye had with everyone seemed to just be suddenly gone and forget about. I wish the author would’ve spent a little more time on the forgiving part of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
Kaye manages to corral her adult children Stacy and Brad into spending the summer on the Jersey Shore (oh the beach!). She wants them to spend time with her, as well as with their dad Chase, who had a heart attack a few years back. Kaye is a helicopter mother/wife for sure and this poses a problem for Stacy, who is pregnant and has two kids. Stacey's dealing with her own issues; her husband Ryan is always at work and she's thinking about her own place in the world. She never got along especially well with Kaye but this summer....Brad, btw, isn't really a player in this story, nor is Chase but rather backdrop to the Stacey-Kaye relationship. There isn't a deep dark secret here (as there often is in books of this genre) but these two need to overcome themselves. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
July 21, 2020
The Shore House by Heidi Hostetter, published by Bookouture, is a stand-alone romance novel with a twist and the story made it difficult for me to rate it. An emotional and uplifting pageturner, promised in the blurb - and I wholeheartedly agree. It's a complex story, spans a family and all her members.
Meet Kaye Bennett, her husband Chase, their children Brad and Stacy, a sil and grandchildren. That's a lot of plottwists, believe me.
Kaye is the matriarch and she handles/rules her family with an velvet fist - annoying nearly everyone. And I wasn't her biggest fan too.
Only the secondary characters made her bearable to me. Stacy, Chase and the sil are great characters and I loved to connect with them.
The Shore House is a slow burn, with great writing and a captivating storyline. 4,5 stars.
Meet Kaye Bennett, her husband Chase, their children Brad and Stacy, a sil and grandchildren. That's a lot of plottwists, believe me.
Kaye is the matriarch and she handles/rules her family with an velvet fist - annoying nearly everyone. And I wasn't her biggest fan too.
Only the secondary characters made her bearable to me. Stacy, Chase and the sil are great characters and I loved to connect with them.
The Shore House is a slow burn, with great writing and a captivating storyline. 4,5 stars.
June 14, 2020
The Shore House is an enjoyable read. Kaye's family spent every summer at the beach in. New Jersey. She wants to rekindle the tradition after three years. Her husband's heart attack turned Kaye into a helicopter wife and its stifling Chase. Stacy has never gotten along with her mother and now she's spe ding the entire summer in the same house with her. Even her brother Brad begins to show initiative after getting rid of a bothersome girlfriend. I liked all the characters amd laughed during scenes when Kaye got really annoyed with Iona. I can smell the salt air, hear the waves crash, and feel,the sand beneath my feet, I love the cover too. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2020
This is the debut book in the new "Dewberry Beach Series" by author Heidi Hostetter. Thank. you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
We are introduced to the perfect summer read. The matriarch of the Bennett family has asked her children and grandchildren to gather at the family beach house for the summer on the picturesque Jersey shore. As the family arrives it is clear no one is getting along or wants to join into a family summer holiday. As truths are spoken and family problems come to light each person in the family rediscovers the joy of family and spending time together at the shore amid the waves and sun to restore their souls.
A very enjoyable read. The perfect summer read for quarantine.
We are introduced to the perfect summer read. The matriarch of the Bennett family has asked her children and grandchildren to gather at the family beach house for the summer on the picturesque Jersey shore. As the family arrives it is clear no one is getting along or wants to join into a family summer holiday. As truths are spoken and family problems come to light each person in the family rediscovers the joy of family and spending time together at the shore amid the waves and sun to restore their souls.
A very enjoyable read. The perfect summer read for quarantine.
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