Stony Point Summer

The Seaside Saga #12

by Joanne DeMaio

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes Stony Point Summer, Book 12 of The Seaside Saga.

Jason and Maris, Shane and Celia, Elsa and the rest of the tangled cast of beach friends are back in their coastal New England town. A novel of summers sad and sweet, this episode further layers the ongoing storyline, as blue skies, lapping waves and swaying dune grasses belie all the drama to unfold.

The Seaside Saga Reading Order:
Book 1 - Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans
Book 2 - The Denim Blue Sea
Book 3 - Beach Blues
Book 4 - Beach Breeze
Book 5 - The Beach Inn
Book 6 - Beach Bliss
Book 7 - Castaway Cottage
Book 8 - Night Beach
Book 9 - Little Beach Bungalow
Book 10 - Every Summer
Book 11 - Salt Air Secrets
Book 12 - Stony Point Summer
Book 13 - The Beachgoers
Book 14 - Shore Road
Book 15 - The Wait
Book 16 - The Goodbye
Book 17 - The Barlows
Book 18 - The Visitor
Book 19 - Stairway to the Sea
And more Seaside Saga Books

Genres: Fiction

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

Joanne DeMaio is the prolific New York Times bestselling author of The Seaside Saga and other novels. She lives with her family in Connecticut and is currently at work on upcoming books.

Joanne enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor.

Reviews

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reuniting with friends

Returning to Stony Point is like returning home, reuniting with friends, enjoying the salt air. Stony Point Summer is full of secrets and betrayals, but running through it all are the connections between these characters. Sometimes the thread connecting them is fragile, causing heartache and friction—at other times their relationships are as strong as steel. The relationships in this book are not all romantic; we also explore the bonds, sometimes shaky, between brothers, friends, and family. One thing I love about this book and the others in this series, is that I feel like we get a glimpse into their hearts, knowing and feeling what they are experiencing. I also enjoyed that we got a present-day story, but we also got chapters that took us back through the years, getting insight into events and circumstances that shaped this group of friends. I look forward to reading the next book, and returning once again to this lovely beach community.

[Kim Bruce Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaside friends are back!! I couldn’t put it down!! I love how you gave snippets of their past when they were younger!! I can’t get enough of this series!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

STONY POINT SUMMER is the story of a group of long time friends on the shores of Long Island Sound in the idyllic seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut. They will do just about anything for a chance to strengthen the bonds of friendship. Joanne DeMaio easily captivates her readers’ attention with this beautifully written and emotional tale through a seamless and flowing storyline.

STONY POINT SUMMER will have you laughing out loud and snickering with the banter and sarcastic comments these people are involved in. I completely surrendered to the story and was lost in the sea of emotion and drama. All of the individual stories are interesting, heart wrenching and had me in anticipation from chapter to chapter. A fantastic book! I totally enjoyed reading about this group of friends and really liked how they’ve been there for each other for many years, through good and bad times. It was wonderful being transported to this small beach town and I want to go back again very soon!

Joanne DeMaio takes her time introducing you to each of the characters and their problems and how they are feeling. I immediately felt as if I knew them all and was right there at the bar hashing things out. In no time, I was totally sucked in to their lives and the issues they were dealing with. The plot is very interesting and had me turning the pages late into the night. I have never read this author before but after reading STONY POINT SUMMER, I’m looking forward to reading more of the previous books in this series. Be prepared not to do anything else once you start reading this well written and hopeful tale. I found myself thinking about all of these wonderful characters long after I finished reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Stony Point Summer, the beach friends' story continues where Salt Air Secrets, left off. Author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader back to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where the summer season is coming to a close. The story picks up during the Labor Day weekend, where our beach friends lives are like the tides, sometimes they keep moving and changing.

In Stony Point Summer, Author Joanne DeMaio easily captivates her readers' attention with this beautifully written tale through a seamless and flowing storyline, and with a wonderful description of a tranquil beach setting that wraps itself around the reader like a sun-warmed beach towel. The characters draw you into their lives with a strong emotional pull, their complexities and flaws are true-to-life, it is easy to relate to them with compassion, empathy, and hope.

Stony Point Summer is an intricate story of interweaving friendships, life events, and deeply held secrets and drama. It is a wonderful story that continues to demonstrate the power of the magical sweet salt air that will cure what ails you. In this installment in The Seaside Saga Series, the author weaves a story that alternates between the present and flashbacks to the beach friends' pasts. This segment of the beach friends' story can be described as a driftline: the way the friends met, how they are all connected, and how they drift in and out of each other's lives. The tangled connections among the beach friends are complex and intricate, emotional and sometimes volatile, loving and loyal.

This installment in the series held so much angst, you can't help but feel the full gamut of emotions as the author takes the reader back to the beginning of how the beach friends met and connected, and how each of the beach friends dealt with their secrets and life events. At the end of the prior book, Salt Air Secrets, the author teased her readers with a cliffhanger ending where Elsa received a certified letter just a few days away from the grand opening of her Ocean Star Inn, and she decided to keep the contents of the letter a secret, that is until the last sentence of the story when of course she whispered her secret into Maris' ear. Stony Point Summer opens up with Elsa's secret, but alas the reader is still kept in the dark, as once again the secret is still not revealed in this installment, and oh wait ... the author decides to add another cliffhanger ending ... Jason looks through his brother Neil's scrapbook and notices a mysterious beach binocular photo with a scant visual of a person ... who is it? We'll just have to wait and see what is revealed in The Beachgoers, the thirteenth installment of the series ... sigh.

So now that I have whet your interest in the beach friends latest comings and goings, drive under the railroad trestle and enter the enchanting beach town of Stony Point ... pull up a beach chair ... and visit with the close-knit longtime friends in author Joanne DeMaio's delightful novel, Stony Point Summer.

The Seaside Saga Series is a heartwarming series of stories of friendship, family, painful secrets, new beginnings and second chances. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a wonderful tale written in the third person narrative, that is set in the present with flashbacks to the past. The reader is transported to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where they follow along with Celia, Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle, Lauren, Nick, Elsa, Cliff, and Shane as their lives change like the tide's ebb and flow on their little tranquil coastal town.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was aaaaamazing. I now understand more about each characters backgrounds, how they all met, connected with each other, and how they dealt with the things they went through in the past and present times. I highly recommend the Seaside Saga to everyone.

[Kathie Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anothergreat installment of the seaside saga
But oh my gosh did it keave some serious cliff hangers
I will be unpatiently waiting fo rthe next book

[Penny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

STONY POINT SUMMER (Seaside Saga #12)
Author: Joanne DeMaio

The Seaside Saga Series is fantastic! It is truly a series I hope never comes to an end! Joanne DeMaio has crafted one of the best groups of characters to feature in this charming New England beach town. This close-knit group of friends support each other through difficult times and happy times. It is such a joy to reconnect with them in each new story.

STONY POINT SUMMER is unique! It moves back and forth smoothly from the past to the present, and I love the way it gives us a glimpse at past events.

Elsa is getting ready to open her Ocean Star Inn with the help of Celia, the mother of her grandchild. Sadly, Elsa’s son passed away before Celia gave birth, but Celia and Elsa maintain a strong bond. They work magnificently together, and are great friends.

Celia and Shane, a lobsterman who grew up in Stony Point, have started a New and exciting relationship, and they absolutely have Elsa’s blessing. Their chemistry is over the top, but they have long distance issues to address.

Jason and Maris continue to struggle in their marriage. He is still living at Ted’s cabin, but finally he and Maria have started dating and addressing their problems. There is so much love between them and their future looks hopeful. The whole Stony Point gang is pulling for their reunion.

This story leaves us with a huge cliffhanger. Elsa received a suspicious certified letter. She has told some of her friends about the content, but she hasn't revealed it to all of them yet. And Joanne hasn't given us a clue either. We still don't know if Jason and Maris are going to reunite. And we also don't know what is going to become of Celia and Shane’s long distance relationship.

I can't wait to drive under the railroad trestle in the next release and see what is happening with the beach town friends!

[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stony Point Summer by author Joanne DeMaio is the 12th book in her Seaside Saga series. It’s about a group of beach friends and their daily lives, with all their ups and downs of life while living on the sandy shores of the beautiful seaside town called Stony Point. The authors ability to describe the location so well that you actually feel you are right there, is worth the read alone. But it’s the characters that you really bond with and grow a deep connection and fondness to. To me, they don’t feel fictitious. It’s as if I was to travel to Connecticut I might just run into them. This particular book I really enjoyed because of the way the author alternately went back and forth in time with the chapters. By doing so, it really enlightened me as to exactly how things had taken place in the past that I had read about but didn’t fully comprehend. It was a real eye opener on so many aspects. It makes understanding the present so much clearer. However, once again, Joanne has left me with a cliffhanger. I’m not any good at figuring out mysteries because this book has left me puzzled about two things! One being, who is in that picture that Jason has, and secondly, what is the news that Elsa has to share with everyone? Oh, the mystery of it all! I guess I’ll just have to wait until the release of The Beachgoers on May, 10, 2021 to find out my answers. I’m sure you can tell this is a series that I really enjoy and highly recommend. If you haven’t started reading it yet, you really should. Between the sweet salt air, the waves lapping on the shore, and the rustling beach grasses, you’re in for a relaxing treat!

[Becky Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason and Maris, Shane and Celia, Elsa and the rest of the tangled cast of beach friends are back in their coastal New England town. A novel of summers sad and sweet, this episode further layers the ongoing storyline, as blue skies, lapping waves and swaying dune grasses await all the drama to unfold.
int Summer
Joanne DeMaio is one of the most prolific writers I know. I love how dedicated she is to her fans and the series we love so much. Stony Point Summer is the twelfth installment of The Seaside Saga and is my second favorite of the series. Earlier Joanne asked which character we would like to sit down with and get to know better. My response was Neil Barlow because we only knew him through the beach friends and low and behold who is sprinkled throughout #12 but Neil Barlow.
If you are looking for a series that evokes strong emotions, has some suspense, brings to life a cozy beach community and is an easy read The Seaside Saga is for you.
“The sweet salt air, cures what ails you.” Neil Barlow

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve now read all 12 books of the Seaside Saga & I’m still so very intrigued by the stories. Joanne writes so descriptively & keeps me interested in the story. Jason & Maris are still trying to repair their marriage. Elsa’s secret has not yet been revealed. I couldn’t put the book down!

I really liked the way the author gave the back story on the characters in this book. You learn more about their growing up years at Stony Point & how their relationships formed & evolved. It helps to better understand the complexity of their current relationships. It gives a lot more insight into who they are.

I anxiously await the next book, The Beachgoers. I hope it’s not too long until it is released. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love going back to this series. All of my Stony Point friends are there, continuing with their lives as the rest of the world keeps spinning around them. One book picks up where the last one left off, so I comfortably drop back in for a visit.

The setting is beautiful and relaxing, the company is friendly, and the life dramas continue as the reader comes to know more and more about each of the people in the community. We learn more about their pasts in this story and come to better understand what they are going through now.

I always enjoy Joanne's stories and I especially love this beach series. I'm always excited to go back. This is the perfect series to binge-read this summer! I highly recommend it!

[Kathy Bond · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this entry of the Stoney Point Friends series. In my opinion nothing happened in this novel to propel the story forward. Jason and Maris are STILL struggling to find their way as they have throughout this series, the certified letter is still a mystery, and there is too much rehashing of the Kyle/Lauren/Neil triangle which has been front and center in other books in the series. As a loyal reader, I feel a little let down with this entry, almost as if in a “holding pattern” nothing new here.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stony Point Summer by Joanne DeMaio is the twelfth in the 'Seaside Saga'. If you have not read any of the books previously, this book can be read as a stand-alone book. I have always enjoyed reading this series. The characters seem like friends or neighbors. All the characters have a history since childhood or school days. As they have gotten older or matured into adults, they have developed more understanding and compassion it seems. They each have their own personal secrets.
I am going to say, I was disappointed that this book left two cliffhangers. I can understand one, the unnamed person in the old photograph, but it is just wrong to string a reader along for the WHOLE book with Elsa's problem and leave us hanging, still with no answer. I felt cheated as a reader investing hours into the lives of 'bookish friends'. There are more chapters reviewing scenes from previous books in the series. In these chapters from years past, the reader will understand more about the thoughts and actions of the characters for those particular events. As a reader of the other books in the series, I felt so much reviewing was a bit excessive.
Elsa and Celia are preparing for the grand opening of the Ocean Star Inn. The opening night is not included in this book. I hope it will be in the next book. I loved the chapter about the teenage sisters, June, and Elsa. The explanation of the ocean stars is so poetic.
Jason and Maris are having some problems. I hope Jason comes to terms with the death of his brother Neil and his insecurity of Maris being friends with Shane.
There are so many relationship tangles among all the friends through the years.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joanne DeMaio, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are ending leaving me in suspense. I'm caught up with what I have in the series. I need the next one...

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing....ordered this book so I would know what's in Elsa's letter. Not only was this not revealed, another cliff hanger with Jason. DeMaio seems to be continuing this series only to have you buy the next book.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sadly give this book two stars. I have enjoyed this series from the beginning but this one really showed us nothing new. Yes, we saw more details of the back stories such as Neil and Lauren’s romance, but even that is not new as we already know how it turns out. Yes, I like the scenic details of the ocean and beach. What I really do not like is how the author AGAIN leaves us hanging at the end, not resolving anything. The storyline in this book involves a certified letter received by Elsa that is supposedly going to change everything, to be revealed at the grand opening of the inn. The books moves along to the crescendo-and stops. No grand opening, no revelation of the contents of the letter. While a cliffhanger might be appropriate in a TV serial, I am increasingly feeling like this is a device to get readers to buy the next book (which continually get more and more expensive). Will I continue to read them? Probably. But I really feel frustrated and cheated by this one.

[F · Rating 2 out of 5]

TWO ENTIRE BOOKS now and the contents of Elsa's certified letter she received still not revealed (talk about a ploy to sell another book .... grrrr). I have begun to refer to each book as a week-long soap opera and in fact, I don't think STONY POINT SUMMER was even a week long. In this book, the author alternated one chapter in present time, next chapter in past time. I was not fond of that writing style. I have put on my bucket list though: (1) Louis Lunch, birthplace of hamburger, first sandwich sold in 1900 in New Haven; (2) 11' granite "V" Vietnam monument in New Haven, CT from Neil's description; and (3) drawbridge across Niantic River.

[Liz Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Joanne's writing. I absolutely love the characters in this series, but..............the last book ended and I expected an answer in this book. NOTHING.....disappointing that this is being drug out. Come on, I'm going to read the next book - but I'm not starting out happy.

[debbie leeson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Getting tired of not getting the story finished in one book!

[Lesley Perkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starting to dislike how these books don't really resolve anything and leave you hanging at the end.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Seaside Saga story. I read the paperback (not Kindle).
The Seaside gang is back time hopping from 44 years ago to present days as Elsa is waiting to open the Inn. Elsa has received some devastating news (spoiler...we do not find out what the news is...first cliffhanger) and we are teased throughout the story as she finally tells Celia and Maris BUT the reader will not find out in this edition. Meanwhile, we are taken back to when Elsa was in Italy with Sal, and Kyle, Shane, Neil and Jason meet as children, up to when Kyle and Lauren are ready to get married BUT there is a barrier ( won’t share this spoiler). Jason and Maris are trying to find their back together and Jason presents us with another cliffhanger at the end of the book. Now all I can do is wait for the May book The Beachgoers.
Enjoy!!!! I know you will.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stony Point Summer (The Seaside Saga Book 12) by Joanne DeMaio
This book holds a lot of secrets, not just current but from the past.
I didn't realize there was so many missing pieces to the puzzle still.
Happy to catch up with the gang as they go about their business and time off.
Especially like the interactions and for me learning about the ocean stars and driftline in further detail-SO treasured.
Love the new words throughout I learned also. So many very descriptive details of the water and smells, sights and sounds that come to life.
Can't wait to read more about the gang of friends who live and play together and have for many decades.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the seaside saga and can never get enough of my beach friends. Once you start reading about them you quickly feel like you are part of the gang. I have been waiting for Elsa to open her Inn, she received a letter but not sure what is in it but she was upset.

Love Jason and Maris. Jason moved out to think things through and get his head sorted so while he is gone Maris is up to some sorting out of her own and won't let Jason back in the house. Lots of excitement and storylines in this book. Along with a great cast of characters you get immersed in the story and forget everything else, even sleep. Check it out it's a really good book.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gives a broad background of the Stony Point crew. It's a unique experience as the author alternates chapters between the present day and the past. Since I have missed reading a few of the books it was a great way to catch up.

The mystery of the letter Elsa receives that will affect the inn and in turn she and Celia, was intriguing. It certainly will entice me to read the next book.

Although part of a series, this book introduces you to each of the characters providing great background. Great beach read!

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful to reunite with the “Beach” gang once again.New twists,plots and developments in the Stony Point saga.The author has such a descriptive writing skill that you can actually visualize that you are among the settings.Thoroughly enjoyed the “flashback” chapters which only solidifies the gangs connections to each other.Once again the little red sailboat comes into the story.The ever present ocean stars and trestle bridge connect as well,A new element is the drift line.Once you start reading it will be difficult to stop.The book fills you with anticipation to unanswered questions but leaves you hungry for more.Excellent saga to relish.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

There are two areas where the author has not answered, the readers have questions. The certified letter which was given to the owner of the Inn; what does the letter say? and the second thing unanswered is who is in the photograph that Neil had in his journal. Who is the person looking through the telescope? And the lady thing that the readers do not know how the big event goes, the grand opening of the inn, the party guests who came and who did not. I am anxiously awaiting the next book to be released so I may have my questions answered.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

We gain more insight into the early years of our beach friends in Stony Point Summer and also more of the secrets they have kept from each other for years. What will this summer hold for these friends? Will secrets be revealed, or will new heartache tear them further apart? Author, Joanne DeMaio teases us with this book reverting to the past and present day. But unfortunately, we must wait till May for her next release for some of the answers we desire. I received an advanced copy of this book and the comments and review are my honest opinion.

[Karen Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Joanne’s books - especially the beach series

I so enjoy all of Joanne’s books and she always answers a question or two that was left hanging from a previous book; however, this time was different. I wanted to know what was in the letter Elsa received or to have Maris and Jason closer to reconciling at least. Now another curve has been thrown into this story with the picture Jason found in Neil’s journal. I really hope these are addressed in book 13 - The Beachgoers. Come on May!

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Stony Point family. That’s what they have begun to feel like. It’s been fun to watch them grow up as it were and the changes they make to their lives. You know what they are doing and you know most of the secrets but there are still some waiting to be told in future books. You really need to get acquainted with this great group of people. You will love them to. Thanks Joanne for giving us another wonderful book!

[Christie Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I have loved the Stony Point gang since first picking up Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans. I thought I knew each character well, with their development through eleven books. Sandy Point Summer adds back stories, through flashback chapters, that add so much more depth. And of course, there’s the cliffhanger ending with each book, only this was not the one I was expecting. Suffice it to say that I’m anxiously awaiting The Beachgoers.