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Oceanside #2
A Walk Along the Beach
Two sisters must learn from each other’s strengths and trust in the redeeming power of love in a touching new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.
Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.
Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk.
Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.
The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.
Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.
Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk.
Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.
9 pages, Audiobook
First published July 14, 2020
4011 people are currently reading
8944 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 books20.8k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,558 reviews
July 24, 2020
4.25 teary heart swelling stars
After their mother's death and their father deep grief, Willa Lakey was left to raise not only herself but her younger siblings, Harper and Lucas. Then her sister Harper was diagnosed with Cancer and once again, Willa put her life on hold to nurse her sister through it. Now Willa runs a successful bakery/coffee shop and life is beginning to show promise. She has a customer who has turned her eye, and her business is growing strong. The only thing that stresses her out is her sister's insistence in pushing herself with a goal of climbing Mount Rainier.
Sean O'Malley is a freelance photographer who is a frequent customer at Willa's coffee shop and bakery. He is quite smitten with her and hopes she is willing to take a chance on a man who travels often for work.
This is family and romance Debbie Macomber style. I do not read her books often, but when I do, I always enjoy them. In this book she covers several topics: stray animals, starting over, being your own boss, going after your goals, coping with loss, cancer, death, and of course, walks along the beach.
As always, she sucked me in with her likable characters, engaging and riveting plot, a bandit dog, and compelling storytelling. This was a fast read for me as I wanted to know what was going to happen. I was the proverbial fly on the wall watching as the various characters each had their own relationship issues and challenges. Willa became a parentified child when her Mother died and has sense struggled with being less of a mothering figure and more of a sister to her siblings but especially her sister, Harper. I thought Macomber handled this very well.
Fans of Macomber will be incredibly happy with this book. She does handle tough subjects with grace. Fans of Macomber also know she does not use excessive language or gratuitous scenes in her books. Romance books are all about the journey as we typically know how the book is going to end -even though the ending is predictable, it was enjoyable and just I wanted. My only complaint is that with most romance books - after they work out the conflict there is that rushed ending. Nothing in this book felt rushed until the very, very end. Which of course was upsetting because I wanted to spend just a little bit longer with these characters. Otherwise, this was a solid book which had me reaching for the Kleenexes and wishing I had on my waterproof mascara.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
After their mother's death and their father deep grief, Willa Lakey was left to raise not only herself but her younger siblings, Harper and Lucas. Then her sister Harper was diagnosed with Cancer and once again, Willa put her life on hold to nurse her sister through it. Now Willa runs a successful bakery/coffee shop and life is beginning to show promise. She has a customer who has turned her eye, and her business is growing strong. The only thing that stresses her out is her sister's insistence in pushing herself with a goal of climbing Mount Rainier.
Sean O'Malley is a freelance photographer who is a frequent customer at Willa's coffee shop and bakery. He is quite smitten with her and hopes she is willing to take a chance on a man who travels often for work.
This is family and romance Debbie Macomber style. I do not read her books often, but when I do, I always enjoy them. In this book she covers several topics: stray animals, starting over, being your own boss, going after your goals, coping with loss, cancer, death, and of course, walks along the beach.
As always, she sucked me in with her likable characters, engaging and riveting plot, a bandit dog, and compelling storytelling. This was a fast read for me as I wanted to know what was going to happen. I was the proverbial fly on the wall watching as the various characters each had their own relationship issues and challenges. Willa became a parentified child when her Mother died and has sense struggled with being less of a mothering figure and more of a sister to her siblings but especially her sister, Harper. I thought Macomber handled this very well.
Fans of Macomber will be incredibly happy with this book. She does handle tough subjects with grace. Fans of Macomber also know she does not use excessive language or gratuitous scenes in her books. Romance books are all about the journey as we typically know how the book is going to end -even though the ending is predictable, it was enjoyable and just I wanted. My only complaint is that with most romance books - after they work out the conflict there is that rushed ending. Nothing in this book felt rushed until the very, very end. Which of course was upsetting because I wanted to spend just a little bit longer with these characters. Otherwise, this was a solid book which had me reaching for the Kleenexes and wishing I had on my waterproof mascara.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 4, 2021
I listen to this book on audiobook, and I really love both the narrators (Sandy Rustin and Roger Wayne). Now, On to the story... I really loved the story. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors and I buy her books without looking at what the book is about. This book is nothing like her our books, and It was not what I was thinking it would be. I have to say I loved it, and It is now one of my new favorite books. This book is about a family dealing with cancer and grief. Also the main character finding love during dealing with all her grief. I normally feel Debbie books light and fluffy, but this book covers a hard topic and not light and fluffy. I also brought my Grandmother the audiobook of this book, and she says that she loved it.
June 7, 2020
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED this book!! The development of the characters in the first half along with the pace makes you feel as if there is a nice story to unfold as the characters are so likable. But at the halfway point......POW......the story takes a turn and you are on a roller coaster of emotions.
Willa is the sister to Harper and Sean and she also had the role of parent when her mother died when they were young. Their father is still alive but a part of him never survived their mother's passing which put the weight of the world on Willa's shoulders. After their mom died, Harper learned she had cancer and while she survived, the battle to beat it took an emotional toll on the family. Harper is emboldened and wants to take risks and live with no regrets. Enev though it's been years of remission for Harper, Willa can't seem to move forward. She is constantly worried and is putting her needs last. Harper is helping Willa with her business at a coffee shop and notices a male customer who seems to have eyes for Willa. Willa can't believe this as she sees Harper as the "beautiful" sister. Sean is attracted to Willa and can't seem to find the courage to ask her out until Harper forces the two to interact. The two admit their attraction from there and decide to see where this chemistry can lead them. Their courtship is very sweet and he wants her to know how beautiful she is and that he is "all-in" with their relationship.
But their relationship gets tested on a couple of fronts and Willa is not sure their relationship can withstand the pressure. She is faced with some news that will change her life and not sure if she has the strength to weather through this. The second half of the book does an amazing job of detailing the tough events that occur and if you have walked in the shoes of the character, you will recognize the care that the author took to get the details right. This was an emotional story that I read in one sitting. Well done.
I LOVED this book!! The development of the characters in the first half along with the pace makes you feel as if there is a nice story to unfold as the characters are so likable. But at the halfway point......POW......the story takes a turn and you are on a roller coaster of emotions.
Willa is the sister to Harper and Sean and she also had the role of parent when her mother died when they were young. Their father is still alive but a part of him never survived their mother's passing which put the weight of the world on Willa's shoulders. After their mom died, Harper learned she had cancer and while she survived, the battle to beat it took an emotional toll on the family. Harper is emboldened and wants to take risks and live with no regrets. Enev though it's been years of remission for Harper, Willa can't seem to move forward. She is constantly worried and is putting her needs last. Harper is helping Willa with her business at a coffee shop and notices a male customer who seems to have eyes for Willa. Willa can't believe this as she sees Harper as the "beautiful" sister. Sean is attracted to Willa and can't seem to find the courage to ask her out until Harper forces the two to interact. The two admit their attraction from there and decide to see where this chemistry can lead them. Their courtship is very sweet and he wants her to know how beautiful she is and that he is "all-in" with their relationship.
But their relationship gets tested on a couple of fronts and Willa is not sure their relationship can withstand the pressure. She is faced with some news that will change her life and not sure if she has the strength to weather through this. The second half of the book does an amazing job of detailing the tough events that occur and if you have walked in the shoes of the character, you will recognize the care that the author took to get the details right. This was an emotional story that I read in one sitting. Well done.
May 4, 2020
Gahhhh the ending was too quick. I wanted more of them together finally. 4.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The queen of conversation and small-town life has brought together another wonderful story. This one is definitely a story that pulls on your heartstrings and became an emotional read.
With family being the top of the list for most people, reading through this story about illness and loss was sometimes tough. And while the strength of a good strong person next to you can sometimes help, many times we have to go out alone.
With strong characters and great love for one another, the story of just every day people hit home for me. I shed many tears towards the end of the book and while I wished the ending was longer, I guess I should be happy for the ending we were given. But I did want more. I felt it was very abrupt and I wasn’t expecting that to be the ending.
McComber gives us some down home comfort with the sense of close knit family and community in this beautiful story. Plenty of conversation and chitchat makes you feel right at home.
Definitely check out A Walk Along the Beach this summer if you love a great McComber story.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-walk-along...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The queen of conversation and small-town life has brought together another wonderful story. This one is definitely a story that pulls on your heartstrings and became an emotional read.
With family being the top of the list for most people, reading through this story about illness and loss was sometimes tough. And while the strength of a good strong person next to you can sometimes help, many times we have to go out alone.
With strong characters and great love for one another, the story of just every day people hit home for me. I shed many tears towards the end of the book and while I wished the ending was longer, I guess I should be happy for the ending we were given. But I did want more. I felt it was very abrupt and I wasn’t expecting that to be the ending.
McComber gives us some down home comfort with the sense of close knit family and community in this beautiful story. Plenty of conversation and chitchat makes you feel right at home.
Definitely check out A Walk Along the Beach this summer if you love a great McComber story.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-walk-along...
July 13, 2020
Having read several books by Debbie Macomber and really enjoying them I was excited to be able to pick up her latest contemporary romance A Walk Along the Beach. Of course what I expected was some really solid writing and she did not disappoint yet again.
Willa Lakey grew up rather fast when her mother passed away and Willa took over the motherly role to her brother and sister. While Willa kept the family pulled together things were not easy as her younger sister Harper was diagnosed with a serious illness. Thankfully though Harper survived and the sisters grew even closer.
Now Willa runs her own coffee shop working long hours as Harper lives life on the edge always keeping her sister nervous with worry. When Sean O’Malley walks into Willa’s shop Harper is sure he has his eye on Willa and to her delight he does ask her out. Just as Sean and Willa are starting a relationship though Willa gets some news that rocks her world.
So I’ll begin this with a confession, one thing about contemporary romance for me is I often find myself rolling my eyes at the inevitable conflict that will occur. Quite often I think to myself that the character is overreacting but when it came to A Walk Along the Beach I could so feel for Willa as the book became quite heartbreaking and moving and I just wanted to hug her. This however made me question if maybe the romance wasn’t quite up to what I normally feel for this author’s characters but by the end I did enjoy the story enough to still rate at four stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Willa Lakey grew up rather fast when her mother passed away and Willa took over the motherly role to her brother and sister. While Willa kept the family pulled together things were not easy as her younger sister Harper was diagnosed with a serious illness. Thankfully though Harper survived and the sisters grew even closer.
Now Willa runs her own coffee shop working long hours as Harper lives life on the edge always keeping her sister nervous with worry. When Sean O’Malley walks into Willa’s shop Harper is sure he has his eye on Willa and to her delight he does ask her out. Just as Sean and Willa are starting a relationship though Willa gets some news that rocks her world.
So I’ll begin this with a confession, one thing about contemporary romance for me is I often find myself rolling my eyes at the inevitable conflict that will occur. Quite often I think to myself that the character is overreacting but when it came to A Walk Along the Beach I could so feel for Willa as the book became quite heartbreaking and moving and I just wanted to hug her. This however made me question if maybe the romance wasn’t quite up to what I normally feel for this author’s characters but by the end I did enjoy the story enough to still rate at four stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 2, 2025
The cover of this book made me want to jump right into the scene 🌊, and the story did not disappoint! 🌸🏡 Debbie Macomber delivers such a heartfelt, emotional story about love, loss, and the moments that can change everything in a heartbeat. 💔❤️🩹
The characters felt so real, like people we all know, and I was completely drawn into their lives. I loved that the story included both a dog and a cat; they added just the right amount of lightness and joy when things got heavy. 🐾 This story made me laugh, cry, and reflect on my own family and what matters most.
If you’re in the mood for a beautiful, emotional read that feels like a warm hug (with a few tears 🥲along the way), this book is just perfect. 📖✨
The characters felt so real, like people we all know, and I was completely drawn into their lives. I loved that the story included both a dog and a cat; they added just the right amount of lightness and joy when things got heavy. 🐾 This story made me laugh, cry, and reflect on my own family and what matters most.
If you’re in the mood for a beautiful, emotional read that feels like a warm hug (with a few tears 🥲along the way), this book is just perfect. 📖✨
July 27, 2020
I wonder if Debbie Macomber is still writing the books with her name on them. This book did not read like it was written by a seasoned author, but rather someone who was just learning. The text was so simplistic that I skimmed most of the book. I also found the story to be lacking. The relationship between the Willa and Sean was never fully developed.
I haven't really enjoyed a book by Debbie Macomber in awhile, luckily I read her books through the library, but this could be my last one because I'm just not enjoying them like I used to.
I haven't really enjoyed a book by Debbie Macomber in awhile, luckily I read her books through the library, but this could be my last one because I'm just not enjoying them like I used to.
August 25, 2020
It's difficult to rate a book like this! It's a romance novel with a wonderful Pacific northwest setting. The catch? Cancer... I hate this C word. So in a way it was depressing. I don't think I was in the mood for that part of the story. Overall I liked it, except the C.
A Walk Along the Beach was written in memory of the author's best friend Christina Skye.
A Walk Along the Beach was written in memory of the author's best friend Christina Skye.
January 30, 2026
A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber gently unfolds the lives of the Lakey family in coastal Oceanside, centering on sisters Willa and Harper who have weathered profound loss and hardship together since their mother’s death and their father’s struggle with alcoholism. Willa, now the nurturing owner of a bakery and coffee shop, finds her carefully ordered life upended when she meets Sean O’Malley, an adventurous freelance photographer whose charm both excites and unnerves her, while her free‑spirited sister Harper pursues life with fearless enthusiasm. As they face fresh challenges, including Harper’s ongoing health concerns and Willa’s tentative steps toward love, they discover that family bonds and shared courage matter most in life’s hardest moments.
For me, the heart of this book lies in its honest look at love mixed with worry, and how hope persists even when relationships and futures feel uncertain. Macomber’s style feels warm and intimate, and I found her portrayal of sisters supporting each other deeply affecting, though some emotional turns are heavy and the pacing occasionally lingers. It is a book that moved me, tender yet real in its portrayal of healing, risk, and devotion.
Rating: 4 out of 5, because its emotional depth and family focus made it resonate long after the last page.
For me, the heart of this book lies in its honest look at love mixed with worry, and how hope persists even when relationships and futures feel uncertain. Macomber’s style feels warm and intimate, and I found her portrayal of sisters supporting each other deeply affecting, though some emotional turns are heavy and the pacing occasionally lingers. It is a book that moved me, tender yet real in its portrayal of healing, risk, and devotion.
Rating: 4 out of 5, because its emotional depth and family focus made it resonate long after the last page.
September 21, 2020
I was so disappointed with this book. All the gloom and doom and dying it was just to much. I read to escape reality not to be sad and upset.
Just one persons opinion. It was not a good read for me.
Just one persons opinion. It was not a good read for me.
July 24, 2020
Let's start by saying two things - I have read all of the Blossom Street and Cedar Cove series and I didn't finish this book. I stopped after 100 pages; I just couldn't read anymore. The relationship in the book starts off strangely and soon they are calling each other babe after one date and taking a day long car trip to missing one another with such longing. If this is taking place over the span of a week, these two adults, after all of their life experiences and focus on their businesses, have some issues. I wanted to love this book as I have all her others as a comfort read to cleanse my mind after some other mentally harder books. I wanted to love this book because it's set in my area with familiar landmarks, but I just couldn't. Now some might be saying stick with it, it ends really wonderfully, but alas, there are so many books in the world to read, ones that I will be engrossed and begging to read, so this one will have to be a pass.
April 10, 2021
This is a women's fiction. I listen to this book on audiobook, and I really love both the narrators (Sandy Rustin and Roger Wayne). Now, On to the story... I really loved the story. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors and I buy her books without looking at what the book is about. This book is nothing like her our books, and It was not what I was thinking it would be. I have to say I loved it, and It is now one of my new favorite books. This book is about a family dealing with cancer and grief. Also the main character finding love during dealing with all her grief. I normally feel Debbie books light and fluffy, but this book covers a hard topic and not light and fluffy. I also brought my Grandmother the audiobook of this book, and she says that she loved it. (*)
June 1, 2020
I usually love Macomber-her stories just help me to escape to another place where everything works out all right. I just couldn't warm to the main character in this one-Willa. She's had a lot of tragedy in her life which I sympathized with but the insta-love that hero Sean has for her is never really cemented for me. The central storyline was hard to read but that's okay. I'm just not sure if I could understand either of the reactions to it-the hero's or the heroine's. I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling the story. Others have loved it so it must just be me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC in return for my honest review.
April 23, 2020
This book is set in a small coastal town in Washington, and is about two sisters that share a close bond, as well as being roommates. Willa has taken on the role of Mom in raising her brother and sister, Harper. Now an adult, Harper lives with Willa and helps run her bakery/coffee-shop.
While Willa is falling in love with a cute customer, Sean, Harper learns that her illness is back and she has to fight for her life.
This was a sweet story of sisterhood, love and heartbreak. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love with the ocean side town. This book hit an emotional place in me, and I just didn't want it to end. The author is a long time favorite of mine, and this new story definitely didn't disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
While Willa is falling in love with a cute customer, Sean, Harper learns that her illness is back and she has to fight for her life.
This was a sweet story of sisterhood, love and heartbreak. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love with the ocean side town. This book hit an emotional place in me, and I just didn't want it to end. The author is a long time favorite of mine, and this new story definitely didn't disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
July 5, 2020
This is a very emotional read that covers what a family goes through when a family member is diagnosed with a serious illness. The Lakey family has been through a lot starting with the loss of their mother years before. Willa became a substitute mom when their father was so depressed that he disappeared in a bottle of alcohol. Willa, brother, Lucas, and youngest sister, Harper are close, brought closer when Harper is diagnosed with Leukemia. She is a spunky extravert, has been free of cancer for three years and wants to conquer the world, starting with climbing Mt. Rainier. Lucas and Chantelle are to be married in the near future. Willa has a successful coffee shop, Bean There. When Sean O'Malley walks in her shop, the two are drawn together. But Sean's career as a photographer takes him around the world, especially when Willa needs him. Their dad is doing better with a steady job, trying to stay away from the bottle.
Life is going good for the Lakey family until it isn't. This story rings true with real characters that are relatable and a situation all too common, unfortunately. Set in Oceanside, on the lovely coast of Washington state, a walk along the beach is an important place to think and get away. We also see familiar people recurring from the prior story, Cottage by the Sea. Emotions run the gamut: happiness, fear, sadness, hope, anger, forgiveness, faith, and above all, love. Debbie Macomber has dedicated this heartfelt story to a best friend that she lost to cancer, another author that I read years ago, Christina Skye. This is a sad but uplifting story of hope and new beginnings.
I received a complimentary ARC from Random House Publishing and Ballentine Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Life is going good for the Lakey family until it isn't. This story rings true with real characters that are relatable and a situation all too common, unfortunately. Set in Oceanside, on the lovely coast of Washington state, a walk along the beach is an important place to think and get away. We also see familiar people recurring from the prior story, Cottage by the Sea. Emotions run the gamut: happiness, fear, sadness, hope, anger, forgiveness, faith, and above all, love. Debbie Macomber has dedicated this heartfelt story to a best friend that she lost to cancer, another author that I read years ago, Christina Skye. This is a sad but uplifting story of hope and new beginnings.
I received a complimentary ARC from Random House Publishing and Ballentine Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
July 20, 2020
This book is very emotional and have the kleenex ready.
The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness.
Now as adults Harper and Willa are roommates. Willa owns a coffee/bakery shop and Harper is a yoga instructor. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far.
Every morning Sean O’Malley comes into Willa's shop for coffee. He would like to ask her out but he is shy. One morning Harper is also there and invites him to sit with Harper and Willa. Willa and Sean become close but they both have busy careers and Willa has her sister, brother and father to watch out for.
Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.
All I can say is this book left me a mess. Both sisters are strong but Willa can be pigheaded and Sean is a great guy but puts his career first which makes Willa upset at times. Can they overcome everything to be together?
I received this from NetGalley for review and I love Debbie Macomber's books so I had to grab this one.
#awalkalongthebeach #netgalley #debbiemacomber
The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness.
Now as adults Harper and Willa are roommates. Willa owns a coffee/bakery shop and Harper is a yoga instructor. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far.
Every morning Sean O’Malley comes into Willa's shop for coffee. He would like to ask her out but he is shy. One morning Harper is also there and invites him to sit with Harper and Willa. Willa and Sean become close but they both have busy careers and Willa has her sister, brother and father to watch out for.
Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.
All I can say is this book left me a mess. Both sisters are strong but Willa can be pigheaded and Sean is a great guy but puts his career first which makes Willa upset at times. Can they overcome everything to be together?
I received this from NetGalley for review and I love Debbie Macomber's books so I had to grab this one.
#awalkalongthebeach #netgalley #debbiemacomber
July 30, 2020
Not one of my favorite Macomber books. For me, it was kind of schmaltzy and predictable.
August 7, 2020
This book doesn’t feel like a seasoned writer’s work. Is this really Debbie Macomber? Parts read like a research paper followed by simplistic sentences. The relationship development between the female and male protagonists was lacking. The book is told from first person dual point of view. Expectations were a little high for a new relationship while communication was really low. While some of the communication issues were due to Sean’s job involving working in remote places, some of the main issues developed from Willa just not picking up the phone or responding to texts. I liked the supporting characters, which was exactly what Willa needed, though their presence almost seemed superfluous. In addition, I had some serious issue with certain points in the story. Maybe it’s because I was a career woman and have a husband who is extremely passionate about his career.
August 7, 2020
Keep the tissues close by as you are reading A WALK ALONG THE BEACH by Debbie Macomber. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Willa and Sean after so much heartache! What an awesome story. All of Debbie’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartbreak a person can stand before they completely break down and shatter.
A WALK ALONG THE BEACH is all about family and the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. Willa has been taking care of her younger sister Harper since their mom passed away and their dad pretty much checked out. She has turned into a complete helicopter sister/mom and is driving Harper crazy! I laughed and cried while reading, sometimes On the very same page. A WALK ALONG THE BEACH is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down!
A WALK ALONG THE BEACH is without a doubt one of the most memorable books I’ve read in 2020 so far. Willa has a successful coffee shop, Bean There. When Sean O’Malley walks in her shop, the two are drawn together. But, when traumatic and tragic events occur, the lives of all of the characters are forever altered. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Debbie Macomber really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness, which is why she has been an auto buy author for me for many years! I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have many of her older books to read and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A WALK ALONG THE BEACH is all about family and the past and the secrets that come out are heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. Willa has been taking care of her younger sister Harper since their mom passed away and their dad pretty much checked out. She has turned into a complete helicopter sister/mom and is driving Harper crazy! I laughed and cried while reading, sometimes On the very same page. A WALK ALONG THE BEACH is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down!
A WALK ALONG THE BEACH is without a doubt one of the most memorable books I’ve read in 2020 so far. Willa has a successful coffee shop, Bean There. When Sean O’Malley walks in her shop, the two are drawn together. But, when traumatic and tragic events occur, the lives of all of the characters are forever altered. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Debbie Macomber really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness, which is why she has been an auto buy author for me for many years! I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have many of her older books to read and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 30, 2020
I didn't feel for the characters which, for me, is most important in a story like this. The love story didn't move me. The sisters had more of a mother/ daughter relationship which just doesn't work
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc
July 25, 2021
ספר כ"כ טוב!!! מהרגע שהתחלתי לקרוא לא הצלחתי להוריד אותו מהיד עד הסוף. הפסקתי את הקריאה רק כדי לנגב את הדמעות מהעיניים. ואוו! דבי מקומבר יודעת לכתוב מערכות יחסים ורגשות.
הספר מתמקד בוילה שאיבדה את אמה בגיל 13 ומאז דואגת לאחותה הקטנה הארפר. וילה מנהלת בית קפה בעיירה אושן סייד. היא רצינית ואחראית ונושאת את כל העולם על הכתפיים שלה. הארפר היא קלילה חברותית ועליזה שמנסה לבלוע את כל העולם מאז שהחלימה מסרטן.
הספר מתמקד בעיקר במערכת היחסים בין וילה להארפר אבל גם במערכת היחסים בין וילה לשון, שחקן בייסבול לשעבר שפרש ועכשיו עובד כצלם פרילנסר.
אני יודעת שהתקציר שלי נשמע משעמם, אבל לא רוצה להרוס לאף אחד את הספר. פשוט תאמינו לי שהוא נפלא ושבכיתי חצי ספר.
הספר מתמקד בוילה שאיבדה את אמה בגיל 13 ומאז דואגת לאחותה הקטנה הארפר. וילה מנהלת בית קפה בעיירה אושן סייד. היא רצינית ואחראית ונושאת את כל העולם על הכתפיים שלה. הארפר היא קלילה חברותית ועליזה שמנסה לבלוע את כל העולם מאז שהחלימה מסרטן.
הספר מתמקד בעיקר במערכת היחסים בין וילה להארפר אבל גם במערכת היחסים בין וילה לשון, שחקן בייסבול לשעבר שפרש ועכשיו עובד כצלם פרילנסר.
אני יודעת שהתקציר שלי נשמע משעמם, אבל לא רוצה להרוס לאף אחד את הספר. פשוט תאמינו לי שהוא נפלא ושבכיתי חצי ספר.
September 1, 2020
I've never read Debbie Macomber before and if this is a representation of her writing, I'm not interested. I hate to say that but the writing was very simplistic, repetitive, and had no beautiful descriptions or reflections. The premise of the story was engaging and I was touched by the dedication. But the rest of the story did not work for me.
Also, the plot was not believable and the pacing was off. This book features my biggest pet peeve with romance... Men knowing better what women need than they do. When a woman breaks up with a man, stalking her until she relents is not the way to go. Nothing about this love story felt sweet or believable to me. Unfortunately, it was a cringe fest.
Also, the plot was not believable and the pacing was off. This book features my biggest pet peeve with romance... Men knowing better what women need than they do. When a woman breaks up with a man, stalking her until she relents is not the way to go. Nothing about this love story felt sweet or believable to me. Unfortunately, it was a cringe fest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2020
(free review copy) CLASSIC Macomber! I've been a DM fan for decades now and can always trust that her books will let me escape my world to a heartfelt, safe fictional world. A Walk Along the Beach did not disappoint, and brought me to tears numerous times. There was one tiny part of one of the characters and that character's actions that bugged me, but overall, this will be a hit for fans of the author's other works. It is in the same world as her title from a few years ago, "A Cottage By the Sea" and I will say that I think this one is a lot richer than that. Happy reading!
May 6, 2020
Willa runs a small coffee shop on Oceanside, WA, and shares an apartment with her sister Harper, a yoga instructor who is a cancer survivor. Harper encourages Willa to get to know one of her customers, Sean, and they start dating. But then Harper appears to be getting sick again, and Sean is always traveling for his work. Will Sean be there for Willa when she needs him? Can Harper beat cancer for a second time? Debbie writes another novel with well-drawn characters you'll care about. Thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC.
August 6, 2021
I found this book relatable as one who sat by the bedsides of, first, my best friend and then my sister--both now passed on to heaven--as they waged their cancer battles. What I enjoyed most about this story is the perspective that grief is real and powerful, but so his hope. And that life after loss can be full and good.
There's one aspect where Debbie Macomber's books remind me of Jan Karon's. The people in the books deal with real life problems and consequences without all the graphic details having to be spelled out for the reader.
Something I love about tracking my reading here on Goodreads, is that I can look through my yearly Goodreads Challenge and see all kinds of stories. Some judged more perfect and powerful than others by the typical reader. But I've received something from each one of them. I try to judge each book on its own merits and not compare.
Here's my GR rating policy: If a story is DNF or 3 or below, I typically do not rate it here. It's too discouraging for the authors. So you'll see lots of 4's & 5's from me because I love stories & appreciate the ones who tell them :)
(Also, I go through books quickly because of Audible. I listen during my hour & a half round trip to school, while grading papers, when I can't sleep--you get the picture!)
There's one aspect where Debbie Macomber's books remind me of Jan Karon's. The people in the books deal with real life problems and consequences without all the graphic details having to be spelled out for the reader.
Something I love about tracking my reading here on Goodreads, is that I can look through my yearly Goodreads Challenge and see all kinds of stories. Some judged more perfect and powerful than others by the typical reader. But I've received something from each one of them. I try to judge each book on its own merits and not compare.
Here's my GR rating policy: If a story is DNF or 3 or below, I typically do not rate it here. It's too discouraging for the authors. So you'll see lots of 4's & 5's from me because I love stories & appreciate the ones who tell them :)
(Also, I go through books quickly because of Audible. I listen during my hour & a half round trip to school, while grading papers, when I can't sleep--you get the picture!)
July 31, 2020
I laughed and I cried! Great book. I consider this is a book that mimics real life. We all have issues at one time or other with family and relationships. While this is not a prescription on how to mend relationships, it is relatable.
Willa and Harper are sisters. Willa is the "stable" one, the big sister who has taken on a lot of responsibility because she loves her family. She raised Harper, the younger sister. Harper is full of life and wants to do it all. But she has had some tough times of her own. Add to this a love interest for Willa and you have a beautiful, sometimes painful, story.
I loved this book. The author brought my own family to mind as I was reading. The memories it brought back were heartrending! I literally cried tears for these characters! I truly recommend this book. It is beautiful!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine to read this amazing book and provide an honest review.
Willa and Harper are sisters. Willa is the "stable" one, the big sister who has taken on a lot of responsibility because she loves her family. She raised Harper, the younger sister. Harper is full of life and wants to do it all. But she has had some tough times of her own. Add to this a love interest for Willa and you have a beautiful, sometimes painful, story.
I loved this book. The author brought my own family to mind as I was reading. The memories it brought back were heartrending! I literally cried tears for these characters! I truly recommend this book. It is beautiful!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine to read this amazing book and provide an honest review.
July 14, 2021
It was okay. I read another book by this author and loved it. I was hoping for another heartfelt romance by the ocean, and that's what it was--but with more heartache involved. A little too much heartache for my current mood.
August 19, 2021
נחמד מאוד. הספר מתרחש באושנסייד, אותה עיירה מ"בית ליד הים" (וגם חלק מהדמויות מהספר ההוא מופיעות בספר הנוכחי).
וילה והארפר הן אחיות. בצעירותן אימן נפטרה, ואביהן התמוטט ופנה לאלכוהול בעקבות זאת. האח הגדול לוקאס התגייס לצבא, והארפר חלתה בלוקמיה. הכל היה על כתפיה של וילה. השנים עברו, וילה פתחה בית קפה ועסוקה בשמירה ופיתוח העסק שלה, ונראה שהמשפחה יחסית במצב יציב, אך וילה עדיין מלאה בחששות ובדאגות, ואכן דברים קורים... היא פוגשת ומתאהבת בשון, צלם עצמאי שנוסע הרבה בגלל עבודתו, ולכן פחות זמין לתמוך בוילה ובמה שהיא עוברת עם משפחתה, וזה גורם למשבר ביניהם. הספר נעים לקריאה אבל מאוד קיטשי וצפוי.
וילה והארפר הן אחיות. בצעירותן אימן נפטרה, ואביהן התמוטט ופנה לאלכוהול בעקבות זאת. האח הגדול לוקאס התגייס לצבא, והארפר חלתה בלוקמיה. הכל היה על כתפיה של וילה. השנים עברו, וילה פתחה בית קפה ועסוקה בשמירה ופיתוח העסק שלה, ונראה שהמשפחה יחסית במצב יציב, אך וילה עדיין מלאה בחששות ובדאגות, ואכן דברים קורים... היא פוגשת ומתאהבת בשון, צלם עצמאי שנוסע הרבה בגלל עבודתו, ולכן פחות זמין לתמוך בוילה ובמה שהיא עוברת עם משפחתה, וזה גורם למשבר ביניהם. הספר נעים לקריאה אבל מאוד קיטשי וצפוי.
November 26, 2024
My wife and I just drove from Kansas City to Oklahoma City and back to visit with her two sisters there. She suggested a Debbie Macomber audio book and I picked this from several at the library. Willa is a single young woman who owns and runs a coffee shop in a town on the Washington coast. She is pretty shy, while her younger sister is the beautiful and outgoing one in the family. They also have an engaged brother living nearby. They lost their mom to a stroke when Willa was 13, their dad decompensated and hit the bottle, and Willa suddenly became the grown-up keeping things running. Sean, a professional photographer who frequents Bean There, Willa's shop, starts to take an interest in Willa. Unfortunately, her younger sister has a relapse of leukemia and Willa's life is turned upside down. Her relationship with Sean which had been moving along nicely hits a major snag when he is away on assignment during her time of greatest need. The only spoiler I'll reference obliquely is that Macomber comes up with a very different kind of reconciliation scene with the main couple.
Macomber is a very talented writer and she had tears coming down my face a few times. Of the audio books we've listened to over the past several years, A Walk Along the Beach is my favorite. Unlike most men, I do enjoy romance stories - but I prefer too many other genres to read many romance novels.
Macomber is a very talented writer and she had tears coming down my face a few times. Of the audio books we've listened to over the past several years, A Walk Along the Beach is my favorite. Unlike most men, I do enjoy romance stories - but I prefer too many other genres to read many romance novels.
May 13, 2020
Debbie Macomber is one of those authors who writes books that you know you are going to love before you even start reading. She always has wonderful, real characters to connect with and a plot that will keep you reading. Her books have a few laughs and a few tears; a little romance and a lot of positive changes in the characters. A Walk Along the Beach is way more than the simple romances that she used to write - this one definitely fits in the Women's/Family Fiction category.
Willa's mother died when she was 13 and she had to become the mother to Lucas and Harper. She cooked and cleaned and tried to protect her siblings. Their father coped with his grief with alcohol so he wasn't helpful to the family at all. Now they are all grown up and Willa owns a coffee shop, Harper teaches yoga and Lucas lives with his wife. (Note - Lucas isn't a major part of the story line which mostly concentrates on the two sisters.) Willa and Harper share an apartment and are each other's best friend but are completely opposite - Willa is quiet and reserved while Harper is outgoing, happy and always looking for fun. Due to the cancer that Harper survived in her teens, Willa continues to try to be overprotective which results in some tension between them. Willa meets Sean at her coffee shop and soon they are dating. He is a free-lance photographer and is often away on photo shoots, not only in the US but in places like South America where it is difficult to find internet or cell phone availability. When Harper begins to get sick again and Willa needs someone to comfort her, Sean is out of the country and not able to communicate with her. She needs to decide if this is a relationship that she really wants or needs.
Debbie Macomber has brought her readers another wonderful novel with characters who are so well written that they seem like friends - characters that readers will laugh with and cry with and won't soon forget. The plot is emotional and full of love. The scenery near the beach in Washington State is lovely. And the bond between the two sisters is incredible. This is a story about family and friendship, heartache and love, illness and happiness, happy tears and sad tears.
Note: Be sure to have tissues at hand for the last half of the book - you're going to need them!
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Willa's mother died when she was 13 and she had to become the mother to Lucas and Harper. She cooked and cleaned and tried to protect her siblings. Their father coped with his grief with alcohol so he wasn't helpful to the family at all. Now they are all grown up and Willa owns a coffee shop, Harper teaches yoga and Lucas lives with his wife. (Note - Lucas isn't a major part of the story line which mostly concentrates on the two sisters.) Willa and Harper share an apartment and are each other's best friend but are completely opposite - Willa is quiet and reserved while Harper is outgoing, happy and always looking for fun. Due to the cancer that Harper survived in her teens, Willa continues to try to be overprotective which results in some tension between them. Willa meets Sean at her coffee shop and soon they are dating. He is a free-lance photographer and is often away on photo shoots, not only in the US but in places like South America where it is difficult to find internet or cell phone availability. When Harper begins to get sick again and Willa needs someone to comfort her, Sean is out of the country and not able to communicate with her. She needs to decide if this is a relationship that she really wants or needs.
Debbie Macomber has brought her readers another wonderful novel with characters who are so well written that they seem like friends - characters that readers will laugh with and cry with and won't soon forget. The plot is emotional and full of love. The scenery near the beach in Washington State is lovely. And the bond between the two sisters is incredible. This is a story about family and friendship, heartache and love, illness and happiness, happy tears and sad tears.
Note: Be sure to have tissues at hand for the last half of the book - you're going to need them!
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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