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Beware the Mermaids
Romance, betrayal, and an epic yacht race make Carrie Talick's debut novel perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Susan Mallery.
Hermosa Beach housewife Nancy Hadley is no pushover. So when her philandering husband, Roger, is caught in flagrante with an opportunistic widow on their racing sailboat, Nancy sticks it to him. She tells him she wants a divorce--with the sailboat, Bucephalus, part of the deal, too.
Roger would rather make Nancy's life a living hell than give up his boat. But Nancy has other plans. After moving out of their opulent home, she and her posse of girlfriends invest in a racing boat of their own to live on, and she teaches them the fine points of sailing. Meanwhile, and unbeknownst to Nancy, a big real estate development is under way that would destroy her beloved harbor and new home. When scheming Roger returns to ask Nancy to help capture the last committee vote--held by Nancy's old college friend--Nancy prepares for battle.
Nancy is not skittish about taking a few risks, so in a bold gambit, she makes a bet with Roger: a showdown in the thrilling Border Dash Race from Newport Harbor down to Ensenada, Mexico. The winner of the race will get everything they want.
The stage is set for the race of a lifetime--and the tantalizing possibility of new romance for Nancy--in a novel as heartwarming as it is breathlessly exciting.
Hermosa Beach housewife Nancy Hadley is no pushover. So when her philandering husband, Roger, is caught in flagrante with an opportunistic widow on their racing sailboat, Nancy sticks it to him. She tells him she wants a divorce--with the sailboat, Bucephalus, part of the deal, too.
Roger would rather make Nancy's life a living hell than give up his boat. But Nancy has other plans. After moving out of their opulent home, she and her posse of girlfriends invest in a racing boat of their own to live on, and she teaches them the fine points of sailing. Meanwhile, and unbeknownst to Nancy, a big real estate development is under way that would destroy her beloved harbor and new home. When scheming Roger returns to ask Nancy to help capture the last committee vote--held by Nancy's old college friend--Nancy prepares for battle.
Nancy is not skittish about taking a few risks, so in a bold gambit, she makes a bet with Roger: a showdown in the thrilling Border Dash Race from Newport Harbor down to Ensenada, Mexico. The winner of the race will get everything they want.
The stage is set for the race of a lifetime--and the tantalizing possibility of new romance for Nancy--in a novel as heartwarming as it is breathlessly exciting.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2021
188 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Talick
4 books35 followersCarrie originally cut her teeth as a writer at the age of seven on postcards to her dad. Her mom taught her how to write with heart and passion. But she's pretty sure those postcards are where her sarcasm blossomed.
She works as a copywriter in advertising which all culminated in a Super Bowl spot in 2019 titled "Elevator" starring Jason Bateman. While advertising brings home the bacon, it does not feed the soul.
When she's not writing her next novel, Carrie is working on perfecting a Bolognese sauce, rocking the lower third of her Peloton leaderboard, and listening to Bill Evans on vinyl with her husband. She currently lives in a coastal community in California.
She works as a copywriter in advertising which all culminated in a Super Bowl spot in 2019 titled "Elevator" starring Jason Bateman. While advertising brings home the bacon, it does not feed the soul.
When she's not writing her next novel, Carrie is working on perfecting a Bolognese sauce, rocking the lower third of her Peloton leaderboard, and listening to Bill Evans on vinyl with her husband. She currently lives in a coastal community in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
August 15, 2021
There’s something about the whimsy of mermaids that draws me in every time. I love this title and was intrigued in how it would relate to the story inside.
Nancy is a housewife living in Hermosa Beach, and when her husband publicly cheats on her on their sailboat, she demands a divorce, and the sailboat.
Roger, Nancy’s husband, has no plans to give up his beloved boat. When Nancy moves out of their home, she and her girlfriends buy a boat and live on it, while she teaches them how to sail.
Eventually, Nancy challenges Roger to a race between their two boats. At the same time, a new romance for Nancy is heating up as she is truly starting over.
Nancy is a strong, empowered main character, and I loved that. She and her friends (also powerful) help her get over the hump of her divorce and see her to the other side. Nancy is healthier for it, too.
I really loved this way of sharing a story of divorce. It’s about friendship and supporting one another and how more can be accomplished with that support. Overall, Beware the Mermaids is positive and inspiring.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Nancy is a housewife living in Hermosa Beach, and when her husband publicly cheats on her on their sailboat, she demands a divorce, and the sailboat.
Roger, Nancy’s husband, has no plans to give up his beloved boat. When Nancy moves out of their home, she and her girlfriends buy a boat and live on it, while she teaches them how to sail.
Eventually, Nancy challenges Roger to a race between their two boats. At the same time, a new romance for Nancy is heating up as she is truly starting over.
Nancy is a strong, empowered main character, and I loved that. She and her friends (also powerful) help her get over the hump of her divorce and see her to the other side. Nancy is healthier for it, too.
I really loved this way of sharing a story of divorce. It’s about friendship and supporting one another and how more can be accomplished with that support. Overall, Beware the Mermaids is positive and inspiring.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 14, 2021
Review to come.
June 24, 2021
Nancy Hadley, is horrified to catch her husband of thirty six years Roger cheating on her with Claire Sanford and on their sailboat the Bucephalus. She’s absolutely furious, she’s had enough and she wants a divorce. Roger isn’t keen to hand over a single dime, not only is he a cheater and he’s tight as well. With the support of her friends Ruthie, Judy and Lois she’s determined to make her own way and she buys her own boat the Gypsea and moves into her floating home with her cat. Nancy has no idea that Bayside Development is planning to ruin the natural harbor and the place she now calls home.
Nancy knows Roger well, he loves to win and his ego is as big as his head. She challenges him to compete in a 125 mile boat race called the Border Dash Race and from Newport Harbor to Ensenada Mexico. The winner gets want they want, in Nancy she gets her divorce and the Bucephalus. Nancy has prepared her all women’s team, she’s listened to advice, lighten her boat and has a strategic plan to win.
Beware The Mermaids is a story about Nancy seizing her moment, letting go of all the things that have held her back in the past and one of them being Roger. She’s a smart and determined women with a wonderful supportive group of girlfriends and they make a great boat crew.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, a girl power read and four stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Nancy knows Roger well, he loves to win and his ego is as big as his head. She challenges him to compete in a 125 mile boat race called the Border Dash Race and from Newport Harbor to Ensenada Mexico. The winner gets want they want, in Nancy she gets her divorce and the Bucephalus. Nancy has prepared her all women’s team, she’s listened to advice, lighten her boat and has a strategic plan to win.
Beware The Mermaids is a story about Nancy seizing her moment, letting go of all the things that have held her back in the past and one of them being Roger. She’s a smart and determined women with a wonderful supportive group of girlfriends and they make a great boat crew.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, a girl power read and four stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
July 23, 2021
After discovering her husband in a compromising position with another woman on their sailboat, Nancy sticks it to him. She wants a divorce and their sailboat! Her no good, cheating, philandering husband will go to any length to contest the divorce, but make it to where Nancy will have to crawl back to him-you know for money and she just can't live without him.
If I was playing a record right here, this would be the part where you would here the famous record scratch.....sooooo, you know where I'm headed with this review, right?
Nancy figures out Roger's game trying to make it difficult for her to make it on her own, so she fights back! Nancy has 4 life long friends and a granddaughter that has her back and willing to help her win! Calling themselves The Mermaids. Ooohhhh, this book is good!
This book is an inspiring book of women coming together and what they can accomplish together.
Thank you to @netgalley and @alcovepress for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If I was playing a record right here, this would be the part where you would here the famous record scratch.....sooooo, you know where I'm headed with this review, right?
Nancy figures out Roger's game trying to make it difficult for her to make it on her own, so she fights back! Nancy has 4 life long friends and a granddaughter that has her back and willing to help her win! Calling themselves The Mermaids. Ooohhhh, this book is good!
This book is an inspiring book of women coming together and what they can accomplish together.
Thank you to @netgalley and @alcovepress for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
Nancy is one character to cheer for and I was in her corner from the very start.
Talick is such an expressive writer, I saw it all play out like i was watching a movie not reading a book.
Her attention to detail was great and right on point.
You are going to enjoy this 4 star summer read. I cant wait for Talick's next book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Talick is such an expressive writer, I saw it all play out like i was watching a movie not reading a book.
Her attention to detail was great and right on point.
You are going to enjoy this 4 star summer read. I cant wait for Talick's next book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
September 13, 2021
I'm the author of this novel and I wanted to to talk a little bit about how I got here. I lost my mom to cancer when she was only 46 years old. We were so close and there was so much love between us that the tragedy of losing her shaped my life, at first is destructive ways, but eventually in beautiful ways. After she died, I could feel and hear her warmth and wisdom so vividly for years, even decades, even now. When I sat down to write my first novel, I knew she would be part of it. But it wasn't until I stumbled onto this idea of a female-owned sailboat that I understood what I wanted to do. This novel is my attempt to give my mom the ending she deserved instead of the ending she got. I interwove stories of my childhood, her life, her wonderful friends, my incredible best friends, all the hilarious stories I could conjure up and added a huge dash of heart. I gave her a villain to overcome and a path forward to reinvent herself. My mom grew up in an era where it wasn't always easy to be on your own, where choices were slim and opportunities were diminished. But she had me. And I had her. And we saved each other. I hope you enjoy my story. I'm so happy I could do her a bit of justice. Much love to my readers!
September 2, 2021
This book is the rare book that involves heavy issues, but is somehow funny and lighthearted at the same time. While this book is centered around Nancy Hadley and her longtime female friends, the author really nails the male characters as well. While Roger, her philandering husband, is the villain in this book, some of his antics are laugh-out-loud hilarious. It's a rare book that can do that, but it happens many times in this book. This book will naturally attract female readers, but I loved it, and I'm a knuckle-dragging, mouth-breathing, man.
August 13, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
This one starts with a bang when Nancy Hadley walks in on her husband Roger, having a go at Claire Sanford. It doesn’t help that the snobby ladies of the Yacht Club Charitable Group are also standing behind Nancy and, as such, get a full view of Rog’s indiscretion.
This sets off what would rival the War of the Roses. Nancy wants a divorce, but she wants her beloved yacht too. Roger is an absolute jerk and is determined to make life miserable for Nancy. Luckily, Nancy is clever, has great friends, and is one helluva sailor. Needing a place to live, Nancy and her loyal friends purchase the 𝘎𝘺𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘢. Now living on the 𝘎𝘺𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘢, Nancy gets to know her new neighbors at the marina, including some old salts and a very handsome handyman.
When Roger’s nasty schemes go too far, hurting others and threatening the very marina Nancy now calls home, she challenges Roger to a bet. Whoever can win the Border Dash Race can have it all - may the best sailor win.
Bravo to Carrie Talick on this captivating debut. I adored these feisty women, their friendship, and their sailing adventures. And oh how I loved to hate Roger. 𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐬 had me laughing out loud, smiling, shaking my head, and even pausing to soak in the little nuggets of wisdom buried within all the fun.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours @ctalick and @alcovepress for an invitation to the tour and a gifted copy.
This one starts with a bang when Nancy Hadley walks in on her husband Roger, having a go at Claire Sanford. It doesn’t help that the snobby ladies of the Yacht Club Charitable Group are also standing behind Nancy and, as such, get a full view of Rog’s indiscretion.
This sets off what would rival the War of the Roses. Nancy wants a divorce, but she wants her beloved yacht too. Roger is an absolute jerk and is determined to make life miserable for Nancy. Luckily, Nancy is clever, has great friends, and is one helluva sailor. Needing a place to live, Nancy and her loyal friends purchase the 𝘎𝘺𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘢. Now living on the 𝘎𝘺𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘢, Nancy gets to know her new neighbors at the marina, including some old salts and a very handsome handyman.
When Roger’s nasty schemes go too far, hurting others and threatening the very marina Nancy now calls home, she challenges Roger to a bet. Whoever can win the Border Dash Race can have it all - may the best sailor win.
Bravo to Carrie Talick on this captivating debut. I adored these feisty women, their friendship, and their sailing adventures. And oh how I loved to hate Roger. 𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐬 had me laughing out loud, smiling, shaking my head, and even pausing to soak in the little nuggets of wisdom buried within all the fun.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours @ctalick and @alcovepress for an invitation to the tour and a gifted copy.
August 3, 2021
I just loved reading books set in my hometown of Southern California.
This story was about a tenacious heroine - Nancy Hadley who caught her husband Roger sleeping with another woman. She wants a divorce and wants their sailboat Bucephalus, but Roger was not budging. That was until Nancy challenged Roger to the 125 mile Border Dash Race from Newport to Ensenada Mexico in a winner takes all.
Carrie Talick wrote Nancy’s character with so much depth and complexity that I felt I have become her friend, and a part of her posse of girlfriends ready to take on the world of the high seas. The writing was fresh, heartwarming, and quite empowering.
This was the perfect weekend escape read that I enjoyed that had my fingers turning until the very end.
This story was about a tenacious heroine - Nancy Hadley who caught her husband Roger sleeping with another woman. She wants a divorce and wants their sailboat Bucephalus, but Roger was not budging. That was until Nancy challenged Roger to the 125 mile Border Dash Race from Newport to Ensenada Mexico in a winner takes all.
Carrie Talick wrote Nancy’s character with so much depth and complexity that I felt I have become her friend, and a part of her posse of girlfriends ready to take on the world of the high seas. The writing was fresh, heartwarming, and quite empowering.
This was the perfect weekend escape read that I enjoyed that had my fingers turning until the very end.
March 16, 2021
Enjoyed this book. Just makes me want to go to the sea, anything is possible.
May 18, 2021
It's quite a trick to pull off, writing a book that is so purely entertaining but also packs emotional heft. One where the cartoon villains are allowed to chew up the scenery with glorious abandon, but the women aren't there to fret and wring their hands - they're there to remind us that women at midlife are not to be trifled with!
(Nor are we to be taken so seriously!)
We can sail. We can drink everyone under the table. We can haul our friends up with one hand and bury a bum with the other. We can operate the remote-control thermostat in order to roast the devils in our lives.
We can mend bridges with our adult children. We can build them to reach our grandchildren.
And yes, that smoldering glance is still being cast at us.
The Mermaids have arrived just in time - just as we're all pining for our friends, the beach, youthful hijinks. You don't want to get on their bad side, it's true. But you certainly don't want to miss them, either. Read this book!!!
(Nor are we to be taken so seriously!)
We can sail. We can drink everyone under the table. We can haul our friends up with one hand and bury a bum with the other. We can operate the remote-control thermostat in order to roast the devils in our lives.
We can mend bridges with our adult children. We can build them to reach our grandchildren.
And yes, that smoldering glance is still being cast at us.
The Mermaids have arrived just in time - just as we're all pining for our friends, the beach, youthful hijinks. You don't want to get on their bad side, it's true. But you certainly don't want to miss them, either. Read this book!!!
May 3, 2021
The best thing I will say is I highly recommend this book. I laughed, cried, and thought about life and friendship in ways I haven’t before. I felt as if these are people in my life. When I was reading I felt I could, and really was, right there with them. Reading this book made me want to take sailing lessons!
I believe that anything is easy only if you are good at it. This book is very easy to read and that must be because Carrie Talick is a very good writer. Looking forward to her next book.
Oh and the chapters are short, always a good thing :)
FAVORITE MOOD/IMAGERY - It was a spirit wind with a mystical power that carried a trace of defiance, a rebellious insistency, a discordant stream that sought out certain unsuspecting souls whose lives perhaps needed a little stirring.
FAVORITE CHARACTER - Santiago. He sauntered in with the steady calm and deep confidence of a man who knew how the world worked and was in command of his own corner of it.
I believe that anything is easy only if you are good at it. This book is very easy to read and that must be because Carrie Talick is a very good writer. Looking forward to her next book.
Oh and the chapters are short, always a good thing :)
FAVORITE MOOD/IMAGERY - It was a spirit wind with a mystical power that carried a trace of defiance, a rebellious insistency, a discordant stream that sought out certain unsuspecting souls whose lives perhaps needed a little stirring.
FAVORITE CHARACTER - Santiago. He sauntered in with the steady calm and deep confidence of a man who knew how the world worked and was in command of his own corner of it.
August 21, 2021
As a middle aged woman, she witnessed her successful husband sleeping with another woman. They both are sailors and Nancy decided she had enough of his philandering ways and was able to buy a sailboat. She has the help of her two best friends and her granddaughter to help sail the boat. Nancy was determined to beat Stan at his own game, sailing. Did she succeed? Great story about family and friendship.
August 18, 2021
I loved Beware the Mermaids by Carrie Talick! Such a powerful story of overcoming the big blows in life, sweet friendships and plowing ahead no matter what. The characters are dynamic and rich and fun to hang out with. I was cheering Nancy on throughout the book and throughout the most epic nail-biting boat race. I'm looking very forward to many more books by this author!
April 26, 2021
I was lucky enough to get this gem from @netgalley and I will say it definitely gets two thumbs up and five stars - I absolutely loved it! This was a huge change from my murder mystery psycho thriller reading but it was also just what I needed! The story is great and even if not “relatable” it challenges your complacent mind and tendencies and makes you think “what if” while challenging you too look at how you too are responsible for the “cage” you are in! I loved the characters - what a circle of friends- also loved the variety and strength shown in each woman. It also made me want to live on a boat/in a marina !! I don’t think I would be able to sail but this makes boat living sound great and is absolutely true with costs in California 🤢 I think this is a great summer read / beach read and def recommend for women’s book club!
August 28, 2021
Great Debut Novel and a wonderful surprise. I thought this looked like a fun beach read and it is, but it goes so much deeper too and deals with serious issues like infidelity, self-doubt, aging, etc. with such heart, humor and insight. This might be my favorite book of the year. Bravo, Ms. Talick. There better be a sequel getting released soon!
April 28, 2021
“An unexpected force buoyed her, a sense of hope, togetherness, and a call to adventure...” After leaving her cheating husband, Nancy, with the help of her friends and a boat, rediscovers her passion for life. Carrie Talick’s novel is a fun, optimistic, and breezy read. This heartwarming story includes themes of empowerment, growth, healing and friendship. The book is inspiring, and I loved sailing along with this cast of characters!
August 27, 2021
This is a wonderful and delightful read that keeps getting better and better all the way through! The unfolding drama is well balanced with humor and wittiness as well as interesting characters. I can hardly wait for this to become a movie. Both guys and gals will enjoy this delightful story.
April 26, 2021
What I loved about this book was the quick wit, humour, love, and warmth with enough betrayal and tension to make it so hard to put down. BUT I saved the last 20 pages for a time when I could savour it...uninterrupted, and I’m glad I did.
Well done - a light and easy read, spiced with inspiration to get out there, try something new, get out of your comfort zone and make stories.
The only question I was left with is...when will the sequel come out? I have many questions for the Mermaids 😁
Well done - a light and easy read, spiced with inspiration to get out there, try something new, get out of your comfort zone and make stories.
The only question I was left with is...when will the sequel come out? I have many questions for the Mermaids 😁
April 26, 2021
What a great, fun read. The characters are memorable. The dialogue laugh out loud. And the storyline hooked me in. It reads like a movie script with one chapter ending and the next one just begging to be read. I spent a great part of my youth in the area and the author manages to fully capture the salty air, local color, and frozen margaritas.
August 19, 2021
This debut novel by Carrie Talick was a breath of fresh air in these tough times. I laughed out loud and cried and didn't want this lovely book to end. Highly recommended. Would be a perfect book club read because it deals beautifully with complicated issues facing women in their 40's and up.
August 19, 2021
what an fantastic book, could not put it down , hope more books to come. telling my book club about it .
August 4, 2021
Carrie Talick, Author of “Beware the Mermaids” has written an intriguing, exciting, witty, and heartfelt novel. The genres for this novel are Women’s Fiction, Friendship Fiction, and Fiction. There is a dash of folk-lore about the winds and the sea. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. There are betrayals, and yet this is a wonderful novel about sisterhood.
Nancy Hadley is showing some women in her prestigious club her yacht for charity purposes when she catches her husband being quite charitable with another woman. This leads to a confrontation for a divorce, and the stakes are really high. Roger Hadley, her husband is quite manipulative, determined, and when his mind is set on something, he doesn’t back down. Nancy is determined with the help of her friends to win a yacht race against all odds and win the yacht that she and her husband had owned. She definitely will need a little help from her friends.
Of course, there is a lovable cat and dog. The author vividly describes the scenery with a Pelican, dolphins, and the beautiful sea. I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, friendship, and making better choices. This is also a story of personal growth. You just never know where the wind can take you. I highly recommend this memorable novel to others.
Nancy Hadley is showing some women in her prestigious club her yacht for charity purposes when she catches her husband being quite charitable with another woman. This leads to a confrontation for a divorce, and the stakes are really high. Roger Hadley, her husband is quite manipulative, determined, and when his mind is set on something, he doesn’t back down. Nancy is determined with the help of her friends to win a yacht race against all odds and win the yacht that she and her husband had owned. She definitely will need a little help from her friends.
Of course, there is a lovable cat and dog. The author vividly describes the scenery with a Pelican, dolphins, and the beautiful sea. I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, friendship, and making better choices. This is also a story of personal growth. You just never know where the wind can take you. I highly recommend this memorable novel to others.
April 25, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this book by Carrie Talick. Once started, I had to finish to see how Nancy finished the race. What a funny and inspirational story of these women who bond and struggle.
August 14, 2021
In this enjoyable book of fiction, by debut author, Carrie Talick, Nancy rediscovers herself and pursues her passion of sailing. Nancy, married for over 30 years, finds her life turned upside down when she and two other woman find her husband on their beloved yacht sleeping with another woman. She decides she is not going to put up with her husband’s behavior and wants a divorce.
Nancy turns to her lifelong friends who are very supportive of her decision and also supportive in more ways than one about Nancy’s decision to buy a boat and live on it. Nancy had always a love for sailing and sailed together with her husband on their luxury sailing yacht. Nancy doesn’t want to stay with her husband and she’d feel more comfortable living on her own instead of depending on her friends. Since her husband won’t give up their prized yacht, buying her own boat would be the best option.
In addition, Nancy encourages her friends to sail with her and she teaches them all the techniques. They call themselves the mermaids. By this experience she gains more confidence and helps her friends and granddaughter gain more confidence too. When she discovers her husband has plans with his finance company to support the funding of a project that will destroy the beloved marina she lives on, she decides to take action. They agree to a bet, winner takes all. Whoever wins the Border Dash Race, a highly popular sailing race in Southern California, will get everything they want.
I really enjoyed this book, because I loved Nancy’s determination and strength to get out of a difficult situation and make a better life for her self and become more independent. I also learned a lot about sailing, which was very interesting. I definitely recommend this book.
Nancy turns to her lifelong friends who are very supportive of her decision and also supportive in more ways than one about Nancy’s decision to buy a boat and live on it. Nancy had always a love for sailing and sailed together with her husband on their luxury sailing yacht. Nancy doesn’t want to stay with her husband and she’d feel more comfortable living on her own instead of depending on her friends. Since her husband won’t give up their prized yacht, buying her own boat would be the best option.
In addition, Nancy encourages her friends to sail with her and she teaches them all the techniques. They call themselves the mermaids. By this experience she gains more confidence and helps her friends and granddaughter gain more confidence too. When she discovers her husband has plans with his finance company to support the funding of a project that will destroy the beloved marina she lives on, she decides to take action. They agree to a bet, winner takes all. Whoever wins the Border Dash Race, a highly popular sailing race in Southern California, will get everything they want.
I really enjoyed this book, because I loved Nancy’s determination and strength to get out of a difficult situation and make a better life for her self and become more independent. I also learned a lot about sailing, which was very interesting. I definitely recommend this book.
August 25, 2021
I’m part of the 50 something crowd so to read this book that showcases a tribe of women that lift each other up and support each other is a heartwarming read for me.
Nancy’s husband Roger has cheated one too many times. Nancy decides to leave him. After over thirty years of ironing golf pants and never really having her opinion valued, it’s time Nancy fulfilled her own happiness.
Nancy is a great sailor. She needs a place to live and one of Nancy’s best friends has some inheritance money which she entrusts to Nancy to buy a sailboat. Nancy will live on the sailboat and train her long time group of three best friends to become her crew. They name themselves the mermaids..the “fun sirens of the sea kind”.
Roger who now has to iron his own golf pants wants Nancy to come home for purely selfish reasons. He is willing to scheme and manipulate others to get Nancy back. A boat race that pits Nancy and crew vs Roger will settle things once and for all.
To me this book is about finding your true self after spending a lot of years being a people pleaser. It’s also about the power of friendship.
Roger, the bad guy in the book, is a real piece of work. He is completely self absorbed and devoid of feeling. I love every single time he gets bested by Nancy.
There are so many clever scenes throughout this book as Nancy starts to show her authentic self. I especially liked when Nancy sets her home Nest to extremely cold or hot temperatures to thwart Roger’s comfort. I also loved when Nancy hosts a poker game with her liveaboard marina neighbors.
I enjoyed the descriptions of how to actually sail a sailboat as well as the area of Hermosa Beach, California-a part of California I would love to visit.
I think this would be a fun and meaningful Netflix movie..just sayin’
Nancy’s husband Roger has cheated one too many times. Nancy decides to leave him. After over thirty years of ironing golf pants and never really having her opinion valued, it’s time Nancy fulfilled her own happiness.
Nancy is a great sailor. She needs a place to live and one of Nancy’s best friends has some inheritance money which she entrusts to Nancy to buy a sailboat. Nancy will live on the sailboat and train her long time group of three best friends to become her crew. They name themselves the mermaids..the “fun sirens of the sea kind”.
Roger who now has to iron his own golf pants wants Nancy to come home for purely selfish reasons. He is willing to scheme and manipulate others to get Nancy back. A boat race that pits Nancy and crew vs Roger will settle things once and for all.
To me this book is about finding your true self after spending a lot of years being a people pleaser. It’s also about the power of friendship.
Roger, the bad guy in the book, is a real piece of work. He is completely self absorbed and devoid of feeling. I love every single time he gets bested by Nancy.
There are so many clever scenes throughout this book as Nancy starts to show her authentic self. I especially liked when Nancy sets her home Nest to extremely cold or hot temperatures to thwart Roger’s comfort. I also loved when Nancy hosts a poker game with her liveaboard marina neighbors.
I enjoyed the descriptions of how to actually sail a sailboat as well as the area of Hermosa Beach, California-a part of California I would love to visit.
I think this would be a fun and meaningful Netflix movie..just sayin’
September 1, 2021
Book Review: Beware the Mermaids, Carrie Talick, Alcove Press (2021)
Rom Com/Women’s Fiction-type books are not my thing, so I admit to stepping into this with some reservations.
Carrie’s book surprised me.
The first thing I pay attention to is the writing—if I can’t get past that hurdle, I won’t bother with the rest. The writing here is solid, if not utilitarian. What I’m trying to say is that the writing is better than good, and escapes being a boorish exercise to get to the point.
Speaking of the point, Carrie gets after it quickly; never for one chapter did I doubt that she had her hands firmly on the helm (wheel). However, it’s a real talent to do that and not choke the life out of the story. Carrie’s narrative is tight without feeling as if it’s being strangled.
And the story? Well, despite my cantankerous old sailor self, I had a blast! The book engages and the pages turn effortlessly without the story seeming weak or vapid. Even in the parts where I felt the pinch of politics, I never felt like I was being bludgeoned with ideology or anything outside of a rigorous, fun debate.
That’s what this book feels like; a good time with friends, drinking margaritas on a boat, engaging in lively discussions about the utility of our roles and stepping outside of them to realize a bigger truth. And that’s where this book shines: it steps outside its “fun, summer read” label to deliver something a little more.
A fantastic debut novel. Bravo.
Rom Com/Women’s Fiction-type books are not my thing, so I admit to stepping into this with some reservations.
Carrie’s book surprised me.
The first thing I pay attention to is the writing—if I can’t get past that hurdle, I won’t bother with the rest. The writing here is solid, if not utilitarian. What I’m trying to say is that the writing is better than good, and escapes being a boorish exercise to get to the point.
Speaking of the point, Carrie gets after it quickly; never for one chapter did I doubt that she had her hands firmly on the helm (wheel). However, it’s a real talent to do that and not choke the life out of the story. Carrie’s narrative is tight without feeling as if it’s being strangled.
And the story? Well, despite my cantankerous old sailor self, I had a blast! The book engages and the pages turn effortlessly without the story seeming weak or vapid. Even in the parts where I felt the pinch of politics, I never felt like I was being bludgeoned with ideology or anything outside of a rigorous, fun debate.
That’s what this book feels like; a good time with friends, drinking margaritas on a boat, engaging in lively discussions about the utility of our roles and stepping outside of them to realize a bigger truth. And that’s where this book shines: it steps outside its “fun, summer read” label to deliver something a little more.
A fantastic debut novel. Bravo.
August 4, 2021
Beware the Mermaids is a fun, fresh story that has everything you’d want in a women’s fiction novel. When Nancy finds her husband cheating, and learns that he is greedily trying to keep her from her rightful share of their assets, she challenges him to a sailing race in order to win back her beloved sailboat (and maybe a bit of her dignity too).
Nancy is a great character, but the real prize here is the friendship between Nancy and the delightful cast of quirky women friends who set out to help Nancy with her goal. There is nothing like a band of supportive women to help you realize your own power.
I love a story about a “woman of a certain age” who grabs the reins on life at a time when many might imagine that now that her youth is over, her usefulness is over too. This book is about second chances, seizing the moment, getting revenge, and learning that the best revenge is moving on with your life and being happy.
I recommended this one!
Nancy is a great character, but the real prize here is the friendship between Nancy and the delightful cast of quirky women friends who set out to help Nancy with her goal. There is nothing like a band of supportive women to help you realize your own power.
I love a story about a “woman of a certain age” who grabs the reins on life at a time when many might imagine that now that her youth is over, her usefulness is over too. This book is about second chances, seizing the moment, getting revenge, and learning that the best revenge is moving on with your life and being happy.
I recommended this one!
September 16, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised with Carrie Talick’s Beware the Mermaids, The Book Drop’s August Books for Bubbly selection. It’s a little different from their other selections, I’ve read where there wasn’t really a romance involved, but it was so much fun.
It reminded me a bit of Elin Hilderbrand, except on the West Coast. Hermosa Beach more specifically. Also with a bit more humor too.
This is the author’s debut and I’m really excited where she goes next. I love the idea of more books placed in the beaches of LA or Orange County. Maybe I just haven’t found them, but it doesn’t seem like there’s many out there.
4.5/5
It reminded me a bit of Elin Hilderbrand, except on the West Coast. Hermosa Beach more specifically. Also with a bit more humor too.
This is the author’s debut and I’m really excited where she goes next. I love the idea of more books placed in the beaches of LA or Orange County. Maybe I just haven’t found them, but it doesn’t seem like there’s many out there.
4.5/5
April 26, 2021
In a world full of "Karen's" - be a Nancy!!! Compassionate, brave, loyal and kind. As a stay at home mom for many years myself, I related to Nancy's journey on many levels. It's very easy to forget about your dreams, while trying to take care of everybody else's. The connection of friendship was also one of my favorite themes in this book. I cherish my three best friends (40+ years) and can't imagine going through life without them. This book was emotional, inspirational and I loved every chapter. This will be a book club favorite, for sure! I think Carrie did a amazing job making the readers connect with her characters! Can't wait for another book!
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