The Beach House

by Jenny Hale

“Oh, my goodness,” she whispered. At the bottom of the box was a stack of letters. Tied with a ribbon, the pages were faded with age. “These are all addressed from here,” she said, “but they’ve never been sent.”

When her gram passes away, Melanie Simpson feels utterly lost. She has no idea what to do with her life after she has devoted years to looking after her beloved grandmother.

But Gram’s will may hold the answer, instructing Melanie to use her inheritance to buy a crumbling house in Rosemary Bay. They used to visit the village every summer, sit by the sparkling gulf on a beach the color of a fresh pearl, and daydream about turning the place on the corner into a bed and breakfast.

Fulfilling her grandmother’s legacy, Melanie decides to restore the beach house to its original glory. She sets out on renovations of the wrap-around porch weathered by the coastal breeze, and the peeling white paint faded by the sun.

When Melanie runs into local carpenter, Josh Claiborne, whose eyes match the dazzling sea, she jumps at the chance to ask him for help. But that’s the last thing he wants. He’s off to New York soon, leaving his troubled past behind. Over a game of darts Melanie gets her wish, even if Josh isn’t happy about it.

As they work together, Melanie tries to ignore their undeniable chemistry and how Josh’s rare smiles take her breath away––because soon they’ll be thousands of miles apart. But hiding in a closet is a yellowing stack of letters that could change everything. The looping handwriting reveals the mystery of the rickety house––a buried history that touches everyone in Rosemary Bay. Will its secrets bring Melanie and Josh together or tear them apart?

An absolutely gorgeous and heartwarming read about never-ending love, new beginnings, and how family is always with you, no matter where you are. Fans of Pamela Kelley, Mary Alice Monroe and Susan Mallery will adore this romantic page-turner.

Genres: Romance, Summer, Summer Reads, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Adult

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2021

About the author

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.

She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family.

Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers. When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.

Visit www.itsjennyhale.com to get my latest book! You can also chat with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennyhaleauthor, Twitter: www.twitter.com/jhaleauthor, and IG: www.instagram.com/jhaleauthor

See all my books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Hale/e/B...

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beach House by Jenny Hale is a wonderful new contemporary romance read. While this one is mainly focusing on a building romance in the current time there was also a bit of mystery brought into the story through the history of the house and finding letters belonging to the previous owner.

Melanie Simpson has just lost her grandmother after spending the last few years focusing on nothing but caring for her having moved into her grandmother’s home and given up her job. Trying to come to terms with the loss and not knowing what path she wanted to follow Melanie decides to use her inheritance to purchase an old beach house that her grandmother admired and remodeled it to open a bed and breakfast.

As Melanie arrives in her newly purchased home she finds that there is way more work to be done that she imagined and while out in the new town residents points her towards a local contractor. Josh Claiborne however has his own plans and doesn’t want to even consider taking on Melanie’s home so Melanie and her friend come up with a plan to at least get him to give her and idea of what needs to be done.

As if it isn’t obvious with my five star rating of this one I have to say I absolutely loved what the author created in this story. The book felt if it had so many layers to uncover as I read along with the letters from the past and all that was going on in the couple’s lives in the present and with those surrounding them. The relationship moved at a steady pace as the stories unfolded all around and i was totally engaged to see how everything could possibly be worked out and what the end would bring.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book – The Beach House
Author – Jenny Hale
Series – N/A
Cliffhanger? - No
Publication Date – June 9, 2021
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Rating – 4 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by Bookouture through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


My Thoughts - Story

I loved the whole story concept of a past romantic mystery. As I was reading the letters left behind by Alfred, I felt myself tearing up with the tragic love lost. And how the author tied in the present romance between Melanie and Josh just put the icing on the cake. This book really touched my heart and I was so engrossed in the story that I couldn't put it down until I read the last page. And even today, I find myself thinking about Alfred and ??, Melanie and Josh and the rest of the characters in this story.

Yes, Josh pissed me off a bunch during the story, but by the ending it finally made sense why he was as hot and cold as he was.

Even though every cell in my body is begging me to expose more of this story, I don't want to give away spoilers about what happened to Alfred or his lost love.

The reason why I took a half a star off is that I felt that Melanie and Josh's characters weren't completely developed during their whirlwind romance, but it was easy to look past this as the story was heartfelt and tugged at my soul.

Reason for Reading – NetGalley Review
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Lovers of a touching romance bringing the past to the present

[Melike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie moves to a small beach town in Florida to buy and renovate a house her beloved grandmother left her. While she is there she discovers secrets and tries to solve mysteries of the past. A local contractor Josh who helps Melanie with the renovations becomes the love interest and romance eventually blooms between the two. It was a sweet story and the mystery aspect kept me engaged the whole time. I only wish the romance between the two characters was more developed.

I am glad to be introduced to Jenny Hale and will be looking for her books in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance digital copy of The Beach House in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hale is my new favorite author. I am slowly making my way through all of her books. This was a sweet romance and a great summer getaway. I am still thinking about Melanie and Josh and Cole long after I read the last page.
I HIGHLY recommend this summer beach read.
5 stars and I can't wait for my next beach read by Hale.

[Ink_Drinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Jenny Hale's book and this is another one to add to the list!!

A heartwarming and romantic tale set in the charming coastal town of Rosemary Bay. The story follows Melanie Simpson, who inherits a crumbling beach house from her grandmother and decides to restore it to its former glory. Along the way, she meets Josh Claiborne, a local carpenter with a troubled past. As they work together, they uncover hidden letters that reveal the house’s mysterious history and bring them closer together.

Hale’s writing beautifully captures the essence of new beginnings, love, and the importance of family. The characters are relatable and the setting is vividly described, making it a perfect summer read.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****Rereleasing on April 25, 2023******

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Melanie spent the final 3 years of her grandmother’s life being her caregiver full time, so when her grandmother passed away, Melanie was devastated. She is left with a big decision about renovating her grandmother’s Florida beach house. What will she find and will she be able to rebuild her life in the way she envisioned? What secrets will she uncover? This heart-warming and uplifting book will have you turning the pages to find out.

I’m a big fan of Jenny Hale’s books as I love that she writes such heartwarming and uplifting books that leave you feeling hopeful and satisfied in the end! A great book to take on vacation or read with a book club!

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), I was provided an ARC of The Beach House by Jenny Hale via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nienke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Als de oma van Melanie ziek wordt, besluit ze voor haar te gaan zorgen. Na een paar jaar overlijdt haar oma en erf Melanie haar geld, maar wel met een voorwaarde. Ze moet het vervallen huis in Rosemary Bay kopen waar haar oma en Melanie over fantaseerde om een B&B in te starten. Na een weddenschap wordt de geholpen door de lokale aannemer Josh, die weinig zin lijkt te hebben in de klus. Maar waarom? Tijdens het klussen komt Melanie een brief tegen die alles op zijn kop kan zetten. Soms kunnen geheimen beter geheim blijven.

Het huis aan het strand is geschreven vanuit het perspectief van Melanie. Je ervaart haar verdriet om haar oma en haar twijfels of ze er goed aan doet om te doen wat haar oma van haar verwacht. Samen met Melanie ontrafel je langzaam het geheim. Je komt steeds wat meer te weten aan de hand van brieven. Dit is een leuke manier om steeds een beetje meer van het verleden te weten te komen. Maar ik was niet verbaasd wat het geheim was, dat had van mij iets origineler en minder voorspelbaar mogen zijn.

Jenny Hale heeft een fijne schrijfstijl. Door het hoofdstuk in het begin die in het verleden afspeelt word je nieuwsgierig. Wel vond ik de woordkeuze af en toe wat oubollig. Ik weet niet of dat aan de vertaling ligt of dat het in het Engels ook zo geschreven is, maar dat zorgde soms een beetje voor een historische sfeer, terwijl het verhaal van Melanie zich in het heden afspeelt en ze in de bloei van haar leven is. Ze kwam soms te oud over.

Het huis aan het strand draait om Melanie, die soms wel iets te goed van vertrouwen was. Ook speelt Josh een grote rol in het boek. Alleen krijg je van hem weinig hoogte. Hij blijft een mysterie, elk hoofdstuk was het weer afwachten welke Josh het was. Het mysterieuze hoorde bij het verhaal en werd ook wel uitgelegd, maar het had wat minder gemogen.

Een verhaal is niets zonder bijpersonages. En in dit boek was dat onder andere Cole, zo'n leuke toevoeging! De stukjes met hem bracht een glimlach op mijn gezicht.

Het huis aan het strand van Jenny Hale is een feelgood die je meeneemt op de zoektocht van Melanie, naar het verleden en naar haar doel in het heden.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

" That's the great thing about life. It's always moving forward. You just have to know how to pick up the pace to run with it". Josh, The Beach House
The Beach House by Jenny Hale is a perfect summer beach book! I loved the characters and my heart ached for both families as the secrets began to unfold. The Beach House is filled with so many emotional scenes. It is a lovely romance, mystery, and drama that weaves together with a happy ending.
Melanie is grieving the death of her grandmother. She had left her career and a relationship to spend three years as a caregiver to her Gram who suffered from cancer. In Gram's will, the request was that Melanie moves to Rosemary Bay, Fl, and purchase an old home that had once been grand, but now was falling apart from neglect. Melanie and Gram would pass the house during their vacations and look in the windows as they talked about how it could be renovated as a bed & breakfast. Alfred Ellis, the man who built the house in the 1950s was a recluse with no family. Now Melanie wonders if she has made a huge mistake as she looks at the house she bought because her Gram had grand ideas.
The story progresses to more than a home renovation fiasco when Melanie finds an old box that contains personal items hidden away by Mr. Ellis. There are love letters that were not addressed and had never been sent to the intended lady he loved. I will try not to post a spoiler, but this is the one part of the book I did not understand. How did Melanie expect to find the initials under the bench on the pier when the letter had never been received by his love? So, read this book to learn the fallout of events that can happen when Melanie tries to solve the mystery of Alfred Ellis and why he lived alone.
Publication Date: June 9, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Hale, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book!

[Catbytheseareads ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enchanting love story told from long lost love letters.

After losing her grandmother to cancer, Melanie is looking for a fresh start. Her grandmother left her with an inheritance to buy a specific beach house in Florida. Melanie dreams of taking this shabby old home and making it into a beautiful bed and breakfast.

Josh is divorced and also looking to move from his childhood town in Florida to New York City where he can nearly triple his income for his future dreams.

Family secrets, new beginnings and long lost love shared from decades past. A beautiful story of hope, imperfect life lessons and second chances. This would make an amazing Hallmark mini series.
Thank you NetGalley, Jenny Hale and to the publisher for my chance to read and review this amazing sweet story, it was so hard to put down.

[Diane Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Chick lit trope where the woman is helpless, direction-less, and Grandma leaves her a house in her will. She dreams of a fresh start with Grandma's money. A little over done IMO. I don't really like Mel. I think she is clingy, and helpless, weak and over-emotional. Not to mention, she supposedly gave up everything to take care of her dying Grandma for 3 years. She traps Josh into helping her on her rundown house, selfishly knowing that he is leaving for NYC in a week. And then she's all "help me, hold me, take care of me, take me out to eat, show me where to buy things." And in the meantime, all the dialogue is - can't we be friends, you aren't being very nice to me. Barf. DNF @ 30%.

[cercandoneilibri · Rating 4 out of 5]

« 𝑳'𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒊 𝒏𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒐 𝒕𝒆 𝒍𝒐 𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊. »

Ed è proprio vero.
L'amore si nasconde tra le lettere del signor Ellis per Eloise, Lou.
L'amore si nasconde tra le espressioni ed i cambi umori di Josh nei confronti di Melanie, per proteggersi dopo essere stato ferito.
L'amore è Melanie che cerca di trovare il lieto fine ovunque, e sente.. sente proprio che c'è molto di più in Ellis House, la casa che ha acquistato con l'eredità che sua nonna le ha lasciato.
Una casa che solo lei avrebbe potuto prendere.
Una casa che nasconde tanto ma che al tempo stesso vuole mostrare qualcosa.
E vuole mostrare tutta la vita in solitudine che Alfred Ellis ha vissuto proprio tra quelle mura, per colpa di un malinteso.
L'amore è Eloise, la nonna di Melanie che una volta disse alla nipote :

« Gli spiriti sono sussurri del passato.
Restano solo quando vogliono dirci qualcosa che abbiamo bisogno di sapere. »

E non aveva la minima idea di quanto potesse aver ragione.

Nel lontano 1956 Alfred Ellis si innamorò perdutamente di Eloise.
Il loro amore, durato solo sei mesi, è stato tutto ciò che di più vero possa esistere.
Una promessa.
Quella di scriverle dopo due mesi dal suo arruolamento; scriverle una lettera e prometterle che sarebbe tornato da lei.
Tornato per restare, tornato per vivere la loro vita insieme, tornato per sposarla.

E lui quella lettera la scrisse, la scrisse eccome.
Ma Eloise non la ricevette mai.

« La vita è un viaggio strano. Anche se non abbiamo avuto la possibilità di farne un tratto insieme, e mi porto dentro ancora tante domande senza risposta, ti ho sentito sempre accanto a me lungo il cammino.
La mia speranza è che in qualche modo il nostro amore spieghi le ali e continui anche senza di noi.
Ho la ferma convinzione che, per quanto breve, 𝙞𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 è 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙨ì 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚 𝙙𝙖 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙤. »

E lo è stato, lo è stato davvero.
Nonostante Eloise ed Alfred da quel giorno non si sono più incontrati.


Il destino a volte ci fa davvero dei grandi scherzi.
L'amore, è tutta una ruota che gira. E proprio come scrisse in quell'ultimissima lettera Eloise, il loro amore è continuato anche senza di loro riflettendosi su Melanie e Josh.

Melanie e Josh si conoscono attraverso una scommessa.
Lei ha appena acquistato l'abbandonata ormai Ellis House per trasformarla in un meraviglioso bed&breakfast, e Josh è un imprenditore edile bravissimo che però è in partenza. Sta per lasciare Rosemary Bay per trasferirsi a New York.

I due ancora non lo sanno ma .. Josh è il nipote di Alfred.
E Melanie è la nipote di Eloise.

E il loro destino è decisamente legato.

Questa meravigliosa storia è concentrata più che altro su Mel e Josh ma ho voluto dedicare in particolar modo più attenzione ad Alfred e Eloise perché davvero lo meritano. Anche se comunque la loro storia è molto presente all'interno del libro. Mi ha colpito davvero tanto.
L'amore di Alfred per lei nonostante tutti gli anni passati che però non è mai andato via.
Il suo tentare, dopo anni, di rifarsi una vita.. ma inutilmente. Il suo isolamento.
Le lettere.. tutte quelle lettere tenute nascoste, al segreto, che una volta l'anno lui le scriveva ma puntualmente non spediva mai.
L'amore di Eloise, nonostante la sua vita sia andata avanti con una nuova persona accanto.. beh, una parte del suo cuore è sempre stata lì, per Alfred.

Il loro amore così sfortunato che però rifletterà su Josh e Melanie che conoscendosi piano piano, si innamoreranno perdutamente. E scopriranno tanti tanti segreti.
E grazie anche a tutte le lettere che troverà Melanie scopriranno soprattutto tutta la stupenda storia d'amore che i loro nonni non hanno mai potuto realmente vivere.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a incredible read, a contemporary romance skilfully intertwined with ones from the past and I can’t praise it highly enough.

Melanie Simpson gave up her job to look after her beloved Grandmother (Gram) for three years. As a child they used to visit Rosemary Bay, where her Gram grew up and always dreamed about restoring a special house there and running it as a Bed and Breakfast establishment. When her Gram dies, her will instructs Melanie to use her inheritance to buy and restore that property and make their dreams reality – and Melanie sets out to do just that. The dilapidated property needs a lot of work to make it habitable and Melanie is recommended to use the local carpenter, Josh Claiborne, to do the work – but he’s planning on leaving and doesn’t want to work on her home. However, a bet, an incoming storm, a parcel of letters and the uncovering of family secrets will all play key roles in this family drama and several romances!

This story has all the elements of mystery, suspense, romance and drama, enthralling shared in a beautiful read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone looking for a moving story to escape into. The letters give an insight into past relationships, there are plenty of secrets and surprises in store and love shows the way for them all – including a very special young boy. It is a heartwarming, emotive story, skilfully written to keep you turning the pages, hoping everything will work out for them all – I loved it!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this amazing book which I have voluntarily read, thoroughly enjoyed and honestly reviewed.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach House is a beautifully written novel by one of favorite authors. Jenny Hale is a great storyteller who develops the story seamlessly and creates a world the reader is sure to get lost in.
Melanie buys a dilapidated house with her inheritance from her grandmother. They always talked about making it into a bed and breakfast. Her first night in the house she has to ride out a storm with Josh a contractor that is brutish and half way out of town but he agrees to help Mel while he's in town. Add in a foster boy, Cole who loves Josh like a father and you get your sweet and unputdownable story

[Elke Eelbode · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het boek is vlot geschreven maar de verhaallijn is er eentje zoals zo velen, voorspelbaar en typische feelgood. Leuk voor tussendoor maar langer moest het boek ook niet zijn voor mij.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

La trama è un po' usata ultimamente (casa da restaurare, solitamente per farci un B&B, e ritrovamento di lettere o diario, che porta la protagonista a indagare cosa è successo nel passato), o almeno ho letto altri libri simili abbastanza recentemente, ma non è male. L'unico problema è che non sono riuscita a entrare in sintonia col protagonista maschile... E avevo capito ben presto come sarebbe andata a finire, ma ho passato comunque delle ore spensierate a leggere questo libro.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Jenny Hales Christmas books but this was my first summer read from her.
I have to say I loved it!
Jenny Is a wonderful weaver of stories, how she ties so many smaller stories into one bigger picture is an art.
A true pleasure to read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kim Coenen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit boek stond gelijk op mijn verlanglijstje toen in de aankondiging zag van dit boek. Een zomerse feelgood voor liefhebbers van Virgin River van Robyn Carr. Jep, that's me! Het feest was daarom ook erg groot toen ik bericht kreeg van Zininfeelgood dat ik het e-book gewonnen had. Gelijk mijn kans om deze heerlijke zomerse feelgood in te duiken.

Melanie Simpson erft geld na het overlijden van haar grootmoeder, waarvoor ze drie jaar dag en nacht voor heeft gezorgd. Ze is daardoor zichzelf kwijt geraakt. Maar aan de erfenis hangen voorwaarden, ze moet het geld besteden aan de aankoop en herstel van het vervallend huis aan het strand in Rosemary Bay. Op deze plek hebben Melanie en haar oma iedere zomer doorgebracht. De plaatselijke aannemer Josh, blijkt perfect om haar te helpen bij deze flinke klus, maar die heeft daar alles behalve zin en tijd voor. Als Melanie inziet hoeveel werk het renoveren kost, krijgt ze spijt van haar beslissing. Totdat ze in het huis een doos vind met een stapel oude brieven, deze blijken een geheim te bevatten dat alles kan veranderen.

Het personage Melanie is leuk personage, waarin je als lezer gemakkelijk opgaat. Het verhaal begint met de afscheidsbrief en het testament die Melanie te lezen krijgt naar het overlijden van haar oma, waarop dat ze besluit het huis aan het strand te kopen. Hierdoor wordt je gemakkelijk mee het verhaal ingezogen. Daarnaast heeft Jenny Hale een heerlijke vlotte schrijfstijl en weet ze goed een levendig verhaal neer te zetten.

De verhaallijn switcht tussen het heden en het verleden, waardoor bij mij als lezer constant mijn nieuwsgierigheid gewekt wordt. Je krijgt ieder hoofdstuk net niet genoeg antwoorden, waardoor dat je graag verder wilt lezen om antwoord te krijgen op je vragen. Zeker wanneer Melanie in het heden ook nog een kistje met brieven vindt. Naast de heerlijke romance die zich opbouwt tussen Melanie en Josh is het leuk dat ook de verhaallijn over het verleden een belangrijke rol spelen en dat naarmate het plot vordert er steeds meer duidelijk wordt en er dingen samen komen. Daarnaast is het, zoals je met een feelgood mag verwachten een heerlijk afgerond einde en sla het boek met een heerlijk gevoel dicht.

Wat een heerlijke zomerse felgood was dit, zeker met dit koude weer was dit echt een boek om even bij weg te dromen. Door de dubbele verhaallijn, waarbij de hoofdstukken wisselen tussen het heden en verleden krijgt het verhaal een leuke diepgang die de feelgood net iets extra's geeft. Daarnaast heeft Jenny Hale een heerlijke vlotte en levendige schrijfstijl waardoor je heerlijk in het verhaal opgaat. Echt een aanrader.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Melanie Simpson discovers a box of letters at a house she bought with hopes of turning it into a bed and breakfast, she discovers secrets that were buried long ago. Her beloved grandmother has passed away. Melanie took care of her for a few years before her death and the two became quite close. Her grandmother left her an inheritance and this led to Melanie buying a house in Rosemary Bay per her grandmother's request.

The house is falling apart and is in need of more than a bit of work. The residents of Rosemary Bay say that there is one man perfect for the job, and that is Josh Claiborne. However, there are some hiccups. For one thing, Josh is set to leave for New York in a week's time. What is more is that he is diehard set against offering any assistance, and proves to be bitter to the core.

While out for drinks, Josh loses a game of darts. His price? To offer at least a quote and recommendations for the dilapidated house Melanie has purchased. The two have a strong chemistry. Of that there is no doubt. However, Josh proves quite harsh any time he is around Melanie. Why the contradiction? What does it really matter anyway, as Josh will soon be moving away?

Meanwhile, Melanie has the stack of letters that she has discovered. These letters hold clues to a past that in some way connect Melanie and Josh. However, the more letters she reads, the more conflict is raised in Josh. Why is this so? What is the connection of the letters, Melanie's grandmother, Josh and the person who actually wrote the letters?

I so loved this book! Both Melanie and Josh were wonderful characters and I really wanted them to find love, despite the obstacles that faced them. I also loved how strong Melanie was for her grandmother, even though her grandmother was not actually in this story. But, it was easy to see their strong connection. Meanwhile, as the story itself started, there was something that occurred that was truly heartbreaking, and it was this very event that just might ultimately tie Melanie and Josh together. The Beach House was a touching, memorable read of two souls find a chance at love and dealing with the obstacles that could lead to broken hearts. Instead, fighting those battles led to a wondefullly happy ending,

Msny thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Foxy Vixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This takes place in Rosemary Bay, Florida. It certainly puts you in the mood for summer. You want to go grab your Kindle, and sit on the beach and read a good book, which this is.
You have the past and present of 2 families, intertwined in a way that is very strange indeed.
Melanie, has inherited a Beach House on the shores of Rosemary Bay. She knows this house very well, because her Grandmother would have then pass by it every summer, rumor has it that it is haunted by the previous owner, is it?
She meets Josh very early on over a game of darts.. and he ends up helping her with the crazy renovations that have to take place in her inherited Beach House before she can open it up as a B&B.

Melanie finds some letters in the ‘haunted’ house which ties her and Josh together in a very bizarre way. Along the way, they encounter Cole a little boy, who certainly needs all the love and attention you can get.

The best part of this book is it talks about Coconut Key Lime Cookies, I had to go look up the recipe, can’t wait to make them as a surprise for by hubby.
Good fast read, very clean reading… and you will have to find out if the Beach House is haunted or not by reading the book.

[Jenniferleest · Rating 3 out of 5]

De gehele recensie lees je op 3 februari op mijn blog: https://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/

[Carlymor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this heartwarming story. Melanie has spent the last three years taking care of her ailing grandmother. She decides to use the inheritance left from her grandmother to purchase a rundown house and turn it into a bed and breakfast. When Melanie starts renovations, she comes across a box of love letters, written by the home's previous reclusive owner. Who was he writing to and why did he end up alone? A beautiful story of long- lost love as well as a contemporary romance made this very enjoyable. I'll definitely be reading more from Jenny Hale.

[Ahnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book warmed my heart<3

[Margaret Mullis Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 for me! Really enjoyed this one.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When it feels like everything— literally everything—is going wrong, sometimes, without our knowledge, it’s actually going very, very right .” A love story with a hint of The Notebook, you won't want to miss this beautiful read! Set on the Gulf Coast, this is the perfect beach read for the summer.

After taking care of her Gram for the last three years of her life, Melanie isn't sure what to do with her life. What she is sure of is buying the crumbling beach house her Gram loved to visit every time they went to the beach. With just her inheritance and a dream of turning it into a B&B, she quickly realizes she may be in over her head. Local handyman Josh doesn't want to visit the property let alone help with all the work that's needed on the house. While getting ready for the coming storm, Melanie finds a box full of letters that tie Josh's family and her Gram to the house. What happens after is part mystery and full love story of not only Melanie and Josh, but the old owner of the house and Melanie's Gram.

Beautifully written with stories tying past and present, you'll be on the edge of your seat until the very end wondering how this will all work out. Hale not only writes about love, she also writes about loss, and how family isn't just the ones were born into. A slow build love story you'll remember long after you've put it down.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Hale, and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[CL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy read for a summer afternoon.

[Silvia Devitofrancesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Melanie Simpson ha da sempre avuto un ottimo rapporto con sua nonna tanto da aver messo da parte se stessa negli ultimi tre anni per assisterla. Ora che sua nonna non c’è più, Melanie è pronta a esaudire il suo grande desiderio: acquistare la casa che si trova in fondo alla spiaggia di Rosemary Bay, dove trascorrevano le estati, così da trasformarla in un bed and breakfast. Josh Claiborne, imprenditore edile in procinto di trasferirsi a New York, mai avrebbe immaginato che la sua strada avesse potuto incrociarsi con quella della misteriosa casa in riva al mare e della sua padrona, tuttavia complici un uragano e una serie di segreti di famiglia che tornano prepotentemente a galla, vedrà tutta la sua esistenza cambiare radicalmente.

“Voglio che la storia di Ellis House sia diversa. Non deve più essere una storia terribile, triste. Voglio provare a cambiarla.”

Sono numerose le tematiche affrontate in questo romanzo che sarebbe riduttivo definire un romance estivo. Certo, la componente romantica è presente, ma non costituisce il punto focale dell’intera trama. Ruolo centrale viene ricoperto dalla tematica familiare attraverso una sorta di mistero che si dipana dal ritrovamento di misteriose lettere scritte dal precedente proprietario dalla casa acquistata da Melanie. Accanto a questo, trovano spazio il ruolo della famiglia, il senso della perdita, la malattia, il voler rimettersi in gioco quando tutto sembra finito.

Melanie ha abbandonato tutto per occuparsi di sua nonna, gravemente malata. Le due hanno avuto da sempre grande complicità, sin da quando si recavano in vacanza al mare a Rosemary Bay, lì dove sua nonna aveva trascorso molte estati della sua vita. Pur avendo molte perplessità generate dalle condizioni nelle quali versa la casa, Melanie l’acquista, certa che sua nonna le farà fare la scelta giusta. Ha bisogno di ripartire, di lavorare, di innamorasi anche.

Josh è noto nella cittadina per essere il miglior imprenditore edile nonché uomo dotato di immensa gentilezza e bontà d’animo. La sua figura è ricca di contraddizione specie nel rapporto con Melanie, quantomeno nella fase iniziale. La sua storia familiare è legata a ciò che la sconosciuta giunta nella cittadina sta scoprendo. Quel che è certo è che tutto sarà destinato a cambiare, in meglio o in peggio è soggettivo.

Entrambi hanno necessità di fermarsi e di ripartire, mettendo da parte i vecchi se stessi e aprendosi a nuove sfide. Insieme troveranno reciproco sostegno e, anche sbagliando, impareranno a nutrirsi di quella complicità che pian piano si instaurerà.

Lo stile della prosa è semplice, fluido e scorrevole. Tra le pagine si alternano i piani temporali attraverso la rievocazioni del passato grazie a misteriose lettere.

Il lettore è costantemente coinvolto dalle vicende che, grazie a un ritmo narrativo sempre serrato, si susseguono creando sempre maggiore interesse e aspettative.

Un romanzo completo. Una lettura assolutamente adorabile.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kindly received an eARC advance copy of this book to read and review though NetGalley.

This is a cute read. Melanie has given up her marketing career and her fiancé to care for her grandmother who recently died from cancer. Her gran left her an inheritance and suggested she use the money to buy and renovate an old house in the town her gran grew up in.

Melanie decides to follow her gran’s wishes and buys the old Ellis property. She meets the attractive contractor Josh who agrees to help her before he moves to NYC. While he is helping her prepare for a hurricane storm, he can’t leave in time and ends up waiting out the storm with her.

The book follows the story of Melanie’s grandmother whose love for the builder of the house was thwarted. It’s the story of how she waited for him and he waited for her. It’s the story of Melanie restoring the old property to run as a BnB, her relationship with Josh growing and how she meets the foster child Cole that Josh has taken under his wing.

I like the story but felt like some parts were so glossed over to be totally unrealistic. I have never heard of a contractor building a new porch in one day, four year old boys riding on their own pedal boat out at sea, and inheritances being determined based on old letters. Some parts had me feeling “huh”?! 🙈😂

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beach House by Jenny Hale is a sweet romance that I enjoyed. I love romances, which works great to destress me, and nothing is better than a beach read in the summer. I love the quirky people and situations in this book, and watching the characters grow. I found this book to be a quick read, and recommend it to all readers who enjoy a sweet romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a quick read. I struggled however with the main characters' relationship and did a lot of eye rolling, and then everything turned out predictably.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questo libro mi ha lasciato un po' perplessa.
La storia non è male anche se sicuramente è qualcosa di visto e rivisto e il personaggio di Josh mi incuriosiva parecchio ma andando avanti pagina dopo pagina mi aspettavo qualche colpo di scena che non è mai arrivato.
O meglio c'è stato ma era molto prevedibile e scontato.

La nonna di Melanie dopo una lunga malattia muore e nel testamento dichiara che per aver i soldi Melanie deve acquistare una casa in Florida. Mel e la nonna passavano le estati in quel paesino sulla costa e ogni volta che passavano davanti ad Ellis House si fermavano a guardarla.
Melanie decide di compiere una pazzia e di trasferirsi in Florida per trasformare la casa in un bed & breakfast. Peccato che appena arrivata si scateni un uragano. Melanie è totalmente impreparata ma per fortuna Josh, un carpentiere locale la aiuta. Molto di malincuore e solo perchè ha perso una scommessa al pub.
Josh è molto riluttante ad eseguire i lavori soprattutto perchè a breve lascerà la città per trasferirsi a NY per guadagnare i soldi che gli servono per costruire la casa dei suoi sogni sul terreno che gli ha lasciato il nonno.
Un terreno ambito da un'impresa di costruzioni capitanata dalla sua ex moglie.

Melanie ritrova anche un mazzo di lettere mai spedite dall'ex proprietario della casa alla sua amata.
Lettera dopo lettera Melanie scoprirà segreti del passato che però potrebbero avere ripercussioni anche sul presente e sul futuro di Josh e la sua famiglia.

L'espediente delle lettere che svelano un passato colmo di segreti è già stato usato una sacco di volte e purtroppo anche i fantomatici segreti sono facilmente intuibili.
Josh mi ispirava molto all'inizio ma andando avanti nel romanzo mi ha lasciato abbastanza fredda.
Non sono entrata in sintonia con i personaggi, forse Melanie mi ha convinta un pelino di più ma Josh a volte era davvero irritante.
Come caspita ti permetti di strappare una lettera?
Il finale non mi ha convinta in pieno: da una parte mi ha stupita la risoluzione con l'ex moglie ma dall'altra la storia è così scontata che si sapeva come andava a finire già a pagina 50.
Un libro buono per passare un paio di ore al mare in completo relax ma non certo per emozionarsi.