The Beach Escape

by Rachel Magee

Beach adventures.
New beginnings.
And turtles.

Molly Lawrence could use an escape. After all, her fiancé dumped her at her rehearsal dinner for her best friend. Fortunately, she has a short-term veterinarian assignment in Emerald Cove, Florida. A friendly workplace, beaches, and summer—what could be better?

Grant Torres shows up with a patient she wasn’t expecting: a giant loggerhead sea turtle. Soon Molly is immersed with helping Grant at the turtle hospital he manages, and work leads to snorkeling, sunset sails, a wedding date—and unexpected feelings. But even as they help injured turtles return to the sea, Molly and Grant both plan to leave soon on new adventures of their own. Can Molly heal her own heart? And could love turn out to be the ultimate destination?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Beach Reads, Adult

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2022

About the author

Rachel wrote her first novel when she was twelve and entered it into a contest for young author/illustrators. Unfortunately, the judges weren’t impressed with her stick figures. So she dropped the dream of becoming a world famous illustrator and stuck to spinning stories. When she’s not busy working on her latest book, she loves to travel with her family and friends. By far, her favorite destination is the beach, which tends to work its way into most of her stories. Between vacations, you can find her at home in The Woodlands, TX with her wonderful husband, their two adventurous kids and a couple of spirited pets, all of whom share Rachel’s love of the ocean. Well, except the cat and dog. They’re both afraid of water. Find out more about what Rachel has been up to at rachelmageebooks.com.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romance. The two main characters were just so cute and they fit together so well. I loved all the characters in this book. I also loved all the ocean and sea turtles scenes in this book. The romance in this book was super cute and sweet. I found this book to just be a light and fun read. Great Summer Read. I did not love the audiobook of this book, so I ended up just reading the kindle edition of this book. I liked one of the audiobook narrators, but I did not like the other one. I was kindly provided an e-copy and e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (Hallmark Publishing) or author (Rachel Magee) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beach Escape is a perfect summer read if you love beaches, warm breezes, cool drinks, and sea turtles. Set in the lovely Florida Panhandle on the ever-popular 30A, this story is about a place with sugar white beaches, emerald waters, great community, friendly people, and two people brought together at a sea turtle rescue and rehab center. After a failed engagement, Veterinarian Molly Lawrence decides to become a traveling Vet filling in for those on leave. She hits Emerald Cove for a three month stay and then plans to leave with no connections, but she didn't plan on getting pulled into making friends in this small friendly town and especially meeting Grant Torres and his sea turtle rescue where she met lots of adorable rescue turtles. Grant is a good friend, helping her step out of her comfort zone to try new adventures. Grant is ready to move on to take on a research job and finish his doctorate so no problem. They are both about to leave town for a new venture. But maybe things are not as clearcut as they seem. This a sweet and light read sure to make you smile, especially if you like a good beach read.
I received a complimentary copy from Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet contemporary story of friendship and love. Traveling Veterinarian Molly Lawrence finds herself in the gorgeous beach town of Emerald Cove, Florida where she’ll fill in for the local vet who’s on maternity leave. Freshly hurt from a bad relationship, Molly has no plans for romance. Then she meets Grant Torres, director of the local Turtle Rescue and Rehab Center. The turtles steal her heart, and her developing friendship with Grant is nice. Gavin has a chance to work at his dream job, and Molly has a chance to love again.

The characters are wonderful and inviting making this novel a pleasure to read and relax with. The beach setting and the sailboat brought thoughts of weekend beach trips with the smell of suntan lotion and breezy, salty air. The turtles are endearing and I absolutely loved the great ending! What a great book! Thank you, Hallmark.

I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing. All opinions are my own.

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel Magee's The Beach Escape is a light, sweet, and easy-breezy romance. The perfect thing to stuff in your beach tote, or (as I did) listen to the audio version while enjoying a gorgeous summer day.

Rachel Magee paints a charming picture of this ocean front town, and the characters are all very likable.

The audio is nicely performed by Kristin Price & Tim Campbell.

thank you to Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook copy of The Beach Escape for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly accepted a short-term veterinarian position in Emerald Cove, Florida after her fiancé cancelled their wedding. She is looking for beaches, sunsets, a challenging place to work and no commitments. When Grant walks in with a giant loggerhead sea turtle the excitement begins. Molly has a lot of fears when it comes to the water yet with Grant’s encouragement and the need to help injured turtles, Molly steps up to each task. I loved Molly’s dedication to the turtles and her spirit. Grant’s commitment to the turtles and their well being was commendable. I also really enjoyed Grant’s sister and his best friend who supported both Molly and Grant. There is a strong sense of hope in this book. The book did a great job in showing how trust can be established even when someone has experienced heartbreak.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I smiled just about the entire time reading this book, and continually felt warmth spreading through me 🥰 The sea turtle rehabilitation stories and ocean adventures were heart-melting and vividly detailed. The personalities of Molly and Grant were sweet and charismatic, and I love the effortless feel of their friendship and relationship. The background characters were equally endearing, and I'd love to see future books about them, too. It's definitely a Hallmark book, and with it comes that brief moment of annoying stubbornness where two people make it harder than it has to be to simply express their true feelings and start a life together. That said, it was very quick and resolved without much dragging out, so I didn't feel it take away from the story. It was an adorable story that brings up all kinds of feelings of goodness, positivity, hope, and healing. It makes you fall in love with the ocean and the sea turtles living in it 🐢💚🐢💚

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beach Escape is a fun, lighthearted summer read from Hallmark Publishing. It's absolutely what I have come to expect from Hallmark. Sweet and fun, perhaps a little predictable but in the very best way possible. If Hallmark movies aren't your cup of tea, this likely won't be either... but if you're like me and enjoy those types of sweet romances, you'll absolutely adore it.

Sometimes, I just need something a little lighthearted fun romance books. I read this one after a few more serious suspense stories that felt a little too true to life. I just needed an escape. And yes, this one lived up to it's name! I've never had any major interest in sea turtles... nor have I ever found myself wanting to take a trip to Florida, and yet this one sparked an interest in both. The turtles were such a great addition and really helped to make this sweet story all that much better. The chemistry between Molly and Grand was so enjoyable to read, and I so enjoyed their adventures together. I found myself not quite ready to leave Emerald Cove when the story ended, which is always a good sign in a book. It was just the type of beach escape that I needed, and one that truly would be a great Hallmark movie too! If you're looking for a great beach read, this one is certainly one to check out too.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you knew me, which, of course, you don’t, you’d know how much I love animals. One of my favorite animals is the sea turtle. I loved going to the Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center when I would visit close by. Seems like I always enjoy stories with this wonderful animal in them. This story is no different. I loved spending time at the ECTRR and reading more about sea turtles and the wonderful folks working with them. I felt like I made new friends. The storyline and the characters are wonderful. I hope I get to meet up with them again. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and fun beach read! I listened to the audio version of this Hallmark story and enjoyed both the female and the male narrator.

I really liked the way Molly and Grant met and ended up becoming not only coworkers, but friends. It was clear to me, the reader, that these two were falling for each other and definitely were a great match. It was fun to see what adventures Grant took Molly on. He had so many great ideas of things in the area to show her and his expeditions usually required her to step a bit out of her comfort zone and embrace something new.

I was frustrated with Molly just a bit as she allowed herself to let her fear rule her when it came to giving her heart to Grant. It seemed to me that she believed that her previous break up meant that she should never try to love again, which made a relationship with Grant something to fear. Of course, I was glad when they were able to work things out. This story was very happy and uplifting to listen to.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, clean, summer beach read. Molly Lawrence comes to the Florida panhandle as a temporary vet to cover while the local veterinarian has a baby. She isn’t obligated but she finds herself getting involved with the Emerald Cove Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. After helping out once she agrees to provide vet visits in exchange for the director Grant Torres showing her around the area. She something a couple times a month. Molly is fresh off a broken engagement and is challenging herself to try new things.

Grant embraces the idea and there are cute outings aboard his sail boat, before dawn turtle patrol, watching the sunrise from a lighthouse and even her own turtle rescue. This is a very wholesome read but it jumps to feelings too quickly. Grant after a week can’t imagine his life without Molly. And I think the love word is used before there is even a first kiss. I know this is a Hallmark book but there can be kissing on these fabulous dates without it becoming more.

I love the turtles, the main characters, the small town, the outings, the family and friends but the romance was only tepid warm for me. The epilogue does give a very sweet conclusion. Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect beach read. Set on the coast it involves two people who have been wounded in love but now have the chance to find it again. But will they give it an chance?
I loved all the turtle talk in the book and how she incorporated them in the plot.
It’s a nice feel good romance, beach style.
Thanks to Hallmark and NetGalley for the early read.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Book could Have Been Wayyyyy Shorter....

Read if you like:

🐢 Turtles.... I mean not just a Mention full on Ninja Power 24/7

🐢 Clean Romance

🐢 Cheesy Hallmark Movies (this is Hallmark all over)

🐢 Friends to (I wouldn't say lovers its all very PG) friends that hold hands.....

🐢 Feel like visiting Stepford! or Pleasantville before any story actually kicks in....

The characters are one dimensional, there was little substance to them and all very perfect there was no character flaws that draw you to them, They eat seafood which was surprising after they save sea animals and are vets/ Marine Biologists, there is alot of Filler not much story...

*****Spoiler Ahead *******

The basic jist is two friends go on lots of turtle rescue missions, start to feel something more than friends after a few weeks confess they love each other.... Thats basically it. Sorry.

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that for a Hallmark book the main characters got to know each other as friends for an extended time before considering romance. I liked that the characters were adults and had established careers that were important to them. I liked the friends and family.

But I do think that it's possible for Hallmark characters to kiss more than once in a book. The "almost kiss" that leads to weeks of separation, miscommunication and angst is just too overdone.

The title does not go with the book. This book is 75% about turtles. Maybe Turtle Together or Two to Turtle would be more appropriate? Seriously, Kindle tells me the word turtle(s) is used 305 times in this 336 page book. It's a lot of turtle.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly Lawrence had her life planned. She was going to marry her fiancé, a fellow veterinarian, and they were going to have a dream life together. They'd go to work every day in matching scrubs and after a day spent tending to precious pets they would return to their dream home complete with white picket fence, their own pets, and eventually children. But Molly's fiancé had different plans. Or rather, he had the same plans but with a different person.

After a few awkward months trying to continue life in her small town in Kansas, Molly realized she no longer belonged and she decided to leave the home she'd always known and become a traveling vet. Traveling would allow her to help animals without committing herself to a town or to people who may not be willing to commit to her. No ties, no heartache, just new adventures. Sounded like a good plan... until she landed in Emerald Cove. Molly Lawrence might not have wanted to become attached to the people in Emerald Cove, but they weren't willing to give her much choice.

This book was so so sweet. The people Molly meets in Emerald Cove are all very open and caring and dedicated to kindness and friendship. Molly throws herself into helping the animals, both domestic and wild. With the help of Grant, Claire, Matteo, Ellyn and Hadley, Molly soon finds that the animals aren't the only ones being healed.

As a Hallmark book there isn't any sex, only a little alcohol consumption, and nothing else that might make even the meekest granny blush. If you're looking for a sweet, light, romantic, beachy summer read, this is the perfect book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Thereadingbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beach Escape by Rachel Magee

Molly Lawrence needs a break she was dumped at her rehearsal dinner. She is a veterinarian and decides to take a travel veterinarian job. Her first job placement is at a beach where she is filling in for the local vet because that vet is having a baby. The place she lands in Emerald Cove Florida anyways she meets Grant at the end of her first day. Grant Torres is in charge of a turtle rescue non profit. He needs Molly to look at one of the rescued turtles to see if it is ready to be released. Molly hasn't done any turtle vet care in a while and she is unsure of herself. Anyways this romance book is all about the turtle rescue and the work they do.

Molly agrees to help Grant at the rescue with the turtles in between her normal duties as the local vet. Grant in turn will show Molly around town in payment for helping with the turtles. This is a very clean slow burning romance. It also talks a lot about turtle rescue. If this interest you then this clean romance novel is for you.

I really enjoyed the turtle part in how the rescued and monitored them also when they release them back into the wild. The romance was clean which is ok for me sometimes a romance needs to be just a clean easy slow going. So if you are in a mood for this type of romance then this book is for you. I like that it was a little educational about the turtles.

Kristin Price & Tim Campbell did a great job giving life to the characters and each had their own voice. This was a solid four star read for me. It was enjoyable read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hallmark Publishing for a free audio copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beach Escape is a sweet, enjoyable romance, the perfect summer read to just sit back and enjoy. Molly Lawrence was recently dumped by her fiancé at her rehearsal dinner for her best friend. She is a traveling who has a position in a beautiful beach town of Emerald Cove, Florida where she’ll fill in for the local vet who’s on maternity leave. Shortly after arriving she meets an unexpected patient, a giant loggerhead sea turtle as well as Grant Torres, director of the local Turtle Rescue and Rehab Center. She knows very little about the turtles or the rescue center, but throws herself into the work becoming the vet for the center. Not only do the turtles steal her heart, but she begins to develop feelings for Grant and he for her. The problem is that Grant is planning to leave town to work his dream job, and Molly is still healing and not planning to love again.

Traveling to Florida each year, I love turtles, but don't know a lot about loggerhead turtles. I enjoyed that aspect of the story and how the rescue center brings Molly and Grant together. The characters all wonderful in this story and Grant and Molly just fit together so well. Their developing relationship brought the setting to life with their work as well as their time together on the sailboat and learning about the area. This was an enjoyable to read and listen to. With narrators Kristin Price and Tim Campbell giving voice to Molly and Grant, the story came to life. I enjoyed both formats and recommend either to those who enjoy a lovely, contemporary romance.

[Jennifer Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beach Escape was an excellent getaway clean romance! Dr. Molly Lawrence, veterinarian, is covering a maternity leave in Emerald Cove, Florida. One of her first patients was unexpected - a giant loggerhead sea turtle, Grant Torres manages a sea turtle rehabilitation center; Molly becomes fully involved with helping prepare injured sea turtles for release back into the ocean. In the process she and Grant become close. Is Molly willing to risk her fragile heart?
I loved the sea turtle rehab in this book!
Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook.

[Gabrielle Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute feel-good rom com. Vet Molly comes to a small town on the heels of a break up and finds an unexpected friend in town. I can definitely see this book being adapted to a movie or Netflix original. Add this to your beach read summer TBR.

Thank you to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Jennifer Helms · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

Honestly there was nothing special about this book. Definitely gave Hallmark movie vibes. Molly is constantly scared, nervous, worried about everything remotely exciting. The characters are one dimensional, easy read, but overall wouldn’t recommend to a friend.

Thank you to Net Galley, Rachel Magee, and Hallmark Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer/Florida

This story involves turtles and romance. Turtles make up most of the story. There is also some beach time and some other animals. Food and art and friendship and romance are also in this story. The romance took a while to build. It seemed to take a backseat to other parts of the story.

[Theresa Seiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the happy feels of a classic Hallmark! Loved it!

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Molly the vet got ditched by her fiance shortly before the wedding and then was the subject of relentless town gossip. She decides to be a traveling vet, filling in for others when they need to take a leave. That's how Molly has ended up in Emerald Cove Florida. She meets Grant when he cajoles her into also taking over the checkups for the turtles at his family's Loggerhead Turtle rescue.

This is a Hallmark book. I admit that I watch those Uber cheese Hallmark Xmas movies, but this was even too much for me. In the movies, you do t get the constant inner monologue of the characters. It was repetitive. This was an audiobook listen for me and I picked it because I wanted something happy to listen to because that's just what I needed. It was certainly light without much substance. I think I'll stay away from the Hallmark books from now on.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was adorable and a great happy, romantic, sweet love story that happens to take place in my dreams. A traveling vet?! There is def. A life of mine that I am a vet and one or the same that I also work with marine animals and participate in wild animal rescue and rehab releases back to the wild. Not to mention living on a sailboat. Wow. This book just hit almost all the things I love! A perfect recipe for a 4 star rating! The only negative was the notion that I was heartbroken once and therefore should never love again and spend the rest of my life alone theory, which I can just never wrap my brain around, especially when she admits to never having really loved the fiancée in the first place. (Not really a spoiler although it sounds like one!)

A great easy read. Thanks to netgalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook!

[Elaina Lopez-Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a TRUE Hallmark story which, as I’ve said before, is NEVER a bad thing. It started out kinda slow and jumped around a little, but overall, it was a great story with realistic characters!

Thanks to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beach Escape by Rachel Magee is a wonderful, feel-good, and contemporary romance that gives us the sweet story of a wonderful romance and an adorable happily ever after. I loved it!

This is such a cute, romantic, realistic, and relaxing romance between two perfectly made for each other characters. Molly and Grant truly make each other happy, and through their relationship, healing, forgiveness, hope, life, and romance blooms.

Such a laid back and ideal backdrop of Emerald Cove, Florida with its beachy feel, charming residents, and precious sea turtles. One can’t help but cheer for both characters from the very beginning.

A perfect Hallmark romance that needs to be made into a movie!

5/5 stars enthusiastically

Thank you NG and Hallmark Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/9/22.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Rachel Magee and Hallmark Publishing for the ARC of The Beach Escape. This is my personal review.
The cover, the title and the story all go perfectly together. This is an absolutely perfect book to grab and read while laying on the beach.
Molly got dumped at the rehearsal dinner for her best friend. That was not how she saw her day going. But she knew she was going to be Ok with having a job in Florida she was taking as a veterinarian.
The small town in Florida location is so perfect for the story.
When Molly met Grant, this was not what she was expecting. The connection between the two made the romance perfect. I could feel the chemistry as I was reading and loved every minute of it.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Molly is to get married she finds out that her fiance and her best friend are in love so she decides to take an adventure. She is a veterinarian and she decides to become a traveling vet. She takes over when the local vet is having a baby or going on vacation. She finds herself in this little town for three months..

While she is there the story unfolds with her filling in and meeting a whole new family of friends and associates She tries new things and finds purpose for herself again.

What a truly uplifting story this was and I read it almost in one setting. It is one of those reads that you just find so hard to put down.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love story featuring vets and love Hallmarks stories as they always make me smile.
This is an excellent, escapist, and sweet summer story that ticks all my checks. Compelling and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Patricia Sue Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

charming beautiful story

I loved this story. If you are looking for a sweet romance set in a charming town and love animals ..this is your book. There’s a wonderful sense of healing ❤️‍🩹 that comes from watching this story unfold. You won’t be sorry !