Old friends are the best… Catherine “Cate” Tibbs, Brooke Ridley, and Amber Anderson, friends since they were awkward thirteen-year-olds who named themselves “The Beach Babes,” are about to face their 40th birthdays. Because they haven’t been able to get together for some time, Cate arranges for them to rent a house along the Gulf Coast of Florida for a long weekend. She hopes it will give them the opportunity to celebrate and re-ignite their friendship. Cate, an author trying to finish a book, doesn’t know that Amber, a model, and Brooke, the mother of a boy in college and younger twin girls, are as worried about their own futures as she. Together, the three women support one another as they each face a crisis in her life, proving once again the strength of women’s friendships.
Judith Keim, A USA Today Best Selling Author, is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way, stories with heart. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people that she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
EXCERPT: Catherine 'Cate' Tibbs stared out the window of her home office at the pine trees lining the backyard of her upstate New York property, taking a moment to study the way the wind and the rain of the autumn storm were making the green needled boughs sway like graceful dancers. The words she wanted to put on the computer screen for the new book she was writing were not coming easily to her. She knew why. She couldn't stop thinking back to the time she and her two best friends became The Beach Babes. They were such an odd trio of thirteen year olds, but somehow their friendship had formed and had endured through the years. Until recently, that is. She hadn't heard from either Amber or Brooke for several months now.
Cate sat back in her chair, made a few notes before moving away from her desk, and headed into the kitchen to make a cup of herbal tea. Time to set things in motion, she thought. She and her friends were all turning forty in the upcoming year, and she had a plan.
ABOUT 'THE BEACH BABES': Catherine “Cate” Tibbs, Brooke Ridley, and Amber Anderson, friends since they were awkward thirteen-year-olds who named themselves “The Beach Babes,” are about to face their 40th birthdays. Because they haven’t been able to get together for some time, Cate arranges for them to rent a house along the Gulf Coast of Florida for a long weekend. She hopes it will give them the opportunity to celebrate and re-ignite their friendship. Cate, an author trying to finish a book, doesn’t know that Amber, a model, and Brooke, the mother of a boy in college and younger twin girls, are as worried about their own futures as she. Together, the three women support one another as they each face a crisis in her life, proving once again the strength of women’s friendships.
MY THOUGHTS: A pleasant easy summer beach read about the enduring friendship of three women.
Yes, it was pleasant, but wasn't a particularly engaging read. It took me a good 75% of the book before I began 'hearing' these women and seeing them as real characters.
I enjoyed the storyline, even though it was rather predictable, but found the dialogue a little formal and stilted in places.
Of the three main characters, I liked Amber the most. That woman has backbone. I liked Brooke the least. She's one of those slightly whiny 'My husband isn't paying me enough attention. I may just divorce him.' women. Cate is the facilitator, the glue that holds the three together.
THE AUTHOR: I’ve loved stories and reading from the time I played “Librarian” with my sister as a young girl. Living in a relatively small town in upstate New York, reading became a way to experience the world in a way I couldn’t otherwise do.
Many a hot, summer afternoon was spent reading, sprawled on the front porch “glider”, escaping to a time and place far from there. My mother was an avid reader, some might suspect to keep her sanity while raising three active children – especially when my brother was doing experiments with his chemistry set!
Books were always present – being read, ready to go back to the library or about to be discovered. Information from the books was shared in general conversation, giving all of us a wealth of knowledge. Perhaps that is why I was drawn to the idea of writing stories early on.
I particularly love and write novels about women who meet unexpected challenges with strength and find love along the way, stories with heart. A child or dog in the story is a plus.
Presently, I lived in Boise, Idaho with my husband and our two dachshunds, Winston and Wally and other members of my family. (judithkeim.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Wild Quail Publishing via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Beach Babes by Judith Keim for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
Cate, Brooke and Amber have been best friends since they were 13. They called themselves The Beach Babes. Now they’re turning 40 and they decide to go to the beach for a fun girls weekend. This book is about close friendships, joy, loss, new beginnings… I liked all 3 women and each one had their own struggles through life but they were always there for each other. It was a fast read for me, I read it in a day! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
Cate, Brooke and Amber have been best friends since they were 13. As they approach their 40th birthdays, they decide to go to Seashell Cottage to celebrate. All three of them had a difficult time growing up and they were each other's anchors. Now at almost 40, they are all facing difficult problems in their lives. Can they help each other find happiness and joy again.
Cate is an author trying to finish a book in her popular series. She is seriously thinking about changing genres and is struggling with that decision. She has been in love with Jackson for seven years. He wants to get married and have babies but Cate is stalling. She had such poor mothering examples from her mother and her aunt that she is afraid she may not know how to be a good mother.
Brooke is married to doctor. They have a son in college and twin daughters. Brooke is well off financially but she has no self esteem due to the way her mother always put her down when she was growing up. She has a feeling that her husband is having an affair and is trying to decide whether to leave him.
Amber works in the modeling industry and has a terrible boss who takes credit for everything that Amber does. Amber has just found out that she's pregnant and has to decide how to handle the situation and whether to tell the father of the baby.
You can always depend on a book by Judith Keim to bring you wonderful story with characters that you feel like you know. We all know how important our friendships with other women are to our lives and this book is a perfect look at one of those friendships.
A lovely novel about long-lasting friendships and the ups and downs of life in general. Beautifully written, the story about three friends spending a weekend on the beach is full of touching moments that I could relate to. I loved how the author kept the pace fast and threw in a few twists to keep matters interesting.
Cate, Amber and Brooke, three friends for years, exceptional. The three go through life altering experiences and can rely on each other for great support. It’s another fantastic book by this author. I couldn’t put it down.
I had an Advanced Reader copy of this book from Judith Keim and it was a great read! I would recommend this book for a holiday at the Beach. Reading it made you want to spend time there.
Cate, Brooke and Amber were interesting characters and most likely they are relatable to many people. They all have had their issues, but were successful in what they chose to do. Like many people who get close to forty, evaluate their life thus far and see what they may want to do differently.
I believe this book is very enjoyable and worth your time.
Judith takes us back to the Seashell Cottage when three women, who have been best friends since they were children, decide to celebrate their upcoming birthdays in Florida. Cate, Brooke, and Amber are at crossroads in life as they are facing their 40th birthday. They are sure that getting together, and talking, will help them figure out where they will be going from here. They have each been happy in their lives, but something is different now, and they will be there for each other, as they talk everything out. One thing they all wondered was, does life begin at 40, and seeing where the women are now, then they might find out. Life is a journey, and they will see that when they turn 40. The women seem to be preparing for what is to come, even though they don't know what it will be. Judith brings to life, the friendship of women, the supporting of their friends, they are the heart and soul of the story. I received an ARC from Judith.
While this book starts and ends with a visit to the Seashell Cottage, the majority of the story takes place in NY state. Amber, Brooke and Cate have been friends since their school days, and are now getting ready to turn 40 soon. To celebrate, they book the Seashell Cottage for a much deserved girls trip.
Over the course of the story, the 3 women share secrets and pain, losses and gains, and through it all they support each other and their families. It was a heartwarming story of enduring friendship and perseverance. Highly recommend!
Thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
The Beach Babes are turning 40 and all are going through some difficult times. They meet for a weekend in Florida to reunite, reminisce, and try to work out their current problems. Their special friendship is clearly shown by how dedicated and determined they are to help each other through difficult times. This story is about 3 strong women who are always there for each other. This was a very uplifting story that had many twists and turns in it. I would highly recommend this story.
I was given this book to read for my honest opinion.
I'm a huge fan of Judith Keim's books, and this one is no exception! Cate, Amber, and Brooke have been best friends since they were 13, which is when they dubbed themselves the "Beach Babes." This is such a great read from beginning to end. The story is told from the perspective of all 3 women in each new chapter. I loved watching their life stories unfold individually and with each other, as well. There's nothing better than lifelong best friends! This is a must read! I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
This is an engaging story about 3 best friends, who are all about to celebrate their 40th birthdays. they were very close as children. They've kept in touch through the years, but distance and circumstances have kept them from routine interactions. They agree to meet at a beachfront house for a long weekend to rekindle their friendship.
Unbeknownst to the others, each one is at a crossroad in their lives. As they work through their life issues, the others are supportive and loving. One of the characters is an author and I wondered if we were being offered an insight into the difficulties and joys of being an author.
This is a well-written story about women supporting women. There are love stories, family interactions, and life. I enjoy reading Judith Keim's book and her storytelling.
I was provided with an advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
The beach babes find the best friends reuniting at the seashell cottage. They remained friends but didn't get to spend time together. They plan this vacation and the bonds and life pull them together. You'll enjoy this read.
Cate, Brooke and Amber have been friends since childhood. Even though they grew up differently they are ‘forever friends’ even having nicknamed themselves ‘the beach babes.’ And what better place to meet up again than at Seashell Cottage to celebrate their upcoming 40th birthdays! Their friendship runs deep and they will rely on each other even more in the coming year as each contemplates a drastic change in their life. Love, loyalty and shared friendship shines through in this wonderful, heartfelt book.
Every book by Judith Keim brings us stories about friendship, loyalty and love. This one is no exception. Her characters are people I’d like to know. Three women who have been very close since the age of 13 get together at Seashore Cottage after not seeing each other for two years. They renew their ties. All of them are facing worries that cement their loyalty to each other. I highly recommend this read that is a page turner.
I read this book as an ARC and wish to thank Judith Keim and the publishers for the opportunity. The ideas in this review are strictly my own.
Amber, Brooke and Cate have been friends since they were 13 and dubbed themselves The Beach Babes! With them reaching the milestone of their 40th birthday, they plan to meet up at the Seashell Cottage. Each one contemplating huge changes in their lives, but vowing as they always have to be there for each other. she does best, writing about strong women empowering each other, and friendships that last through the years, through the decades, and through all the ups and downs that life can give you …this was one very enjoyable book. No please excuse me while I go and book myself a nice long weekend at the seashell cottage!
I read this as Advanced Reader Copy. Thank you Judith keim for an amazing book. Three friends Cate, Brooke & Amber been best since they were 13 years old. Grew up completely differently. They are turning 40 years old. Cate gets the 3 together at Seashell cottage to celebrate there birthdays early. They are all going through something different. Can they all find love and happiness? They show just what true friendship is about. Love this story & Seashell Cottage.
Seashell Cottage works its magic again. Cate, Brooke and Amber have been BFFs since they were teenagers and the need to reconnect after being apart for several years is strong. All three women are going through huge changes in their lives and the need for each other has never been more important.
Its a story of how important relationships are, not only with your partner but with others with whom you share a past and a future. Its a great story, an enjoyable read. I recommend this to every woman who has a best friend.
If you are looking for a little magic in your life then it’s time to visit The Seashell Cottage. When three friends met for a weekend together at Seashell Cottage they had no idea how that visit would bring changes to each of their lives. Judith Keim is able to take what appears to be negative events that happen everyday in the lives of women everywhere and is able to show that a unfortunate event can have positive consequences. If you haven’t read the series set at Seashell Cottage you need to start now! Once you start one you will not stop reading them. Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for my requested advanced copy of The Beach Babes. The review is truly my own, honest opinion.
The Beach Babes has three women who were childhood friends with different backgrounds, issues with their mothers and drew strength from each other. I loved getting to know Amber, Brooke and Cate - their history as well as their present with hopes for their futures. We get to know them a little at a time and they had many layers. I enjoyed their relationships with each other and each others families as well as there's with their significant others. They grow during the telling of the story and their lives turn out different than expected.
There are many storylines set in different states with their careers and jobs central to the story. The stories are woven nicely together. There are emotional moments with tears, sorrow, and laughter. The story has a nice flow and the chapters are the voices of one of the main characters in alternating chapters. There is nice closure with happily ever afters but I wish it went on a little longer or we could revisit all of them in a Christmas story to see where their lives have taken them.
Ms. Keim is an author whose books I enjoy. I can't wait to see where she takes us next!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms. Keim introduces readers to three women who have been friends since they were 13 years old. Each one is now facing their 40th birthday and have some big decisions to make in their life. Ms. Keim brought Amber, Cate and Brooke to life as she delved into each of their lives and the painful decisions they now have to make before each of them can move on to new adventures. The plot was smoothly paced, the descriptive writing made Seashell Cottage and and the other settings come to life and the characters were drawn so that I had no trouble relating to them throughout the book. A lovely store filled with friendship and heart that kept me turning the pages.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Wild Quail Publishing via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Cate, Brooke, and Amber have been best friends for over twenty five years. Despite everything going on their lives they find reasons to stay connected and meeting up at a beach side cottage for a long weekend getaway made them appreciate their friendship even more. I thought it was great how they supported each other through all their tough times and happy moments. They are all at cross roads trying to decide the path to choose for the next chapter of their lives. The current and in Amber’s case future men in their lives were supportive and understanding of their friendship and need to lean on each other.
Best friends since they were 13…. But now, it’s time to look forward and celebrate that big 40th birthday that’s right around the corner. A lot of life happens between ages 13-40. Pain, loss and fresh starts. But friends forever stick together. Amber, Brooke and Cate are The Beach Babes. They make sure they are there for each other as their pasts and the present lets them know the future can bring a lot of surprises. But they’ll not have to tread those waters alone. Neither will they ever forget that beautiful Florida coastline and Seashell Cottage.
If you like reading books that show true to life experiences and issues and how they are resolved, then this series is probably for you. And if you happen to be by the beach, this book will be a perfect 'tag-along'.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Judith Keim is one of my go-to authors for books about strong women and how how they handle their problems. The Beach Babes is a fantastic book that I would give more than five stars, if I could. Cate, Brooke, and Amber dubbed themselves the Beach Babes when they were thirteen. In this book you’ll get to know each of these women and learn what they’re each dealing with. It something different for each of them. I won’t leave any spoilers because I really hope everyone will read this amazing story. If you enjoy books about strong women that have each other’s backs when needed, then you’ll love this story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Amber, Cate and Brooke”. Three friends since they were young children, they haven’t gotten together for a long while and now are turning 40. A decision is made to meet up in Florida at Seashell Cottage. They call themselves the Beach Babes. Each of them are having personal issues and struggling with making some important decisions. Decisions that could make or break the life they have now. Beautiful story about friendships, relationships, family and trusting what is best to do. Will they achieve their happily ever after? Perfect summer beach reading….. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is one of the good summer reads that I had this year. It is not common for me to stumble upon a book that uplifts women that also caught my taste in book. I'm so happy I found this one.
This is also my first read from Judith Keim
This is basically about 3 best friends who are about to reach their 40th birthday and has decided to meet on a long weekend getaway after not seeing each other for years and to celebrate. Catching up about their lives and getting themselves time some breather.
I admire how the relationship between these three best friends seeing how they navigate their own lives and get through their own personal struggles but then again still being there for each other together with the people they can lean on.
I was so sad when I read the last page in this book because I knew I would miss the three women in this story. I felt like the Beach Babes, Amber, Brooke, and Cate were my friends. I really liked that the three women had remained friends since their youth and that they were always there for each other. I also liked that they were all three 39 years old, getting ready to turn 40 and contemplating their past and future. Who knew when they met up for a weekend at the Seashell Cottage in Florida how their lives would change. This was truly a well thought out book with wonderful, relatable characters and events. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
The book in the Seashell Cottage focuses on The Beach Babes, Cate, Amber and Brooke. The girls have been friends since they were 13. They are gathered together for a girls weekend to celebrate their 40th beautiful birthdays. Each one has turmoil and problems to work through
The book focuses on themes of friendships, love and support. Loss and new beginnings run through the book. The trio has learned to lean on each other through the good times as well as the hard times. Circumstances relocate them closer to each other as they look forward to rebuilding lives and finding love
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
A fun beach read by Judith Keim! Best friends - Amber, Brooke, and Cate - who coined their moniker “The Beach Babes” as preteens who met one summer, reconnect for their 40th birthdays as each of the women confronts turmoil within their lives with the guidance and help of each other. With laughter, tears, and lots of love among them, the Beach Babes can conquer anything: a vindictive boss, a false accusation toward one’s spouse, a decision on whether marriage and parenthood is in the cards, then add in dysfunctional family histories and it makes for a well rounded story that comes full circle for each of the women. I really enjoyed Judith Keim’s latest book, and I especially love the references to locations from previous books. Each of her books can be read as standalone stories, but you would miss the connection which can bind them together. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review; the privilege did not influence my opinion of the book.
Another Judith Keim book that I couldn’t stop reading. I absolutely love these characters. The friendship The Beach Babes have with each other is so awesome. Who would have thought these three who are so different and have such different histories could click so well and have their friendship and love for each other last for so many years? This story has real life situations, which we all know are not always pretty. They are always there for each other, no matter what is happening. The love between all of these folks is so endearing. Each has their own story going on, but they are all brought together so well. I hope I get to hang out with them again soon and see what is happening next in their lives. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.
This was the best story of 3 friends and their families and significant others. I loved it. The Beach Babes had been friends for years and supported each other through hard childhoods and growing up. The author, Cate, thought it would be great to get together to celebrate their 40th birthdays and they talked out what was going on with them. One was struggling on whether to get married, one thought her husband was cheating, and one had a horrible boss and a secret relationship. The story had some great moments, some sad moments and a some HEA's Can't recommend enough. Judith Keim always come through with a story that you know you will reread.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.