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The Seaside Library
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bookstore on the Beach
There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart…
Mariners Island is barely ten miles long, but when Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teenagers, it was their whole world. Beyond the pristine beaches and iconic lighthouse lies the beautiful old library that belongs to Ivy’s family. While that bound Ivy to the island as an adult, Ariana could not leave Mariners behind fast enough. The town holds too many…memories. Not only her unrequited feelings for Cam, but the tragedy that left a scar on the community.
When a young girl went missing, a teenage Cam was unthinkably the prime suspect. Ariana and Ivy knew he couldn’t have hurt anyone, and they promised to protect him—even if it meant lying on his behalf.
Now, twenty years later, Ariana returns to Mariners just as new evidence emerges on the case, calling into question everything the three friends thought they knew—and everyone they thought they could trust. What really happened that night? Over the course of one eventful summer, Ariana, Ivy and Cam will learn the truth—about their pasts, their futures and the ties that still bind them as closely as the pages of a book…
Don't miss these other great summer beach reads from Brenda Novak
One Perfect Summer The Bookstore on the Beach Summer on the Island
There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart…
Mariners Island is barely ten miles long, but when Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teenagers, it was their whole world. Beyond the pristine beaches and iconic lighthouse lies the beautiful old library that belongs to Ivy’s family. While that bound Ivy to the island as an adult, Ariana could not leave Mariners behind fast enough. The town holds too many…memories. Not only her unrequited feelings for Cam, but the tragedy that left a scar on the community.
When a young girl went missing, a teenage Cam was unthinkably the prime suspect. Ariana and Ivy knew he couldn’t have hurt anyone, and they promised to protect him—even if it meant lying on his behalf.
Now, twenty years later, Ariana returns to Mariners just as new evidence emerges on the case, calling into question everything the three friends thought they knew—and everyone they thought they could trust. What really happened that night? Over the course of one eventful summer, Ariana, Ivy and Cam will learn the truth—about their pasts, their futures and the ties that still bind them as closely as the pages of a book…
Don't miss these other great summer beach reads from Brenda Novak
One Perfect Summer The Bookstore on the Beach Summer on the Island
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2023
626 people are currently reading
14404 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
234 books6,926 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 758 reviews
January 1, 2023
Eh ... not what I was expecting when I requested this book. I really didn't care for the characters. I didn't care for the story. I get it - they made a mistake as teenagers. I didn't need it drilled into my head every chapter - every conversation. I found myself skimming large sections just to move on to something new.
Not the worst I've read, but on the list of one of the most "eh" that I've read.
Thank you #netgalley and #Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA
Not the worst I've read, but on the list of one of the most "eh" that I've read.
Thank you #netgalley and #Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA
May 4, 2023
The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak
Contemporary romance / mystery or romantic suspense.
Twenty years ago a young girl went missing on Mariners Island. Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teens themselves and friends that spent their days on the beach together. When police asked where everyone was at the time, Ivy and Ariana stretched the truth and covered for Cam that night. New evidence has surfaced and reopened the investigation. Cam is again the prime suspect and Ariana has to help find answers. She can’t believe he would hurt anyone.
Strong friends, rekindled love interest, and a mystery that’s been left unsolved for too long. Someone knows more. And this time, Ariana doesn’t want to walk away from Cam.
Cam is very needy. There is an underlying story there. I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery. It was more than I expected from a summertime read.
Contemporary romance / mystery or romantic suspense.
Twenty years ago a young girl went missing on Mariners Island. Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teens themselves and friends that spent their days on the beach together. When police asked where everyone was at the time, Ivy and Ariana stretched the truth and covered for Cam that night. New evidence has surfaced and reopened the investigation. Cam is again the prime suspect and Ariana has to help find answers. She can’t believe he would hurt anyone.
Strong friends, rekindled love interest, and a mystery that’s been left unsolved for too long. Someone knows more. And this time, Ariana doesn’t want to walk away from Cam.
Cam is very needy. There is an underlying story there. I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery. It was more than I expected from a summertime read.
February 26, 2023
20 years ago a 12 year old girl goes missing. Ivy and Ariana cover for their friend Cam. Present day the skeleton of the missing girl is found. Ariana returns home and reunites with her friends. Suspicion still falls heavily on Cam.
Secrets are revealed.
This was an entertaining read that I sped through. Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC that will be released April 11, 2023!
May 7, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE SEASIDE LIBRARY by Brenda Novak is a women’s fiction/mystery/suspense mash-up with romantic elements. From my initial impression of the title and cover I was expecting more of a romance, but that is not the focus of this story.
Three friends, Ivy, Ariana, and Cam are inseparable on Mariners Island even though their family circumstances are very different as they grow up. During the summer of their sixteenth year, a young girl goes missing and the police are focusing on Cam. Ivy and Ariana swear to protect him even though they must lie to the police.
Twenty years later, the case is still unsolved, but a walker and her dog uncover the girl’s body. Ariana has returned to the island for the summer, Ivy runs her family’s library and Cam has become a restoration architect, but the rumors and accusations against him still abound. Over the summer, the friends are determined to find out what happened that night. Will it fracture their friendship or bring them even closer together?
This was not the story I was expecting, but I did enjoy it. The three friends are well developed and realistically drawn. The cold case murder mystery/suspense kept me turning the pages with unexpected revelations interspersed throughout. There is a balance between trust and suspicion between the friends throughout the story with a budding romance that I feel was handled believably. All the plotlines are pulled together in the end and left me satisfied.
An entertaining read about trust and friendship with a cold case mystery.
THE SEASIDE LIBRARY by Brenda Novak is a women’s fiction/mystery/suspense mash-up with romantic elements. From my initial impression of the title and cover I was expecting more of a romance, but that is not the focus of this story.
Three friends, Ivy, Ariana, and Cam are inseparable on Mariners Island even though their family circumstances are very different as they grow up. During the summer of their sixteenth year, a young girl goes missing and the police are focusing on Cam. Ivy and Ariana swear to protect him even though they must lie to the police.
Twenty years later, the case is still unsolved, but a walker and her dog uncover the girl’s body. Ariana has returned to the island for the summer, Ivy runs her family’s library and Cam has become a restoration architect, but the rumors and accusations against him still abound. Over the summer, the friends are determined to find out what happened that night. Will it fracture their friendship or bring them even closer together?
This was not the story I was expecting, but I did enjoy it. The three friends are well developed and realistically drawn. The cold case murder mystery/suspense kept me turning the pages with unexpected revelations interspersed throughout. There is a balance between trust and suspicion between the friends throughout the story with a budding romance that I feel was handled believably. All the plotlines are pulled together in the end and left me satisfied.
An entertaining read about trust and friendship with a cold case mystery.
March 14, 2023
I love a good twist and buried secrets, but I found this was just too much. By the end, I was frustrated with all the lies, aggravated by most of the characters, and just needed to know what happened for resolution.
Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this April 2023 release in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this April 2023 release in exchange for my honest review.
April 12, 2023
Kept hoping it was going to get better, never did
April 25, 2024
Two stars.
Firstly don’t be fooled by the cover and go into this book expecting a beach read and cosy tale about a library and books. No idea why it is called this as the library isn’t exactly a major feature of the book. It is about three friends Cam, Ivy and Ariana come back together. They all carry guilt for the decision made 20 years earlier to lie to police to cover up for Cam who police believed killed twelve year old Emily. But they never had enough evidence to convict him. Now Emily’s sister Jewel is determined to get Cam convicted, Since Emily’s body has been found , the lies and tension are all starting again. Did Ivy and Ariana cover up for a murderer? Guilt nags at them.
This book is very repetitive, going over the same ground time and time again, with nothing new added. It goes on far too long. I nearly gave up several times and probably should have. I didn’t like or relate to the characters at all. As for the ending? It didn’t work for this reader. A disappointing read in my opinion. Maybe it depends on what you are looking for? From me two stars was generous.
Firstly don’t be fooled by the cover and go into this book expecting a beach read and cosy tale about a library and books. No idea why it is called this as the library isn’t exactly a major feature of the book. It is about three friends Cam, Ivy and Ariana come back together. They all carry guilt for the decision made 20 years earlier to lie to police to cover up for Cam who police believed killed twelve year old Emily. But they never had enough evidence to convict him. Now Emily’s sister Jewel is determined to get Cam convicted, Since Emily’s body has been found , the lies and tension are all starting again. Did Ivy and Ariana cover up for a murderer? Guilt nags at them.
This book is very repetitive, going over the same ground time and time again, with nothing new added. It goes on far too long. I nearly gave up several times and probably should have. I didn’t like or relate to the characters at all. As for the ending? It didn’t work for this reader. A disappointing read in my opinion. Maybe it depends on what you are looking for? From me two stars was generous.
April 14, 2023
No idea why this is called The Seaside Library--the library is barely in it at all. And the cover? Totally misleading--even though this takes place in a seaside town during tourist season, it's not remotely a fluffy beach read. Maybe if you go into it knowing that you'll have a better overall experience? But maybe not.
It's just...I tried to like the characters, I really did. Who hasn't made dumb mistakes as a teenager? Made bad choices? Told a white lie or two to keep someone out of trouble? But, ugh--everyone in this book just keeps adding to their 20-year-old bad decisions by making even worse ones, until I just wanted to know how Emily died already so it could all be over.
This absolutely did not need to be an almost 400-page book.
Rating: 2 stars / D+
It's just...I tried to like the characters, I really did. Who hasn't made dumb mistakes as a teenager? Made bad choices? Told a white lie or two to keep someone out of trouble? But, ugh--everyone in this book just keeps adding to their 20-year-old bad decisions by making even worse ones, until I just wanted to know how Emily died already so it could all be over.
This absolutely did not need to be an almost 400-page book.
Rating: 2 stars / D+
January 21, 2023
Review coming soon.
April 27, 2023
This was not what I expected. Why is it even called Seaside Library? The library was by no means any main part of the story. It had nothing to do with the story.
How frequently do we need to be reminded of the bad decisions the three characters made as teenagers? I found myself jumping over portions of chapters to not have to read repeated details or to read how the now adults were still acting like teenagers. There was no plot twist for me. I figured out the “bad guy” was that person almost right away.
Unfortunately I did not like the relationship between Cam and Ariana. It was eye-rolling at times. I liked Ivy but was disappointed in her decisions and grew to dislike her as well. And how convenient that a guy just walks into the library at the right time. Eye-rolling again and hard to believe.
I did finish the book but only to confirm that I was right about “who dun it”.
How frequently do we need to be reminded of the bad decisions the three characters made as teenagers? I found myself jumping over portions of chapters to not have to read repeated details or to read how the now adults were still acting like teenagers. There was no plot twist for me. I figured out the “bad guy” was that person almost right away.
Unfortunately I did not like the relationship between Cam and Ariana. It was eye-rolling at times. I liked Ivy but was disappointed in her decisions and grew to dislike her as well. And how convenient that a guy just walks into the library at the right time. Eye-rolling again and hard to believe.
I did finish the book but only to confirm that I was right about “who dun it”.
March 26, 2023
Dnf halfway through. Nothing has happened and we keep repeating the same conversations over and over again. If the first half of the book was cut in half I might have finished it.
February 13, 2025
The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak is a novel set in the small coastal town of Mariners Island. It centers around childhood friends, Mariners Island librarian Ivy, and her best friends, Ariana and Cam whose lives are forever altered by a tragic event during their teenage years. 20 years ago a local girl goes missing, and the trio lies to protect each other. 20 years later, the girl is found forcing them to confront the secrets of the past. The novel explores themes of romance, friendship, loyalty, and the cost of keeping secrets with an edge os suspense and mystery.
April 19, 2023
4.5 Stars
Mariners Island is an idyllic summer retreat like Nantucket. Three best friends, Ivy, Ariana, and Cam are year-rounders, staying when the summer crowd goes home. Their lives change at sixteen when a twelve-year-old girl goes missing and Cam is supposedly the last person seen with her. When it’s apparent Cam will be the prime suspect Ivy and Ariana lie to give him an alibi because they’re sure he couldn’t have done anything to hurt this girl. Twenty years they’ve stuck by their story, Ariana leaving for college soon after, staying away for the most part. Now the girl’s remains have been discovered and Ivy and Ariana question if they did the right thing.
From the cover, The Seaside Library looks like a breezy beach read, but it’s more of a serious story. It’s a cold case mystery, a story of friendship and of unrequited love.
Ariana has loved Cam since they were teenagers, but he skipped from girl to girl and never gave any sign that he was interested in her. Granted Ariana never let Cam or even Ivy know that she loved him, but part of the reason she’s stayed away is because she felt too much for him, and those feelings just come rushing back the moment they connect again.
The other reason was the guilt she felt from lying to the police and everyone else about the true timeline of the night the girl went missing. Ivy has also struggled with her decision, but they felt Cam would’ve been unjustly accused and railroaded into a conviction if they didn’t give him an alibi.
Slowly the truth of that night comes out, what actually happened. There were some twists I guessed, others I didn’t. I wanted all three to find happiness. I wanted the truth to come out so they could all move on from the events of that night and justice for the little girl.
The Seaside Library grabbed my attention from the first page, and I didn’t want to stop reading! I needed to know how it all turned out, so I ended up reading it in one sitting!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
Mariners Island is an idyllic summer retreat like Nantucket. Three best friends, Ivy, Ariana, and Cam are year-rounders, staying when the summer crowd goes home. Their lives change at sixteen when a twelve-year-old girl goes missing and Cam is supposedly the last person seen with her. When it’s apparent Cam will be the prime suspect Ivy and Ariana lie to give him an alibi because they’re sure he couldn’t have done anything to hurt this girl. Twenty years they’ve stuck by their story, Ariana leaving for college soon after, staying away for the most part. Now the girl’s remains have been discovered and Ivy and Ariana question if they did the right thing.
From the cover, The Seaside Library looks like a breezy beach read, but it’s more of a serious story. It’s a cold case mystery, a story of friendship and of unrequited love.
Ariana has loved Cam since they were teenagers, but he skipped from girl to girl and never gave any sign that he was interested in her. Granted Ariana never let Cam or even Ivy know that she loved him, but part of the reason she’s stayed away is because she felt too much for him, and those feelings just come rushing back the moment they connect again.
The other reason was the guilt she felt from lying to the police and everyone else about the true timeline of the night the girl went missing. Ivy has also struggled with her decision, but they felt Cam would’ve been unjustly accused and railroaded into a conviction if they didn’t give him an alibi.
Slowly the truth of that night comes out, what actually happened. There were some twists I guessed, others I didn’t. I wanted all three to find happiness. I wanted the truth to come out so they could all move on from the events of that night and justice for the little girl.
The Seaside Library grabbed my attention from the first page, and I didn’t want to stop reading! I needed to know how it all turned out, so I ended up reading it in one sitting!
A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2023
I usually love Brenda Novak’s books, but I’m going to be totally honest and admit that I struggled with THE SEASIDE LIBRARY. Maybe it is just me because many of my friends gave the story five stars, but either way, its a big book at 400 pages and it took me a while to finish. The title and the cover were misleading to me as well. The story really has nothing to do with a library except that one of the characters works in one. Brenda Novak has always been an auto author for me and even after reading this story, she continues to be.
THE SEASIDE LIBRARY takes place in Mariners Island. Three friends are coming back together after twenty years apart. Back then a young girl was killed and the mystery of what happened was never solved. Cam, Ivory, and Ariana were teenagers back then and were very close friends. Fast forward twenty years and a body has been discovered, the young girl killed decades ago. I really didn’t understand these three friends. All they do is lie to each other. I also had a very hard time connecting with all of the towns people as well as the three main characters.
THE SEASIDE LIBRARY jumps back and forth between the present and the past. Pay attention, be patient and read on. Brenda Novak continues to throw the reader curve balls and keeps them guessing right up until the end of the story. Just when the reader has it all figured out, the twists and turns take them into a different direction and leaves them scratching their heads. That is exactly what happened to me. Hopefully I will enjoy the next Brenda Novak book like I usually do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
THE SEASIDE LIBRARY takes place in Mariners Island. Three friends are coming back together after twenty years apart. Back then a young girl was killed and the mystery of what happened was never solved. Cam, Ivory, and Ariana were teenagers back then and were very close friends. Fast forward twenty years and a body has been discovered, the young girl killed decades ago. I really didn’t understand these three friends. All they do is lie to each other. I also had a very hard time connecting with all of the towns people as well as the three main characters.
THE SEASIDE LIBRARY jumps back and forth between the present and the past. Pay attention, be patient and read on. Brenda Novak continues to throw the reader curve balls and keeps them guessing right up until the end of the story. Just when the reader has it all figured out, the twists and turns take them into a different direction and leaves them scratching their heads. That is exactly what happened to me. Hopefully I will enjoy the next Brenda Novak book like I usually do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 15, 2023
The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak
12h 17m narrated by Amy McFadden, 400 pages
Genre: Adult Fiction, Women's Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary, Romance
Featuring: New England Island Town, 20-Year-Old Teen Secret, Cold Case, Romantic Drama, Friendship Trio, Obstruction of Justice Trope, Investigation
Rating as a movie: R for adult content and situations
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: 📱9% 1:07:27 Ch. 4 - Oh wow! I wasn't expecting that; this cover looked so sweet. It's probably nothing, but still.
📱52% 6:23:19 Ch. 16 - I feel completely misled. This book isn't about a library, 🤭 it's full of secrets, triangles, and drama, none of which takes place near the library. I think it's set in Massachusetts, but they are still so obscure about the "mainland."
This is not a true romance, and the cover and title are very misleading as the library is a minute part of the plot, only where one character works and she doesn't spend much time there. It's not quite Women's Fiction as we have a male POV, but it's something, like a Contemporary Beach Mystery or something. I wasn't a fan of the story, and I disliked every single character in the town. I was hoping I would warm up to them, but all of the lying got on my nerves. The romance portion seemed forced and unnecessary and was bland. My motivation for finishing was to find out what really happened to Emily. The ending was extremely rushed and just as vague as the location of this fictional town.
Recommend to others?: I don't know. I can see people enjoying it, but just the bait-and-switch cover could irritate some readers.
12h 17m narrated by Amy McFadden, 400 pages
Genre: Adult Fiction, Women's Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary, Romance
Featuring: New England Island Town, 20-Year-Old Teen Secret, Cold Case, Romantic Drama, Friendship Trio, Obstruction of Justice Trope, Investigation
Rating as a movie: R for adult content and situations
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: 📱9% 1:07:27 Ch. 4 - Oh wow! I wasn't expecting that; this cover looked so sweet. It's probably nothing, but still.
📱52% 6:23:19 Ch. 16 - I feel completely misled. This book isn't about a library, 🤭 it's full of secrets, triangles, and drama, none of which takes place near the library. I think it's set in Massachusetts, but they are still so obscure about the "mainland."
This is not a true romance, and the cover and title are very misleading as the library is a minute part of the plot, only where one character works and she doesn't spend much time there. It's not quite Women's Fiction as we have a male POV, but it's something, like a Contemporary Beach Mystery or something. I wasn't a fan of the story, and I disliked every single character in the town. I was hoping I would warm up to them, but all of the lying got on my nerves. The romance portion seemed forced and unnecessary and was bland. My motivation for finishing was to find out what really happened to Emily. The ending was extremely rushed and just as vague as the location of this fictional town.
Recommend to others?: I don't know. I can see people enjoying it, but just the bait-and-switch cover could irritate some readers.
January 5, 2023
Don't be deceived by the beachy cover photo or the title - The Seaside Library is actually a murder mystery with just a sprinkle of romance.
When Cam, Ariana and Ivy, best friends growing up together on a small island near Nantucket, were 16 years old a young tourist girl went missing on the island. Cam was the prime suspect but no charges were laid as Ariana and Ivy provided him with an alibi. The three friends drifted apart after that incident but twenty years later they are reunited when Ariana returns to the island where Cam and Ivy still live hoping to resolve her guilt about what happened the night of the disappearance as well as her unrequited feelings for Cam who is now married with a young child. At the same time, new evidence is uncovered in the disappearance and the three are soon caught up in a police investigation where suspicion once again falls on Cam.
The Seaside Library is an okay read but I didn't think it was on par with other Brenda Novak novels that I have read in terms of pacing, plot, or character development so I was a bit disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
When Cam, Ariana and Ivy, best friends growing up together on a small island near Nantucket, were 16 years old a young tourist girl went missing on the island. Cam was the prime suspect but no charges were laid as Ariana and Ivy provided him with an alibi. The three friends drifted apart after that incident but twenty years later they are reunited when Ariana returns to the island where Cam and Ivy still live hoping to resolve her guilt about what happened the night of the disappearance as well as her unrequited feelings for Cam who is now married with a young child. At the same time, new evidence is uncovered in the disappearance and the three are soon caught up in a police investigation where suspicion once again falls on Cam.
The Seaside Library is an okay read but I didn't think it was on par with other Brenda Novak novels that I have read in terms of pacing, plot, or character development so I was a bit disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
April 24, 2023
I normally love Brenda Novak novels but I was disappointed in The Seaside Library. I struggled to get into this one and the murder mystery and secrets aspect wasn't what I was expecting with the cover and past books of hers.
February 16, 2023
I'm not sure why this book was titled "The Seaside Library" as the library itself plays a very small role in the plot and setting of the story. And the cover art is very misleading, as this is not a 'beach read'.
I almost DNF'd the book a few times. While the mystery of what happened to Emily Hutchins was somewhat interesting, the romance between Cam & Ariana felt awkward, and the character development for the story overall fell flat for me.
I was provided with an Advance Reader's Copy of this title by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
I almost DNF'd the book a few times. While the mystery of what happened to Emily Hutchins was somewhat interesting, the romance between Cam & Ariana felt awkward, and the character development for the story overall fell flat for me.
I was provided with an Advance Reader's Copy of this title by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
December 2, 2023
1,5
Reseña completa en el blog Letras, Libros y Más próximamente
Este libro es una mezcla de romance, amistad y thriller todo ello en el marco de una pequeña isla donde todos se conocen. La trama va poco a poco y se toma su tiempo para asentar las bases, mientras da vueltas a los mismos hechos y pensamientos una y otra vez, va investigándose el asesinato de la pequeña Emily, vemos cómo son las vidas de los tres protagonistas y como van surgiendo los sentimientos entre dos de ellos.
Empezó muy bien y el misterio y la ambientación me atrapó desde el principio, pero según se iban desvelando cosas y tomando el rumbo definitivo la cosa decayó y fue bajando y bajando hasta que fue un suplicio seguir leyendo, solo continué y lo terminé por saber quién era el asesino de Emily y por cabezonería, porque si no lo hubiera abandonado.
Una novela curiosa con buena ambientación y misterio, sin embargo, flaquea en todos los demás aspectos.
Reseña completa en el blog Letras, Libros y Más próximamente
Este libro es una mezcla de romance, amistad y thriller todo ello en el marco de una pequeña isla donde todos se conocen. La trama va poco a poco y se toma su tiempo para asentar las bases, mientras da vueltas a los mismos hechos y pensamientos una y otra vez, va investigándose el asesinato de la pequeña Emily, vemos cómo son las vidas de los tres protagonistas y como van surgiendo los sentimientos entre dos de ellos.
Empezó muy bien y el misterio y la ambientación me atrapó desde el principio, pero según se iban desvelando cosas y tomando el rumbo definitivo la cosa decayó y fue bajando y bajando hasta que fue un suplicio seguir leyendo, solo continué y lo terminé por saber quién era el asesino de Emily y por cabezonería, porque si no lo hubiera abandonado.
Una novela curiosa con buena ambientación y misterio, sin embargo, flaquea en todos los demás aspectos.
June 5, 2023
I just want to Scream “That B*•=?!” But I don’t want to spoil it for you lol!
I will agree with many reviews, the cover, the title of this book are totally misleading-so you’ve been forewarned: enter at your own caution! The only library aspect to this book is that one of our three main characters is a librarian…& I guess maybe it’s because it’s within this library that an important part of the how-they-do-it aspect of the who-Dunn it is solved.
Anyway-this book follows three besties; 2 females and their male best friend. The summer when they were 16, guy bff becomes a suspect in the murder of a 12 year old visiting girl and his 2 bff homegirls fudge a timeframe when he wasn’t with them and says that he was. You spend the book getting to know him and building up this case in your head that he Wouldn’t do this…so who did?
This book was the good kind of frustrating! There are secrets that don’t make sense to be held. Everyone at some point is kind of questionable. You see the delicate attempt at secrets amongst friends. You see the lengths people will go to, to maintain an image and continue a lie. You see greed, a marriage that should’ve never been and has become too insufferable. There are so many moving pieces. This is an unputdownable Mess. It was so messy and I couldn’t look away. A few chapters in I thought, maybe this wasn’t for me! But I’m so glad I stuck with it. What a fun beachy murder mystery.
I will agree with many reviews, the cover, the title of this book are totally misleading-so you’ve been forewarned: enter at your own caution! The only library aspect to this book is that one of our three main characters is a librarian…& I guess maybe it’s because it’s within this library that an important part of the how-they-do-it aspect of the who-Dunn it is solved.
Anyway-this book follows three besties; 2 females and their male best friend. The summer when they were 16, guy bff becomes a suspect in the murder of a 12 year old visiting girl and his 2 bff homegirls fudge a timeframe when he wasn’t with them and says that he was. You spend the book getting to know him and building up this case in your head that he Wouldn’t do this…so who did?
This book was the good kind of frustrating! There are secrets that don’t make sense to be held. Everyone at some point is kind of questionable. You see the delicate attempt at secrets amongst friends. You see the lengths people will go to, to maintain an image and continue a lie. You see greed, a marriage that should’ve never been and has become too insufferable. There are so many moving pieces. This is an unputdownable Mess. It was so messy and I couldn’t look away. A few chapters in I thought, maybe this wasn’t for me! But I’m so glad I stuck with it. What a fun beachy murder mystery.
April 25, 2023
The cover picture and the title intrigued me to read this book. I really enjoy books by this author. But when I started reading it I have no idea why it’s called the seaside library. It’s only mentioned a few times, makes no connection to the story. The story or mystery was really hard to follow along. I skipped most of the boo to just finish it. Disappointed.
May 12, 2023
Romance amidst a murder that needs solving? Yes, indeed.
May 27, 2023
For Ivy, Ariana + Cam childhood into adult friendship takes on a twisty ride in this murder mystery that will have you asking yourself.. what REALLY happened on the night a 12-year-old disappeared? Now an unsolved murder, this story leads up to one incredibly shocking ending! So good. A great summertime read with small hometown feels on an east-coast island setting. 4 stars — Pub. 4/11/23
April 29, 2023
WOW! This did not read like a typical Brenda Novak book. This was actually intriguing and kept me wanting to read more and more! At times I forgot I was even reading a Brenda Novak book...
Cam, Ivy and Ari - three friends who had kept a secret about a murder years ago, comes back to bite them in the butt; sort of.
Ari does everything she can to help Cam because she's been in love with him for YEARS but unfortunately he's married to a monster. His wife is the epitome of spoiled rich white girl syndrome. I just wanted to reach through the pages and strangle the girl.
I do appreciate that everything wraps up nicely in the end. We find out who the real killer is and justice prevails!
I have to say this one was more like a thriller than her normal romance books that she writes. There wasn't any graphic sex scenes, thank God, I am so over those. If she continues to write books like this then I will definitely be reading every one of them.
Cam, Ivy and Ari - three friends who had kept a secret about a murder years ago, comes back to bite them in the butt; sort of.
Ari does everything she can to help Cam because she's been in love with him for YEARS but unfortunately he's married to a monster. His wife is the epitome of spoiled rich white girl syndrome. I just wanted to reach through the pages and strangle the girl.
I do appreciate that everything wraps up nicely in the end. We find out who the real killer is and justice prevails!
I have to say this one was more like a thriller than her normal romance books that she writes. There wasn't any graphic sex scenes, thank God, I am so over those. If she continues to write books like this then I will definitely be reading every one of them.
May 28, 2023
1 1/2 ⭐️ bumped to 2 ⭐️ for the work put in to writing a book. Do not get fooled by the title and cover. This book was not centered or about a library nor a beach read. It was so long and so repetitive. Plus, it was quite obvious who did what before even half the book was finished. Could have done without this one. I need a new Goodreads category—Should have dumped but didn’t!
October 24, 2022
Brenda Novak is an automatic read for me. I love her books and this was no exception. From the title I expected this to be a light summer beach read but it turns out it was a lot more. Romance of course with a twist of an old murder that comes to light when a body is discovered. Great read.
May 2, 2023
I thought this book had a very weak and predictable plot. It was unbelievably repetitive. Two-thirds of the book was nothing but filler words and the story could have been told in much less time. Would not recommend.
Read
May 27, 2023Dnf 16%
April 7, 2023
“ The Seaside Library” by Brenda Novak. I found it different from the last book I read of this authors but I still enjoyed it and read in one day.
There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart…
The story follows three friends — Ivy, Ariana and Cam. It had everything you could want in a story, regret, love, sadness, friendship, forgiveness, and family however that might look.
I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested. I was able to figure out who murdered Emily about halfway through, but still had to be sure. I liked how the author wrapped everything up neatly and didn’t leave us hanging.
I will definitely read other books by this author.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Harlequin and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart…
The story follows three friends — Ivy, Ariana and Cam. It had everything you could want in a story, regret, love, sadness, friendship, forgiveness, and family however that might look.
I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested. I was able to figure out who murdered Emily about halfway through, but still had to be sure. I liked how the author wrapped everything up neatly and didn’t leave us hanging.
I will definitely read other books by this author.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Harlequin and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 11, 2023
This is the story of friendship, secrets, lies, loyalty and murder on a small island. Mariners Island seems like the ideal place to vacation but Ivy, Ariana and Cam grew up there. Ariana left for a while to work in the big city but has returned when the body of a young tween who was killed when the trio were teens was discovered after almost twenty years have passed. Ariana, Cam and Ivy have a connection to young Emily and they are hiding a secret that they are desperate to keep hidden. The characters in the book are vividly portrayed with complicated personalities as well as relationships. They have believable flaws and are dynamic and well-rounded. The plot moves along at a quick and satisfying pace, capturing me from the beginning with the underlying mystery and drawing me further into the story with the brilliantly written character studies. The plot is just complex enough to have kept me engaged from beginning to end and also to keep me guessing about who young Emily’s killer was and the motive behind her death. There were absolutely no unlikable characters, no small feat when there are so many involved in the storyline, all contributing to the central focus on one way or another. The intrigue was captivating and the setting was picturesque, described so well that I could easily place myself into the book. Filled with suspense, a touch of romance and with a satisfying conclusion, this book is proof that the author is a masterful storyteller who has crafted a compelling story that is readable, engrossing and intricately woven.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
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