The Barlows

The Seaside Saga #17

by Joanne DeMaio

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes The Barlows, Book 17 of The Seaside Saga.

Jason and Maris. To the residents of Stony Point, they're simply known as the Barlows. Their home is a shingled New England cottage on the bluff, where salt air breezes stir and gulls cry and spirits roam. But like wisps of sea fog, darkness has touched upon their lives this summer. Will light and love return to their old weathered cottage by the sea?

And The Seaside Saga continues.

The Seaside Saga Reading Order:
Book 1 - Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans
Book 2 - The Denim Blue Sea
Book 3 - Beach Blues
Book 4 - Beach Breeze
Book 5 - The Beach Inn
Book 6 - Beach Bliss
Book 7 - Castaway Cottage
Book 8 - Night Beach
Book 9 - Little Beach Bungalow
Book 10 - Every Summer
Book 11 - Salt Air Secrets
Book 12 - Stony Point Summer
Book 13 - The Beachgoers
Book 14 - Shore Road
Book 15 - The Wait
Book 16 - The Goodbye
Book 17 - The Barlows
Book 18 - The Visitor
Book 19 - Stairway to the Sea
And more Seaside Saga Books

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

About the author

Joanne DeMaio is the prolific New York Times bestselling author of The Seaside Saga and other novels. She lives with her family in Connecticut and is currently at work on upcoming books.

Joanne enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor.

Reviews

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunited

It always feels like being reunited with friends and family when I start the next book in this wonderful series. As always, there’s laughter and heart, plans being made, disappointments and hope. This group of friends have transitioned so much during this series, but one thing that never changes is the love they feel for each other. Once again, they gather around one of their own who is hurting, and together they bring comfort and humor. But there’s always trouble lurking around the corner, as they navigate their way through their complicated lives.

[Kristen Karter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovvvve The Barlows

Loveeeee The Barlows story. Soooo happy that Jason and aMaris are back together and making up for lost time especially after a traumatic incident that brings them closer together and how their friends rally around them showing them the support they need while recouping from the time they lost while separated from each other. Highly recommend to all who love heartwarming romantic stories that make you smile and make you want more of them.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner

Seventeen books into this saga and it's still fresh. Each installment tells a different story of the characters lives. I feel like these people are my friends. Joanne DeMaio's character development is excellent. Can't wait for the next one.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne DeMaio is an incredible author that at once makes you feel like a “member” of the beach family.How the gang interacts with each other is the “family” everyone dreams of.It is not always smooth with many disagreements,separations, and the trials of everyday life.Yet no matter what they always pull together in the time of need.Maris and Jason have reconciled realizing the precious minutes they have lost while being apart.Elsa is still in a turmoil about Cliff or Mitch!Who will it be and why so?Shane after years away from Stony Point realizes how badly he misses home.Will Shane and Celia survive the distance between them?What is up with Shane to call Jason in his desperation?So skillfully written to let you relax but leaving you hungry for answers!”Ayuh” can’t wait for. #18-The Visitor in May!

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This episode had me at paragraph one! These characters are drawn carefully, they grow stronger, with love intertwined thoughtfully. I couldn’t put this story down. And now, am at a loss, until we meet again. Thank you very much for this even handed adventure ❤️

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are home again on the eastern shore.
An almost tragedy brings a reconciliation with Jason and Maris. Thrilled, all the friends gather together again for good food, laughter and some hijinks. All is right again in the world of Jason and Maris until the phone rings. Another cliffhanger as the author so often does, but it just makes us want, whether we listen or read, to know what happens next with our friends in Stoney Point. I received an ARC from the Author. This review is my honest opinion.

[Shelby Clinard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put the book down as usual. No matter what we face in life we always have the people we love to support and care for us. Left with that cliffhanger ending as usual and can’t wait for the next. Truly love this series please continue writing!

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love it when I can go back to visit the friends of the Stony Point community. There is plenty of drama among the clan but there's also lots of love and support among all of them.

Relationships move forward, while some get stalled, but maybe that's for the best. Pranks are pulled but you know it's all in fun. I just love the camaraderie that they all have for one another.

I love this whole series and The Barlows was another great reading escape for me. I can't wait for the next book so I can visit Stony Point again. If you have not picked up these books yet, you really should. You will come to love this community and these people as much as I do.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "The Barlows". It was so good to touch base with all the characters in the series. I look forward to the next book.

[Carol Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne DeMaio writes each of her Seaside saga books with such heart that makes you feel part of all the friends in Stony Point. Immediately I feel the seagulls cry, the salty air, see the waves as they roll in with Jason and Maris as they walk along the sandy beach so happy to be back together again. They are enjoying their alone time until they tell all their friends their good news. Until something happens out of the blue that shakes Jason's world as he watches Maris helpless to stop what he can't believe he is seeing before his eyes.... As usual I am on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next with these two and also Elsa with her love relationships and then too what is wrong with Shane? These wonderful books can be read alone but you will want to read the next one I am positive!

[Mary Moody · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started the series I really enjoyed it but…now it has drug on too long! It has become a daytime soap opera. All we get is what their day consists of, what they eat and what they are wearing. Seems like all is resolved between the couples- yes we do need to find out about Shane but I suspect since his buddy Shiloh and his family were highlighted that there was a mishap on the boat that was Shane’s fault and involved Shiloh. Come on wrap it up Joanne and move on…

[Janine Dunphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing!

I felt like the last few books in this series have been written in a rush, I found this one was a disappointment, I really found it “reaching” that they would make such a big deal of a near miss car accident and to draw it out through the whole book? Totally lacked of substance. I won’t be bothering with the next books.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Barlows, the beach friends' story continues where The Goodbye left off. Author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader back to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut. The story picks up in early September, where our beach friends lives are like the tides, sometimes they keep moving and changing.

In The Barlows, Author Joanne DeMaio easily captivates her readers' attention with this beautifully written tale through a seamless and flowing storyline, and with a wonderful description of a tranquil beach setting that wraps itself around the reader like a sun-warmed beach towel. The characters draw you into their lives with a strong emotional pull, their complexities and flaws are true-to-life, it is easy to relate to them with compassion, empathy, and hope.

The Barlows is an intricate story of interweaving friendships and ever changing life events. It is a wonderful story that continues to demonstrate the power of the magical sweet salt air that will cure what ails you. In this installment in The Seaside Saga Series, the author continues to weave a story that focuses on the reunion of Jason and Maris' marriage; Elsa's attempt to apologize to Celia and her ongoing predicament in deciding who to choose in the love triangle with Cliff Raines and Mitch Fenwick; and the continued blossoming secret relationship between Celia Gray and Shane Bradford.

In this seventeenth installment in the series, the author continues to keep the reader engaged as the beach friends continue to deal with ongoing and new issues.

Maris and Jason find their way back to each other, only to have Maris experience a near miss accident with a deer, which brings the beach friends and family to their cottage to checkup on them; while Elsa's still feeling angst over deciding between Cliff and Mitch, and how she will deal with the tension between her and Celia; and how Shane and Celia strenghten their blossoming love in a long-distance romance.

I loved how this installment's main focus is on Jason and Maris' reunion, and how a scary incident provides a life lesson and strengthens their love, and shows them and the beach friends how to embrace and live in the moment. As the beach friends embrace Maris and Jason and each other in good and bad times, life's surprises and changes shows them how some things are trivial, and how it's the people in their lives that are most important.

I also love the ongoing love triangle between Elsa, Cliff, and Mitch, the men sure man-up their efforts in this segment! Finally, Shane and Celia express their love for each other, but a long distance romance is tough on the heart.

At the end of the book, the author teases her readers with another cliffhanger ending: waiting on how Elsa, Cliff, Mitch, Celia and Shane's relationships will turn out, oh but there's more, she leaves the reader with a suspenseful cliffhanger ending that will leave the reader with a feeling of dread when something has happened to Shane back in Maine. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what is revealed in The Visitor, the eighteenth installment of the series ... sigh.

In this installment in the series, the reader follows along with the beach friends' lives that are full of friendship, love, secrets, regrets, challenges, heartbreak, grief, surprises, and second chances. As you read this installment, the beach friends continue along in their life journey in Stony Point.

So now that I have whet your interest in the beach friends latest comings and goings, drive under the railroad trestle and enter the enchanting beach town of Stony Point ... pull up a beach chair ... and visit with the close-knit longtime friends in author Joanne DeMaio's delightful novel, The Barlows.

The Seaside Saga Series is a heartwarming series of stories of friendship, family, painful secrets, new beginnings and second chances. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a wonderful tale written in the third person narrative, that is set in the present with flashbacks to the past. The reader is transported to the tranquil seashore town of Stony Point, Connecticut, where they follow along with Celia, Maris, Eva, Matt, Jason, Kyle, Lauren, Nick, Elsa, Cliff, and Shane as their lives change like the tide's ebb and flow on their little tranquil coastal town.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barlows picks up right where The Goodbye left off. In the beginning, Maris receives quite the scare when a deer runs out in front of her while she’s driving. It’s a near miss but the thought of what could of happened has really made an impact on both her and Jason. She’s shaken up but now that her and Jason have reunited, he’s there for her to calm her nerves and anxiety. When the news spreads, it doesn’t take long for all the gang to come together to help sooth her and show her just how much she is loved. In usual Stony Point fashion, it’s done with food and this time it’s thanks to Kyle. But a little mischief also takes place that brings some fun and excitement into the story. And as always, Joanne DeMaio ends each book with a cliffhanger leaving her readers wanting more. In this particular book, it’s with Shane. Something has happened that has him all shook up and I’m anxious to read what that might be. I have grown to love this series. The location and the description of the scenery are breathtaking, but it’s the characters and their personalities that really draw you in. It’s a series I love reading and I highly recommend. I’m anxious to read The Visitor which is the next book coming out in The Seaside Saga to see just where the beach friends journey will take them.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barlows (The Seaside Saga Book 17) by Joanne DeMaio
Starts out and Jason and Maris are back together, just dropping her car off for service.
As they go through a rural dark street she sees the first deer and avoids it, but doesn't see the next one...
Jason was following right behind her.
Things I love about this book are emotions, just when things are going great, then they aren't...
Love learning about how to avoid yellow jackets while picnicking outside, so cool!, all references to the water.
Love catching up with the WHOLE crew from wherever they are located and how things are advancing for them all. Love renovation, seen from others eyes it just sparkles, more escerpts from the journal.
Love how the crew takes care of one another especially during hard times. It's a gimmie, they are just there...
Can't wait to read more from Joanne, so very descriptive details.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Awesome book by Joanne DeMaio. As I start reading one of her seaside saga books, I think to myself, I am going to take my time on this one and make it last longer. Then when I start reading the book, it is so good that I just can't put it down. This one is no different than the others. I sat and read this whole book today.

The cast of characters and the way she tells the story makes you feel like you know them and they are friends of yours. When you finish the book you are sitting on the edge of your seat thinking I am sure going to miss them. She also leaves you with a cliffhanger making you wish you had the next book in your hand already.

Keep up the great books, Joanne, I can't wait til the next one but I know it will be worth the wait.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barlows a much anticipated addition to Joanne DeMaio’s Seaside Saga does not disappoint. Right away captivating and as always so descriptive to immediately draw the reader into the lives of our beach friends. After emerging from the stone trestle a full Harvest Moon gives a feeling of tranquility as you are immersed in the beach town of Stony Point. After a tumultuous summer the beach friends are relaxing and embracing their time together. More so following an unexpected event which could have turned the tide in their lives. However as they are enjoying these special moments and slower pace again incidents are happening to put ripples in this peace. We are left eagerly awaiting the next addition to this series…The Visitor.

[Christie Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment

For several books, I haven’t really had warm and fuzzy feelings for Jason, but this brought me back to his team (I consider that to be a testament to Joanne’s great writing, how she can elicit emotional responses to her characters). I loved the camaraderie of the friends - no spoilers, but readers who have been on this journey know how closely knit the group is, and this installment doesn’t disappoint. I will admit that I am one of those readers who takes my time, feeling anxious as I get closer to that last page cliffhanger. I am counting the days until the release of The Visitor on May 15th.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barlows (paperback edition) by Joanne DeMaio continues the seaside saga. All of our friends (yes, they feel like our friends at this point) are back. For us it has been a year, for the gang it has only been a couple of weeks. Jason and Maris ( not a spoiler) are back and we have to see if Elsa will choose Cliff or Mitch and what is happening with Shane and Celia? I love every second and now have to. Wait for the next installment in May. As always, there is a cliffhanger keeping us longing for more. Thank you, Joanne.

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I absolutely loved this next book the The Seaside Saga series. This book is a much more up-lifting story with things getting back to their usual antics by the Seaside friends. I love how descriptive Joann is in her scenes of the friends getting together. I can picture each scene so clearly in my mind. The Barlows, Jason and Maris, are finally back on track in their relationship. Other relationships are on the mend. It was truly a fun book to read. And, as usual, Joann leaves us with a cliff-hanger and anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

[Kathy Bond · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointed in this installment of the series. The plot consisted of Maris ALMOST being in an accident and everyone overreacting, stealing a moose head, and Shane going back and forth from Maine. The author did nothing to move the plot of the series except ending with a sudden cliffhanger which I found manipulative.
I’m out, I will not be reading anymore in this series. It has gotten too slow and nothing is being written for character development.

Really, almost hitting a deer? Happens all the time.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece by Joanne DeMaio. I recommend all of this author's books and the Seaside Saga series is one of my favorite.
An excerpt from this book: "A heavy full moon hangs over the distant bluff. There's a silhouette of some bench atop it. Shadow patches of wild dune grasses too. Beyond, the dark sea pulses beneath that misty silver moonlight." Chapter 19
The Visitor (The Seaside Saga Book 18) coming May 15, 2023

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the books by Joanne DeMaio, all the characters are just like family and friends. They are written so descriptive that it’s like I’ve been there myself! It’s all on the eastern coast and I think I can just imagine myself sitting on the beaches with them. You need to start the series with book one and get to know the entire family, you will love them too! Thanks Joanne for writing such great books!

[Joanne Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the Beautiful Sea

I can't truly describe the feeling that comes over me with the publication of another Seaside Saga book. The anticipation between books is exciting & then when I begin with the first word, I'm HOME again. The Barlows is another fantastic edition from the exceptional story teller Joanne Demaio. Lucky us, two more will be coming this year! Sit back, relax & enjoy.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 17 in the Seaside Saga, seems like I just started this series. What a wonderful book/ series! This author knows how to get you involved in the book, I remember starting this series and I feel as if they are friends I’m involved with and I can’t wait for the next one to be available. Wonderful weekend escape, a great rainy day read or even beach read. Don’t miss this series and also her Winter Books .

[Carol LeGray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read all 17 books in this series. I love the story line and all the characters, however, the most recent ones are too short. I keep reading them and paying for them - usually through Audible, because I have followed these characters for so long, but now the series is unsatisfying because they are so short. Every 6 months or so a new one comes out and it is another S15 for only a short amount of listening.

[Becky Rathke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love for The Barlows

Well I tried to read this one slowly and savor each word. Unfortunately I devoured this book in 1 day! This was a happy, fun recharge of the beach friends... Until the cliffhanger...what the heck happened to Shane? I have an idea but will have to wait until the next book!

[Penny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating addition to Joanne DeMaio’s Seaside Saga series! Maris barely escapes a terrible accident and she and Jason are struggling with what could have happened. As always, the tight-knit friends of Stony Point gather around and support their friends. I always welcome a return to this charming seaside town. The friendship, love and loyalty are inspiring!

[Kathi Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barlow'sBeach

I love this couple's marriage,and all their friends!Such a loyal &loving group !After a scare,Jason comes up with an idea,to keep them closer!Can't wait to see what's next ,for the Barlow''s and their friends,Another beach day,is never enough!!

[Tammy Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

best friends

Best friends coming together to help each other with life’s turmoil the closeness and friendship they have over the years is heart warming can’t wait for Elsa and Celia to open the inn