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Savannah #3
Savannah by the Sea
First, I had to lie to my boss. (Sort of.) Then my parents had a fight. (They never fight.) The pint-sized lapdog that is treated better than I am has thrown up. (Twice.) This vacation hasn't even started...and I'm ready to go home.
No one in her right mind would actually choose to spend a week at the beach with a steel-Magnolia drama queen, a tragically disappointed diva-in-training, and a yapping, hurling, supremely annoying little canine princess. But I love Seaside, so I came. Then I ran into the gorgeous, exasperating Joshua North...and watched my good sense slide rapidly south. Which goes to show that even with a tan and (maybe) a new man in my life--I'm still the same old Savannah...from Savannah.
No one in her right mind would actually choose to spend a week at the beach with a steel-Magnolia drama queen, a tragically disappointed diva-in-training, and a yapping, hurling, supremely annoying little canine princess. But I love Seaside, so I came. Then I ran into the gorgeous, exasperating Joshua North...and watched my good sense slide rapidly south. Which goes to show that even with a tan and (maybe) a new man in my life--I'm still the same old Savannah...from Savannah.
314 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2006
20 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hildreth Jones
22 books248 followersDenise Jones is a southern girl who loves Jesus, SEC football, family, friends, good food and cold Coca-Colas. She is the mom of one shih-tzu, the bonus mom to five kiddo's and the husband of one Mr. Jones. She spends her time leading Reclaiming Hearts Ministries in her home of Franklin, TN. And every now and then she writes a few books.
You can email her at:
denise@reclaiminghearts.com
You can email her at:
denise@reclaiminghearts.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 16, 2014
Thoughts on the entire series.
Savannah: my introduction into Chick Lit and some of the absolute funniest reading of my life.
Oh, sure, a few parts of the humor hinge on things one might roll her eyes at and say, “Right. Like that really would’ve happened,” but the fact that Hildreth wasn’t afraid to let loose and get a little ridiculous made me appreciate the series all the more. I mean, why always be confined inside the box of what’s “realistic”? Let your hair down, be a little silly, and laugh about life!
Note, though, that what I appreciate most about the books is that they aren’t just all silliness and giggles, as Hildreth gives her heroine some serious lessons to learn, all without bogging the story down with sermons detached from the plot. Excellent!
Savannah: my introduction into Chick Lit and some of the absolute funniest reading of my life.
Oh, sure, a few parts of the humor hinge on things one might roll her eyes at and say, “Right. Like that really would’ve happened,” but the fact that Hildreth wasn’t afraid to let loose and get a little ridiculous made me appreciate the series all the more. I mean, why always be confined inside the box of what’s “realistic”? Let your hair down, be a little silly, and laugh about life!
Note, though, that what I appreciate most about the books is that they aren’t just all silliness and giggles, as Hildreth gives her heroine some serious lessons to learn, all without bogging the story down with sermons detached from the plot. Excellent!
February 26, 2020
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
10/12/2013-
“This entire series can be quite funny, but I don't think this book #3 or book #2 are necessarily needed. This one was more romanced based. I liked the first book the best.”
*Main Content-
Minor cussing: screwed, sucks, & floozy.
Kisses; Amber talks about fake breasts; Mentions of affairs, where children were created, & those who had sex before marriage; A mention of a man's loins.
10/12/2013-
“This entire series can be quite funny, but I don't think this book #3 or book #2 are necessarily needed. This one was more romanced based. I liked the first book the best.”
*Main Content-
Minor cussing: screwed, sucks, & floozy.
Kisses; Amber talks about fake breasts; Mentions of affairs, where children were created, & those who had sex before marriage; A mention of a man's loins.
April 11, 2023
4.5 stars
This is possibly the most hilarious of all the Savannah books, following the titular character, her irrepressibly over-the-top mother Victoria Phillips, her dependable dad, her best friend Paige, dramatic Miss Georgia runner-up Amber Topaz Childers, and two drastically different dogs on a trip to Seaside. So why do I rate it a half-star lower than the other two, which to me are solid five-star reads? Well…Savannah meets a male acquaintance, Joshua North, at Seaside, and then the book has to turn into a romance. I much preferred the Savannah books that didn’t focus on romance. (Also, I shipped Savannah and Gregory from the beginning. He was just a much better person than Joshua.) My main issue with the romance was that there was too much kissing, and it was like their relationship was founded on kissing instead of what matters. And I would have appreciated it if Savannah had stayed single/not really in a serious relationship at the end of the book. Not every character has to get married–authors seem to often lose sight of that truth.
This is possibly the most hilarious of all the Savannah books, following the titular character, her irrepressibly over-the-top mother Victoria Phillips, her dependable dad, her best friend Paige, dramatic Miss Georgia runner-up Amber Topaz Childers, and two drastically different dogs on a trip to Seaside. So why do I rate it a half-star lower than the other two, which to me are solid five-star reads? Well…Savannah meets a male acquaintance, Joshua North, at Seaside, and then the book has to turn into a romance. I much preferred the Savannah books that didn’t focus on romance. (Also, I shipped Savannah and Gregory from the beginning. He was just a much better person than Joshua.) My main issue with the romance was that there was too much kissing, and it was like their relationship was founded on kissing instead of what matters. And I would have appreciated it if Savannah had stayed single/not really in a serious relationship at the end of the book. Not every character has to get married–authors seem to often lose sight of that truth.
December 17, 2023
Oh, I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book. It is the third Savannah book (but just might be the best) and sadly, the last. Oh, I wish there were others!!!!!!! I love the characters! Just a fun read!
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile…And from the looks of that expression, you’re about half-naked right now, sister” (35).
“The inability to tell the truth is at the core of most of life’s issues” (157).
“Life requires letting go to receive” (214).
“Not everything in life will turn out like you want it to. But not all things that seem bad at the moment are bad in the long run. Good can always be found” (241).
“Sometimes the past has to be relegated to its proper place” (302).
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile…And from the looks of that expression, you’re about half-naked right now, sister” (35).
“The inability to tell the truth is at the core of most of life’s issues” (157).
“Life requires letting go to receive” (214).
“Not everything in life will turn out like you want it to. But not all things that seem bad at the moment are bad in the long run. Good can always be found” (241).
“Sometimes the past has to be relegated to its proper place” (302).
October 11, 2018
Sweet, funny series. I liked this final book most of all. It wrapped all all the storylines and included a sweet romance. I found a new author I plan to enjoy again!
June 21, 2024
This is the beach read we all need in our lives rn. I loved these books in high school, and they are still the best.
July 7, 2021
As with the first two Savannah books, I think a little editing to clean up a teensy bit of rambling would make the story even better. But, I still loved it. I laughed so much. And I was really impressed with how the author tackled the tough positions of virgins who must work through the grief of not having been waited for, as well as those who regret premarital sex and it’s effects on a later relationship. The message of forgiveness and our shared status as sinners in need of saving grace was both a moving reminder of the gift available to us and a conviction of how I have much growth ahead of me in the area of forgiveness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2020
Read in a day and 1.5 hours
Fell for the quirky southern characters within the first two chapters. As with all good southern writers this author’s characters have much depth, humility and intuition than first first glimpsed. Family blood or chosen is the heart and soul of this story. The Good Lord holds hearts also
Fell for the quirky southern characters within the first two chapters. As with all good southern writers this author’s characters have much depth, humility and intuition than first first glimpsed. Family blood or chosen is the heart and soul of this story. The Good Lord holds hearts also
May 24, 2025
I really like the descriptions of things in the Savannah series. the charming towns (Savannah and Seaside), the descriptions of food, and the sermons she listens to. but I continued to find Savannah a frustrating narrarator. shes judgmental of Amber and her mother, and shes insecure and jealous without much interest showing in improving herself.
June 1, 2018
I love this series and this was a re-read for me. These books are hilarious and tell a great story.
November 12, 2019
Great feel good read.
December 20, 2020
What a fun book - I felt like I was part of the family and on vacation with them. Denise captured all the feelings of each of the characters so well.
June 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It had quirky characters going on vacation to a lovely spot, and a love triangle. What’s not to love. Perfect beach read.
December 21, 2019
This was my favorite of the three Savannah books. I really loved it. It was entertaining. I loved the characters, they were at their very best in this 3rd book.
January 26, 2015
I read this because I wanted to finish the Savannah series and because I met the author a couple of times a few years ago and instantly liked her. Like the first two Savannah books, it's an easy read and takes me to the familiar locations of Savannah, GA and the beaches of 30-A in Florida. I enjoyed the way real places like the restaurants and stores of Savannah and Seaside are woven into the story. Savannah is one of my favorite cities and even though I've never stayed in Seaside, I've visited the beaches of 30-A enough times to feel right at home with the settings.
As in the first two stories, Savannah herself seems a bit spoiled and a little naive for a woman in her twenties. But, she's still an enjoyable main character with some funny lines. Her best friend, Paige, makes a good sidekick. But, the star of the book is Amber Topaz Childers, the tiara-wearing beauty pageant queen who is constantly bemoaning her loss of the title Miss Georgia United States of America not just once, but twice! She is by far my favorite character in the Savannah stories.
If you're looking for a sweet, happy-ending book look no further. There is a Christian theme of human imperfection and lessons of forgiveness running through the story, but it doesn't preach. Enjoy this one with a glass of sweet tea, or an icy Coca-cola, Savannah's beverage of choice.
As in the first two stories, Savannah herself seems a bit spoiled and a little naive for a woman in her twenties. But, she's still an enjoyable main character with some funny lines. Her best friend, Paige, makes a good sidekick. But, the star of the book is Amber Topaz Childers, the tiara-wearing beauty pageant queen who is constantly bemoaning her loss of the title Miss Georgia United States of America not just once, but twice! She is by far my favorite character in the Savannah stories.
If you're looking for a sweet, happy-ending book look no further. There is a Christian theme of human imperfection and lessons of forgiveness running through the story, but it doesn't preach. Enjoy this one with a glass of sweet tea, or an icy Coca-cola, Savannah's beverage of choice.
July 20, 2011
if your looking for a feel good, funny book this book is for you. going on vacations isnt exactly what savannah had in mind but but after refusing and refusing she finally gave in. little does she know it may changes her entire life. i laughed so much through out this book reminded me so much of myself and my vest friend. the characters become really people though this book. hey, u may even c yourself in this book. unfortunetly i didnt know this was the last book of the "savannah" series. but even though ive read the last book i have every intention of going back and reading the first 2 book. i felt comfortable reading this book was very clean and enjoyable. especially at the end of the day when u wanna relax. hope this revies helps you and enjoy the book!!
October 24, 2012
The first book in the Savannah series prompted me to read the other two. Book two didn't meet my expectations so much; the plot seemed to drag on far too long and with quite an implausible ending. The final book showed a deeper side of Savannah at times, but I am still waiting for her to grow up; to really get serious about the writing she claims to love so much and to stand on her own without accepting so much financial and materialistic help from her parents; especially from the mother she is so critical of. Even with the promising ending, I still see Savannah as a spoiled college student masquerading as a self-sufficient, career-minded young woman. I can only hope that with the rather hopeful ending, that Savannah will finally grow up.
February 27, 2011
I like the Savannah series because they are enjoyable to read. And while Hildreth covers real topics of faith she does it with humor and lightness thrown in as well. This third book, and I believe final, book in the series was a great wrap up to Savannah from Savannah. I think I like Savannah so much because she's relateable. She's real. There's no pretense in her. She isn't made out to be a "super Christian" but a REAL Christian. I can relate to that as nobody who follows Jesus could ever make the claim that they are super, we all are real and struggle but are we honest about it? Savannah is and I can relate to that.
June 2, 2008
This is the conclusion to Savannah! I actually think this was my favorite of the three. It had so many humorous scenes in it as Savannah takes a spur of the moment trip to the sea with her parents, her mom's new dog, her friend Paige, and Amber. I laughed out loud in so many parts. By the time we get to the end of this book we can look back and really see how much Savannah has grown through the course of the books. These are easy to read, witty, funny books. I would recommend them!
August 7, 2009
So, I got this book from the "beach reads" shelf at the library. I took it to the beach and it really surprised me. I skimmed a lot of the beginning - it was really descriptive of the panhandle - and since I was there - I didn't want to read about it. Anyway - somewhere along the way it became a touching, clean, heart warming story that had me laughing out loud at times. It was a fun, simple read - perfect for the beach.
July 21, 2014
And so it draws to a close - totally predictable ending with some minor bumps in the road. The drama queen antics were annoying rather than amusing; her father is my favorite character, although the relationship with his wife is hard to buy simply because their personalities are so drastically different (I know "opposites attract" but it really is overdone here). I probably would have really enjoyed this book if I were in my early 20s and wasn't quite so jaded about life ;)
February 6, 2010
Am finishing this one up today. I love this author and really love this series because I enjoy the city of Savannah so much. The places of reference in this book are places that I have been and I love the character, Savannah! She is a cute, fun and good-hearted soul. This is an easy read and an enjoyable one.
January 18, 2010
This is book three in a series about a girl named Savannah from Savannah, GA. I read the first two in 2008, and this third book was mostly set in Seaside, FL, where I've visited about a million times. But it was also full of Christian clichés. I guess I kept coming back to these books because I love Savannah, GA, and I loved the character of Savannah's mother, Vicki.
October 23, 2010
Not nearly as hysterical as the first in the series, but definitely a huge step up from book 2, which (for me) seemed to deviate quite a bit. I thoroughly loved it and was pleased to see events resume their intended direction. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed the absolute zany craziness... I love these books! They are good for the soul.
April 1, 2011
Got this at the library for an easy read to take to the beach. honestly - I had zero expectations, I think I picked it up because the cover looked "beachy" to me! It was an easy read but so enjoyable. It has great southern charm and had me laughing out loud at times. A great story to read after having moved to the south!
August 4, 2011
This book took place in Seaside, Florida. I LOVED reading the parts where she described Seaside. After spending time there it was fun to picture the places in my head as she was describing them in the book. I bought my book at Sundog bookstore and it's mentioned a couple of times in the story, which I thought was pretty neat!
July 5, 2012
I adored the city of Savannah on a girls' trip last fall, so I was thrilled to return to the dear city in Hildreth's series. I really liked the first book, but the following ones weren't as compelling for me. I had a hard time getting into this one, but I did enjoy the romance and the lessons Savannah learned therein.
February 13, 2012
In this final installment of the Savannah series, Savannah had to rethink a lot of her preconceived about how she thought her life was going to go. Although I didn't agree with all that was said I can definitely relate to wondering if your life is going to ever turn out the way you always thought it would.
November 18, 2012
Savannah is back! The second book left me slightly underwhelmed, but there was more content to this book. I liked how Savannah confronts her character flaws and overcomes them, especially her judgmental attitude. I enjoyed the many mishaps that kept me entertained and wanting to know what would happen next. Fun, quirky, and heartwarming.
September 18, 2014
I think I'd like to give this a 2.5 really, one of the times I wish we could give .5s. The story was funny at times but kind of drug on at other times. I'm not sure if I'll try the first 2 Savannah books (got this one without realizing there were others that came before) but maybe I'll grab them from the library one day. I'd still read them for the easy/no brainer read and the funny sections.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews