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#Seaside

This was between a pick & a so-so. It was a quick beach read, with a soap operas‘ drama of 3 generations of women. A missing husband,a bookstore, beach & ocean- these did make a good combo. Prominent theme - what makes family? Who do we truly belong to? The so-so part is because one of the horrible secrets to me seemed way over the top, although it did drive the plot. Overload on trauma. Too many secrets.

So much going on with each character but overall this was a pretty good book.

There was a lot happening here & the problems the characters faced were traumatic. Realistically, there can‘t be that much trauma. This was well-written and I enjoyed it, but I was disappointed by the last 40 pages. Had that not happened, it would have been a better book. Trauma overload. Disappointing. 3.75/5

#2 of #14Books14Weeks2021. Do not let the cover or the title fool you, this is not a lightweight piece of fluff! This is a meaty, sink your teeth into it kind of a book! Three women, three generations... Mother, daughter, granddaughter. But what each of them brings to this book in their unique situations and difficult decisions makes for an amazing story! Mary/Bailey has endured and survive the unthinkable and, she's kept it (cont. in comments)

Three generations of women in one family come together for the summer and they‘re all facing huge life-changing decisions. Even with hurdles popping up everywhere, they help one another work thru everything. I admit, there is *so much* going on with this family that some readers may be put off, but I love the way Ms. Novak pushes her characters and weaves their lives together so well. Loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin for the review copy!

This was a wonderfully complex book with so many stories happening with each character. There was kidnapping, a mysterious disappearance, a stabbing, teen angst, and confused sexuality all rolled into one book in this idyllic beach setting. The ending was a little rushed and I believe could have benefitted from a bit more development but otherwise it gets my wholehearted recommendation.

This was just what I needed after a rough couple of weeks.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved this book!!! Nick has been missing for almost 2 years. His wife has been looking for him for all this time. Autumn and her two teenagers decide to go home for the Summer to Sable Beach. There is healing, secrets, love and loss in this wonderful story by Brenda Novak.

Left me feeling unsatisfied. I think what was missing for me was the actual emotions the characters should have been exhibiting given their situations. They were all too perfect. Even Autumn‘s son Caden was just too perfect.

Review is up on my blog. This is a good one. I love beach read season!

https://reecaspieces.com/2021/04/13/the-bookstore-on-the-beach-by-brenda-novak-h...

I got this NetGalley based on the title alone, but this is not my thing. Melodramatic chick lit with so many dramatic plot points in one summer it stretches all credibility. I think this will have an audience but it‘s just not for me. Picture is from the beach last summer on Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan. Wishing it was warm enough for this now!! #netgalley