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Beach House Summer
USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan returns with the ultimate beach read, as one woman forges the most unlikely friendship of all, and embarks on a summer of confronting her past in order to build the future she wants...
When Joanna Whitman's famous ex-husband dies in a car accident, she doesn't know what to feel. Their dysfunctional marriage held more painful secrets than she cares to remember. But when she discovers that the young woman with him in the crash is pregnant, Joanna feels compelled to act, knowing exactly how brutal the media spotlight will be on celebrity chef Cliff Whitman's ex-wife and his mysterious female friend.
Ashley Blake can't believe it when Joanna shows up in her hospital room and suggests they hide away at her beach house on a sleepy stretch of California coast. Joanna should be hating her, not helping her. But alone and pregnant, Ashley can't turn down Joanna's offer. Yet she knows that if Joanna ever found out the real reason Ashley was in that car, their tentative bond would shatter instantly.
Joanna's only goal for the summer is privacy, but her return causes major waves in the local community, especially for the man she left behind years ago. All Ashley wants is space to plan for her and her baby's future, and to avoid causing any trouble for Joanna. But as secrets spill out under the hot summer sun, this unlikely friendship is about to be put to the test.
When Joanna Whitman's famous ex-husband dies in a car accident, she doesn't know what to feel. Their dysfunctional marriage held more painful secrets than she cares to remember. But when she discovers that the young woman with him in the crash is pregnant, Joanna feels compelled to act, knowing exactly how brutal the media spotlight will be on celebrity chef Cliff Whitman's ex-wife and his mysterious female friend.
Ashley Blake can't believe it when Joanna shows up in her hospital room and suggests they hide away at her beach house on a sleepy stretch of California coast. Joanna should be hating her, not helping her. But alone and pregnant, Ashley can't turn down Joanna's offer. Yet she knows that if Joanna ever found out the real reason Ashley was in that car, their tentative bond would shatter instantly.
Joanna's only goal for the summer is privacy, but her return causes major waves in the local community, especially for the man she left behind years ago. All Ashley wants is space to plan for her and her baby's future, and to avoid causing any trouble for Joanna. But as secrets spill out under the hot summer sun, this unlikely friendship is about to be put to the test.
417 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 26, 2022
732 people are currently reading
3527 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Morgan
906 books6,825 followersAbout Sarah
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's next novel coming in May - A Secret Escape (UK title)/ Other People's Summers (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's next novel coming in May - A Secret Escape (UK title)/ Other People's Summers (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 745 reviews
August 2, 2022
the setup…
When celebrity chef Chet Whitman drives his car off a Pacific Coast Highway cliff and dies, he wasn’t alone. Young Ashley Blake was in the car with him and survives, only to be an object of interest, especially when it’s leaked to the press that she’s pregnant. Joanna Whitman, his ex-wife who divorced him a year ago after endless infidelities during their 20 year marriage, recognizes her and knows she’s ill-equipped to handle the onslaught of media attention that even she is struggling to keep at a distance. Joanna decides she’s going to return to her coastal hometown of Silver Point, California for refuge but reaches out to Ashley and invites her along. It’s a scary proposition for Joanna, too, as it’s the first time she’s gone back since she married Cliff following her breakup with her teen lover.
the heart of the story…
I love this kind of drama and this surpassed my expectations. Yes, there’s a lot of baggage that Joanna is hauling as she returns to people she left behind and never continued contact. But, what may have seemed predictable turned out to be something more and complex. The whole process of reestablishing old, treasured relationships was even more complicated and tough. The bruised Joanna has worn a blank veneer for years as she suffered through the backlash of staying with a serial cheater who has a high profile. And, there’s even more intrigue involving Angela as she and Joanna navigate their new worlds together. I loved the relationship they created and the support they provided each other. The small town setting was an added bonus, too, with its charm and coastal location.
the narration…
This was my first experience with Regina Reagan and she’s zoomed onto my top ten list of favorites1 her voice tone is just dreamy and her storytelling skills are perfect. Her character distinctions were subtle but enough for me to always know the right voice. She’ll be a tipping point for books I’m considering.
the bottom line…
I loved this story and enjoyed every moment of it. If I had any quibbles it’s that there were a few repetitive segments near the end that dragged a bit. Otherwise, Joanna’s journey to rediscovery and transformation was one I liked being a part of. We are so quick to judge these women who stay with bad men and rarely consider their reasons. It was helpful experiencing the other side and her generosity with Ashley spoke volumes about her character. This was the book I needed and hoped it would be. I was sad to leave this town and it’s community of good-hearted people. And, there’s a bit of romance just to sweeten an already fine story.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
When celebrity chef Chet Whitman drives his car off a Pacific Coast Highway cliff and dies, he wasn’t alone. Young Ashley Blake was in the car with him and survives, only to be an object of interest, especially when it’s leaked to the press that she’s pregnant. Joanna Whitman, his ex-wife who divorced him a year ago after endless infidelities during their 20 year marriage, recognizes her and knows she’s ill-equipped to handle the onslaught of media attention that even she is struggling to keep at a distance. Joanna decides she’s going to return to her coastal hometown of Silver Point, California for refuge but reaches out to Ashley and invites her along. It’s a scary proposition for Joanna, too, as it’s the first time she’s gone back since she married Cliff following her breakup with her teen lover.
the heart of the story…
I love this kind of drama and this surpassed my expectations. Yes, there’s a lot of baggage that Joanna is hauling as she returns to people she left behind and never continued contact. But, what may have seemed predictable turned out to be something more and complex. The whole process of reestablishing old, treasured relationships was even more complicated and tough. The bruised Joanna has worn a blank veneer for years as she suffered through the backlash of staying with a serial cheater who has a high profile. And, there’s even more intrigue involving Angela as she and Joanna navigate their new worlds together. I loved the relationship they created and the support they provided each other. The small town setting was an added bonus, too, with its charm and coastal location.
the narration…
This was my first experience with Regina Reagan and she’s zoomed onto my top ten list of favorites1 her voice tone is just dreamy and her storytelling skills are perfect. Her character distinctions were subtle but enough for me to always know the right voice. She’ll be a tipping point for books I’m considering.
the bottom line…
I loved this story and enjoyed every moment of it. If I had any quibbles it’s that there were a few repetitive segments near the end that dragged a bit. Otherwise, Joanna’s journey to rediscovery and transformation was one I liked being a part of. We are so quick to judge these women who stay with bad men and rarely consider their reasons. It was helpful experiencing the other side and her generosity with Ashley spoke volumes about her character. This was the book I needed and hoped it would be. I was sad to leave this town and it’s community of good-hearted people. And, there’s a bit of romance just to sweeten an already fine story.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
May 15, 2022
BEACH HOUSE SUMMER has got to be the best feel good story I have read in a long time. Hang on to your seats, it’s a crazy rollercoaster ride! At first, the story is painful and tragic. Then it takes a turn and gets emotional and deals with many different heavy situations. Joanna has just learned that her ex husband has died in a car crash. She also learns that there was a survivor….a very young and pregnant female. Joanna doesn’t know what else to do except go and help the girl, Ashley. She knows Ashley has no one and Joanna knows exactly what that feels like. After reading BEACH HOUSE SUMMER , I want to hang out with Joanna and Ashley.
I have only read Sarah Morgan three times before but after reading BEACH HOUSE SUMMER I know I will be reading everything by her that I can get my hands on. She hooked me from the very first page. Joanna returns to her old hometown and figures no one will bother her since she has been away for twenty years. Boy was she wrong. She figured she burned all her bridges when she left and is completely shocked to know they all still care about her and are eager to help. I found myself totally absorbed in this story and I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters within this heart tugging story. I found all of the characters very real and relatable and it was interesting to read how they are all dealing with their troubles in very different ways and it takes a summer away to try and help them.
BEACH HOUSE SUMMER has it all, adventure, heartbreak, great dialogue, and awesome characters. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! I have made it a quest to catch up on the rest of Sarah’s books because her writing is just that good. She makes her readers feel every emotion her characters are feeling to the point where you feel as if you are right there, riding along with them. Joanna lives a quiet life, except for one thing. She has no privacy since she was married to a famous TV chef, one who cheated quite a bit. Joanna has gotten used to a life spent with cameras following her every move, and even after her divorce, they still won’t leave her alone. My emotions were on a wild roller coaster ride from the first page all the way until the very end. At first I really tried to read it slowly and make it last, but soon I was so caught up in everyone’s lives and business, I was flipping the pages like a mad woman.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I have only read Sarah Morgan three times before but after reading BEACH HOUSE SUMMER I know I will be reading everything by her that I can get my hands on. She hooked me from the very first page. Joanna returns to her old hometown and figures no one will bother her since she has been away for twenty years. Boy was she wrong. She figured she burned all her bridges when she left and is completely shocked to know they all still care about her and are eager to help. I found myself totally absorbed in this story and I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters within this heart tugging story. I found all of the characters very real and relatable and it was interesting to read how they are all dealing with their troubles in very different ways and it takes a summer away to try and help them.
BEACH HOUSE SUMMER has it all, adventure, heartbreak, great dialogue, and awesome characters. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! I have made it a quest to catch up on the rest of Sarah’s books because her writing is just that good. She makes her readers feel every emotion her characters are feeling to the point where you feel as if you are right there, riding along with them. Joanna lives a quiet life, except for one thing. She has no privacy since she was married to a famous TV chef, one who cheated quite a bit. Joanna has gotten used to a life spent with cameras following her every move, and even after her divorce, they still won’t leave her alone. My emotions were on a wild roller coaster ride from the first page all the way until the very end. At first I really tried to read it slowly and make it last, but soon I was so caught up in everyone’s lives and business, I was flipping the pages like a mad woman.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 30, 2022
Another lovely read from Sarah Morgan; another book that did not disappoint. I was quickly immersed in this story following three women and loved the summery setting, making it a relaxing drama that became full of hope and optimism for the future.
One element that Morgan always brings to her books is the way that the plot follows central female figures. For me, this has yet to grow stale and I liked how contrasting the women were in this story. Initially seeming very disparate, Ashley, Joanna and Mel gradually come together. I enjoyed seeing the connections revealed and established between the three characters, with them eventually being brought together at Silver Point on the Californian coastline. Over the story it becomes clear how the women know each other in the past and this merges effortlessly with the developing plot in the present. Aided by the chapters being told from each character’s perspective, I felt invested in each of the women and were keen for them all to find their happy ever after.
Ashley, Joanna and Mel are all contrasting in background and personalities. However, I liked the way that they come to need each other to enable them to start afresh. Even Mel, who seems to be a flawless mother that seems to be simply worrying about what is best for her daughter, Eden, has plenty to learn, and I appreciated how Ashley’s character was more world-wisely than her peers. It made a change to see a young character being able to impart advice to others around her as usually it is the older characters who traditionally are offering guidance.
Cooking is a theme throughout the book because of Joanna’s ex-husband, Ashley’s role, and even the significance of the Surf Cafe. It creates a synergy in the story and is another device that Morgan uses to bring the different characters together. Coupled with the supportive community of Silver Point, this location is definitely one of my literary favourites and one that I yearned to visit!
This was such a well-written story that I felt a bit saddened when it had finished. I do wonder if Morgan has enough material to write a follow-up novel because I would be so keen to see what happens next with Ashley, Joanna and Mel. I don’t think the story is completely over yet and I would not be sorry to return to such an amazing location, perhaps featuring more of the community and even Mel’s daughter as a more prominent character.
If you have yet to sample any of Morgan’s writing, I think you will find it hard to find a clanger! This is a perfect summer read and, with ‘Beach’ in the title, what more could you want for your holiday novel?!
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One element that Morgan always brings to her books is the way that the plot follows central female figures. For me, this has yet to grow stale and I liked how contrasting the women were in this story. Initially seeming very disparate, Ashley, Joanna and Mel gradually come together. I enjoyed seeing the connections revealed and established between the three characters, with them eventually being brought together at Silver Point on the Californian coastline. Over the story it becomes clear how the women know each other in the past and this merges effortlessly with the developing plot in the present. Aided by the chapters being told from each character’s perspective, I felt invested in each of the women and were keen for them all to find their happy ever after.
Ashley, Joanna and Mel are all contrasting in background and personalities. However, I liked the way that they come to need each other to enable them to start afresh. Even Mel, who seems to be a flawless mother that seems to be simply worrying about what is best for her daughter, Eden, has plenty to learn, and I appreciated how Ashley’s character was more world-wisely than her peers. It made a change to see a young character being able to impart advice to others around her as usually it is the older characters who traditionally are offering guidance.
Cooking is a theme throughout the book because of Joanna’s ex-husband, Ashley’s role, and even the significance of the Surf Cafe. It creates a synergy in the story and is another device that Morgan uses to bring the different characters together. Coupled with the supportive community of Silver Point, this location is definitely one of my literary favourites and one that I yearned to visit!
This was such a well-written story that I felt a bit saddened when it had finished. I do wonder if Morgan has enough material to write a follow-up novel because I would be so keen to see what happens next with Ashley, Joanna and Mel. I don’t think the story is completely over yet and I would not be sorry to return to such an amazing location, perhaps featuring more of the community and even Mel’s daughter as a more prominent character.
If you have yet to sample any of Morgan’s writing, I think you will find it hard to find a clanger! This is a perfect summer read and, with ‘Beach’ in the title, what more could you want for your holiday novel?!
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2024
DNF at 48%
It wasn’t completely rubbish, I am just in a space right now where I can’t afford boring books, I need the good ones baby. Bring on any of your FAVOURITE RECOMMENDATIONS of late
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🤲🏼🤲🏼🤲🏼🤲🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
It wasn’t completely rubbish, I am just in a space right now where I can’t afford boring books, I need the good ones baby. Bring on any of your FAVOURITE RECOMMENDATIONS of late
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🤲🏼🤲🏼🤲🏼🤲🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
August 3, 2022
Contemporary Romance / Holiday Romance
Publication date : May 17, 2022
Started off well. At one point I felt like the story started to drag on, moving on predictible path, nothing new-surprising, jumping between the perspectives of Joanna (40), Mel (40) and Ashley (18). All those changing POVs made story very repetitive, snatchy and slowed down the pace. Or perhaps it was just the case of no real plot?
Some authors handle multiple POVs and sub-plots well. In this story I felt like author didn't bother to explore more deeply any of the characters or their problems, so they remained superficial and flat. Ms. Sarah Morgan followed her usual formula. Her characters just did what they did. No complexity, growth, explaining why things were like they were, no genuine emotions or tension.
It was easy to guess Ashley's connection to Cliff. It was easy to guess where it all will lead. No surprises. Joanna was sometimes immature and too insecure, then all so very perfect. I didn't understand the media's attention - why stalk Joanna, a chef's wife? The romance was lukewarm. It just happened because it was supposed to happen.
As to the writing, then once again too much telling, little showing. Pile of words, that could not evoke any actual emotions for me.
Overall okay story for lazy summer days but there are much better and gripping romance stories out there, e.g. written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Publication date : May 17, 2022
Started off well. At one point I felt like the story started to drag on, moving on predictible path, nothing new-surprising, jumping between the perspectives of Joanna (40), Mel (40) and Ashley (18). All those changing POVs made story very repetitive, snatchy and slowed down the pace. Or perhaps it was just the case of no real plot?
Some authors handle multiple POVs and sub-plots well. In this story I felt like author didn't bother to explore more deeply any of the characters or their problems, so they remained superficial and flat. Ms. Sarah Morgan followed her usual formula. Her characters just did what they did. No complexity, growth, explaining why things were like they were, no genuine emotions or tension.
It was easy to guess Ashley's connection to Cliff. It was easy to guess where it all will lead. No surprises. Joanna was sometimes immature and too insecure, then all so very perfect. I didn't understand the media's attention - why stalk Joanna, a chef's wife? The romance was lukewarm. It just happened because it was supposed to happen.
As to the writing, then once again too much telling, little showing. Pile of words, that could not evoke any actual emotions for me.
Overall okay story for lazy summer days but there are much better and gripping romance stories out there, e.g. written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
May 12, 2022
Review coming soon.
September 3, 2022
This book started off so well and till the half way point of the audiobook I was quite engrossed with the story and the narration but then I don't know what happened.... I just simply lost interest.
Sarah Morgan is an author that I have constantly read very positive reviews about and judging by the reviews of this book I know I am in the small minority who did not love it all that much. I can't say what went wrong...the narration was done very well by Regina Reagan but I guess the audiobook wasn't the best option for me in this case. Considering how popular the author and her writing is, I will definitely try reading her other books but this one was a miss for me.
Sarah Morgan is an author that I have constantly read very positive reviews about and judging by the reviews of this book I know I am in the small minority who did not love it all that much. I can't say what went wrong...the narration was done very well by Regina Reagan but I guess the audiobook wasn't the best option for me in this case. Considering how popular the author and her writing is, I will definitely try reading her other books but this one was a miss for me.
May 21, 2022
Joanna divorced her famous chef husband, Cliff Whitman, over a year ago, but that hasn’t spared her from the spotlight. When he dies in a car accident and the press finds out a pregnant woman was in the car with him, the media makes her life so unbearable Joanna decides to head back to her hometown. A place she hasn’t visited since she left twenty years earlier. She left her two best friends and seeing them won’t be easy. There’s a story behind that and why she took off in the first place.
Ashley is the girl that was in the car with Joanna’s husband and so she’s stunned when Joanna offers to give her a place to stay and hideout from the media. Ashley has her own history. She and Joanna get close while sorting through their problems.
Melanie married her high school sweetheart and never left Silver Point. Raising their daughter, Eden, in the small, beach town wasn’t how she thought she’d spend her life, but it’s been rewarding, that is until Mel and Eden started butting heads over everything. She and Joanna used to be best friends until Joanna took off with Cliff and never looked back, but is that how it happened? Questions come up when Joanna shows up in town again.
Beach House Summer had a few surprises. Not all is as it seemed just reading the blurb and I was happy both Joanna and Ashley each had their own romance, Joanna’s was more central, but both took a back to their problems. Joanna, Mel, and Ashley came to a point in their lives where they had to examine the past and figure out what they wanted and aim for happiness in the future. I enjoyed their journey so much! There were lots of layers and several little side stories and I was invested in all of them!
A copy was kindly provided by HQN in exchange for an honest review.
Ashley is the girl that was in the car with Joanna’s husband and so she’s stunned when Joanna offers to give her a place to stay and hideout from the media. Ashley has her own history. She and Joanna get close while sorting through their problems.
Melanie married her high school sweetheart and never left Silver Point. Raising their daughter, Eden, in the small, beach town wasn’t how she thought she’d spend her life, but it’s been rewarding, that is until Mel and Eden started butting heads over everything. She and Joanna used to be best friends until Joanna took off with Cliff and never looked back, but is that how it happened? Questions come up when Joanna shows up in town again.
Beach House Summer had a few surprises. Not all is as it seemed just reading the blurb and I was happy both Joanna and Ashley each had their own romance, Joanna’s was more central, but both took a back to their problems. Joanna, Mel, and Ashley came to a point in their lives where they had to examine the past and figure out what they wanted and aim for happiness in the future. I enjoyed their journey so much! There were lots of layers and several little side stories and I was invested in all of them!
A copy was kindly provided by HQN in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
2.7 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Joanna Whitman learned of her ex-husband's death while she was eating breakfast.
Joanna has been divorced for a year when she gets the phone call that her famous chef ex-husband has died in a car accident. After years of him loving the spotlight and Joanna trying to run and hide from the press wanting pictures and comments from her about all the affairs Cliff had, Joanna knows they're still going to show up outside her door. When she sees that he wasn't alone in the car accident, a young pregnant woman was with him, she feels for how that woman's privacy is about to be invaded, especially when Joanna recognizes her.
Most of all she was scared because she had to figure out life by herself.
Ashley has run from the only person in her life that knows her, her childhood bestfriend who after their first time going beyond friendship, she runs from. When Joanna, who Ashley has read all about in the press, shows up at her hospital room asking her if she has any place to go, Ashley desperately wants to take the life line Joanna is throwing her.
How could the memories of her old life possibly be worse than the realities of her current one?
Joanna hasn't been back home in 20yrs, she never went back after the night she jumped into Cliff's car and they drove off but it's the only place she can think to hide out at that will at least take the press some time to find. Beach House Summer was a story of second chances, mistakes, and giving yourself space to find out who you really are. Joanna leads the story but in almost equal time, we get pov chapters from Ashley and a few from Joanna's childhood bestfriend Mel. Joanna's mother died when she was a baby, so it was just Joanna and her father until she was a preteen when he remarried. Her stepmother didn't like kids and obviously was jealous of Joanna's close relationship with her father. When Joanna's father dies when she's ten, Joanna endures emotional abuse from her stepmother, making her think she's too tough to love and difficult. Joanna has some escape with her bestfriend Mel and Mel's twin brother Nate. When they're sixteen, Joanna and Nate start to date and they seem like soulmates. We never get a pov from Nate but we learn their break-up had to do with too intense emotions for that age and it's obvious that he regrets how everything was handled. This is mainly a women's fiction story with the romance and Nate not really coming into the picture until the late second half and two blink and you miss them sex scenes.
Trust could be lost, but it could also be won again.
This had a tempered pace with the reader really getting inside Joanna and Ashley's heads. There was some repetitiveness that slowed the pace down for me, especially in the second half as their thoughts and feelings had already been given to the reader a few times but then we're reading them again as they talk them out with characters in the story. I also thought the chapters at times seemed too long for the type of story this is, more of a beach read, I usually like to come upon stopping points quicker in those. There was plenty to absorb here, Joanna's insecurities because of how she grew-up, how she got emotionally beaten down in her marriage, and her defense mechanism of running and hiding. Ashley being 20yrs younger is more at the beginning of her life and feeling lost because she doesn't know what to do but their connection is felt in how they're both floundering and each gives the other something they're missing, Joanna gives Ashley security and Ashley gives Joanna confidence. Mel comes into the picture when Joanna goes back home and we get her dealing with how to connect to her teenage daughter and her anger and hurt over not understanding why Joanna left and never spoke to her again. There's emotional tangles with Joanna, Ashley, and Cliff and Joanna, Mel, and Nate that needed to be worked through and though this creates that tempered pace I mentioned, I thought it delivered on giving emotional substance for the reader to sink into.
He cleared his throat, plunged his hands into his pockets and glanced at the shelves. “Do you have any books on second chances?”
There were some surprise reveals but this was definitely more of life and it's emotions, ups and downs, and the decisions that we make beach read, rather than suspenseful. I think eighty some pages could have been cut to get rid of that repetitiveness that slowed the pace down but if you don't mind spending a fair amount of time in characters heads, then this probably wouldn't bother you. If you're looking for more of a sedate read to get lost in, with it's shifting through life decisions that hit us in our forties and twenties and getting those second chances, with a pinch of romance, Beach Summer House would be a good pick to get lost in.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Joanna Whitman learned of her ex-husband's death while she was eating breakfast.
Joanna has been divorced for a year when she gets the phone call that her famous chef ex-husband has died in a car accident. After years of him loving the spotlight and Joanna trying to run and hide from the press wanting pictures and comments from her about all the affairs Cliff had, Joanna knows they're still going to show up outside her door. When she sees that he wasn't alone in the car accident, a young pregnant woman was with him, she feels for how that woman's privacy is about to be invaded, especially when Joanna recognizes her.
Most of all she was scared because she had to figure out life by herself.
Ashley has run from the only person in her life that knows her, her childhood bestfriend who after their first time going beyond friendship, she runs from. When Joanna, who Ashley has read all about in the press, shows up at her hospital room asking her if she has any place to go, Ashley desperately wants to take the life line Joanna is throwing her.
How could the memories of her old life possibly be worse than the realities of her current one?
Joanna hasn't been back home in 20yrs, she never went back after the night she jumped into Cliff's car and they drove off but it's the only place she can think to hide out at that will at least take the press some time to find. Beach House Summer was a story of second chances, mistakes, and giving yourself space to find out who you really are. Joanna leads the story but in almost equal time, we get pov chapters from Ashley and a few from Joanna's childhood bestfriend Mel. Joanna's mother died when she was a baby, so it was just Joanna and her father until she was a preteen when he remarried. Her stepmother didn't like kids and obviously was jealous of Joanna's close relationship with her father. When Joanna's father dies when she's ten, Joanna endures emotional abuse from her stepmother, making her think she's too tough to love and difficult. Joanna has some escape with her bestfriend Mel and Mel's twin brother Nate. When they're sixteen, Joanna and Nate start to date and they seem like soulmates. We never get a pov from Nate but we learn their break-up had to do with too intense emotions for that age and it's obvious that he regrets how everything was handled. This is mainly a women's fiction story with the romance and Nate not really coming into the picture until the late second half and two blink and you miss them sex scenes.
Trust could be lost, but it could also be won again.
This had a tempered pace with the reader really getting inside Joanna and Ashley's heads. There was some repetitiveness that slowed the pace down for me, especially in the second half as their thoughts and feelings had already been given to the reader a few times but then we're reading them again as they talk them out with characters in the story. I also thought the chapters at times seemed too long for the type of story this is, more of a beach read, I usually like to come upon stopping points quicker in those. There was plenty to absorb here, Joanna's insecurities because of how she grew-up, how she got emotionally beaten down in her marriage, and her defense mechanism of running and hiding. Ashley being 20yrs younger is more at the beginning of her life and feeling lost because she doesn't know what to do but their connection is felt in how they're both floundering and each gives the other something they're missing, Joanna gives Ashley security and Ashley gives Joanna confidence. Mel comes into the picture when Joanna goes back home and we get her dealing with how to connect to her teenage daughter and her anger and hurt over not understanding why Joanna left and never spoke to her again. There's emotional tangles with Joanna, Ashley, and Cliff and Joanna, Mel, and Nate that needed to be worked through and though this creates that tempered pace I mentioned, I thought it delivered on giving emotional substance for the reader to sink into.
He cleared his throat, plunged his hands into his pockets and glanced at the shelves. “Do you have any books on second chances?”
There were some surprise reveals but this was definitely more of life and it's emotions, ups and downs, and the decisions that we make beach read, rather than suspenseful. I think eighty some pages could have been cut to get rid of that repetitiveness that slowed the pace down but if you don't mind spending a fair amount of time in characters heads, then this probably wouldn't bother you. If you're looking for more of a sedate read to get lost in, with it's shifting through life decisions that hit us in our forties and twenties and getting those second chances, with a pinch of romance, Beach Summer House would be a good pick to get lost in.
July 24, 2023
This was such a fun read! Friendships, regret, forgiveness, first love and second chance romance! I loved all the characters! I really enjoyed that nothing was dragged out and things moved forward at a nice pace.
June 7, 2022
2.75 stars rounded up to 3.
I'm not sure what happened between me and this book. I usually love anything written by this author. Unfortunately, this story just didn't hold my interest very well. The first half was very difficult to get through. It felt like nothing really happened, and I wasn't feeling any of the characters.
At about the halfway mark something happened that was a bit of a surprise, and things did get more interesting for me at that point. I also think the coinciding change of location in the book helped perk things up, along with the addition of the people from Joanna's past.
Overall, this one was just "OK" for me. But you can't love them all, right? I'll still look forward to her next book!
I'm not sure what happened between me and this book. I usually love anything written by this author. Unfortunately, this story just didn't hold my interest very well. The first half was very difficult to get through. It felt like nothing really happened, and I wasn't feeling any of the characters.
At about the halfway mark something happened that was a bit of a surprise, and things did get more interesting for me at that point. I also think the coinciding change of location in the book helped perk things up, along with the addition of the people from Joanna's past.
Overall, this one was just "OK" for me. But you can't love them all, right? I'll still look forward to her next book!
May 24, 2022
I was disappointed with this one, I usually love Morgan's books.
It is a light easy read & I was rooting for the characters but I predicted how all the ends would tie up from halfway & found it dragged in the middle for me.
It also really bugged me that a character called Cliff, died driving off a cliff ...why give him that name? Why?
It is a light easy read & I was rooting for the characters but I predicted how all the ends would tie up from halfway & found it dragged in the middle for me.
It also really bugged me that a character called Cliff, died driving off a cliff ...why give him that name? Why?
June 22, 2022
I love Morgan's books. She always takes me a way for a few hours. This one was so good. I want to be Joanna when I grow up. I did think that it ended way to fast. The story could have been longer, What happen With Nate long term, What happened with Ashley's baby. I could see a second book.
I highly recommend this one.
I highly recommend this one.
June 20, 2022
Another great read from this author. This one was set in California, present day and dealt with the ups and downs of marriage, relationships and pregnancy. It was a cozy book to read and I throughly enjoyed it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 2, 2022
2.5 stars … I found this book frustrating. The dialogue between characters and the internal monologues in the characters’ heads was exhausting and repetitive. I wish I had put the book down instead of forcing myself to finish it. Lesson learned.
June 24, 2022
Sarah Morgan once again goes from strength to strength with this amazing book.
Possibly her best yet, definitely one of my favourites this is fabulous.
I really was shocked at some of the links and revelations that are revealed while thoroughly enjoying discovering everything.
I wasn't really sure what to make of Ashley or Joanna initially but I knew I was intrigued and needed to read on, and they both grew on me fairly quickly, especially once they arrive in Joanna's home town.
I loved the small town community but also seeing how press invading a life can affect you.
I loved the characters, the location and the relationships between them all, and the way family is described.
I was completely absorbed by this story and loved every second of it.
Thank you HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
Possibly her best yet, definitely one of my favourites this is fabulous.
I really was shocked at some of the links and revelations that are revealed while thoroughly enjoying discovering everything.
I wasn't really sure what to make of Ashley or Joanna initially but I knew I was intrigued and needed to read on, and they both grew on me fairly quickly, especially once they arrive in Joanna's home town.
I loved the small town community but also seeing how press invading a life can affect you.
I loved the characters, the location and the relationships between them all, and the way family is described.
I was completely absorbed by this story and loved every second of it.
Thank you HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
May 9, 2022
Sarah Morgan never disappoints. I've come to look forward to her books. "Beach House Summer" is that magical mix of family, friends, and finding oneself that gives hope to us all. Having family and a community that stands behind you no matter what, to use a now cliche, is a bit of a Hallmark moment. Joanne thinks she's rescuing Ashley when, instead, Ashley is also rescuing her. It's fascinating to watch how their unlikely friendship evolves and they learn from each other. Toss in an ample dose of romance and you've got it all.
Joanne Rafferty Whitman is divorced. Husband Cliff, a celebrity chef who cheated on her for years, has been killed in an accident. Young Ashley, very pregnant, was in the car with him. Given Cliff's celebrity status, the press is clamoring to know who the father of the child is, most just assuming it was Cliff. It isn't that simple. Having experienced the feeding frenzy of the media herself, Joanne impulsively decides to rescue Ashley. They hide out, although it isn't any great secret they're there, in Joanne's childhood beach house. As luck would have it, not only does the press eventually find them but an old flame, Nate, also appears on the scene. Can he find the love with Joanne he once hoped to claim? Is the spark still there?
It was fascinating to watch the relationship between Joanne and Ashley develop. Joanne, more of an "if I ignore it long enough it'll go away" sort, and Ashley, who tends to be more the sort to meet challenges head on rather than ignore them or simply pretend they don't exist, wind up helping each other grow. I genuinely liked the supporting cast and ambiance of the small beach town. We'd all love to live in a place like this. Of course, all doesn't run smoothly. For all her strength, Ashley has secrets. She isn't returning texts. She finds it somehow easier to talk to Joanne about her relationship with Nate than her own relationships. Then the press finds them and converges. And.... and then lots more happens. Nope, not telling. You're just going to have to read the book. You won't regret it. It inspires, soothes, and offers the wonderful possibility of second chances. And, oh, there's a bookstore.
Thanks to Sarah Morgan for the advance copy. I haven't been reading much romance lately but it's always a delight to dive into her books.
Joanne Rafferty Whitman is divorced. Husband Cliff, a celebrity chef who cheated on her for years, has been killed in an accident. Young Ashley, very pregnant, was in the car with him. Given Cliff's celebrity status, the press is clamoring to know who the father of the child is, most just assuming it was Cliff. It isn't that simple. Having experienced the feeding frenzy of the media herself, Joanne impulsively decides to rescue Ashley. They hide out, although it isn't any great secret they're there, in Joanne's childhood beach house. As luck would have it, not only does the press eventually find them but an old flame, Nate, also appears on the scene. Can he find the love with Joanne he once hoped to claim? Is the spark still there?
It was fascinating to watch the relationship between Joanne and Ashley develop. Joanne, more of an "if I ignore it long enough it'll go away" sort, and Ashley, who tends to be more the sort to meet challenges head on rather than ignore them or simply pretend they don't exist, wind up helping each other grow. I genuinely liked the supporting cast and ambiance of the small beach town. We'd all love to live in a place like this. Of course, all doesn't run smoothly. For all her strength, Ashley has secrets. She isn't returning texts. She finds it somehow easier to talk to Joanne about her relationship with Nate than her own relationships. Then the press finds them and converges. And.... and then lots more happens. Nope, not telling. You're just going to have to read the book. You won't regret it. It inspires, soothes, and offers the wonderful possibility of second chances. And, oh, there's a bookstore.
Thanks to Sarah Morgan for the advance copy. I haven't been reading much romance lately but it's always a delight to dive into her books.
January 28, 2022
Another Sarah Morgan stunner!
This time we have a multi POV story, from the eyes of Joanna, a woman who hears of her ex-husband's death, Ashley, the girl who was with him at the time, and Mel, Joanna's childhood friend.
Joanna lives a blessed life, apart from one thing. She has no privacy. Having been married to a famous TV chef, who often cheated, she has got used to a life spent with cameras following her every move, and even post-divorce, her life is not her own.
Ashley, is young, and pregnant, with something important to tell Cliff, the man driving the car they are travelling in, when a horrific accident happens.
Mel and Joanna were best friends for most of their young life, until Joanna upped and left, suddenly, at 16, supposedly breaking Mel's twin brother, Nate's, heart, and taking up with Cliff soon after.
The accident that took her ex-husband's life affects Joanna more than she thought, as she ups sticks and leaves her beautiful home, which feels like a prison, and heads off, back to her home town, with young mum-to-be, Ashley in tow.
A great story, that shows how not everything is what it seems to be, all of the time. I enjoyed this read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This time we have a multi POV story, from the eyes of Joanna, a woman who hears of her ex-husband's death, Ashley, the girl who was with him at the time, and Mel, Joanna's childhood friend.
Joanna lives a blessed life, apart from one thing. She has no privacy. Having been married to a famous TV chef, who often cheated, she has got used to a life spent with cameras following her every move, and even post-divorce, her life is not her own.
Ashley, is young, and pregnant, with something important to tell Cliff, the man driving the car they are travelling in, when a horrific accident happens.
Mel and Joanna were best friends for most of their young life, until Joanna upped and left, suddenly, at 16, supposedly breaking Mel's twin brother, Nate's, heart, and taking up with Cliff soon after.
The accident that took her ex-husband's life affects Joanna more than she thought, as she ups sticks and leaves her beautiful home, which feels like a prison, and heads off, back to her home town, with young mum-to-be, Ashley in tow.
A great story, that shows how not everything is what it seems to be, all of the time. I enjoyed this read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2022
Beach House Summer by Sarah Morgan is a delightful summer read. It draws the reader in with a bit of a small mystery at the beginning about Ashley and Cliff.
Joanna begins out as a person in hiding - mostly from the press. She has had a few bad experiences in her earlier life and that plus the present pressure of the press hounding her has made her want to curl up into herself. But... her personal assistant and later Ashley have things to say about that.
Ashley is pregnant and alone, or so she thinks. She has fled from an unsure situation into the fire. When Joanna takes an interest in her, things look up for her. Together both of them support each other and help build each other up into stronger women.
This is a story about small community, second chances, growing up, friendship, sibling relationship, parenting and of course some romance. The characters had me on their side and I loved the setting of the house, and the way things all get sorted out, mainly by talking things out and finding what is important in each person's heart.
Joanna begins out as a person in hiding - mostly from the press. She has had a few bad experiences in her earlier life and that plus the present pressure of the press hounding her has made her want to curl up into herself. But... her personal assistant and later Ashley have things to say about that.
Ashley is pregnant and alone, or so she thinks. She has fled from an unsure situation into the fire. When Joanna takes an interest in her, things look up for her. Together both of them support each other and help build each other up into stronger women.
This is a story about small community, second chances, growing up, friendship, sibling relationship, parenting and of course some romance. The characters had me on their side and I loved the setting of the house, and the way things all get sorted out, mainly by talking things out and finding what is important in each person's heart.
May 14, 2022
Ok how can I get myself a beach house summer?! Doesn’t that sound amazing? The next best thing besides living beachside for the summer is being able to cozy up with the authors book and escape mentally though!
Since I’ve been a fan of the author for awhile now I know I can expect a great mix when I start one of her books. This was no exception and besides the idyllic setting you also have a mystery surrounding Ashley’s true identity, a few friendships (new and old) blossoming and some romance too. The author is such a gifted storyteller and she always creates characters that are memorable and fun. I’m always a sucker for an unlikely friendship and the relationship between Joanna and Ashley was really lovely. This is the true definition of a beach read, it’s light but not too sappy, it conures up some gorgeous summery imagery and has a plot that’s interesting.
Since I’ve been a fan of the author for awhile now I know I can expect a great mix when I start one of her books. This was no exception and besides the idyllic setting you also have a mystery surrounding Ashley’s true identity, a few friendships (new and old) blossoming and some romance too. The author is such a gifted storyteller and she always creates characters that are memorable and fun. I’m always a sucker for an unlikely friendship and the relationship between Joanna and Ashley was really lovely. This is the true definition of a beach read, it’s light but not too sappy, it conures up some gorgeous summery imagery and has a plot that’s interesting.
May 19, 2024
Nice, easy summer read, rather abrupt ending, as though the author didn't know what to write.
July 24, 2022
I have enjoyed so many of Sarah Morgan's books!! This is a gentle read where women work out their issues in a few pages and it has a tidy ending.
August 28, 2023
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would, the first half was good but then I felt it started to drag and I lost interest in it.. I have enjoyed other books by this author but this one just didn't seem it was for me...
November 21, 2022
Not a good one for me…not sure I will read any more books by Sarah Morgan.
Childish and repetitive….if I read one more time “two decades” or “20 years”….we get it already.
Not my favorite!
Childish and repetitive….if I read one more time “two decades” or “20 years”….we get it already.
Not my favorite!
July 9, 2023
Another great summer read by Morgan! The focus here isn't on the focus (though it does some absolutely adorable scenes!) but rather on found families.
Ashley and Joanna have both had their struggles but they find each other after Joanna's ex husband dies in the car with Ashley and those two just develop the most beautiful relationship. Ashley's lost her mum and Joanna has had a miscarriage and even though they can't replace what the other's lost, they still find a way to fill those holes.
We also see Joanna coming back to her hometown. She's so scared everyone will despise her for leaving and then bringing the drama straight back to their doorstep but the town and her old friends (and her old beau!) step up for her and make the town feel like home for her again.
Ashley's story also ends really beautifully — can't say much more without spoiling but she gets a visitor at some point and that was my favourite scene in the whole book.
I've been working through Morgan's "From Manhattan with Love" series and it's great to see that that wasn't a one-hit wonder! Excited to read more of her books.
Ashley and Joanna have both had their struggles but they find each other after Joanna's ex husband dies in the car with Ashley and those two just develop the most beautiful relationship. Ashley's lost her mum and Joanna has had a miscarriage and even though they can't replace what the other's lost, they still find a way to fill those holes.
We also see Joanna coming back to her hometown. She's so scared everyone will despise her for leaving and then bringing the drama straight back to their doorstep but the town and her old friends (and her old beau!) step up for her and make the town feel like home for her again.
Ashley's story also ends really beautifully — can't say much more without spoiling but she gets a visitor at some point and that was my favourite scene in the whole book.
I've been working through Morgan's "From Manhattan with Love" series and it's great to see that that wasn't a one-hit wonder! Excited to read more of her books.
May 21, 2022
Joanna Whitman's ex husband Cliff is dead. He was a celebrity chef and his car went off a cliff. The paparazzi wastes no time and immediately start hounding her. She knows she must get away and plans on avoiding them at all cost. However, her husband was not alone when he died. A young woman named Ashley was in the car with him. While hospitalized, blessedly, ten-weeks pregnant, Ashley is unharmed. She is all alone and sees her face plastered all over the news since she was in the car.
Joanna decides to visit Ashley and offers her an escape from the public eye. She is planning to head to Otter's Nest at the beach and offers Ashley the opportunity to go with her. Since Ashley is pregnant and alone, she agrees. Joanna is helping her, but she is not sure why.
Joanna not only finds a strong community more than willing to back her while at her summer escape, old flame Nate just might give her a love she never expected to find again.
What a wonderful story! I love a book when you think you know a character and expect a story to go a certain way, only to find the story take a shift in an entirely different direction, drawing you even closer to the characters than ever expected.
Beach House Summer is the perfect beach read. A warm story with relatable characters that illustrated love, family and growth. The healing that was in this book truly warmed my heart.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/RYvwNC5GYhY
Joanna decides to visit Ashley and offers her an escape from the public eye. She is planning to head to Otter's Nest at the beach and offers Ashley the opportunity to go with her. Since Ashley is pregnant and alone, she agrees. Joanna is helping her, but she is not sure why.
Joanna not only finds a strong community more than willing to back her while at her summer escape, old flame Nate just might give her a love she never expected to find again.
What a wonderful story! I love a book when you think you know a character and expect a story to go a certain way, only to find the story take a shift in an entirely different direction, drawing you even closer to the characters than ever expected.
Beach House Summer is the perfect beach read. A warm story with relatable characters that illustrated love, family and growth. The healing that was in this book truly warmed my heart.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/RYvwNC5GYhY
May 22, 2022
I read this as a group buddy read and I really enjoyed it!
It was a very easy read and I felt connected to the characters. I could see the setting and was invested in all their interlinked relationships.
I loved the completeness of the ending (can’t say too much more about that without spoiling anything).
I would recommend this book, I gave it a 4/5 stars.
It was a very easy read and I felt connected to the characters. I could see the setting and was invested in all their interlinked relationships.
I loved the completeness of the ending (can’t say too much more about that without spoiling anything).
I would recommend this book, I gave it a 4/5 stars.
July 14, 2022
This is what I would class as a holiday read, but an enjoyable one. It's a bit long, and stuffed with conversations about relationships, the past, love and friendship, and many of these take place around the preparation or eating of... food. But the plot is a good one and the characters are likeable.
Four and a half stars. Would I read it again? No, but I will read more from this author.
Four and a half stars. Would I read it again? No, but I will read more from this author.
July 23, 2022
This is the first Sarah Morgan book I read that is not a Christmas theme. As a fan of contemporary romance, I enjoyed this book. I am always in the mood for a beach setting during summertime. I was attracted to the new beginnings theme and going back to your roots and it did deliver. The only thing I would say is the ending wasn’t clear as to how the main character’s lives would continue. Perhaps a second book is planned?
That was a fast and easy read. I would call it a perfect beach read! I will for sure be looking for other Sarah Morgan books!
That was a fast and easy read. I would call it a perfect beach read! I will for sure be looking for other Sarah Morgan books!
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