Beach Bliss
Women’s Fiction
Continuing Series
Setting – Connecticut
Self Published
Paperback: 370 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1984227119
Kindle ASIN: B079DCBL7X
Have a seaside seat with the beach friends in this irresistible novel from New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio.
Blue skies and smooth seas return to the coastal community of Stony Point. Until a new arrival in this little New England beach town sets forth a competition like no other. As the temperature rises beneath the summer sun, so do the antics and good-natured fun.
Join Jason Barlow, Maris, Kyle, Elsa and the rest of the gang for another unforgettable season at the shore. The sound of gulls and lapping waves are calling you to the page … for a summer read that’s purely Beach Bliss.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It is almost time for the tourists to return to Stony Point. Elsa’s Inn is ready to open but she is holding off until September so she can enjoy time with her newly born granddaughter, Aria. She is so happy that Celia has returned to Stoney Point and agreed to help her with the inn. Jason’s finishing up the last tasks on his list as the debut of his television show documenting the renovation of Elsa’s inn will be premiering soon. Maris is still working on her deceased brother in law’s novel. Kyle and Lauren are moving into their home on Stony Point. But this story really is all about Aria. Celia has chosen her godmother and before she even has a chance to choose a godfather, the men all decide they want the honored position. So they come up with a competition with the winner becoming the godfather of their friend Sal’s daughter. The whole group is still mourning his death. Everyone wants to be there for Aria in any way that they can.
I will admit, my nose got a little out of joint when the men took the choice of godfather out of Celia’s hands. I am sure she had put a lot of thought into her decision. But, by the end of the goofy competition, I think Celia was appreciative of their efforts and I do think her choice was also the winner. I know the group was not trying to disrespect her in any way and the contests were very interesting. I was surprised though at one of the guys participating in one of the contests that would have been super painful after hurting his back earlier in the story. I get it, it’s fiction 🙂
I really identify with Elsa the most. We have both lost adult sons and that it something you never get over. We just keep putting one foot in front of the other and a smile on our faces even when you don’t feel like smiling. Like Elsa my son left a daughter behind, mine was almost 3 when she lost her daddy. Sadly, Sal never got to meet his daughter. But it is these young little ladies that keep us going. The light shines from within them and we have so many memories to share to keep their fathers alive in their hearts. It also helps when you have the wonderful support system both Elsa and Celia have.
Joanne DeMaio has created such true characters. I feel like I am visiting old friends every time I pick up one of her books. I am engaged by them and interested in their lives. Their friendship is a true bond. I am jealous of the way they see each other every day and are totally involved in each other’s lives. True friendships like this are hard to have these days when the world is pulling everyone in so many different directions.
The author’s words take us to a place where friends, ocean waters and the rich salt air can soothe all your troubles. Our visits there always end much too soon. This was a perfect escape!!
Until next time . . . The Castaway Cottage
About The Author
Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love, and choices while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Currently, at work on her next book, Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut.
To learn more about the author, visit Joannedemaio.com. She also enjoys hearing from readers on her Facebook Page.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Beach Bliss” by Joanne DeMaio sounds like a great read. Thank you for the review and bringing this book to my attention.