The Bookstore on the Beach, (Paperback)

The story of three women, all of whom face huge challenges in life, was written with so much powerful emotion that it carried me along, much as the tide carries the shells with it. Mary, the mother of Autumn and grandmother of Taylor, is hiding a terrible secret that she fears others will discover. Autumns husband of a couple of decades is missing after a trip to Ukraine and she is undone by his disappearance. Finally, Taylor, Autumns daughter, has some serious drama of her own to deal with. Just when I thought not one more secret could be revealed, they just kept coming. I loved the mysterious aura that was scattered throughout the book and the way the characters interacted with each other at each new revelation. I really liked all of the characters and thought that each of them was portrayed realistically and with real heart. From chapter to chapter, I personalized the story and asked myself what would I do if that dilemma were mine. Being able to put myself into the story created a bond between me and the characters so that when I got to the end, I wasnt really ready for it to conclude. I wanted the story to go on and on, with happy endings for all. The lesson that I learned from the story is that sometimes you just need to let go and do what is right for you, no matter what others think. Fans of Brenda Novaks romance books will enjoy the web of intricate details woven into this story and will want to discuss it with book clubs, friends and family members who read her books. This is not a light romance, but it is a romance that you will never forget! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

The Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak is a multifaceted novel. Autumns husband disappeared eighteen months ago, and she has exhausted every avenue trying to locate him. Autumn along with her two teenage children are heading to her mothers beachside town for the summer. It will give them a chance to relax, be together, and heal. Autumns oldest child, Taylor is having a tough time. Taylor feels emotionally unconnected plus she has a secret she is keeping from her family. Mary, Autumns mother, has kept something from Autumn her whole life. Mary is afraid her daughter will learn the truth, but she does not feel it is the right time to share. Autumn reconnects with her high school crush and old feelings resurface. What should happen, though, if her husband returns? The novel contained good writing with realistic characters. The author packed a lot into the book with a missing husband, a teen questioning her sexuality, a woman with cancer, a woman with a hidden past, a second chance romance, a teen pregnancy, a criminal ex-wife, and expansion of the bookstore. It was easy to follow the various storylines once I got into the book. I did feel the ending was abrupt and needed an epilogue to make it feel complete. I enjoyed the descriptions of the bookstore, the beach, and Marys cottage. This story allows us to follow one family and the issues they are encountering over the course of a summer. This is a dramatic tale about one familys drama. The Bookstore on the Beach is a good book to read while sitting beside a pool.