Who doesn’t love a good beach read? Both of these books would be perfect to read by a pool, at the beach or sitting out in the sun enjoying the summer.

Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank

Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank

by Elin Hilderbrand, Adriana Trigiani, Patti Callahan Henry, Mary Alice Monroe,  Contributors: Victoria Benton Frank, Peter Frank, William Richard Frank, Mary Norris, Cassandra King Conroy, Nathalie Dupree, Marjory Wentworth, Gervais Hagerty, Jacqueline Bouvier Lee), Victoria Peluso, Pat Conroy, Dorothea Benton Frank

Published April 27th 2021 by HarperAudio, William Morrow

3.5 Stars: 

Reunion Beach was originally going to be the title of Dorothea Benton Frank’s next new novel, so her friends and family used that title to publish this book, inspired by “Dottie”. This was one of my highly anticipated reads for summer and I wanted to love it. So many wonderful authors that I read and enjoy as well as the idea that each offering was inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank meant it was going to be a wonderful book. Well, to be honest, it was hit and miss. I did enjoy the stories that were in this book, especially Adrian Trigiani’s offering of conversations between Dotty and Pat Conroy in heaven. The other stories that were included and very enjoyable were by Elin Hilderbrand, Patti Callahan Henry, and Mary Alice Monroe. The part of the book that I was a bit meh about were the letters and reminiscences from others that knew her. As I said, the stories were excellent and I would have preferred more of them, I was not expecting the other entries in this anthology. Susan Bennett’s narration was well done. It was conversational at times, melodic at others and full of expression and emotion when that was called for. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

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Sunset on Moonlight Beach: A Moonlight Harbor Novel (Moonlight Harbor #5) by Sheila Roberts, Ann Marie Gideon (Narrator)

Published April 27th 2021 by Harlequin Audio, Mira

4.5 Stars:

I am continuing to enjoy the Moonlight Harbor series. Although this is the fifth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you read them all so you get the full development of the characters and the town. This story focuses on Jenna, the manager of the Driftwood Inn that is owned by her great-aunt. Jenna was at a crossroads in her life when she arrived in Moonlight Harbor to help her aunt and she has made a great life for herself and her daughter. This story has a tragedy in her life, and some happenings that she is not expecting nor happy with. Jenna has been trying to decide between two men to move forward in her life and that happens in this story. Although it seems like a love triangle, it was written in a way that did not have me bothered by a trope that I don’t especially like.

I enjoy Sheila Roberts easy style. This is a well written story, with great characters, and a happily ever after. It is a quick read, even thought there was a lot happening. The story is told in a linear timline, so it is easy to follow and at now time was I confused or lost in this story or series. Along the way, there is some angst as this is a story of family, friendship, survivors, romance, some secrets and second chances. I definitely recommend this story and series if you enjoy stories of romance, friendship, family and second chances. The audiobook narrated by Ann Marie Gideon was an enjoyable story to listen to. The expression, emotion and tone was right on and added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.