THE BEACH HOUSE - Rochelle Alers
Kensington Books/Dafina
BUY
May 2021
Mainstream Fiction
REVIEWER: Brenda Larnell | RATING: A
Kensington Books/Dafina
BUY
May 2021
Mainstream Fiction
REVIEWER: Brenda Larnell | RATING: A
REVIEW: Accomplished author, Rochelle Alers, is by far a great storyteller, and her Women’s Fiction stories all bear witness to that fact. THE BEACH HOUSE features Leah Berkeley Kent, one of the three book club members. Kayana Johnson (THE SEASIDE CAFÉ, Book #1) and Cherie Thompson compose the other ladies of the book club. The primary setting for the story is Coates Island, North Carolina. Leah, Kayana and Cherie all seek sanctuary from their previous lives, and Coates Island is the perfect retreat. Ms. Alers’ descriptions of the island are on point, and so inviting, you will yearn to visit.
Leah’s backstory is intriguing and offers significant insight into why she seeks refuge on the island. You’ll get it when you read the story. I will say that outwardly Leah appears to have the ideal marriage, but as the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Leah’s story transcends racial lines and economic resources. It is a well-written story of starting over and second chances. While Leah is staying on the island, she helps out at the Seaside Café, owned by Kayana and her widowed brother, Derrick. As it happens, Derrick and Leah develop a rapport that challenges Leah in her quest to move on and live her best life. The storyline flows smoothly as we follow Derrick and Leah’s budding relationship.
I love everything about this story. From the setting, the book club concept, to the trauma of past events and the triumphs of a promising future that the characters experience. The side characters play significant roles in the development of the major characters. However, Leah’s husband, Alan is like a bad dream that reoccurs too often. You’ll get that when you read the book. The Epilogue offers a glimpse of a special HEA for Derrick and Leah.
THE BEACH HOUSE is an engaging and compelling inspection of second chances. I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure. While I began reading it as a stand-alone, I admit that I stopped reading THE BEACH HOUSE, and read THE SEASIDE CAFE. The continuity is priceless
28th May 2021 | romcol@caribsurf.com
Leah’s backstory is intriguing and offers significant insight into why she seeks refuge on the island. You’ll get it when you read the story. I will say that outwardly Leah appears to have the ideal marriage, but as the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Leah’s story transcends racial lines and economic resources. It is a well-written story of starting over and second chances. While Leah is staying on the island, she helps out at the Seaside Café, owned by Kayana and her widowed brother, Derrick. As it happens, Derrick and Leah develop a rapport that challenges Leah in her quest to move on and live her best life. The storyline flows smoothly as we follow Derrick and Leah’s budding relationship.
I love everything about this story. From the setting, the book club concept, to the trauma of past events and the triumphs of a promising future that the characters experience. The side characters play significant roles in the development of the major characters. However, Leah’s husband, Alan is like a bad dream that reoccurs too often. You’ll get that when you read the book. The Epilogue offers a glimpse of a special HEA for Derrick and Leah.
THE BEACH HOUSE is an engaging and compelling inspection of second chances. I highly recommend it for your reading pleasure. While I began reading it as a stand-alone, I admit that I stopped reading THE BEACH HOUSE, and read THE SEASIDE CAFE. The continuity is priceless
28th May 2021 | romcol@caribsurf.com
(A)