The sun sets on the Chesapeake Diaries, New York Timesbestselling author Mariah Stewart’s cherished series based on Maryland’s picturesque eastern shore, with this romantic tale of a man who takes a second chance on love with the high school crush who broke his heart.
Up-and-coming artist Lisbeth Parker finally has a chance to show the folks back home what it means to leave Cannonball Island and make something of yourself. As a native whose stubborn father forbade her from befriending townies, Lis always felt like an outsider in St. Dennis. So while her work is on display in the local art gallery, she records her ailing centenarian great-grandmother’s stories of the island’s rich history and spearheads a fight for its survival.
Lis was Alec Jansen’s secret dream girl growing up, even after she flat-out refused to be his prom date. Now the handsome environmental engineer and the whip-smart beauty are on opposite sides of a debate over the island’s future. Hired to prove that developing the shore will have little impact on the area’s natural integrity and huge gains for its economy, Alec is determined to change his alluring, headstrong rival’s mind—and to win her heart.
Goodreads Summary
Things rarely stay the same and when it comes to childhood places and friends this is especially true. When Lis returns to St. Dennis she feels like she doesn't belong. She helps her great-grandmother run the general store and gradually gets to know St. Dennis a little bit better. Alex, a cute guy who knew Lis way back since grade school, is still nursing a flame for her. Their progression from strangers to friends to something more is sweet and I loved reading about how their relationship developed organically. Alec's character was exactly what I would look for in a guy: smart, practical, a little shy, and sweet. Lis's father ensured that she didn't get to know him well (or almost at all) when she was a child so she had a lot of making up to do!
I loved the descriptions of the quaint town setting and the role Lis's great-grandmother played as mentor. We are all guilty of not paying enough attention to older relatives and Lis is no exception. I loved that she and her great-grandmother became closer throughout the book. I felt like I was immersed in this town myself while reading this book. I love the small town feel and even though I know it could be annoying if everyone knew everyone's business I've always wondered how that would feel. This book would be a great addition to a beach bag or airplane carry-on!
4 Stars
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens. Visit her website at mariahstewart.com, like her on Facebook at AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram at mariah_stewart_books.
GIVEAWAY:
Get your feet wet this summer with The Chesapeake Diaries and ENTER TO WIN one copy of That Chesapeake Summer, 9th in the series!
“[That Chesapeake Summer] deftly uses the tools of the genre to explore issues of identity, truth, and small townkinship…Stewart offers a strong statement on the power of love and trust, a fitting theme for this big-heartedsmall town romance.”
—Publishers Weekly on That Chesapeake Summer
“A touching story of self-discovery and homecoming that is sure to warm readers’ hearts…fans are sure to feel right at home in Stewart’s idyllic seaside setting and follow this emotional journey with avid interest.”
—RT Book Reviews on That Chesapeake Summer
UPCOMING:
Look for Mariah Stewart’s all-new trade original women's fiction series, The Hudson Sisters, following a trio of reluctant sisters as they set out to fulfill their father's dying wish—and discover themselves in the process. Book 1, Last Chance Matinee, will publish March 2017!
Blog Tour:
6/23: Harlequin Junkies
6/24: Dirty and Thirty
6/27: The Lovely Books
6/29: Reviews from the Heart
7/5: Stranded in Chaos
7/6: Reviews by Crystal
7/7: Live to Read
7/11: Bibliotica
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ
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Excellent review! I haven't heard about this book before but it sounds like a great summer read for me. Thank you for introducing me to this book.
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