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The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. 

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .

Goodreads Summary

Elyse used to be a lovely singer.  Now, she is still younger, but she can no longer sing.  When she meets Christian, she isn't sure if she should let herself fall in love or if she should try to avoid the self-professed "playboy."  Their romance isn't instant, but it is a little funny to me that books sometimes portray females in books as falling in love rather frequently.  I thought Elyse deserved better than Christian, but he did step up to the plate when it was called for.  

I loved Elyse's character.  She was easy to relate to and came off as intelligent and sweet.  I loved the setting of Tobago and would have loved it if more of the book had taken place there.  The author cleverly wove in the mermaid mythology and endeared Sebastian, Christian's brother, to me via his deep belief that Elyse is a mermaid.  The plot is fast-paced and the book is hard to put down, but easy to savor.  This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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1 comments:

  1. Great reviw! I also wish more of the book would have been set in Tobago because it seemed so interesting!

    my review here