Heartwarming, unexpected twist!
588289
This is my first Seaside Summers book, but that doesn't matter because it's always so easy to fall into a new Melissa Foster novel.

Escaping to Wellfleet MA and slipping under the radar is what Parker Collins needs to do as she mourns the death of the only person she called family; Bert Stein, a photographer who helped her become an actress. She's staying in a house built for her Collins Children's Foundation; a project close to her heart. To ease her heartbreak she watches horror movies whilst drowning her sorrows with a bottle of tequila whilst munching on her usual go to emotional crutch; M&M's, surrounded by her unpacked suitcase, an empty pizza box and her beloved dog, Christmas. In a booze inflicted fog, she's shocked that the man she's been emailing for months suddenly appears in her house. He's every bit as gorgeous as she'd imagined, only right now she's intoxicated with candy stuck in her hair!

Grayson Lacroux is a designer/steelworker who has been helping actress Parker Collins with designs for her charity. They've been emailing each other for months, discussing ideas for CCF, but as time has gone by their messages have become more than just business. When he decides to go check measurements for a railing, Grayson heads for the house in Wellfleet and lets himself in, not knowing it's occupied. He's shocked to see Parker in a drunken, dishevelled state, but intuition tells him she's hurting and all he wants to do is assist and comfort her.

Parker and Grayson's relationship takes off quickly after they meet, as ten months of exchanging emails cement their need for getting to know each other on a personal level. Grayson is perfect for Parker. He's her rock, not phased by her fame and cautiously sympathetic to her need for keeping out of the spotlight...until a photo of THAT kiss in the elevator appears in US Weekly! The supporting character ensemble becomes a warming group of friends that create a family-like bond around Parker.

I love the unexpected plot twist and how a chain of events gives Parker what she's craved for. How Grayson's hunch and actions are done out of love, even though his interference wasn't viewed that way. How two people together realise that they've made mistakes but importantly come to the conclusion they are meant to be together and not apart.

I don't bother checking the blurb when I read a Melissa Foster book anymore because I know I'm going to be reading a book with well-developed protagonists, a plotline with twists and entertaining secondary characters who add so much to a story yet don't distract from the H&H. Seaside Lovers ticks all these boxes and why Melissa has become my go-to author. I'm never disappointed with anything I've read by her. Long may it continue.

***arc received courtesy of World Literary Press via Tasty Book Tours***
2695437
A heart-tugging story of love, redemption and broadening one's horizons! The characters were a fun mix. He's brooding and has given up on feeling ... she's full of life and happy to share her flare. The teen interaction is fun to watch.

Italian surgeon Luca Montovano has escaped his old life to build a mountaintop clinic retreat that he hopes will help his orphaned teenage niece prosper after an accident that derails their life and leaves them with only each other to depend on. The last thing he wants to see walking through his doors is drama ... but here she comes!

Francesca Martinelli has no clue it's Luca who runs the clinic that she's gotten a temporary job at. The last time she saw him, he was angry with her for ruining their mutual friend's wedding! She is loyal to a fault, and she couldn't let her dearest friend make such a mistake. Will her bubbly personality be just what his niece needs to see the joy in life again? And will he be able to let down his own walls enough to enjoy her a little bit himself?
989228
I expected to read this book and rave that it was "simply adorable!" Now having finished it, I can confirm that yes, it was adorable. Every character was developed to perfection and added heart and realness to the story (from the ever-present pup Rocco to the bitter-turned-softhearted ex-mother-in-law Ethel). There's a roommate who prefers a turban and housecoat to a shirt and pants (and yep, it's a he), parties decorated with doggy-doo bags (for their obvious ambience), and a spy mission involving stuffing a potato in an exhaust pipe (move over, MacGyver).

But "simple", this book was not. The story went deep, exploring the complexity of relationships (between family, friends, exes and spouses) and the good, bad, and ugly realities that come along with matters of the heart. I had no shortage of "Oh I hope they get together!" and "She should just leave him!" and "Ugh, I wish that witch would just disappear!" moments while reading. Who knew I'd experience such strong emotions from a "light, fun" read?

The author does not shy away from nor sugarcoat the truth, and the truth is that sometimes life sucks. Jobs, possessions, friendships, opportunities, confidence, freedom, sanity... all of these can be lost without warning and without sympathy. But what isn't as easily lost are the ties that bind us to people we love, people we love-to-hate, and people we need to believe in us even when we don't feel deserving of it.

Coco and her ensemble of characters made me laugh out loud often, reflect earnestly on the hand of fate in our lives, and ultimately believe in the capacity of love, patience and hope to help determine that fate. I highly recommend it!
995838
A whimsical, magical tale, just in time for Christmas! This is a heartwarming book about second chances and forgiveness with a bit of Christmas magic.

I loved every minute of this book. The characters were all too human, filled with pride and stubbornness. It highlighted how often people form perceptions based on experiences from the past and then stubborn pride keeps them from talking about problems. It showed just how easily misunderstandings can occur.

This book is perfect for those cosy days curled up in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate. It makes you believe in happy endings again.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this heartwarming book.
1643132
This book was hard to put down! Just when I thought it was going to be a typical "boy meet girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back" love story, I got quite the surprise! This book had several twists that I didn't expect at all. Although many of the ideas in this novel would not work for me, it did make me consider all the different lifestyles people have. This novel touched on love, abuse, family traditions, and family secrets.  This was not your everyday love story.

I must also mention how I enjoy reading books that are based in the Chicago area. It's refreshing to read about places I've visited. Job well done!
2554771
So, you want to read a not- so- typical love story? Well then Faith is the book for you.

This is a heartwarming story that starts in a doctors office and you think for a minute that there is going to be bad news, but like the summary says, it's quite the opposite. And that is where the fun and lots of laughter ( mostly at Melodys expense!)

Elizabeth takes you on a young woman's journey that is born in heartbreak, raised in possible hope, and grown to include love and some great friendships. The way she tells Faiths story is unlike other books I have read in a long time if ever. It's very refreshing to read a new take on a young girl finding herself, friends and love.

Faith doesn't make it easy on those around her, but reading about her struggles and being able to feel her emotions as she is experiencing them is a talent that this author holds in spades.

In my humble opinion this book is a refreshing changed from the norm. It's fun and is a great start to what looks to be a great series! Looking forward to reading more!
2420817
If you're looking for a wonderfully heartwarming read, this won't disappoint.  Cheryl writes stories that grab the reader from the first paragraph, and this is no exception!  The love Thea shows two orphans pulls on your heartstrings.  Add to that is the handsome uncle of Zoe, a child who doesn't speak, and a badly abused young boy.  The way the story develops won't allow the reader to put the book down!
780950
This is a wonderful, well-written heart-warming book! You'll laugh and cry; but, you will love it!
4666559
an amazing story with surprising twists and turns!
481006
A great read that makes you alternatively happy then sad, then happy again!  This story makes you think about the consequences when you sever the human-animal bond!  Wonderful main character trying to reconcile what she has been told to believe versus what she knows to be true.
3933185
This story really surprised me as it's not my usual read! I really enjoyed it! Zoe was a quirky, recluse who lives a sheltered life. Jake is a hunky handyman extraordinaire who helps all those in need. Their initial meeting is funny and terrifying as Jake has an accident in Zoe's home. Through they first meeting the sense a connection neither can explain or wants to further explore; yet, they can't fight it! Jake has the perfect fianc having known her all his life, but feels something missing after meeting Zoe. Zoe's has hidden herself away from the world choosing to be live alone in order to not be hurt as her mother was. Together Jake and Zoe discover true love and how one chance meeting can change the course of your life. I loved Jake's sincerity there was no cheating he was honest with Angelina when he broke their engagement. I have to mention FuFu what a crazy dog!
1733162
What an excellent story with an unexpected twist at the end! I hope to read more by this author in the future!
3098929
Tantalizing!  A lot of unexpected twist and turns.
750187
Great heartwarming story! I have searched for more from this author.
68247
Wonderful love story with an OMG twist toward end.  Different approach than usual romance books in that Kayla is not healthy, has a heart condition with doubts of ever finding a man that would love her, then genuine love in a gentlemanly way by Gabe.  Once you think you know where it's going, an unpredicted twist hits that makes you stop in shock and reread to see if you really just read that and then wonder where it's going next because it's not over yet.  Great read, recommend it to all ages.
186689
Fantastic! This was a sweet surprise!
"From the Start" tells the story of Kate Walker and Colton Greene, both who are trying to find themselves after a season of heartbreak and lost dreams. Because sometimes life can take a turn we do not expect.
This is what we see in this book: many characters facing the unexpected and finding community to face the challenges that appear each day.
This community is depicted in the form of a city that sticks together, Maple Valley, but also in the form a specific individual blessing another by being present to the other when they most need it.
I expected Kate to be a strong and mature character. However what caught me by surprise was how graceful she was. With a tender heart that has been hurt but is learning to heal and open up again.
And so Melissa Tagg pleasantly and with care takes us through these characters journey, making us starve to be a part of rebuilding a community and participating in special events that can seem silly but are so particular to a place that they resemble the meaning of HOME all over.
And because of this Colton Greene is finally able to feel what it is like to have a normal life and live fully.

I cannot wait for the next books of this dear family that won a place in my heart.
1081774
Great read!  Story was heartwarming and we'll written!  Can't wait to read her next book!