Return to the Beach House by Georgia Bockoven (4 stars)

About Return to the Beach House

Pages: 384
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Original edition (May 13, 2014)

Over the course of one year, in a charming cottage by the sea, eight people will discover love and remembrance, reconciliation and reunion, beginnings and endings in this unforgettable sequel to Georgia Bockoven’s The Beach House and Another Summer

Alison arrives at the beach house in June to spend a month with her restless grandson before he leaves for his first year of college. More than a decade earlier, Alison lost her beloved husband, and has faced life alone ever since. Now she discovers a new life and a possible new love.

August brings together four college friends facing a milestone. During summer’s final days, they share laughter, tears, and love—revealing long-held secrets and creating new and even more powerful bonds.

World-class wildlife photographer Matthew and award-winning war photographer Lindsey arrive at the beach house in January, each harboring the very real fear that it will mark the end of their decade-long love affair. Alone in the house’s warm peace, they are forced to truly look at who they are and what they want, discovering surprising truths that will change their lives forever.

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Review

Three different stories in one beautiful setting; each one explores loss, love, and discovery. At the root of each story is a character or characters aching for something.

In the first story, Allison lives for her grandson and has forgotten many of her own needs. Christopher, who adores his grandmother, can't get out from under the expectations of his family; he needs to come out of the shadows of his father and grandfather and figure out his own way.

College friends come together in the second story. As close as they are, they've been keeping things from each other. Story after story is revealed in their time together, and their bond tightens. 

In the final story, Matthew and Lindsay have been leading separate lives. Although they love each other, they've grown apart and Lindsay is struggling with something. Can they find their way back?

I loved the idea of three separate stories, really short stories, in a common setting especially with such similar themes. However, it did feel disjointed, and I found myself wishing I could read three novels instead. 

Georgia Bockoven does an excellent job of character and story building in few words. My favorite story was the one about the college friends coming back together, but I suspect different readers would have different favorites. 

Fans of short stories and readers who want to jump right into the characters' lives will appreciate this charming and well-told collection.

Rating: 4 stars

About the Author

Georgia Bockoven is an award-winning author who began writing fiction after a successful career as a freelance journalist and photographer. Her books have sold more than three million copies worldwide. The mother of two, she resides in Northern California with her husband, John.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

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