Just eleven more days until summer everyone! I’m sure, like me, you’re getting the summer beach read lists together. Here is my pick for June’s Book of the Month which comes out tomorrow!
This month, I chose Love at the Shore by Teri Wilson. For Hallmarkies, her name might sound familiar. Her previous books Unleashing Mr. Darcy, The Art of Us, and Sleigh Bell Sweethearts have been made into Hallmark Channel movies. She’s also written books including The Accidental Beauty Queen (her most recent book), Unmasking Juliet, How to Rescue a Family, The Ballerina’s Secret, The Princess Problem, and Royally Roma (part of the Royals series). You can check out her website here and give her a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The latest Hallmark book will be available on Amazon, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble.
This book is another novelization of a Hallmark film. This film I actually watched some, but couldn’t connect for some reason. Upon hearing about the book, I was elated because maybe this would make a difference.
I was right.
Jenna is a single mom of two children vacationing on Tybee Island. However, it’s a working vacation with a deadline looming for her second novel. Her work is complicated when her neighbor, Lucas, and his adorable dog, Tank, cause a ruckus. What follows are five eye-opening weeks about taking chances, letting walls come down, and overcoming fear of failure.
The book was a delight, first of all, for the setting. I’ve had the pleasure to spend two weeks on Tybee Island, an island about a half hour from Savannah, back in 2011. Another delight in this book were the characters: well developed and not what you first expect. From Jenna and Lucas, to the children Ally and Nick, and even Tank the dog. The summer camp scenes and volleyball match were also excellent and helped further develop the characters.
I also found Jenna relatable in terms of her situation. Trying to write under a deadline (not a novel just yet) and then the distractions–and responsibilities of life– get in the way. In her case, it’s trying to be the best mother she can be, keep her attractive but distracting neighbor at a distance (literally and figuratively) while also not trying to fall for him at the same time. Lucas, also, was a pleasant surprise with the reasoning behind his laid-back attitude towards life. The family dynamic was also a big part of the plot. Another thing that makes Hallmark great: remembering the good things about family and how we try to do the best we can not just for ourselves, but our children.
If you love the beach, bonfires, swimming, and anything with chocolate (courtesy of Ally’s love for candy and sweets haha), then you’ll love this latest Hallmark book! Lastly, a shout-out to Wilson’s writing which kept me interested from start to finish. It’s because of her writing I’ve added a book or two of hers to my to-read list.
Also, if you love shrimp scampi like my father does on family vacations, then you’ll enjoy the recipe that comes with the book too.
I hope you will add Love at the Shore to your summer beach read list!
The Writer's Soul 