Friday, June 20, 2014

Review: Ocean Beach by Wendy Wax

Title: Ocean Beach
Author: Wendy Wax
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: Ten Beach Road #2
Publication Date: 1st June 2012
Pages: 368
Book Source: own purchase

Synopsis: Unlikely friends Madeline, Avery and Nicole have hit some speed bumps in their lives, but when they arrive in Miami’s South Beach neighborhood, they are all hoping for a do-over. Literally. They’ve been hired to bring a once-grand historic house back to its former glory on a new television show called Do-Over. If they can just get this show off the ground, Nikki would get back on her feet financially, Avery could restart her ruined career, and Maddie would have a shot at keeping her family together.

At least, that’s the plan – until the women realize that having their work broadcast is one thing, having their personal lives play out on TV is another thing entirely. Soon they are struggling to hold themselves, and the project, together. With a decades-old mystery—and the hurricane season—looming, the women are forced to figure out just how they’ll weather life’s storms…

My Thoughts: 
Following on from Ten Beach Road we join Maddie, Avery, Nikki, Kyra and Deidre as they breathe life back into The Millicent, a run down art deco mansion in South Beach. I've fallen in love with this eclectic bunch of women ...  they could renovate a garbage can and I'd read.

Of course that might have just a little to do with the author so stay with me for a little Wendy Wax fangirl-ing ...

  • love her style
  • strong female characters 
  • insightful family & friendship dynamics
  • dry sense of humour 
  • 90 year old Max owner of The Millicent is an absolute darling
  • beach setting *sigh* ... sun, sand, sea and cocktails; coming into winter in Australia it goes a long way to feeding the fantasy, even with the humidity, hard work and sweat storyline

Rebuilding The Millicent, their relationships and battered finances in the harsh camera spotlight (yep more reality show than remodeling. much to their horror) was once again pure entertainment and escapism for me and I can't wait for the next chapter in their lives. 

Considering my penchant for strawberry daiquiris and cheezels I could be an honorary member of the group?? How 'bout it Wendy Wax?

Bring on The House on Mermaid Point


 Connect with Wendy Wax



14 comments:

  1. I was just going to close out of my Bloglovin' feed and your post popped in! Loved this book too, Max was a darling, and I loved all the family dynamics. I must put my pre order in for The House on Mermaid Point.

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    1. me too Kathryn! I was hoping to get it early on NetGalley but no such luck ... darn it.

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  2. This sounds FABULOUS! Thanks for introducing me to another author!!!!

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  3. I need this one, we have the coldest summer in 50 years :/

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    1. summer with an identity crisis :( you do need these lol

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  4. I still have Ten Beach Road to get to!

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  5. I love her writing and can not wait to get a chance to read this one!

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    1. Have you read Ten Beach Road Sheila? I loved it :)

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  6. I have yet to read any of her books, though I've heard great things about the author. Maybe your review will give me a nudge in the right direction!

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    1. Want me to nudge harder Rita lol, I'm sure you'll love these :)

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  7. I think this sounds fantastic. I have read other books involving home remodeling that I've really enjoyed and I like the added angle of reality TV. I will probably start with the first book but I am looking forward to reading more of Wendy Wax's books after I read and liked While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.

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    1. Christina, I think I'm addicted to this series. I read all 3 in 2 weeks, just can't get enough. Hurry up so I can 'fangirl' with you ;)

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