Author: Wendy Wax
Genre: Women's Contemporary Fiction
Series: Ten Beach Road #1
Publication Date: 3rd May 2011
Pages: 432
Book Source: Own purchase
Synopsis: Madeline, Avery, and Nikki are strangers to each other, but they have one thing in common. They each wake up one morning to discover their life savings have vanished, along with their trusted financial manager- leaving them with nothing but co-ownership of a ramshackle beachfront house.
Throwing their lots in together, they take on the challenge of restoring the historic property. But just as they begin to reinvent themselves and discover the power of friendship, secrets threaten to tear down their trust-and destroy their lives a second time.
My Thoughts:
After recently listening to the
audiobook of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey (and loving it) I joined the Wendy
Wax fan club and dived straight into her Ten Beach Road series.
The
synopsis gives you the gist of things but what I love most about Wendy Wax is
she totally gets her characters, female friendships, family
dynamics, those mother-daughter relationships that make you feel like you need
therapy ... do you know what I mean? She writes in such an intimate way they
feel real to you, not just characters in a book.
Even
having little in common with Avery, Nikki and Madeline's former lifestyle (I
identified with Maddie as an empty-nester) I really could see myself joining
them for strawberry daiquiris and cheez doodles (I figure they're a bit like
our Aussie cheezels) at sunset. From mutual adversity to unlikely friendship, I
liked the bond they shared, their humour and sarcasm, I am woman hear
me roar strength, vulnerability, temper, quirks ... I loved it
all.
The
renovation of Bella Flora was a reno on steroids ... I loved
the attention to detail, the blood, sweat and tears, the nitty gritty may not
be everyone's cup of tea but it really appealed to me.
I'm
following straight on with Ocean Beach (any excuse for another daiquiri) in
anticipation of the July 1st release of book 3, The House On Mermaid Point.
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri - makes 2 plus a little top up ;)
2 cups ice
30ml (1 oz) strawberry schnapps
60ml (2 oz) light rum
30ml - 60ml (1-2 oz) lime juice ... taste and see
2tsp castor sugar or sugar syrup
approx 1/2 - 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries (I think we used a 250 gm punnet ... cause we're greedy like that haha)
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a strawberry and guzzle enjoy. Cheers xx
Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs.
Oh wow! That just sounds horrible, losing all of your life savings. It does sounds like an interesting read. & thank you for the awesome Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri recipe.
ReplyDeleteIt happens :( but the womens' strength and bond made for a great read!
DeleteSounds good and I need a drink now
ReplyDeleteCheers B :)
DeleteSounds good and those drinks look absolutely yummy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mystica, I think you'd enjoy this series.
DeleteSounds like a great read!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour type of read Julie ... get to it ;)
DeleteGood to know you enjoyed it, I have just come from Goodreads and noticed in my feed that you were on to Ocean Beach. I fell in love with Wendy Wax's books when I read The Accidental Bestseller, one that I marked for myself as worthy of a reread when I have totally forgotten it!
ReplyDeleteooh Kathryn I'm heading back to Goodreads to add The Accidental Bestseller to my wishlist, thanks. I really enjoyed Ocean Beach and I just don't want to leave so I'm now gobbling up Christmas at the Beach lol
DeleteI am so glad you have fallen in love with these characters! I am always sooo excited for each new book.
ReplyDeleteBut I actually "accidentally" discovered Wendy Wax when I read The Accidental Bestseller...and I've been riding the wave ever since. Love your review...and how you described the "intimate way" the author writes her characters. Enjoy!
Thanks Laurel-Rain, you're not alone singing the praises of The Accidental Bestseller ... it's now on my wishlist. I'm also excited to be caught up and looking forward to The House on Mermaid Point.
DeleteHmm not convinced cheezels and strawberries go together...but it does sound like a great read. I must look into this author.
ReplyDeletelol Karen, you're probably right but daiquiri and a good book now that's a perfect combination ... indulgence. You'll love this series :)
DeleteThat sounds cute. I think cheese doodles are more like those cheese puffs that used to be around or cheese and bacon balls but just cheese.
ReplyDeleteI am curious and think I will give this a try.
Mmmm cheezles
yes I remember them Mandy, cheezels are my favourite. I think I'll think fondly of them every time I read a Wendy Wax book HA
DeleteA book in hand and a cocktail in the other... a great way to spend an afternoon!
ReplyDeleteyou are so right Shelleyrae lol
DeleteI too loved Wax's Downton Abby book, but still haven't read any other of her books. Must remedy. It's strawberry season here, so I guess I might be "forced" to give these daiquiris a try.
ReplyDeleteYes, the cheesy things look right -- but I"m not so sure I'd have them with cocktails!
lol twisting your arm ... enjoy the daiquiri and I hope you love this series when you get to it.
DeleteWhat a perfect summer combo! I picked up all of Wendy's books after I "discovered" her at a panel discussion. Sometimes you just need a fun read, and her books hit the spot. And they'd be even better paired with that daiquiri!
ReplyDeletethis series just sings summer doesn't it Kerry Ann :)
DeleteMost of my good girlfriends live spread around the world, so when I read books about girlfriends it always makes me look around for potential new ones :) Glad you liked it, I still haven't read Wendy Wax yet.
ReplyDeletelol put it on your summer reading list Stacy, I really think you'll love Wendy Wax's writing!
DeleteI love a good strawberry daiquiri - one of my favourite drinks. Now you have me longing for summer.
ReplyDeletelets drink them anyway and dream of summer haha
DeleteI had to read this post to see what a Cheezel was....LOL
ReplyDelete