The Summer Retreat

The Summer Retreat by Sheila Roberts, book three in A Moonlight Harbor series, is Celeste Jones’, story. Celeste’s summer plans were destroyed when she discovers her boyfriend cheating on her. Instead she heads to the Moonlight Harbor, and the beach, to help her sister, Jenna, with the Driftwood Inn. Almost from day one, Jenna is pushing Celeste to start dating again. First up is Pastor Paul who falls head over heels for Celeste. It’s possible that he is just too perfect. So what if there is no chemistry, he still checks all the boxes and loves her. Then there is the mystery guest in one of the cottages. Celeste stumbles upon him as she attempts to clean his room. Peeking at his laptop she finds he’s a serial killer!! Oh wait, that’s not right, he’s writing a book, killing off his ex-girlfriend who had no faith in him. As Celeste discovers, despite making herself a fool at the beach with Harry, they are attracted to each other. Plus there is definitely chemistry between them and he is definitely not Mr. Right. Or is he? Jenna has her own problems in sorting her own love life; loving two completely opposite men. If only both sisters would listen to their hearts, not logic, they just might discover that life, and true love, can be found at the beach. Ms. Roberts wrote a wonderful, funny, and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters giving Celeste a chance at finding true happiness and love and a future with the right one. I highly recommend The Summer Retreat to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

DNF at 28%. After her serious boyfriend dumps her for the woman he's been having an affair with for the last several months Celeste Jones decides to lick her wounds in Moonlight Harbor at her sister Jenna's B&B, the Driftwood Inn. As she earns her way as a maid Celeste is sucked into the small town activities like line dancing, parades and Sunday church. Her sister is determined to set her up with a nice guy, but Jenna has her own romantic entanglements. I had three issues with this novel. First, it is all telling no showing. Second, this is the third book in a series and the author peppers the narrative with so many references to events in previous books that I feel the entire book is a recap on what happened before. Third, the characters are such caricatures that I struggled to find any glimmer of empathy for any of them. I forced myself to read past the 25% mark to see whether the writing settled down or the plot started to unfold but at 28% I decided enough was enough. Definitely not for me. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

What a fun read full of emotion, humor and banter that I could not put down. Celeste has arrived for the summer in Moonlight Harbor to help her sister, Jenna out at the resort and mend a broken heart. Jenna wants her sister to start dating again right away. Pastor Paul is the most logical choice but he doesn't make Celeste's heart pitter patter. Then there is Henry, staying at the resort working on his first novel, but he is only there for short time and his life is kind of a mystery. So who will you be, Team Paul or Team Henry?? I loved these characters, very likable. They will have you laughing out loud and cheering them along. This is the perfect light beach read. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.