The Summer Retreat #ourgoodlifebooklist

If you need a summer beach read, don't hesitate to pick up The Summer Retreat by Sheila Roberts. I didn't realize when I picked up this book that it was the third in a series of books.  I'm always hesitant about getting a book in a middle of a series!  However, my fears were unfounded.  The author does a great job of getting you up to speed without seemingly doing so. The book is set in a small harbor town that makes you want to read it on a beach!

From Amazon:

I was given this book by NetGalley to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Celeste Jones has plans for a perfect summer with her boyfriend (and hopefully soon-to-be fiancé)—until he dumps her to be with the woman he’s had on the side for months. Heartbroken and furious, Celeste resolves to move on. When the going gets tough, the tough…okay, the not-so-tough go to the beach.

As soon as school lets out for the summer, she waves goodbye to her first-graders, packs up her bikini and heads for Moonlight Harbor, where she knows her big sister, Jenna, will receive her with open arms. Jenna could probably use some help at the Driftwood Inn, and Celeste is happy to do chores around the place in exchange for a relaxing summer escape. She just needs something—or someone—to distract her from her troubles.

Finding The One can be tricky, and Jenna is determined to make sure Celeste gets it right this time around. Not that Jenna’s an expert. She’s still trying to sort out her own love life. But if both sisters listen to their hearts, eventually they’re bound to discover that life—and love—is good at the beach.

Personally, I like a beach ride that doesn't have a lot of plot.  I just read along until the story is over. I like good character development in a beach read.  The Summer Retreat has good character development, but for me, the one who is ok with weak plots, this one was pretty weak.  It seemed that the story about Celeste making up her mind what she wants in a future husband takes a really long time. That and nosy girlfriends make up most of the plot.  However, I love the little town of Moonlight Harbor, and grandma with her cookies.  Consider this book if you like beach reads the way I do!