Title: A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Two sisters must learn from each other’s strengths and trust in the redeeming power of love in a touching new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.
Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.
Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk.
Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.
Review:
A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber is a poignant novel of family and love.
Willa Lakey is the owner of a popular coffee shop and shares an apartment with her younger sister, Harper. The girls’ mother passed away when they were young and Willa becomes the family caretaker. Their dad falls apart and after graduation, older brother Lucas joins the Army. Willa takes on more of a mother role after Harper’s leukemia diagnosis and although her sister is now healthy, she cannot help but worry about her. Harper is living life to its fullest and she tries to play matchmaker for Willa with coffee shop customer Sean O’Malley. Willa is resistant at first, but she finally decides to give Sean a chance. But their budding romance is challenged by Sean’s long stretches away from home due to his career that occur just when Willa needs his support the most. Can Willa overcome her fears and give her relationship with Sean another chance?
Willa is quiet and works long hours at her coffee shop. An introvert, she has forced herself out of her comfort zone and she enjoys her daily interactions with her customers. Willa has not had much time for dating and she is very resistant to Harper’s attempts to convince her Sean is interested in her. She is a little shy and unsure of herself but she cannot deny she likes Sean. But will he convince Willa to give him a chance?
Sean is a passionate freelance photographer who has worked hard to establish himself. Although photography was not his first career choice, he is much happier with his new life. Sean has not dated for quite some time and he is very nervous about asking Willa out on a date. Surprised when she finally says yes, Sean is not quite as forthcoming about his past as he should be.
Sean and Willa’s relationship is surprisingly laidback and quite comfortable. They spend quiet evenings together and talk for hours. Willa is not happy when Sean must leave for weeks at a time but she understands this is part of his career. However, Sean is not always great at communication and he tries to avoid conflict. A family crisis becomes a pivotal point for Willa and Sean is regretful but will his remorse be enough for Willa?
A Walk Along the Beach is a heartfelt novel that tugs on the heartstrings. Willa, Harper and Sean are vibrantly developed with relatable flaws and strengths. The storyline is well-developed and moves at a brisk pace. Debbie Macomber brings this deeply affecting novel to a bittersweet yet heartwarming conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this captivating novel.
