What do you think?
Rate this book
Miracle Beach
In a stirring debut novel, the discovery of a husband's troubling secrets after his death shakes his wife's faith in their marriage and herself. Macy Allen, an accomplished equestrienne, has relied on her horses and her husband, Nash, to pull her through. But after Nash dies in a tragic accident, Macy learns devastating secrets about his life that rock her belief in their marriage and herself. Nash's mother, Magda, blames Macy for her only son's death. When her husband, Jack, moves to Vancouver Island in a desperate attempt to feel closer to the son he's lost and never really knew, Magda's bitterness threatens to alienate the people she needs most. As this unlikely family questions how well they knew Nash and what love really means, still another surprise awaits them-an irrepressible child who will overturn all their expectations...
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2011
67 people are currently reading
1307 people want to read
About the author
Erin Celello
4 books73 followersErin Celello was born and raised in Michigan's gorgeous Upper Peninsula where she spearheaded a neighborhood effort to sell Trilliums in beer bottles (because lemonade stand revenues just weren't cutting it), ski raced, spent a lot of time trying to get out of track workouts, and made many dubious fashion and hair choices (rendering her forever thankful that Facebook was created after that era)...and one other dubious choice in general that resulted in her having to paint the rival football team's stadium.
After graduating from St. Norbert College and not knowing what else one does with an English degree, Erin set out for law school but never quite got there. Instead, she headed back up (farther) north to Marquette, Michigan where she received an MFA in fiction from Northern Michigan University and a PhD in snow shoveling.
She eventually landed in Madison, Wisconsin, where she lives today with two unruly Vizslas, Leonard and Newton, and her husband Aaron.
When she's not writing, Erin loves escaping to the barn to be with her American Quarter Horse, Gino, and all the fabulous people who board their horses there. When she has a lot of free time, which is almost never, she loves cooking, running marathons and competing in triathlons. Erin recently completed her first Ironman. She also recently attempted to give up wine. The Ironman was easier.
After graduating from St. Norbert College and not knowing what else one does with an English degree, Erin set out for law school but never quite got there. Instead, she headed back up (farther) north to Marquette, Michigan where she received an MFA in fiction from Northern Michigan University and a PhD in snow shoveling.
She eventually landed in Madison, Wisconsin, where she lives today with two unruly Vizslas, Leonard and Newton, and her husband Aaron.
When she's not writing, Erin loves escaping to the barn to be with her American Quarter Horse, Gino, and all the fabulous people who board their horses there. When she has a lot of free time, which is almost never, she loves cooking, running marathons and competing in triathlons. Erin recently completed her first Ironman. She also recently attempted to give up wine. The Ironman was easier.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 22, 2011
Good, not great. If you have to read it for a book club, then go ahead, because you probably won’t hate it; but if you’re picking out something that you really want to read, I doubt this book is it.
I rarely have such noncommittal reactions to books, but I chalk it up to this: really good writing, decent characters, and a plot that goes nowhere. Of course, this book strikes me as one that aims more for character introspection than a thrilling plot, but at the same time, enough has to happen to make you care. It had a relaxed, introspective air the whole way through, without the benefit of either “page-turner” sections of thrilling plotlines to drive you through, or profoundly introspective moments to make you slow down and think. You get the feeling that nothing happens, even if that’s not exactly the case.
But I’m not disappointed, because I think this book evinces real potential. Celello is definitely a talented writer who (in my humble opinion) just needs a bit more practice. I’d like to see what she comes up with next!
(I received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads program.)
I rarely have such noncommittal reactions to books, but I chalk it up to this: really good writing, decent characters, and a plot that goes nowhere. Of course, this book strikes me as one that aims more for character introspection than a thrilling plot, but at the same time, enough has to happen to make you care. It had a relaxed, introspective air the whole way through, without the benefit of either “page-turner” sections of thrilling plotlines to drive you through, or profoundly introspective moments to make you slow down and think. You get the feeling that nothing happens, even if that’s not exactly the case.
But I’m not disappointed, because I think this book evinces real potential. Celello is definitely a talented writer who (in my humble opinion) just needs a bit more practice. I’d like to see what she comes up with next!
(I received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads program.)
August 11, 2011
Great book--a compelling story and stunning prose.
November 10, 2016
This was an enjoyable read that discusses grief. The writing style was one of the few thing I actually enjoyed. The world building was very well done as well.
Even though the book contains only 326 pages, it still felt too long. Many things I wanted to know were left unanswered, while unimportant stuff were being discussed on and on. I had a hard time to be attentive while reading it, so in my case, this book was rather dull.
Even though the book contains only 326 pages, it still felt too long. Many things I wanted to know were left unanswered, while unimportant stuff were being discussed on and on. I had a hard time to be attentive while reading it, so in my case, this book was rather dull.
September 26, 2012
This reminds me of a Jodi Picoult novel. It was decently paced, clearly written, and compassionate. As a character piece, the first 1/3 (before we meet Glory) is compelling. Once she gets into the meat of the plot, the story goes down hill a bit: the characters are almost “too human” in their low self-esteem and self-loathing.
Ultimately, I think it suffered from poor editing. I really wanted to like it (and enjoy it), but I was very frequently pulled out of the story with minor inconsistencies (much of which are enumerated below). I think if it was more tightly woven I would have given it a higher rating.
When Jack is on the plane, he notes that he had “finished more than half of the drink, but had sipped it so slowly that the melted ice kept the glass nearly full.” This is not a true statement. Ice displaces liquid equal to the water that composes the ice. So, as ice melts in a glass, the level of the drink would stay the same, not increase. Minor point, but it bothered me.
When Jack goes to his first show with Macy, after helping to prep the horse “it was nearly ten o’clock, the show grounds had filled to capacity, and Jack was exhausted.” So, he offers to go get food since he hadn’t eaten since lunch. Huh? How is this 10 pm and not 10 am? Is the horse show really going to START after 10 pm? If it is 10 am, how did they have lunch earlier in the day? Again, minor but just irritating.
On page 212 Macy talks about why she stopped going out to dinner (or even picking up take out) because she is fed up with the pointless, repetitive conversations she is forced to have with sympathetic near strangers about Nash’s death. Then on pg 214 (a mere 2 pages later), Celello describes Macy meeting up with 3 of Nash’s old friends and says “Most people chose not to say anything about Nash”… in direct contradiction with Macy’s previous thoughts.
When Macy is going through the photo box (and finds the letters to Kat) there were two minor points that bothered me. First, she comments about having to sit on the cold basement floor, but this is the same basement in which Glory slept a few weeks ago on an old pull out couch. Presumably even with her arm in a sling Macy could drag the box over to the couch and sit down. Second, she refers to the UW sweatshirt as having been under her pillow since Nash’s death, but this is not true. She found the sweatshirt in the closet when she ransacked the bedroom the night Glory arrived. After that she slept with it under her pillow, but not since Nash died.
After a looong discussion early in the novel about Jack’s lack of knowledge on fishing (during his first of many fishing trips with Sophie), we get two contradictions. First, he tells Sophie and Glory that he can’t go on the boat because he gets seasick (even though he has been on a boat with Sophie many times and later buys a boat to LIVE on) and second, when Magda arrives unexpected in the evening she thinks Jack might be out fishing. Just more evidence of poor editing; the story idea is sound, but the details are too contradictory.
My last nitpicky complaint has to do with overall time. We know that Magda was drinking in a bar in 1958 (drinking age in WI at the time was 18, she has to be at least this old) and we know that Nash was 33 when he dies. The novel does not state the current year, but cell phones are mentioned and Nash loved to watch Goonies as a child (which came out in 1985, presumably he wasn’t more than 10-12 then) and Jack was in Vietnam (so sometime 1964-1968 probably?). Working backwards, it makes sense that Nash was born around 1973-75 and the novel is set in 2006-2008. But this means that Magda was at least 33 when Nash was born (quite old for a woman of her generation, and she does not mention that she was too old for more kids, but that she chose not to have them) and that she is currently 66-68 (which seemed too old given that Jack has not yet retired and nor have any of her friends..they can’t take time off work to travel with her). I was really distracted by these dates as it seemed less than likely that it would have taken Magda 15-17 years AFTER being ditched by Jimmy to find Jack and have Nash. But, I couldn’t rationalize Nash having been born much earlier than 1973 (with Jack away in the war and the whole Goonies thing).
I did not like that in the last 1/3 Celello felt compelled to throw a bunch of other stuff at the reader. Macy’s wavering over whether she wanted to mother Glory predicates her eventual decision to paint the spare room pink (how cliché and expected), and the fact that they both have experimented with self-mutilation just felt like Celello was reaching and trying too hard. There is already enough here with the death, divorce, adultery, and orphaned girl. We didn’t really need the added drama and it just felt cheap.
Overall it is rather short, compelling, and mostly well done (if poorly edited). Certainly worth the time as a casual read.
Ultimately, I think it suffered from poor editing. I really wanted to like it (and enjoy it), but I was very frequently pulled out of the story with minor inconsistencies (much of which are enumerated below). I think if it was more tightly woven I would have given it a higher rating.
When Jack is on the plane, he notes that he had “finished more than half of the drink, but had sipped it so slowly that the melted ice kept the glass nearly full.” This is not a true statement. Ice displaces liquid equal to the water that composes the ice. So, as ice melts in a glass, the level of the drink would stay the same, not increase. Minor point, but it bothered me.
When Jack goes to his first show with Macy, after helping to prep the horse “it was nearly ten o’clock, the show grounds had filled to capacity, and Jack was exhausted.” So, he offers to go get food since he hadn’t eaten since lunch. Huh? How is this 10 pm and not 10 am? Is the horse show really going to START after 10 pm? If it is 10 am, how did they have lunch earlier in the day? Again, minor but just irritating.
On page 212 Macy talks about why she stopped going out to dinner (or even picking up take out) because she is fed up with the pointless, repetitive conversations she is forced to have with sympathetic near strangers about Nash’s death. Then on pg 214 (a mere 2 pages later), Celello describes Macy meeting up with 3 of Nash’s old friends and says “Most people chose not to say anything about Nash”… in direct contradiction with Macy’s previous thoughts.
When Macy is going through the photo box (and finds the letters to Kat) there were two minor points that bothered me. First, she comments about having to sit on the cold basement floor, but this is the same basement in which Glory slept a few weeks ago on an old pull out couch. Presumably even with her arm in a sling Macy could drag the box over to the couch and sit down. Second, she refers to the UW sweatshirt as having been under her pillow since Nash’s death, but this is not true. She found the sweatshirt in the closet when she ransacked the bedroom the night Glory arrived. After that she slept with it under her pillow, but not since Nash died.
After a looong discussion early in the novel about Jack’s lack of knowledge on fishing (during his first of many fishing trips with Sophie), we get two contradictions. First, he tells Sophie and Glory that he can’t go on the boat because he gets seasick (even though he has been on a boat with Sophie many times and later buys a boat to LIVE on) and second, when Magda arrives unexpected in the evening she thinks Jack might be out fishing. Just more evidence of poor editing; the story idea is sound, but the details are too contradictory.
My last nitpicky complaint has to do with overall time. We know that Magda was drinking in a bar in 1958 (drinking age in WI at the time was 18, she has to be at least this old) and we know that Nash was 33 when he dies. The novel does not state the current year, but cell phones are mentioned and Nash loved to watch Goonies as a child (which came out in 1985, presumably he wasn’t more than 10-12 then) and Jack was in Vietnam (so sometime 1964-1968 probably?). Working backwards, it makes sense that Nash was born around 1973-75 and the novel is set in 2006-2008. But this means that Magda was at least 33 when Nash was born (quite old for a woman of her generation, and she does not mention that she was too old for more kids, but that she chose not to have them) and that she is currently 66-68 (which seemed too old given that Jack has not yet retired and nor have any of her friends..they can’t take time off work to travel with her). I was really distracted by these dates as it seemed less than likely that it would have taken Magda 15-17 years AFTER being ditched by Jimmy to find Jack and have Nash. But, I couldn’t rationalize Nash having been born much earlier than 1973 (with Jack away in the war and the whole Goonies thing).
I did not like that in the last 1/3 Celello felt compelled to throw a bunch of other stuff at the reader. Macy’s wavering over whether she wanted to mother Glory predicates her eventual decision to paint the spare room pink (how cliché and expected), and the fact that they both have experimented with self-mutilation just felt like Celello was reaching and trying too hard. There is already enough here with the death, divorce, adultery, and orphaned girl. We didn’t really need the added drama and it just felt cheap.
Overall it is rather short, compelling, and mostly well done (if poorly edited). Certainly worth the time as a casual read.
September 1, 2011
Most of the reviews for this book seem to focus on the aspect of grief - and this book does, in fact, tackle that issue in a honest and painful way that any other debut author would struggle to portray. But Celello write about the experience of loss - especially when it is the loss of a young soul and in a way that seem to make no logical sense (i.e. tragic accident), with a prose that will make your heart hurt.
But moreso, this book seems to be about the complexity of personality, life, and reltiosnhips - about what we chose to reveal to others, in contrast to how others perceive us, our intentions, our thoughts, and our emotions. The story is written from the perspectives of the three main characters - setting it up so that the reader can see both the view the world through that indivudal's eyes as well as how they are perceived by others. In doing such, you can see how Nash's death has impacted all three, rather than just how it may have impacted Macy herself. However, the other pro to doing this is that, while allowing a deeper insight into each individual, it really stands in stark contrast to how the charaters view each other. We are given the opportunity to see beyond what they see themselves - and this is most evident in relationship between Macy and her mother-in-law.
That said, I finished this book wondering about the relationships in my own life - those that I deem so close and personal, but perhaps not as close as I believe them to be. If something were to happen - tomorrow, the next day - would I really have known the true meaning of that person?
The only criticism that I had of this book (if it could be considered a criticism) is that it wasn't long enough. I wanted to hold onto the characters a bit longer, know them better, understand them more. But I think that is a tribute to how well Celello writes them, as well as a parallel process to the characters themselves - that their stories are far deeper then even they know, and no matter how many pages they have to tell their story, it may never be enough to fully know them.
But moreso, this book seems to be about the complexity of personality, life, and reltiosnhips - about what we chose to reveal to others, in contrast to how others perceive us, our intentions, our thoughts, and our emotions. The story is written from the perspectives of the three main characters - setting it up so that the reader can see both the view the world through that indivudal's eyes as well as how they are perceived by others. In doing such, you can see how Nash's death has impacted all three, rather than just how it may have impacted Macy herself. However, the other pro to doing this is that, while allowing a deeper insight into each individual, it really stands in stark contrast to how the charaters view each other. We are given the opportunity to see beyond what they see themselves - and this is most evident in relationship between Macy and her mother-in-law.
That said, I finished this book wondering about the relationships in my own life - those that I deem so close and personal, but perhaps not as close as I believe them to be. If something were to happen - tomorrow, the next day - would I really have known the true meaning of that person?
The only criticism that I had of this book (if it could be considered a criticism) is that it wasn't long enough. I wanted to hold onto the characters a bit longer, know them better, understand them more. But I think that is a tribute to how well Celello writes them, as well as a parallel process to the characters themselves - that their stories are far deeper then even they know, and no matter how many pages they have to tell their story, it may never be enough to fully know them.
September 14, 2011
While many gave this book great reviews, I found it lame. I did not like any of the characters and had no one to cheer for. There were so many details about insignificant things and yet no details on everything I wanted to know. I thought it ended abruptly too. Maybe this was a sign to stop reading and start watching football again!!!
May 23, 2011
A deeply moving story of heartache and survival. As a
lover of animals, I was sad about the outcome of the
animals, but it gives a courgeous look at how someone
can overcome pain and disappointment. I recommend it
as a good book to read.
lover of animals, I was sad about the outcome of the
animals, but it gives a courgeous look at how someone
can overcome pain and disappointment. I recommend it
as a good book to read.
January 26, 2021
When Macy's husband Nash dies she is barely able to function. She thought their love was strong and they knew all there was to know about each other. Turns out that wasn't true as a young child appears one day claiming to be Nash's.
Not only does this child exist but she was conceived and born during Macy and Nash's marriage. This pretty much knocks Macy to her knees and she wants nothing to do with the child.
Jack, Nash's father has come to visit Macy before the child arrives and is there when the child shows up. Nash had been his only child, so he wants to help save the child. Her mother is a drug addict and he doesn't want to send the little girl back to such a tragic life.
Jack's wife is back home - several hundred miles from Vancouver Island, the setting of this story, and she is discovering that she doesn't really care if Jack comes home. She too was devastated by the loss of her only son.
When she learns of her grandchild she comes to visit. She and Macy have never had a good relationship and thanks to something sad after Nash's death it is shakier than ever.
Macy is totally wrapped up in her equestrian life and wants nothing to do with the child. The child who is immediately entranced with the horses and shows an uncanny ability to relate to them.
Jack's wife is interested in reuniting with Jack - only for the sake of the grandchild - but Jack tells her that he will have an easier time adopting the little girl if they remain divorced.
The story ends with Macy beginning to teach the young girl about the horses and riding.
This is a debut novel that got great reviews. Personally I was not entranced by it. I found the relationships between the characters wanting. I understand that the child isn't too blame for Nash's choices, but to expect Macy to welcome her with open arms was a bit much!
Not only does this child exist but she was conceived and born during Macy and Nash's marriage. This pretty much knocks Macy to her knees and she wants nothing to do with the child.
Jack, Nash's father has come to visit Macy before the child arrives and is there when the child shows up. Nash had been his only child, so he wants to help save the child. Her mother is a drug addict and he doesn't want to send the little girl back to such a tragic life.
Jack's wife is back home - several hundred miles from Vancouver Island, the setting of this story, and she is discovering that she doesn't really care if Jack comes home. She too was devastated by the loss of her only son.
When she learns of her grandchild she comes to visit. She and Macy have never had a good relationship and thanks to something sad after Nash's death it is shakier than ever.
Macy is totally wrapped up in her equestrian life and wants nothing to do with the child. The child who is immediately entranced with the horses and shows an uncanny ability to relate to them.
Jack's wife is interested in reuniting with Jack - only for the sake of the grandchild - but Jack tells her that he will have an easier time adopting the little girl if they remain divorced.
The story ends with Macy beginning to teach the young girl about the horses and riding.
This is a debut novel that got great reviews. Personally I was not entranced by it. I found the relationships between the characters wanting. I understand that the child isn't too blame for Nash's choices, but to expect Macy to welcome her with open arms was a bit much!
November 14, 2023
Not a romance novel, this is a book about family relationships and going on after the death of someone much loved. On the day her husband, Nash, was killed in an accident, Macy also loses her much longed for baby. She owns horse stables and is a rider, but it's difficult to put her life back together in her grief. In his grief, Nash's father feels the only way he can ease his grief is to go from his home in Wisconsin to Vancouver Island where Nash lived in the years after his marriage. He wants to get to know his adult son after his death. Nash's mother, Magda, stays in Wisconsin bitterly blaming Macy for Nash's death. They all grieve this wonderful man. Then a small child ends up on Macy's doorstep, and they all find that things weren't really as they appeared.
July 4, 2020
A woman loses her husband in a tragic accident, and not so slowly secrets are revealed about her husband. She deals with one lovely in law and one that is about the most horrible person ever.
Magda is certainly the mother-in-law from Hell. I thought I disliked her earlier in the book, then she rolled up her windows as to not smell the sea air and turned the air conditioning on. Anyone that prefers air conditioning to the smell of the sea is obviously deeply evil.
Beautifully written, with flawed characters. How the author who is from Michigan, got Vancouver Island so right, is a minor miracle to me. I know she spent childhood summers there, but she really did get the feel right.
Magda is certainly the mother-in-law from Hell. I thought I disliked her earlier in the book, then she rolled up her windows as to not smell the sea air and turned the air conditioning on. Anyone that prefers air conditioning to the smell of the sea is obviously deeply evil.
Beautifully written, with flawed characters. How the author who is from Michigan, got Vancouver Island so right, is a minor miracle to me. I know she spent childhood summers there, but she really did get the feel right.
May 28, 2018
A Story of Loss & the Healing Powers of Love
Erin Celello writes beautifully about a family struggling to make sense of the tragic loss of a loved one, when a secret is revealed and forgiveness becomes the only way to heal their sorrow. Set on stunning, untamed Vancouver Island and a tidy, small town in Wisconsin, each character is transformed in a way that will forever change their lives.
Erin Celello writes beautifully about a family struggling to make sense of the tragic loss of a loved one, when a secret is revealed and forgiveness becomes the only way to heal their sorrow. Set on stunning, untamed Vancouver Island and a tidy, small town in Wisconsin, each character is transformed in a way that will forever change their lives.
January 30, 2019
Intriguing, but not in the way it should be, I liked see my hometown through the writers eyes. There was a lot of good story here but it all felt jumbled and without much of a flow.
Quotes:
You're only as happy as your unhappiest child.
Only God could prevent accidents, and only parents could prevent everything else.
Quotes:
You're only as happy as your unhappiest child.
Only God could prevent accidents, and only parents could prevent everything else.
July 22, 2017
I really loved this novel of great love, great loss an equestrian as central character( lots about horses) and a little girl who helps to mend broken hearts.
December 6, 2018
Oh, the heart of this book. Simply beautiful. I found the equine theme, which is not something I end up reading about, really refreshing.
February 2, 2019
This was lovely! Nice fluffy, easy read. BEAUTIFUL prose! I read it in a day and a half.
July 28, 2020
The story was just too predictable and some of the writing was just about boring details. What I enjoyed about it was the places I knew: Miracle Beach, Campbell River, the Island Highway etc.
August 23, 2020
started out good, got slow and then picked up. Loved Glory!!!
May 24, 2021
Fantastic book. Love Erin Celello as an author and a person!
October 24, 2022
This book was very well written. Glory is a little girl with whom you will fall in love with immediately.
April 6, 2023
Took me quite a while to get in to this book. I almost abandoned it. About halfway, there’s a pivotal event which piqued. My interest and I enjoyed the rest.
December 6, 2014
The anatomy of a family
The debut novel of Erin Cellelo is remarkable on many levels. Her style of writing is perfect for this story of a family torn apart by the sudden death of a son and husband. It is a story that realistically depicts the different ways that people deal with grief and how, on the journey, they discover hidden aspects of themselves and their loved one.
The story takes place on Vancouver Island, a piece of rustic paradise that I remember well. Macy, the widow, had depended on her husband, Nash, to lead her through a tragic loss in their lives. She now finds solace with her beloved horses. Her life turns inward as she harbors secrets about her childhood and marriage.
Nash's father, Jack, travels from Green Bay to Vancouver in an effort to learn more about his son. Despite being a successful businessman, he gradually falls in love with Vancouver and thus comes to understand why Nash chose to live there.
Magda, Nash's mother, is a selfish, self-centered woman who blames Macy for her son's death. Partially in denial, she refuses to join Jack. In a way, I think she blamed Macy for taking him away from her.
We all like to think that we know our spouses and children, but Nash had a secret. Each character dealt with it differently, in ways that were not surprising.
What wonderful character development by Erin Celello in Miracle Beach. I loved Jack as much as I disliked Magda. Each character was believable. Having known many horse riders, I was impressed by the author's knowledge of all things equestrian.
Miracle Beach is a stunning debut, and I look forward to the next book by Erin Celello.
The debut novel of Erin Cellelo is remarkable on many levels. Her style of writing is perfect for this story of a family torn apart by the sudden death of a son and husband. It is a story that realistically depicts the different ways that people deal with grief and how, on the journey, they discover hidden aspects of themselves and their loved one.
The story takes place on Vancouver Island, a piece of rustic paradise that I remember well. Macy, the widow, had depended on her husband, Nash, to lead her through a tragic loss in their lives. She now finds solace with her beloved horses. Her life turns inward as she harbors secrets about her childhood and marriage.
Nash's father, Jack, travels from Green Bay to Vancouver in an effort to learn more about his son. Despite being a successful businessman, he gradually falls in love with Vancouver and thus comes to understand why Nash chose to live there.
Magda, Nash's mother, is a selfish, self-centered woman who blames Macy for her son's death. Partially in denial, she refuses to join Jack. In a way, I think she blamed Macy for taking him away from her.
We all like to think that we know our spouses and children, but Nash had a secret. Each character dealt with it differently, in ways that were not surprising.
What wonderful character development by Erin Celello in Miracle Beach. I loved Jack as much as I disliked Magda. Each character was believable. Having known many horse riders, I was impressed by the author's knowledge of all things equestrian.
Miracle Beach is a stunning debut, and I look forward to the next book by Erin Celello.
May 25, 2012
This was a GOOD one. It is a compelling story and definitely a page turner. I so wanted to find out what was going on where so much seemed hidden and just on the next page that it was hard for me to put down. I would recommend this book as being one of the better ones out there. It is a definite read.
What I liked most about this book was its location - Vancouver Island which I have been to and grew to love as a very peaceful, fresh-smelling, and out of the way place to be. Add to this horses and I was in heaven. I really enjoyed the characters and seeing into their hearts, their sadness and how they wanted to connect with Nash, who died in the opening pages of the book (I'm not telling any secrets there as it is spelled out on the back of the book).
I liked all the characters in this book, except for one (Magda - she really alienated everyone). The ones I liked, I liked like old friends. It was that easy to fall for these people and their pain, their trying to connect with Nash, and their helplessness at it being so difficult. They really didn't communicate very well between them - Macy, Jack, and Magda. They kept their pain and sadness to themselves and tried to heal that way.
The story made you think a lot. I feel it was much like life is for many people in this world. Kind of sad. All you need is a Miracle Beach....
What I liked most about this book was its location - Vancouver Island which I have been to and grew to love as a very peaceful, fresh-smelling, and out of the way place to be. Add to this horses and I was in heaven. I really enjoyed the characters and seeing into their hearts, their sadness and how they wanted to connect with Nash, who died in the opening pages of the book (I'm not telling any secrets there as it is spelled out on the back of the book).
I liked all the characters in this book, except for one (Magda - she really alienated everyone). The ones I liked, I liked like old friends. It was that easy to fall for these people and their pain, their trying to connect with Nash, and their helplessness at it being so difficult. They really didn't communicate very well between them - Macy, Jack, and Magda. They kept their pain and sadness to themselves and tried to heal that way.
The story made you think a lot. I feel it was much like life is for many people in this world. Kind of sad. All you need is a Miracle Beach....
August 9, 2011
I stayed up way too late Saturday night finishing this book: I had to know how it turned out. A lot of the reviews for this book say it's about grief and coping with loss; clearly, that's one of the obvious threads running through it. But what struck me more was the more subtle undercurrent pulsing through the book, the idea that no one really knows each other. Jack & Magda, Macy & Nash, they're all basically strangers to each other despite their purported closeness. Macy's hurt & anger at Nash's secret dominates her voice, but what she - and most of us - fails to explore is just how many secrets she kept from him and from everyone else in her life. So much easier to just be pissed off at Nash for hiding part of his heart than to really figure out why she kept so much of her own heart and experiences hidden. Without giving too much of the ending away, for me, the end of the book isn't as much about a glimmer of hope about being able to put grief or loss behind you, it's about the healing power of finally sharing the unshared and pulling someone else through the next door with you.
Thanks to Erin Celello for making me think, for making me care about her characters, and for making me want to visit Vancouver Island.
Thanks to Erin Celello for making me think, for making me care about her characters, and for making me want to visit Vancouver Island.
July 7, 2012
One of the reasons I like this book so much is that much of the geographical setting is in Vancouver Island, Canada. That being said, I was very impressed that this is a debut novel by this author. She seems to know human nature very well, and certain idiosyncracies that define many of us. The family members in this book are well-meaning, but alas, totally dysfunctional (kind of mirrors many segments of the world's population:) Some of the characters have a very hard time trying to really figure out who they are; i.e. what their own likes and dislikes are. They seem to be able only to define themselves in relation to another human being. Women, I think, have though the ages, been taught that this is the proper way to exhibit the quality of femininity. My own personal thoughts on that subject are that every single one of us needs to spend time alone (not a state of loneliness) to discover who we are, what we like, what is important to us, etc., instead of parroting someone else's opinion. This particular phenomenon goes back to the time when women and children were deemed as "property" of (for want of a better term)an alpha male.
I admired the author's wry, caustic and rather subtle sense of humor which she showed to great advantage throughout the book.
I admired the author's wry, caustic and rather subtle sense of humor which she showed to great advantage throughout the book.
July 27, 2011
Erin Celello’s unabashedly honest debut about the nature of grief releases on August 2, 2011. After Nash dies in a tragic accident, his wife, Macy, faces life alone. She finds an odd comfort in the presence of Gounda, a foal who recently lost his mother. Riding and tack cleaning seem to be her only solace. Nash’s father, Jack, moves to Vancouver to be with Macy and try to sort out his relationship with his lost son. Self-centered Magda, Nash’s mother, blames Macy for her son’s death and stays behind. The appearance of an unexpected child on Macy’s doorstep changes their perspectives and lives.
The beauty of Vancouver Island is a backdrop for the ramifications of grief. Jack’s emotional journey to understand his son and come to terms with his death is especially touching. Magda is well written as a self-focused, selfish woman. The author’s expert equestrian knowledge is woven throughout the book.
Sadness and loss pervade the novel. Hats off to Erin Celello for writing from the heart about loss and the steep climb back to life.
Goodreads supplied the review copy through their First Reads Giveaway program.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont.
The beauty of Vancouver Island is a backdrop for the ramifications of grief. Jack’s emotional journey to understand his son and come to terms with his death is especially touching. Magda is well written as a self-focused, selfish woman. The author’s expert equestrian knowledge is woven throughout the book.
Sadness and loss pervade the novel. Hats off to Erin Celello for writing from the heart about loss and the steep climb back to life.
Goodreads supplied the review copy through their First Reads Giveaway program.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont.
November 13, 2011
I read this book in one day! I guess that says something of how I felt about this book. It's the story of a normal, if not idyllic marriage between two very different people who are very much in love. Tragedy strikes, and Macy has to find a way to go on alone. Her mother-in-law totally blames her for what has happened. Macy tries to go on with her life, which consists of caring for her beloved horses, and continuing her training with a coach for her equestrien goals. Nash's father, Jack, who loved his son very much, was often absent from day to day living with his family trying to build his business and provide for their well being. Jack feels the need to go where his son had spent the last years of his life and learn about what his days were like, but also to escape the bitterness of his wife, Magda, towards Nash's widow. This story had wonderful twists and turns that will make you laugh and cry. Ultimately, it is a story of family, love, and new beginnings. I would highly recommend it, and look forward to Ms. Cellelo next novel.
December 22, 2012
Erin Celello's unabashedly honest debut about the nature of grief releases on August 2, 2011. After Nash dies in a tragic accident, his wife Macy faces life alone. She finds an odd comfort in the presence of Gounda, a foal who recently lost his mother. Riding and tack cleaning seem to be her only solace. Nash's father, Jack, moves to Vancouver to be with Macy and try to sort out his relationship with his lost son. Self-centered Magda, Nash's mother, blames Macy for her son's death and stays behind. The appearance of an unexpected child on Macy's doorstep changes their perspectives and lives. The beauty of Vancouver Island is a backdrop for the ramifications of grief. Jack's emotional journey to understand his son and come to terms with his death is especially touching. Magda is well written as a self-focused, selfish woman. The author's expert equestrian knowledge is woven throughout the book. Sadness and loss pervade the novel. Hats off to Erin Celello for writing from the heart about loss and the steep climb back to life.
August 28, 2011
I won Miracle Beach as an ARC first reads giveaway on goodreads. It's about a woman, Macy, that loses her husband, Nash, in a horrible accident at their horse ranch. She starts finding out things he has kept from her during their 10 yr marriage, and she's having a hard time coming to terms with these events, more because he's dead and she can't get any answers from him. I really liked this book, more than I thought I would, because I'm not too into horses, and there's a lot of horse talk in here. Erin Celello kept me entertained with the story line and got me to connect with the characters. I sympathized with Macy, (and got a little choked up in a couple parts)and also with Glory, (who comes into play about half way through) This was a great book, and I would've been happy to read it even if I hadn't won it as a giveaway :)
August 27, 2011
This book is advertised as being about grief and loss and it is...to a point. The more overarching theme though appears to be how people don't know others as well as they think and that they hold their own thoughts closer to themselves than they realize. The characters in this book are all impacted by the loss of Nash, at once a son, husband, friend, and neighbor. All the characters in this book are entwined with one another. Yet, they all have secrets, personal longings and views, and very distinct needs that no one else knows about. I was intrigued to think that people could be so close and yet so far from one another emotionally. The book itself was interesting but engendered more thoughts about others for me. I would give the book a 3.5 because it's not really a spectacular book and I think that the introduction of the child wasn't totally necessary in the book.
April 16, 2012
I found this book to be poorly written ("it slipped out of him like a teenager at midnight"? Come on!), and predictable. We know what the big secret is before we open the book, or we should if we're at all well-read. Yes, it deals with grief, but the subject has been dealt with much more competently by other authors. Celello spends an inordinate amount of time on the details of the heroine's horses (booo-ring) and doesn't even get to the point of the whole story until almost the mid-way point.
For me the interesting part was the setting - I live on Vancouver Island and am very familiar with Miracle Beach and environs. The author played so fast and loose with the geography that I was always thinking - "wait a minute, that's not right!". I guess that's artistic license, but I found it distracting.
Would I recommend this book? No. Would I read another book by this author? No.
For me the interesting part was the setting - I live on Vancouver Island and am very familiar with Miracle Beach and environs. The author played so fast and loose with the geography that I was always thinking - "wait a minute, that's not right!". I guess that's artistic license, but I found it distracting.
Would I recommend this book? No. Would I read another book by this author? No.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews