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Shore Leave Cafe #1
Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe
Joelle Gordon is leaving Chicago and her cheating husband to head for her hometown of Landon, Minnesota. WIth her three beautiful daughters in tow, Joelle is bombarded with an onslaught of memories that Landon evokes. Landon -- home to the Shore Leave Cafe, the restaurant Joelle's family owns -- has some surprises in store for Joelle. Finding herself confronted with the reality of single motherhood, a mysterious but handsome young staffer at the Shore Leave Cafe, her upset daughters, and the prospect of returning to her husband for the well-being of her kids, Joelle must make decisions she never thought she'd face.
A story about heartbreak, blame, family, desire, love, and the difficulties of returning home, Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe highlights hardships to which everyone can relate.
A story about heartbreak, blame, family, desire, love, and the difficulties of returning home, Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe highlights hardships to which everyone can relate.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2012
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583 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 8, 2013
It’s bad enough to find out your husband is cheating but to catch him in the act is pretty painful. Joelle Gordon stuck it out for a few months after this happened and then packed up her three daughters and returned to Landon, Minnesota, the town where both she and her husband, Jackie, grew up. Joelle comes from tough stock as the women of her family have learned to fend for themselves for various reasons. They welcomed her back with open arms, somehow sensing her heart and providing her safe haven while she tries to heal and figure out what to do with her life. Unfortunately, it got much more complicated as soon as she stepped inside of her mother’s café and looked into the eyes of Blythe Tilson, a tall, dreamy, hot and YOUNG temptation.
From the moment I started this story I knew it was going to draw me in and keep me in Landon until the story ended. Joelle is telling her own story but this isn’t a woman who is completely leveled, even though she feels that way. She keeps going for her daughters and going home gave her just the right energy to revive herself. As she’s contemplating the end of her marriage, Joelle wraps herself in the strength emanating from her Gran, Aunt Ellen, Mom and Jilly (her younger sister). Her daughters, though sensing something is wrong between their parents, believe they’re just going to be there for the summer and thrive as they benefit from being with this incredible family. They are not perfect but somehow their flaws seem to make them even less imperfect because at the very least, they are authentic.
Joelle’s attraction to Blythe (Bly) wasn’t just on her end. From the moment they saw each other, it was pretty clear that he shared that connection. He’s in his 20s and she’s 35; this is a small town and his step-grandfather is the long-time cook at the Café and Joelle brings enough baggage to consider a relationship impossible. She tries to resist him for all the typical reasons, knew she should but Bly wouldn’t give her a break. I was concerned that Joelle might be “rebounding” but her evaluation of her marriage was done with amazing clarity, recognizing that lots had been missing for years. The issues they had to deal with were complex, considering the age difference, her marital status and her daughters’ feelings (they ranged from ages 12 – 17). Nothing was sugar coated and each stolen moment that Bly and Joelle were able to manage was incredible…not just steamy (and they are steamy) but highly romantic.
I cannot say enough about the quality of the writing as I felt as if I was catapulted into Landon, feeling, smelling and languishing at the surrounding Flickertail Lake, the café and the front porch where so many of the conversations occurred between the women of this family. The writing is flawless and I could vividly picture every character with a role of significance to either Joelle or Bly.
I love this story, which didn’t end at the last page and is the reason why I rated it 4 ½ stars instead of 5. If you enjoy contemporary fiction along with your romance, you’ll love this book. Joelle tells her story so honestly and refreshingly, making no excuses for her down periods and sometimes questionable choices. She’s devoted to her daughters and is committed to doing the right thing not just for them but for her. The next book cannot be released quickly enough for me to return to the Shore Leave Café.
(I received an ARC from the publisher)
From the moment I started this story I knew it was going to draw me in and keep me in Landon until the story ended. Joelle is telling her own story but this isn’t a woman who is completely leveled, even though she feels that way. She keeps going for her daughters and going home gave her just the right energy to revive herself. As she’s contemplating the end of her marriage, Joelle wraps herself in the strength emanating from her Gran, Aunt Ellen, Mom and Jilly (her younger sister). Her daughters, though sensing something is wrong between their parents, believe they’re just going to be there for the summer and thrive as they benefit from being with this incredible family. They are not perfect but somehow their flaws seem to make them even less imperfect because at the very least, they are authentic.
Joelle’s attraction to Blythe (Bly) wasn’t just on her end. From the moment they saw each other, it was pretty clear that he shared that connection. He’s in his 20s and she’s 35; this is a small town and his step-grandfather is the long-time cook at the Café and Joelle brings enough baggage to consider a relationship impossible. She tries to resist him for all the typical reasons, knew she should but Bly wouldn’t give her a break. I was concerned that Joelle might be “rebounding” but her evaluation of her marriage was done with amazing clarity, recognizing that lots had been missing for years. The issues they had to deal with were complex, considering the age difference, her marital status and her daughters’ feelings (they ranged from ages 12 – 17). Nothing was sugar coated and each stolen moment that Bly and Joelle were able to manage was incredible…not just steamy (and they are steamy) but highly romantic.
I cannot say enough about the quality of the writing as I felt as if I was catapulted into Landon, feeling, smelling and languishing at the surrounding Flickertail Lake, the café and the front porch where so many of the conversations occurred between the women of this family. The writing is flawless and I could vividly picture every character with a role of significance to either Joelle or Bly.
I love this story, which didn’t end at the last page and is the reason why I rated it 4 ½ stars instead of 5. If you enjoy contemporary fiction along with your romance, you’ll love this book. Joelle tells her story so honestly and refreshingly, making no excuses for her down periods and sometimes questionable choices. She’s devoted to her daughters and is committed to doing the right thing not just for them but for her. The next book cannot be released quickly enough for me to return to the Shore Leave Café.
(I received an ARC from the publisher)
September 1, 2017
The Davis women have terrible luck with men. They have been abandoned, widowed and in Joelle's case cheated on. When she walked in on her husband and his mistress having sex on the desk in his office she was devastated. Pretending nothing was wrong for the sake of her children, she stuck it out for six months. When summer rolled around, she packed up her three girls and headed home to Landon Minnesota for the summer at Shore Leave Cafe, a family owned business. When she meets and lusts after Blythe Tilson, her world starts to tilt.
I loved the characters in this book. From her loving yet irascible gran to her naive daughters, the women in this family have grit and backbones. The other townsfolk that inhabit the story are typical small town people who are loyal and supportive of one another. The cafe is quite the place. It seems to bustle at certain times of the day and people tend to gravitate there to meet up and talk. The plot is easy to follow and keeps you interested. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters and I was hoping it would work out well for them. I probably would have given this book five stars, but the way it ended bothers me. I do not like cliffhangers. I enjoy a good series, but when I have to read the next book to finish the story, I am a little put out. I recommend this one to lovers of romance, family drama and chick lit, but if you do not like this type of ending, you might not want to pick this one up. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
I loved the characters in this book. From her loving yet irascible gran to her naive daughters, the women in this family have grit and backbones. The other townsfolk that inhabit the story are typical small town people who are loyal and supportive of one another. The cafe is quite the place. It seems to bustle at certain times of the day and people tend to gravitate there to meet up and talk. The plot is easy to follow and keeps you interested. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters and I was hoping it would work out well for them. I probably would have given this book five stars, but the way it ended bothers me. I do not like cliffhangers. I enjoy a good series, but when I have to read the next book to finish the story, I am a little put out. I recommend this one to lovers of romance, family drama and chick lit, but if you do not like this type of ending, you might not want to pick this one up. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
June 28, 2016
When I'm book browsing, contemporary romance is usually the last genre I look to for my next read. I was lucky enough to win the entire Shore Leave Cafe series through a giveaway and cracked the first one open a couple of days ago. Much to my surprise, I loved reading this! The small town lakeside setting and close knit group of characters reminded me of my days watching old episodes of Dawson's Creek on repeat. Joelle was a refreshing lead female and I liked that she wasn't the typical "successful career woman looking for a man in the big city". Overall, a great book to escape into, almost like a small vacation without having to leave your house, and one that has made me second guess the amount of time it has been since I've read a romance novel! I'm sure it won't be long before I start the next one in the series to see what is in store for Joelle and Blythe...
March 27, 2014
Romance can be a tough genre to write convincingly in, but Abbie Williams has achieved something akin to romantic alchemy with Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe. She combines strong narrative, threading multiple plot threads around the protagonist Joelle Gordon's central arc with a convincing cast of characters that feel so real you'd swear you know them. As a reader you are taken on an emotional journey with these characters that fully invests you in them. You care for them, champion them and sometimes you rue them, where appropriate. Williams has also crafted scenes of steamy eroticism that strike a perfect balance in advancing the story whilst giving the reader something to sweat (pleasurably) to.
I also really liked the warmth of the story and how immersive it was for me. Abbie Williams has a keen sense of place - a clear and abiding affection for her native Minnesota, of people and their emotional arcs and she blends these together effortlessly, creating a visual and tactile tableaux, one that stays with you.
Summer At The Shore Leave Cafe is a bespoke literary creation and a superlative achievement for Abbie Williams.
I also really liked the warmth of the story and how immersive it was for me. Abbie Williams has a keen sense of place - a clear and abiding affection for her native Minnesota, of people and their emotional arcs and she blends these together effortlessly, creating a visual and tactile tableaux, one that stays with you.
Summer At The Shore Leave Cafe is a bespoke literary creation and a superlative achievement for Abbie Williams.
March 5, 2014
I love a find like this: sizzling romance, but with people who actually seem to have realistic lives! I completely felt the hot attraction between Joelle and Blythe, which was only amped up by the serious issues in their way (her kids, her still being technically married, his being younger and with a shady past...). And at the same time I was charmed by the gorgeous language that brought the setting to life: a Minnesota lake town in the dreamy summertime. Minnesota is a place I've never been, but it resonated with me because it sounded so much like our damp and lovely Pacific Northwest. (Probably less of a resemblance in winter.) The book's set up for a sequel and some spin-offs, what with its large cast of characters, and I'll enjoy seeing what happens next. Romance fans who crave some believability along with their steamy affairs need to get acquainted with the work of Abbie Williams!
November 5, 2016
Book: Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe (Shore Leave Cafe #1)
Author: Abbie Williams
Publication Date: 11/1/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
This is the first book in a series about women all in the same family who have endured love and loss in one form or another.
What does one do with such things?
Well they try to move on. But life isn't always that easy.
This book to me is a true romance with all the normal bumps and trials.
Well maybe not the norm when the man is younger than the woman is.
Do we get a happily ever after?
Well maybe or maybe not. Because we get a cliffhanger.
It is well written and I truly enjoyed it and I hope to read more in the series.
Abbie Williams
Author: Abbie Williams
Publication Date: 11/1/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
This is the first book in a series about women all in the same family who have endured love and loss in one form or another.
What does one do with such things?
Well they try to move on. But life isn't always that easy.
This book to me is a true romance with all the normal bumps and trials.
Well maybe not the norm when the man is younger than the woman is.
Do we get a happily ever after?
Well maybe or maybe not. Because we get a cliffhanger.
It is well written and I truly enjoyed it and I hope to read more in the series.
Abbie Williams
March 18, 2020
Ugh this was just such a good, classic romamce!!! It’s one of those heartfelt love stories that makes you a little weak-kneed, but also has amazing family dynamics as well. This book is the perfect balance of story, romance, and heat to keep you turning pages. The setting is also one of my faves- lazy, country summer on a lake in someone’s small hometown. I pictured a young Ashley Judd as the main character and pretty much the cast from Steel Magnolias as the rest of the women. This book would make a perfect movie and can’t wait to read the rest of the books.
January 15, 2018
This book was exactly what I was looking for - an adult romance that also had a plot, story, and characters you genuinely care about. Joelle Gordon is from a family that is predominately women who seem to have bad luck with men, and Joelle is no exception - she comes back to her hometown of Landon from Chicago after she finds out her husband is having an affair. She brings with her her own three daughters, ages ranging from 12-17, who she has not told of the real reason they're in Landon for the summer. Intermingling with feelings of betrayal and sadness is the attraction she begins to feel for a much-younger man, Blythe.
The novel itself is short - just over 200 pages - but the characters are fleshed out and vivid. You care not only for Joelle and her daughters, but also Joelle's sister Jilly. I am glad this is part of a series, and I cannot wait to discover more about this unique family.
The novel itself is short - just over 200 pages - but the characters are fleshed out and vivid. You care not only for Joelle and her daughters, but also Joelle's sister Jilly. I am glad this is part of a series, and I cannot wait to discover more about this unique family.
July 8, 2014
3.5
Summer at the Shore Leave Café shares second chances, new beginnings and shore life. It is the first book in the Shore Leave Café series by Abbie Williams. Small town life, interesting characters and a heated forbidden romance made this an enjoyable summer read.
Joelle Gordon is traveling back to her hometown of Landon, Minnesota with her daughters in tow. While she is seeking the comfort of home and family, it also stirs up memories of the past and her courtship with Landon her soon to be ex-husband. This summer Joelle must face being a single motherhood and deciding her future. She finds herself attracted to a mysterious, drop dead gorgeous younger man. She must decide whether to find happy or return to her cheating spouse for the sake of her children. The tale that unfolds has small-town charm, a heated forbidden romance and character growth.
Williams brings the small-town lake community of Landon Minnesota to life and Joelle’s family owned restaurant the Shore Leave Café is at the heart of it. From Margarita Saturdays to midnight rows on the lake complete with sparklers, we are caught up in the joys of summer. Joelle was an interesting character, and we see her struggle as she faces a new chapter in her life and fights a growing attraction and feelings towards a man twelve years her senior. Blythe Tilson, is mysterious,sweet and has a checkered past. While their romance is sweet and heated, we do not get much page time with them. The tale addresses all aspects of Joelle’s life. It was fun watching them dance around the sparks that practically ignited whenever they were in the same room. Secondary characters and little side stories added to the small-town atmosphere and gave hints of future stories in the series.
Forbidden romance and change of life tropes are ones I often enjoy. Williams did a wonderful job of highlighting Joelle’s struggles as she weighs her family against her heart. I struggled a bit accepting the romance between Joelle and Blythe. I never doubted their feelings but to me it felt more like a summer fling than a serious relationship. In truth, I think the age difference played a factor along with my feelings about motherhood being the first concern. Williams weaved in twists, turns and family drama keeping me engaged. While Joelle and Blythe’s romance left me with mixed emotions, the town and characters left me wanting to return to the Shore Leave Café.
The ending to Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe did not wrap up our HEA and instead left us with a cliffhanger. There is a secret yet to be revealed and things were left unresolved for Blythe and Joelle. Other threads regarding her daughter and sister have not been wrapped up. This will be a series that must be read in order. I am hoping my questions are answered in Second Chances the next book in the Shore Leave Café series.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Summer at the Shore Leave Café shares second chances, new beginnings and shore life. It is the first book in the Shore Leave Café series by Abbie Williams. Small town life, interesting characters and a heated forbidden romance made this an enjoyable summer read.
Joelle Gordon is traveling back to her hometown of Landon, Minnesota with her daughters in tow. While she is seeking the comfort of home and family, it also stirs up memories of the past and her courtship with Landon her soon to be ex-husband. This summer Joelle must face being a single motherhood and deciding her future. She finds herself attracted to a mysterious, drop dead gorgeous younger man. She must decide whether to find happy or return to her cheating spouse for the sake of her children. The tale that unfolds has small-town charm, a heated forbidden romance and character growth.
Williams brings the small-town lake community of Landon Minnesota to life and Joelle’s family owned restaurant the Shore Leave Café is at the heart of it. From Margarita Saturdays to midnight rows on the lake complete with sparklers, we are caught up in the joys of summer. Joelle was an interesting character, and we see her struggle as she faces a new chapter in her life and fights a growing attraction and feelings towards a man twelve years her senior. Blythe Tilson, is mysterious,sweet and has a checkered past. While their romance is sweet and heated, we do not get much page time with them. The tale addresses all aspects of Joelle’s life. It was fun watching them dance around the sparks that practically ignited whenever they were in the same room. Secondary characters and little side stories added to the small-town atmosphere and gave hints of future stories in the series.
Forbidden romance and change of life tropes are ones I often enjoy. Williams did a wonderful job of highlighting Joelle’s struggles as she weighs her family against her heart. I struggled a bit accepting the romance between Joelle and Blythe. I never doubted their feelings but to me it felt more like a summer fling than a serious relationship. In truth, I think the age difference played a factor along with my feelings about motherhood being the first concern. Williams weaved in twists, turns and family drama keeping me engaged. While Joelle and Blythe’s romance left me with mixed emotions, the town and characters left me wanting to return to the Shore Leave Café.
The ending to Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe did not wrap up our HEA and instead left us with a cliffhanger. There is a secret yet to be revealed and things were left unresolved for Blythe and Joelle. Other threads regarding her daughter and sister have not been wrapped up. This will be a series that must be read in order. I am hoping my questions are answered in Second Chances the next book in the Shore Leave Café series.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
June 18, 2017
*I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.*
The perfect chick - lit read!
I'm not a fan of younger man - older woman type stories!
But there was something about this book that hooked me from the beginning. Maybe not something.... Can I say everything ? Yes! Everything! Let's start with the place.. Landon.. A beautiful town with a closely knit community where stands the Shore Leave Cafe, the restaurant Joelle's family owns. A cafe run by generations of women who have experienced loss(in terms of their loved ones).
Then the characters you could easily fall in love with all the characters - even those three little girls.
The lead female Joelle! No, she isn't the perfect women.. she has her own flaws, wrong decisions, her regrets and that's why she's definitely lovable.
And then enters Blythe - 'Bly'! Not your perfect hero because he has a notorious past one that is a mystery.. So, Yes throughout the book you keep guessing about it! It's definitely well woven with tit-bits of the facts revealed as you progress through the story(credits to the author).
Ah! and the romance between Bly and Jo! One word for it "Real"! Yes, for not even a single moment do they make us think it's fictional! We can definitely feel all the emotions, connect with them.
Definitely a well written story especially the emotions that Joelle goes through are wonderfully described!
And the last 30 pages.....Damn! There was so much left through the story and I was definitely on edge thinking how would the author wrap - up all these things in such a few pages...
Because I had assumed it would be A HAPPILY EVER AFTER..... But NO!
The shock incredible! No I'm not spoiling it still might be a happily ever after but I don't know....
Why ? The endings a CLIFFHANGER!
Yes, It was mighty disappointing. I just couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen next as it leaves you at a crucial point.
I'm definitely going to add this series to my TBR. And if you're reading this review before reading the book then trust me if you read chick - lit or women's fiction then YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! It was that good!
Abbie Williams is a very lucid writer....Nowhere during this book does she let's you feel that this is a fictional story!
The perfect chick - lit read!
I'm not a fan of younger man - older woman type stories!
But there was something about this book that hooked me from the beginning. Maybe not something.... Can I say everything ? Yes! Everything! Let's start with the place.. Landon.. A beautiful town with a closely knit community where stands the Shore Leave Cafe, the restaurant Joelle's family owns. A cafe run by generations of women who have experienced loss(in terms of their loved ones).
Then the characters you could easily fall in love with all the characters - even those three little girls.
The lead female Joelle! No, she isn't the perfect women.. she has her own flaws, wrong decisions, her regrets and that's why she's definitely lovable.
And then enters Blythe - 'Bly'! Not your perfect hero because he has a notorious past one that is a mystery.. So, Yes throughout the book you keep guessing about it! It's definitely well woven with tit-bits of the facts revealed as you progress through the story(credits to the author).
Ah! and the romance between Bly and Jo! One word for it "Real"! Yes, for not even a single moment do they make us think it's fictional! We can definitely feel all the emotions, connect with them.
Definitely a well written story especially the emotions that Joelle goes through are wonderfully described!
And the last 30 pages.....Damn! There was so much left through the story and I was definitely on edge thinking how would the author wrap - up all these things in such a few pages...
Because I had assumed it would be A HAPPILY EVER AFTER..... But NO!
The shock incredible! No I'm not spoiling it still might be a happily ever after but I don't know....
Why ? The endings a CLIFFHANGER!
Yes, It was mighty disappointing. I just couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen next as it leaves you at a crucial point.
I'm definitely going to add this series to my TBR. And if you're reading this review before reading the book then trust me if you read chick - lit or women's fiction then YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! It was that good!
Abbie Williams is a very lucid writer....Nowhere during this book does she let's you feel that this is a fictional story!
March 7, 2013
When Joelle Gordon discovers her husband has been cheating, she packs up her three girls and heads back home to Landon, Minnesota and her family's restaurant. There, with the support of her mother, aunt and sister, she hopes to figure out what she is going to do with her life now that what she had in Chicago is gone.
I really liked Joelle. She was a woman who had followed her high school sweetheart to the big city and put his needs first while she stayed at home raising their girls. But even though her marriage feel apart, mostly because of Jackson's betrayal, she also knew that she played a big role in why he started looking outside the marriage for satisfaction. It didn't make the betrayal any easier, but she could see why he did it.
She was a great mom. She wanted her daughters to be happy and not find themselves in the same spot she's in. Even when she discovered her oldest daughter starting down a path that was not going to end well, she didn't scream and order her around, but instead listened with a sympathetic ear making sure her daughter knew everything was going to be OK.
And Joelle was a woman who just wanted to be loved for who she was. A single mom with three teenage daughters and a high school education. She found that with handsome, younger Blythe. But even though she found happiness in the stolen moments with Blythe, like most of us she questioned whether what she felt for a man thirteen years younger than he was right. She really struggled with her feelings and as a reader you were right there with her, hoping she would make the choice that would keep Blythe right by her side.
I really enjoy the story and the characters in SUMMER AT THE SHORE LEAVE CAFE, but I hated the ending. Why? Because it was a total cliffhanger and I didn't like the way things were left with Blythe and Joelle. For that matter, what was going to happen with Camille and would Jackson finally get off his high horse. I'm hoping (my fingers are really crossed here) that there will be a sequel soon and I Joelle and Blythe can get their HEA.
Definitely a great book to pick up, especially if you are longing for something that will remind you of summer.
I really liked Joelle. She was a woman who had followed her high school sweetheart to the big city and put his needs first while she stayed at home raising their girls. But even though her marriage feel apart, mostly because of Jackson's betrayal, she also knew that she played a big role in why he started looking outside the marriage for satisfaction. It didn't make the betrayal any easier, but she could see why he did it.
She was a great mom. She wanted her daughters to be happy and not find themselves in the same spot she's in. Even when she discovered her oldest daughter starting down a path that was not going to end well, she didn't scream and order her around, but instead listened with a sympathetic ear making sure her daughter knew everything was going to be OK.
And Joelle was a woman who just wanted to be loved for who she was. A single mom with three teenage daughters and a high school education. She found that with handsome, younger Blythe. But even though she found happiness in the stolen moments with Blythe, like most of us she questioned whether what she felt for a man thirteen years younger than he was right. She really struggled with her feelings and as a reader you were right there with her, hoping she would make the choice that would keep Blythe right by her side.
I really enjoy the story and the characters in SUMMER AT THE SHORE LEAVE CAFE, but I hated the ending. Why? Because it was a total cliffhanger and I didn't like the way things were left with Blythe and Joelle. For that matter, what was going to happen with Camille and would Jackson finally get off his high horse. I'm hoping (my fingers are really crossed here) that there will be a sequel soon and I Joelle and Blythe can get their HEA.
Definitely a great book to pick up, especially if you are longing for something that will remind you of summer.
February 15, 2017
This book is a very enjoyable read. Although the premise is quite ordinary, the story really shines with its prose and the character interactions. And even though it's told in the first person, the feelings and emotions also come through very strong from its supporting cast. I just love Joelle's sister and her family's support of her problems (albeit sometimes questionable).
Then there's the prose. It's very well done with it's imagery and the feelings it conveys from various characters.
But most of all, I love this book because of Joelle. She feels very real. Her problems with her husband's unfaithfulness, feelings for the new guy Blythe, insecurities and reluctance to find love again against the responsibilities for her children drove it home for me. One can’t just simply let go a marriage of 19 years without second thoughts but I'm glad the book doesn't hang up on that. Joelle moves on when she meets Blythe. I was afraid this would feel like a YA book with an indecisive heroine involving herself with a wish-washy love triangle. Instead of that we get a very realistic woman going through her issues with her pain and desire to move on. Occasionally, Joelle has second thoughts but never does it feel immature and or whiny.
The ending is satisfying but it leaves a huge cliffhanger. It's satisfying because the heroine becomes determine to find her own happiness. She has a finality to her decision but we're left incomplete as to what will happen next. No worries though, 'cause there's a sequel.
March 4, 2013
Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe will hook you from the first page and not let go until the last page is turned. Williams has a knack of creating memorable characters and I found myself invested in Joelle from the very beginning. But not only her, but the other characters at the Shore Leave Cafe.
Joelle's husband cheated on her and she needs to think and there's no better place to do that than at home. So she packs up her daughters for a summer at home. Her family has owned the Shore Leave Cafe for a long time, so it's comforting to her when she walks through the doors. Not to mention the family there to catch her with open arms.
The good looking drink of water, Blythe Tilson, doesn't help matters any. He is a lot younger than her, but Joelle knows things haven't been right between her and her husband for a long time. She tries to resist, but she knows she really can't. But, she has to put her children first, so she takes a long look at her life and what decision is best for her and the kids.
Compelling, heart-warming and full of clarity, The Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe is a delightful novel. I hated to see it end. Not only did I connect with the characters, but I really loved the details to the scenes. If you enjoy a wonderful, hard to put down read, get Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe today! Highly recommend!!
Joelle's husband cheated on her and she needs to think and there's no better place to do that than at home. So she packs up her daughters for a summer at home. Her family has owned the Shore Leave Cafe for a long time, so it's comforting to her when she walks through the doors. Not to mention the family there to catch her with open arms.
The good looking drink of water, Blythe Tilson, doesn't help matters any. He is a lot younger than her, but Joelle knows things haven't been right between her and her husband for a long time. She tries to resist, but she knows she really can't. But, she has to put her children first, so she takes a long look at her life and what decision is best for her and the kids.
Compelling, heart-warming and full of clarity, The Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe is a delightful novel. I hated to see it end. Not only did I connect with the characters, but I really loved the details to the scenes. If you enjoy a wonderful, hard to put down read, get Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe today! Highly recommend!!
November 1, 2016
I was offered a chance to review this book by Michelle Halket at Central Avenue Publishing. I did not receive any payment for this review. Only the opportunity to read and review it. As a lover of romance, this book synopsis caught my attention. I love books based in small towns as well as summer beaches, lakes and western or country fronts.
The first book captured me immediately! I love all the characters and was so pleased to find that this book is the first in a nine-book-series. It is so wonderful to throw myself into a really good book knowing that I have more to come and learn about the characters and each individuals story. I become a part of the community.
This book has hurt and loss, family bonding, sibling love, and of course, a sexy romantic counterpart that offered lots of steamy moments. Everything I love from a good romance novel. There are several plot twists developing with the main character and family members and others around her; leading to much anticipated reading in the following books. I adore the atmosphere of Shore Leave Cafe.
I am anxious to dive into book two and continue devouring more books in this series by Abbie Williams. I believe this is the first book I have read by Ms. Williams and I must say, she didn't let me down. So I give 5 stars!
The first book captured me immediately! I love all the characters and was so pleased to find that this book is the first in a nine-book-series. It is so wonderful to throw myself into a really good book knowing that I have more to come and learn about the characters and each individuals story. I become a part of the community.
This book has hurt and loss, family bonding, sibling love, and of course, a sexy romantic counterpart that offered lots of steamy moments. Everything I love from a good romance novel. There are several plot twists developing with the main character and family members and others around her; leading to much anticipated reading in the following books. I adore the atmosphere of Shore Leave Cafe.
I am anxious to dive into book two and continue devouring more books in this series by Abbie Williams. I believe this is the first book I have read by Ms. Williams and I must say, she didn't let me down. So I give 5 stars!
September 10, 2014
It can be good to get away from the boring lives that we lead... I mean me here I know your lives are totally fantastic and I'm jealous ;)
Anyway, when I was asked about reviewing the Shore Leave Cafe series I jumped at the chance as I needed a summer series to get stuck into. Especially one with romance but with characters that seemed pretty normal. I felt like this cafe could have been just down the road, it felt homely but also mixed with a little abandon as it it quite clearly not here and I want to be there!
The description above gives you the basic idea about what kind of book this is and I simply adore Abbie Williams' writing style and she leaves such a great cliffhanger that you'll be wanting #2 as soon as possible!
Really enjoyable writing, characters and overall a great start to what looks like a fantastic series.
Anyway, when I was asked about reviewing the Shore Leave Cafe series I jumped at the chance as I needed a summer series to get stuck into. Especially one with romance but with characters that seemed pretty normal. I felt like this cafe could have been just down the road, it felt homely but also mixed with a little abandon as it it quite clearly not here and I want to be there!
The description above gives you the basic idea about what kind of book this is and I simply adore Abbie Williams' writing style and she leaves such a great cliffhanger that you'll be wanting #2 as soon as possible!
Really enjoyable writing, characters and overall a great start to what looks like a fantastic series.
October 2, 2017
Joelle Davis lived her whole life in Landon surrounded by the women of her family, as the curse went, the Davis women couldn't hold onto their men, they either left or died.
Joelle left after High school to live with her new husband, very young and newly pregnant. She now wonders if she would have ever left if she hadn't been in this situation, sure she loved Jackson Gordon but circumstances change and when Jackie cheated on her she turned the other cheek for a while but when it was right in her face she found here feelings had definitely changed and with her tail between her legs she loped home with her three daughters to spend the summer with her wonderful family and friends and now questions whether she really wants to go back to Chicago.
The moment her eyes meet Blythe Edward Tilson's, she is totally gone, no matter that he is 12 years her junior and a cook at the Shore Leave Café owned by her family, and the fact that he is an ex-con, or that her eldest daughter is only 6 years younger than him, the heart wants what the heart wants.
With all the Women giving their opinions, Joelle tries desperately to keep the affair from her girls and the rest of the town but when Jackie comes back to town to deliver divorce papers, things finally come to a head and all hell breaks loose when Blythe and Jackie come face to face.
This was a beautiful well-written book with so many wonderful characters, it is so easy to read and extremely addictive. This is the first book in the series of nine and I couldn't wait to start book two, Second Chances and I'm sure I won't be stopping there.
A definite 5* read.
Thanks to Michelle Halket from Central Avenue Publishing for the copy of this book.
Joelle left after High school to live with her new husband, very young and newly pregnant. She now wonders if she would have ever left if she hadn't been in this situation, sure she loved Jackson Gordon but circumstances change and when Jackie cheated on her she turned the other cheek for a while but when it was right in her face she found here feelings had definitely changed and with her tail between her legs she loped home with her three daughters to spend the summer with her wonderful family and friends and now questions whether she really wants to go back to Chicago.
The moment her eyes meet Blythe Edward Tilson's, she is totally gone, no matter that he is 12 years her junior and a cook at the Shore Leave Café owned by her family, and the fact that he is an ex-con, or that her eldest daughter is only 6 years younger than him, the heart wants what the heart wants.
With all the Women giving their opinions, Joelle tries desperately to keep the affair from her girls and the rest of the town but when Jackie comes back to town to deliver divorce papers, things finally come to a head and all hell breaks loose when Blythe and Jackie come face to face.
This was a beautiful well-written book with so many wonderful characters, it is so easy to read and extremely addictive. This is the first book in the series of nine and I couldn't wait to start book two, Second Chances and I'm sure I won't be stopping there.
A definite 5* read.
Thanks to Michelle Halket from Central Avenue Publishing for the copy of this book.
July 12, 2017
Joelle has had enough of marriage after finding out about her husband's fair and takes her 3 daughters back to Landon, Minnesota where she grew up. She find little has changed but to see it as an adult it's a whole new world. This is book one of a new series that centers on Joelle's family and their restaurant the Shore Leave Cafe. Open ended so lots of possibilities for future books. I like the relaxed easy writing style.
June 19, 2017
I received this book via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
A very well written book. The book has a good story line and a great cast of characters. I loved the small town setting. A new to me author and I enjoyed her writing.
A very well written book. The book has a good story line and a great cast of characters. I loved the small town setting. A new to me author and I enjoyed her writing.
July 30, 2017
Great read!
October 12, 2018
Reading via Audible, narrator Natasha Soudek is new to me and just wonderful to listen to.
This was an unexpectedly wonderful experience. The rare instance of a narrator that fully embodies the book and author. Just enough of everything I love in a romance, not overdone. Every character is alive in my mind, and the feelings are genuine. I want to visit everyone at the Shore Leave Cafe!
I'm going right into book 2, Second Chances.
This was an unexpectedly wonderful experience. The rare instance of a narrator that fully embodies the book and author. Just enough of everything I love in a romance, not overdone. Every character is alive in my mind, and the feelings are genuine. I want to visit everyone at the Shore Leave Cafe!
I'm going right into book 2, Second Chances.
November 23, 2016
When picking a book to read I look at the setting. I love this town of Landon, Minnesota. It is the small hometown setting that manages to pull me in. The neighbors, the local café, the family, and of course the town itself are all reasons I enjoyed this book. I love that they have Saturday Margarita Night, small town celebrations with fireworks, and that the town is positioned on a lake that they kids and adults use.
Joelle leaves Chicago and runs home when she finds her husband cheating on her. Not just does she find out, she walks in on him in the act. I can’t say I blame her. I actually am proud of her for walking away and taking a path that she doesn’t know where it will lead instead of staying and living with a cheater. I like that she takes her 3 daughters and shows them that they can be okay being a separated family. She shows that she respects herself enough to not put up with the disrespect that Jackie, her husband, shows her when he chooses to cheat on her.
The romance part is different. I am not sure that I felt the sparks at the beginning of their relationship. Both Joelle and Jilly are interested in men with difficult histories. While Joelle makes the decision to keep her relationship a secret, Jilly would like nothing more than to announce it to the world that she loves someone. As they spend time with their men I was able to understand and enjoy their relationships better. I liked that both women stayed true to themselves and didn’t give up on what they felt was right.
Summer at the Shore Leave Café is the first book in this series by Abbie Williams. This one ended not with a cliffhanger but with a definite must keep reading the rest of the series ending. I am anxious to get my hands on book two.
Joelle leaves Chicago and runs home when she finds her husband cheating on her. Not just does she find out, she walks in on him in the act. I can’t say I blame her. I actually am proud of her for walking away and taking a path that she doesn’t know where it will lead instead of staying and living with a cheater. I like that she takes her 3 daughters and shows them that they can be okay being a separated family. She shows that she respects herself enough to not put up with the disrespect that Jackie, her husband, shows her when he chooses to cheat on her.
The romance part is different. I am not sure that I felt the sparks at the beginning of their relationship. Both Joelle and Jilly are interested in men with difficult histories. While Joelle makes the decision to keep her relationship a secret, Jilly would like nothing more than to announce it to the world that she loves someone. As they spend time with their men I was able to understand and enjoy their relationships better. I liked that both women stayed true to themselves and didn’t give up on what they felt was right.
Summer at the Shore Leave Café is the first book in this series by Abbie Williams. This one ended not with a cliffhanger but with a definite must keep reading the rest of the series ending. I am anxious to get my hands on book two.
November 7, 2018
AUDIOBOOK edition
An interesting story where we get to go along and glimpse into a few months of Joelle's life after her heartbreak caused by her DB of a husband, spent in her family's loving circle, she steals a few moments happiness with Blythe. I was a bit disappointed, even though I understand why, she kept doubting herself until was almost to late. I hope she gets the HEA in the end. Loved the women in her family, their strong love and support for each other. - 4 stars
An enjoyable read made really good listening to Ms. Soudek's voice telling it. My first listen from her, she gives each character their own voices and her narrative is easy on the ear, her voice has a soothing quality I enjoyed. I am looking forward to more. - 5 stars
An interesting story where we get to go along and glimpse into a few months of Joelle's life after her heartbreak caused by her DB of a husband, spent in her family's loving circle, she steals a few moments happiness with Blythe. I was a bit disappointed, even though I understand why, she kept doubting herself until was almost to late. I hope she gets the HEA in the end. Loved the women in her family, their strong love and support for each other. - 4 stars
An enjoyable read made really good listening to Ms. Soudek's voice telling it. My first listen from her, she gives each character their own voices and her narrative is easy on the ear, her voice has a soothing quality I enjoyed. I am looking forward to more. - 5 stars
September 29, 2018
The women of the Shore Leave Cafe, think they are cursed. They have all lost there husbands some way or another. The latest Joelle Gordon and her three daughters returned home after she found her husband cheating. This is her story and how she struggles between past, present and the irresistible young man twelve years her junior who she knows she should resist but inevitably can’t.
Abbie Williams weaves a tale of these strong women and how they have made a life at the cafe there love, losses and the bond between them all, pulling no punches.
Abbie Williams weaves a tale of these strong women and how they have made a life at the cafe there love, losses and the bond between them all, pulling no punches.
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