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The Beach Hut
Ella Peters used to enjoy her good life, including the little things like the first buds on a newly planted rose. But when her husband leaves her, she struggles to find pleasure in anything.
However Ella is determined to rebuild her life and makes plans for a fresh start on the coast. But she is soon to realise that no matter how far you run, you can’t escape yourself.
Libby Pinkney thinks she has life under control; with two well-behaved teenagers, the biggest house with the best sea view and an increasingly impressive presence within the local community.
But when a new neighbour moves into the old cottage next door, her well–ordered life threatens to tumble around her like a house of cards.
Ella's beach hut, on England’s beautiful Hampshire coast stands bravely against the elements. Inside, it is as individual as its owner; a cosy home from home, a love nest and a place to shelter from the sun or rain. It plays witness to events that bring joy and tragedy and provides a little retreat for those who seek solace there.
The Beach Hut is an ideal book for summer reading or holiday reading. It has drama, humour, friendship and romance.
However Ella is determined to rebuild her life and makes plans for a fresh start on the coast. But she is soon to realise that no matter how far you run, you can’t escape yourself.
Libby Pinkney thinks she has life under control; with two well-behaved teenagers, the biggest house with the best sea view and an increasingly impressive presence within the local community.
But when a new neighbour moves into the old cottage next door, her well–ordered life threatens to tumble around her like a house of cards.
Ella's beach hut, on England’s beautiful Hampshire coast stands bravely against the elements. Inside, it is as individual as its owner; a cosy home from home, a love nest and a place to shelter from the sun or rain. It plays witness to events that bring joy and tragedy and provides a little retreat for those who seek solace there.
The Beach Hut is an ideal book for summer reading or holiday reading. It has drama, humour, friendship and romance.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2012
1204 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Alexander
17 books27 followersHello,
Thanks for visiting my author page.
My first writing success was to have some short stories published in a weekly fiction magazine.
And I remember being thrilled to bits!
My first novel 'The Beach Hut' was published in 2012 and since then I've written 15 more books.
I aim to create emotionally feel-good stories that hopefully absorb you in someone else’s world at least for a little while.
For more information on me, my books and short stories, please look me up on:
https://www.JennieAlexander.co.uk
I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for visiting my author page.
My first writing success was to have some short stories published in a weekly fiction magazine.
And I remember being thrilled to bits!
My first novel 'The Beach Hut' was published in 2012 and since then I've written 15 more books.
I aim to create emotionally feel-good stories that hopefully absorb you in someone else’s world at least for a little while.
For more information on me, my books and short stories, please look me up on:
https://www.JennieAlexander.co.uk
I'd love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 4, 2020
I loved this book with it's gentle story and its unexpected ending. Looking forward to reading more by this author,
July 27, 2022
I have very mixed feelings about this story-vacillated between a 3* or 4
*It was well written and the characters were a mixed bag of flawed individuals, each in their own way searching for something outside themselves Ella's determination to move on with her life after her loss of home and marriage -is a bit unrealistic, and there seems to be a shallowness/ denial within her character that doesn't resonate with me. Inevitably, the storyline became a little too pat-and convenient. Life normally doesn't resolve itself in perfect little bundles. Though her goodbye with her Ex makes for a good parting scene *(if it were a film-) I would question the legalities-which I assume would need to be addressed in the future. So not truly complete -as an end-
*It was well written and the characters were a mixed bag of flawed individuals, each in their own way searching for something outside themselves Ella's determination to move on with her life after her loss of home and marriage -is a bit unrealistic, and there seems to be a shallowness/ denial within her character that doesn't resonate with me. Inevitably, the storyline became a little too pat-and convenient. Life normally doesn't resolve itself in perfect little bundles. Though her goodbye with her Ex makes for a good parting scene *(if it were a film-) I would question the legalities-which I assume would need to be addressed in the future. So not truly complete -as an end-
November 2, 2023
Ella is a woman in England who is watching her husband’s wedding to a new person. Something has to come from that, right? No. English people are so freaking boring. Did you ever watch the cartoons with the chipmunks who keep saying, back and forth, “After you?” No...after you.” And so on and so on. Nobody ends up killing the husband or his wife. Ella just leaves town and gets a new cottage with a beach hut. Does anyone die on the beach hut? No. Is Libby’s son a sociopath who desperately wants the money that he left in Ella’s beach hut? Nope. He’s mad for a moment, but then...”Oh no...I’m sorry.” End of discussion. I kept thinking that something would happen, but it never did.
July 27, 2022
This is an enjoyable read that includes disappointment, loss, change, acceptance, friendship, relationships…
Ella’s husband has divorced her, and she moved to the beach, changing scenery as she deals with this heartbreaking change in her life.
Other key characters are her new neighbor, Libby, and Libby’s children and father-in-law, Andrew.
Ella’s husband has divorced her, and she moved to the beach, changing scenery as she deals with this heartbreaking change in her life.
Other key characters are her new neighbor, Libby, and Libby’s children and father-in-law, Andrew.
August 12, 2022
Beach hut
I really enjoyed this story. I felt for Ella and loved the ending. Just when you think she can't take anymore bad, good comes to find her.
I really enjoyed this story. I felt for Ella and loved the ending. Just when you think she can't take anymore bad, good comes to find her.
September 8, 2023
A sweet book with some deep interpersonal dynamics. Well written and well developed plot.
August 19, 2020
A pleasant read, warm and gentle.
I liked the characters and the setting.
The story seemed to jump around a lot. There was no propwr spacing for a change of character , time or setting. This made it a little confusing at times.
The ending was unexpected and a little sudden. I didn’t feel that all the loose ends had been tied up, and some of the plot endings were weak.
In general, it was nicely written. I’d be interested to read more from this author, to see what jer writing style is like across her other books.
An easy read, enjoyable, but it won’t blow your socks off.
I liked the characters and the setting.
The story seemed to jump around a lot. There was no propwr spacing for a change of character , time or setting. This made it a little confusing at times.
The ending was unexpected and a little sudden. I didn’t feel that all the loose ends had been tied up, and some of the plot endings were weak.
In general, it was nicely written. I’d be interested to read more from this author, to see what jer writing style is like across her other books.
An easy read, enjoyable, but it won’t blow your socks off.
July 29, 2022
Why write a romantic novel and then not finish it? Story ended with no finality. Leaves you hanging, and not in a good way. Lousy author and will not read her sad attempt at writing romantic fiction.
August 23, 2020
A lot of unbelievable storyline to it
April 22, 2024
A wonderful story about real people with real flaws.
Ella isn't happy in her marriage because her husband Jon refuses to consider children. But Ella desperately wants to be a mother. Jon isn't happy in their marriage either, but he hasn't bothered to tell Ella. He just keeps taking more and more luggage on his business trips. The day he packs all of their matching set of luggage, Ella understands he won't be back. Jon goes off and marries and has a child. Ella moves to the beach to live in a cottage and the little beach hut. She makes friends and does her writing jobs. She walks the beach. She discovers things are not all as they should be for some of her neighbors. Life happens. Things that are good and bad. The cast of characters are really good, and they all seem to have an opportunity for growth in their situations. Some people learn, but others don't, just as in real life. This is why it is such a good book. It is real. The ending comes in like the tide. It gets started, and then it comes in a rush. Recommended.
Ella isn't happy in her marriage because her husband Jon refuses to consider children. But Ella desperately wants to be a mother. Jon isn't happy in their marriage either, but he hasn't bothered to tell Ella. He just keeps taking more and more luggage on his business trips. The day he packs all of their matching set of luggage, Ella understands he won't be back. Jon goes off and marries and has a child. Ella moves to the beach to live in a cottage and the little beach hut. She makes friends and does her writing jobs. She walks the beach. She discovers things are not all as they should be for some of her neighbors. Life happens. Things that are good and bad. The cast of characters are really good, and they all seem to have an opportunity for growth in their situations. Some people learn, but others don't, just as in real life. This is why it is such a good book. It is real. The ending comes in like the tide. It gets started, and then it comes in a rush. Recommended.
August 2, 2022
The Beach Hut
Ella Peters was happily married, or so she thought. After over 10 years of marriage Ella’s husband who didn’t want children, divorced her and immediately married someone else who was pregnant. The shock, the slight, the reality hurt her to the core, and she couldn’t get over it.
Ella decided to leave the area she had known as her home, and move to the coast where her beach hut was. She purchased a little cottage and tried to meld into the life in the area. She meets some neighbours who also have issues. Her beach hut becomes a treasured spot.
Ella was becoming involved with all the goings on In the new location. New friends kept her busy and her life was changing.
This book is an adventure to read, a lot of excellent and exciting things to discover for Ella and her new friendships.
Ella Peters was happily married, or so she thought. After over 10 years of marriage Ella’s husband who didn’t want children, divorced her and immediately married someone else who was pregnant. The shock, the slight, the reality hurt her to the core, and she couldn’t get over it.
Ella decided to leave the area she had known as her home, and move to the coast where her beach hut was. She purchased a little cottage and tried to meld into the life in the area. She meets some neighbours who also have issues. Her beach hut becomes a treasured spot.
Ella was becoming involved with all the goings on In the new location. New friends kept her busy and her life was changing.
This book is an adventure to read, a lot of excellent and exciting things to discover for Ella and her new friendships.
September 29, 2022
Ella Peters used to enjoy her good life, including the little things like the first buds on a newly planted rose. But when her husband leaves her, she struggles to find pleasure in anything.
However Ella is determined to rebuild her life and makes plans for a fresh start on the coast. But she is soon to realise that no matter how far you run, you can’t escape yourself.
This begins on a sad note with an ex-wife watching her ex-husband get married again. From there she makes choices to make some major changes in her life. The book follows the main character to her new location and the new friends she meets. This story takes place in England so some terms are definitely British terms but I was able to follow the story without trouble.
However Ella is determined to rebuild her life and makes plans for a fresh start on the coast. But she is soon to realise that no matter how far you run, you can’t escape yourself.
This begins on a sad note with an ex-wife watching her ex-husband get married again. From there she makes choices to make some major changes in her life. The book follows the main character to her new location and the new friends she meets. This story takes place in England so some terms are definitely British terms but I was able to follow the story without trouble.
August 14, 2022
not a bad story
My biggest beef was the editing. The author seemed to forget what she’d said in the past then contradict it. At the beginning Libby wasn’t worried about rushing home as someone would have been in to feed the cats and the dogs, plural. Never ever heard a mention of cats after that, but talk of the dog, Bonzo - just one, but toward the end Todd goes into the kitchen and the dogs (plural) are there! Other errors too
Weird that a 37year old would have a passionate fling with a 63 year old, get pregnant, loose the baby, etc and other things that were just too weird, but don’t want to do spoilers, but don’t think I’ll be reading any more by this author
My biggest beef was the editing. The author seemed to forget what she’d said in the past then contradict it. At the beginning Libby wasn’t worried about rushing home as someone would have been in to feed the cats and the dogs, plural. Never ever heard a mention of cats after that, but talk of the dog, Bonzo - just one, but toward the end Todd goes into the kitchen and the dogs (plural) are there! Other errors too
Weird that a 37year old would have a passionate fling with a 63 year old, get pregnant, loose the baby, etc and other things that were just too weird, but don’t want to do spoilers, but don’t think I’ll be reading any more by this author
December 29, 2023
"The Beach Hut" by Jennie Alexander offers a quick and easy read, making it suitable for vacation. However, the narration's frequent jumps between characters within chapters create a sense of disconnection. The storyline feels a bit peculiar, and the characters lack development. Despite the promising title, the beach setting serves merely as a backdrop without contributing significantly to the overall plot, leaving readers expecting a charming beach story somewhat disappointed.
August 3, 2022
I had a hard time getting into this novel. I usually have no trouble with British authors, but for some reason, the beginning of this book seemed stilted. That being said, I did really like the storyline. I think my biggest comment is that the characters seem dense, and unable or unwilling to see the obvious. And everything was just too predictable
February 22, 2023
Not a bad book just not exactly my cup of tea…pun intended. This is written in British English. Nice story if a bit odd. Relations between a grandfather and someone who could be his child. Unexpected consequences which go very wrong. A jealous, nosy neighbor with teen kids who are far from angelic. Even the happy ending is angst inducing.
June 13, 2023
Quick "made me think" read
More like a 3.5/5 stars- I read this super fast because it was a very easy read, overall it kept my interest, had some great details and others seemed unnecessary, but it made me think a little about life and how quick UT really can be, the unfairness, and the good stuff.
More like a 3.5/5 stars- I read this super fast because it was a very easy read, overall it kept my interest, had some great details and others seemed unnecessary, but it made me think a little about life and how quick UT really can be, the unfairness, and the good stuff.
June 20, 2023
well worth reading
What a difference a year makes. Two women, Ella and Libby, meet and become friends. Each has her own battles to fight, and their friendship grows as they try to help each other through the ups and downs of a year in their lives. . Though not at all what I expected, I found this book to be a heartfelt and insightful piece of writing.
What a difference a year makes. Two women, Ella and Libby, meet and become friends. Each has her own battles to fight, and their friendship grows as they try to help each other through the ups and downs of a year in their lives. . Though not at all what I expected, I found this book to be a heartfelt and insightful piece of writing.
September 28, 2023
The Beach Hut. Quick read
I really enjoy The beach hut. It started out a littlw.slow at the.beginning and then.it drew me in It would be nice to have c continuation of what happens to Ella and baby Isobel ; Libya new business and her children and Jon and his daughter Collette
I really enjoy The beach hut. It started out a littlw.slow at the.beginning and then.it drew me in It would be nice to have c continuation of what happens to Ella and baby Isobel ; Libya new business and her children and Jon and his daughter Collette
June 11, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were likeable and realistic. Nice easy paced story and true to life with some events beyond their control (much like real life!) Would definitely recommend you read this book lying on a sun lounger drinking sangria, it's definitely a feel good holiday novel.
January 16, 2022
Entertaining
Interesting story about a divorcee who makes a life changing move. The characters are interesting and the book isn't your typical divorcee moves and finds true love story. Well done.
Interesting story about a divorcee who makes a life changing move. The characters are interesting and the book isn't your typical divorcee moves and finds true love story. Well done.
August 2, 2022
This was my first Jennie Alexander novel and it won't be my last. The story follows Ella and Libby as they both deal with new chapters in their life - Ella recently divorced and wanting to start fresh; Libby trying to fit in with a new crowd. As their lives intertwine we get to see both of these women from their own views as well as each others. The story deals with heartbreak, love, friendship, grief and new beginnings. The book had me wanting to know what happens next at the end of every chapter. A very well written book that kept my interest from start to finish.
August 1, 2022
Loved this book!!!
So many ups and down to keep you guessing and not wanting to put the book down. I wish there was a follow-up book to continue the story. Highly recommend reading!
So many ups and down to keep you guessing and not wanting to put the book down. I wish there was a follow-up book to continue the story. Highly recommend reading!
August 1, 2022
Heartache can lead to many surprises.
A book that has many twists and turns, some good, some not so much. Dreams shattered and
mended. Lots of feelings, good, bad and indifferent. Tender and callous. A book of opposites. Wonderful reading!
A book that has many twists and turns, some good, some not so much. Dreams shattered and
mended. Lots of feelings, good, bad and indifferent. Tender and callous. A book of opposites. Wonderful reading!
August 1, 2022
I enjoyed this book and the characters. Although the ending was somewhat predictable. I think that it would of been more enjoyable if the author added more about the secondary characters and their lives in the book. It seemed vague to myself on the lives of those characters.
August 4, 2022
The Beach Hut
A great story of 2 divorced women in different circumstances. Very descriptive characters and scenery. I was so glad the ending was what I finally expected should happen. Highly recommend.
A great story of 2 divorced women in different circumstances. Very descriptive characters and scenery. I was so glad the ending was what I finally expected should happen. Highly recommend.
August 11, 2022
I can’t recommend
There was some nice descriptive writing but the stories… and there were so many, never seemed to come back around- there was too much going on with no depth, so this was not an enjoyable read for me because it didn’t flow.
There was some nice descriptive writing but the stories… and there were so many, never seemed to come back around- there was too much going on with no depth, so this was not an enjoyable read for me because it didn’t flow.
August 21, 2022
Quite literally ridiculous. This book starts about 9 different story lines and each one seems to be resolved within the next chapter but with no real depth to anything. The book is also poorly written in general. So disappointed as others had left such good reviews.
June 6, 2023
Unexpected but a wonderful story.
Not what I expected but so very glad I gave it a shot. A complicated story. Friends and their children enhancing instead of distracting. And the saddest and yet the happiest ending I've ever read.
Not what I expected but so very glad I gave it a shot. A complicated story. Friends and their children enhancing instead of distracting. And the saddest and yet the happiest ending I've ever read.
June 6, 2023
Nice easy read, but not exactly what I expected. Complicated situations with not much resolution. It bothered me that Elle had so little money to update her cottage after selling her larger home. Not everything was very believable. Decent book, but not my “cup of tea”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews