Babies at Coconuts

Coconuts #3

by Beth Carter

For Fans of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Italian-style!)

A clash of cultures.
A chaotic wedding.
A surprise baby.
Just another day at Coconuts.


Coordinating the most joyous day of her son’s life should be easy. After all, Suzy is a wedding planner. But a meddling future mother-in-law wasn’t on the checklist. A wacky rehearsal dinner, a beach wedding, and a baby—not necessarily in that order—ensures bedlam, if not hilarity, among the two head-butting moms. The show must go on, with or without the wedding party.

Hope is adept at counseling students but has given up on dieting and having sleek hair. She has even gotten used to the fact that her adopted father no longer remembers her—until a surprise engagement and a newspaper article leave her in shambles.

Sexy banker Alex conveys totally in control while ignoring the simmering boil of her disastrous relationship. Her marketing rival is her kryptonite, but a disastrous bank event may spell her downfall.

Socialite Cheri Van Buren seems to have the perfect life. The New Yorker deftly juggles celebrity events but is growing concerned about her jet-setting parents’ strained marriage. After competing in a cake-decorating contest, another chef leaves her speechless.

More than a Happy Hour haven, Coconuts is the unknowing guardian of shared secrets, bombshell revelations, a few tears, and joy. Will the best friends ever find happiness? It doesn’t look good.

NOTE: Even though this is Book 3 of my Coconuts series, it may be read as a standalone.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2019

About the author

Formerly a bank VP and hospital marketer, Beth Carter shed her suits and heels at mid-life to pen novels, nonfiction books, and children's picture books. The author doesn't miss the 8 o'clock meetings, nor heels, whatsoever.

Author of the popular six-book Coconuts series beginning with THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, Carter has also penned standalone novels including BRIDE SWAP, BRIDE GAMES (Book 2), SLEEPING WITH ELVIS, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO, and THE CHRISTMAS FIB.

During Covid, the author created THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK which benefitted charity and features nearly 200 delicious recipes. This cookbook received a gold medal from the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. Carter is also the author of I WROTE A BOOK. NOW WHAT? for beginning and aspiring authors, which received a bronze medal in 2021.

In addition, Carter writes kids' books and can't think of anything more important than encouraging reading from a young age. She is the recipient of multiple awards including gold, silver, and bronze medals in the 2020 & 2021 Reader's Favorite Awards, a coveted RONE Award for best Women's Fiction/Chick Lit for THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS and was named Best Debut Author in 2015 by BTS Books. Carter has also received multiple Raven Awards.

The author writes from Missouri and Florida. She loves dancing, board games, shopping, some reality TV, observing nature, reading, pickleball, and of course, storytelling. Follow her at www.bethcarter.com or find her on Facebook, X, or IG where she spends far too much time. Join her private group, Beth's Book Babes, on FB!

Reviews

[Elaine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read this. It's not out yet but I've enjoyed her other books.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

This book is about more than just a wedding and everything that goes along with such festivities. This is really a book about friendship.

Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILER AHEAD

Babies at Coconuts is the third book in the delightful Coconuts Series. Though these books are a series, they can easily read as stand alones, though my personal preference is to read all the books in the series because every single one of them is a joy to read.

A wedding to plan, a baby’s due date, new in-laws to meet, a bridal trade show to prepare for, then end up with something unexpected occurs, what could possibly go wrong? What about this, an anniversary celebration for work in which you must include the new intern, the presidents daughter, a boyfriend who is non-existent with a crazy ex-wife who lives to make your life miserable. Or how about your adoptive father who lost his memory in a train accident and doesn’t know who he is becomes the janitor at the school you work at, your closest friend that works at the school has fallen for your adoptive father when you come across a picture of your adoptive mother in the newspaper even though it was believed she had died. Or let’s say you are a wealthy heiress who owns her own catering company in New York City but have a getaway in a Midwestern town, have made wonderful friends there, compete in a bake off at the bridal trade show, get jetted off to go spend a few days in Paris with your mother you haven’t seen in two years only to find out your father is too busy to see you so you worry about the state of your parents marriage. What do you do in all these situations? Meet at Coconuts!

Beth Carter brings to life fabulous characters that will have you comparing yourself to at least one in group and rooting for good things to happen for all four of them.

I truly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. For me, the characters have become friends that I enjoy visiting over and over.

If you haven’t had a chance to read any of Beth Carter’s books, you are missing out. She’s a wonderful author and I always look forward to her next book.

[Traci Westling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m Thrilled & excited to post an official review for this 3 book in Beth Carters Coconut Series! First I’ll say that I wanted this book like ... YESTERDAY!! I anxiously waited for THIS book immediately upon finishing CHAOS AT COCONUTS! The entire series is about Girlfriends being there for each other & they choose COCONUTS to meet up at weekly or when they needed to chat about everything & anything! Any of these wonderfully written books CAN be read as a standalone, but if given the chance I’d suggest beginning with Thursday’s at Coconuts first because it will only enhance the increasing fondness you’ll learn to feel for these amazing group of characters !

Now for THIS BOOK ❤️💕❤️ I’m overjoyed to share that Beth Carter has written her absolute finest yet !
The opening scene sets the mood no doubt & once you continue turning the pages , you’ll lose yourself so completely in the story that you may find it impossible to put aside for a moment! I found myself laughing & thinking to myself NO WAY... too freaking funny!!! Before I knew it , I was 80+ pages into it feeling exactly like I was watching the ITALIAN VERSION of my big fat Greek wedding !
With that said , I’m HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this book based on the vast amount of hilarious situations continuously occurring & the emotional gut wrenching scenes that actually took me by surprise!! I’ll also mention that Beth Carter had THE PERFECT PROMOS FOR this book that were brilliant !!
I simply cannot wait for the next one in her series! It certainly won’t come soon enough for me & I’ll also say that I think this had one of THE BEST crafted epilogues I’ve read that’s A PERFECT Segway into her 4 th book in the series !! Excellent! 👏🏻👏🏻

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. I actually discovered her this past week. I have been reading some darker type books and decided to read this in between. I’m so happy I did! Babies at Coconuts is actually the third book in the series. I often read out of sequence as I find authors. Sometimes it works, others not so much. This book works as a stand-alone.
This book revolved around four friends, Suzy, Alex, Hope and Cheri with the story focusing on Suzy. Suzy is a wedding planner whose son is getting married and becoming a father. Big changes. There was lots of twists to the book and plenty of drama mixed with comedy. One thing some potential readers may want to know is that Suzy’s son is marrying his boyfriend. I mention it because some readers may be hesitant to read it and I want to encourage them to go for it. The story is positive in this regard, (maybe too positive but as a mom who has a gay child, I’m all for the positivity. When he first came out, I got to know so many rejected children. It broke my heart.). This story touched me in a personal way. If it is your first time reading a romance involving non traditional relationships, this is an excellent book to begin with. There are a lot of characters in this book. I found the characters to have distinct characteristics that helped me remember who was who. If you get confused easily, I would suggest you keep paper next to you and write out who everyone is. It will help you enjoy the story.
I don’t want to give away anything from this book. There is a lot going on but it flows well. The story is a bit dramatic but also offers some hilarious moments. The main friends, while being very different, are realistic, caring, smart and loyal to each other. The kind of friends you don’t often find but, when you are lucky enough to find them, it is a bond you treasure. I loved their differences and how they complimented each other. The book is strong on friendship that is sisterhood. I had no difficulty imagining it being made into a movie. It is also strong on family bonds. I particularly enjoyed Suzy and Izzy. Blended families don’t come together instantly. It takes time and you often will be surprised by what forms the foundation for a relationship to develop, especially in the step parent/child roles.
I hope you will decide to give the book a chance. I think you will enjoy it. I’m planning on reading the books before this one. There were a few moments when I wished I had read them in order. Those moments didn’t interrupt the flow though. It was sort of like when you are the new one in a tight group of friends. Things happened before you got there. You, naturally, want to know about them and you may have a twinge of jealousy that you missed out. It goes away as you grow with the group. Perhaps that is the best thing about this book; the way the author weaves you into the group of friends. You are invested because you feel a part of them.

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time to read author Beth Carter but you beat your Coconuts it won't be my last. Nope in fact I am headed over to get the rest of the series to catch up right now. This book can be read as a stand alone BUT I have a feeling I would have enjoyed it more had a read it in order. The characters are full of life and so engaging with us the readers. At times it was hard to remember that I was reading a ROMCOm and not watching a movie. The book does have quite a few characters so I had to go slow at first to make sure I got down who was who and to which family or friends... But once I got that down ( I am dyslexic) oh my I was stuck in this story until the very end.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Carter's characters are so real that I expect to receive friend requests from them. While I read her book, my emotions ran the gamut from weeping to laughing so hard that I made the bed jiggle and woke up my husband (who should be used to my after-hours reading, by now). Great job! I can hardly wait until the next "Coconuts" story. What on earth will she cook up, next?

[Erin Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGosh this book y'all!!! I am in love! This was my first read by Beth Carter and I was nervous that since I hadn't read the first two books that I would be at a disadvantage. However, this book works perfectly seamlessly as a standalone! I absolutely loved it! Her characters are so loveable and the book is so cute and funny. You will find yourself laughing along at parts and also experiencing a few ups and downs along the way; it is just so beautifully written. I am so glad I gave this author a chance!! Now I'm going grab the first two in this series and hope for equally amazing stories in those two!

[Tiffany Hook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Babies at Coconuts is the third installment of the Coconuts Series. Even though this is the third book, it can also be read as a stand alone. The four women in the story, though each one different, come together at Coconuts to share stories, ask for advice, and are true friends that are there for each other. There are so many surprising twists that you can’t help but want to continue reading.This book revolved around four friends, Suzy, Alex, Hope and Cheri with the story focusing on Suzy. Suzy is a wedding planner whose son is getting married and becoming a father. Big changes. There was lots of twists to the book and plenty of drama mixed with comedy. This is my first book that I have read by Beth Carter Now I can't wait to grab the first two in this series.

[Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

** spoiler alert ** SPOILER AHEAD

Babies at Coconuts is the third book in the delightful Coconuts Series. Though these books are a series, they can easily read as stand alones, though my personal preference is to read all the books in the series because every single one of them is a joy to read.

A wedding to plan, a baby’s due date, new in-laws to meet, a bridal trade show to prepare for, then end up with something unexpected occurs, what could possibly go wrong? What about this, an anniversary celebration for work in which you must include the new intern, the presidents daughter, a boyfriend who is non-existent with a crazy ex-wife who lives to make your life miserable. Or how about your adoptive father who lost his memory in a train accident and doesn’t know who he is becomes the janitor at the school you work at, your closest friend that works at the school has fallen for your adoptive father when you come across a picture of your adoptive mother in the newspaper even though it was believed she had died. Or let’s say you are a wealthy heiress who owns her own catering company in New York City but have a getaway in a Midwestern town, have made wonderful friends there, compete in a bake off at the bridal trade show, get jetted off to go spend a few days in Paris with your mother you haven’t seen in two years only to find out your father is too busy to see you so you worry about the state of your parents marriage. What do you do in all these situations? Meet at Coconuts!

Beth Carter brings to life fabulous characters that will have you comparing yourself to at least one in group and rooting for good things to happen for all four of them.

I truly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. For me, the characters have become friends that I enjoy visiting over and over.

If you haven’t had a chance to read any of Beth Carter’s books, you are missing out. She’s a wonderful author and I always look forward to her next book.

[Joanne Guidoccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this delightful novel in two sittings and had trouble putting it down. Ms. Carter has a way of drawing me into her stories quickly and keeping me hooked until the end. It definitely helps to have an eclectic cast of characters, family and workplace drama, plot twists, and an unexpected ending. Away from the book, I found myself recalling and chuckling at Mama Gia’s antics. Having grown up in an Italian household, I could easily imagine many of those over-the-top scenarios.

Next, please!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When good women friends get together, you can usually count on births, deaths, weddings and funerals. If you are lucky, there will be lots of shared tears and laughter.

This book shares unique modern family twists, all phases of live and life. Did I mention friendship through all the hard times, and the funny times.

A touching KU read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[John Gratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Baby

All three books are entertaining and captivating, but Babies stands out because the author just gets better and better as a storyteller. She deftly adds characters and situations that capture our interest and propel the story while generously expanding the personalities of the three original friends. We see their trials and share in their hope. The best news is that there is plenty going on with all the characters that Volume 4 has become a must read, too.

[Shweta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's like the big fat family gathering.

There are ex-husbands, ex-girlfriends, grand parents, great-grandparents, step-children, siblings, friends, unexpected pregnancies, unexpected delivery and so much more. Fun, witty, sad, full of hope and life, this story celebrates life, friendship, love and family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually anywhere read. Weddings and babies and complicated families, oh my! Five individual stories twine together in this charming tribute to friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed this lighthearted read. Beth Carter can always make me laugh. I felt like I was sitting with them at Coconuts. I was given a copy in return for a fair review.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting tossed back into the Coconuts gang seems to hit my happy place. The ladies are back, and this time out we have Suzy planning her son’s wedding - but she didn’t count on the mother-in-law from Italy – hijinks ensue. And when the very pregnant ex-girlfriend attends….it’s like a time bomb on a fast ticker at the wedding. There are quite a few laugh out loud moments – and some twists that I didn’t see coming and a fun surprise ending. Although these books can read as a standalone, my question is why would you? This is a fantastic series, and get the most you can out of these wonderful characters and read the first two books. Everyone should have friends like these ladies in their lives, the kind that will drop whatever their doing to have your back, and will make you laugh along the way. I can’t wait for the next book to drop, and since I stalk the author on social media, I know she is working hard on the next installment, so I can refrain from chaining her to her computer. :)
Reviewed by Cyrene

[Patricia Solla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Coconuts Series. The story line opens with Suzy coordinating her son Jon's wedding to Fenrando. Everything seems to be going fine until Fernando's family arrives from Italy and Fernando's mother starts taking over the wedding planning. Then there's Jon's high school girlfriend, Vanessa, who is very pregnant with Jon's baby. This piece of the story line is fun, poignant and interesting but the author has thrown in sub story lines for each of the girlfriends. While each sub story line is interesting, it gets very complicated trying to keep up with what's going on and while the reader gets an ending to Suzy's story line, there's just too much left open to be continued in the next book of the series. I'm sure the first two books of the series contained more information about Coconuts, which is a restaurant where the girlfriends meet and discuss their problems, and probably gives the background introducing the women and their families, their situations, etc. But I don't like being left with so many things left up in the air in a 'to be continued' feeling.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Coconuts Series but can be read as a stand alone book. A fun, enjoyable, entertaining story, especially if you are a fan of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. One minute you're reaching for a kleenex and the next you're laughing hysterically. After reading this book, I want to go back and read the previous ones in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read these lady's stories the more I want to meet them at Coconuts for drinks! I enjoy that these ladies are all so different and yet come together as true friends to be supportive of each other whenever needed. No judgement of each other, just true friendship! Alex, Suzy, Hope & Cheri they each have their own story, their own ups and downs, and I am enjoying every one of them. Keep up the great work!

[Virginia Gavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #3 in the series.I enjoyed it but it definitely is not a stand alone.You need to read the other books to follow the story without getting confused.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as her other 2. A lot of ridiculous plots.

[Lori Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book as I went to High School with the author. Good character development