Callie Duflay just isn’t like the rest of her family. While they’ve built white collar lives, she prefers getting her hands dirty by working with children and local California causes. When Callie learns that a beloved piece of untouched property in her town of Otter Bay may soon be developed, she confronts the architect assigned to the project. Gage Mitchell may be an easygoing, eco-friendly professional, but he’s not about to back off this job no matter how cute Callie or her pet pooch, Moondoggy, may be. His reasons and hers are noble—both have a heart for protecting God’s creation, and the truth is these two would be perfect for each other outside of this face-off. But will they ever figure that out?
JULIE CAROBINI is an award-winning author of inspirational beach romances and cozy mysteries. She has received awards from The National League of American Pen Women and American Christian Fiction Writers; and several of her novels have reached Amazon bestseller status.
Julie is known for spunky heroines, charming heroes, quirky friends, and the secrets they keep. She lives on the California coast with her husband, Dan--not far from their grown-up kids.
Contemporary romance that is thoroughly enjoyable. Loved the setting on the coast of California, and Moondoggy (their rescued dog) and Jeremiah (Callie's young son) made a perfect combination with the addition of a handsome young man, Gage.
Callie is a family puzzle. She once had a business with her boyfriend. It was a thriving "green" landscaping business and the two of them were doing well and they were making money in the process. Then Justin, her boyfriend, convinced her to sell a portion of the business to an investor. It would really boost their finances and make their "dreams" for the future of their relationship come true. The only problem was, the investor wanted a controlling interest and for Callie that meant inflated prices, lower quality materials, and lower employee wages. Oh, well....there was another problem too. Justin was cheating on her with another girl. She did what was best. She sold out; not just the business, but the relationship as well.
Oh, yes. Callie is a family puzzle. She has really given up a regular work schedule. She does work at the Christian Youth Camp on a beautiful property near Otter Bay. It is a sanctuary for sea otters and visits from sea lions and whales and pelicans along the coast are frequent. It is a quiet, peaceful, and undisturbed treasure. She loves her work there. The rest of the time Callie has "projects". She helped raise funds for the library to include testing books for lead print. She built a rain garden on the library property that serves as a learning place for school children. She managed to convince The church to bus homeless people to the services.
It is only natural then, when Callie finds out that the local property owners on Otter Bay are selling the land to a development company. Think huge homes, and high rise apartments. Think of the lost sanctuary for the sea life. Here comes Callie! Her two brothers and her one sister shake their heads and admonish her. She just can't fight City Hall or progress.
Want to bet? Callie goes all out in her efforts to save Otter Bay. It isn't easy, especially when she runs into the handsome architect who has been hired to do the designs. He promises to use the build homes that blend into the scenery and and to play to the highlights of the beautiful area. But that's not enough for Callie. Not even when there seems to be sparks of....like? interest? between them.
Callie goes full out in her attempts to save the land and to get the property owners to change their minds about selling, and she goes full out in her attempts to stay away from that very interesting architect. But...can she win? And if she does, what will she lose?
Callie was very conscious of taking care of the environment. She road a bike whenever she could and did all of things to protect wildlife. Callie lived on Otter Bay, which was by the ocean. She learned some people were trying to buy the best spot on the beach from a couple and build on it. She formed a group to save the land. But she was met with resistance by the buyer. Callie talked to the owners about letting the town buy the land. They began to raise money and received a lot of pledges, but the other buyer caused a lot of problems and the money stopped coming in. Will Callie be able to win this cause or was the deal dead? A story full of ups and downs, will what is best win?
Callie is seen as a bit of a wierdo because she is always fighting causes that other people, family included, think she shouldn't or that she should just get on with a normal life! Gage comes to Otter Bay hoping to earn enough money to build his business and keep his sister and nephew afloat. Well they say opposites attract and that seems to be the case here, but things have a way of unfolding to show differently. A very good light and not so light read that I highly recommend. I have enjoyed a few books written by Julie Carobini and this one is no exception.
A sweet and heartwarming tale of friends, family, obligations, and an attraction that can't be ignored.
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am donating it to a senior assisted living facility.
Great book about how our past affects our present and how to move beyond it. Characters will probably remind you of yourself or someone you know. Love the faith element being present but not in your face. Couldn't wait to see how things would work out between Gage and Callie. Thanks for the book, Julie!
It’s exciting to see how miracles can happen even when we have temporarily lost sight of the Master’s grand design for each of us. When the first time to people meet creates an explosion of misunderstanding it’s easy to see that it will take a master story teller to pull off a satisfying climax. A thoroughly enjoyable book.
This book did a good job showing that Christians aren’t super human or faultless, just saved by Grace and forgiven. Things worked out for most of the characters, just not the obvious bad guy or the sleazy town council. It also showed me that standing for what is right is also important.
I loved this story. Otter Bay is a magical place and Callow and Have were perfect for each other. So nice to read a Christian romance novel in a coastal town again. I would recommend to anyone who loves the Lord and romance.
Although it was a little predictable, it was a cute story and a fun read. Haven’t read a book like this in awhile and it was captivating and sucked me in! Ended up staying up late one night to finish it, as I couldn’t put it down. Very cute.
Callie Duflay is an energetic young woman who enjoys working as assistant camp director, and much to her family's horror, enjoys being involved in local causes. While walking the beach one day, Callie discovers that the Kitteridges are selling Otter Bay and it's being earmarked for development. She can't believe they would sell it, as they promised the property to the town. Since then, the otters have returned and were rebuilding their lives. Callie decides she should do something about it, and starts a group to try to stop the development.
Gage Mitchell is an eco-friendly architect who was hired to draw up plans to develop the Bay. He has the good, or maybe not so good, fortune of running into Callie and learns about her mission. For Gage, everything is riding on this job and Callie could ruin it all for him. Callie believes she is doing the right thing, and so is Gage. But as time goes on, will they discover what the right thing really is?
My comments:
I normally don't read romances, and gave up on Christian type romances quite a few years ago. They all seemed so... eh. Nothing thrilling nor exciting nor new. I wasn't really sure what I'd find between the pages of this book, and had put it off for a bit, because it was a romance. So, one really yucky day, I sat down and started reading. I was so surprised. What a delightful and heartwarming read! I became so wrapped up in the book, I found that a couple hours had gone by and I really didn't want to stop and put it down. The characters were fun, it had some humor, and held quite a bit of suspense throughout. It was truly an enjoyable read and one that I won't have a problem giving to my teenage daughter.
"A Shore Thing" is a beautiful book about family, friendship, love, commitment, keeping promises, faith, and hope. It has some very good messages behind it, making it not only entertaining, but a book with values that gives you something you can take away with you long after you've finished.
Callie loves her hometown of Otter Bay. When she spots 3 men surveying the shore she is extremely upset to see one of the men throw his nasty cigar onto the ground. The animal wildlife is just returning to Otter Bay and Callie is determined to see it continue to grow. When she confronts the men she finds that they are definately surveying the area for development. That immediately embarks Callie on a crusade to save the area.
Gage is an architect hired to come up with plans for the new developement. Having left his last job because of ethical questions, he is now trying to be out on his own. Starting over in Otter Bay and this new project is the perfect way to start his own business. He and Callie clash from the moment they meet. Yet something sparks an attraction between them.
Both Callie and Gage not only struggle with the attraction that they have for each other, but also they each are having personal struggles with their faith. Gage is once more finding himself in a position where his ethics will be questioned. Callie is being threatened to stop her efforts to save the property for the community. They eventually find that God is more important than their efforts and He has a plan for both of them.
This is an ARC copy of this book. It has the potential of being a good story. I am hoping that before it goes on sale that there will be some editing taking place. The story switches back and forth between Gage’s point of view and Callie’s point of view. When we are reading Callie’s point of view it is told in first person using “I” “me” etc. But when we are reading Gage’s point of view it is told in a different tense and I think that the author slips up and switches different tenses. It was a bit distracting.
Callie Dufflay is a cause fighter. She is always fighting for some cause or another. She has deep convictions about right and wrong, about taking care of our planet and she stands and acts on those convictions. A deep faith also drives her to do the right thing. She is on a mission to help save a piece of property in her small village that borders a marine sanctuary. Gage Mitchell, is starting over. His last boss was so dirty and crooked, he knew it was time to begin a company of his own. Choosing the small town of Otter Bay, and a new project that looked like it would be a real money maker, he is finally feeling like things are going his way. His sister and nephew have come to live with him, after her husband was sent to prison, Gage is happy to be able to have them with him. This project/mission is really stretching Callie. Not only is she suddenly all in the news, her family is not happy about it. And this new guy in town Gage, she seems to constantly be running into him. She knows that there is some underhanded dealing going on with this property, but her promise to the owners, keeps her silent. Will Otter Bay have a new development? Will the Kitteridge family be robbed of their property? What will happen to Otter Bay? This book was so fun to read, I never knew what Callie would be up to next. I could relate to her anguish over trying to help someone who is being swindled, while trying to keep their confidential secret. This book is definitely a book to read this summer. I loved it from cover to cover. 400 pages US$14.99 5 stars This book was provided for review purposes only
Title: A SHORE THING Author: Julie Carobini Publisher: Broadman and Holman July 2010 ISBN: 978-08054-4875-7 Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Callie Duflay has to have her causes. The rest of her family live white collar lives, but s he lives in a beach house and works at a camp with kids. When she discovers developers are planning to use the wildlife reserve in Otter Bay, Callie is instantly up in arms. She is going to stop this, one way or another.
Gage Mitchell is easygoing, eco-friendly and professional, but he’s not about to give up a job just because some local woman is angry about it. Not even if the angry woman is cute.
The two are at a stand-off, but they both have things in common. They care for creation and the environment, and they both defend what they believe in. But with them on opposite sides of the fence, will they ever be able to see the possibility of a relationship?
A SHORE THING is the second book in Ms. Carobini’s Otter Bay series, but it easily stands alone. I couldn’t help but care for Callie as she starts out by adopting a stray dog and her concern about nature was apparent, even when she got a bit aggressive. Gage is an out-and-out sweetheart. I fell in love with him from the moment he was introduced.
A SHORE THING touches on issues that are timely as more and more of our forest lands, or beach fronts, are being taken over by people. I was interested in who would win out over this issue, Callie or Gage, though I had my preferences. $14.99. 392 pages.
A Shore Thing by Julie Carobini is an Otter Bay novel following up to Sweet Waters. Callie Duflay has earned a reputation as always fighting for some cause or another. Her family is frustrated by her refusal to settle down and live a normal life instead of working as assistant camp director at a local Christian camp. When she discovers that a section of beautiful shore land is going to be developed into condominiums, she starts a protest group to stop the destruction to the beautiful natural area, but she finds that she may have jumped the gun when she talks to the owner and finds out the truth behind the property's sale. Throw in handsome Gage Mitchell, the architect for the project who creates sparks with Callie every time they meet, and you have a recipe for star-crossed romance. Gage is a likable hero with strong faith and the desire to build green buildings, but he seems to throw back his head and laugh a lot. Callie's desire to do right leads her into plenty of trouble, but she has to learn to accept that God's will may not be what she wants. Gage and Callie are a natural couple, but at times the story seemed a bit stilted, with a bit too much of heads being thrown back in laughter. It's still a sweet romantic read perfect for the beach.
A SHORE THING by Julie Carobini is a light read, perfect for a relaxing summer day.
Callie Duflay, a woman that gravitates towards causes, has her work cut out for her when she stumbles across a plan to develop prime oceanfront property in her beloved town of Otter Bay. Gage Mitchell, the architect assigned to the project, gets off on the wrong foot with Callie, and soon finds himself on opposite sides of the rising controversy over the Kitteridge property. While both Callie and Gage feel something growing between them, they both ignore such feelings knowing nothing can come of it. It Callie succeeds in her quest, Gage will be without a job. If Gage succeeds with his plans, Callie and the town of Otter Bay will lose their beloved sanctuary.
I enjoyed A SHORE THING. Though not my genre of choice – I prefer a little more action/suspense – it was enjoyable all the same. It wasn’t a suspenseful book that you just couldn’t put down, but it was an entertaining enough story that you looked forward to picking it up at the end of the day.
Very engaging writing with a warmth of faith to touch the heart.
Julie Carobin weaves a wonderful tale of misconceptions, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities into an all out battle to save and preserve the habitat at Otter Cover. The characters make mistakes, loose battles and get depressed. Yet faith in God is the thread that weaves its way into their lives, giving them determination and courage to press forward when the tides turn and it appears all is lost.
The writing is smooth, realistic and has a good balance of description and engaging dialogue. The characters are many but each fits well into the story. They interact with realism and the challenges of modern life. The surprising twists and turns will keep you reading.
A Shore Thing is an upbeat and enjoyable book for the Christian Romance booklover
Callie Duflay is certainly her own person with an agenda. Fighting to keep beach land free for the people of Otter Bay (and for the otters) she challenges Gage Mitchell and anyone else in her way who is set on helping a development be built on the land. Callie will stop at nothing for her cause (one of many) and must face down her family. Faith and trust play a major role throughout this book. Congrats on another good read!
I have read all of Julie Carobini's other books so far and enjoyed them, especially Chocolate Beach; however, I just can't get into this story at all. I'm almost halfway through the book and ready to give up. It's too slow-moving and dull, in my opinion, and the characters just aren't that interesting. I'm very disappointed in this particular book, but I would give the author another chance.
A sweet, quick, Christian romance, about a small town facing an unwanted tourist development. Callie is the kind hearted community crusader, and Gage is the unwitting architect for some shady maneuverings. I really liked that this book had multiple facets, including family, service, spirituality, and ethics.
I'm in the middle of reading it but somehow, I'm also in the middle of "should I or should not I" continue reading it dilemma. Well, based on most of the reviews, I think it will be the latter. Time for me to look for a new book.LOL
great read if you live in a dreary IN winter and want to read about people being able to enjoy the outside. this book doesnt require much thinking and you pretty much know what is going to happen. cute and will probably read more of authors books as this was my first.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a nice story with some good principles to keep you thinking. Easy light reading. The story is simple but leaves you pondering questions of your own regarding faith, God, "the big picture."