Best Beach Ever

My first introduction to this series, I loved Wendy Wax’s ability to create nuanced characters with relationships that felt plausible and possible, and she’s managed to carry that into this story, making the women compelling, intriguing and most of all, people you want to know. As the sixth in the series, I did expect that some of the background events may play into finding the friendships and progression difficult, but Wax gives just enough background to the characters, along with their own fully realized characters to bring an understanding and curiosity about earlier titles, not just holes where ‘something should have been’. Complex, confused and curiously empathetic, even when they weren’t always ‘at their best, the relationships between the women, all at different stages in their lives with their own particular hurdles to overcome show just how affirming and necessary friendships and acceptance are to them all, and how the security of being in that group helps to shore up their own personal courage and face their fears. From losing baby weight and being a good mum, to allowing forgiveness, struggling with direction and purpose to recouping losses and more, the ladies share concerns, struggles, solutions and laughs in this fun, fast-paced but surprisingly complex read. My only questions came with trying to see just how far each character had come from their early friendships – but fortunately I can catch up by reading the earlier titles in this series. I’m sure readers familiar with this series have this in their beach bag, I’ll have all 6 as I think this is the perfect series to take on that summer vacation to truly escape it all – and revel in friendships and support that everyone seems to need. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Best Beach Ever by Wendy Wax is the sixth novel in Ten Beach Road series. January 2 has rolled around, and the ladies have moved out of Bella Flora, so tenant can move in. They have into their cottages at the Sunshine Hotel. Madeline Singer is getting ready to go on tour with her rocker boyfriend, Will. Kyra and her son, Dustin will be departing in two weeks for Orlando where Dustin will make his acting debut in his father’s, Daniel Deranian new film. Kyra is not looking forward to spending six weeks in the company of Daniel’s wife, Tonja Kay. Nicole Grant Giraldi and her husband, Joe are busy as the parents of active twin daughters. Nicole has not lost her baby weight and is unhappy with her body image. Avery has a new project designing a tiny home. She likes Chase Hardin, but she is unable to commit. Something is holding her back. Bitsy Baynard realizes her husband is not returning (it has been over a year), and she is trying to locate Bertrand along with the money he stole. These ladies are friends (family) through the good times and the bad. They have been through rough times and come out the other side better for it. Come along for another journey with the ladies and see if they get their happily ever after. Best Beach Ever is my favorite book in the series. It is a well-written and engaging story. You do need to read the Ten Beach Road series in order or you will be lost. There are too many characters and backstories. These ladies have been on a journey. They were taken advantage of in a Ponzi scheme and received Bella Flora as a settlement. They had a successful television show and then lost it. They now must rent out Bella Flora to recoup their loss. The benefit is they are all together at the Sunshine Hotel and Beach Club. These women have a great friendship. Maddie is the matriarch of the group and she dispenses valuable wisdom to the group. It has been lovely to watch these women grow over the course of the series. I admit to being frustrated with Kyra and Avery in this installment (just wanted to shake some sense into them). It was nice to watch each woman come into her own. It is a sweet, feel good novel. I am giving Best Beach Ever 4 out of 5 stars. Best Beach Ever is the perfect summer novel.

Love this series!