For Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can’t wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island–they’re all too young, too old, or too weird–Maddie feels like she’s finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.And then Ricky O’Shea drops in. Literally. Floating … Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again–the one who’d been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance–parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O’Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.
Time to panic.
With wit and a bit of whimsy, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Three Sisters Island where family, forgiveness, and a second chance at love await.
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Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Three Sisters Island in Maine and to visit with the Grayson family. On a Coastal Breeze is told from the perspective of each of the three Grayson sisters and their father. The three women are so different from each other, but they challenge the others and love them through their struggles.
This family-centered story, book two in the series, is anchored by middle sibling Maddie’s romance but this story is so much more than that. It’s about people discovering their flaws and growing in character with the love and support of those who love them. And it’s about missed connections and second chances.
There are plenty of quirky residents (and wildlife) of the island to bolster the main cast of characters. I look forward to Blaine’s book soon because this is one sister who is longing to find her place in the world.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
It was great to return to Three Sisters Island and time catch up with the Graysons. This series makes me want to vacation on the island and stay at the camp. I loved the way this story was told from each of their perspectives. I found myself caring more for each of these characters. I really liked Maddie and Rick. I really can’t wait for the next book. I can’t wait to see what these characters are up to!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The story is a breath of fresh air as the first chapter begins. I am so glad to take a trip back to Three Sisters Island. The beauty of the island is so welcoming that you don’t want to leave. I could hear the boats glaze across the water and the smell of fresh brewed coffee from the cafe. In fact I would like to move there.
I really enjoyed catching up with the sisters as each one had a problem they needed to deal with. Cam was starting to make me mad as she kept putting off her wedding. I know she is dedicated to her cause to help the island and their electricity issues, but she better be careful that her fiancé doesn’t tire of her inability to commit to a date for the wedding. Cam is fighting against herself as she will discover what really is important in her life.
Blaine has become an accomplished chef but she still feels like she is not being taken serious enough. She has a deep secret that is preventing her from finishing Culinary School. I really understood her need to flee from everything because it is easier to run from our circumstances then to face them. She has some big decisions to make that will change the direction of her life.
Maddie is finally a therapist and I loved her heart to help people. She doesn’t judge anyone who comes to her for help. She does however meet her past when the new pastor is introduced. I can remember my school days very well. There was this boy that was always picking on me. He was relentless and made my life miserable. Maddie’s nemesis was Ricky. It’s been years since she has seen him but that will all change when Maddie and Rick run into each other on the island. I loved how Maddie must have been beside herself when the new pastor is none other than Rick. Okay so I laughed a bit at this. God always finds a way for us to face our hurts and regrets. The dynamics between Maddie and Rick are emotional and real.
The story is so well written I did not put it down till I finished. I had to see how Maddie would handle her feelings when she and Rick have a serious talk. Rick is a changed person, but Maddie is still holding on to things he did to her since kindergarten. It is possible to give great advice to others, but will Maddie be able to step out and forgive Rick? The faith element in the book is well done and I have to say I loved how Pastor Rick told the story about Jonah in his sermon. He had people on the edge of their seats.
I loved reading about each sister and how they came to Maddie for help. I think this was important because it showed they trusted her and gave Maddie a much needed boost of confidence in her work. The author is good at scattering laughable moments in the book to fill readers with a smile. Her writing is graceful as she takes her time to lay out each character and expose their inner struggles. I loved the lessons about trust, self esteem, family and forgiveness. The ending is good but boy do I have some unanswered questions. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what surprises are in store for the family next.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
“If you had no fear of death, then that vague dread that constantly hovered – it could be vanquished. Not just managed or discounted, but eliminated. Overcome. Conquered. Defeated.”
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a gifted storyteller with a voice that wraps around your reader heart to deliver heartbreaks, showers of grace and mercy, and tender reconciliation. This is book 2 in the Three Sisters Island series, and, though it could be read as a stand-alone, it’s better read after Cam and Seth’s story in On a Summer Tide so you’re better acquainted with the minor characters of the island who truly make the story more lively. Filled with family tension, misunderstandings, issues of fear and anxiety, and faith lessons of facing life’s challenges head-on, the story will have you falling in love with the island and its inhabitants while walking with them in their daily lives on a remote island off the coast of Maine.
This story focuses on Maddie, the middle sister who starts a counseling/therapy center on the island. She’s the glue that keeps the Grayson family together and works overtime with her sisters and father to help them become more self-aware. The islanders call Rick to be their very first pastor and he sweeps everyone off their feet but there’s a lot of history between Maddie and Rick which come out in flashbacks. Misunderstandings and secrets swirl around all the Graysons and Rick. All the four Graysons (Paul the father, Cam the oldest, Maddie, and Blaine the youngest) have a voice in this story, which is fun because more pieces of all four of their lives come out in each book. This book delved deeper into the characters’ thoughts, motives, fears, and dreams. What will the third book hold? I can’t wait for Blaine’s story!
Fans of well-written contemporary romance will thoroughly enjoy this book and the series. I received a copy of the book from Revell via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
As I was reading On A Coastal Breeze I felt welcomed home. The story continues right where the first left off. Now you could read this as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the first in the series as it sets up this book.
Three Sister’s Island is where you’re going to want to go to vacation but you’ll feel so at home you won’t want to leave!
Everyone on the island knows you and is there to lend a helping hand when you need it.
The father in the story may be a little gruff but here’s no denying his love for his daughters.
This contemporary read is just what you need with it’s endearing characters, family rebuilding and spiritual reawakening to make this a sure fire do not pass up read.
I recommend this book.
Pub Date 05 May 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Suzanne Woods Fisher is well known for her Amish fiction, however she writes contemporary fiction that is just as good and I highly recommend them. On a Coastal Breeze is Book 2 of the Three Sisters Island series. It could be read as a stand alone but it makes more sense to read Book 1, On a Summer Tide, first. You’ll understand the first couple of chapters better.
I enjoyed revisiting Three Sisters Island and its inhabitants. Strong, well developed characters give this book a sense of reality that isn’t always easy to find. But I’m sure the island and people exist and I’d love to find them. And I’d love to visit the island; it sounds beautiful and peaceful. Well, most of the time. (No spoiler alerts here!)
On a Coastal Breeze visits the relationships between three sisters, who are each in some type of crisis. Add in a new counseling degree, a new pastor, and quirky islanders, and you have a story worth reading.
I appreciated the Christian theme of this book. Woods Fisher shows us that God is always waiting for us to turn to Him. He is the one to depend on in all situations. Don’t be afraid that the theme is preachy because it isn’t. It’s written very naturally and adds to the story.
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction with a sound plot and great characters then I recommend reading On a Coastal Breeze.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Welcome back to Three Sisters Island, where life is slow, electricity is spotty, and there are no secrets.
Yet, in On a Coastal Breeze, Book Two of Three Sisters Island by Suzanne Woods Fisher, we find that life is messy. Each sister in the Grayson family, plus their father, has a few secret fears. Paul, the father, is having a rough time being administrator of Camp Kicking Moose. Cam, the eldest, is putting off her wedding in favor of island improvement. How long can Seth wait? Cooper needs more attention than Cam is willing to give. Will this family-to-be happen? Maddy is settling into her dream job of counselor-therapist when Ricky O’Shea, the bane of her young existence, drops out of the sky…to become the new pastor. “As a boy, Ricky O’Shea had stolen her heart. As a man, he was back to claim it.” Can Maddy decide whether she hates or loves Rick? Blaine is as unsteady and unable to finish a goal as ever. However, she has a wonderful friendship with Artie Lotosky. They’re so fun, warm, and they totally understand each other. No wonder everyone but Blaine thinks they’d be a good match.
As always, Fisher has a charming sense of humor, with characters that are warm, real, and flawed. It is easy to identify with them, imagining them as your neighbors or even bits of yourself. Fisher’s voice and easy ebb and flow of words set the tone for an island that you almost want to locate for your next vacation. However, the waiting list for Camp Kicking Moose is a little long.
While I usually groan at lists of characters in the beginning of a book, it was very helpful to ease my transition back to this beautiful fishing island. I believe this book could be read alone, but I strongly recommend reading it as its part of the series.
We are left with enough unfulfilled hopes and unanswered questions at the end of the book to gratefully look forward to book three.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. (I also purchased my own copy.) This in no way affects my opinions which are solely my own.
What a great addition to the Three Sisters Island series! I really liked book one of the series and I enjoyed book two even more. I think that readers could probably jump in and enjoy this story even if they haven’t read book one, but they would miss out on this family’s initial decision to become residents of the island, as well as the very important backstory for Cam, Seth, and Cooper.
Just as in book one, On a Coastal Breeze gives the reader the account of the story from the perspective of each of the three sisters and also of their father, Paul. The reader does not get to see into the mind of the love interests in these particular books. And while I would have loved to hear Rick O’Shea’s thoughts and feelings in this story, I still enjoyed the building up of the plot through all of the other characters.
I liked catching up with Cam, Maddie, and Blaine. Each of them had their own situations building in this story and all three were interesting. However, I loved learning more about Maddie and all of the fear she struggled with throughout her life. Getting to see her interacting in both good and bad ways with Rick as they grew up made her reaction to him showing up on the island very understandable. Great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Since I come from a family of 3 daughters, I can relate to the Grayson family and the uniqueness of each daughter. I loved book 1–On a Summer Tide–and had been waiting for book 2–On a Coastal Breeze. This book entertained, presented numerous interesting situations like the counseling sessions, the adversarial relationship between Maddie and Ricky O’Shea, the hesitancy of Cam to finally set a wedding date and move forward, Cooper’s fears, and others, but the inspiring aspect of the book was the way each main character’s faith was strengthened and God’s principles were woven into the novel. Each daughter came to better understand herself, God’s plan for her life, and how she fit in the Grayson family. I lOVED the dynamics between Ricky and Maddie. Now I can’t wait for the third book in the series to become available!
“On a Coastal Breeze” by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christian fiction book. This book is the second in the Three Sisters Island series. Three Sisters Island is a calm , peaceful place for a setting. The people who live there can recharge in the peaceful and quiet area . There are several themes in this book: : anxiety vs peace, overcoming fears, God’s forgiveness for us and our forgiveness for each other. The reader will feel like they have walked into this island for a while. Suzanne
has written over 30 novels. She writes Amish stories and other fiction titles. her website is :www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Read less Thank you to the publisher, netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I have been given this book for review purposes only and the opinions are
Sometimes a chapter does change an entire book!
The Lord will complete what his purpose is for me. Lord, your gracious love is eternal; do not abandon your personal work in me. — Psalm 138:8
Once again the author has drawn such a beautiful picture of Three Sisters Island and Camp Kicking Moose that I am almost envious of those who get to live there! This book centers on Maddie, the middle sister, however, the rest of the family is certainly not left out of the narrative. Cam is totally into her efforts to make the island self-sustainable as far as energy is concerned, sometimes to the detriment of her relationship with Seth and Cooper. Blaine, returning from her first year of culinary school, does not want to continue – once again struggling with finishing what she has started. Paul, their father, seemingly has his own struggles.
In all, this book had me doing a great deal of reflective thinking. How easy it is to quit before you get started, or be so involved that you forget those that are important to you! Maddie’s new career as a therapist perhaps precipitates this deep thinking through her dealings with her clients. Each of these wonderful characters seems to be dealing with fear of some kind. Will they manage to face those fears and move on?
This second book in the Three Sisters Island series can stand alone, but the depth of these characters will leave you wanting to get to know them better. In fact, I am already anxiously awaiting the next book!
This digital copy was received through Baker Publishing Group, Revell books, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. All comments and impressions are my own and were not solicited.
As part of the Revell Blogger Program, I was really excited to be chosen for the second book in this series, “On a Coastal Breeze” to review. Thank you in advance to the publisher who so graciously sent me a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required or requested, all views and words are my own.
In anticipation of receiving the book, I ordered “On a Summer Tide”.
As previously mentioned, this is part of a series. This could function as a standalone read, but would be best enjoyed being read with the previous book. “On a Coastal Breeze” is Madison’s story.
Like the previous one, this cover is so tranquil, serene and gorgeous that it seems like it would be difficult to find anything wrong in what seems like paradise. But, as we all know – never judge a book by the cover, and if something seems like too much of a good thing … it probably is.
Right off the blurb grabbed me – a new pastor who literally drops in on the island. Someone from Madison’s youth – someone who was relentless in his teasing. Now, he’s grown up – like her – and taking on a role to change people’s lives much like Maddie does.
But, she can’t seem to get over the past between them.
Like the previous novel, all three sisters are in crisis. Cam is in the middle of an energy proposal for the island in addition to trying to set a date for her wedding; Maddie is trying to get her business going; Blaine is home from culinary school, on a break – but this time it is for a different reason.
The camp is now in its second season and doing quite well. And, the two thieves from the previous novel are back. There is some minor character development between the two characters, though more so with one of them.
Most of the flashbacks are told from Maddie’s perspective, and more or less reflect on her “relationship” with Rick.
In addition to the unresolved conflict with Maddie, Rick also upsets Cooper with the Jonah/whale bible story. This throws Cooper back into chaos, so much so it affects most aspects of his day to day life. Though there is a resolution at the end, I was very curious as to what happened to really cause that problem. Though Cooper’s rapid acceptance of Seth was quite interesting. And, for some reason that seemed to calm him down. For those who read the first book – this revelation should come as no surprise.
I really enjoyed Rick’s character quite a bit. As this was also partly his story, I did like him more than Seth. And, I felt Rick’s character was already developed when he dropped in. Blaine seemed to be maturing, but at a slower pace. Cam was still in the middle of chaos, so this novel seemed to show some growth for her towards the end.
This was more in-depth than the first novel.
Tillie’s attitude regarding Maddie and Rick threw me for a loop. I honestly didn’t see that coming – nor did I want to. As this issue was quite unresolved at the end, I am wondering if the author plans to revisit that in the third installment.
Towards the end, the author set up a rather “heart-stopping” issue with Rick and Maddie. And, it was so heart-warming to see how much Maddie really cared and grew to love Rick even more. Their relationship was actually the best of the two featured so far.
The events in this book set up the third book, which will probably be Blaine’s story. I’m really curious about the “culinary school” issue, along with her romance (or rather lack of) with Artie.
I am also hoping for some “completion” of the story between Peg and Paul. There, to me, seems like a “will they/won’t they” sort of romance between the two.
This was very well written and definitely hard to put down. I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one, and am eagerly awaiting the third installment.
As this is distributed by Revell, which is a Christian/faith themed publisher, there will be Christian tones to it. Since Rick’s main job is being a pastor, this relies on faith as a central theme and is part of the plot line. Some of Revell’s books don’t rely this heavily on faith. It wasn’t a problem for me as I don’t mind it.
For those who want less “preaching”, they may want to pass it up. This is also a clean read which means there are no sex scenes or foul language.
Recommended for fans of Christian fiction that enjoy strong faith and church themes; or for fans of the author who are familiar with her work.
On a Coastal Breeze, book two in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Three Sisters Island series is a destination for your upcoming summer reading list. All the elements for a coastal vacation are within the covers of this wonderful story. A small island off the coast of Maine with just enough charm to have you pull up a chaise lounge and read on a sandy beach.
This series is about the Grayson family, who are in the process of finding new life after the patriarch, Paul sold the family home and bought Three Sisters Island. This book, which can stand alone or alongside the introductory book, On A Summer Tide. The characters are well developed and could easily be one’s neighbor or family member. Memories are visited as life unfolds and we learn that what we have experienced in our youth can shape who we are as adults. Madison is no exception as she explores so many of her encounters with Ricky O’Shea. He is such an engaging character and adds a lot of humor into the story. From his grand entrance to his serious side, he is important to the story. Yet he is still Ricky O’Shea, and she isn’t sure she can move past that.
Madison, the middle Grayson daughter, has quietly made a big impact on her family. Random comments they share on occasion since moving to the island give her valuable insight on her place in the family dynamics. She never thought of herself as confident as her sisters, often feeling as though she is in the background. It is interesting the way one touches others lives until it is shared in those odd moments, out of context, many years later. As her family begins their second year on the island and a new camp season, the changes bring them that much closer to each other.
I enjoyed this book and the new developments in the Grayson family. A well written story with wonderful characters, it is easy to recommend. Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy for review. All opinions are mine.
I requested, and was granted the opportunity to read and review this book through Revell Reads Blog-review program. This review is totally my own opinion and a good review is not required.
This is not the first book I’ve read by Suzanne Woods Fisher and it will not be the last. 🙂 This book was the second in the series Three Sisters Island. It is a good stand-alone book, but it would have been better if I had read the first book. I wasn’t lost without reading the first book, it just would have made the characters easier to understand.
I suspect that the first book revolved more around the oldest sister, Cam ad this book was more about Maddie, the second sister. The characters are nicely developed and fun to “get to know”. I am sure that this book is a continuation of the story in the first book as the ending leaves room for the book to continue with the youngest sister in a third book.
The story was a true Christian romance as it did portray God and show your need for Him without being preachy. I am thankful for truly Christian fiction with a bit of meat.
Mostly, I enjoyed the book. The editing was done well, but I found the choice of words once in a while were a bit unusual. This only happened a few times but I had to go back and re-read sometimes. I was sorry to see the book end and look forward to reading the next book.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating and it is a book I would recommend to my friends.
I haven’t read it all the way through just yet. I read the first book in the series, On a Summer Tide, and I am excited to read the second book in the series. I loved all the characters and the storyline is so engaging.
On a Coastal Breeze is the second installment from Suzanne Woods Fisher series, Three Sisters Island. Since it is part of a series, I would recommend reading the books in order to grasp a better understanding as to what is going on. I adored the first book, On a Summer Tide, and this one does not disappoint. I enjoyed getting to know more about Camden’s sister, Maddie. It was, also, fun meeting Rick and how he came into town. I loved those two in the scenes together and wanted to know what would happen next. The whole book was a delight and I had it read in a few hours.
I am giving On a Coastal Breeze five plus stars. I recommend this book, as well as the Three Sisters Island series for readers who love to read a good, clean read. I can not wait to find out what happens in the series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Travel back to the charming Three Sisters Island, Maine for another visit with the Grayson family!
On a Coastal Breeze is a strong, character-driven novel. My favorite thing about this story is the fact that, for a contemporary read, Fisher does not write worldly characters. There are no pop culture mentions, no brand names, no celebrities and no trends. It’s clear to see these endearing characters are in the world but not of the world. It’s so refreshing!
There are a few flashback scenes in the book that really shape who Maddie and Rick are. Fisher handled it very delicately, and I’ve listed the subject matter in the spoiler section below for those sensitive to these topics.
This is a series to enjoy in order, so make sure you read On a Summer Tide before you read this one. Both are available at http://www.christianbook.com and http://www.bakerbookhouse.com . I cannot wait til the last book in this series to see how the Grayson family changes again during another camping season on the island. There’s no release date yet, so stay tuned – I’ll share as soon as I see a book cover!
I highly recommend On a Coastal Breeze! I hope you enjoy it!
I received a complimentary advanced reading copy of this book from Revell through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
While I haven’t read it yet, the preceding book “On a Summer Tide” was terrific. I’m anxiously awaiting receiving my copy of “On a Coastal Breeze”. Quirky family, different location than where they previously lived. Ah yes, and love is in the air.
Waiting for this book to be released. A wonderful author and first book was wonderful