NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two sisters must learn from each other’s strengths and trust in the redeeming power of love in a touching new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber. The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an … brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.
Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.
Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk.
Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.
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Willa and Harper are very close sisters as their mother died young. Willa became mother to Harper and saw her through a fight with leukemia which brought them even closer. Along with their brother Lucas, they are close knit siblings as their dad became an alcoholic when their mom died.
This was such a beautifully poignant story. I haven’t cried in a novel for a long time, but this one certainly touched my heart. Well written, with realistic characters dealing with the ups, downs, and tragedies of life. Macomber brought small town Oceanside, Washington to life. I loved Willa’s coffee shop, Bean There, and the role it played in the story. I also found it very interesting to have a main male character whose profession was a photojournalist. I could definitely see where long trips away shooting could cause problems in a relationship.
The slowly developing relationship between Sean and Willa was wonderful to observe. Sean had to do some hard thinking about how his profession affected their relationship. In turn, Willa had been the controller over life for so long playing the role of mother that she had to learn to let go of some of that control.
Beautiful story that ran the gamut of emotions and left me hoping that Macomber will revisit Oceanside, Washington again someday.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
A Walk Along the Beach is the summer 2020 offering from prolific author Debbie Macomber. Sisters Willa and Harper Lakey are best friends, roommates, and survivors, both of the loss of their mother many years ago and Harper’s recent bout of leukemia. When their mother passed suddenly from an aneurism, a young Willa moved into the role of ‘mother’ for the family including their brother, Lucas, and their father. Willa is very protective, especially of Harper, and this is causing some friction between the sisters.
Harper has blossomed into a vivacious young woman who doesn’t seem to take much seriously. She doesn’t date anyone for more than a few weeks and actually sets those suitors up with others more often than not. Willa is much more introverted although open and friendly, especially in running her coffee shop, Bean There. When Harper notices a seemingly shy fellow coming daily and watching Willa more than drinking coffee, she again plays matchmaker. Sean O’Malley is a free lance photographer who travels often, and sometimes for extended periods, for his career. Since his former life, Sean has been somewhat reclusive and feels rather awkward with Willa, but he is definitely interested.
When tough times again visit the Lakey family, Willa again jumps into ‘mother’ mode. With the family rallied around the only thing Willa is missing to fortify her is Sean, who is on assignment on the other side of the world. When the unthinkable happens, Willa closes herself off from Sean.
As the story unfolds the depth of character of this cast is demonstrated over and over. The interpersonal relationships are touching and memorable. This is a beautifully written story of love and loss and finding one’s way to the light when the storm has passed. Ms. Macomber has once again penned a deeply felt story that should be yet another bestselling hit for this award winning author. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This has got to be the most gut wrenching book I’ve read in a long time. I finished this book two days ago but I could not write a review without crying. I sat and sobbed when I finished this book. This book deals with family, love, and loss. An excellent book, very well written with outstanding characters but wow does it pull your emotional strings. Debbie Macomber never fails to entertain! Enjoy!
This was a story that evoked many emotions in me. Debbie Macomber is an author that is able to bring her characters to life on the pages of her books. This one seemed even more so. Having personally experienced the feelings brought on by losing her best friend to cancer (hence the dedication) she brought Willa and Harper to a real life situation in this story. Willa acted like a mother figure to both Lucas and Harper after losing their mother at a young age. Pressure and responsibility feel heavy on Willa’s shoulders after Harper was diagnosed with leukemia five years ago. Willa always felt weight being lifted and stressed relieved each time she strolled along the beach. Harper survived and took life “by the horns” so to speak, bungee jumping and mountain climbing. Willa was forever worrying about Harper even though she was now over twenty one. Willa owned her own coffee and pastry shop that was frequented by many of her community. I enjoyed the character of Sean as a love interest for Willa also. He was an aspiring photographer which brought conflict to their relationship. Be sure and have a box of tissues on hand because you’ll need them several times, sad tears as well as happy tears. Great story that flowed smoothly among turbulent waters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review.
A beautiful story of family and love!
I absolutely loved this emotion filled book. From light humor that made me smile, to heart break regarding what this family has already survived, to destruction at what they currently face, I experienced every emotion as each of these characters struggled along this journey.
Willa won my heart almost immediately as she has lived a life that the faint of heart would not be able to endure. As the rock of her family, she doesn’t ask for more, but when the opportunity for more in her life presents itself in the shape of Sean, she takes the chance.
Initially, I was rooting for Sean, but this is not your typical sweet and easy romance. He makes decisions that I struggled with along with Willa. And while she definitely made him work to resume his place in her life, I was unsatisfied that nothing had really changed in that department as these are actions he continues to make. I did love the way he “courted” her which is why his decision seemed to be against the very character he was created to be in the beginning.
This has multiple layers to the plot that calls into play a variety of choices each of these characters must make and the consequences of those choices. I recommend that you have a box of tissues handy as you’ll definitely need them. This is basically steam free although this couple do have a few moments together that will allow the reader to recognize they have chemistry between them.
Gorgeous cover, delightful scenery and Debbie Macomber…three things to entice a reader to check out the story between the covers. I enjoyed this book for many reasons, not the least of which is how family dynamics come into play. This could be any family who has had grief come uninvited to the table. Willa quickly cast off the role of big sister to Harper when their mother died. Their father was unavailable and their brother left home to join the service. Willa quickly stepped up to fill the gaps to be everyone and everything to her sister. Harper, having survived a devastating illness, took charge of her health and broke some hearts along the way. Now, she feels, it is time for Willa to take a look at relaxing enough to find love. After all, her sister gave up so much to take care of her and it was past time for Willa to really live.
Sean O’Malley caught Harper’s eye as being a perfect match for Willa. Unable to think of herself beyond running her business, Willa has no designs on Sean. Harper is an incorrigible matchmaker, and the rest, as they say, is history. Except, life has a way of tossing a curve ball and the story has a few balls that are tossed in the air to make things interesting.
There are many ways this story could have gone. The characters are in no way one dimensional. I laughed and I cried when I read this book. When it gets down to it, if a book has just part of a character the reader can identify with, it is a good study of human nature. This is a love story, yet not just romantic love, although it is definitely a romance, but the love of family is central to the theme and it is very refreshing. A Walk Along The Beach will fill your heart as it entertains you. I heartily recommend this book. I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review, but all opinions are mine.
Found this to be an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. The story line is filled with sadness, determination, worry, strength and love. The characters have amazing connections throughout and grab at your heart strings. Make sure to have tissues ready! Fantastic read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for an ARC of this book. The review and comments are my honest opinion.
Debbie MacComber has long been know as a writer that can pull the heartstrings of her faithful readers. In A Walk Along the Beach she does not disappoint. In the first half of the book we learn how the characters Willa and Harper, who are very close sisters due to the circumstances of their lives, are living with the threat of the return of an insidious disease. As the book continues, Willa and Harper let the disease affect their lives in different ways. So much so, there becomes a rift between the sisters. This story is emotional, filled with heartache and love. It has been a long time since a book has brought tears to my eyes, but this author succeeded in writing another heart felt book
I loved this book, filled with family and pets, and people who are there for one another, and a range of emotions!
We are given a young woman, Willa who had to grow up early when her Mom died, and help raise her brother and sister. She is sill “mothering” her sister now an adult, as we begin the book.
Journey with this family and friends, through smiles, hugs and finding love, through alcoholism, cancer, and loss.
This story brought smiles, and tears, but kept me page-turning, and when finished I wanted more! A don’t miss read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Ballantine, and was not required to give a positive review.
Heartbreakingly beautiful. I can’t remember the last time a book moved me so much, but I was bawling for a good portion of this book.
This story is well written. All the emotions and scenes flow seamlessly together and wrapped me up for the journey. The family dynamic and community feel was present from the beginning. There is foreshadowing that demonstrates the direction of the book, but it does not detract from the actual moments and events as they unfold.
Love is the theme and it is shown in multiple ways throughout this book. The community showing up at the store, the rent being paid, the words at the hospital ICU, the Bible verses, the romantic relationships, the family relationships, the animal camaraderie…you name it, love was present.
Thanks for the chance to read this book and share my opinion.
A very touching heartfelt book of sisters and family. Nicely written. Going through illness with family is a devastating situation. This book was written with empathy and kindness. Kudos to Ms Macomber.
Debbie Macomber has perfected the art of writing stories of family love and conflict and dealing with tragedy and illness.
Willa Lakey took over the roll of caretaker of her family after the death of her mother. Her father was too consumed with grief to take care of his family, choosing instead to drown his grief in a bottle.
Having taken care of her younger sister and brother for so long, Willa has a hard time letting go. She still wants to protect them. After winning the battle against Leukemia, her younger sister, Harper, is ready to be her own person and make her own decisions. The love and the struggle between these two sisters is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Ms. Macomber has a wonderful talent for creating characters and situations that involve all the emotions. I felt like I was living the story.
I definitely recommend A Walk Along the Beach. You won’t be disappointed.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Gahhhh the ending was too quick. I wanted more of them together finally. 4.5 stars
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The queen of conversation and small-town life has brought together another wonderful story. This one is definitely a story that pulls on your heartstrings and became an emotional read.
With family being the top of the list for most people, reading through this story about illness and loss was sometimes tough. And while the strength of a good strong person next to you can sometimes help, many times we have to go out alone.
With strong characters and great love for one another, the story of just every day people hit home for me. I shed many tears towards the end of the book and while I wished the ending was longer, I guess I should be happy for the ending we were given. But I did want more. I felt it was very abrupt and I wasn’t expecting that to be the ending.
McComber gives us some down home comfort with the sense of close knit family and community in this beautiful story. Plenty of conversation and chitchat makes you feel right at home.
Definitely check out A Walk Along the Beach this summer if you love a great McComber story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for and honest review. I enjoyed this book because it is about 2 sisters. Willa is an introvert, like me, her sister Harper wants to live life to the fullest, and their brother Lucas is always there for them. I so enjoyed Sean coming into the coffee shop when I realized he didn’t even like coffee but wanted to see Willa everyday.
All the people had their own lives, their own struggles but they were there for each other. This isn’t a happily ever after book. It is about life and as we know life can be messy and sometimes not so kind but life still has to go on. I give it a 5 star because Debbie didn’t sugar coat it, she told the story the way life is sometimes. I also loved the book because I too like to take a walk along the beach to clear my head, relax or just at the end of a very long day. There is just something about a walk along the beach.
Debbie Macomber weaves wonderful stories and A Walk Along the Beach is no exception. Willa, Harper and Lucas are close siblings. When their mother died Willa became the “mother”. Now years later they face another family crisis. Powerful story of a family and how they rely on each other for strength and love. Would definitely recommend.
This book was so emotional. Get your tissues ready when you read this book. This book is about a sisters love for each other. Yes there is a romance in there but the sisters are the main part of this book. I didn’t even read the blurb of the book before reading I just knew it would be good because it was written by Debbie Macomber and I was correct. This book has so much heartfelt emotion that you will be not wanting to put the book down.
*I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*