I don’t know about ya’ll, but it is HOT here in Tennessee! And nothing is better than drinking a big glass of sweet tea and reading on a hot day and Ocean Beach by Wendy Wax is a perfect summer read!
Ocean Beach is the “next chapter” in the lives of Nicole, Avery and Maddie, who were first introduced to readers in Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax (2011). I have not read Ten Beach Road nor do I feel you have to in order to read Ocean Beach. I was able to read along just fine. However, after reading Ocean Beach I will say I’d love to read any and everything Wendy Wax has written!
An unusual group of friends are working together to get a home renovation TV pilot off the ground. These ladies aren’t looking for TV celebrity, but wanting to get their lives back on track. That’s right a story about empowering women and home renovation—I loved it from get go!
These lovely ladies are looking for a Do Over, while restoring an old Miami South Beach Mansion (Nice!). The owner of the mansion is Max Golden, an elderly gentleman who in his prime partied with the rat pack. Max isn’t just looking to have his home restored, he is looking for something or better yet someone.
When the ladies arrive at the Miami house to start the renovation and filming for their show, they are shocked to find out the television network has decided instead to turn the whole thing into a reality show. Avery feels a loss of control and begins to fear the network will portray her as a bimbo who doesn’t know how to run a construction site. Nicole has been hoping to get her match making business back off the ground, but fears a ‘reality’ show is only going to cast a bright light back on her brother the criminal. And Maddie isn’t sure her marriage can take it.
There are also a few other characters in the story. Deidre who is the decorator and Avery’s estranged mother. Deidre is looking to find a way back into her daughter’s life and Avery wants very little to do with her. There is also Kyra, Maddie’s daughter. Kyra is video recording the renovation and has an adorable baby boy, Dustin. And Dustin’s dad is a famous actor who just so happens to show up in Miami South Beach to work on a movie.
With the cameras rolling, the women pull up their sleeves and get to work. But it isn’t long before their real lives are playing out in front of the cameras—in a big way!
I loved this book! I just fell in love with all the characters, especially Max! I could see why the ladies wanted to help him. I enjoyed the numerous stories lines and never felt it got confusing. There is a little mystery in the book, but I figured it out right away. I did enjoy how I kept waiting for someone to figure it out in the book. I was sort of surprised at the end because not everything felt fully resolved. I have to admit I liked that. I can’t help but think we’ll see these ladies again! I sure hope so!
Honestly, there wasn’t anything about this book I didn’t enjoy—the closer to the end of the book the more I enjoyed it!
Grab a copy for your beach bag! I’m recommending Ocean Beach!
Reviewed by Laura
Love it! Great review.
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