A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber

July 14, 2020

NetGalley, arc, women’s fiction

Random House/Ballantine Books 

352 pages, digital copy

7/18-7/19

 

I received a complimentary digital copy of this digital book from NetGalley and Random House in exchange for an unbiased review.

 

Debbie Macomber never fails when it comes to a romantic feel-good novel that is not remiss of life’s traumas. A book about family, friends, love and grief. Willa Lakey has worked hard to fulfill her dream of owning a bakery/coffee shop in their Oceanside community. She has sacrificed over the years but never complains when it comes to her devotion to her family. 

 

When Willa’s mother died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm her father drowns his sorrow in alcohol. Not being able to rely on her father Willa becomes a “mother” to her younger sister, Harper and older brother, Lucas. Just as they are healing wounds from the loss of their mother Harper becomes ill and is treated for leukemia. Willa remained at Harper’s side through chemotherapy and eventually the road to remission. 

 

The Lakey sisters lived together in an apartment where Willa remains ever vigilant of her sister’s health. Harper is a free spirit woman who has survived the unthinkable. She is extremely health conscious and works at the health club. Willa is relieved that her sister is doing so well but still fears her sister pushes herself too far. When Harper announces that she is training to climb Mount Rainier, Willa’s maternal nature once again resurfaces. 

 

Harper encourages Willa is stop worrying and start living her own life. It’s when a handsome man enters the café that Harper becomes matchmaker for Willa. It isn’t long before Sean O’Malley is seen daily buying a cup of coffee just to see Willa. Although they barely say much to each other the chemistry is obvious to everyone but them. They eventually begin a friendship that is easy and comforting until a long assignment overseas puts their relationship to the test. 

 

Life is always about taking chances and expanding out of our comfort zone. Throughout the grief and sorrow, the Lakey family has remained supportive and close. This will prove important as they are once again dealt some unexpected news which will change their lives forever. 

 

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2909919504