Review of 'Summer Beach' by Amber Jakeman

Review of 'Summer Beach' of Amber Jakeman

Novel out now! Available on Amazon

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REVIEW

Summer Beach is a wonderful start to the new Escape to the Coast series by Amber Jakeman! I really enjoyed this novel from cover to cover and read most of it in one sitting as I could not put it down. As with all of Amber’s novels, there is always more than meets the eye. These are not just feel-good fiction stories. They cover rich and diverse themes exploring the behaviour of people. This meaty element adds another layer of interest for those who want a bit extra with their romance. Amber delves into the layers of a person’s heart and peels away the facades. She observes and explores in her stories, the reasons people do what they do. In this novel, the heavier topic of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is demonstrated. A very real condition that sees the victim experiencing flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety. You don’t need to have fought in a war to develop this condition for it can result from any traumatic life event. In this case, it is the loss of a child’s mother. Sam is all grown-up now and even though her mother died (a drowning) when she was little, her young mind was so deeply affected by what she saw and felt, the trauma became buried in her subconscious. And the wounds carried over into her adulthood. She did not know how much it affected her until returning to the place where the loss happened. Here painful memories are triggered.

Sam is an Australian who moved away a decade ago to LA to work in computer coding. But she has maintained some local ties such as with her long time friend, Fliss. After Sam’s father dies, she and her brother are left with his beach house on the central coast (NSW). Rick, her brother, lives in Victoria so she is the one to get the property cleared out and ready for sale. Rick needs funds and Sam has no intentions of moving back here, so getting someone to purchase the property as soon as possible is vital. But as you’d expect, things do not go as planned.

Sam is a workaholic and it is not until she comes back to set things in order, that this place begins to tug on her heart. Along with her neighbour, Jake, who first appears as gruff and agitated by her activity around the property. She wants to trim trees for a better view, among other things. He sees this as a threat to the environment and natural wildlife. Although he drives her mad, she is also attracted to him. Little does she know he is a hideaway rock star. And that after losing the love of his life in a sad event, ten years earlier, he left the performance industry vowing never to return. He now makes guitars for high profile musicians. But it is through his encounters with Sam, that his life begins to change. Jake also is visited by an important mentor music friend who encourages him to perform with his old band for a special benefit concert in Vegas. He accepts in memory of Lulu for the funds go to help those suffering from depression. Lulu took her own life and Jake blamed himself.

I loved so many things about this novel for it touches on activities dear to my own heart such as beach life and song writing. Music performance and composition is a large part of my past so I understand many of the musical references, guitar playing and writing of lyrics. Jake also is good working with wood. His guitars are exceptional but he can make other items, too. Again, these skills and talents are very relatable for me as they are part of my own family.

Amber did her research thoroughly and delivered believable well-rounded characters whose activities and responses are appropriate. She expertly covers emotional and mental battles of stage life, grief from loss of loved ones and family, post-traumatic stress disorder, workaholic tendencies, dealing with aggressive bosses and even puppy love between a boy and his dog. Lyric-wise the ‘Mermaid’ song is lovely and a focal point of the story for it carries a message of love from the past into the present. We learn how and why it was written and the beautiful sentiment behind it.

This novel oozes love, kindness, friendship, neighbourly care, courage and emotional healing. There’s unveiling of heart desires, finding new purposes and second chances. There’s clear demonstrations of actions and reactions and human responses to pain and suffering. Which is why I said, Amber’s novels are not just sweet love stories, they carry important life messages. They have great depth, initiate hope and reflect an understanding of human behaviour. I highly recommend this heart-warming and uplifting story, no matter the season. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Amber Jakeman for a review copy.