Review of 'Sunset Beach' by Amber Jakeman

Review of ‘Sunset Beach’ by Amber Jakeman

Novel available now on Amazon!

What is the novel about?

An ambitious would-be author, a jaded publisher and a fabulous (unfinished) rom-com about a rom-com!

"Meet-cute" becomes "meet-hate" when Sarah goes all out to pitch her book to a famous publisher at a remote beachside writers' conference.

Earnest Oscar is a mere stand-in, questioning the industry and his life path. Disappointed, Sarah's not so furious she can't seek his help.

With his PhD about bestsellers, Oscar can spot a fangirl a mile away, but the unforgettable Sarah actually has talent.

When all Sarah's hopes are dashed, on the sunset beach, Oscar must rescue Sarah's story – and her belief in love.

Can dreams come true? Can Sarah and Oscar fulfill their destiny and find their "happy ever after" by rewriting their future – together?

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REVIEW

Once again Amber Jakeman has delivered an exceptional romantic story of heart and substance, and explored the psychology of human behaviour. Why do people do what they do? What is behind their reactions, desires and ambitions? We learn from Sunset Beach getting what you want is not necessarily what you need. Awakening to the fact that a different path might be better for you is at the core of this story. Life has a way of turning our well-ordered world upside down, or at least tilting it on its axis, to give us a different perspective. Publisher Oscar discovers this once bumping into writer Sarah who learns from the experience, too. What do you get when you cross wild and free with reserved and bound? Lots of conflicts, discomfort and dramas that lead to choices and changes.

One major topic woven into the plot of Sunset Beach is publishing: the pitfalls and pleasures of that industry. Plus the difficulties for authors, trying to meet expectations and requirements. And also the trials for business owners in the book industry, too. Showing both sides, adds intriguing layers to this delightful story. The author takes us on a journey into the world of a writer. Why do we write? Who are we writing for? Ourselves, our publishers, our audience? Everyone needs stories to read: to satisfy a hunger, a need to dream, provide hope, encouragement, relief, inspiration, direction and release from the struggles we all face. The list is endless of why we need stories. Is it as Sarah Jones says: ‘because story worlds were often so much better than reality.’ Yes, they often are. We could even say after reading this novel, we need beaches. They can be a place of refreshment, inspiration, of meeting others and finding soulmates even!

Then there is the response to someone who is a writer. The lack of interest, support or understanding that sometimes comes from family and friends. Sarah deals with this and many other setbacks – including the first day she heads to the conference. She is splashed on, her taxi has been confiscated by another and then the unexpected substitution. The publisher she had waited her whole life to meet has cancelled the last minute. Now she must choose another or go with the substitute representative. She must decide on the spot who she will pitch her ‘feel good fiction’ to. She has come this far, is ready and charging to go forward so she takes a chance…

I could definitely relate on many levels to the issues presented in the story in the publishing realm and sympathise with Sarah practicing her pitch over and over to get it right. All writers know what a challenging and scary task this can be. To say enough in a short space to grab the publisher’s interest is no small task. But Sarah is ready, and although the publisher of her dreams is no longer available, she must make a choice. An important move that could lead to ruin or reward. Faced with the options available, she decides to pitch to Oscar, the mystery man, who is not what she expects of someone in his position. And there are lots of challenges she encounters once this process begins. 

The main characters were a delight to get to know and certain scenes drew out my emotions—included laughter. There is some great humour here. But I seriously cared about what would happen to them, was moved by the tender moments. And wondered if they could get their hearts’ desires? And if so, would it be the best choices for them? Sarah Jones is the storm that hits British Oliver and turns his world upside down but in doing so, she offers him an honest view of his life that sets him on a better path to individuality. This helps him have the courage to explore other options and be himself.

Written from Sarah’s and Oscar’s perspective, we get a balanced view of each person’s ideas, desires and challenges. Academic Oscar with his ‘civilised lifestyle, carefully ironed shirts and polished shoes, is initially in sharp contrast to free-spirit Sarah. He is alien to beaches… particularly to the ordinariness of the one she loves. But she leads him out into new territory—to the headlands of abandonment. While she basks in its beauty, he is waking up to his surrounds and moving farther from ‘his duty’. And she is waking up to certain things in her own life, too, that need adjusting and revising.

This gorgeous story of wonderfully human characters with their flaws and positives kept me turning the pages passionately. Each one makes progress, learns from each other and creates something new. Sarah’s life as a Dental Hygienist working for her boyfriend-fiance dentist poses many issues but once getting lost and found on her favourite ‘beach’, presenting her pitch to Oscar and getting to know him, her own ambitions change while her vision sharpens. The experiences she has during the conference and after, fuels her with courage to reach for the top and to not settle for less than she deserves. Oscar learns the same lesson but his awakening is even greater. The stilted narrow road he travelled held no spontaneity, no imagination or freedom. He tried to please his family but in doing so, lost himself. Their choices were not necessarily what was best for him.

Is there a happy ending? Well, of course! This heart-warming and uplifting read about new beginnings, fresh awakenings, golden business opportunities and unexpected romance— glitters with endless possibilities. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Amber Jakeman for a review copy.