Healing power of an Outer Banks vacation!

Any additional comments?

Summer by the Sea by Jenny Hale is a contemporary romance ideal for a summer vacation. This story revolves around Faith and her sister Casey who haven't seen each other in about 10 years. They reunite to help celebrate their grandmother's 90th birthday at the beach house they used to frequent as children in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. The rift between Faith and Casey started when Casey ended up falling in love with and marrying the man Faith thought was the man of her dreams.

Faith, now a successful kindergarten teacher, is finally ready to put the past behind them, especially after meeting Jake at the beach house. Jake, who has emotional baggage of his own, is a local developer and the owner of the beach house. Like in the movie Pretty Woman, Jake makes several grand gestures that only money can buy (e.g., he flies Faith down to Key West on his private jet for one fantastic day), but it's not enough for Faith who wants Jake to be true to his real self. While Jake is extremely likable when he's being himself, I found the characters pretty one-dimensional and the story a bit repetitive. There is also not much plot, other than the "does he like me, or does he not" romance between Faith and Jake and the rift between the two sisters.

I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Teri Schnaubelt who did an outstanding job. Her narration flows naturally at an even pace and she was easy to listen to. She has differing voices for all characters, male and female, and young and old. Simply put, Teri's rendition substantially contributed to my enjoyment of this story and the increase in the overall rating reflects it. I was provided a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.

6 people found this helpful

A BEAUTIFUL FEEL GOOD ROMANCE PERFECTLY NARRATED!!

What did you love best about Summer by the Sea?

It was a feel good family story, with a sweet romance!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Summer by the Sea?

The tip to the Keys!

Which character – as performed by Teri Schnaubelt – was your favorite?

Nan!!! Then Faith!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes...and I almost did!

Any additional comments?

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

I love Teri's narrations...she is so pleasant to listen too...she brings a story to life so well...and is so talented! This is a beautiful story about a last family trip to celebrate their grandma's 90th birthday at the place they had always spent their vacations growing up. Faith and her sister are estranged...Faith harbors so very heavy feelings towards her sister Casey...Casey married Faiths high school sweetheart and this really broke Faiths heart...she has never really addressed this with her...Faith discovers Casey isn't as happy as she sees and her marriage is in trouble....Faith also meets the Gorgeous Jake the handy man....Jake is very nice...and much more than meets the eye...This is a summer of healing for everyone...and ends with a wonderful feel good happy ending! <3

5 people found this helpful

Fun sweet listen

Sisters...aaarrggg and yet yet family. If for no other reason read listen to this book to get to know Nan. Best grandmother ever. Easy light listen with great narration.

3 people found this helpful

SUMMER ROMANCE, SECOND CHANCES

I chose Summer By The Sea because of the Outer Banks, NC setting and because I'm really into 'summer reading' right now. This is my first story by Jenny Hale and I enjoyed it so much. One reason that I loved the story so much is because the beach played a large part, almost like a characters, and it was described perfectly. Hearing about the characters' time in the sand and by the water absolutely made me want to drop everything and go there.

The story features a sweet romance between Faith and Jake. Faith has joined her family at a beach house where Jake is doing some renovation work. Faith's sister is also present-they have had a tumultuous relationship for the past several years after a major disagreement before the book began. Faith's grandmother, Nan, has brought the entire family together for her 90th birthday at the Outer Banks, a place they all enjoy vacationing. Each character has a bit of a backstory and a specific relationship with Faith. Great story, great ending, and I loved the epilogue.

What I love most about this book is the time that the author spent on the family relationships: Faith and her sister, Faith and her grandmother, etc. The importance of family is woven throughout the story as is the importance of forgiveness and second chances. The romance between Faith and Jake is certainly there and is very sweet, and I enjoyed it just as as much as I did the interaction between Faith and her family.

I loved Teri Schnaubelt's narration with this audiobook. She made the story very easy and enjoyable to listen to, reading at a nice pace with no frustrating sighs, noises, or clicks. I have listened to other work by this narrator and have always had positive experiences, so when I saw that she read this particular audiobook, I had no hesitation in deciding to alternate this audiobook with reading the book on my Kindle.

I would recommend Summer By The Sea for fans of summer stories, beach settings, and stories centering around family gatherings.

3 people found this helpful

Enjoyable Story With Realistic Characters

What did you love best about Summer by the Sea?

This book was so full of wonderful descriptions of the places the characters went that I was able to paint a mental picture of every beautiful location. I love the beach and I felt as if I was brought into this story as one of the family.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Faith is the main character in this story. She is one of two sisters who is struggling to renew their relationship with each other after a misunderstanding years ago. She is a warm and loving person but she is also very realistic in her thoughts about the problem that started years ago when her sister married they guy Faith loved.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed so many of the scenes in this book but my favorite was about a boat ride that took the family to a secluded beach that was once a place her grandparents went when they were young. Faith's 90 year old Grandmother was brought to tears by the memories that this beach brought back.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Faith was upset with her sister for many years and even jealous of her; however, when her sister and husband broke up, Faith encouraged her sister to let him know just how she really felt about him and not let her pride get in her way. Her love for her sister won out over her old feelings of troubles in the past.

Any additional comments?

The voice artist Teri has one of the most uplifting and pleasant voices I've ever heard. She was clear and crisp and easy to understand. I can't wait to hear her again in other books.

3 people found this helpful

Not enough excitement in the love story for me

You got your HEA in this book, however the excitement just wasn’t enough. I like when I listen to books and I can feel the buildup in the pit of my stomach and this book did not do that for me. I found myself tuning out and forgetting that I was listening to a book over and over again. I finally stopped replaying sections and just let the book go on.

The narration fine. Easy to listen to.

1 person found this helpful

Unlikable Sisters

Two immature, self absorbed estranged sisters spend a vacation together with the rest of their family. Casey is devastated by her husband leaving her, but she is unwilling to do any work to get him back and Faith is looking for love with a local man but can’t seem to miss an opportunity to express her distaste for his work.
Between the fighting between the sisters, Casey’s whining and selfishness and Faith’s self righteous rants on how the Outer Banks should be developed when she is merely a visitor, I found little to enjoy about this book. 5 stars for the Narrator.

1 person found this helpful

A fun summer read!

Summer by the Sea was such a fun book to listen to. I especially enjoyed Faith, who was a kindergarten school teacher. Jenny Hale was spot on with her descriptions of a teacher and how much she cares for her students. Nan was my favorite character because she was so much fun to read about with all of her wise and quirky ways. The descriptions of the Outer Banks were wonderful, making me wish that I was there. The love that the characters had for the area was heartfelt. And of course, the romance during that summer by the sea was the most important happening in the book. This is the first book that I have read or listened to by Jenny Hale. I will be looking for more by her. And Teri Schnaubelt is an amazing narrator and this was one of her best.
I was given this audio book by the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

1 person found this helpful

Loved This Book.

Would you consider the audio edition of Summer by the Sea to be better than the print version?

Oh yes the audio was much better, especially with Teri Schnabelt narrating. She has a great voice and does all the characters so well.

What other book might you compare Summer by the Sea to and why?

I found this book one of a kind. No dead bodies and just a joy to read. I felt like I had a Summer by the sea by the time I completed it. Great writing and dialogue.

Which character – as performed by Teri Schnaubelt – was your favorite?

I loved how she portrayed both Faith and Jake.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh at how siblings can drive each other crazy.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 person found this helpful

just basic, sweet but predictable

nice enough story but nothing unique or intriguing about it, if you just want something light to keep your mind off current events it does the job