Welcome to Beach Town by Susan Wiggs

 

Welcome to Beach Town by Susan Wiggs-319 pages

At Thornton, the students are the worldly and overindulged children who live in gated enclaves with spectacular views. But the class valedictorian is Nikki Graziola, a surfer’s daughter who is there on scholarship. To the shock of everyone in the audience, Nikki veers off script while giving her commencement address and reveals a secret that breaks open the whole community. Nikki Graziola’s accusation shakes the foundation of Alara Cove, pitting her against the wealthy family whose money runs the town. Her new notoriety sends Nikki into exile for years, where she finds fame and love, overseas as a competition surfer...until a personal tragedy compels her to return to Alara Cove.  

As Nikki struggles to rebuild her future, she finds that the people of the town have not forgotten her. But time has changed Alara Cove, and old friendships, rivalries, and an unexpected romance draw her back into the life of the beach town she’s never quite forgotten. Showing her that its never too late to start over.

Good character development and plot line. An enjoyable read.

The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs

 

                                       The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs-355 pages

In the wake of a shocking tragedy, Natalie Harper inherits her mother’s charming but financially strapped bookshop in San Francisco. She also becomes caretaker for her ailing grandfather. Natalie thinks it’s best to move him to an assisted living facility to ensure the care he needs. To pay for it, she plans to close the bookstore and sell the building which is in need of constant fixing.  But Grandpa Andrew owns the building and refuses to sell. Natalie adores her grandfather; she’ll do whatever it takes to make his final years happy. Besides, she loves the store and its books provide welcome solace for her overwhelming grief.

After she moves into the small studio apartment above the shop, Natalie carries out her grandfather’s request and hires contractor Peach Gallagher to do the necessary and ongoing repairs. His young daughter, Dorothy, also becomes a regular at the store, and she and Natalie begin reading together while Peach works.

To Natalie’s surprise, her sorrow begins to dissipate as her life becomes an unexpected journey of new connections, discoveries and revelations, from unearthing artifacts hidden in the bookshop’s walls, to discovering the truth about her family, her future, and her own heart.

I enjoyed this book very much.  There is also some romance and surprise twists and turns.

Between You and Me

Between You and Me by Susan Wiggs 356 pages

Caleb Stoltz left amish country before but got pulled back after his brother and sister-in-laws death left him in charge of his niece and nephew. Years later a terrible accident on the farm involving his nephew brings him back into the modern world. This is where Caleb meets Dr. Reese Powell. Caleb and Reese come from two different worlds and getting to know each other makes them both question their deepest beliefs. When more events unfold, they both will need to make some life changing decisions.

Oysterville Sewing Circle

Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs 365 pages

Caroline Shelby left Oysterville ten years ago for a career in fashion in Manhattan.Now, after a scandal and tragedy, she takes two kids whom she is now the legal guardian of, back to her hometown for a fresh start.
A lot has changed since Caroline left ten years ago. Her siblings have their own complex lives and her parents are wanting to pass down their successful business. There is also Will Jensen, who was Caroline's childhood friend and love interest that didn't work out who is also back home after being wounded in the Navy seals.
During her transition back to normal life, Caroline decided to visit her favorite place, which happens to be a sewing shop. Here she meets several women who all have secrets hidden. They begin the sewing circle to help support each other.
Once things are starting to settle in, an unexpected challenge occurs that could knock her back, but this time Caroline is going to stand back and fight for what and who she loves.

Susan Wiggs is one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint with this one, loved it!

Passing Through Paradise by Susan Wiggs

 I enjoyed reading this as it had all my favorite components...romance, mystery, and strong family ties.

Passing Through Paradise by Susan Wiggs pages 419