Feeling nostalgic. . . Does this bring back memories?
Dear Reader,
What a lovely summer this has been, made all the more special by every reader who has shared a beachy memory over the past couple of months as we celebrate a summer of Beach Vibes. Thank you. 
Here are a few of the memories that have made me smile or touched my heart:
“I live about 2 hours from the beach. On my birthday in July, I leave at 3 am and travel to the beach to view the sunrise over the ocean. It’s quiet, peaceful and breathtaking. My soul fills with gratitude and reflection as I begin another 365-day dance around the sun. It’s a yearly ritual. Pure bliss.” – Dawn S.
Photo by Lori H.
“When my brother and I were growing up, we spent most summer Saturdays at the beach with my parents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. We always chose a table in the picnic area under massive oak trees. My dad and uncle would cook burgers or hot dogs on an open grill, and my mom and aunt would serve sides like potato salad and baked beans. One Saturday my mom brought her famous chocolate chip cookies. She had them in a Tupperware container that she left out on the picnic table. When we all returned from swimming to have a snack, a squirrel was nibbling away on a cookie. It had chewed through the plastic to get to them. My aunt said to my mom, ‘I told you to leave out the nuts!’ We all had a big chuckle over it.” – Melody
“Since I was 2, my family took us to Old Orchard Beach, ME every summer, and after I got married, we took my two girls every year, too. I continue going with my adult daughter. We love it there—the beach, the main street, pier fries. . . Great place to visit.” – Betty
“55 years ago, I spent the day at the beach in Margate, NJ, with my friend and her fiancée. Next to us were a group of guys throwing around a football that seemed to always land on my towel. After throwing it back a few times, I was invited to join their game. At the end of the day, they invited me and my friends to meet them at their local hangout. We agreed. When we met up, they had an addition to their group who hadn’t been to the beach that day. We got to talking, exchanged numbers, and the rest is history. We have been married 52 years this November.” – JoAnne S.
“My favorite beach time was when I took a friend to the coast who had never seen the ocean. She was delighted, thrilled, and awed.” – Kaye
Thank you, also, to every reader who sent in a picture with the paperback edition of Beach Vibes with its fabulous painted edges! I remember when I first started writing, how there were times when I would send a newsletter and not get any response at all. Crickets. I sometimes wondered whether anyone was even reading them. So it means the world to get such an enthusiastic response when I invite you to send me pictures or take a poll or suggest a character name. . . It makes me feel like we’re always connected, and I’m so grateful to have found my tribe.
Photo by Tina H.
Photo by Robin B.
Photo by Jess P, taken at Shelf Love, a romance bookstore in Austell, GA (in the Atlanta area)
IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT YET. . . START READING BEACH VIBES TODAY!
Your reading time is precious, and I know that. That’s why I include a free excerpt of my new books on my website, to help you decide whether you want to read the book. Start reading Beach Vibes here.
What would you do if you caught your brother cheating on your best friend?
While Beth is proud of her Malibu beach shop, Surf Sandwiches, she's even prouder of her charismatic brother Rick, who rose from foster care through surgical residency. She makes subs, he saves lives. Life takes a turn for the happy after she finds out Rick is dating her new best friend, Jana. Then Jana’s handsome brother adds even more sparkle to Beth’s days. . . and nights.
But when she catches Rick with another woman—like, with-with—her visions of an idyllic family future disappear in one awful instant. Either she betrays her brother, or she keeps his secret and risks losing the man she loves and her best friend.
Love and loyalty collide with secrets and betrayal in this witty and emotional tale about the lengths we’ll go to for family, from Susan Mallery, bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop.
GET IT NOW IN PAPERBACK: Amazon | B&N | Books a Million | Bookshop | Target | Walmart
ORDER THE EBOOK: Kindle | Nook | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo
FROM THE BEACH BITES COOKBOOK
The Beach Bites Cookbook is available for free in the Members area of my website. The cookbook has more than 60 summer-scrumptious recipes from my readers. Like this refreshing fruit salad, from Suzi Jowell.
Mint Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Salad
- 2 cups strawberries, halved
- 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1-1/2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 cup cantaloupe, cubed
- 1 cup honeydew, cubed
- 2 cups purple grapes
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 Tbsp of honey
- 1 Tbsp finely minced fresh mint
Put fruit in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, honey, and mint until honey is dissolved. Pour dressing over fruit and lightly toss together. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if you wish.
