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Summer by the Sea
Summer by the Sea
Author: Susan Wiggs
With a little determination and a lot of charm, Rosa Capoletti took a run-down pizza joint and turned it into an award-winning restaurant that has been voted "best place to propose" three years in a row. For Rosa, though, there has been no real romance since her love affair with Alexander Montgomery ended without explanation a decade a...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780778325710
ISBN-10: 0778325717
Publication Date: 8/1/2004
Pages: 411
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 181

4 stars, based on 181 ratings
Publisher: Mira
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

kskrista avatar reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 162 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I was surprised by this book. I figured it was just another fiction love story and I'd probably not really like it. As it turned out, the only thing I didn't like was having to wait SO LONG to find out some of the "secrets". I will say that I was totally wrong about what the secret was! :-)

I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down.
reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Awww, this was sweet! It left me with a happy glow when I finished reading it. A lovely story of a innocent childhood friendship between Alex Montgomery, son of a wealthy couple who had a summer home at the beach, and Rosa Capoletti, daughter of the Montgomery's gardener -- a friendship that develops into something more as they grow older. They're seperated by circumstances, and then meet up again as adults, and carefully try to reconnect with each other.

This book is full of warm-hearted characters who I loved getting to know, as well as some scrumptious-sounding Italian recepies that I can't wait to try. All in all, it's the perfect summer read, sweet and satisfying.
TheBookaholic avatar reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 45 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Have you ever held someone in your arms that you love and feel like you have come home? Ever had that same love walk away from you suddenly and you never know the real reason why? Ever wish that same love would come back into your life? That is the whole premise of this book by Susan Wiggs. A very good read that has you pulling for the everyday Rosa and her upper class boyfriend Alexander. With a number of secrets spread throughout the book, it keeps you turning the pages to the very end. I definitely recommend it.
CraftyLisa avatar reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This was the first book I've read by author Susan Wiggs and I was extremely pleased!

I was worried when I leafed through this book before reading it and saw recipes dispersed throughout it. I'm glad I didn't let that deter me because it was a fun and quick read and has made me a new fan of author Susan Wiggs.

I liked how 'Summer By The Sea' went back in time to explain things more in depth about Rosa and Alex's relationship. Some people may not like the switching back and forth from past and present, but I found myself wanting to read more and more to find out how things got to the point they did in the present time. It was a very fun and quick read. A great summer read.

I recently found a link online to all the recipes she puts in her books here:

http://www.susanwiggs.com/recipes.shtml
reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 63 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Good love story. Circumstances prevented their young romance to develop, but when he comes back in town, all is explained. Kind of made me sad that so many years were wasted because of misunderstandings and with the influence of others. Rich guy with a girl from the "other side of the tracks."
Read All 52 Book Reviews of "Summer by the Sea"

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reviewed Summer by the Sea on
I loved this book! Read it twice. Copied the reciepes from the book to try for my family. Story was well told and very suprising! Wish there was a sequel to this book!
reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 6 more book reviews
Susan Wiggs is a terrific writer. Her characters and situations are so real,
you can relate to them. I loved Rosa Capoletti....hope she appears again.
reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 5 more book reviews
A story of second chances and hopes restored... along with some tantalizing Italian recipes.... this is a book that you can truly sink your teeth into.
Rosa is a romantic- always dreaming of her own 'happy ending' - while using her cooking talents and organizational skills to help her friends make their own romantic 'ever afters' at her restaurant. Voted as the 'Best Place to Propose', Celesta's by the Sea restaurant is a dream from the ashes of Rosa's youth.
As a skinny, wild-haired waif who must tag along with her father as he works when she's not in school, Rosa meets a sickly asthmatic boy... the son of one of the 'Summer People' at the shore. Bold, adventurous Rosa teaches Alex about life outside the confines of his 'house captivity' as the two kids hunt for shells, fly a kite at the beach and share dreams each summer.
Growing up means growing apart- but not for the reasons that most young adults expect. Rosa and Alex share a painful secret- one that neither of them discovers until many years later- and which, explained, gives each of them a new chance at trust and their old friendship bond.
jwigg avatar reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 39 more book reviews
This was a quick read, easy to pick up and put down. It's light and fun. If you're a "foodie" you will really appreciate the recipes and setting of this book.
reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 11 more book reviews
First books i have read of hers and i will definately come back for more.
reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 11 more book reviews
A Great, light summer read! I enjoyed it. Susan Wiggs keeps me coming back for more!
mrswiggs avatar reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 51 more book reviews
I love Susan Wiggs! If you want a sweet love story, this is the one for you! It's not over-the-top or too racey, but it is very romantic! Two kids from different worlds, just trying to make it work... you really end up rooting for the main characters. The female lead, Rosa is very feisty! I would recommend this as a quick read for anyone!
reviewed Summer by the Sea on + 29 more book reviews
Another great, fast read by Susan Wiggs - sweet story- with italian recipes interspersed (bonus!)


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