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.
I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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."
Helpful Score: 1
Rosa Capoletti took a run-down pizza joint and turned it into an award-winning resturant that has been voted "best place to propse" 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 ago. But guess who's just come back to town?
Good beach read, just enough romance and action.
Good beach read, just enough romance and action.
WONDERFUL book. Made me cry in some parts. 2 people from different back grounds somehow try to make life & love work.
Helpful Score: 1
SUMMER BY THE SEA is a light, summer read, but at the same time delves into a few serious issues. In between chapters, Wiggs intersperses wonderful delicious-sounding Italian recipes, which help give the book a very summery type of feel, making one feel like being on holiday at a quiet summer resort. The story of lost love - found again will please any romance reader.
Helpful Score: 1
I picked up this book on a whim and am so glad I did. I can't wait to find other books by her. This book takes its time and surprisingly I loved that. Woods takes you back to Rosa and Alexs relationship from childhood to present. Its not steamy but the developing relationship and the importance they held in each others lives was so sweet.
Good read.
Good read.
A Great, light summer read! I enjoyed it. Susan Wiggs keeps me coming back for more!
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!
great book very enjoyable
I love all of Wiggs'books. I find them totally engrossing the characters are engaging and a very satisfying read.
I love Wiggs' style of writing!!!
Great read!
This was very hard for me to follow. Sometimes it takes me a little while to read a book and since it jumps around in time/flashbacks I found it difficult to follow.
But I like the author... so I'm off to find another book.
But I like the author... so I'm off to find another book.
Another great, fast read by Susan Wiggs - sweet story- with italian recipes interspersed (bonus!)
This book was so awesome! I couldn't stop thinking about it even days after I finished it! Wish there could be a sequel!
First books i have read of hers and i will definately come back for more.
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.
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.
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.
you can relate to them. I loved Rosa Capoletti....hope she appears again.
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.
Past loves are reunited at a beach house, where they first fell in love....
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!
Lots of twists and turns - a truly great mystery and love story.
A very enjoyable read.
This summer Rosa Capoletti is about the discover the pleasures of love and laugheter food and wine, friendship & romance.
Reunited at the beach house where they first fell in love, Rosa & Alexander discover that the secrets of teh past are not what they seem.
Reunited at the beach house where they first fell in love, Rosa & Alexander discover that the secrets of teh past are not what they seem.
Nice summer read
I bought this book new and I'm sure I'll never read it because it's not my taste.
Her books are always good.
Another good beach read.
Great romance novel with awesome italian recipes between several chapters.
Susan Wiggs never fails to tell a marvelous story. I'll read anything of hers that I can get my hands on.
A love that was ended years ago was rekindled. A very enjoyable book about falling in love all over again and the pleasure of love and laughter.
Very good book! COuldn't put it down.
Susan Wiggs books are always a great read..Can't wait to read her new one..A Table for Five...
One of the best summer reads I have experienced. Tons of twists and turns to keep you guessing, romantic, very smart.
Quick, engaging read.
This summer Rosa Capoletti is about to rediscover the pleasures of love and laughter, food and wine, friendship and romance....
"This summer Rosa Capoletti is abt to rediscover the pleasures of love and laughter, food and wine, friendship and romance...
Reunited at the beach house where they grew up, Alexander Montgomery and Rosa discover the secrets of the past are not what they seem. Now, with all that she wants in front of her, Rosa searches for happiness. And learns that in love, as in life, there are second chances."
Reunited at the beach house where they grew up, Alexander Montgomery and Rosa discover the secrets of the past are not what they seem. Now, with all that she wants in front of her, Rosa searches for happiness. And learns that in love, as in life, there are second chances."
Great story!
Perfect beach read. You can't go wrong with a Susan Mallery Book.
Loved it!!
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 ago. But guess who's just come back to town?
Reunited at the beach house where they first fell in love. Rosa and Alexander discover that the secrets of the past are not what they seem. Now, with all that she wants right in front of her, Rosa searches for happiness with the man who once broke her heart - and learns that in love, as in life, there are second chances.
Reunited at the beach house where they first fell in love. Rosa and Alexander discover that the secrets of the past are not what they seem. Now, with all that she wants right in front of her, Rosa searches for happiness with the man who once broke her heart - and learns that in love, as in life, there are second chances.
Great book! A must for your summer list!
enjoyable summer read
First time i've read anything she wrote. Excellent book. Can't wait to read others she has written.
loved it from start to end!
Susan Wiggs is an excellent author. She keeps you interested in the story as to what will happen next. This book does have a small tear in the top of the cover, but it is not torn completely down the middle, just a little nick.
Really enjoyed this book....true love and heartache. Susan Wiggs is a great writer.
This summer Rosa Capoletti is about to rediscover the pleasures of love and laughter, food and wine, friendship anmd romance ... 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 ago. But guess who's just come back to town? Reunited at the beach house where they first fell in love, Rosa and Alexander discover that the secrets of the past are not what they seem. Now, with all that she wants right in front of her, Rosa searches for happiness with the man who once broke her heart - and learns that in love, as in life, there are second chances.
A winner by Susan Wiggs. A story of second chance romance, friendships, , and determination. And the rewards to hard work and dreams followed.A wonderful story to remind us of lost loves and renewed romance. Left me feeling good and smiling.
