Eighteen year old Leah Berkley and thirty-five year old Alan Kent's chance encounter led to a thirty year marriage.  This was not a marriage made in heaven.  Except for their twin sons and her teaching career, Leah had little joy in her life. Her mother-in-law was domineering and her husband was verbally abusive and unfaithful.  After an act of violence, Leah believed her life was in danger. She returned to Coates Island where she had previously found peace, made friends and became part of a book club.  What she found there on her return trip was much more.

There are many types of abuse and the story delves into this.  Leah is asked how she stayed in a loveless marriage long after her sons had grown and left home.  This is a question she had grappled with herself.  But, now this was her time.  In Leah, the author has crafted a fascinating character.  Even though she had been repressed for three decades, she was undaunted in her quest for independence.  Her life began in a trailer park and she knew what family love could and should be.  After her marriage, she ended up living in the mansion of a prominent family. She is a woman who remembers her roots and the joy her family took in cooking.  This is very apparent in the narrative by the detail devoted to the preparation of food.  I think I gained five pounds reading this book. The secondary characters all have their own stories.  They have suffered loss and have been hurt.  However, they are a supportive group.  It is obvious the author understands the complexities of human relationships. 

I found this book to be well written.  Evident throughout the story is the value of good friends, a book club and good food.  The BEACH HOUSE is a compelling story about second chances and love.  Highly recommended.

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