Debbie Macomber plumbs the depths
of family bonds, tackling weighty emotional issues with great sensitivity and
compassion. As she cites in her introduction, A Walk Along the Beach grew
out of her own despair after the death of her dear friend, romance author Christina Skye, and taking a writing sabbatical to put her grief into
perspective. What evolved as a result is a story about a Washington State
family riddled with losses and challenges that upend the lives of all involved.
At the age of 13, Willa became the
bedrock of the Lakey family. One of three children, she grew up fast after her
mother died, and her father drowned his sorrows in drink. Deferring her own
dreams, Willa practically raised her charming, adventurous, younger sister,
Harper--a leukemia survivor--and supported her brother, Lucas, while
shouldering many responsibilities and burdens within the family. After Willa's
life has finally settled down in her late 20s, she opens a quaint café, and her
manageable world is rocked by the attentions of a handsome, world-traveling,
NatGeo photojournalist--with a shrouded past--who frequents the coffee shop.
Through some endearing sisterly goading, Harper urges Willa to take a chance on
love. But is sensitive Willa ready to risk opening her heart?
Macomber (Window on the Bay) fans may be
surprised by heavier themes that churn undercurrents of sadness, loss and
grief. The reward, however, is fully drawn characters and conflicts that will
grip readers as much as--if not more than--Macomber's
usually lighter romantic fare.
A Walk Along
the Beach: A Novel by Debbie Macomber Ballantine Books, $27.00 Hardcover, 9780399181368, 336 pages
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
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NOTE: This review is a reprint and is being posted
with the permission of Shelf Awareness. To read this review on Shelf Awareness: Reader's Edition (July 17, 2020), link HERE