Customer Reviews

Beach Dreams (The Beach House Series, Book 3)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After having read Too Good to be True and The Guy I'm Not Dating, both written by Trish Perry, I was eagerly anticipating the return of her characters. I was thrilled to discover that Jeremy was back, and this time this hot Brit's the hero! I hadn't read the first two books in the beach house series by Sally John, but frankly that didn't matter because the characters in the story were from Trish's previous series. And let me tell you what I love about her writing. She really knows how to write about relationships.

I loved the setting and the activities that took place. The language used by the English was quite fun, if you fancy that sort of thing, LOL! Anyway, Tiffany, the mean girl from the first two books who was humbled and softened at the end of book two, returns in this story as the heroine. She still fights the urge to tell people off and resists the temptation to return to her old ways on occasion, but that made her more real to me.

There were two different times when I got choked up toward the end of this story. I can't tell you what those things were that emotionally moved me because it would spoil the story, but I'll just say that sometimes what you think people believed about you and what you think they meant is not always true. That's the beauty of learning to communicate from the heart. While this book is a great beach read and loads of fun, it's by no means shallow, and on occasion it contains excellent insight into spiritual matters. And those almost-kisses were pure torture! I'm just sad the story had to end.

Beach Dreams
By Trish Perry
Review by Roseanna White




Sometimes you just have to get away. That's what Tiffany LeBoeuf intends to do when she suggests a vacation with her father. They're both still recovering from her mother's death, and the beach house in San Diego sounds perfect. But it becomes perfectly trying when a scheduling goof leaves her face to face with Eve Danfield, the epitome of mean. The old Tiffany would have bared her claws and dug in. The new Tiff tries--really, really tries--not to be bothered. Not even by the constant references to Eve's boyfriend, Jeremy, to whom Tiff is not attracted.

Jeremy Beckett finds it hard to believe that the sweet and thoughtful women he literally tripped over a week ago is the same cruel bird he'd met over a year ago at his friend Kara's gym. But this new Tiff is fun to be around, though Eve doesn't seem to agree. He hopes they can get along out in California . . . and with all the surprises that crop up, he hopes he can keep up--without getting ahead of himself.

My first though about Beach Dreams? Finally! I fell in love with Jeremy in Trish's first two books, The Guy I'm Not Dating and Too Good to be True, and I was ecstatic to finally get his story. Following in the tracks of the bestselling Beach House series by Sally John, Beach Dreams is a witty and heartwarming story about second chances and trusting in the Lord.

I got a huge kick out of Tiffany. As a relatively new Christian, she's full of questions and hesitations that can range from hilarious to deeply thought-provoking. She gives a lot of thought to staying true to her faith and demonstrating it to her family and friends, but at the same time she maintains a light approach to stressful events. Jeremy is, as always, a charming Brit with a comical bent, and I thoroughly enjoyed the peak into his brain as he tried to figure out this love thing--and maybe this Jesus thing along the way.

The setting makes this a perfect beach read, and the characters are going to wiggle their way into your heart and have you dreaming about them when you finally put the book down. Though a combination of two series, Beach Dreams is a stand alone that'll have you looking eagerly for more from this fantastic author.

This was another great book in this series. It now makes me want to get the rest of the books of the Series, AND I want the Series to continue. Trish Perry is an excellent writer and really portrays her characters as real, fallible humans, with real issues that they have to deal with.
Trish Perry's other Stand Alone books are great too. Her books are very entertaining. It is hard to put them down once you get started on them. Perfect reading anytime.

I just discovered Trish Perry and I love her writing style. Perry makes you feel like you're at the beach and the characters really come to life. Great book! Great buy!!

The setting, the Beach House becomes a character in this story. It first repels and then draws in the guests who visit there.

The owner Julian and his unlikely friend Zeke are a wonderful addition to the Beach House Series. I didn't read the first two in the series by Sally John yet, so each of these stories can stand alone. That is always good to know when reading a series.

The "Message" I got from this story is although it is hard to live down your "pre-salvation" reputation, God can heal relationships and friendships can grow between unlikely people. God can make our differences seem small after all.

If you want a spiritual lift, I recommend Beach Dreams.

This novel is a romantic comedy with enough humour to keep me laughing between the poignant parts. Miss Perry introduces wonderfully real characters from the hero and heroine to the friends and family who surround them.

It's the story of new believer, Tiffany LeBoueuf, who is trying to outrun her old reputation of a spoiled brat. She used to be a party girl but now, as she struggles to find herself on the narrow path, she hasn't got a social life. Nothing. Zip. And then, she meets a good looking guy who buzzes her attraction meter. Too bad he already has a girlfriend. It shows how much she's changed when she doesn't go after Jeremy knowing he has a girlfriend - a fact that wouldn't have stopped her before...

Jeremy is the kind of guy with staying power. He's loyal. It doesn't matter what happens with his girlfriend, he's going to stick with her because he's a loyal guy. When he meets Tiffany, he remembers her as a person who belittled a friend of his a year or so ago. To him, she's a shallow, rude person and he doesn't understand why his toes curl when she's near him. But, he's sticking with his girlfriend because that's what he does.

The story takes us to a beach house in San Diego where Tiffany and her father go for a vacation. Due to a mix-up, Jeremy's girlfriend is staying in the same house. Jeremy shows up. Is there anyone left to join them? Yes, the more the merrier. But, why is Jeremy's girlfriend never home? That leaves him more time to get to know Tiffany.

The book is flooded with secrets, emotions and epiphanies.

It's Book 3 in the Beach House series.

Tiffany LeBoeuf has recently lost her mother, but found a relationship with Jesus. When she returns home from the funeral to find that she no longer has a job, she decides to take her friend, Ren's suggestion to get out of town for a couple of weeks. Her dad agrees to accompany her to San Diego to rest a bit, himself. With the trip mysteriously paid for by Ren, Tiffany resolves to enjoy this generous blessing. However, when she arrives in California, she finds someone else unpacking her bags! She and Eve met briefly when Tiffany literally ran into Eve's boyfriend, Jeremy, who also happens to be a friend of Ren's. As the plot thickens, twists and turns, Tiffany comes to grips with who she was, who she is, and true love that conquers all - from her Savior and the man of her dreams!

Trish Perry is one of my favorite Christian romance writers, and "Beach House" certainly does not disappoint! If you are a fan of Trish's previous novels "The Guy I'm Not Dating" and "Too Good To Be True," you will adore the story of Ren and Kara's friend, Jeremy. This handsome, British schoolteacher is our leading man in this wonderfully entertaining read. Trish Perry's brilliant writing even gives this character's internal narrative a British flavor. This is a smashing novel!

Beach Dreams by Trish Perry is a combination of two series. It's the third book in the Beach series by Sally Johns, and it's also the third book in the series by Perry about a group of friends from Northern Virginia. Tiffany LeBeouf is recovering from the devastating death of her mother from breast cancer by returning to her home and trying to pick up the pieces of her life. But she comes back to find that her job no longer exists and the super-cute guy, Jeremy, she just met is already taken. So Tiff, who is just learning to lean on her faith, heads to a beach house in California to mourn and recover with her father. But there's been a mix-up with reservations at the beach house, and she has to share with none other than Jeremy's perfect girlfriend who reminds Tiff a bit too much of what she was like before she found faith in God. Perry writes with a great deal of humor, and the way she renders scenes, like a day out at the amusement park, is a true pleasure. This is a perfect book for curling up on the beach and soaking up the warmth of the summer sun and God's love.

Romantic comedies are a favorite read of mine. And I don't see very many of them come along. So, as I found myself laughing aloud numerous times I kept thinking, this is so yummy. It's a treat to be entertained and even delighted as you read. And the comedy is only part one of the reason I loved the story. Part two? The romance. Once Jeremy and Tiff are free to interact together more, I enjoyed how real that interaction was. (Keeping morality at the forefront.) Trish Perry's heroine (Tiff) was learning to walk as a Christian, learning to deny her natural response to situations and live for God. Readers will relate to that "denying the flesh" idea. But Trish wasn't in denial about how difficult that can be.

And the setting? Who doesn't like a getaway spot as a setting for a book? Reading is often about escaping (and indulging your imagination), so why not escape to the beach?

I must also highlight the character development. Readers who come to the book looking for more than romance will find it here. These characters have to work through some stuff. And though I laughed at their antics (from the very first scene), I also teared up with their struggles.

I haven't enjoyed a book with this much laughter for a while. Bravo, Trish! Bring on your next book!

With a title like Beach Dreams you'd expect this to be the perfect book to take with you for a day of lounging in the sun. And it is. But really, it's perfect to read anytime. Full of wonderfully flawed, real characters, Beach Dreams is as satisfying as a hunk of watermelon on a scorching summer day... or a cup of cocoa during a snow storm.

One of my favorite things about this book is how the people relate to each other in completely believable ways. There's a time-honored tradition in romantic fiction of using misunderstandings and miscommunication to keep the hero and heroine apart. Problem is, it's used so often it usually comes off as an old and tired contrivance. Three cheers for Trish Perry for not taking the easy way out! Yes, a misunderstanding is what brings our eclectic cast of character together at the beach house, and it's set up beautifully. But as the story progresses and opportunities for misunderstandings arise, the characters do something amazing; they talk to each other! Rather than jump to conclusions, they think things through. What a refreshing concept!

As for romantic male leads, you'd be hard pressed to find one more appealing than Jeremy Beckett. Suave, sweet and self-effacing, I found him sounding like Hugh Grant in my head, especially during a scene at a boardwalk amusement area.

If you're looking for a fun love story with a strong moral center and a hunky leading man, check out Beach Dreams. You won't be sorry!