Miracle Beach [Paperback]

Erin Celello (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 2, 2011

In a stirring debut novel, the discovery of a husband's troubling secrets after his death shakes his wife's faith in their marriage and herself.

Macy Allen, an accomplished equestrienne, has relied on her horses and her husband, Nash, to pull her through. But after Nash dies in a tragic accident, Macy learns devastating secrets about his life that rock her belief in their marriage and herself. Nash's mother, Magda, blames Macy for her only son's death. When her husband, Jack, moves to Vancouver Island in a desperate attempt to feel closer to the son he's lost and never really knew, Magda's bitterness threatens to alienate the people she needs most. As this unlikely family questions how well they knew Nash and what love really means, still another surprise awaits them-an irrepressible child who will overturn all their expectations...

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Celello's writing is quietly beautiful, blending evocative settings with gorgeous descriptions of the equestrian life" - The Wisconsin State Journal

"Celello mines the depths of memory" and "brings a fine sense of place to this earthy small town." - Publishers Weekly

"Celello gets to the heart of human character, making this one powerful read." Miracle Beach is "Compelling" and a "page-turner" - Romantic Times

From the Back Cover

In this powerful debut novel, Vancouver Island's lush mountains and wind-swept beaches form the backdrop for one family's grief...and the miracle that may help them heal.  

Macy Allen is an accomplished equestrienne with a tumultuous upbringing who has relied on her horses and her husband, Nash, to pull her through. But after Nash dies in a tragic accident, Macy learns devastating secrets about his life that shake her faith in their marriage and herself.

 
Nash's mother, Magda, blames Macy for her only son's death. When her husband, Jack, moves to Vancouver Island in a desperate attempt to feel closer to the son he's lost and never really knew, Magda's bitterness threatens to alienate the people she needs most.
 

As this unlikely family struggles with loneliness and loss, and confronts Nash's hidden past, they must question how well they knew him and what love really means.  And still another surprise lies in store for them--an irrepressible child who will overturn all their expectations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: NAL Trade; 1 edition (August 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451233824
• ISBN-13: 978-0451233820
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.8 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,064,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Erin Celello was born and raised in Michigan's gorgeous Upper Peninsula where she spearheaded a neighborhood effort to sell Trilliums in beer bottles (because lemonade stand revenues just weren't cutting it), ski raced, spent a lot of time trying to get out of track workouts, and made many dubious fashion and hair choices (rendering her forever thankful that Facebook was created after that era)...and one other dubious choice in general that resulted in her having to paint the rival football team's stadium.

After graduating from St. Norbert College and not knowing what else one does with an English degree, Erin set out for law school but never quite got there. Instead, she headed back up (farther) north to Marquette, Michigan where she received an MFA in fiction from Northern Michigan University and a PhD in snow shoveling.

She eventually landed in Madison, Wisconsin, where she lives today with two unruly Vizslas, Leonard and Newton, and her husband Aaron.

When she's not writing, Erin loves escaping to the barn to be with her American Quarter Horse, Gino, and all the fabulous people who board their horses there. When she has a lot of free time, which is almost never, she loves cooking, running marathons and competing in triathlons. Erin recently completed her first Ironman. She also recently attempted to give up wine. The Ironman was easier.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Honest, Heartfelt Debut August 2, 2011

By Holly Weiss VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Erin Celello's unabashedly honest debut about the nature of grief releases on August 2, 2011. After Nash dies in a tragic accident, his wife Macy faces life alone. She finds an odd comfort in the presence of Gounda, a foal who recently lost his mother. Riding and tack cleaning seem to be her only solace. Nash's father, Jack, moves to Vancouver to be with Macy and try to sort out his relationship with his lost son. Self-centered Magda, Nash's mother, blames Macy for her son's death and stays behind. The appearance of an unexpected child on Macy's doorstep changes their perspectives and lives.

The beauty of Vancouver Island is a backdrop for the ramifications of grief. Jack's emotional journey to understand his son and come to terms with his death is especially touching. Magda is well written as a self-focused, selfish woman. The author's expert equestrian knowledge is woven throughout the book.

Sadness and loss pervade the novel. Hats off to Erin Celello for writing from the heart about loss and the steep climb back to life.

Goodreads supplied the review copy through their First Reads Giveaway program.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A story of honest emotional discovery August 10, 2011

By MaryBeth

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A fabulous debut novel from Erin Celello. Her writing style is honest and pure. She has an ability to portray character's thoughts and emotions on the page with unique details in a style that makes the reader feel the depth of emotion and voice of the characters. Her story is told through the point of view from many of the characters giving you insight and development to each of the individuals and how they weave together throughout the story. This is a must read. A powerful story about grief, loss, and beginning again. I highly recommend this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book Club Book! September 4, 2011

By DenverBookClubs

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Miracle Beach is a perfect fiction book for Book Clubs. I fell in love with the characters and didn't want the book to end! Erin Celello's writing is top-notch, and her ability to take the reader through the real emotions of loss and love is amazing. Definitely recommend this book. New author - book says another is set to come out in August 2012 - can't wait!