3.5
Dune Drive
ByPublisher Description
New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart returns to her beloved Chesapeake Diaries series with a charming beachside romance that is “everything you love about small-town romance” (#1 New York Times bestselling author Barbara Freethy).
Always believing she was an ugly duckling, Chrissy Jenkins thought she had finally turned into a swan when her real-life Prince Charming swept her off her feet. But as his true character began to crack his perfect facade, Chrissy realized that not only was she better off without him, but that she was the only one who had the power to transform her life.
Returning to her ancestral home on Cannonball Island for a family wedding, Chrissy is reintroduced to a legacy she’d all but forgotten. In choosing to stay on the island, she reboots her life, successfully reinventing herself as a chef at Blossoms, an up-and-coming restaurant in St. Dennis. But despite her newfound self-confidence, she still doesn’t trust her taste in men. So when she meets Jared Chandler, a handsome ship salvager staying at the inn while he conducts a nearby recovery operation, Chrissy’s certain she can keep him as a friend—even though he’s everything any woman would want in a man. As fellow newcomers, together they discover the charm of the historic bayside town and explore the idyllic island.
But when Chrissy agrees to be Jared’s date for his father’s wedding, they embark on a weekend that will find them each seeing the other in a completely different light, one that will change their lives foreve
Always believing she was an ugly duckling, Chrissy Jenkins thought she had finally turned into a swan when her real-life Prince Charming swept her off her feet. But as his true character began to crack his perfect facade, Chrissy realized that not only was she better off without him, but that she was the only one who had the power to transform her life.
Returning to her ancestral home on Cannonball Island for a family wedding, Chrissy is reintroduced to a legacy she’d all but forgotten. In choosing to stay on the island, she reboots her life, successfully reinventing herself as a chef at Blossoms, an up-and-coming restaurant in St. Dennis. But despite her newfound self-confidence, she still doesn’t trust her taste in men. So when she meets Jared Chandler, a handsome ship salvager staying at the inn while he conducts a nearby recovery operation, Chrissy’s certain she can keep him as a friend—even though he’s everything any woman would want in a man. As fellow newcomers, together they discover the charm of the historic bayside town and explore the idyllic island.
But when Chrissy agrees to be Jared’s date for his father’s wedding, they embark on a weekend that will find them each seeing the other in a completely different light, one that will change their lives foreve
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesDune Drive Reviews
3.5
erica
Created over 2 years agoShare
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“**Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review**
*3.5 stars*
Do you want to know what reading Dune Drive felt like? It's that indescribable homey feeling you only get when you curl up on the couch with a blanket and watch a Hallmark movie. You're at peace, content, happy, and carefree. That is what reading this book felt like.
Dune Drive is the twelfth novel in the Chesapeake Diaries. That being said, you don't need to have read any of the other books in order to enjoy this book--this is the first book I've read in this series. This story is about a young woman named Chrissie who goes back to her ancestral home on Cannonball Island. While Chrissie wasn't raised on the island, she spent nearly every summer there growing up and the island always felt like her true home. However, the reason for Chrissie's homecoming is not a pleasant one. She has finally escaped from her abusive boyfriend, Doug. Once she arrives on the island, she embarks on a journey to rediscover who she is after losing her identity in an abusive relationship.
Almost a year later, Chrissie meets Jared Chandler. The two become fast friends, but could there be more? Chrissie isn't sure if she is ready for a new relationship, while Jared on the other hand, has never allowed himself to be in a serious relationship. Jared's mother abandoned his family when he was quite young which caused him to protect his heart. These two definitely have their guards up, but when the right person comes along your defenses are often proven to be worthless.
I really enjoyed this story. I think Mariah Stewart handled the topic of an abusive relationship well. My favorite aspect of this book was that Stewart gave Chrissie time to herself before throwing her in another relationship. Typically, authors push their heroines into a new relationship as soon as they escape from their abusive partner. By Stewart not doing this she has created a more organic, believable story for her readers. The progression between Chrissie and Jared's relationship is natural and authentic.
Of course, the setting of Cannonball Island is perfect for this story. It's a quaint, picturesque town on the bay--what more could I ask for? All of the townspeople are friendly which only enhances the classic small-town vibe of the island. I mean who wouldn't want to live somewhere like that? As I mentioned earlier, this could be a Hallmark movie.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was an endearing story of finding love--but more importantly yourself. Chrissie's journey is heartwarming and uplifting. I admire her courage and strength; she was a great main character. Full of romance, friendship, and family Dune Drive is certainly the perfect summer read.
https://www.instagram.com/courtofbingereading/ | https://twitter.com/courtofbingere1"”
Jennifer
Created about 4 years agoShare
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Chris B
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Antnans
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About Mariah Stewart
Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens while she works on her next novel. Visit her website at MariahStewart.com, like her on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram @Mariah_Stewart_Books.
Other books by Mariah Stewart
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