By Wendy Wax
ISBN-13: 9780425263327
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication date: 7/1/2014
Format: e-book
My Rating: 5 Stars
Series: Beach Road Series
In this new novel from the author of Ten Beach Road and Ocean Beach, three unlikely friends who were thrown together by disaster get a do-over on life, love, and happiness . . .
Maddie, Avery, and Nikki first got to know one another—perhaps all too well—while desperately restoring a beachfront mansion to its former grandeur. Now they’re putting that experience to professional use.
But their latest project has presented some challenges they couldn’t have dreamed up in their wildest fantasies—although the house does belong to a man who actually was Maddie’s wildest fantasy once . . .Rock-and-roll legend “William the Wild” Hightower may be past his prime, estranged from his family, and creatively blocked, but he’s still worshiped by fans—which is why he guards his privacy on his own island in the Florida Keys.
He’s not thrilled about letting this crew turn his piece of paradise into a bed-and-breakfast for a reality show . . . though he is intrigued by Maddie. Hard as that is for her to believe as a newly single woman who can barely manage a dog paddle in the dating pool.
My Review
Wendy Wax is the Queen of Do Over! As you can see by my reviews—have read every book in this incredible Ten Beach Road series and each, A 5-Star Winner; however, I believe THE HOUSE ON MERMAID POINT is my favorite thus far!
From the stunning front cover (hats off to the designer) to the last page— these characters grab you by the heart and do not let go-for a page-turner. A group of kick ass, talented, and smart women, you will grow to love, for a must read series. Ten Beach Road, Ocean Beach, Christmas at the Beach, and The House on Mermaid Point. (you have to read them all)!
Wendy Wax has found her calling! Humor, wit, interior design, architecture, reality TV, renovations, fun girl time, celebrities, sexy tropical locations, beautiful homes, hot men, good food and drink, and juicy love connections (what is not to love)?
A well written, much loved series of transformations and peeling back of the layers of not only homes, and mansions, but the personal lives of those involved.
Even though I love all the women, Maddie is very special woman, at age 51, many readers will relate with her, as I did. The self-confidence and image factor, in an age of dating when compared to younger women, especially when they have given their life to their former husband, now divorced, having spent their life raising a family.
Was super glad THE HOUSE ON MERMAID POINT offered Maddie some limelight, and happiness, as she is the rock of the crew and her relationship with Hot William was dynamite (please let this couple continue), as they are not done—they sizzle!
Wow, William was such an interesting powerful and sexy character (former rock star musician) and loved seeing his transformation. His relationship with his son Tommy was very similar to the parent-child dynamic between Deirdre and Avery. A story of redemption, loss, and love—priceless!
Do Over is the show at the core of the story; however, each of the women’s lives (Kyra, Nichole, Avery, Deirdre, and Maddie) have been on a long journey filled with obstacles, and frustrations, as well as bonding and a great sense of accomplishment.
Each of these women from their twenties to sixties, have faced challenges which have led to self-discovery as they have grown in so many ways. And oh, the banter between sweet little Dustin and William, melts your heart!
Wendy, please do not the series end! Rooting for Hot William and Maddie to continue on . . . Islamorada was a perfect setting for this book and the surprise ending, as one of my favorite spots in the Florida Keys!
From a fellow Floridian, possibly next book--take the crew for their show to: (Palm Beach – Madoff’s old house, which was sold last year and tidbits to include Worth Avenue, new Antique Row, and new waterfront West Palm Beach), Ponte Vedra Beach and some yummy golf celebrity at TPC Sawgrass for a love interest for Kyra, or Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach!) Have lived in all these areas and filled with much excitement!
Possibly the reason I loved this book the most, could be due to having followed these special lovable characters from the beginning. Plus having lived and worked in Islamorada, and the Florida Keys selling real estate opening two projects: A waterfront marina club (condos for boats) and a condo hotel, from construction to completion, with much knowledge of all the fishing, reefs, boating, marinas, and all the hot spots and attractions mentioned in the book.
I know the true beauty of the area firsthand, of course, Checca Lodge, Moorings Village and Spa, Cottages, Pierre's and Morada Bay Beach Café are my favorites,as have experienced many sunsets on the Adirondack chairs with my feet in the sand and a glass of wine—it is heaven and could image myself there with the ladies--They love their sunrises and sunsets.
Wendy did an outstanding job with all the local descriptions and would love to see a movie based on this book! Can you imagine the cast?
Even though I visit the west coast of Florida often, the east coast is still my home. It was so much fun revisiting mentions: Lazy Days, Bud n Mary’s, Robbie’s, Theatre of the Sea, Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill, Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar... and boy was it hard to get contractors to work on a beautiful day when they call in sick to go fishing! And is heck traveling to Miami on your day off if you want to go shopping, can so relate.
Readers will love revisiting with Bella Flora, Chase, Joe, and of course the nightly chardonnay and cheese doodles! Yes, it was that good!
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About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Wendy Wax is heralded for her contemporary women's fiction exploring friendship, loyalty, self-discovery and the seemingly insurmountable challenges life sometimes presents.
Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Wendy grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. Appropriately enough, Wendy attended Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil. Not surprisingly, some of her favorite Florida beaches were destined to become settings for her bestselling fiction, including her "Ten Beach Road" novels, TEN BEACH ROAD, OCEAN BEACH, THE HOUSE ON MERMAID POINT, SUNSHINE BEACH, ONE GOOD THING, and BEST BEACH EVER.
Wendy's writing has been highly praised. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says she "writes with breezy wit and keen insight into family relations." Her books have been featured in national publications such as USA Today, Ladies Home Journal and Woman's World, and at online book sites such as On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever, Luxury Reading, Book Reporter, Night Owl Reviews and Fresh Fiction.
Wendy loves to hear from her readers! You can reach her at wendy@authorwendywax.com.
