On a Coastal Breeze

5/5/2020

On a Coastal Breeze

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Three Sisters Island #2
Release Date: May 5, 2020

Welcome back to Three Sisters Island, where family, forgiveness, and a second chance at love await

For Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can't wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island--they're all too young, too old, or too weird--Maddie feels like she's finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.

And then Ricky O'Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again--the one who'd been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance--parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O'Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.

Time to panic.

Reviewer: Mindy Houng

"If you had no fear of death, then that vague dread that constantly hovered - it could be vanquished. Not just managed or discounted, but eliminated. Overcome. Conquered. Defeated."

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a gifted storyteller with a voice that wraps around your reader heart to deliver heartbreaks, showers of grace and mercy, and tender reconciliation. This is book 2 in the Three Sisters Island series, and, though it could be read as a stand-alone, it's better read after Cam and Seth's story in On a Summer Tide so you're better acquainted with the minor characters of the island who truly make the story more lively. Filled with family tension, misunderstandings, issues of fear and anxiety, and faith lessons of facing life's challenges head-on, the story will have you falling in love with the island and its inhabitants while walking with them in their daily lives on a remote island off the coast of Maine.

This story focuses on Maddie, the middle sister who starts a counseling/therapy center on the island. She's the glue that keeps the Grayson family together and works overtime with her sisters and father to help them become more self-aware. The islanders call Rick to be their very first pastor and he sweeps everyone off their feet but there's a lot of history between Maddie and Rick which come out in flashbacks. Misunderstandings and secrets swirl around all the Graysons and Rick. All the four Graysons (Paul the father, Cam the oldest, Maddie, and Blaine the youngest) have a voice in this story, which is fun because more pieces of all four of their lives come out in each book. This book delved deeper into the characters' thoughts, motives, fears, and dreams. What will the third book hold? I can't wait for Blaine's story!

Fans of well-written contemporary romance will thoroughly enjoy this book and the series.

I received a copy of the book from Revell via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Reviewer: Raechel Kelly

The second book in the Three Sisters Island series, On a Coastal Breeze, focuses primarily on Maddie Greyson, the middle daughter. She's finally set up her own counseling practice on the Island. She is doing quite well at it, getting a good handle on life...or so she thought until a person from her pasts shows up.

I really liked the dynamic between Maddie and Rick. It wasn't a simple relationship, but it was unique and growing. Though really, the romance wasn't actually as prominent a theme in this book as I expected. The theme was more on forgiveness and overcoming fear and anxiety. The plot was really well written, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into Maddie's counseling practice as well.

As with the first book, this story continued to show pieces from each daughter, as well as their father, which was a nice touch. Cam could be a little hard for me to relate to at times, but she did grow in this book. And Blaine - is a likable character who faces some of her own trials.

I am looking forward to seeing more of her story!

The ending almost came too soon. I would've enjoyed having it go longer. But it certainly gives readers something to look forward to in the third book. I've grown quite fond of the Greyson family and their little Maine Island.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.

Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Suzanne Woods Fisher is best known for her Amish books, so when I saw this series, I knew I had to read it.

This book was such a delightful read, and so is the author who wrote it. I love anything she writes! I like how she makes her characters' feelings seem realistic, and I can feel them coming out at me throughout the story. Fear has a stronghold on these women's lives, and it's what's holding each member of Maddy's family back.

I like how Woods gives us a look inside each family member and what really holds them back from being what they truly can be. People can change, but only if they want to. Rick is just such one character. I enjoyed him immensely. A Marine turned Pastor, wow! You're in for a wonderful treat!

Suzanne weaves some wonderful messages throughout this book without being preachy about it. I like that. I like this saying, "Once you know a truth, you can't unknow it." How true this is. Sometimes when you know a truth, it changes in how you look at yourself as a person, or it can change in how you look at the other person if that makes sense?

Maddy is my favorite person in the family. I think I like her because she's just like everyone else. She has fears, doubts, and many other feelings. I love how she takes time out to analyze her feelings for life in general. Sometimes it takes time for her to process certain events in her life.

I'm the same way. It takes time for me to process things in my life. Especially the bad things. In other words, it takes time for me to forgive. When I do, it sets me free. Forgiving is hard, I know, but it's the best, especially if we want to be Christ like-minded. The truth will also set you free. She's certainly got a tough job in the family, that's for sure! One I sure wouldn't want, but apparently, I am.

Poor little Coop. Such a sweet little feller. All of us have anxieties in life, but I think it's the kids who are hit the hardest. He's had so much change in his life. It's hard for him to process. I'm still rooting for you, little guy! You've stolen my heart.

I was happy to see Peg back. I think she's got an even tougher job. I've been there and done that. I admire her spunk, courage, and a good attitude towards people. She reminds me of Taco Charlie.

A very moving, well-written book. I enjoyed it immensely! I didn't want to say goodbye to Maddy or her family. I highly recommend this book, and you'll be thinking about the characters long after the story is finished. Especially Paul. What will happen to him?

Will, each family member, face their fears, or will they keep running away from them? You'll just have to read this awesome book to find out.

My thanks to Netgalley and Baker Book publishing for a complimentary copy. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Reviewer: Abigail Harris

Oh la la, this book!

I expected to need a brush up on the first book in the Three Sisters Island series, On A Summer Tide, but I was wrong. It was like stepping right back into a loved little town, eh, island, that is, with old friends and new. I fell in love with the people in this novel all over again.

The redemption in On A Coastal Breeze was so well done! I am in love with how Suzanne Woods Fisher wrote the sequel in her series. The sisters' point of view was done in a way that the story never became too chaotic and did not switch from character to character too often.

Since I read the first book, I have been looking forward to finding out more about the girls' growing up years and their take on their family as they had gone from young children to women dealing with grief.

Rick, wow, I wasn't sure what to expect, but wow! I love the whole former Marine now pastor thing, I loved it, surprisingly due to the fact he was a Marine. And the glimpses we got of him as Pastor Pick were so good. The author did a wonderful job of showing a sermon without it being boring, and the lessons, wow. *heart eyes* I just love him. I did not see the surprise we got from him, though. Oof! Not expected at all.

Cooper, poor little Coop! He just breaks my heart with his anxiety, I felt so bad for him and his young, fearful mind. The poor boy had been through so much, but the ending of this book tied up the little family's story in a sweet way.

The faith in God showed through in a wonderful way that was real, and I could feel a connection with, and it was done without a bit of over the top preaching. The spiritual content was spectacular!

I enjoyed all of the points of view, and I almost forgot, I need to know what happens with Paul! His little shock at the end, why do that to me?

I cannot wait for the next book after that snippet cliffhanger of the next book. It will not come out soon enough for me. After all, I caught a hint of an idea that I hope turns out.

Just note that due to certain content, this book is for 16/18 up.

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell) through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

Reviewer: Nora St. Laurent

This story is focused on Madison Grayson who is a therapist. She has just set up her office and is ready for business. All is well until it is not. Rick O’Shea literally drops in on three Sisters Island to be their pastor. Great for the Island bad for Maddie she remembers the guy she went to school with. He wasn’t the pastor type. Sparks fly and not in a good way. What was she going to do? It wasn’t like she could attend another church. Each person deals with their own situations, learning what it means to be family, boundaries and all.

The characters are honest and grow in their faith, and their maturity, as each discover who they are individually and are as a family. I liked the natural faith message woven throughout the story. I loved the honesty, and realism, of what these sisters go through. The author sprinkles encouraging nuggets in the mix of things like this one, “Once you know a truth, you can’t unknow it.”

I liked how the author had readers experience the highs, lows and the unexpected with this fun-loving bunch and its quirky residents that create a well-rounded cast. This is a sweet, heart-felt, enjoyable story filled with tender, fun, suspenseful and crazy moments I couldn’t put down. I look forward to reading more about this family and finding out where Blaine ends up.

This book would work well for your next book club pick as there are discussion questions and a great recipe you can serve at your meeting. It’s called, “You’ll Never Buy Store Bought Granolas again” that includes a few variations on the theme. It’s a win win for everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through Interview & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

On A Coastal Breeze is a book filled with the complexities of family and friendship. Centered around the lives of three sisters who couldn’t be any more different, there is one common thread between them—they are all battling their own fears.

Maddie is the middle sister, the glue that holds the others together. As a psychologist she’s able to clearly see their fears, but can she deal with her own?

Her life has been turned upside down by the return of the boy who tormented her all through school, and broke her heart. Now he’s the new pastor. Her emotions are in a turmoil, and avoidance seems like the best choice. But is it?

As each character comes face to face with those things that hold them back, will they be able to overcome? Are forgiveness and redemption enough?

This is a great family story given to me courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest review.

Reviewer: Marta Aldrighetti

Book two of the series, but you can easily read it as a stand-alone.

The story is set on the Island of Maine. The main characters are the Greyson family: Dad and his three 3 daughters include, determined, workaholic Cam, reflective Maddie and, free, young, full of life Blaine.

The story is realistic, haunting, easy to read, and entertaining. I barely put down the book, eager to know and learn about life on the Island. I will miss the characters.

This book was provided courtesy of Revell Publishing through Netgalley and Interviews & Reviews.

Reviewer: Abigail Thomas

Three Sisters Island once again comes alive in Suzanne Woods
Fisher’s novel, On a Coastal Breeze. The reader is re-introduced to the Grayson family and the rest of the quirky cast including Seth and Peg Legg and new members make their appearance along with a tenacious duck that likes to follow Paul Grayson around Camp Kicking Moose.

When Rick O’Shea parachutes onto the shore of Three Sisters Island to assume the role of pastor, Maddie Grayson’s anxiety level skyrockets. She remembers all too well what “Ricky” was like growing up, and their tumultuous past leaves her wondering when the other shoe will drop. Has he really grown since grade school, or is he making plans to torment her once again?

I loved watching the relationship between Maddie and Rick grow and how the author slowly brought in pieces of Maddie’s past. Though the main focus on the book was Maddie, Paul, Cam, and Blaine were not forgotten. Each character was able to have their own part in this story, each with a struggle they needed to face and overcome.

The main theme in this story was fear, weaving throughout the story in each person. Rick’s sermon about Jonah and the Whale and the Fear class he and Maddie taught together were only the beginning. Each Grayson had to come to terms with what they feared and decide what they would do about it.

As before, Suzanne Woods Fisher has a way of bringing God into the mix that not only makes it fun but also allows you to think. Though the message is not-so-hidden, it’s a refreshing way of looking at what God wants for us.

The one thing I will mention, and it’s not a deal-breaker, is the slight inconsistency I found in chapters twelve and fourteen. In chapter twelve, Maddie talks to Blaine about why Blaine may have lost her sense of taste, and then in fourteen, Blaine confides in Maddie that she lost her sense of taste, and Maddie is surprised. It stuck out to me and had me flipping back and forth to make sure I hadn’t missed something. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a quirky
contemporary story with a godly message, romance, and humor. I’m looking forward to another book in the series, which I can only assume (and hope) will be about Blaine and her travel decisions.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.

Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Oh my word . . . . . . He said he was going to parachute in today, but I didn't think he meant literally."

Oh, he meant literally, alright. When Three Sisters Island's new pastor lands deftly on two feet, with the predicted parachute trailing behind him, the island residents are automatically intrigued. Everyone, but Maddie Grayson, that is. She cannot believe that her childhood nemesis is . . . . first of all a preacher, and second of all, going to be living and working on the main floor of the building which houses her newly formed counseling practice. Of all the nerve; Ricky O'Shea.

Of course, the island's small church community grows quickly; Pastor O'Shea is a gifted speaker and has the ability to preach God's Word in the simple, genuine kind of way that appeals to his audience. As Maddie finds it harder and harder to hold on to juvenile grudges, she is also distracted by the unrest within both of her sisters. It's turning out to be quite a summer on Three Sisters Island.

Written with the ease of a seasoned author, "On a Coastal Breeze" captures the essence of authentic, as each sister struggles to conquer her own invisible fears; feeling totally inadequate, incessantly driven, or incredibly inept. Filled with a surprising amount of wisdom and depth, this story is a solid, enjoyable, and quite romantic addition to the series.

"Did you know that 'fear not' is mentioned three hundred and sixty-five times in the Bible? One for every day."

"God has not given us a spirit of fear but power and love." . . . . "and a sound mind".

I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews.

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