Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Barefoot by the Sea


A Barefoot Bay Novel

When you think you know your heart's desire . . . 

Tessa Galloway is a gifted nurturer-her verdant garden at Barefoot Bay's new resort is living proof. If only the woman who can grow anything could grow what she wants most: a baby. Her friends think the right guy will come along, but Tessa doesn't want to wait. All she needs is the perfect donor to make her dream come true. Then John Brown is hired at the resort. If anyone could make beautiful babies, it's this gorgeous, mysterious man. So why does Tessa suddenly find herself wanting so much more?

Can you give up all your dreams for love?

It's been three long years since John Brown had to leave his old life. Forced into the witness protection program, he's desperate to be reunited with his toddler twins. When he gets that chance, there's a catch-he must prove he's got a steady job and a new wife. Landing a gig as a chef in Barefoot Bay is easy enough. And falling for lovely Tessa is even easier. The hard part? Can he win the heart of a woman who prizes honesty-when the truth may shatter it?

Release date 10/29/13 Forever Hachette Book Group

I was lucky enough to be given an ARC from the author at RWA this summer (Thanks Rocki!!!). I'm a huge fan of Roxanne St. Claire and with great restraint, made myself wait until closer to the release date to read this book. 

I'm a huge fan of the Barefoot Bay series and was excited for Tessa to finally get her happily ever after. I've said over and over again how much the friendship between Tessa, Zoe, Lacey, and Jocelyn is one of my favorite things about this series. I see my friends and myself as I read each of these books, even though there are 7 of us. However, much like Tessa and her friends, my friends and I give each other a hard time, joke and laugh like crazy, and most of all are always there for one another.

Tessa need she her friends now more than ever, since she has decided to go it alone to have a baby. I almost fell off my sofa laughing as the friends sat around a table in a bar giving names to sperm. Of course, this would be when the perfect man happens to walk into Tessa's life. John Brown/Ian Browning really is perfect for Tessa; except for one tiny flaw...he is in the witness protection program and can't be truthful about anything. Oh how I fell for John/Ian just like Tessa. Even knowing he was keeping secrets from her, she couldn't seem to keep her hands off him if they were in the same area together. The biggest secret John/Ian is keeping is the fact that he has toddler twins. So not only is he the perfect man for Tessa, but he comes with children, which are her biggest dream ever. 

It totally killed me that John/Ian couldn't be truthful with Tessa about everything, even as I knew they were both falling in love with each other. When they are picked to be the test wedding at the resort, I was hoping it would be forever for them both. Tessa continued to fight her feelings for John/Ian because she knew he was keeping something from her and John/Ian seemed to be fighting his feelings just as hard. I won't lie and say this book didn't make me cry, because it did...several times in fact. However, I tend to cry when reading many of Rocki's books, so I pretty much know to keep tissues handy. I also tend to laugh, and I did so many times with this book. 

I'm sure I've said this about other books in the Barefoot Bay series, but Barefoot by the Sea is my favorite in the series so far. Really of the 4 books out now, it is so my favorite book. Rocki pulled all the emotions out of me with this book and I loved every single minute of it. As soon as I finished reading it, I wanted to re-read it right away. I’ll also say this book can be read as a stand alone, even though it is the 4th book in the series. I do however suggest reading the other books in the series first. I'm pretty excited this book isn't the end of our time in Barefoot Bay. We will again get to be with the Barefoot Bay characters starting next year with the Barefoot Bride books. Woohoo!!! 

***As today is my birthday, I've decided to give 1 (one) digital copy of the Barefoot Bay book of the commenter's choice. Please make sure your email address is posted with your comment so I can contact the winner.  Open from 10/29 to 11/02. I'll draw the winner using random.org***

12 comments:

Texas Book Lover said...

First off Happy Birthday! Hope your day is fabulous!!!

I have read the first three in this series and loved them all. I have been anxiously awaiting Tessa's story. I mean she has been through so much and I could tell from hints hear and there that there is far more to her story than we know already!

Thanks so much!
mmafsmith AT gmail DOT com

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Liza! Loved this review!!

Laurie G. said...

Awesome review! I, too, loved all four books in Rocki's Barefoot Bay Series. You're right about keeping the tissues nearby. Tears and laughter are always a big part of her stories. Absolutely a must read!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday!!!🎈
I love the Barefoot Bay Series, and your review is perfect....when you read Rocki's books you feel connected to these Fearsome Foursome...They will do anything for each other...In Barefoot by the Sea they support Tessa's dream of waiting a baby...along the way she meets John/Ian and feels some attraction..The story is beautiful and you learn that you just have to take a chance, trust and take a leap of faith...
I believe each book stands alone, but I enjoyed reading them in order...that's just me...Enjoy your BAREFOOT BY THE SEA Adventure...IN the SAND! RAIN! SUN...and SEA is the forth....😃

Debbie said...

Happy Birthday! I love the Barefoot Bay Series. What a great review!

Sue G. said...

I love this series. These books are written with such wonderful characters and story lines that by the end you feel these characters are your friends. I laughed and cried with them. If you haven't read any of the books...get the first one. I guarantee you will go back and get the rest of the series!

Sue G. said...

Oops...Happy Birthday Liza!

Kathy Dennis said...

Happy Birthday Lisa, I hope your day was fun filled!

As a member of Rocki's street team, I was lucky to receive an ARC of BAREFOOT BY THE SEA. I have read all the other books in this series and I have to say this one was my favorite. I fell in love with John/Ian, he has been through so much heartache, him meeting Tessa was just what they both needed. I thought it was funny that Tessa who cannot stand for someone to keep secrets or be dishonest to finally meet her forever guy and he has nothing but secrets. It was a great story!!

Marianne said...

Love any and everything by Roxanne St. Claire. You can't go wrong with this author!

Unknown said...

Awesome review...love Roxanne St. Claire and her Barefoot books. Loved all of them but I think Barefoot by the Sea is my personal favorites. Packed with emotional highs and lows.

hregtvedt said...

This was a great book! Thank you for featuring it on your blog. This series is a favorite of mine that I will read over and over. And yes, I too was glad to see Tessa finally get her happily ever after. Ian tugs at your heartstrings from the get-go and it was an enjoyable journey to see them find their HEA together. So glad there will be more from Barefot Bay!

PS- Belated Happy Birthday!

Modokker said...

Happy Birthday Liza girl!!! Hope it was a good one! Loved this book as well!!


Lisa B