The Beach House

Fun Read!

Nan Powell is a bit of an eccentric 65 year old widow, who has lived alone for twenty years in her huge home in Nantucket. Rather than selling her home because of mounting debts, she decides to rent out some of the rooms for the summer. The book is about the people who come to live with her, each with his or her own baggage and secrets. In sorting out and trying to manage her new situation, Nan is reborn and discovers a part of herself that she thought she'd lost years ago. Then something unexpected happens, and she has to reinvent herself yet again. Fun read!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Fun and Quick Read - inspiring

I read this book in about a week, I was intrigued by the main character who resembled my mother-in-law and the concept of having to rent out rooms in one's house (what a great idea for a lonely widow). The story line was a bit outlandish at points with everything/everyone coming together-seemed a little orchestrated. I would say this is an easy read with an unusual story line that pays off in the end. The Characters are enjoyable but could've been more detailed if this book wasn't soo short and a quick read...I'm sure it wasn't meant to be an epic novel; however, it would become a nice movie. I enjoyed the reader's style of writing for this type of book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Beach by Jane Green

I love Jane Green's books. I was glad I paid full price to read this book. I usually only trade but was tired of waiting for a trade. This story pulled me in and wrapped me up in the character lives. I thought I knew what would happen or guess the ending like most books but the ending was plesantly surprising and I loved it. Easy read and I highly recommend this book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

a well written character study

Sixty-five years old eccentric widow Nan owns THE BEACH HOUSE on Nantucket Island. Although she knows her neighbors would disapprove, needing money and not caring what anyone else thinks as she is a sexagenarian who buried her husband, the feisty Nan decides to rent rooms during the summer.------------- Her summer renters come to the island to think and escape. Separated from her husband Richard following his affair, Daff must decide what she wants beyond her two roles of mother to teen Jess and wife or perhaps ex wife. Therapist Dr. Posner helps, some might say hinders, Bee and Daniel to face the inconvenient truth that is destroying their relationship. As he faces middle age, Michael wonders if he will ever find the right woman for him as every female he meets turns out wrong.------------ THE BEACH HOUSE is a well written character study in which each of the visitors and Nan has issues to confront over the summer. Each of the cast members is fully developed and seems like a real person as they struggle with their respective issues. Although the resolution is too simplistic in such a short time, fans will enjoy the most wonderful summer.------------ Harriet Klausner

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A good Summery Read

This is one of those stories that must be read in the summer (on the beach if you can swing it). It fits the season, its not too in depth, characters are intersting. The setting is by far the best part of the book, the island and the house draw you in. I liked the main character the best. Lots of different storylines going on at the beginning, but you can see how they all tie in at the end. No one is left hanging, the author does a good job of finishing each characters situation. Some surprises at the end, the romance connections between the characters are a little predictable, but overall its a good summer read!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Have a cup of tea?

This book was a lovely read. Perhaps it fits with the time of year? Perhaps it fit with my mood? Who knows? I can only say that I loved this book and have already leant it out to someone to read. The characters are searching without looking, seeking without realizing... and perhaps that theme speaks to me. From the main character, Nan, who has spent a lifetime in a home preserving memories of a life that turns out to be not what she expected... To a little lost 13 year old girl whose life is turned upside down by her parents divorce... All the characters touched my heart. I hope you will read and enjoy as much as I did.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Light Read

The beginning was a slow start, but once you get into its a great novel. The characters are heart-warming, and the twists in the plot gives the story an added depth. Overall this novel is a great story.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Character Development

I ma not a Jane Green fan but this book was a really good beach read. The characters are so different and all of their problems surface as they live in this bed and breakfast. Nan grows on you too. Worth the effort.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Enjoyable read.

Very enjoyable reading. For me, slow to start, but picked up once characters were established. Plot line was interesting although somewhat fanciful. Enjoyed the characters, especially Nan and Del (who I could relate to). Overall a most enjoyable read and would recommend for bookclubs.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Best book by Green!

I loved this book. It is my favorite book by Jane Green for sure. Shes an amazing writer and all of her books touch people in many different ways. The characters were fabulous, their problems were real and you felt like you really got to know them. People question their lives all the time, some change the things they cannot face anymore while others go on just pretending. Daniel did the right thing, as well as michael and Nan. Great book. I recommend it to all fans of chick lit!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Wonderful Approach to Life

Jane Green¿s newest novel, The Beach House, is an exquisite blend of the harsh realities of life coupled with the rewards of finding yourself. Full of complex characters, each facing everyday situations like divorce, separation, parenting and discovering whom they really are. Jane Green tells the story of each persons struggle and eventual trip to Windermere, a huge costal home in Nantucket that breathes new life and friendship to an unlikely cast of characters. The owner of the property is Nan, the community eccentric, who has a real grasp on reality and clearly defines the emotions of those she comes across. Facing the truth of her own money troubles, Nan decides to rent out some of the rooms of her home to guest for the summer in order to keep the home she cherishes. She finds new tenants in Daniel, Daff, and her own son Michael who are going through their own personal struggles. She offers them not only the comfort of a home, but the wisdom that comes wish age and the inspiration of hope that they each lack in their own lives. The build up and foundation of The Beach House is sporadic and lengthy, but later on the in-depth character definitions only add to the complex and twisting plot. Filled with an array of emotions that mimics the real world every person will be touched and inspired with hope by the end. Jane Green is truly at the top of her game and continues to push out amazing novels like The Beach House. Valerie Jones

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

You will love the book

The characters in this book are great and with each one of their storys you will connect one way or another. I read this book in about 4 days and that is because I had to sleep and work. You will not want to put the book down. It really is a great fun read

so-so

I was disappointed with this book. From the back cover and the title, I'd assumed it would be a fun, light hearted read, but it was too depressing. About 1/2 way through, I put it aside. Life's to short.

I liked this book from Page 1

It is so nice to be able to know from the very first page that the book you've chosen to read is going to be enjoyable. I liked Nan, the main character, right away. This book had a little romance, drama, sadness...I finished it over a weekend. I can't say that I agree with the way some of the problems in the book were handled...I am still wondering if the dad ever discovered all the pilfered items in the daughter's bedroom...but the writer truly held my attention.

fun read!!!

I bought this at a Barnes & Noble store at the clearance table as I like to do that when I want to try out new authors. This is the only book I have read from this author. This sounded like a fun read and I was right. Great characters. I sure enjoyed this one and highly reccommend it. A great beach read or summer read or for someone looking for something a little lighter to read.

i loved this book

i usually read mysteries and i wanted something different. i read this book and loved it. it has some twists and turns that i never would have guessed and when i finished it, i wanted more. its a great read!

A Light & Airy Summer Read

The Beach House is a fun and light summer read, and I did find it to be an enjoyable summer quickie. The characters are very likeable and I found myself to be very satisfied by the happy endings they were rewarded with. The plot was a little prediactable and many of the events/connections had a suspicious feeling of unbelievable convenience, but I find that very forgivable in this kind of guilty pleasure book. Overall, it will not change you life, but you will most likely enjoy the time spent reading this book.

A Great Story

I loved this book it is an amazing book,i love how the author writes the story and the character were great specially nan she is a stong woman for being her age and all. I would def read it agian i couldn't put it down Jane Green knows what she is doing

LOVED IT

What a sublimely fun read! How great to know that no matter the age that feelings and attitude are what bring you a great life. This author weaves the pattern of her characters beautifully, and we find ourselves hoping for the best for them all. This was a one sitting read and such a great way pass the time in the park! I will pass this one on!

Laugh Out Loud Fun

Jane Green can just play turn up the fun with her books. I had an Aunt that would have fit the description of the main character so closely. The book not only was fun but touched on several serious topics.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wanted a good book for a rainy weekend.