A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber – a Review

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Description:
The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.

Harper, on the other hand, is always on the go. Overcoming a terrible illness has given her a new lease on life, and she does not intend to waste it. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far. Harper, for her part, urges Willa to stop worrying and do something outside of her comfort zone—like taking a chance on love with a handsome new customer.

Sean O’Malley is as charming as he is intriguing—a freelance photographer whose assignments take him to the ends of the earth. Soon Willa’s falling for him in a way that is both exciting and terrifying. But life has taught Willa to hedge her bets, and she wonders whether the potential heartache is worth the risk.

Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.

Review:

A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber is a wonderful standalone novel focusing on two sisters.  The story takes place in Oceanside, Washington, where our heroine, Willa, runs a local coffee shop. Willa shares an apartment with her sister, Harper, who is the complete opposite of Willa; but they are very close.  Willa, is the more serious one, always looking out for her sister or brother, Lucas, as when her mother died, she assumed the overall responsibility of watching over her siblings.  Harper is happy go lucky, who occasionally helps Willa at the coffee shop, or is out having fun; especially since she is also a cancer survivor. 

Harper also pushes Willa to open up to a new customer, who has been eyeing her.  Sean O’Malley, is not a coffee lover, but he has eyes on Willa, so he comes every morning just to see her, and finally gets to talk to her when Harper pushes them together.  A slow build romance will begin, as they both feel the attraction between them. Their brother Lucas is now engaged, and he and his fiancé (Chantelle) want to plan a wedding with Willa and Harper’s help.  

Just when things are looking good for the family, as well as Willa and Sean’s relationship, Harper starts getting sick.  Despite their thinking she may have pneumonia, to their grief, the prognosis is worse; Harper’s cancer is back.  What follows is an emotional ride the rest of the way, which kept us turning the page.  This was a powerful story, with Willa, Lucas, their father (who has been sober for awhile) being there to help Harper through a horrific enhanced treatment to fight the cancer.  Can Harper beat this again? 

The relationship between Sean and Willa begins to fall apart, as Sean is always away, and Willa feels his job is more important than her, especially with her needing his support during these difficult times.   The closeness of the family made this such a wonderful and heart wrenching story of love, sisterhood, friendships, family, illness and tears.  A Walk Along the Beach pulls on your emotions throughout the second half of the book.  Will Harper survive?  Will Willa forgive Sean? 

Debbie Macomber wrote such a great story, with fantastic characters and family bonds.  A Walk Along the Beach was a heartwarming, emotional read, that was so very well written by Macomber. I will warn you that you will need tissues, for there are tears of happiness as well as sadness.  I strongly suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher