Arguably more grating than the clichés and hyperbole are lines that stand out for being clumsy or cloying ... Now, I’m no literary snob. I even (proudly!) hail from armpit New Jersey. But I need more sophisticated writing, as well as a protagonist more evolved than Kate Campbell, for a novel to land in my beach bag. Others surely will disagree, as books about returning home are appealing, and Rock the Boat doesn’t lack energy. And sophomore books are tricky. I’ll look forward to watching the evolution of Dorey-Stein in subject matter and presentation.
As the trio tries to rebuild their lives in enticing creative ways that include an alluring dose of romantic entanglements, they find their way back to one another and forward to astonishing intertwined futures ... Dorey-Stein has written the perfect beach read, filled with delicious heart and meaty observations about knotty relationship issues and offering surprises and delights with every chapter.
The author perfectly captures what it means to come home again and rediscover yourself in the process ... Make room in your beach bag for this cozy summer read.
... charming if predictable ... While it’s no surprise that things turn out just fine for Kate, Miles—who develops an interest in cooking—and Ziggy, Dorey-Stein captures a strong sense of their feeling stymied now that their glory days have passed them by. It’s a modest story, but it delivers on its promise.
