Beach Retreat

When looking for a good read, I don't necessarily reach for a literary tome full of weighty revelations and ponderous journeys. Depending on the moment, I might search for a reckless adventure or be tempted with something softer, letting a story wrap around me like a warm summer breeze. It can be lightly written, with characters not deeply carved but rather sketched in soft pastels, people that would fit into my own life. That is what I found in "The Hotel at Beach and Forgotten" by Nellie Brooks.

Beach and Forgotten are names of two crossing roads on the coast of California, in the town of Mendocino Cove. Forgotten is always overgrown in such a way that traffic never sees it and passes right by. But those looking for the turn, know that past the overgrown bushes, untrimmed trees and the dirt road disguised with green grass, there is a mansion sitting content and smug. It is protected by various pines and a few redwoods with wildflowers and coastal grasses growing beneath, and an expanse of ocean front that takes your breath away.

Jenny grew up there with her mom, aunt and grandmother. An idyllic childhood in some ways, taking a tragic turn that moved her far away. But her life across the country on the familiar but opposite coast of Maine had tragedy as well. As the story starts, 45 year old Jenny Summers makes a pilgrimage home.

Her mother and grandmother have passed. Her aunt, a flight-of-fancy woman, is gallivanting the world somewhere. But when Jenny makes the turn from Beach Road onto Forgotten, it is like she never left, her memories bursting over her like fireworks. And though the house is much older than before, it embraces her home.

If you ever had friends like Faye, Billie and Jon growing up, your own memories will swell. And if you didn't have such friends, you will want to pretend they are yours, caring and forgiving of much, loving you big and welcoming you in. Uncomplicated, the writing brings you through what some would think are mundane activities, while for others comforting, pacing though simple chores, tempting foods, good wine and toes wiggling down into wet sand while a sea lion barks for you to wave. It may seem just the right amount of mellow for a lazy summer read.

There is a bit of a mystery. About family history, about death, about life. And it sometimes appears there is a ghost about, as certain mysterious actions lead the story line to new places. An ancient map. A piece of scrimshaw. A wall of framed hand-embroidered sayings keeping the group on their toes. Grandma Rosie was strict on self discipline. Which may seem a bit too much for a relaxing summer dive in a beach mansion. But it doesn't get in the way.

Sometimes you forget the characters are in their mid-40s as they are so relaxed in their own skins with a constant levity between them. But wouldn't we all like to let go of the adult stuff and just relax at times? Enjoy a gentle story like a wisp of a breeze flowing across the water, tickling the hair on your arms? People spend so much time on the serious aspects of life. I don't know about you, but summer, especially a hot one, deserves a little bit of downtime, a little bit of connecting with the child who used to run across the yard in the sprinklers laughing with glee. A sparkling summer, where water shimmers in the sunlight and friends delight each other. I had summers like that. I hope you did, too.

Books don't have to be perfect literature. They can simply be a door for you to open and step through and let a story wash over you, leaving you relaxed and content with happy endings. What a concept, huh? People complain sometimes that an author wraps up a story too fast, too tidy and neat. Why is that a problem? Jenny has a lot of challenges. Faye, Billie and Jon support her as she works her way through. Her path isn't blocked by too much drama. Doors keep opening, things work out. The ghost doesn't scare anyone. Lemonade tastes wonderful on a hot day. The sun sparkles across the waves. You can almost smell the salt air. Nellie Brooks has found a great niche. She gives readers a little summer reprieve with permission to relax. So, go with it. You'll thank yourself and maybe even get in a nap or two, enticed by a warm summer breeze.

Good Books.

Good reading.

*Midge Lyn'dee is a fictional character used for the purpose of entertainment though the reviews are real and sincere.