I really enjoyed reading this book and getting introduced to the characters. Maddie thinks she has things under control but like many of us she soon finds out that things are not quite as she would like them. I think I would like to live on this island as it seems like a great place to live and work.
Maddie's world gets turned upside down when Ricky show up. Ricky is the one person that Maddie could do with out, so of course he winds up back in her life. A great read and one that will keep you wanting to see how it will all turn out.

I received a copy of the book to read, the review is my own.

On a Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Unique setting and interesting characters and relationships.

I was excited to read On a Coastal Breeze by author Suzanne Woods Fisher. This is the second book in her Three Sisters Island series. The first book, On a Summer Tide, introduced readers to the Grayson family. That’s where I found myself drawn into their story when Paul buys a summer camp on Three Sisters Island with the hope that his three daughters Camden, Madison, and Blaine will help him get the camp fixed up, and back up and running.

A year has passed since the family undertook this adventure and they are gearing up for another summer season of campers. They’ve settled into living on the island. Cam is engaged to Seth and she is throwing herself into a project to help the island be energy independent. Maddie has finally set up shop as a marriage and family counselor on this small island with just over a hundred year-round residents. She’s about to get a big surprise when the town’s new pastor makes a memorable entrance. Blaine is home for summer following a year at culinary school and she has a big announcement.

While the setting at Three Sister’s Island is beautiful, the most intriguing part of this story are the relationships. Not only within the family but with friends and the town’s people. The Grayson family is interesting, quirky, maddening, wise, unwise, honest, veiled, committed to one another, loving, and supportive. The characters grow and change.

Something I especially liked about On a Coastal Breeze is how the character’s backstory was filled in. Just when a character was making a goofy decision or acting illogical, there would be a scene from earlier in their life that helps the reader to better understand the character and why they were acting that way.

Faith and prayer were part of the storyline, especially with the character Maddie. But there were some thoughts, attitudes, and actions that were ungodly and unkind. Something in Maddie’s background was revealed during the story. I would like to have seen the character recognize sin as sin and repent. Repentance seemed to be lacking. Instead there was regret and she seemed to rely on or fall back on psychology. Yet Maddie had some good insight into people and situations. Cam and Blaine seem to be distant from God and it was reflected in how they responded to life. Rick, the new pastor was rather unconventional. His sermons were not quite theologically accurate. Instead, they were simplistic and there to make a point and relate to a character. Overall, while faith was included in the story it was not deep.

What I liked best about On a Coastal Breeze where the relationships and how the characters grew and changed. I wish faith had been more deeply developed in the characters. It looks like there will be a third book in this series focused on the youngest sister Blaine and I will likely read it.

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of On a Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

I loved the return visit to the charming Maine island, Three Sisters Island in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s novel, On A Coastal Breeze. Known for her Amish fiction, this series is a departure for Fisher in setting and genre, but not for her signature light and humorous style that she combines with deep spiritual truths. The second book in the series features middle sister, Maddie, but all the favorite characters from book one make an appearance creating an ensemble cast. Maddie is now a newly qualified counselor and is eager to ply her trade on the remote island that she has come to love. I love Maddie — she is very insightful, having a keen awareness of what others need, as well as an honest assessment of her own strengths and weaknesses. Her childhood nemesis, Rick O’Shea, comes to the island as pastor, and they are immediately thrown together. Fisher provides flashbacks from Maddie’s past to offer glimpses into their rocky relationship. Rick is a hoot and a hunk, a bad boy who has finally grown up, but who still knows how to get under Maddie’s skin. Theirs is a very fun romance. Anxiety and fear is the underlying theme of On A Coastal Breeze. More than one character struggles with it in varying degrees and varying success. I loved Rick’s assessment of what drives anxiety — “. . . fear of death is at the core of anxiety.” In these troubled times in which anxiety seems to plague all aspects of life, On A Coastal Breeze expresses a hope that overcomes fear.

Both book 1, On A Summer Tide, and this one are set during the summer months, making this series perfect for backyard or front porch reading during this time when staycations are a must. So settle in for a virtual trip to a lovely place. There are some unresolved storylines opening the door to book 3 — cannot wait for its release!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

We all experience fear at some point in our lives. How we handle this fear determines our future. It can cripple or strengthen us.
Maddie and her sisters each suffered some type of anxiety. On a Coastal Breeze describes how they handled their anxieties and the impact on their lives.
Pastor Rick was new to the job but not to Maddie. He gave her many reasons to feel anxious. He made her heart beat a little faster. Was he worth taking a risk and facing her fears?

I love this story. I read the first book of the series and I was hooked. I know that I'll be first in line for the next one.

I received this free from Celebrate Lit to review.


About the Book
Book: On A Coastal Breeze
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Amish Romance
Release Date: May 5, 2020
On A Coastal BreezeFor Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can’t wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island–they’re all too young, too old, or too weird–Maddie feels like she’s finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.
And then Ricky O’Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again–the one who’d been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance–parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O’Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.
Time to panic.
With wit and a bit of whimsy, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Three Sisters Island where family, forgiveness, and a second chance at love await.


Click here to get your copy!




About the Author
suzanne woods fisherSuzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including On a Summer Tide, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, The Deacon’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

More from Suzanne
Dear Reader,

The minute you step off the ferry and onto Three Sister Island, magic begins. Crisp ocean air acts like an elixir. Stress starts to evaporate, like a wisp of steam from a cup of hot tea. Happiness moves in, and you’ll feel more cheerful, more positive about the future.
And then there’s time! Somehow, there seems to be plenty of it.

Little things will catch your notice—finding seashells on the beach, watching waves crash against the rocks, gazing at the star-studded night sky.

Life just starts to slow down…and you wonder if you really want to ever leave Three Sisters Island.

Nor do you have to! That’s the beauty of books—they are the perfect escape. Always available, just waiting to be picked up. Always ready to transport you to a fresh and new state of mind.

On a Coastal Breeze is that kind of a read. The Grayson Family saga continues as they move to Three Sisters Island off the coast of Maine for a fresh start. Maddie Grayson takes center stage in this story. Life is finally coming together for Maddie. On the very day she opens her counseling practice, she spots a billowing skydiver. Parachuting in is Ricky O’ Shea—the one person on earth Maddie hoped she’d never see again. But Rick’s the new pastor for the island’s only church and he’s not about to leave. That’s when sparks start to fly.

Join me for a getaway by the sea that will leave you in a happy, relaxed, vacation-y state of mind…without leaving your home. Once you board the Never Late Ferry, even in your imagination, the island will take it from there.

Warmly, Suzanne

https://promosimple.com/ps/fb52/on-a-coastal-breeze-celebration-tour-giveaway

Faith over fear

I am on a bit of a “beach theme” kick right now, so when I picked up this book from an author I had never read before, I had high hopes. Though it wasn’t a five star rad for me, let me fist share what I liked.

Stories with a strong threads of faith that is lived out in a real way are ones I can respect. There was a real “faith over fear” theme in On A Coastal Breeze and I thought it was very fitting. Many of the characters had their fears brought to the forefront of their lives and where forced to make decisions that helped them face that fear. Fear of getting it right, fear of death, fear of the unseen – we all deal with them. I truly appreciated Rick’s approach though—living in fear is not living at all. I don’t think I would be as bold and daring as he is, but I can definitely get behind the thought.

The relationships were real and messy. I enjoyed the lack of cookie-cutter relationships that made me nod a couple times in understanding the struggle for some of the situations. And when I say “relationships” I don’t mean just the romantic ones. The way the daughters interacted with each other was definitely like many other families. They fought, they were bold in delivering advice, and they showed genuine love for each other. I felt like the dad was detached, but I think that was the point as he was a bit of an absent father.

Now, though I could appreciate and enjoy the individual story lines, I felt like there was too much going on. The author wrote with four different POV’s that I think their stories would have been better served in separate books. The description of On A Coastal Breeze indicates just the story between Rick and Madison but it wasn’t. I wanted more from them and less from all the other POV’s. Because of that, I couldn’t connect to any one story line and that was disappointing to me.

**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicity. A favorable review was not required. Only an honest one

As always, I loved Suzanne's latest book! On a Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Woods Fisher is book two in her Three Sisters island Series. Book one followed older sister Cam as she moved to a remote island with her sisters and father, who had suddenly sold everything and bought an old camp. Now, they have been on the island for a year, and middle sister Maddie is feeling at peace with her life and her career as a therapist, having just opened her own practice. Maddie has always had trouble with anxiety and she has finally found ways to cope with it and is doing better. Then, Ricky O'Shea comes to town as the new island pastor. Maddie has spent most of her life alternating between love and hate when it comes to Ricky. Now, to find him not only on the island, but in the office above hers, is almost more than her anxiety can take. But, fortunately, God loves us too much to leave us like we are, and His plan for Maddie is better than she can imagine. It will take a lot of patience, love, and a little bit of fear factor for her to find it though! Add in Cam's nervousness about marriage and Blaine's inability to settle to one thing, and the characters are well developed and keep you alternating between rooting for them and wanting to shake them. Don't miss this series! I can't wait for the next one to come out! Thanks to Suzanne for another great story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book. I found it started a little slow for me but I have not read the first of the series. I loved the way things evolved with the different members of the Grayson family. Each one of the sisters had their own set of problems to work through and it was interesting how these intertwined between them. I enjoyed the religious aspects of the story. I am going to go back and read the first book now and am looking forward to the next one to tie up some loose ends.

"If you had no fear of death, then that vague dread that constantly hovered - it could be vanquished. Not just managed or discounted, but eliminated. Overcome. Conquered. Defeated."

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a gifted storyteller with a voice that wraps around your reader heart to deliver heartbreaks, showers of grace and mercy, and tender reconciliation. This is book 2 in the Three Sisters Island series, and, though it could be read as a stand-alone, it's better read after Cam and Seth's story in On a Summer Tide so you're better acquainted with the minor characters of the island who truly make the story more lively. Filled with family tension, misunderstandings, issues of fear and anxiety, and faith lessons of facing life's challenges head-on, the story will have you falling in love with the island and its inhabitants while walking with them in their daily lives on a remote island off the coast of Maine.

This story focuses on Maddie, the middle sister who starts a counseling/therapy center on the island. She's the glue that keeps the Grayson family together and works overtime with her sisters and father to help them become more self-aware. The islanders call Rick to be their very first pastor and he sweeps everyone off their feet but there's a lot of history between Maddie and Rick which come out in flashbacks. Misunderstandings and secrets swirl around all the Graysons and Rick. All the four Graysons (Paul the father, Cam the oldest, Maddie, and Blaine the youngest) have a voice in this story, which is fun because more pieces of all four of their lives come out in each book. This book delved deeper into the characters' thoughts, motives, fears, and dreams. What will the third book hold? I can't wait for Blaine's story!

Fans of well-written contemporary romance will thoroughly enjoy this book and the series. I received a copy of the book from Revell via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

This is a wonderful contemporary romance!

I love the cast of characters in this book. They have such a wide variety of personalities that it is amusing to see how they interact with each other. It is fascinating to see how many of them have two completely different sides. One that is evident to others and the other that we only see in their private thoughts.

There are a couple of things that I picked up on that left me really thinking about my own life. It is much easier to see the faults of others than it is to see our own short comings. Also we are much quicker to remember things that others do that hurt us than things that we do and say that hurt them.

I definitely love the focus on second chances that comes through this story. We all have times that we desperately need one.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Three Sisters Island in Maine and to visit with the Grayson family. On a Coastal Breeze is told from the perspective of each of the three Grayson sisters and their father. The three women are so different from each other, but they challenge the others and love them through their struggles.

This family-centered story, book two in the series, is anchored by middle sibling Maddie’s romance but this story is so much more than that. It’s about people discovering their flaws and growing in character with the love and support of those who love them. And it’s about missed connections and second chances.

There are plenty of quirky residents (and wildlife) of the island to bolster the main cast of characters. I look forward to Blaine’s book soon because this is one sister who is longing to find her place in the world.




Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

On A Coastal Breeze was a fun book to read. I enjoyed Maddie and Rick’s story. He is going to be the new preacher on Three Sisters Island. Maddie is surprised to learn that it is the Rick she knew in her childhood.

Maddie is a Therapist, mainly for Marriage and family. I loved her sessions and the ideas she had for the ones she had in therapy.

This book is the second book in the series. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading the first book. It was nice catching up with characters from the first book called On a Summer Tide.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

So far, this book is my favorite in the series! It can be read as a standalone, but you'll probably get more from the story if you read On a Summer Tide first. It was fun to return to the beautiful fictional setting of Three Sisters Island in Maine! I really enjoyed Maddie and Rick’s story, as they grew from “frenemies” to friends and finally more. It was sweet to see how they balanced each other out - Maddie helping Rick focus on his health, and Rick helping Maddie face her fears - after they finally got past the heartbreaking misunderstanding that had torn them apart years earlier.

The three sisters’ relationships were also fun to see develop, as they grew closer throughout the book. The parts of Blaine’s story that were woven into the story gave us a taste of what’s in store for the next book. This is not a novel with an incredibly layered or complex plot or characters, but it is a sweet, fun, heartfelt story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

On a Coastal Breeze is the second book in the Three Sisters Island series and follows the character Madison Grayson, a newly licensed therapist. It was really great to check in with Cam from the previous novel in the series as well as getting to read Madison’s story. This is a good, quick, Summer read. It was humorous and heart-felt and the characters were developed nicely over the course of the book. Three Sisters Island was described in detail and you could really feel like you were there. I’m looking forward to reading the conclusion of the series when it is released.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A delightful summery read that will put you in the mood for a beach and vacation! This series has been quite enjoyable!

The story is a breath of fresh air as the first chapter begins. I am so glad to take a trip back to Three Sisters Island. The beauty of the island is so welcoming that you don’t want to leave. I could hear the boats glaze across the water and the smell of fresh brewed coffee from the cafe. In fact I would like to move there.
I really enjoyed catching up with the sisters as each one had a problem they needed to deal with. Cam was starting to make me mad as she kept putting off her wedding. I know she is dedicated to her cause to help the island and their electricity issues, but she better be careful that her fiancé doesn’t tire of her inability to commit to a date for the wedding. Cam is fighting against herself as she will discover what really is important in her life.
Blaine has become an accomplished chef but she still feels like she is not being taken serious enough. She has a deep secret that is preventing her from finishing Culinary School. I really understood her need to flee from everything because it is easier to run from our circumstances then to face them. She has some big decisions to make that will change the direction of her life.
Maddie is finally a therapist and I loved her heart to help people. She doesn’t judge anyone who comes to her for help. She does however meet her past when the new pastor is introduced. I can remember my school days very well. There was this boy that was always picking on me. He was relentless and made my life miserable. Maddie’s nemesis was Ricky. It’s been years since she has seen him but that will all change when Maddie and Rick run into each other on the island. I loved how Maddie must have been beside herself when the new pastor is none other than Rick. Okay so I laughed a bit at this. God always finds a way for us to face our hurts and regrets. The dynamics between Maddie and Rick are emotional and real.
The story is so well written I did not put it down till I finished. I had to see how Maddie would handle her feelings when she and Rick have a serious talk. Rick is a changed person, but Maddie is still holding on to things he did to her since kindergarten. It is possible to give great advice to others, but will Maddie be able to step out and forgive Rick? The faith element in the book is well done and I have to say I loved how Pastor Rick told the story about Jonah in his sermon. He had people on the edge of their seats.
I loved reading about each sister and how they came to Maddie for help. I think this was important because it showed they trusted her and gave Maddie a much needed boost of confidence in her work. The author is good at scattering laughable moments in the book to fill readers with a smile. Her writing is graceful as she takes her time to lay out each character and expose their inner struggles. I loved the lessons about trust, self esteem, family and forgiveness. The ending is good but boy do I have some unanswered questions. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what surprises are in store for the family next.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

On a Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Woods Fisher has Madison Grayson, newly licensed as family and marriage therapist, setting up her practice on Three Sisters Island, Maine. Maddie is optimistic and happy until she learns the identity of the new pastor who happens to be parachuting onto the island (talk about an entrance) on the day she is opening her practice. Rick O’Shea tormented from kindergarten through her senior year of high school. Maddie hopes she can avoid him, but that is hard to do on the postage stamped sized Three Sisters Island. Blaine is returning home for the summer after a year at culinary school. She has news for her father that Blaine knows he will not take well. Cameron is busy submitting grants to fund the self-sufficient, renewable energy program she wants to implement on the island. When Cam is working on a project, she makes it her sole focus which can be detrimental. On a Coastal Breeze is the 2nd novel in the Three Sisters Island series. While it can be read on its own, I recommend reading On a Summer Tide first (it is fabulous). I thought On a Coastal Breeze was well-written with developed, realistic characters on a beautiful island. There are some delightful quirky residents with my favorite being Peg Legg who runs the Lunch Counter and is the island’s mayor. I just love Three Sisters Island. It sounds like a great place to live. I can certainly understand why Cam wants the get the island its own energy source with the electric cutting out every day for hours at a time. The focus of On a Coastal Breeze is Maddie, but we catch up with Cam, Blaine, and Paul as well. Blaine is known for not finishing what she starts which worries her father. The author touches on a delicate subject which I thought was handled very well. I am eager to read Blaine’s story in the next Three Sisters Island novel. I enjoyed the humor in the story (I love a book that makes me laugh). I liked the flashbacks into Maddie’s life. It allows us to see what transpired between Rick and Maddie when they were kids as well as to understand Maddie’s feelings. My favorite thing in On a Coastal Breeze is the little duck that takes a fancy to Paul. As Paul said, some men get a dog as their faithful companion, he gets a duck. Fear is the main theme in On a Coastal Breeze. We see how fear affects each member of the Grayson family. My favorite line is, “All of life is a risk.” The only thing I found disappointing was the wedding scene (you will find out why when you read the book). On a Coastal Breeze is a delightful and touching novel with culinary catastrophes, an uneasy youth, funding misfortunes, a charismatic clergyman, decision dilemma, and a doting duck.

An EXCELLENT continuation of the series. I loved this book! Suzanne has a way of captivating her audience and making you long for more - which is why I know there has to be another one coming! (Fingers crossed!) You will enjoy how easily this one flows with the last book. You also could easily pick this one up not having read the first and still enjoy it and not be totally lost. It’s a nice “vacation” from my typical Amish stories that I enjoy from her. You will love it!

This is the second book in the Three Sisters Island series. Fantastic story! Please, read this one even if you haven't read Book 1. You won't regret it!
Maddison, Cam and Blaine and their father, Paul live on Three Sisters Island and are the owners of Camp Kicking Moose. While the island is a great place to live, it is also burdensome when the electricity goes off. On the entire island. Quite often. Winters are cold and miserable. But, it is home and an enjoyable one to the residents there.
Cam is engaged to Seth, but can't seem to find the time to set a date for the wedding. Her motto is: If something is worth doing, it's worth overdoing. Her current project is to try to bring solar energy to the island. Applying for grants and all the work involved consumes her. Seth wonders if she'll ever make him and their child, Cooper a priority.
Blaine is on break from culinary school. She works at Peg's diner and helps with breakfast at Camp Kicking Moose. Blaine has suddenly lost her 'palate,' and the diner is losing business. She can't seem to taste foods like before. What is going on? Perhaps she needs to take an out of the country trip to try to find her 'palate?' Blaine has a problem sticking with things. Is she running from something?
Maddie has her own little office, where she is a therapist. Don't even think about calling her a 'shrink!' She is newly licensed and hoping to build a good business and gain experience. Things are going well for her until...her childhood tormentor, Rick O'Shea literally drops into town. Even worse, he is the new pastor! The one and only pastor on the island.
The girls' father, Paul, has turned sixty and seems to have lost his zeal for the camp. What is going on with him?
A most delightful story. Can't wait for the next one!
I was given a complimentary copy to read by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review, but how could I not? Wonderful, wonderful story! Thank you, Suzanne Woods Fisher!

I am glad "islanded" on this Contempory Fiction series. Typically, I choose Amish Fiction and have enjoyed several of Suzanne Woods Fisher's stories in that genre. Not having read the first book in series I had little trouble getting to know the characters and their backgrounds. I like how their dyfunctions are portrayed true to life. Although Maddie's reactions to Rick and her love/hate feelings didn't make sense to me. I'm looking forward to sea-ing more about the Grayson family in the next book. I received a copy of 'On A Coastal Breeze' from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

As I was reading On A Coastal Breeze I felt welcomed home. The story continues right where the first left off. Now you could read this as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the first in the series as it sets up this book.
Three Sister's Island is where you're going to want to go to vacation but you'll feel so at home you won't want to leave!
Everyone on the island knows you and is there to lend a helping hand when you need it.
The father in the story may be a little gruff but here's no denying his love for his daughters.
This contemporary read is just what you need with it's endearing characters, family rebuilding and spiritual reawakening to make this a sure fire do not pass up read.
I recommend this book.

Pub Date 05 May 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.