A Walk Along the Beach was definitely a tug at the heartstrings. I was immediately pulled in to this little town, Willa's little coffee shop, her family life, and her love life. Sean O'Malley is an interesting character who I want to know even more about, but I enjoyed his persistance with Willa and the cuteness of the things he does to get her attention. The book got heavy towards the end so if you don't like a good cry, this one isn't for you, but if you like books that make you feel something you will want to pick this one up.

All the stars

Debbie Macomber does it again with a heartfelt family story about 2 sisters who are best friends and the power of love and how to let a loved one go...This story had me crying, laughing, crying and in the end I am so happy I got the chance to read it.

If you are a fan of Debbie's books this one will not disappoint.

This book was dedicated to her best friend Roberta Stalberg, who wrote under the pseudonym of Christina Skye who died of cancer in May of 2018 Beautiful tribute.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.



Description
Two sisters must learn from each other’s strengths and trust in the redeeming power of love in a touching new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for an ARC of this book. The review and comments are my honest opinion.
Debbie MacComber has long been know as a writer that can pull the heartstrings of her faithful readers. In A Walk Along the Beach she does not disappoint. In the first half of the book we learn how the characters Willa and Harper, who are very close sisters due to the circumstances of their lives, are living with the threat of the return of an insidious disease. As the book continues, Willa and Harper let the disease affect their lives in different ways. So much so, there becomes a rift between the sisters. This story is emotional, filled with heartache and love. It has been a long time since a book has brought tears to my eyes, but this author succeeded in writing another heart felt book

A Walk Along the Beach is a poignant heart-wrenching story of love and loss and finding love again. This is Debbie Macomber at her finest, with wonderful, relatable characters and a moving storyline. I read it in one sitting. Loved it!

A cozy romance that deals with the realities of careers, health issues, alcoholism & recovery, death and finding the one person you can count on to stand by you through life's trials.

The author's latest books have dealt with life's hard issues. These issues are dealt with dignity.

I received an advanced copy,but voluntarily left this review

Will leave 5 star review on Amazon under name of Connie

Thanks for granting me access to this book

Be prepared to be touched and moved by Debbie Macomber's new book.

Willa and Harper had a very close relationship. They gave each other strength during difficult times. They had each other's back. They were and always will be sisters.
I see this as a blessing.

Sean entered the Bean There Coffee Shop for a coffee but really came there for a chance to meet Willa. Was there room for Sean in Willa's life? Was there room in Sean's life for Willa? Do they have what it takes to have a relationship?

I felt every emotion while reading this story. I laughed and cried. I prayed for a miracle to happen. The ending was one of tears: tears of joy and sadness.

I loved the book. I knew I would as Ms. Macomber never disappoints me. I know you would love this story as much as I.

I read this book in one day (it took most of the day) but I couldn't put it down. I also cried my eyes out. It hit a little too close to home for me, The book had so many great parts to it. There was love, romance, sadness, loss and healing. A better book I have not read in a long time. Kudos to Debbie Macomber for another wonderful book. The characters were so real and I loved every word of it. I got this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Willa Lakey has always taken care of her younger sister Harper. Their mom died when she was young, and then Harper was diagnosed with Leukemia. Even after she successfully won that battle, Willa was constantly in mother-mode, always feeling responsible for her and worrying about her. When Sean O’Malley, a successful freelance photographer, walks into the coffee shop that Willa owns and there is instant attraction, Willa is hesitant to act on her feelings. She finally gives in and falls head over heels in love with him. When tragedy strikes and he is once again away on assignment, she has to decide whether loving him is worth the risk or if it is just easier to say goodbye.
I always love this author's books. They are so uplifting, which is something we all need right now more than ever. Make sure you grab a box of tissues though, because this one had me bawling my eyes out halfway through. (Don't worry, it still ends on a happy note!). I highly recommend this one.

I loved this book, filled with family and pets, and people who are there for one another, and a range of emotions!
We are given a young woman, Willa who had to grow up early when her Mom died, and help raise her brother and sister. She is sill "mothering" her sister now an adult, as we begin the book.
Journey with this family and friends, through smiles, hugs and finding love, through alcoholism, cancer, and loss.
This story brought smiles, and tears, but kept me page-turning, and when finished I wanted more! A don't miss read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Ballantine, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book was not what I expected and not a typical "beach read". That being said, Debbie Macomber is a master at everything that she writes!!! She put me through a myriad of emotions & I felt every one of them, The relationship between sisters, Willa & Harper, was challenged at times by their differences. Willa admired Harper's adventurous side, but couldn't do the things that she dreamed of, because she had to raise Willa & their brother, Lucas. Where this story goes, is heart wrenching, but also touching because of the love & sacrifices that emerge throughout the story.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

A Walk Along the Beach was a sad, but heartwarming story about giving love a chance even when you are scared, and enjoying your loved ones while you have the chance.

I would say that although the book descriptions makes it seem like the story is equally about two sisters, it really focuses mainly on Willa. She's the older sister who has been taking care of Harper ever since they were girls, and their Mom passed away. When Harper was diagnosed with Leukemia, Willa was the one who took care of her. Their father did the best that he could, but he was so grief stricken over their mother that he wasn't capable of really being there for them. Harper eventually goes into remission, but that doesn't stop Willa from worrying.

As adults, the sisters are still incredibly close. They share an apartment in the small town of Oceanside. Willa owns a popular cafe and Harper is a fitness instructor and yoga teacher. It was clear to me right off the bat that while they did get along and of course they loved each other, there was an off vibe between them. Willa acted more like a mother than an older sister, and it was clear that Harper strived to have a little more independence in her life.

Enter Sean.

Sean O'Malley has been visiting Willa's coffee shop quite a lot, but it's not until Harper intervenes and asks him to sit down and talk with her and her sister that he finally gets his chance to meet Willa. Things start slowly for them. It's clear that Willa hasn't dated in a while and that she isn't even sure if she's ready to take a chance on Sean. But when she finally does, her happiness practically jumps of the pages.

As a reader, I liked Sean right off the bat. As he and Willa began their relationship and really got to know each other, they had small problems. All couples do. And it didn't help that he had to travel so much for work, thanks to him being a freelance photographer. But they learned lessons about each other and worked hard to try to make things work between them.

I didn't blame Willa for being scared about her blossoming romance with Sean. It was clear that she had been so busy with her business and worrying about her sister that she hadn't put any thought towards dating. Her uneasiness did cause some tension with Sean, but he was ever the gentleman and made sure to do what he could to make her feel loved.

I liked the setting of Oceanside, Washington. This is my first Debbie Macomber read in a while so I'm not sure if this is a series or not. I'll have to do some research into that. But if there are more books in this series, I have a feeling that I'll like them. Oceanside seems like a close knit community of interesting folks.

My overall rating is 4 stars. I enjoyed the characters and the story. The only downfalls for me were the sadness (unfortunately, there's no way around that in this kind of story) and the fact that the plot wasn't super direct. The story dragged too much for this to be a 5 star read.

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.

A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber Reviewed June 29, 2020 ~ 3.5 rounded up
For many of us we grew up with the saying…. “You can’t judge a book by its Cover”.
Hmmm things have changed as a great cover (to me) typically means a good, if not great, and certainly an interesting story!
I am not a big romance fan but there are authors I love and find their story more are more than lust etc.
Plus if there is an ocean in the story I am there! Additionally, if it is a romantic Christmas story with an adventure, I am also there! Hmm next novel out in October is “Jingle All the Way” ~ Sign me up!!!!

This is a classic Debbie Macomber. You will love Willa. She is the perfect sister. Mon died when Willa was thirteen and Dad lost it. Willa holds the family together including when she nurses her sister Harper through leukemia (Mom was an avid reader so named daughters after authors she loved Willa after Willa Cather and of course, Harper after Harper Lee.)
Sean O’Malley is a freelance photographer and his assignments take him everywhere. Right now, he is new to Oceanside and falls for Willa the minute he sees her. She runs a coffee house “Bean There” and although Sean hates coffee he stops in and orders coffee and pastry daily…
Aww yes this must be love!

Trust me ~ Story is an emotional ride. More than romance as it deals with some tough events.

Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 14, 2020

A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber follows Willa and her sister Harper in a small coastal town in Washington. Macomber starts the book with an author's note explaining the book came as a result of her personal loss of a friend due to cancer.

Willa has been taking care of her family since her mother died. Her sister, Harper is her roommate and closest friend, in remission from cancer. Her brother, Lucas, lives hours away and her father is near-by but struggles with alcohol abuse since his wife died. Willa owns the local coffee shop, Bean There, where she meets Sean, a photographer. Harper encourages them to get together although both of their work schedules and family obligations impact their relationship.

The characters and their relationships are so well defined. Macomber explores individual and family growth despite loss. Have tissues handy for the last third of the book! I couldn't put it down.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Again, Debbie Macomber doesn't disappoint. As with many of her books, the characters are so well developed that they feel like old friends. It is a quick read that will keep you entertained until the end. I finished it in an afternoon. If you love Debbie Macomber books, you are going to love this one. If you haven't read her books but love a good beach read, then what are you waiting on! This book is destined to be another bestseller. I received an ebook ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The review is my own.

Debbie Macomber writes stories that touch my heart, this one is no exception.
This story is set in Oceanside, WA the same quaint town as in Cottage by the Sea. It stars two sisters who are complete opposites, Willa and Harper. Willa, the eldest is a caregiver, quiet, responsible, and an introvert. Harper is the outgoing, vivacious younger sister. The two live together in an apartment in Oceanside. Since their mother's death Willa has assumed the mother role in Harper's life. Their father lives near by but was overcome with grief upon the death of his wife and left the parenting to Willa. The sisters have an older brother, Lucas who lives in Seattle.
The story is about relationships and all of the good and the bad emotions that one feels with all of the ups and downs of everyday life. We watch as one sister finds love and the other as she tackles living life to the fullest.
A very emotional read. I highly recommend this book.

Four Stars or Four Tissues.

Author Debbie Macomber has written another great book. She is an author you can depend on to deliver a wonderful story. A Walk Along the Beach is a family drama set in a coastal community called Oceanside.

Willa is the older sister to Harper and brother Lucas. After the sudden death of their mother Willa takes on the role of mother to her younger sibling. Harper is diagnosed with a terrifying illness. Willa has no choice but to put her life on hold to care for her sister.
After overcoming her illness Harper wants to live life to its fullest. She becomes a yoga instructor and has a goal of soon climbing Mount Rainier. But Willa lives in fear that her sister is doing too much and it will jeopardize her health. Harper encourages her sister to take a chance and enjoy life. Willa pursues her dream of opening a coffee shop and bakery. With a little help and matchmaking by Harper, Willa starts a romantic relationship with a handsome customer Sean, Sean is a freelance photographer that travels the world.. Soon Willa is in love with charming Sean.
But as we all know life can be full of changes. And almost overnight life is not what we expected. The new relationship between Sean and Willa will be tested. The story will pull at your heart strings and become an emotional read. Drastic turbulence events occur to change and alter everyone's lives. But love always wins.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.

Great book with a realistic take on life’s traumatic turns. Life events can get in the way of a relationship, especially when it is a new one. Sean, a photographer, moved to Oceanside and quickly falls for Willa. As their relationship progresses, her sister Harper has a reoccurring bout with cancer. Sean has commitments to his work. Willa needs the comfort of Sean but given his job commitments, she feels abandoned. Willa decides Sean is not worth the heartache, but Sean is determined to win her back. Good quick read with a lot of emotion and strong characters.

Willa & her younger sister - Harper live together near a beach. Willa runs a cafe - Bean There and Harper is a Yoga & Fitness expert. They have an older brother - Lucas. Their mother died a couple of years ago and since then Willa has stepped up to take care. Their father unable to cope to the loss of his wife, has taken to drinking and isn't of much help.
Harper recovered from Cancer a couple of years ago, but Willa always lives in constant fear of its relapse.
Sean is a regular customer to the cafe. He has set his heart on Willa. Lucas and his love, Chantelle have been planning their wedding and want Willa & Harper to be the bridesmaids. Harper is planning a summit and is preparing for it. Everything is happening in an almost smooth manner, until it all comes crashing down one day.

- What happens to Harper?
- How does Willa cope?
- Does Sean get the love of his life?
- Does the father step up his game this time?
- Does the wedding go as planned?

Well, you will know it all when you get your hands on this stupendous book.

Rating - 4/5 Stars
Recommendation - High

Conclusion,
A Walk Along the Beach was an addictive read. Has all the right elements of emotion - love, anger, pain, misery, joy and happiness, strung together mellifluously. I enjoyed Willa's journey in this book, with pieces that touch upon her family. A lovely balance of joys of tears and joys of happiness, this astounding book was hard to put down.

Trigger Warnings - Death, Cancer

Emotions across the board. When an author can have me blubbering like I was literally a part of the family and characters, it’s a hit for me. It drew me in like no other. Book provided by NetGalley.