Five stars isn't enough for this book! It's a page turner and hard to put down. It would make another great Hallmark movie!! The book Reminds us, ''the greatest of these is love'' without being mushy or preachy. It leads you through the Lakey family and how they dealt with everyday life, loss and love. A brother ,two sisters and their Dad all come full circle in love for each other and in finding their significant other. Without giving spoilers it is easy to understand why Willa thinks and does some of the things she does. Characters and setting are realistic and you feel as though you are there with them. Get your Kleenex ready, several places you might need one. The cover gives a great book description so I won't detail that here. Great read.
I was provided an Advanced reader copy and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to the author,publisher,and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Thanks to RandomHouse/Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my review.

I'm a big Debbie Macomber fan and and A Walk Along the Beach was no exception!

This was a perfect book to read on the deck wishing I was at the beach. The characters were well written, I loved the Oceanside setting and this book was just wonderful!

I think I have read almost every book written by Debbie Macomber and always look forward to the next. This one was revolved around some difficult and emotional topics. Family, siblings, cancer, death, addiction, emotionally absentee parents, abandonment, hope and love. For the most part they were all handled with kindness, love and touched on reality. Once I had a moment to sit down to read it I was hooked. I enjoyed the relationships between the siblings and was proud of their dad for trying to become the parent he always should have been. Overcoming addiction is a daily fight and it was nice to read that his storyline was reality based. Willa was a pillar of strength and it was nice to read about a woman being able to stand on her own be a whole fulfilled person. Willa became the mother, caretaker and everything that she could to take care of her siblings after the death of her mom, when her dad was incapable of being the parent they needed when Harper got sick. She did this with a grace an maturity far beyond her years and used all of her energy to keep them all afloat and safe. She lives with Harper, runs her lovely coffee shop and seems to be holding her breath all the time awaiting the next disaster. She meets Sean, A seemingly lovely man and falls hard quickly. Then life take a turn and he just isn’t there for her. Okay, he leaves for work, but he knew he was leaving and waited for the last second so as to not upset her. He did this to not upset her, but really it was because he was a chicken and immature. And stayed away longer knowing her sister was so very ill. In my world that makes him a jerk. Yes, he does have a job to do and yet he thinks making a few phone calls and sending a few texts that all should be fine. And this is where I felt this book “jumped the shark” for me. Willa was going through the worst thing a sister could experience and he left. and then expected that a simple “I’m sorry” and things would be better. I was so proud that she was standing up for herself. I literally cheered that I was reading about a woman finally saying “I am worthy, I deserve better and I’d rather be alone than with someone and lonely ”. And then the last few chapters. it ends with a typical HEA which will definitely appeal to most. Who doesn’t want a lovely sweet HEA all tied up in a nice little bow? Sometimes that is nice, but I had much higher hopes for Willa. If you want a formulaic HEA, this is for you as it really is sweet and a nice read. I wanted a little more.

Beautifully written story about family, love, loss, and forgiveness. Debbie Macomber is a go-to author for me and once again, she didn't let me down.

Tears pouring down my face! No one warned me that Debbie Macomber's latest novel would leave me sobbing. This is probably my new favorite story written by her. Like all her other books, A Walk Along the Beach, is a love story. But, there is so much more to it than a typical summer beach read I would pick up.

Willa has been taking care of her younger sister, Harper, since their mom passed away and Harper was diagnosed and beat cancer and their dad turned to alcohol to soothe his depression. Life seems to be going well - Harper is healthy, Willa's little coffee shop is successful, and their dad seems to be in a better place. It is the perfect time for Willa to meet Sean, a former pro baseball player turned photographer, when is visits her coffee shop everyday. Real life happens and I could not put down the book. Make sure to have a box of Kleenex by your side for this one.

A very moving and emotional story. As a cancer survivor myself, there were times that I had to put it down and do something uplifting. But that tells you how well the story was researched and the talent of the author.

Very well written characters and true to life story.

Books by Debbie Macomber are loved across many genre. Love stories with lots of romance or like this one, family stories about growing up and finding your place in the world. A WALK ALONG THE BEACH centers on two sisters who have taken care of each other all of their lives, leaning on each other through some rough times. As they face the world now, each will make choices that set them on separate paths to finding happiness. As her stories often do, you'll sniffle a few times and sigh a few times as she evokes the perfect paths to happily ever after.

As an older sister, Willa has always taken care of her family after the death of her mother. Her father turned to alcohol; her younger sister Harper suffered from cancer but is now in remission. While Willa is content taking care of her coffee business, Harper is always on the go trying new things. Ryan, a photographer is one of Willa’s regulars who does not even like coffee. She has no idea that he has a huge crush on her. These are the main characters is a very heartwarming and enjoyable book. Each character undergoes unexpected challenges in their lives that will rock them to the core. I highly recommend this book.

This book is very emotional and have the kleenex ready.
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 as adults Harper and Willa are roommates. Willa owns a coffee/bakery shop and Harper is a yoga instructor. When Harper announces her plan to summit Mount Rainier, Willa fears she may be pushing herself too far.
Every morning Sean O’Malley comes into Willa's shop for coffee. He would like to ask her out but he is shy. One morning Harper is also there and invites him to sit with Harper and Willa. Willa and Sean become close but they both have busy careers and Willa has her sister, brother and father to watch out for.
Life has more challenges in store for them all. But both sisters will discover that even in the darkest moments, family is everything.

All I can say is this book left me a mess. Both sisters are strong but Willa can be pigheaded and Sean is a great guy but puts his career first which makes Willa upset at times. Can they overcome everything to be together?

I received this from NetGalley for review and I love Debbie Macomber's books so I had to grab this one.

#awalkalongthebeach #netgalley #debbiemacomber

Title: A Walk Along the Beach
Author: Debbie Macomber
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5

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.

I love everything Debbie Macomber writes, and this was no exception. This was such a good book—although at times I wanted to slap some sense into Sean. The sisters’ relationship is so wonderful, and I enjoyed reading it immensely. Be prepared to laugh and cry while reading this!

Debbie Macomber is a bestselling author. A Walk Along the Beach is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Random House/Ballantine in exchange for an honest review.)

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this book. Usual Debbie Macomber. Entertaining, well written. This one had more sickness and death but still there is love.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this digital book from NetGalley and Random House in exchange for an unbiased review.

Debbie Macomber never fails when it comes to a romantic feel-good novel that is not remiss of life’s traumas. A book about family, friends, love and grief. Willa Lakey has worked hard to fulfill her dream of owning a bakery/coffee shop in their Oceanside community. She has sacrificed over the years but never complains when it comes to her devotion to her family.

When Willa’s mother died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm her father drowns his sorrow in alcohol. Not being able to rely on her father Willa becomes a “mother” to her younger sister, Harper and older brother, Lucas. Just as they are healing wounds from the loss of their mother Harper becomes ill and is treated for leukemia. Willa remained at Harper’s side through chemotherapy and eventually the road to remission.

The Lakey sisters lived together in an apartment where Willa remains ever vigilant of her sister’s health. Harper is a free spirit woman who has survived the unthinkable. She is extremely health conscious and works at the health club. Willa is relieved that her sister is doing so well but still fears her sister pushes herself too far. When Harper announces that she is training to climb Mount Rainier, Willa’s maternal nature once again resurfaces.

Harper encourages Willa is stop worrying and start living her own life. It’s when a handsome man enters the café that Harper becomes matchmaker for Willa. It isn’t long before Sean O’Malley is seen daily buying a cup of coffee just to see Willa. Although they barely say much to each other the chemistry is obvious to everyone but them. They eventually begin a friendship that is easy and comforting until a long assignment overseas puts their relationship to the test.

Life is always about taking chances and expanding out of our comfort zone. Throughout the grief and sorrow, the Lakey family has remained supportive and close. This will prove important as they are once again dealt some unexpected news which will change their lives forever.

4.5/5 stars

I received A Walk Along the Beach through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Walk Along the Beach follows Willa and her family through the struggles of cancer, the grief that comes with the loss of someone you love and the journey to find life after the grief. While dealing with all of this, Willa is also trying to run her coffee shop and finding her own story of love.

Let me start by saying that I love Debbie Macomber and have read most of her books. When I pick up one of her books I expect a light hearted happy romance, but A Walk Along the Beach was different than I had expected. It covered the hard issues, cancer, grief and finding your way after the dust clears. This was a really good and well written story, but I would expect nothing less from Debbie Macomber. I really enjoyed seeing these different issues covered by her. My only problem was at times I wanted to shake Willa and say ‘there is this amazing guy standing right in front of you wanting to help you deal with your grief, let him!’ but I know everyone deals with grief differently. I just wish we would have gotten to see more of Willa and Sean’s happily ever after!

A Walk Along the Beach is yet another great read given to us by Debbie Macomber. It is definitely worth the time!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my unbiased opinion of the book. Debbie Macomber's latest book centers around a sisters Willa and Harper Lake. Willa is an older sister more like a mother to her two other siblings Willa and Lucas. After their mother passed from cancer when Willa she took over the household and nursed Harper back to health with her own cancer scare. Willa is finally moving her life forward in the direction she's wanted to for years since everyone is healthy and doing well. Harper is tired of being coddled and wants freedom from her sister among other things. Willa has a new man in her life that takes some getting used to and not sure if it will work when she finds out her sister's cancer has come back with a vengeance. Also, with this latest cancer news will her father go further into his alcohol addiction and leave Willa with another thing on her plate right now? You must run not walk and read this book. Debbie Macomber's books are the cheapest and best staycation around!!! I loved this book! Keep up the great writing!!!

This is a classic Debbie Macomber love story. I’ve been reading her books for a long time and think she is an iconic author. Willa is the heroine of the story and Sean becomes her love interest. The story is great and the characters believable. Willa owns a coffee shop. She has a younger sister named Harper. They could be my cousins. That’s how realistic Ms. Macomber writes. This is a good “COVID-19” book to read or a really good book for the beach. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

I really enjoy Debbie Macomber's Christmas stories, and her summer beach reads are starting to grow on me. A Walk Along the Beach has everything that a good beach read should have: interesting characters, a little romance, and a lot of emotions.

I have mixed feelings about A Walk Along the Beach. I started off enjoying the story and the characters ut towards the end I started to get annoyed with the characters and this summer, with all the emotions and stress of the pandemic, might not be the right summer for this book.

In the author's note at the beginning of the book, we learn that Macomber recently lost a friend to cancer and that this book is dedicated to this friend. So that should clue you in to the plot and focus of this novel.

In the beginning, I really liked Willa. I could relate to her - introverts, career- and family-focused, a little awkward around people. But I grew annoyed with her. Her constant complaining about how she had to step into her mother's role after her mother died grated on my nerves. She chose to take that on as a teenager. At the time she may not have felt like she had a choice, but she did. Perhaps if she hadn't taken over, then her father would have stepped up. I guess the role of martyr that she cast herself in is what truly grew old.

The character I was most annoyed with was Sean. He seemed sweet and like a great guy in the beginning. He and Willa made a cute couple. But as his attitude was revealed more I thought he was immature and childish at times. It did not make sense at all why Sean had to go to Chicago to finish the National Geographic project. I got why he had to go to the Philippines; he had to take pictures. But to write an article, choose the photos...that all could have been done from Oceanside (where he and Willa live). Even before the pandemic, it is pretty standard for such collaborations to be done virtually. I thought it was a weak plot point to create an obstacle to Sean and Willa's relationship.

That's not the only point that made me think less of Sean. It's also a reason I was annoyed with Willa. I thought Willa was a strong, independent woman. I know she was going through an extremely stressful, life-changing situation, but the way she whined about Sean not being there had me wanting to say "suck it up, buttercup." Sean wasn't much better with his attitude. It felt like he didn't think she was strong enough to go through it without him. It was just all too whiny for me. This is where I think my feelings surrounding the pandemic may have colored my perception of the characters. I'm tired, growing increasingly annoyed, with whiny people in real life. Entitlement seems to be running rampant right now and any hint of it in a character has me turning away.

I did connect with characters and the situation they find themselves broke my heart. I even shed tears a few times. That is why I believe this summer wasn't the right summer for this book for me. The character flaws may not have irked me quite as much last year, but my tolerance has worn thin in the last few weeks.

I loved the scenes at Willa's coffee shop Bean There. I have a secret dream of owning a tea shop (you have to get up way too early for a coffee shop). I loved the little side story with Bandit - it was like one of those videos you see about dog rescues on Facebook. So there is plenty to love about this book.

If you are a fan of Debbie Macomber's beach reads, then you don't want to miss this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Tuesday, July 21 - http://www.girl-who-reads.com/2020/07/a-walk-along-beach-by-debbie-macomber.html

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Can you really go wrong with a Debbie Macomber novel? Simply put... No!

This book has more emotion than I could stand. And yet I wanted more. The end is a bit more abrupt than I would have liked but the story is such a roller coaster of emotions.

If you have someone (anyone) who is sick that you have walked through the sickness with them you will be more sensitive to this book than others. And when you have a family even if you are not that close anymore, at a time like this they learn that family is more important than anything.

What a story but have a box of tissues near!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes books hit really close to home, to a reader’s life or simply the ups and downs of anyone’s life – no one is without tragedy or emotional events in their lives – no one. ‘A Walk Along the Beach‘ is proof of that universal fact. Make certain you have tissues close at hand, especially the latter part of this one for you will need them.

Willa has always been mother/nurturer/sister to her sister, Harper and brother, Lucas since their mother’s death and their father’s dive into alcoholism as he mourned and never got over the death of this beloved wife. She also saw her sister through a very serious illness, while now recovered, Willa always has an eye on Harper’s health.

These days she owns and operates a coffee shop (and I love the name of it – you’ll see) with Harper occasionally helping out, and Lucas married and off on his own life. Willa is content and doesn’t expect romance to fall at her feet but then who really ever does see love before it arrives. When a handsome stranger becomes Willa’s best customer – well, Harper will do a bit of matchmaking.

Although Willa is in love she’s also so leery of trusting in that emotion since Sean is a photographer who travels the world and is often out of touch because of the lack of internet or cell phone coverage. She’s holding part of herself back – and she’s also always waiting for the other shoe to fall concerning Harper’s health. And when fears become a reality, life for them all will change in a heartbeat.

‘A Walk Along the Beach‘ is a love story – although not always in the romantic sense. Yes, we have Sean and Willa falling in love in spite of the odds. We also have a strong love of family, the belief that anything is possible, the knowledge that life can change in an instant, and how we handle that defines both ourselves and our relationships.

I smiled, laughed at times… and I cried throughout this story. I cried for the characters, and for myself as memories of family members who have gone through something similar flooded my mind and heart. ‘A Walk Along the Beach‘ is emotional, realistic, and will stay with you long after the final page.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Grab the tissues! Heartwarming and heartbreaking, this one had tears streaming down my cheeks throughout the book, starting with the dedication to Ms. Macomber's close friend, Roberta Stalberg a/k/a Christina Skye who died of cancer in May 2018.

Author Debbie Macomber brings us back to the small town of Oceanside, this time focusing on two sisters, Harper and Willa. Harper is beautiful and vivacious, while Willa is serious, cautious and more of a "mother hen". She has had to be. When their mother died and their father fell apart, it was up to Willa to take care of her sister and her brother Lucas. After Harper's recovery from a serious bout with cancer, Willa is able to build her own life, starting with her coffee shop and bakery. Things begin to look good for Willa, especially when she starts to see the handsome photographer, Sean. When Harper's cancer returns, Willa's life takes a downward spiral.

This heartwarming family saga can be read as a stand-alone, but gives us cameo appearances of characters from "Cottage by the Sea".

Debbie Macomber brings us the story of Willa and Sean. Willa owns Bean There in Oceanside along the Washington coast. Sean is a former baseball player turned photographer who stops by every morning just to see her. Willa's sister Harper decides that these meetings are not enough, and invites Sean to join them. This prompts Sean to be more proactive in pursuing Willa.

As their relationship grows, obstacles are thrown in their way. Will they be able to get past them or will they tear them apart? We get to go on this journey with Willa and Sean as they each struggle with what life throws at them and see if they are stronger apart or bring them closer together.

Debbie Macomber warns us in the beginning that this book is dedicated to her friend who passed away. It has been a long time since a book has made me very emotional. Hanging out with Willa and Sean has put me through an emotional roller coaster of crying from sadness to moments of laughter and joy. You will also recognize the familiar faces from Cottage by the Sea and be glad you came to visit.

I look forward to my next adventure with Debbie Macomber. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for this privilege.