Pieces of Blue has a bit of everything: family drama, romance, mystery along with love, redemption and hope. The characters are nicely developed. I was pulled in by the storyline of a newly widowed mom of three buying and fixing up and running a run-down old motel. There are so many likable characters, which makes it a delight to read (or listen to).

including my review post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsBxBDIr5j9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook version of this book. I am not affiliated with or compensated in any way. Everything I write is my own thoughts feelings and opinions.
I loved this book! Its about a woman who became a single mother of her three children after her husband dies while out surfing. They were already in financial ruins then the husband dies. The only thing that saved them is the death benefits that she received. With that money she decides to invest it- she buys a hotel in Hawaii. This hotel needs tons of work. She takes on the decaying hotel with her children. She needs to find help with everything and then a man named Chris appears and he has lots of knowledge for fixing up the hotel.
They grow feelings for each other. then a bad storms rolls in and her husband whom she thought was dead is there and he helps them during the storm He faked his death to get out of financial ruin and the Chris is not who he claims to be he actually works for the company that gave her the death monies.
I think you should just get your hands on a copy of this book and read it for yourself!

Pieces of Blue was author Holly Goldberg Sloan’s first adult book that she has written. I would describe it as a heartfelt family drama with a touch of mystery and romance. I listened to the audiobook that was read by one of my favorite narrators, Barrie Kreinik. The characters were engaging and it was well plotted. It was a bit slow in the beginning but it picked up as the story progressed and the ending was a bit predictable yet thrilling and believable. The setting was Oahu, Hawaii.

Lindsey and Paul Hill lived in Portland, Oregon with their three children. They were living “the American Dream” until one day they weren’t. It was like one day they were living in the lap of luxury without a care in the world and the next day everything came crashing down on them. Paul Hill’s way of dealing with the way his life was spiraling out of control was by going surfing. He took off very early one morning to do that but never came home. It was surmised that Paul, Lindsey’s husband and Olivia’s, Carlos’s and Siena’s father had drowned while surfing. His body was never found, though. Lindsey and her children were devastated beyond measure about Paul’s death. Their financial situation was not good either. Lindsey discovered that Paul had taken a life insurance policy out just prior to his death. There was so much red tape though to get it. Without an actual body, the insurance company wouldn’t release the money for an extended period of time. When the life insurance company finally relinquished the insurance money to Lindsey she bought a hotel in the Ko’olauloa District, near the town of La’ie on Oahu sight unseen. Lindsey and her three children just wanted to get as far away from Oregon as they could.

From the moment Lindsey, Olivia (14), Carlos (12) and Sena (7) arrived in Hawaii nothing went quite right. Firstly, Lindsey was forced to buy the rental car they had been given because she had a minor accident in it before even leaving the airport and had not purchased insurance for the car. Then when they arrived at the hotel, it was immediately evident that it was in dire conditions. Lindsey knew she was way over her head. This endeavor was proving to be overwhelming. Then a few days later, Lindsey encountered a visitor at the hotel. It was a man, a very handsome man, who had stayed at the hotel in the past. Like Lindsey, he had lost his wife. His name was Chris. He used to come to the hotel Lindsey had recently purchased with his wife every year until his wife died. Chris and Lindsey struck a deal with each other. Lindsey allowed Chris to stay in one of the out buildings at the hotel in exchange for him helping her with some of the many repairs the hotel required. There was a mutual attraction between Lindsey and Chris right from the start. Was Lindsey’s luck beginning to change? However, secrets were being kept by both. Would those secrets deny them a second chance at happily ever after?

Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan was quite enjoyable. I really liked the unique personalities of Lindsey’s three children. Sena, the precocious seven year old with an incredible passion for all living creatures, was my favorite. The author really portrayed the Hawaiian landscape, people, culture and food in her expressive prose. I hope that Holly Goldberg Sloan continues to write adult fiction because I would definitely read her next book. If you enjoy a good family drama with a touch of mystery and romance, then I highly recommend you read this book.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

NYT bestselling author Holly Goldberg Sloan delivers an inspiring nostalgic tale, PIECES OF BLUE—a young family attempting to start over after tragedy in Hawaii restoring an old beachside motel.

Sometimes, when you need a change in your life, the tide happens to pull you in the right direction.

Paul Hill, a former CEO, drowns in a surfing accident, and his wife Lindsey and three children are left with financial problems.

Lindsey uses the insurance company and impulsively buys a run-down cottage motel, and they move from Portland, Oregon, to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. (think Schitt's Creek).

Each of the children has their own individual winning personality and adds humor to the storyline. They dazzle! They are also overprotective of their mom.

Olivia -14 (highly intelligent)
Carlos -12 (man of the house)
Sena -7 (loves her chickens)

Soon after arrival, they realize there is much more to do to get this property in shape to rent out cottages and rooms. The mother is overwhelmed.

Then along comes a handsome man, Chris— who said he and his wife (now deceased) had stayed here on their honeymoon. He is the answer to their prayers. He knows how to do wiring and all kinds of handiwork to get this place in shape. He does not want money but will trade out the cottage for his work. It is a win, win!

Lindsey is drawn to this mysterious man; her daughter does not trust him and does her own sleuthing into his background. Is he who/what he pretends to be? Their world is turned upside down.

Unlikely friends thrown together by disaster get a do-over on life, love, and happiness.

The motel is a labor of love and, ultimately—a journey that takes this family to a place they never expected, an unlikely friendship and new beginnings.

PIECES OF BLUE is a charming story blended with humor, mystery, a lush atmospheric setting, and well-developed characters that come alive on the page.

My first book by the author, and I cannot wait to read more! Mary Kay Andrews, Elizabeth Berg, and Wendy Wax fans will enjoy PIECES OF BLUE. It would make for a great Hallmark movie.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by the talented Barrie Kreinik for a fun and satisfying listening experience.

If you love vintage motels and cottages as much as I do, you will love this one. A perfect summer paradise beach read! The healing power of friendship, second chances, and a sprinkling of romance.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for a gifted ALC via #NetGalley for review purposes. I love discovering authors that are new to me.

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@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 9, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
May 2023 Must-Read Books

I liked this book, but didn't love it.

First off, I listened to the audiobook and it was narrated wonderfully by Barrie Kreinik. She kept me engaged and interested throughout. Definitely a good way to experience this novel.

This is the story of Lindsay, a mom of three (Olivia 14, Carlos 12, and Sena 7) who was widowed when her husband Paul died in a surfing accident. The life insurance money allowed her to move from Portland, Oregon to Oahu after purchasing a motel on the north shore sight unseen. The motel is in rough shape, and she soon comes into contact with Chris who is also a widower who has come to Oahu to spread his wife's ashes. He begins to help out with the repairs and something sparks between the two.

Overall, I felt like there was both too much going on with this story and not enough, if that makes any sense. We get many perspectives throughout, almost all of the characters have POV chapters and that makes it so we never get any real depth from any of the storylines. I didn't come to care for the characters as significantly as I would have hoped. If the book would have been through one person's eyes, or maybe two (Lindsay and Olivia would have been the strongest) it would have been more impactful. Or, since the author has previously written YA/middle grade novels, this could have been a very interesting book solely from the perspective of one or all three of the kids.

The gorgeous depictions of the Hawaiian landscape and the exploration of Hawaiian culture and beliefs is part of the reason why I chose to read this book. I thought those were occasionally strong and again, I don't think the author went deep enough into the idea of how damaging it is for this white family to take over this place that had been owned by Hawaiians for so many years. The colonialism that has taken place and continues to take place in Hawaii is a very real thing, and it is glaring that it isn't really even addressed in the story.

Despite its shortcomings, this is a poignant novel with a deliberate pace and unique setting.

Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a Family Fiction Story with a Touch of Mystery!

Lindsey Hill's husband Paul has died in a surfing accident and his body has never been recovered. Lindsey and her three children are heart-broken, lost, and financially shattered.

After months of waiting for Paul's life insurance money and craving a new start, Lindsey uses the payout to buy a cottage motel on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

Lindsey's children, Olivia -14, Carlos -12, and Sena -7, seem to be adjusting to the move from Portland, OR to Hawaii quite nicely but Lindsey's still struggling.

She bought the motel sight-unseen and she's overwhelmed by its neglected condition.

"So charming" and "good bones" comes to mind when describing this property and, needless to say, it needs replacement or refurbishing of nearly everything inside and out.

When a former guest offers to help with the work in exchange for staying in one of the cottages, Lindsay happily agrees. She could use the adult company and besides that, he happens to be attractive, intelligent, and unmarried...

Pieces of Blue has a lot to offer the reader. The backstory is deep and complete, the characters are diverse and well-developed, and the island's residents, scenery, and history are interesting, beautiful and fascinating. Additionally, there's a touch of mystery mingled within that helps to keep the story moving along nicely.

The audiobook is narrated by the talented Barrie Kreinik. Need I say more?

Lindsay's character is a great mom and her children are all uniquely special and sweet. Maybe they're a little too perfect, the story is a little too predictable, and a bit too much like a 'Hallmark Channel' movie. But sometimes a story like this and the timing of reading it fits just right for what you need at the moment. That's what Pieces of Blue turned out to be for me and I recommend it to others who are in need of the same!

3.75⭐rounded up!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Holly Goldberg Sloan for an ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.

Pieces of Blue follows Lindsey and her three children, reeling from the death of their father and looking to start over in Hawaii. Lindsey purchased a motel site unseen in an attempt to move on. I have been lucky enough to visit Hawaii so I enjoyed the beautiful description of the area and scenery. Pieces of Blue navigates through the frothy waters of grief, love, money, family, and most importantly chickens- 7 year old Sent was my favorite character ;)

I'm truly shocked this book hasn't received more attention as it is beautifully written and tells an amazing story.

This novel took me by surprise. I was expecting the family drama and second-chance romance from the description, but there was also some mystery and suspense that bumped up my estimation. The book progresses very well, albeit a little slowly in the beginning. This review is of the audio book which had excellent narration by Barrie Kreinik.

The novel follows the remaining members of the Hill family, Lindsey, Olivia, Carlos, and Sena; as they restart their lives on Oahu. Fleeing the scandal and subsequent death of her husband Paul, Lindsey has invested his life insurance money into a shabby, but charming beachside hotel. Upon arriving, Lindsey soon realizes that this endeavor may be too much for the family to take on alone. As luck would have it, a former guest, Chris arrives in the nick of time with the technical skills for them to begin renovations.

The second-chance romance begins very slowly and the reader is not entirely let on about Chris’s feelings, only Lindsey’s. At first Chris is a bit persona non grata with Sena; ultimately, he wins each of the kids over. The last quarter of the book is filled with two important revelations and an incredibly devastating hurricane.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it as a feel-good story. It would also make an excellent beach read for the upcoming summer.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My Interest

Hawaii was one of the places we studied in 3rd grade social studies with Mrs. Englehart back in about 1970. I’ve been interested in that state ever since. I don’t usually like covers like this, but this one “worked” for me and drew me in. I wanted to read it–so I requested it!
The Story

Lindsey Hill’s husband Paul hits the big time with the next great tech thingy. [That’s an official tech term–“thingy”]. But greed. And then someone else does his idea only better. The children are enjoying the huge new house and the cool private school, but then a storm comes and Paul [hubs] goes surfing–great waves off the Oregon Coast near their hipster Portland home. He doesn’t come back. Lindsey fights for the life insurance money, wins, and takes Olivia, Carlos (aka “Carl”) and Senna to Hawaii where she buys a ramshakle motel in which to remake their lives. Providentially, Chris, arrives eager to help.


My Thoughts

For once I’ll start with the bad, ok? If I’d heard the phrase “The Crown Victoria” [as in the Ford car often used as a patrol car by police] one more time. I felt this was one of those “darlings” you are supposed to “kill” when revising a book. I’m also thinking the car had a bigger role in an earlier draft of the book. If not, why couldn’t she just say “the car”???? And, then there was the overuse of the “the narrative.” Can anyone find synonyms for this annoying woke term anymore?? “The story?” “The plot?” “the history?” UGH UGH UGH. This author wrote a huge Disney hit movie for goodness sake! Was her editor 15? Did she even HAVE an editor? She tells a good story, but the overuse of these phrases was very annoying.

Now the good. And there was plenty of good. I LOVED Lindsey and her kids–loved them. Want them as neighbors. The emotion and personalities were real. Chris seemed pretty real too. “Jeff”–hmmmmmm….. I’ll leave “him” for you to experience.

But…but…but…n Pet Peeve No. 1: All the reading of Googled stuff into [lol] “The Narrative.” Senna was the font of all knowledge in this book, but she was around 7. Yeah. Hell of a gifted program at that private school I guess. And, please tell me just WHO thinks of the weight of a Ford Crown Victoria in the middle of a Hurricane?? No one? Exactly.[Spoiler alert] The Hurricane. I haven’t lived through one. I assume the author has? Can people really crawl to the car when a huge mahogany desk can be thrown around? Maybe.

Those are things that annoyed me. Probably they won’t affect anyone else, but they annoyed me so much I must mention them. But, remember, I LOVED Lindsey and her kids. A real family and I mean that sincerely.

I would absolutely read another book by this author.


My Verdict
3.0

Pieces of Blue: A Novel by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
And enjoyable and easy listen. Narrated well and written well. Kept my interest.

This was such a cute story! There was definitely a twist I didn’t see coming. I loved the narrator. Such a pleasant listen! I also loved the story line. It was calming, exciting, and appropriate for any age! Thank you for allowing me an arc! I will be telling my friends about this book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook.

I liked this book except for the romance piece. The family was really well depicted, and each of the children were delightful. Everyone has dreamed of owning a hotel near a beach so that was a powerful premise. The problem was the men, and that part of the story was retrograde. Her first husband was clearly a tool, and she should have been angrier. And this new guy. . . Yeah. Ladies, aim higher.

The oddest thing about the audiobook was that Lindsey thought in American English but spoke in Welsh.

Pieces of Blue is a well written story of love, loss and finding a way to move on. The characters in this book are well fleshed out and dynamic. You truly understand who the author wants them to be and how they play into the story.

The overall premise is that Lindsey's husband, Paul died in a surfing accident. His body was never recovered so it took a while to receive the insurance money but once they did she made an impulsive purchase. She bought a motel in Hawaii sight unseen and decided to move there with her three children to run it. When they arrive, Lindsey finds it needs much more work than she counted on and is at a loss as to where to start. Almost as if sent by a higher power, a man named Chris shows up hoping to stay there as he's done in prior years. He and Lindsey work out an arrangement where she trades him a stay in one of the cottages for his knowledge in electrical work. As it ends up, Chris is handy in many ways and is soon helping Lindsey with other things around the motel as well.

The move to Hawaii isn't an easy one for the children. Given that their father died from drowning in a surfing accident, it does seem odd that Lindsey chose to move them to an island surrounded by water. Yet they eventually all find their footing in some way. Just when it seems things are starting to settle in, a huge storm is brewing - - in more ways than one and many secrets will come to light.

This book provided a creative and sometimes melancholy storyline. Lindsey has been struggling since Paul's death as have her children. The move to Hawaii isn't an easy one and initially she struggles there as well so it's rewarding when she finally sees glimpses of happiness.

I listened to an early copy of the audiobook and it was fantastic. The narration was spot on and kept me engaged throughout the story. It moved quickly and I believe listening to it made it easier to follow the story in many ways.

Thank you to NetGalley for this early listening copy. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I have read all of Holly Goldberg's Sloan's written for a younger audience, so I was thrilled to see she had written a book for adults. The weaving of characters, grief, hope, and family made this book an easy to consume story.

The children were my favorite characters, especially Sena. She's bright, precocious, and amusing. The older siblings were each unique and the characterization was spot on.

Lindsey's grief is palpable, along with the weight of her choices and decisions. Throw in a "love interest" and you've created a perfect storm (also a literal storm).

I've seen a lot of comments about this being a "light, beach read", but I can't see it that way. This is a dive into human nature, while also showing us the culture and history of Hawaii. If you enjoy a book that spends more time on the character development than the plot, I think this is a book for you.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me the chance to experience this audiobook in return of an honest review.

Lindsey loses her husband Paul in an accident, and uproots her three children from the life they lived in Portland, to the island of O'ahu where she has bought a rundown motel.

I enjoyed the depictions of island life and the authenticity and depth of the characters, they felt like home to me. The detail about Hawai'i that was poured into this work made the story feel richer, and the narration on audio lends even further, drawing you right in. This felt like a vacation/beach read, perfect for summer reading lists.
I do feel I need to add that as this is Holly Goldberg Sloan's first published work of Contemporary/Adult Fiction, it was obvious at some points, and it read like YA to me. Overall 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

All opinions stated above are my own. Thank you to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the audio version of this advanced copy; due to be published May 09, 2023.

Grieving the loss of her husband in a surfing accident, Lindsey impulsively uses his life insurance money to buy a remote, ramshackle-yet-charming motel in Hawai'i -- a far cry from the life she lives with her three children in Portland. As she and her family adjust to life on O'ahu, Lindsey learns quickly that she's in over her head with the motel. But then a handsome would-be motel guest arrives just in time to help, and to turn her life upside down in more ways than one.

Pieces of Blue is an intensely atmospheric, immersive book, with lush, vibrant descriptions of O'ahu's flora and fauna. Holly Goldberg Sloan brings the setting fully to life, completely transporting the reader to a remote beachside Hawaiian motel with plenty of wear and tear and plenty of charm. Sloan incorporates several aspects of Hawaiian culture, history, and tradition successfully, as well as acknowledges the impacts of colonialism and the tourist trade on the islands (important to do, in my opinion, given the plot of this novel). But as much as I wanted to connect with this story, I found myself struggling with it.

Pieces of Blue is Sloan's first foray into adult fiction, and unfortunately, that shows. Sometimes it comes across as a contemporary beach read, and sometimes it reads like YA. The book switches perspectives among Lindsey and her three children (sometimes jarringly), and the perspective of the youngest daughter, Senna, is by far the strongest. I think if this had been written as a middle-grade novel entirely from Senna's perspective, I would've enjoyed it more. Unfortunately, the characters don't have a lot of emotional depth, and for a novel about such heartfelt topics, Sloan's straightforward writing struck me as strangely unsentimental. I listened to portions on audio, and although I usually enjoy Berrie Kreinik, her narration of this novel came across as too robotic, which probably only added to that feeling of emotional distance.

The pacing is uneven, with some additional perspectives being added late in the book in service to the twists, and then things escalate very quickly in a melodramatic, action-heavy conclusion that doesn't seem to fit the tone of the rest of the book. There are some good moments in Pieces of Blue, some important themes and some opportunities for poignant, insightful observations. It just didn't all come together for me in the end. Thank you to Flatiron Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advance reading opportunity.

DNF at 10%
Native Hawaiians are pleading with tourists to stop traveling to their islands. This book was heavy on the privilege and colonization in the beginning. I have too many books to wait and see if that’s ever redeemed.

I have enjoyed Holly Goldberg Sloan's children novels. I was excited to read this book and loved it. I loved the kids in this story. Amazing storytelling. This is an easy recommendation.

Every year I look forward to the month of May, it is the time that I begin searching for my summer beach reads. I have a soft spot for any book that takes place in a tropical or beach setting, I think mostly because I am stuck in the middle of nowhere, landlocked from the beautiful ocean. They are my escape when I am stuck inside trying to stay cool, while it is 100 degrees outside combined with about 90 percent humidity. Stepping outside here is like stepping into Dante's 9th circle of hell- because of course since that is where the worst of the sinners go, it's got to be hella hot right?

Thanks to MacMillan Audio I was able to get my hands on an early listen of Holly Goldberg Sloane's new novel Pieces of Blue, and it was the perfect way to kick off my summer of beach reads.

It is set in Hawaii where Lindsey and her three children move after a tragic surfing accident results in her husband's death. Lindsey takes the life insurance money and buys a ramshackle motel on the island of Ohau, and attempts to start their life over. I loved the setting, I use to live in the area that the book takes place in, in fact, Sloane even mentions one of my favorite casual eating establishments Giovanni's ( IYKYK ), so reading it was like taking a trip back to my old stomping grounds, thus making the book so much more enjoyable to me.

As far as the characters in the book, I liked them all, but the stand-out characters to me were her three children, Olivia ( 14 ) Carlos ( 12 ), and Sena ( 7 ). They each had such strong personalities, and they added a great deal of depth to the story.

Lyndsey was a great mom to the children, ad she worked hard on trying to make their new life as normal as possible, even with the enormous amount of changes that were taking place in their lives, she was a real trooper with all her responsibilities.

Also, there was Chris, a visitor from the Mainland, he and his wife had often come to Ohau and spent time at the motel before she had passed on. He takes on some handyman duties that need to be done around the place to pay for his room there, and of course, he comes with a complicated past and secrets.

This was a quick read, a great story about repairing your life after tragedy and learning your inner strengths. It was a great family saga, which I have always been drawn to. But also, the descriptions of the lush island were so visible they also became a bit of a character in the story, and they put you right in the middle of the area. Sloane even put in several twists that kept the story from feeling dry and kept the story moving along. All in all, it was not a bad choice for my first beach read of the season.