Next up is a review of ‘Barefoot On The Beach’ by Katlyn Duncan – many thanks to HQ for the ARC, and thank you to Rachel for the tour invite.
I know we all wish we could walk barefoot on the beach just now, but please do hold off a bit longer by staying at home and enjoy this read about a beach instead.
Renee Clarke is perfectly happy just the way she is…
Renee may be thrilled to be planning her sister’s wedding, but after witnessing her mother’s two failed marriages, she has always vowed that she is better off on her own.
But when Renee discovers that Luc Hardy has moved next door, her world is knocked off kilter. Luc was her whirlwind summer romance as a teen and, more importantly, her first love. Now he’s back in West Cove, looking more handsome than ever. There is no escaping the romance in the air this summer. With the wedding planning in full swing, Renee begins to believe that she might be able to put her childhood reservations about marriage aside.
Yet when her mother arrives, she stirs a torrent of emotions in Renee’s heart. She’s up to her old tricks again – boasting about her latest conquests – reaffirming Renee’s lack of faith in love.
As Renee’s happily-ever-after hangs in the balance, will Luc be able to convince her that true love can last forever?
What does TWG think?
If you’re after a gentle, easy read with all the nods to romance, then this novel will be right up your street.
When I say ‘easy read’, I mean that as a complimentary phrase, just to clarify. I’m finding reading quite difficult just now and heavy novels are avoided wherever possible. I need books which aren’t too heavy, too serious, or too taxing, and I really feel that ‘Barefoot on the Beach’ ticked those boxes for me.
The only similarity between Renee and Cait is that they’re related. That’s it. They really are like chalk and cheese as Renee is more organised and sees things through, whereas Cait expects things to be done for her as and when she chooses. It’s safe to say that she comes across quite spoilt, whilst also having a really unapproachable personality – i didnt gel with her much at all.
Whilst I could see how obligated to do what her sister asked of her, I wish Renee put her foot down. Yes, she may have been a motherly figure for her growing up, but that was then. It annoyed me that whenever Cait clicked her fingers Renee would come running, putting her own happiness on the back burner.
I did enjoy reading this book. I loved the setting, the doggy antics and the sweet romance that was gently interwoven into the story, however I felt like certain situations went on for much longer than they should have. For example, the row the sisters had just kept going backwards and forwards, not really adding much content to what the author had already built up. I felt like the delivery on some things could have been a bit more punchy than it was. That is only my opinion though, and I still really enjoyed the book despite that.
During an uncertain time in our own lives, one thing we can count on is the certainty of a happily ever after; something which Katlyn Duncan delivered on greatly.
The Writing Garnet 
Thanks so much for taking part in the blog tour for ‘Barefoot on the Beach’! 🙂
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