The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne
Published: March 2019 – HQN
Review book courtesy of HQN, NetGalley and Little Bird Publicity
My take: RaeAnne Thayne’s new stand-alone novel is about three women on the precipice of change. The events that transpired years earlier will determine their futures unless and until they find the courage to go after the future they desire.
When sisters Daisy and Beatriz were young girls, orphaned after their mother overdosed, they were taken in and cared for by their young aunt, Stella. Stella hadn’t even graduated from college at this point. Daisy and Beatriz were 11 and 9 years old. They all grew up together while their new family unit became strong.
Beatriz became a wife and mother while still in her teens. Her marriage may not have succeeded but she now had a lovely and smart daughter as well as an ex-husband who maintained a presence in his daughter’s life. Lately he seems interested in rekindling their relationship. She’s been there, done that and doesn’t want to move backward. She’d like to explore her feelings for her best friend since fifth grade!
As the novel opens Daisy meets a stranger in the toothpaste aisle of the grocery store and he’s convinced they’ve met before. She’s certain they haven’t. She’d remember meeting him. Daisy is the serious sister and has always taken on responsibility well beyond her years. That habit has proven hard to break – much to her detriment. It’s made her closed-off to expressing her emotions and that has made her life quite lackluster until her unexpected second meeting with ‘the stranger’. Will she open herself up to the possibility of experiencing more in her life?
Stella receives news on her 40th birthday that, while not a surprise, will definitely be life-changing. She also finds out that the only man she ever loved has moved to her town. Their lives become entwined from day one and give her hope for what she once thought an impossibility – a second chance.
I loved every minute I spent with the women in the gorgeous coastal setting of Cape Sanctuary, California. It’s a story of learning to trust and being open to new and second chances. Recommended to fans of Women’s Fiction and RaeAnne Thayne.
About the author:
RaeAnne Thayne is the author of more than 60 novels, including her beloved Haven Point series. Her books have won numerous honors, including four RITA® Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. THE CLIFF HOUSE is her first-ever standalone hardcover novel, marking an exciting new chapter in her career.
Oooooh! I can’t wait to read this…the perfect approach to summer!
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Yes!
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This one is now on my list! I love the premise and the setting, and I have read and enjoyed one other book by the author. Thanks for sharing.
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I thought she made a smooth move from contemporary romance to women’s fiction!
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It’s hard to believe that she’s written 60 novels, and I’ve never read one! I can’t swear that I will ever get to her books. But she’s at least on my radar.
Lloyd (408) 348-4849
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I get that, Lloyd. So many books…
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I’m going to add this to my list, it sounds like a “perfect for me” book.
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I hope you enjoy it, Vicki!
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I really enjoyed this one too! I’m hoping Thayne will write more in this genre though I don’t want her to abandon her contemporary romances!
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Agreed!
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I know how much you love this author’s work and need to try it soon.
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I do love her books 🙂
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This really sounds lovely! Terrific review!
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Thank you, Susan!
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I just put this on reserve at the library today! Great review. 🙂
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Thank you, Joy!
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Great review- I’m REALLY eager to give this a try!!!!
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It was a nice escape read!
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I like this author too and this sounds like a good one. Glad you enjoyed it.
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