The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak takes us to Mariners Island where a missing girl’s body has finally been found. The Seaside Library is a mixture of mystery and romance. The three main characters were okay. I was not a fan of any of them. They are three aggravating people. They made a mistake when they were teenagers, and we get reminded of it in every single chapter. The story is easy to read, but it is hard to get through due to the characters and repetition. The alternating point-of-view did not help. I found myself skimming through sections (the repetitive bits). The mystery is easy to solve. I kept hoping there would be a twist that would surprise me. The cover does not go with the story. While there is a seaside library, it is not at the center of the story. I liked the history behind the library. I understood why Ivy loved the place along with her historic home. I thought the story was over a hundred pages too long. I read The Seaside Library, but I did not enjoy it. It does have a feel-good ending and I appreciated the epilogue. The Seaside Library was not a good fit for me. The Seaside Library is a curious story with a cold case, an excavated skeleton, a fuming family, a little lie, an insecure spouse, a concealed love, and the tragic truth. ( )

The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak
Contemporary romance / mystery or romantic suspense.
Twenty years ago a young girl went missing on Mariners Island. Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teens themselves and friends that spent their days on the beach together. When police asked where everyone was at the time, Ivy and Ariana stretched the truth and covered for Cam that night. New evidence has surfaced and reopened the investigation. Cam is again the prime suspect and Ariana has to help find answers. She can’t believe he would hurt anyone.

Strong friends, rekindled love interest, and a mystery that’s been left unsolved for too long. Someone knows more. And this time, Ariana doesn’t want to walk away from Cam.

Cam is very needy. There is an underlying story there. I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery. ( )

Ivy, Ariana and Cam have been friends since childhood. Life has gotten in the way a few times but they are now back together on Mariners Island after 20 years. But they are harboring a big secret. When the remains of a young girl are found at the lighthouse, they each know their secret is about to be revealed. Can their friendship survive?

Now, this book does not really look like the cover. Y’all know I am a cover girl. And this cover is fabulous! But the story inside is more of a murder mystery. I expected a story about a library and the beach. I mean…there is a library and a beach but there is so much more. So, this took me in a wild, unexpected ride.

I really enjoyed these three friends. There were times I wanted to smack Ivy and not because of what she did (you will have to read this to find out!) but she was just a bit too wishy washy. However, these three definitely come through for each other and when the story unfolds their world is rocked to the core along with their friendship.

Need a story about friendship, secrets and murder…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review ( )