The Beach House

I found The Beach House to be mediocre at best. The plot was far-fetched and ridiculous. I read this book on a cruise and it was the only book I packed so was forced to finish reading it for lack of anything else. This was the first book I read by Jane Green and most probably will be the last.

Of course, if you're into chick lit, "beach read" crap like this, this book's for you. This makes the Nancy Drew and Boxcar Children series' I read in second and third grade sound like Kafka.
I haven't read anything this shallow and boring in a very long time. The characters have fewer dimensions than paper dolls and the plot is stolen from a variety of bad after-school or Lifetime specials. Spare yourself.

I've read many of Green's more whimsical and easy flowing novels, yet this read was a pleasant surprise as it tackled some of life's more serious situations. This novel introduces you to several extremely different characters, all changing and evolving, and how their current situations bring them together and learn to help one another at a serene location that refreshes all of their souls. Smiles and tears were had throughout the entire story, and a warmth in my soul and an optimistic outlook on life and knowing that no matter what, there is a reason....was had as I closed the back cover. A sweet and tender ride.

The book started off with a very full cast of unique characters - but then it got hard to separate them - they were all unhappy - they all wanted something different - most were impervious to the feelings of others (of course except for Nan - Super Goddess.)

As the book progressed the characters became shallow - and some of the storylines were hard to give any credibility to - and Nan in the midst of all of this just did not have the "Mary Poppins" magic to pull it off.

The author has a very good imagination - and started off with a complicated plot line - the charactes as presented were just too flat and not compelling.

I loved it!! This is my first book that I have read from Jane Green. I just ordered 2 more books of hers. I can't wait to get them. This book had a lot of little twists. A great read!