I grew up around Australian beaches. My family spent school holidays at caravan
parks along the east coast of Australia, swimming in the warm waters of the
Pacific Ocean, building sandcastles, and running over sand dunes.
So when I set THE SUMMER OF
JAKE in and around Bondi Beach in Sydney, I was on familiar โ and happy โ
ground. Jake is an ex pro-surfer with a home that overlooks the beach, and
Annalise lives in an apartment block a few minutesโ drive away. As you can
imagine, there are quite a few scenes on the beach.
Hereโs a snippet from the book where Annalise first sees Jakeโs house.
Two hours later, I pulled up outside Jakeโs house in Mindy Mini. As soon as I
stepped out of the car, my attention was drawn to the ocean. Iโd have guessed
Jake would want to live where he could see the water, but business must be going
really well for this view. His house was built on top of a rocky point with
180-degree views of glassy blue water. The rhythmic crashing of the waves lulled
me into a calmness that had evaded me since the day before in the cafรฉ. I could
almost feel the surf spray if I closed my eyes.
Which was what I was doing when I heard a familiar voice greet me, adding,
โNice, isnโt it?โ
My eyes flew open to find one dream view had been replaced with another. Less
than an armโs length away stood Jake, wearing old blue jeans that fit him
perfectly, bare feet showing out the bottom, and a sky-blue T-shirt that
emphasized his tan. Heโd pushed one of the T-shirtโs short sleeves up, making
him look a bit rumpled and untidy, but plainly displaying what surfing could do
for a manโs biceps.
โYes, very nice.โ I looked back out at the ocean so heโd think I was talking
about the water.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him jerk a hand toward the house. โCome on
in, the viewโs good from inside, too.โ
I watched him walk away and noticed the way his jeans hugged his thighs and
backside. โI bet it is,โ I muttered.
And it seems I'm not alone in my love for Aussie beaches. Besides Jake, lots of
other people seem to like them too. I've even hunted down some photos of people
enjoying Bondi for your consideration, because Iโm generous like that. (Though
the Chris Hemsworth pic is at another Sydney beach, Maroubra.)
So tell me, do you have a favourite beach? Or one you're dying to visit? Or
maybe youโve visited an Australian beach? Iโd love to hear your beachy thoughts!
I live 4 miles away from the beach, which is on a major Lake. Normally, my Husband and I enjoy going there, and I love walking along the shoreline. This year, it's a bit different. My Father passed away recently, and with everything going on right now in my personal life, it sort of takes the fun out of going, although the tranquility of the waves might do me some good. Perhaps before it gets cold here, we might take a run out there. You may have put a bug in my ear, so to speak!! (Peggy Roberson 10:55am August 7, 2014)
I've mostly been to beaches along the Mid-Atlantic of the US-- grew up there--but I love beaches in Hawai'i, too. Those are my only real beach experiences. The place I stayed in Mallorca had a rocky cove and not much sand. (Denise Holcomb 12:38pm August 7, 2014)
"I've even hunted down some photos of people enjoying Bondi for your consideration, because Iโm generous like that." You are very generous...thank you very much. Makes me want to be there for the sand, surf and...uh...sightseeing. I think my favorite beach so far has been a small one near Sarasota, Florida...beautiful! (Debbie Kelly 12:41pm August 7, 2014)
Cape Cod is a favorite beach at sunset and wading at the edges to get mussels from the rocks. But there's a caution, avoid the jellyfish and it's a bit rocky underfoot, so step carefully. (Alyson Widen 4:06pm August 10, 2014)
Peggy, hugs for your loss. I completely understand losing the joy in things like visiting the beach for a while, but it sounds like the calming waves might be nice for you. I hope you get a chance before the weather turns cold! (Rachel Bailey 7:39am August 12, 2014)
Denise, I'd *love* to visit Hawaii! Though all your beaches sound exotic to me, so the Mid-Atlantic would be a real treat to visit as well. I'll have to add them to my bucket list! (Rachel Bailey 7:41am August 12, 2014)
Debbie, glad you liked the article's decoration. :)
I'd never heard of Sarasota, so I've just looked it up on the web (how did we ever survive without the web?!). It looks gorgeous! Florida is one of those places I've dreamed of visiting one day, so thanks for giving me a more specific destination! (Rachel Bailey 7:44am August 12, 2014)
Alyson, I'm jealous that you can list Cape Cod as a favourite beach! And great tip about the rocks and jellyfish. I bet those rocks are gorgeous! (Rachel Bailey 7:48am August 12, 2014)
© 2003-2026