THE WASH-ASHORES is definitely not a washed- up read. It is a perfect choice for a leisurely read while relaxing on the beach.
The word Nantucket evokes an allure all of its own. It exudes summery beach vibes, as does this book by Hannah McKinnon. Set in Chatham, Massachusetts, along Nantucket Sound, the historic inn, The Cranberry, is struggling to stay afloat. Holly, granddaughter of the owner Francine, has spent every summer at the inn, but now she has a few months to prove to her grandmother she can right the ship.
McKinnon penned an intriguing history of the Cranberry, loaded with history and relics from previous owners, which are all ensconced in a trunk, compiled like a photo album.
The carousel of characters, each set apart by alternating chapters, provides insight into the plot. Holly works tirelessly and creatively to craft partnerships and endeavors to keep the inn open. Linus, who at first resembled the snooty maitre d' character from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, ends up not being so bad after all. Ben, the best friend and former love interest of Holly, who's back as an oyster farmer, but for how long? The chef Greta, who whips up culinary delicacies that will make any foodie book a flight to New England immediately. And Ezra, the lonely neighbor who discovers new vitality by hanging around the Cranberry.
The writing is crisp and fresh. Visiting the Nantucket area has long been on my travel bucket list, and it just moved up after finishing this book.
THE WASH-ASHORES has multiple layers themes that are a reflection of modern life. One major theme is the continuous challenge of operating and maintaining a small business. Another resonating theme is the increasing encroachment of big developers who aim to demolish the charm and quaintness of beach communities and build sterile block units to maximize occupancy.
I highly recommend THE WASH-ASHORES as a pleasant way to while away a languid summer day with a good book that will please the palate.
With only one summer to turn things around, one woman finds herself fighting to hold together the one place that’s always felt like home with the people who have become like family, in this summery novel from USA TODAY bestselling author of The Sandy Page Bookshop.Thirty-year-old Holly has inherited the historic Cranberry Inn on Cape Cod from her grandmother, Francine. Only Francine is not dead. At least not yet. And she’s not fully convinced the Cranberry Inn is the right fit for Holly; despite its rich maritime history, the Victorian beauty is showing its age and it’s so much work. Besides, she has an offer from a developer that she’s not sure she can turn down.Unsure what to do, Francine decides she cannot let Holly take over without a dry run summer. As Francine tries to sequester herself to the sidelines, Holly finally has the chance to prove herself. And time is of essence because this summer they are hosting the Suttons, a prominent New York family of a famed social media influencer who expect no less than perfection for their only daughter’s summer nuptials. A move that Holly is convinced will boost the inn’s revenue and steer it back on track.If that weren’t enough, Ben is back. Ben’s family has summered in the house across the cove from the Cranberry Inn since Holly and Ben were kids. Like her, he’s starting his own family business: an oyster farm just up the shore. Only Holly hasn’t seen Ben since he shocked her with news of his engagement to another woman several years ago. The way they left things was like a conversation unfinished, and one that Ben seems interested in revisiting.With a wedding looming and a bride hedging and a staff feeling adrift, can Holly pull everyone together to ensure that the beloved Cranberry Inn will survive another summer?
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