Reconnecting with childhood friends can be both life-affirming and life-altering.
Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a fascinating tale of friendship, loss, hope, loyalty, secrets, and finding one’s self in BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS. She sets the story in the beautiful New England ocean-side community of Stony Point. The ocean, with its mesmerizing waves and alluring sounds, plays a major roll in the story offering its calming and cleansing properties to those returning to visit.Maris Carrington, pursuing a denim design career in Chicago, has to return to the Connecticut coast to settle her late father’s estate. While packing and cleaning, Maris discovers a forgotten home movie. After watching it, she decides to stay a bit long so she can reconnect with her best friend. As old memories surface, catching up with other friends from over a decade ago takes on new meaning.
Even after her boyfriend proposes, Maris isn’t ready to return to her regular life. She feels drawn to stay near the beach and see what the summer brings. Meanwhile, Maris’ friends have their own problems and worries. Each is dealing with their doubts and uncertainty in their own way, but are there for their friends when needed.
This story is set amid a backdrop that defines summer - the ocean, a sandy beach, cottages, sunshine, and good friends. DeMaio has an eye for detail as she expertly describes the setting so that you can almost feel the ocean breeze on your face and feel the sand falling through your fingers.
The story moves at a steady pace pulling readers in. The characters are well-developed and likable. They have flaws and are faced with daily challenges making them appear more realistic. While there may seem to be quite a few central characters, in reality we all tend to gather numerous friends around us instead of only one or two. The author has given each character their own problems and specific ways they contribute to the story.
With a title like BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS, one automatically thinks of comfortable clothes and relaxing with friends over a cup of coffee. DeMaio has created a story of nostalgia that will have you longing to slip into your summer clothes, call your old friends, and escape to the beach.
Author Joanne DeMaio’s website is www.joannedemaio.com
Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans by Joanne DeMaio, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, @2013, ISBN: 978-1479262779, Paperback, 330 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - An eBook copy of this book was gift to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Thanks so much for visiting today. I hope your Friday is going well. As the weekend approaches, do you have plans to visit a beach somewhere? Even if you can’t go yet, where would you go if you could?
Author Joanne DeMaio visited here April 24 to talk about her book. In case you missed it, be sure to check back and see what she had to say. Doesn’t the cover of BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS make you think relaxing thoughts (and want a cup of coffee)?
Mason - Thanks for sharing your review of this. I remember thinking this sounded like an interesting study of relationships when you had Joanne as your guest. I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.
ReplyDeleteHi Mason .. I've been waiting for Joanne's book to come out .. and am so pleased it's hit the blog waves .. the review sounds just wonderful .. and I'll be getting it .. I remember when Joanne was writing about her cove and New England area ... that she would surely include it in her book .. it was so evocative ..
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary
Thanks Mason, for the wonderful review. I'm very glad you enjoyed your visit with the Stony Point beach friends. I really liked the sensory details you brought to the review, as well as your interpretation of the title. So enjoyed my second visit here, and waving "Hello" to Hilary too, sending greetings across the pond. Coffee Cheers :)
ReplyDelete~Joanne