Mariah Stewart returns to the Chesapeake Bay and her series <i> Chesapeake Diaries</i> in her newest book. Fans of the series will be thrilled to hear what happens next in the small town of St. Dennis and the nearby Cannonball Island. Newcomers will have no trouble reading this book on its own and being drawn into the spell that Ms. Stewart casts.
Chrissy Jenkins flees a terrible home situation to return to Cannonball Island and the loving arms of her great-grandmother, Gigi. Chrissy spends time healing and figuring out what she wants to do with her life moving forward. Walking around the town and the island, reconnecting with her cousins and her great-grandmother all give Chrissy what she needs. When Chrissy learns that there is a possible job as a cook at a local small restaurant, she jumps at the chance to work. The fear of her ex finding her does overshadow her joy, but she tries not to think about it. Having a handsome man who seems to just want to be friends helps her immensely.
Jared Chandler is a deep water salvager. He works for his father’s company and travels all over the world working on a variety of shipwrecks and other jobs. Jared loves diving. He is currently in St. Dennis awaiting permission to dive on a local shipwreck. He needs something to occupy his time while he waits and when he finds out Chrissy is exploring the town and island, he invites himself along. Jared has never claimed to be the marrying kind. He fears commitment. What he likes most about Chrissy is that she is easy to talk to and doesn’t expect anything from him.
As Jared and Chrissy get closer, both of them must question their beliefs about love and commitment. They both have baggage from their childhood that makes trusting a challenge. They have to figure out if the relationship is worth the work and potential heartbreak.
There is so much more to this story, but I don’t want to give away any of the details. I loved the way that Ms. Stewart built her story and took me on a journey with the characters. Things are revealed slowly and with a pace that makes the changes in both Jared and Chrissy believable. I really enjoyed reading this one.

Chrissy left an abusive relationship and moved back home with her great grandmother Ruby.
Ruby is an absolute character. She has a bit of a sixth sense and she always knows what’s right for Chrissy.

Chrissy gets a great job cooking at a restaurant in town and meets a new friend Jared. She tries to keep him at a distance because she’s been through so much that she doesn’t trust herself anymore.

Likable characters. I didn’t realize this was a series until after I got the early edition from NetGalley. You can tell that the family history is built up in the previous books, so it can get confusing here. If you’ve read the other books, you’d likely rate it higher.

This book was like coming home as are all of Ms. Stewart’s books. I’ve yet to read a bad one, so I know if I am in a reading slump she can get me out of it. I have reread her books when I need cheering up, a good friend or a quick hug. I recently got my sister reading this author so I lent her my books and then reordered new ones for myself just assuming I won’t be getting my books back. I was happy to do it too

When Chrissy Jenkins finally says enough is enough and flees an abusive relationship she runs to where she knows she’ll be safe and wanted – her great-grandmother’s home on Cannonball Island. Her Gigi will care for her but also encourage her to stand up and take control of her life. And that’s what she does. Along the way she finds a job doing what she loves most and also reconnects with an acquaintance who could become much more. It’s a story of starting over, learning to trust, and finding important answers to questions that have bothered Chrissy her entire life. I really enjoyed this latest installment of The Chesapeake Diaries series. Dune Drive can stand alone so don’t let the fact that it’s book 12 make you think you need to read the series in order. Mariah Stewart does a great job catching you up with pertinent details about each character.

First I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for and advanced copy for my kindle. I loved this book! I fell in love with each character and the small town of Chesapeake! The story starts with Chrissie. Chrissie leaves her abusive husband by sneaking away because she’s afraid he will kill her. She runs back home to Chesapeake to her aunt who is 101 years old and runs the small town store. Chrissie is working on healing herself and gaining her confidence back when she meets a diver named Jarod who she becomes fast friends with but not wanting anything more while Jarod is afraid of love as well. This was a perfect beach read and you can just picture the small town and each character.

I am always happy when a new story comes out in this series. It is like going back to my hometown for a visit and seeing how everyone is doing. I just love Ruby. Chrissie flees an abusive relationship and goes to Cannonball Island to regroup. Her great grandmother, Ruby, takes her in and gives her a soft place to land. After Chrissie starts her healing process, she meets her cousin's friend, Jared, and they become friends. Jared is a playboy and has no intention of settling down with one woman. As their friendship grows, so does their feelings for each other. Chrissie still lives in a shadow because she isn't sure when her ex will come looking for her. She thinks he doesn't know where she went, but a strange coincidence gives him a clue. Jared wants to be Chrissie's hero, but she is strong enough to save herself.

Love this series it's my favorite of Mariah book's, I love following it because I can always get in to from the beginning to the end! loved the cover and the characters and the settings to it. Chrissy Jenkins thought she turned in to a swan when her real life Prince charming swept her off her feet. But his true characters began to crack. she realized she be better off with out him. She transformed her own life knowing she was the only one who had the power to do so. to find out more you'll have to get your copy..loved it

After five horrible years with an abusive man, Chrissie Jenkins finally escapes. She runs to great-grandmother Ruby, Cannonball Island, and the wonderful people of St. Dennis on the Chesapeake Bay. Slowly over a period of months and in the care of a wise, all-knowing Ruby, Chrissie begins to heal and starts to find herself. She renews her childhood friendships with cousins, gets a job at Blossoms Restaurant and begins making friends. Probably the last friend she expects to make is Jared Chandler, a salvage diver with a bit of a player reputation. The first time she meets him, Chrissie had just observed him hitting on a cute young woman.<insert eye roll>

Although it seems an unlikely friendship, Chrissie and Jared find they have many things in common. A love of ice cream from Scoops, the historic town of St. Dennis (a new interest for Jared) and the pain of having a parent leave them as a young child. For Chrissie the experience convinced her that it must have been her fault and she would never be good enough, and for Jared it taught him that love isn’t real because it doesn’t last. Their friendship is a cautious one, and Jared senses there’s a lot more than he knows in Chrissie's past and she needs time to come to trust him, as well as herself. Chrissie is a breath of fresh air for Jared. She’s real, transparent and honest, and she doesn't fawn over him like other women, but with his views on love, he’s definitely not looking for more. But then love seems to have a way of sneaking up on people.

I’ve been a fan of this author since I read the first Chesapeake Diaries book so I was thrilled to be able to read an early copy of Dune Drive. St. Dennis is one of those inviting fictional small towns that I would live in forever if it were possible. I loved returning there and reacquainting myself with all these lively, delightful characters and the beautiful, picturesque setting. Then there’s the touch of supernatural with the way Ruby and Grace, long-time St. Dennis newspaper editor and diary author, just seem to “know" things that makes the reading even more entertaining. Stewart paints vivid scenes and images with her detailed descriptions and her unique, endearing characters practically jump off the page.

When a character has been as damaged as Chrissie, there is a duty to handle it carefully, and Stewart got it exactly right. Chrissie needed to put the past behind her, discover the “new Chrissie" and gain confidence and strength in who she was becoming without relying on a man to define or support her and not jump carelessly into a new relationship. Ruby was a big help to her, and her friendship with Jared allowed her to be her true self without any pressure. It was a slow, simmering romance, which made it all the more special. In true Stewart fashion, Dune Drive is a heartfelt, humorous, sweet, uplifting romance that draws the reader into this delightfully wonderful, immensely satisfying journey to happily ever after.

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

I LOVE Gigi!
Review coming soon on The Librarian Talks
blog http://thelibrariantalks.WordPress.com

Dune Drive is a great addition to the Chesapeake Diaries series. Interesting storyline. Compelling characters. A lovely setting, a place you would want to visit and never leave. A must read.

This latest entry in the Chesapeake Diaries series deals with the difficult topic of domestic violence. Chrissie has returned to her roots on Cannonball Island to recover and start over, to once again reclaim her life on her terms. When she first meets Jared, she has no interest in a relationship but then either does he, so it works out perfectly. Until both realize that something has changed in their "friendship." There is a romantic element to the story but it is not the entire focus of the novel. It is more about Chrissie's journey to moving forward in her life while sorting out her own personal past.
While this book is part of a series, it can stand on its own. However, if you've followed the series, you will get to catch up not only with the familiar residents of St. Dennis, but also some of Chrissie's relatives who have also found love on the Chesapeake.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Do you want to know what reading Dune Drive felt like? It's that indescribable homey feeling you only get when you curl up on the couch with a blanket and watch a Hallmark movie. You're at peace, content, happy, and carefree. That is what reading this book felt like.

Dune Drive is the twelfth novel in the Chesapeake Diaries. That being said, you don't need to have read any of the other books in order to enjoy this book--this is the first book I've read in this series. This story is about a young woman named Chrissie who goes back to her ancestral home on Cannonball Island. While Chrissie wasn't raised on the island, she spent nearly every summer there growing up and the island always felt like her true home. However, the reason for Chrissie's homecoming is not a pleasant one. She has finally escaped from her abusive boyfriend, Doug. Once she arrives on the island, she embarks on a journey to rediscover who she is after losing her identity in an abusive relationship.

Almost a year later, Chrissie meets Jared Chandler. The two become fast friends, but could there be more? Chrissie isn't sure if she is ready for a new relationship, while Jared on the other hand, has never allowed himself to be in a serious relationship. Jared's mother abandoned his family when he was quite young which caused him to protect his heart. These two definitely have their guards up, but when the right person comes along your defenses are often proven to be worthless.

I really enjoyed this story. I think Mariah Stewart handled the topic of an abusive relationship well. My favorite aspect of this book was that Stewart gave Chrissie time to herself before throwing her in another relationship. Typically, authors push their heroines into a new relationship as soon as they escape from their abusive partner. By Stewart not doing this she has created a more organic, believable story for her readers. The progression between Chrissie and Jared's relationship is natural and authentic.

Of course, the setting of Cannonball Island is perfect for this story. It's a quaint, picturesque town on the bay--what more could I ask for? All of the townspeople are friendly which only enhances the classic small-town vibe of the island. I mean who wouldn't want to live somewhere like that? As I mentioned earlier, this could be a Hallmark movie.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was an endearing story of finding love--but more importantly yourself. Chrissie's journey is heartwarming and uplifting. I admire her courage and strength; she was a great main character. Full of romance, friendship, and family Dune Drive is certainly the perfect summer read.

Dune Drive is a really well written romance. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the setting. I always enjoy this author’s books. I highly recommend this book.

I loved this book. Stewart is such a fantastic writer and her series are all wonderful. I think this was my favorite so far. All the characters play so nice together you just feel like family.

The Delight

Jumping back into a beloved series that had fallen by the wayside was like meeting old friends for an evening out. A new couple and all the characters I remember from the first seven of these books are all accounted for here. It didn’t even matter that there was new people to get to know, they all became just part of the whole group of characters that I love.

Review

Mariah Stewart’s series, The Chesapeake Diaries, take place in the charming small town of St. Dennis located on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. I’ve been reading these since before I actually moved to Maryland and now that I have visited the Eastern Shore on several occasions, it’s easy for me to picture the setting, although the town is fictional. It’s truly a beautiful area and made this read even more amazing for me.

St. Dennis is home to quite the collection of eclectic characters, none more so than one hundred year old Ruby. Ruby lives and runs a general store just across the bridge on Cannonball Island. She also has a touch of the “sight” and everyone knows it-whether they believe it or not. When Chrissie, her great-granddaughter, shows up at her doorstep out of the blue, Ruby welcomes her into her home and business. Chrissie has been abused and manipulated by a boyfriend for five years. She finally got away from him and left secretly. Chrissie has a lot of healing to do and Ruby lets her, but ultimately pushes her to find a job doing what she loves-cooking. While exploring the town from her childhood summers, she meets Jared, an ocean ship salvager, and a really great guy. Neither has any intention of falling for each other and both would swear they were just friends. Yeah, safe to say that’s not going to last. Jared has family ties to people in another series that overlaps into St. Dennis. Since I’ve read those books, it was fun to catch up with those characters as well.

I found this book to be well written and since Mariah Stewart wrote it, I’m not at all surprised. She’s an author who has been a favorite of mine for many years, first for her romantic suspense books(so good) and then for her Chesapeake Diaries books. This read was heartwarming at times, suspenseful at others, and of course, ultimately a bit sensual. I enjoyed how the author invented a pretty fascinating history for the town and Cannonball Island, giving Chrissie and Jared a place to explore and the time to fall for each other. While the story is not full of sexual chemistry between the two as in some books, the couple’s relationship is more of a slow burn and of course, that can be just as good.

At times a few things were pretty predictable, but I don’t think it took anything away from the book. I even saw the big reveal towards the end coming a mile away. Again, not a problem. I would highly recommend this book to contemporary romance readers, adult due to a sensual scene. I do think you could read this out of order so that’s not a problem either. Good book and series!

In this return to the Chesapeake Diaries series, we are once again visiting Cannonball Island. Chrissy has spent the last 8 months finding herself again, with the help of her Gigi, the 101 year old Ruby. She has had to recreate her self confidence and has just begun to explore the world beyond the little store that has been in family for generations. Jared is in town waiting for the go to dive the sunken ship found off the coast of the bay, and he's just trying to keep from being too bored. He and Chrissy find they can be easy around each other, and a friendship blossoms that neither expects.

Stewart once again blends humor and the feelings of home that we all long for into a beautiful story. St. Dennis pulls readers back into it's orbit again and again, and visiting with old friends and new is part of the pull. Another winner in the Chesapeake Diaries series, with plenty of stories to come.

This is the 12th book in the Chesapeake Diaries series. Awesome series and this book did not disappoint! I really enjoy the "returning to your roots" type stories and this one was great. Mariah Stewart knows how to tug on your heart strings and keep the reader interested. Very recommended!

This is the newest book in the Chesapeake Diaries series. I loved this book. It had so much emotion in the story line. I highly recommend this book and hope there are many more books in this series

I loved this book and take on domestic violence survival, but at the same time I think there is a glaring issue that needs addressing:
When writing a series as prolific as the Chesapeake Diaries is, there needs to be some continuity about character names. When one of the people who was a previous main character has their last name changed in the twelfth book in the series from Madison to Montgomery, that's a HUGE error that should have been caught by the editors if the author missed it. There needs to be a character profile book/bible for the series to keep those errors from occurring when editors change or something, please!

Otherwise, I liked the book a lot and if that error gets fixed in the final edit it should get a full five stars. Until then, it gets only four. Big errors like that need to be caught sooner.

I love this series! Stewart delivers again. Fans will not be disappointed with Chrissy and Jared's story and the chance to catch up with some old favorites from a myriad of Stewart's books.