Ivy Hawthorne, Ariana Prince and Cam Stafford spent many summers together on growing up on Mariners Island. During their junior year of high school a young girl, Emily Hutchins disappears and Cam is accused. Being best friends, Ivy and Ariana covered for Cam and gave him an alibi knowing he would never had hurt the young girl. After college, Ariana left the island for New York City. She was always in love with Cam but he only saw her as a best friend, while Ivy stayed on the island running the family library. Cam ended up getting a girl, Melanie pregnant and married her. Now twenty years after Emily Hutchins disappearance, her remains are found and the world as the trio knew it is blown apart. Over the summer Ivy, Ariana and Cam work to try and figure out what really happened to Emily while the police department is looking into Cam again. Friendships will get tested and truths will finally come out but the real killer will be discovered along with some new relationships that were a long time coming.

I really enjoyed this suspenseful romantic story. I loved all of the main characters and how they interacted with each other and it was fun watching the mystery unfold. This story gives you great characters and superb story line.

As Brenda Novak is one of my favorite.authors.I was very happy to receive an.advanced reader copy and to share my opinions with other readers. In The Seaside Library.childhood friends Ivy, Cam, and Ariana come back together 20 years later and end up having to deal with something that happened when they were kids.

As always the author draws her audience in and keeps us in our reading from page one through the epilogue with beautiful locations, likeable people (well not everyone), and a believable plot. I can't recommend The Seaside Library more.

#NetGalley #BrendaNovak #TheSeasideLibrary #Harlequinn #Mystery #Romance

Twenty years ago a young girl went missing and things have never been the same since. As young adults, Ariana, Ivy and Cam were friends, best friends, friends who cover for one another. That’s just what Ariana and Ivy did so long ago, and have questioned their decision every since. Now twenty years later, the girls body has been found and once again the friends need to decide what to do. Was Cam really innocent? If so what they said years ago wouldn’t matter. But what if he really did kill the girl? Their friendship is now put to the test in more ways than they can imagine when the truth is finally revealed.

Brenda Novak brings us a tale of suspense, lies and secrets long buried. A definite stay up late kind of book, a book you don’t want to put down. I loved the suspense and trying to figure out just who was telling the truth along with the friendship of Ariana, Ivy and Cam. Thank you Harlequin Publishing, NetGalley and the author Brenda Novak for my advanced readers copy that I voluntarily read and reviewed. A great story of what lengths we will go to for our friends.

Ivy, Ariana and Cam have been friends for years. When Cam is accused of a murder then Ivy and Ariana try to help.
This book would make a good summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Mira.

After reading this book's blurb, I couldn't dig into it fast enough. Brenda Novak has always been able to spin a good story and the ones filled with suspense always draw me in.

What would you be willing to do to protect a friend? That's the question Novak explores in this book about three friends, a tragic event of two decades past, and the consequences decisions made then have on each of their lives today. I enjoyed the shifting dynamics among Ivy, Ariana, and Cam. Things were bound to be a bit awkward after losing touch over the years of separation or, in Cam's case, breaking off contact due to his jealous wife but the discovery of a body and the resurrection of the murder case from that summer long ago have intensified the swirling emotions - and doubts - among the recently reunited best friends. It's an interesting exploration of the ebb and flow of friendships as well as secrets, lies, and the weight they place on one's conscience.

The mystery of what actually happened that fateful night is tightly constructed and filled with surprising twists and turns, playing out with subtle clues effectively placed throughout the book. I was sure I knew who the murderer wasn't but it took me a while to discover who it was. Though even figuring out the identity of the murderer before the reveal didn't lessen my eagerness to find out how it all would play out. I was not disappointed.

There's also a romantic thread in the story that significantly impacts the dynamics of the three friends. Though it's secondary to the mystery, it's important to actions the friends take. It offers a happily ever after but I wasn't as emotionally invested in the romantic couple as I wanted to be - for reasons - including the fact that I was more emotionally attached to the character who became the third wheel. Others may have different feelings. I will say though that by the time the epilogue (a year later) rolled around I was able to be happy with the couple's HEA and satisfied with where life had taken all three of the friends.

If you enjoy a blend of women's fiction and twisty suspense with strong threads of friendship, coming home, and friends-to-lovers romance, I recommend adding The Seaside Library to your summer reading list.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.

The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak is more than your women’s fiction/romance novel. I have read a few of Ms. Novak’s books and this is a good one. This one is filled with intrigue and suspense! Her writing style will keep you glued to this book. Three friends, past and present with many secrets, mystery and twist and turns, this one is fast paced and captivating. The characters are real and well developed, you will watch them grow and mature as the book progresses. A story of friendship, loyalty and trust you will become a part of these wonderful characters. If you are a Brenda Novak fan, then I highly recommend reading this one. She does not disappoint.

Thank you NetGalley, Mira, HTP Influencers and Brenda Novak for this suspenseful story to read and review. The opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley #mira #htpinfluencer. #brendanovak. #theseasidelibrary #arc

This book was so much more than I thought! Never judge a book by it's cover, you will think you're getting a sweet beachy read but this is actually a story revolving around friendship, secrets, lies, loyalty and murder on a small Mariners Island. You will quickly be pulled into the story involving Ivy, Cam and Ariana who were best friends that drifted apart only to be pulled back together after 20 years when the body of a 12 year old girl, Emily, is discovered after she went missing all those years ago.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and of course the amazing Brenda Novak for my ARC!

Fans of Brenda Novak will find this enjoyable as always. The twist at the end is a true whodunit! Doesn't disappoint.

“ The Seaside Library” by Brenda Novak. I found it different from the last book I read of this authors but I still enjoyed it and read in one day.

There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart…

The story follows three friends — Ivy, Ariana and Cam. It had everything you could want in a story, regret, love, sadness, friendship, forgiveness, and family however that might look.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested. I was able to figure out who murdered Emily about halfway through, but still had to be sure. I liked how the author wrapped everything up neatly and didn’t leave us hanging.

I will definitely read other books by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Harlequin and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak takes us to Mariners Island where a missing girl’s body has finally been found. The Seaside Library is a mixture of mystery and romance. The three main characters were okay. I was not a fan of any of them. They are three aggravating people. They made a mistake when they were teenagers, and we get reminded of it in every single chapter. The story is easy to read, but it is hard to get through due to the characters and repetition. The alternating point-of-view did not help. I found myself skimming through sections (the repetitive bits). The mystery is easy to solve. I kept hoping there would be a twist that would surprise me. The cover does not go with the story. While there is a seaside library, it is not at the center of the story. I liked the history behind the library. I understood why Ivy loved the place along with her historic home. I thought the story was over a hundred pages too long. I read The Seaside Library, but I did not enjoy it. It does have a feel-good ending and I appreciated the epilogue. The Seaside Library was not a good fit for me. The Seaside Library is a curious story with a cold case, an excavated skeleton, a fuming family, a little lie, an insecure spouse, a concealed love, and the tragic truth.

My mind was awash with so many questions after the first chapter. I kept asking what is the big secret???
I had to keep reading to find out.
Three friends, one night, two decades of lies that are now straining the bonds of friendship.
Two of the characters were completely unlikable and I wasn’t surprised about the culprit.
I liked the island setting and how the story unfolded with Novak tying the pieces together.
Sometime telling the truth is the simplest route.

Ariana returns to Mariners Island after 20 years. It seems as thought the friendship between her, Ivy and Cam has not changed.
Cam was a person of interest 20 years ago, when a young girl went missing. Now her body has been found and suspicions start once again.
Did Ivy and Ariana lie for a killer or was their trust justified?
I loved reading this one, it was really a really quick read. Once you get caught up in the story you can’t put it down,
Many thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read and review this one.

Ariana and Ivy have been Cam’s alibi for what he was accused of so long ago. Ariana has returned to the island for the summer and hopes to reconnect with Cam and Ivy.
The mystery of what happened all those years ago has come back to haunt them too.
It was a good mystery, I did think it was a bit draggy at times and could have been fifty pages shorter. I kinda feel like the book title could have been different too.
Good beach read
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

This is the story of friendship, secrets, lies, loyalty and murder on a small island. Mariners Island seems like the ideal place to vacation but Ivy, Ariana and Cam grew up there. Ariana left for a while to work in the big city but has returned when the body of a young tween who was killed when the trio were teens was discovered after almost twenty years have passed. Ariana, Cam and Ivy have a connection to young Emily and they are hiding a secret that they are desperate to keep hidden. The characters in the book are vividly portrayed with complicated personalities as well as relationships. They have believable flaws and are dynamic and well-rounded. The plot moves along at a quick and satisfying pace, capturing me from the beginning with the underlying mystery and drawing me further into the story with the brilliantly written character studies. The plot is just complex enough to have kept me engaged from beginning to end and also to keep me guessing about who young Emily’s killer was and the motive behind her death. There were absolutely no unlikable characters, no small feat when there are so many involved in the storyline, all contributing to the central focus on one way or another. The intrigue was captivating and the setting was picturesque, described so well that I could easily place myself into the book. Filled with suspense, a touch of romance and with a satisfying conclusion, this book is proof that the author is a masterful storyteller who has crafted a compelling story that is readable, engrossing and intricately woven.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak is a romantic mystery read. It has elements of love, betrayal, friendship, mystery. As a longtime reader of Brenda Novak books, I have to say this wasn’t my favorite as I found the actions of the characters a little unbelievable given their age but was still overall a good book.

It takes place on Mariners Island and follows 3 friends, Cam, Ivy, and Ariana. When a 12 Year old girl disappears, Cam is questioned by the police because he helped her earlier that day. Ivy and Ariana lie and give him an alibi as they believe he couldn’t have harmed her.

Many years later, her body is found. Cam is once again a suspect. His marriage is in trouble and he and Ariana grow closer. Ivy and Ariana are now questioning their choice to lie. Could he have done it and if not, then who did?

I really enjoyed this friendship driven murder mystery. Has a bit of romance but the suspenseful mystery and the tested friendships are the stars of the book. Good pacing, wonderful character development and twists to keep you engaged. Another wonderful read from Brenda Novak.

Thank you to Mira publishing & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


This is the perfect summer beach read, with suspense, romance, and friendship all intertwined.

If Mariners Island wasn’t fictional, I’d be booking my ticket for summer today. Brenda Novak painted the pristine picture of this island off the coast of NY.

The story follows three friends; Cam, Ivy, and Arianna. When they were sixteen and partying at the beach, a young girl ended up dead. Cam was quickly the one police blamed, and Ivy and Arianna made the choice to tell a lie about that night and cover for him.

But now sixteen years later, the body of the young girl Emily has been found and Cam is thrust back into the prime suspect list. Will Ivy and Arianna be able to continue telling the lie they’ve kept for so long, to protect Cam?

This was my first novel by Brenda Novak, and I really quite enjoyed it. The ending wrapped up beautifully, and although I was able to figure out who murdered Emily about 3/4 of the way through, it was still a fabulous read!

The Seaside Library tells of three friends involved in a 20 year island mystery and the secrets the friends have kept for all those years.

This was not my favorite Brenda Novak book. It was difficult for me to believe the actions and thoughts of the mid-30 year old characters.

My thanks to #NetGalley and #Harlequin publishing for giving me a chance to read and review The Seaside Library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this electronic galley. My opinions are my own. This book is a departure from many of the Brenda Novak books I have read in that it is a mystery as well having some romance. Three good friends have a secret from their past they are hiding regarding a long ago night when a child went missing while her family was on vacation. The case was never solved, and the islanders moved on with their lives. But when the remains of the girl are discovered, the investigation ramps up and suspicion points in the direction of one of the friends, just as it did all those years ago. As teenagers, they concocted a cover story to alibi one of them and are prepared to stick with it. Will it hold up? And who was the killer? This book will keep you guessing. Just how far would YOU be willing to go for a friend?

Finished ✔️ The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak!
5 ⭐️’s
Publish Day: April 11th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: No
I enjoyed this beautifully told story.
It’s brilliantly written
I enjoyed all the characters
It was a very interesting story that held my attention the whole time.
Yes, I’d absolutely recommend it
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