"The Sirens of Soleil City" by Sarah C. Johns is a heartwarming and poignant novel that explores the complexities of family, motherhood, and aging. Set in West Palm Beach in 1999, the story follows fifty-eight-year-old Cherie Anderson as she navigates the challenges of caring for her two mothers: Dale, who left her when she was young and is facing eviction, and Marlys, who raised her and is now dying.

The novel is rich in character development, particularly focusing on the relationships between Cherie, Dale, Marlys, and Cherie's daughter, Laura. Each character is well-crafted and relatable, with their own struggles and flaws that add depth to the story. The dynamic between the four women is the heart of the novel, highlighting the complexities of family bonds and the impact of past decisions on present relationships.

One of the novel's strengths is its portrayal of aging and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the characters of Dale, Marlys, and their friends in Soleil City, Johns explores themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the importance of seizing the moment.

Overall, "The Sirens of Soleil City" is a beautifully written novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate heartfelt stories about family and the journey of self-discovery. Sarah C. Johns has crafted a touching and memorable tale that reminds us of the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

In the sun-kissed backdrop of West Palm Beach, 1999, "The Sirens of Soleil City" by Sarah C. Johns invites readers to plunge into the lives of three generations of women. Johns masterfully weaves a tale of resilience, forgiveness, and the intricate dynamics of family bonds.

At the heart of the story is 58-year-old Cherie Anderson, summoned from her frozen Minnesota home to help her estranged mother, Dale, and her adoptive mother, Marlys. Dale, facing eviction from her budget apartment complex in Soleil City, reaches out for help. Marlys, silently battling illness, refuses to admit her condition to her daughter.

Cherie's pregnant daughter, Laura, adds another layer of complexity. Her marriage has crumbled just weeks before her due date. Seeking a reason to stay in town, Cherie stumbles upon the South Florida Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition. The stakes are high: winning the competition could save Soleil City, and the ten-thousand-dollar prize money would be a lifeline.

With Laura as their coach (she used to captain a dance team), the unlikely team of senior swimmers embarks on a journey of self-discovery. In an apartment complex filled with feisty, funny, and strong-willed women in their seventies, Cherie finds herself navigating not only the intricacies of synchronized swimming but also the delicate threads that bind her family together.

Johns paints vivid portraits of these women, each with her quirks, dreams, and regrets. As they practice their routines, they learn that life isn't about neatly defined categories of good and bad. Instead, it's about trying to get it right, even when faced with past mistakes and uncertain futures.

The prose flows effortlessly, capturing the warmth of friendships forged over shared dreams and the bittersweet moments of reconciliation. Johns deftly explores themes of aging, motherhood, and the power of forgiveness. The characters' voices resonate, and their struggles feel authentic.

"The Sirens of Soleil City" is more than a novel; it's a symphony of emotions. Johns orchestrates laughter, tears, and hope, leaving readers with a sense of renewal. The Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition becomes a metaphor for life: a chance to dive into the deep end, embrace imperfections, and find grace in the water.

As the sun sets over Soleil City, the bonds between these women grow stronger. They learn that second chances are not just for the young; they're for anyone willing to leap into the unknown. Johns has crafted a poignant and uplifting tale that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Random House Trade Paperbacks for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A witty and touching story that celebrates the strength of women, their mistakes, and their unwavering determination It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

“The Sirens of Soleil City” by Sarah C. Johns is a heartfelt and entertaining read. It is about the complexities of motherhood, family dynamics and Mothers and Daughters. The story revolves around a senior women’s synchronized swimming competition formed by friends in a senior living community. It was a very cleaver way to bring out the very heavy struggles of aging parents, and the bonds between family no matter what the family issues may be. This book will remind all women how precious their relationships are with other women.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love the premise and I absolutely adore the cover. Seriously, this cover is just the cutest thing, isn't it? Thankfully, the story inside the pages does live up to the fabulous premise and charming cover. I especially recommend this one for fans of "found family" stories. As the characters immerse themselves in the world of synchronized swimming, they find much more than they expected and the rewards are far greater than financial. I love how the women bond together to navigate good times and bad, especially the challenges of motherhood and intergenerational dynamics. The author has crafted a humorous, poignant, and touching story.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy; all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Thank you to the author Sara C John, NetGalley and the publisher for opportunity to read this novel as my last book of 2023! Expecting a. Simple novel about senior citizen ladies rallying together to save their senior residence by competing in a synchronized swimming event and found the story to include a lot more. It’s a story of mothers and daughter, mothers who leave daughter and lots of other complications of different families,

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Unexpectedly heartwarming and tender, THE SIRENS OF SOLEIL CITY explores motherhood, friendship, and the intricacies of mother/daughter relationships as we age. Bound together by the complicated ties of family, three generations of women (and a cast of other memorable characters) work towards saving the Soleil City apartment complex from gentrification. Their brilliant idea? To enter a local geriatric synchronized swimming competition to bring awareness to their community (as well as the cash prize of $10,000).

SIRENS' wit and poignancy makes it a wonderful choice for a makes-you-feel-all-the-feels summer read!

The Sirens of Soliel City tells the story of Cherie, her biological mother, the mother who actually raised her, and her daughter, Laura. After leaving FL to go help her two mothers in MN, Cherie while coping with their issues, is trying to help her pregnant daughter navigate a failing marriage AND find a solution for all of their problems. Enter a senior citizen synchronized swimming competition in Florida to hopefully be the answer to a lot of their problems. With Laura as their coach, they bond with each other and the other swimmers.

As a fifty something woman, I related with Cherie greatly and fell in love with all of the characters. It's a timeless novel that I think most women can relate to. Our relationships with our mothers, daughters, and other women are the most precious we have and Sarah Johns explores it gracefully and comedically.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book is lSO good! It's about three generations of women who are trying to figure out their lives and their relationships with each other. Cherie, the main character, is totally relatable. She's got drama with her mom and her grandma, and she's trying to navigate all these big life changes. I love how the author shows how complicated family can be, but also how strong love and forgiveness can be. And the synchronized swimming competition? Iconic! It's like, the perfect metaphor for how they're all trying to stay afloat and work together. I laughed, I cried, I rooted for the characters...it's honestly a must-read for anyone who loves a good family drama.

The Sirens of Soleil City" takes readers on an emotional journey through the complex relationships of a diverse group of women, all connected by the bonds of motherhood. Written by Sarah C. Johns, this captivating novel brings to life the challenges and triumphs of the characters against the backdrop of West Palm Beach in 1999. The story revolves around fifty-eight-year-old Cherie Anderson, who receives a life-altering phone call that draws her back to her hometown from the frozen state of Minnesota. Her two mothers, Dale and Marlys, are in desperate need of her assistance. Dale, her biological mother who abandoned her at a young age, is facing eviction from Soleil City, a budget apartment complex. On the other hand, Marlys, the woman who raised Cherie, is secretly battling a terminal illness and refuses to confide in her daughter about her condition. With the determination to help both her mothers, Cherie must find a reason to prolong her stay in town. Simultaneously, she seeks to distract her pregnant daughter, Laura, from her failed marriage, which has left her vulnerable and unsettled. The South Florida Senior Synchronized Swimming Competition emerges as an unexpected solution. Cherie believes that winning the competition, accompanied by the substantial prize money of ten thousand dollars, could save Soleil City from its impending demise. With Laura's experience as a former dance team captain, she becomes their coach, igniting a glimmer of hope. As the characters immerse themselves in the world of synchronized swimming, they discover that the competition offers more than just a chance at financial security. Amidst the spirited atmosphere of the apartment complex, Cherie encounters a community of strong-willed, funny, and tenacious women in their 70s. These women, who form an unconventional family, share their wisdom and experiences. Together, they navigate the complexities of life and motherhood, realizing that there is no absolute distinction between good and bad choices—only the relentless pursuit of doing what is right. "The Sirens of Soleil City" is a heartfelt exploration of the intricacies of family dynamics and the unyielding love between mothers and their children. Sarah C. Johns skillfully crafts a narrative that resonates with authenticity, capturing the challenges, sacrifices, and joys that accompany the journey of motherhood. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and a delightful blend of humor and poignancy, this novel is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. In conclusion, "The Sirens of Soleil City" is a remarkable tale that reminds us of the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of love. Johns' writing shines as she delves into the multifaceted lives of her characters, painting a vivid picture of their struggles and growth. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering bond between mothers and daughters. "The Sirens of Soleil City" is an absolute must-read for those seeking a heartfelt and captivating story that will leave a lasting impression.

The Sirens of Soleil City by Sarah C. Johns was a fun, entertaining and delightful story. I really enjoyed following these four strong-willed women who are in their 70s, four women who are found family trying to navigate in life, and motherhood.
Thin was a lovely story with great characters you will fall in love with. A great feel good book with a terrific setting.

Thank You NetGalley and Random House for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The Sirens of Soleil City is a moving story of generations of women and the secrets and regrets they hold.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC for an honest review.