A great beach read. A grandmother, an old boyfriend, a mystery., and a group of friends, returned from another story by this author. I took this book on vacation and was so glad I did!

A fun quick beach read. Love the spunk of Grandmother and how everyone confuses an actress with the character she played!

Welcome back, Wendy and the Ten Beach Road Gang in JUST BEACHY!

Talented Wendy Wax is a long-time favorite GA/FL author, and Ten Beach Road is one of my favorite beach read series. I was delighted to catch up with my favorite ladies and attend the nightly sunset cocktails and traditions, where the women share their 'one good thing' of the day, a practice that helps them stay positive and grateful.

“DAZZLING! A perfect beach read. Long-time Wendy Wax and Ten Beach Road FANS (like me) will devour JUST BEACHY! New characters, a new bookstore, a new house, a hot cop, a spunky Grand, celebrities, reno, art, mystery, romance, the Ten Beach Road ladies/cast, and best of all— the SETTING: Treasure Island, Pass-a-Grille, Florida!” (a favorite)

About...

Sydney Ryan plays Cassie Everheart, a heroic LAPD detective on Murder 101 who lives in Hollywood Hills. However, the producers decide to have her on-screen love interest, Jason, dump her for the new cookie cop and send her to rehab as an alcoholic. She thinks it may be temporary, but they canned her for good! Her last episode. Her career as a detective is over.

Only age thirty, now what? Maybe she can visit her family in Atlanta. What a disaster. Soon, she learns the public thinks she is her screen character, Cassie, and no one will serve her alcohol, which is desperately needed at the moment.

However, her mother says she needs her to go to Treasure Island, FL, to see what her 83-year-old grandmother (known as Grand), Lillian Louise Wilde, is up to, who has been a widow for six years and refuses to return to Atlanta.

She had come to visit a friend at Treasure Island and had not returned home. Now she wants to live in Florida full-time, and Sydney's mom wants her back in Atlanta, in a senior living facility, so she doesn't worry. Trust me, Grand is not ready for the old folks' home.

Sydney thinks that since she has no career and no life, she can also visit her friend, Kara, her mother, Maddie, and the ladies of Ten Beach Road in Treasure Island at Bella Flora while she is there. (the perfect place for do-overs).

Grand is a spunky live wire and has a more social life than Sydney, dating someone, and spends the night with Brian. Can he be trusted?

When her condo gets broken into several times, they are worried. But appears they are looking for something. A stolen painting? Grand is a successful artist, and she knows all too well what they are looking for, but it is not stolen. It is hers, and someone stole it, and no one is taking it. She has her secrets.

Grand not only bought a new house in Casas de Flores, a charming neighborhood in Treasure Island, but she’s also helping her neighbor, Myra, open a bookstore in Pass-a-Grille, a personal favorite area of mine. The bookstore, named Sandcastle Books and Arts (We're Just Beachy), will be a cozy space after renovations, filled with the latest bestsellers, artwork, and possibly art and acting classes. All the ladies are helping out.

Determined to get to the truth and solve the mystery of the break-ins, with, of course, the help of the resilient Ten Beach Road ladies (Kara, Maddie, Nicole, Avery, and Bitsy).

And of course, to make things more interesting, there is Luke the hot cop who was once Sydney's high school crush to spice things up.

As Sydney delves deeper into the mystery, she finds herself in increasingly dangerous situations. But with a few tricks up her sleeve, learned from her onscreen character, Detective Cassie, she might make it out alive and save her Grand.

Let the fun games begin, and new chapters will be written!

My thoughts...

To new beginnings! Oh, how I loved JUST BEACHY! I am so glad Wendy Wax is back and delighted to meet some new characters and cameo appearances from the Ten Beach Road ladies (one of my favorite series). Please let this series continue!

Wax always knows how to entice and charm readers from architecture, renovations, TV stars, vintage fashion, nostaglia, art, and now a book shop on the beach, plus do not forget these strong women, Cheese Doodles, and cocktails on the beach at sunset with one good thing they are grateful for.

This is what I call a BEACH READ! From charm, romance, wisdom, humor, female friendship, family, mystery, suspense and highly relatable well developed characters with heartwarming stories and courageous witty women all set in the perfect idea spot of Treasure Island, FL and Pass-A-Grille (my favorite places) as you can see from all my past reviews below of Ten Beach Road series.

I hope we see more of Sydney, Luke, Grand, and the Ten Beach ladies in the future, and always the daily sunset traditions, margaritas, and good conversation. I love catching up with everyone.

The only thing I would have liked to see (perhaps in the mass paperback edition) is the cover. I realize the author has little choice in the matter, but this cover does not fit the sophistication, flair, and glamour of the book (as the sensational usual covers from Berkley and the Ten Beach Road series). I would have liked to see some architecture, watercolor sketches, a cozy beach bookstore, art classes, or colorful Adirondack chairs lined up on the beach with cocktails and cheese doodles to draw you in. This is so much more than a beach read with a woman on a float (more depth). This book needs to be in front of the right readers.

However, this does not change my opinion of the book. 5 STARS as always! I love how the author portrays intelligent women, friendship, and sisterhood that find themselves in horrific situations, but ultimately, when they come together, they emerge stronger than ever. And they never give themselves up for a man. Perfect pick for book clubs! You will fall in love with these characters.

See all my reviews below of the Ten Beach Road Series. Although this one can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning and reading them all in sequence. Thank me later. Do not leave for the beach without this series.

Recs...

JUST BEACHY is for fans of the author and those who enjoy books by Southern authors, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Karen White. Also for fans of Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan Series, as well as the shows, Virgin River, and Chesapeake Shores. I would love to see this one and the Ten Beach Road in a Hallmark movie series or an ongoing TV series, please.

Thank you, Berkley and NetGalley, for a gifted advanced reading in exchange for an honest review. (Love the new author photo.)

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JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 3, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
June 2025 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter

My Reviews of the Ten Beach Road Series
Ten Beach Road #1
Ocean Beach #2
Christmas at the Beach #2.5
The House on Mermaid Point #3
Sunshine Beach #4
One Good Thing #5
A Bella Flora Christmas #5.5
Beach Beach Ever #6

I forgot about much I enjoy Wendy Wax stories! Her 10 Beach Road series was such a calming, fun, enjoyable read when I needed it the most, and this book found me at a similar moment in my life.

Sydney, at a crossroads in her life, finds herself living with grandmother on the gulf coast. The anticipation of reconnecting with her Grand and her BFF Kyra, while only temporarily, is a nice break from her recent life upheaval.

But when everyone in town cannot separate her from her ex-TV character, shenanigans ensue as expected. But with Wendy Wax's usual cast of characters, it fits smoothly within this enjoyable and relatable tale of stolen artwork, finding your place in a new life, aging without letting that stop you from living, and finding love when you aren't looking.

A perfect summer spend a day reading book!

Sitting down for a table read for the new season of <i>Murder 101</i>, Sydney Ryan is expecting another fantastic storyline. Instead, she finds out they intend to write her off when she loses herself after a breakup and ends up in rehab. Broken and lost, Sydney is ready for a break from Hollywood and she decides to go to Treasure Island, Florida where her grandmother has been visiting and refuses to leave. Once she arrives, Sydney's plan gets tossed around and she realizes just how much Grand is thriving in the environment, including reconnecting with an old friend who is opening a bookstore.

Shortly after Sydney arrives, her grandmother's house is broken into and she knows that there are secrets her Grand is hiding from her. In an effort to protect Grand and figure out the truth, Sydney is reconnected with her childhood crush, Luke, who is now a local police officer. The pair are determined to figure out what is happening and who is after Grand, all while the spark turns into flames. Is this where Sydney needs to be to be truly happy?

4 out of 5 stars.

After losing her long-time acting gig on the hit show Murder 101, Sydney Ryan decides she needs a break from Hollywood politics. She heads to Treasure Island, Florida where her grandmother has been visiting and now refuses to leave. Sydney’s plan to lie low for a bit quickly goes awry though, as she is swept up in her grandmother’s now flourishing social life.

I loved Sydney’s grandmother. She is in her 80s and she takes no prisoners. And when she spends the night with her boyfriend…this made the whole book for me. And don’t think Sydney doesn’t have her own chemistry going with Luke! These two are perfect on the pages!

I love this author, but this book is just a bit disjointed and the writing seems a bit rushed…even though the characters are great. It is a quick read. I read it in one day. So, it will be perfect for sitting on a beach!

Need a quick, fun read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Synopsis: After being fired from her long-term acting role on a police drama, Sydney Ryan spends the summer in the Florida keys with her grandmother hoping for a break, but instead ends up solving a real life mystery.

Thoughts: This is a fun beachy read! If you like cozy mysteries, this one should definitely be on your summer TBR. There are lots of funny moments, some romance, and a pretty surprising mystery aspect. Overall just a great choice for a summer binge read!

Read this if you like:
🏝️ beach
🏝️ cozy mystery
🏝️ romance
🏝️ friendship
🏝️ family

When I started reading this, I wasn't sure if I would like it but I am glad I kept reading. This turned into a fairly lighthearted romp of a mystery. Sydney Ryan, an actress who loses her job when a newer model comes along, goes to look after her grandma, a neat old woman who is a hoot, in her new home in Florida. Everywhere Sydney goes, people confuse her with the character she plays, much to Sydney's chagrin; the character left for rehab and no one wants Sydney to drink. Grandma has some secrets involving a painting, which makes her the subject of break ins and Sydney and her new boyfriend, Luke, who is a cop (and apparently a very good lover) are worried. Grandma doesn't want to tell Sydney too much because she knows why the break ins are occurring and doesn't want her involved but, of course, Sydney wants to solve the problem and protect her grandmother.
While I wouldn't say this is exactly plausible, it is a fun, fast read, perfect for the start of summer.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Four and 1/4 stars.

Sydney Ryan is full of surprises of what she is capable of, and as she moves to Florida to help her grandmother, she tries many things, and does many jobs, but she knows she isn't doing what she is meant to be doing. As her life moves forward, she seems to be as surprised as I was at what she can do, and does it well.
Just Beachy is a breath of fresh air, with people of different ages, and a community that comes together for one another. Even reading a book that is written about the ocean, and hearing the waves through the author's words, made me sigh and nourished my soul.
I received an ARC from Berkley through NetGalley and this story, on a dark, rainy day, made me feel I was on the beach in Florida.

Just Beachy by Wendy Wax is such a warm, honest celebration of friendship and the strength women can find in each other and themselves. The story flows effortlessly, and I was hooked from the start. It was both uplifting and super engaging. Honestly, such a great read. I’d totally recommend it!

Just Beachy by Wendy Wax takes place in Treasure Island Florida - a place I have vacationed many times over the last 25 years. It was very fun to read a story set in an area that I know so well. I also learned about a restaurant that I've never been to but definitely will the next time I'm there.

Sydney has just been cancelled from the TV show she's been on for over 10 years. She's played tough cop Cassie for so long that people that see her immediately recognize her but many don't realize it's just a role she plays. She's hoping to lay low with her grandmother for a bit until she figures out her next move.

But laying low is pretty difficult when there's action all around. She's not in town for 5 minutes when she stops a robbery at a bar. Now her Grand's place has been broken into more than once. Sydney quickly learns that the skills she learned pretending to be a cop are helping her in real life.

She's also reunited with an old crush Luke who is now a real life cop and still dreamy. Grand also has a new love interest. Life in Treasure Island is good. If only she could figure out her next career move.

I really enjoyed Just Beachy especially the setting. It's got action and romance (spicy!), mystery too. I will say that I felt some parts of the story were confusing. I even looked into seeing if this was a second book in a series to see if that's what I was missing. Don't get hung up on who's who as some characters don't really seem crucial to the story line. Definitely a book that will be great to read this summer no matter what beach you are on.

A fun read and a great book to either read on the beach or anywhere else this summer.
My absolute favorite character was Grand because she did what she wanted and kept her lips zipped about a heavy secret for six decades. I loved the come to the mountain dressing down she gave to Luke and Sydney.
I was jealous,of Sydney because I wanted to live in the condo by the water, work in the new bookstore, and have Luke, the hunky cop!
I thought the scenes at the Harley bar with the various troublemakers was hilarious along with Luke at the gun range.
I also liked the updates of the beach buddy gang!

This book really nailed the cozy mystery romance vibe. I loved the location and the characters were fun, quirky, and. Hilarious. The relationship between Sydney and her grandmother was really cute to see, and I like the way the other characters interacted to make the story complete. I did not read the other books by this author said in this location, but I do not think that decrease the enjoyment of the book. Fun summer read !

In the mood for a quick cozy mystery this summer? Toss this one into your beach bag. It’s fun, flirty, a bit far fetched, and ultimately fine. Just fine. It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than that. I love a book that knows what it is.

Sydney Ryan is an actress who unceremoniously learns she’s being written out of her long running police series. Not just that; she’s been blackballed by a vengeful A-lister. With no jobs in sight, she packs up her car and heads to Florida where she ends up moving in with her slightly eccentric and quite stubborn grandmother, Grand. But Grand has a secret and keeping it is getting dangerous.

Relying on her Hollywood crime solving skills and her rekindled relationship with high school crush, Luke, a real life police officer; Sydney turns amateur detective. There are laugh out loud moments, outlandish moments, and a few steamy moments.

All in all, this is a light read that doesn’t require an emotional attachment. It’s the book equivalent of s summer fling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I went in blind with this book. I've never read any of Wendy's books, but I am SO glad I got to read this one early all thanks to Netgalley!
This book has romance, family drama, mystery, danger, and two strong bad a__ women characters who are Grandma and Granddaughter!
If you enjoy fast paced books with a little mystery, intrigue, and romance then this is your summer beach read!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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After losing her long-time acting gig on the hit show Murder 101, Sydney Ryan decides she needs a break from Hollywood politics. She heads to Treasure Island, Florida where her grandmother has been visiting and now refuses to leave. Sydney’s plan to lie low for a bit quickly goes awry though, as she is swept up in her grandmother’s now flourishing social life—Grand not only bought a new house in Casas de Flores, she’s also helping her neighbor Myra open a bookstore in Pass-a-Grille. But when someone breaks into Grand’s house repeatedly Sydney realizes her grandmother is keeping something from her.

Determined to ferret out the truth and protect her grandmother, Sydney enlists the help of the Ten Beach Road ladies and Luke, a local police officer who was once her high school crush. While Sydney puts her television crime-solving skills to the test, she decides to act on the sizzling chemistry between herself and Luke. And as Sydney spends more sunsets toasting to true friends and new romance, she begins to wonder if the sun is setting on her time in Hollywood and if this town could be the dawn of a new chapter.
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I was so excited when I learned that a new Wendy Wax book was on its way! And when I found it was going to bring us back into the world we were first introduced to in the Ten Beach Road series, I was ready to do a little happy dance. After all, how often are you given an opportunity to return to a beloved series year later to check in and see how the characters are doing? This book does introduce also a whole new cast, and they are just as delightful as our friends from Bella Flora. Wax brings us what seems like a mystery novel but is really so much more. This is a celebration of women's relationships, both family and friendship. We get to meet strong, independent females who remind us that women can do anything when they work together. We get some comic relief, some NSFW bits, and some swoony romance thrown in. Most of all, we get to enjoy that Wendy Wax is back writing the kinds of books we love from her.

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Wendy Wax for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited for a quick relaxing read. At 300 pages, it was quick and while I enjoyed aspects of it - there was a lot of skimming parts that felt out of place and awkward scenes.

Is this part of a series? Keep bringing in characters and referencing history and storylines that don’t really move this story forward so I’m guessing they’re from previous books but I didn’t see any books liked to this one on Goodreads or NetGalley.

Sydney, our FMC, is an actress on a popular police drama. At the beginning of the book, she learns that her character is not only being written off the show but going out in a less than ideal way. She is also being black listed by someone (from a previous book?) so getting another job is not looking good. With nothing holding her in California she decides to visit friends and her grandma in Florida.

There was so much going on and so many side stories that went no where.

There was far more than a lazy beach romance…kidnapping, bar fights, guns, repeated break ins, opening a bookstore.

The sex scenes were awful. Almost clinical and overall awkward. I’m always team open door - but in this situation I would have preferred closed door.

Overall, it wasn’t for me but I’m sure it would be more enjoyable for others.

Spirited, enticing, and witty!

Just Beachy is an amusing, engaging tale featuring the unmoored actress Sydney Ryan who, after being dumped from her long-running series, heads to Florida to hang out with her grandmother, only to discover that something sinister is going on and she may need some help from her old high school flame to figure out exactly what it is.

The prose is light and sweet. The characters are intelligent, relentless, and impulsive. And the plot is a flirty, entertaining blend of friendship, family, chemistry, attraction, tricky situations, self-discovery, family, intrigue, happiness, and romance.

Overall, Just Beachy is a charming, humorous, breezy tale by Wax that did a wonderful job of mixing a sliver of mystery with some lighthearted, romantic fun.

The perfect summer, beach read! A little Hallmark, a little sauce and a lot of fun for this story set in a coastal Florida community. Sydney loses her acting job in LA and decides to visit her friends and grandmother -Grand- in Florida while she figures out her next steps. This book includes characters from Ten Beach Road, but you don’t have to have read that to totally love this one!
Sydney ends up living with her grandmother and it’s a good thing she does. Stolen art, break ins , boyfriends for Grand and Sydney help this book moving with lots of fun.
I always look forward to Wendy Wax’s next book and this one did not disappoint
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for this digital copy. This review is my own opinion..

This was a quick moving book. It was nice to revisit people and locations we met in previous books.
I liked Sydney and Grand. They made me laugh out loud a few times. It was a good added little mystery and the romance was kinda hot. It’s a perfect beach read.