Tara Sweet, oldest daughter of Marilee and the late Robert Sweet, has gladly suffered with the reputation as the responsible (her sisters would say, bossy!) one of the family. When her fiancé dumps her and Marilee reveals her shock plans of a year long honeymoon with a much younger man, desperation fuels Tara’s impulsive decision to move back to her childhood home in Otter Bay, California. Dragging her little sister Camille, along for the ride, Tara soon discovers that her precious childhood memories may not reflect the reality that was her family’s previous life in Otter Bay.
Can Tara protect her sisters from the awful rumours and spiteful neighbours? And what of her sudden thoughts about church and God – does He really care?
Sweet Waters is as delightful as dipping your toes in lapping waves on a sunny day! Julie Carobini has excelled in creating an inviting beachside community without compromising the realities of human nature and the difficulties of small town living. Tara’s painful rejection by her fiance and the revelation of devastating family secrets are tempered by gentle humour, feisty and honest sibling rivalry and make for a heart-warming and inspiring read. The interaction between Tara and her sisters is spot on, reminiscent of sisters everywhere and the burgeoning attraction Tara feels for firefighter Josh, a man burdened by his own frailties, totally captivating.
Sweet Waters is the perfect combination of playfulness, charm and enrichment. Julie Carobini has a winner on her hands and I am longing to return to Otter Bay for the next adventure!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of Chocolate Beach
Giveaway
Those lovely B&H folk have enabled me to give away two copies of Julie’s book to US readers and two copies to Aussie readers!
To enter, post a comment by Sunday 26th July (leaving contact details) and tell me about your favourite beach 😉 Don’t forget the USA or AUS at the end of your post so I know which draw to enter you in.
July 15, 2009 at 6:31 am
I don't think I have a favorite beach, although there was one that I could walk to when I lived in Western Australia. It was great except when there were piles of smelly seaweed everywhere, or in summer when there were stingers in the water. I miss living near the beach.
Thanks Rel.
AUS
July 15, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I love the ocean, so I think almost any beach would be a favorite. However, we've taken many family vacations at Panama City Beach, Florida, so that would have to be a favorite. Second to that would be the beach at Chatham, Cape Cod, where my daughter and I spent a week several years ago.
I loved Chocolate Beach and hope to enjoy more of Julie's books. Thank you for the giveaway.
cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net
USA
July 15, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I'd have to say the Oregon Coast and Cannon Beach…The Oregon Coast is absolutely beautiful, whether it is raining or sunny. I haven't been to the beach in years.
Sounds like a book I'll have to read 🙂
mkshriver (at) gmail (.) com
USA
July 15, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Oh, please include me in the US drawing. Thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
July 15, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I love the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast. Please include me in the drawing for Julie's new book. Thanks!
worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com
USA
July 15, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is my favorite!
Thanks for the giveaway!
USA
Carol M
mittens0831 AT aol.com
July 16, 2009 at 8:06 am
tough question I dont really have a favourite beach. we are an hour from the closest but cant say its the nicest. The beach in Geraldton WA had one of the nices sunsets I have seen and I loved the beaches in Hawaii.
this aussie would love to enter
July 16, 2009 at 1:51 pm
In Massachusetts, I'm partial to Good Harbor beach and in Florida, I like both Playalinda, and Cocoa Beach. I've lived in 2 places with beaches and thus, cannot pick only 1 beach.
Please inter me in the USA drawing.
Holly
oceandreamerfla(at)aol(dot)com
July 16, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Favorite Beach was up north by a Lighthouse in northern MN. Stayed in a cabin, and could listen to the waves wash upon he shoreline. Nothing more relaxing except maybe listening to it rain, with low rumblings and a little lightening.
Please enter me in your contest, even if us US people don't get a book from Australia!!! Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
July 17, 2009 at 2:55 pm
My favorite beach is Island Beach State Park in New Jersey. It's a beautiful beach with white sand and it goes on for many miles. mce1011[at]aol[dot]com USA
July 18, 2009 at 12:14 am
Hahaha wow I just got back from the beach at Ocracoke Island in North Carolina and I'd have to say it's my FAVORITE. I love where the sound meets the Atlantic, the water is sooo warm there!
I look forward to reading Sweet Waters, please enter me! I'm from the U.S. 🙂
steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com
July 18, 2009 at 1:17 am
I like both Myrtle Beach, SC and Panama City Beach, FL.
Julie's book has been on my wish list for awhile now ~ I can't wait to read it.
Thank you!
Lori
~ USA ~
sugarandgrits[at]hotmail[dot]com
July 18, 2009 at 3:02 am
I live in the Redwoods in Northern California, so I guess my favorite beaches would be the ones I know and love up here! It's beautiful to live near the ocean…but the water's much colder here than in southern california! Good thing beauty isn't affected by the cold 🙂
Anyway, thank you so much for a chance to win!
stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net
USA
July 20, 2009 at 10:34 am
Any beach is my favorite, but Ocean Isles, NC is special for me, since my hubby took me there for our second honeymoon. Its a beautiful place. I love being near the ocean…so relaxing.
Please enter my name for Sweet Waters..it looks like a great read.
Thank you!
Blessings,
SandyG
Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com
July 20, 2009 at 10:36 am
I love going down to the back beach at Rye. Can't swim there much – unless you're into surfing, but love walking along the rocks and enjoying the crashing waves.
Please enter me in the Aussie draw Rel, it sounds good. Great job you are doing!
July 20, 2009 at 10:38 am
Sorry…I forgot the USA part! Too much daydreaming about the beach!
SandyG
Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com
July 20, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I've been to the Galveston beach quite a bit, but it is NOT my favorite! 🙂 I loved the beach on the Oregon Coast the best. It is breathtakingly beautiful!
I'd love to be entered in for the draw. (US) This books sounds awesome! (I love fiesty in a book.)
sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com
July 20, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I believe my favorite beach of all time is in Kauai. Almost any one of the beaches there were breathtaking. Our favorite one was Ha'ena near Tunnels. I have never seen a more amazing place and I live on the Southern California Coast!
Sally
Ventura, CA
USA
July 20, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Wow! Tough competition here.
My favorite beach is Seal Beach here in SoCal. It's family friendly, with small waves–perfect for swimmers, but not so good for surfers. There's lots of sand, volleyball nets, a nearby pier, and if you know the right places, you can park for free.
Writing about it makes me want to pick up and take the day off. 😉
I'd like to be entered in the USA giveaway. Contact me at rluellam at yahoo dot com .
Thanks.
July 20, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I don't have a favourite beach I love lots but one that holds special memories for me is Kingston Beach in Tasmania. I walked around that beach at least once every day when my firstborn was a littlie, to give me some fresh air and a break.
July 20, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Any beach is great to me! it's been way too long since I've felt the sand between my toes and heard the waves crashing on the shore…
ldrumm16{at}gmail{dot}com
USA
July 21, 2009 at 12:48 am
As a child, my family spent many a Sunday afternoon at a beach locals called "Tin Can Beach". It was a bit west and north of Huntington Beach. I don't remember tin cans, but I do remember letting lapping waves carry me back and forth until a giant wave tumbled me over, gasping and sputtering salt water. My sisters and I encouraging our engineer father to come up with complex tunnels and bridges over moats in our elaborate but unstable sandcastles. My dad teaching me to body surf and spending 90% of my time in the water. Eating sandy hot dogs, soggy chips and blackened marshmallows. One time the rising tide caught us unaware and tried to steal our little grill. Those remain golden days in my memory filled with shrieks, giggles, campfire songs, and the warmth of family love.
Blessings,
becca[dot]dowling[at]yahoo[dot]com
USA drawing
July 21, 2009 at 3:53 am
I love Coronado Beach in San Diego, CA but I wanted to add that I loved checking out the beach in Sydney, Auss .. that was my last stop overseas when I was in the US Navy.
California Girl
rmsidney@yahoo.com
July 21, 2009 at 1:14 pm
My favorite beach is in Maui, it was breathtaking and the friends and memories we shared there will stay with me a lifetime! Looking out at three volcanoes seeming floating in the air with large sea turtles floating near shore as blow holes shooting water fifteen feet in the air. Gorgeous!
cmrobin at bellsouth net
July 21, 2009 at 1:21 pm
My favorite beach is Sunset Beach, North Carolina. We spent many a family vacation there when our kids were small. I have the feeling if I went back there now, I'd spend all my time walking around the next dune and finding us when we were all much younger. Ah, nostalgia.
I'm in the US and look forward to reading Sweet Waters.
July 21, 2009 at 5:01 pm
My favorite beach is Panama Beach,FL. It has white sand, and is very pretty. It also doesn't seem to be as crowded as most other beachs, so you can really have a nice time. This book sounds really nice. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
July 22, 2009 at 2:17 am
My favorite beaches here where I live in San Diego are Coronado and La Jolla Shores.
But while on vacation visiting beautiful Australia, my favorite was Snapper Rocks at Coolangatta.
Thanks for entering me in the US drawing of Sweet Waters!
July 25, 2009 at 2:02 am
Our family loves the beach at the
Outer Banks, North Carolina!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
July 25, 2009 at 11:39 am
My favorite beach is fernandina beach in amelia island florida. I have been going there every year since I was 10 now I am 43 and I have taken my kids who are now 23 and 16 since they were babies.
Jennifer
USA