Title: Beach Lane
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: Chesapeake Shores #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 20th – 23rd September 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: You heard me.
New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods returns to Chesapeake Shores with a heartfelt story about the healing power of love.
In the close-knit community of Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, Susie O’Brien and Mack Franklin’s “not dating” claim befuddles everyone, especially since the two spend every spare minute together. Susie’s thrilled when their friendship finally heats up. Then, just when happily-ever-after seems within reach, Mack loses the job he loves and Susie faces a devastating diagnosis.
But O’Briens always unite in a crisis. Even her cousin Jess, Susie’s rival for most of their lives, becomes her staunchest supporter – especially when Mack’s former lover comes to town. The stakes are higher than ever before, but Susie’s definitely up to the challenge… as long as Mack’s right there by her side.
After reading the blurb if this book, I’ve honestly been putting it off. Mostly because as soon as it said health scare, I knew it would be cancer. Its always cancer. And some days I just can’t deal with reading about cancer. It makes me cry. And all spoilers aside, yes, this book made me cry.
I love the small town speculation around Susie and Mack. Probably one of the most ridiculous aspects of small town living is the gossip in all honesty. And people’s need to meddle and find out the answers. The fact that I swear half of Chesapeake Shores seems to be an O’Brien just makes it all that much better.
From the very beginning of this story, there is a lot of turmoil threatening Susie and Mack. In many moments its actually hard to stomach because it is so damn tragic. But, it also shows the amazing strength of the couple. Susie and Mack are able to find a way to create their own happily ever after, in spite of all of the difficulties they face.
This is a fantastic friends to lovers story. One that left my heart feeling just a little bit lighter and more beautiful. And kept me grinning happily long after I turned that final page. Even though there were multiple moments throughout that reduced me to tears….
Earth and Skye 
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