The Summer of Chasing Mermaids

by Sarah Ockler (Goodreads Author)

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life.

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .

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Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Simon Pulse via Edelweiss

Genre: YA/NA Contemporary Romance

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My The Summer of Chasing Mermaids Review ...

It has been quite awhile since I read a Sarah Ockler book but I'm so glad that I got the opportunity to read this book. The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is a beautiful story about hope and second chances.

"You cannot go back to the past, or resist the change. It's already come. But you can't move forward unless you acknowledge and accept it. ..."

Normally I'm not a fan of books that are more inner dialogue than outer dialogue but this inner dialogue is what makes this book work. Because its more inner than outer at times it made reading a bit slower but still captivating.

" ... But death isn't an ending, Elyse. Just part of a longer journey. ..."

This is a story about renewal, growth, hope, second chances and love. For Elyse, she finds herself far from home and far from her family. This is a time of healing and trying to forget. For Christian, he loves the Atargatis Cove, its where some of his greatest memories are. Christian's a bit of a ladies man but has a super warm heart. Elyse is beautiful and strong but quiet because she lost her voice. Suddenly they meet and find that they need each other in many different ways.

Elyse has to face the dark before she can find the light and be free of her past. She has many demons to face to be able to find happiness within herself again. She once knew what her dreams were going to be, but they were taken away out of love and survival. Now she has to find new self.

"My brave girl," she said, taking my face in her hands. "It takes a strong woman to lose everything, then stand naked in front of the mirror and face herself again. You need time, honey. And I don't mean time for it go away. I mean time to learn how to live with it. This is a pain you'll always carry."

This book is a journey of exploring ones self. Both for Elyse and Christian. Yes, this book is a love story but that part comes secondary to the self growth of these two. Their love is what builds them up and helps them heal but its not the whole story.

As always with Sarah Ockler, it was beautifully written and was a tale with so many emotions wrapped in it. If you love YA or NA then this book is very recommended.

4 Beautiful Thumbs up!