Sloth Goes Places is a feature where I share books I have tracked from the Literary Escapes and Read Around the USA reading challenges.
Today we are looking at books set in ....
Delaware
The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella
Published by Scribner on July 2, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
Three generations of Schmidts have run their family’s beachfront restaurant, and Jack has been at the helm since his father's death. He puts the demands of the restaurant above all else, with a string of failed relationships, no hobbies, and no days off as proof of his commitment to the place. He can’t remember the last time he sat on the beach or enjoyed a moment to himself.
Meanwhile, the DelDine group has been snapping up beloved eateries along this stretch of coast, and it is pursuing Jack with a very generous offer to take Schmidt’s off his hands. Jack craves companionship and maybe even a family. He wonders whether closing the door on the restaurant might open a window for him—but who would he be without Schmidt’s, and can he trust DelDine’s claims that it will continue to employ his staff and honor his family’s legacy?
I have honestly enjoyed all of Joella's books. His storytelling never fails to entertain while also tugging at my heartstrings. The main character of this story was facing a big decision about his family legacy, and it pushes him to take a hard look at his life and himself. There was a great supporting cast helping him through this touching story of friendship, family, and life.
[review]
All Together Now by Matthew Norman
Published by Ballantine Books on June 15, 2021
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction
Goodreads
A dying man brings his oldest friends together for one last beach blowout in this witty, heartfelt novel from the author of Last Couple Standing.
At just thirty-five, reclusive billionaire Robbie Malcolm is a renowned financial prognosticator, a celebrated philanthropist, and a mathematical genius. Also, he’s dying, which is a fact he’s carefully concealing from the world.
As he takes stock, Robbie realizes that his wealth means nothing if he can’t help the people who matter most. So he invites his oldest friends—Blair, Cat, and Wade—to their beloved Fenwick Island on the coast of Delaware to share his secret and to reveal plans for each of them that he believes will change their lives forever.
However, Robbie isn’t the only one with secrets. The bonds the friends formed as teenagers still exist, but adulthood has brought a whole new set of complications, like unrequited loves, marriages on the brink, and so much unfulfilled potential. Robbie’s plans may look good on paper, but are they any match for the utter disaster that is real life?
As everything comes to light over a wild weekend full of surprises, Robbie learns there are still some things money can’t buy, and a group of friends who thought their best years were behind them realize just how much they have to look forward to.
This group shared the kind of friendship I have always wished to be part of. Though they didn't get to see each other as much as they would like to, they had maintained the bond they formed as teens. They are summoned together for a group vacation at the behest of their billionaire friend as his dying wish. This vacation may not have turned out the way Robbie planned, but it was a weekend filled with love, nostalgia, and discovery.
New Uses for Old Boyfriends by Beth Kendrick
Published by Berkley on February 3, 2015
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
After growing up in privilege and marrying into money, Lila Alders has gotten used to the good life. But when her happily-ever-after implodes, Lila must return to Black Dog Bay, the tiny seaside town where she grew up. She’s desperate for a safe haven, but everything has changed over the past ten years. Her family’s fortune is gone—and her mother is in total denial. It’s up to Lila to take care of everything...but she can barely take care of herself.
The former golden girl of Black Dog Bay struggles to reinvent herself by opening a vintage clothing boutique. But even as Lila finds new purpose for outdated dresses and tries to reunite with her ex, she realizes that sometimes it’s too late for old dreams. She’s lost everything she thought she needed but found something—someone—she desperately wants. A boy she hardly noticed has grown up into a man she can’t forget...and a second chance has never felt so much like first love.
I depended on this series for my Delaware book for several years, but alas, I have read them all. I liked this one because it was a comeback story of sorts, and I cannot resist a good comeback. It was bad enough that Lila had to return home, but then she kept crossing paths with her exes. Awkward. This was a fun book with a romantic subplot I enjoyed. I also really liked the way Lila made her comeback. It was a good time.
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