I feel like the twist in the book was good and there were believable red herrings leading up to that point. I could have done without so much of the inner monologues and the dynamics between characters, as they took me out of the action sometimes. I found Jen to be a mostly likable character, and felt like I understood the intentions of all of the characters, which seemed realistic even if not likable. The end of the book tied up everything a bit too neatly in my opinion but I didn’t hate it. I loved the feeling of almost being there with them in Cornwall, and you can really tell how, at first, Tamysn becomes swept away by the glamour of the Davenports, particualrly because of the history with her dad. I don't want to give too much away but this is certainly not a light-hearted, fluffy story - there's a dark sense of foreboding over a lot of it, mixed with the heady, powerful feelings of desire, desperation and envy. A haunting summer read. The party of women consists of Samira, whom Jen has never met before, Zaki's lawyer sister, whom he asked to be included because as a mother of two young children that are a handful, she desperately needs a break from the chaos and mayhem of daily life. To Jen's surprise and delight, her longstanding friend from childhood, 42 year old celebrity singer Michelle, famous as Mica, is able to attend. Helena is another childhood friend, a music teacher, her children have left the nest and her husband, Neil, has left for another woman. She used to be part of the group, Cassidy, until Michelle dropped her to pursue a more financially lucrative career as a solo artist, something she has never forgiven her for, a hurt exacerbated by the fact the two used to be the best friends. Beattie is Jen's suspicious and embittered former sister-in-law, still grieving the loss of her brother, Jason, who disappeared in incriminating circumstances. Nicolette is a fashion expert, and Kennedy is a injured tennis coach, Jen has known for 7 months and feels close to. The NPS says that it "is committed to maintaining this iconic building", but that the "solicitation process [for a new vendor] for this operation is currently paused as a result of the pandemic." [19] On February 2, 2021, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution urging the NPS to find an immediate vendor for the restaurant while it searched for a long-term tenant. The Park Service confirmed that they planned to do so. [20] Trademark issues [ edit ]

None of the characters in this story are likeable but it's easy to see why they act the way they do. In parts, Tamsyn is a sweet girl in other parts she's quite the menace. I've been to Cornwall and this story drew me that much that I felt I was actually there, especially as I know exactly where there is a Cliff House. The Davenport's have secrets and tragedy. The story is dark and it has a bit of a gothic feel to,it. It's quite a chilling slow burner that keeps you on the edge of your seat. After the fire, Dr. Emma Merritt, Sutro's daughter, commissioned Reid & Reid to rebuild the restaurant in a neo-classical style. It was completed within two years and is the basis of the structure seen today. In 1914, the guidebook Bohemian San Francisco described it as "one of the great Bohemian restaurants of San Francisco. ... while you have thought you had good breakfasts before this, you know that now you are having the best of them all." [13] Top: Third Cliff House, c. 1950, following signification additions and modifications in 1949. Bitker, Janells (February 4, 2021) "San Francisco's Cliff House likely returning as a restaurant after all, landlords say" San Francisco Chronicle Cliff House reopens despite government shutdown (again), with federal permission, Inside Scoop SF, October 12, 2013Daisy Davenport McClure is the older of the girls and has always felt it her responsibility to take care of her younger sister Bea. Daisy has a secret that she has kept from her family for a while now. Will she ever be able to come clean about her big secret? Daisy is a very quiet and reserved person. When Daisy meets the man who is responsible for saving her ex-brother-in-laws life, she knows that there is something about him, but will Daisy let herself get involved with someone she doesn't really know? a b Gafni, Matthias (December 14, 2020). "S.F.'s iconic Cliff House restaurant to shut down". San Francisco Chronicle . Retrieved 14 December 2020. This was the first book I have read from this author and I'm not sure after this if I want to read any of his others.

When this one came up for review, I was on board not only because I have enjoyed her books, but I was also looking for something a little lighter to break things up.

While this book was a little heavier than I might have liked, that didn’t stop me from enjoying it to its fullest and I was thrilled with the way the book ended—-no spoilers just know that even if this book is a little emotional at times, it was worth the read! Conversations on the Coast has a slightly different format to other literary festivals. with one author talk a week, spread out over a month rather than a cluster of events. The characters were cool, I learned a lot about them, which was kind of the point. But I felt like some of their motivations and choices were not fully believable and that's ok, I have no issue with suspending my belief, but - something it was a little too far-fetched how serious things were are how everyone just seemed so ok to forgive and forget so easily, no questions asked. When Stella was in her early twenties, she took custody of her nieces Daisy and Beatriz that had become orphaned because of their mother's overdose. Neither Daisy nor Bea's father wanted to have anything to do with them so they had gone to the foster system. Not only had the girls been thrown in foster care, but they had been split up. Thank goodness for their Aunt Stella that was able to take them in.