Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

Title: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
Author: Sarah Ockler
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Simon Pulse (June 2, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA/NA Contemporary 
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!


Book Description:
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 . . .









The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is a beautifully written, emotional, and inspiring story that shows Ocker at her very best. 

With characters that are every bit as detailed and fleshed out as her storyline, this read truly will be a hit for any fan of Ockler's and sure to create new fans for those trying her work for the very first time.

Wonderfully told with hidden messages about finding ourselves after tragedy, being true to who we are, staying strong in adverse situations, and finding our true voices buried deep, The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is by far in my top ten reads already for this year.

Ockler once again amazes me with the amount of power her words bring. Her coming of age stories truly are emotional. They make you think, they make you hope, and they can make you a believer that anything is possible. 

Her secondary characters are every bit as fleshed out and fun as the main characters and there is always more to the story than what a first glance will tell you.

Heart warming, powerful, and one of a kind, The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is a must read for any fan of contemporary and just perfect for this time of year.




*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

46 comments:

  1. It would be my first time reading one of hers even though I own Bottersweet. I am a bit worried about the reformed playboy trope which I always find unconvincing, but other than that, this sounds wonderful. So happy you enjoyed it, Ali.

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    1. That part really wasn't that bad Maja but I think if you wanted to start somewhere, Bittersweet is a great place to start with her writing!

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  2. I need a good contemp in my life right now. Everyone is loving this, which is awesome. Happy it worked for you too.

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  3. I'm so glad you loved this book, Ali. This might be one of my favorite Ockler book! She certainly punched me in the feels with this book.
    Lovely review!

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    1. She did! It was so nice seeing this after her last book!

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  4. I'm glad you enjoyed The Summer of Chasing Mermaids. It sounds very sweet and full of terrific feels!
    Lovely review, Ali :)

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  5. This one has been getting rave reviews! It sounds really heartfelt, love your review :)

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    1. Thanks so much Eileen, I hope you like it if you decide to read it too. :)

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  6. Oh Kindlemom, you've sold me. Hook, line and Mermaid Sinker. Wow and what a great title.
    xo

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    1. LOL, thanks Debbie! The title is so very fitting for this story. ;)

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  7. I am like Maja, I still haven;t read this author and I have had Buttercream on my list for ages. I really need to give her a go. This sounds like a lovely read for summer.

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    1. For some reason I thought you read one of her books already? I don't know why I thought that.

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  8. I haven't read anything by this author, but I DID just read another great review for this one yesterday. It sounds like I need to check it out.

    -Lauren

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    1. Oh I hope you do, she really is a fabulous writer.

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  9. This sounds so darn cute. I'll be reading this one next, after I finish my current reads. I CAN'T WAIT!! :)

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  10. I've seen this around on recommendation lists, but I had no idea it was this good. I'm taking note now though :) Thanks! As always, a wonderful review.

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    1. I hope you do give something of her's a try, she really is worth it. :D

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  11. I love when narratives vividly flesh out their characters; especially in a contemporary prose. This one sounds promising since it seems to feature important elements to mull over other than just romance. Great review :)

    Claudia @ My Soul Called Life

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  12. I love the cover, I love the description, I love the review. You're killing me Ali :). hehe!

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  13. I've been hearing amazing things about this book! I've never read a book by the author but I'm really interested in this one, and I'm not even a big reader of YA or NA contemporaries! Great review Kindlemom, glad you loved this book, it's awesome when you find of those one of a kind gems!

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    1. Oh gosh, you need to try it then! It reads more like NA than YA.

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  14. What?! How did I not hear of this one! I really enjoy her books most of the time and this sounds wonderful!

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  15. It's always great when you have a message behind the story like that. I didn't know about this one ut it sounds so good!

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    1. I do love those hidden thoughts and messages for sure.

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  16. Oh dang. Top 10?? Nice. I've not tried her but thinking maybe I need to venture some into YA and try it out :)

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  17. This book is one of my most anticipated books in 2015! I like the diversity in it, and from the review I've read, the writing style is beautiful too. Glad you like it!

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    1. Her writing is always such a treat. ;) I hope you love it too!

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  18. This is one of the many books I've set aside. I totally believe it's a great book, but I'm going to have to wait awhile.

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    1. If it helps, it feels more NA than YA like her other stuff. ;)

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  19. Darn! I knew I shouldn't have passed on reviewing this one. It just looks so darn cute!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. I hate it when that happens but, you can always pick it up on release day instead. ;)

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  20. Ohhh this sounds so good-adding it to my wish list! Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Yay happy to hear that! Thanks for stopping by Lorna!

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  21. It's been a while since I've read an Ockler book. I could use this kind of read right now.

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  22. Isn't this book one of the biggest romance hits of the summer?! I love the premise. I don't believe I have ever seen a Little Mermaid retelling and I have seen nothing but positive reviews.

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    1. It really is and I love that it borders that line between YA and NA which most of her novels so far haven't really.

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