Barbara L. (Barbllm) reviewed Seaside Reunion (Starfish Bay, Bk 1) (Love Inspired, No 679) on + 241 more book reviews
Following an incident that took the lives of several people in the war zone that is Afghanistan, formerly embedded combat reporter Nathaniel (Nate) Garrison returns to a small California town called Starfish Bay, where he spent part of his generally miserable childhood. The town holds good memories for Nate, as the local pastor took him in and showed him what a responsible adult looks like and his budding friendship with Lindsay (nee Callahan) Collier provided him with a love of chocolate chip cookies and whale watching.
Nate visits an area called The Point, which is prime real estate: several acres of land right on the Pacific Ocean. A small neglected chapel sits there as well, and Nate is saddened to see that the pastor he grew to love and respect is no longer there. The mayor of Starfish Bay wants to sell The Point to a local developer, who would build an exclusive resort there, bringing much needed tourist dollars to the struggling town. Lindsay, a member of the city council, is against this, fearing urban sprawl. Shes also mourning the death of her husband and returns to Starfish Bay ostensibly to run her grandfathers diner/store and care for her aging father.
Initially, Nate isnt sentimental about the town or his work. He states that one day hes on page one but the next day, his article is lining a birdcage. Its a cynical view, but also realistic. But then Nate begins to see the place as a touchstone or a link to his past, a reminder of people and experiences that help define him.
Its nice, but unrealistic. Scientists at Northwestern University Medical School discovered in 2000 that the likelihood or accurately remembering events from childhood is no greater than chance. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/06/000602073735.htm) Sentimentality works only as a plot device. Its easy to put on the proverbial rose-colored glasses and see your surroundings in a positive light, but it doesnt help deal with reality.
This doesnt stop Nate from reporting on the proposed development in Starfish Bay and writing from his heart about the little town. His articles are well received by his boss and the public at large. Sentimentality works only as a plot device. Its easy to put on the proverbial rose-colored glasses and see your surroundings in a positive light, but it doesnt help deal with reality. However, the HEA comes as expected: the developer winds up making changes to the original plans, which pleases the town council; Lindsay and Nate manage to unpack their respective emotional baggage in order to try and make a life together.
Nate visits an area called The Point, which is prime real estate: several acres of land right on the Pacific Ocean. A small neglected chapel sits there as well, and Nate is saddened to see that the pastor he grew to love and respect is no longer there. The mayor of Starfish Bay wants to sell The Point to a local developer, who would build an exclusive resort there, bringing much needed tourist dollars to the struggling town. Lindsay, a member of the city council, is against this, fearing urban sprawl. Shes also mourning the death of her husband and returns to Starfish Bay ostensibly to run her grandfathers diner/store and care for her aging father.
Initially, Nate isnt sentimental about the town or his work. He states that one day hes on page one but the next day, his article is lining a birdcage. Its a cynical view, but also realistic. But then Nate begins to see the place as a touchstone or a link to his past, a reminder of people and experiences that help define him.
Its nice, but unrealistic. Scientists at Northwestern University Medical School discovered in 2000 that the likelihood or accurately remembering events from childhood is no greater than chance. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/06/000602073735.htm) Sentimentality works only as a plot device. Its easy to put on the proverbial rose-colored glasses and see your surroundings in a positive light, but it doesnt help deal with reality.
This doesnt stop Nate from reporting on the proposed development in Starfish Bay and writing from his heart about the little town. His articles are well received by his boss and the public at large. Sentimentality works only as a plot device. Its easy to put on the proverbial rose-colored glasses and see your surroundings in a positive light, but it doesnt help deal with reality. However, the HEA comes as expected: the developer winds up making changes to the original plans, which pleases the town council; Lindsay and Nate manage to unpack their respective emotional baggage in order to try and make a life together.
