Beach Reads

By Cindy Bilbao

The Lights of Sugarberry Cove

Heather Webber

There’s a certain kind of magic in the air along the shores of Lake Laurel where legend has it that “The Lady Of The Lake” is waiting for her true love. This heartwarming story is all about the power of love in the midst of life’s turmoil and challenging family relationships.

Sadie grew up in Sugarberry Cove, a quaint holiday destination in Alabama, where her mom runs a bed and breakfast on the shore of the lake. The lake is the site of an annual Water Lantern Festival. Sadie has returned to her home town after being away for eight years. Surviving an accident where she almost drowned drove her to search for the reason she survived, which took her away from her family, her childhood sweetheart, and her childhood home.

Family and friends now gather at Sugarberry Cottage to help out with the bed and breakfast before the big festival. The cast of characters at the cottage are charming, quirky, and very compelling thanks to the writing talent of the author. You’ll feel like you’re right there at the cottage enjoying the scenery and the Southern hospitality. The hint of magic adds that spark of mystery to the story, and you’ll be sad to finish after you’ve settled right in with the family and your glass of sweet tea!

The Grinning Throat

Kate Wiseman

This new adventure series, called “The Mudlark Mysteries,” is recommended for ages nine and up, however, I believe all age groups would enjoy it. I curled up with this story, which is the first in the series.

Joe and Edie are teenage orphans living in Victorian London who rely on mudlarking the River Thames for items of value that can be sold to local pawnbrokers for their livelihoods. One day they make a shocking discovery that they eventually learn is connected to the mysterious disappearance and possible kidnapping of the Princess Magdalena, heir to the throne of Upper Ruritania (a fictional country in central Europe).

Through connections with those living and making their living along the River Thames, Joe and Edie seek to unravel the mystery and save the princess, putting their lives and those of their friends at stake. Full of adventure, danger, and mystery, this story is exciting and interesting while it explores what it was like to be a mudlark in Victorian London.

Grab it for your children—but make sure to read it, too, because you most definitely will enjoy it.

Read more beach book recommendations from Cindy Bilbao.

This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 39 November/December 2023.

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