Book Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
Author:  Sarah Ockler
Publisher:  Simon Pulse, 368 pages
Expected Publication Date:  June 2, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via Edelweiss

From Goodreads:
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 . . .

Review:

I liked the small town beach setting.  I also liked the focus on friendship and family.  And Sebastian…Christian's little brother who is obsessed with mermaids and would rather dress like a mermaid than a pirate.  He's adorable.  The way Christian loved and supported him was touching.

Although this book is uplifting, it's also sad.  Elyse is struggling to figure out what she's going to do since she lost her voice.  She had a clear plan for the future, and now she's completely lost.  So if you're looking for a light and fluffy read, this is not it.

I admit, I did miss reading dialogue between Elyse and Christian.  It made me realize how much I love bantery conversations between the couple.  But the romance is sweet, although for some reason I wasn't feeling it as much as I wanted to.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is a beautifully written novel (quite poetic) with an important message about finding your voice.  

Posted by:  Pam