Summer by the Sea

About a personal experience of a woman in life with deep characters and understanding of human nature

Rose and Alex.....what a real story. It's more like real life than most books. The story was an easy fun read sprinkle with friendship, drama, death and love....the love was worth waiting for in their relationship. I really loved this book. Rose is who she is...Alex has to live around and beyond his parents to find who he is.

This was a really sweet, romantic book, with wonderful characters and a great background. I especially enjoyed all the Italian recipes and slices of life. Since I'm half Italian myself, I relived some of my childhood memories when reading about the Capoletti family and their traditions. Susan Wiggs has really hit her stride as an author; a new Wiggs book is a treat to look forward to. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all lovers of and believers in romance.

I love books set in Italian restaurants, and that it included such delicious-sounding recipes is a nice bonus! I will be jotting down a few to add to my recipe box, and to compete with my own Italian-family recipes! This was an engaging sweet story that warms the heart and makes the reader believe in the soulmate, meant-to-be, kind of love. Alex and Rosa are both top-notch sort of people, sweet, good-natured, kind-hearted towards others, sense of family-responsibility, hard-working and ambitious. I admired them, and would like to live in their community where I would be honored to count them amongst my friends and neighbors. Childhood sweethearts who initially came together in a compassionate friendship, they were torn apart by family objections, social class differences and gross misunderstandings. The tender and loving way they come back together leads them on a journey of self-discovery and a new understanding about life and love.

I could not have picked a more perfect summer read! Ms Wiggs is very entertaining with her mix of heart and soul with Italian Cuisine. Who could resist? Running a restaurant and protecting her heart, the story of a shy budding beauty and her childhood friend is enchanting. The early years are intertwined with the present. The blossoming of their love for each other is timeless in it's concept of the handsome Alex Montgomery sheltered rich and priveleged falling for the classic dark haired beauty of hardworking and intelligent Rosa Capoletti. With a bit of family mystery surrounding an accident and suicide thrown in to stir the "sauce pot" and real recipes for lovers of truly great Italian food Susan Wiggs captures not only the tastebuds but also the heart in Summer by the Sea to satisfy every appetite. A sequel please!!!

Awww, this was sweet! It left me with a happy glow when I finished reading it. A lovely story of a innocent childhood friendship between Alex Montgomery, son of a wealthy couple who had a summer home at the beach, and Rosa Capoletti, daughter of the Montgomery's gardener -- a friendship that develops into something more as they grow older. They're seperated by circumstances, and then meet up again as adults, and carefully try to reconnect with each other.This book is full of warm-hearted characters who I loved getting to know, as well as some scrumptious-sounding Italian recepies that I can't wait to try. All in all, it's the perfect summer read, sweet and satisfying.