I had read eleven of Grace Greene's books, but never her first, Beach Rental. I am so glad to have now had the privilege and pleasure. Juli Cooke's life had been difficult from an early age. Now in her twenties working minimum wage jobs, trying to keep her head above water, with no high school diploma or GED, Juli doesn't expect that to change any time soon. Little did she know the amazing changes that were headed her way when she met Ben Bradshaw. Ben was only too aware of the changes that had entered his life, changes brought on with his cancer diagnosis. Now he wishes to have companionship with someone who hasn't already gone into mourning for him.

Grace Green was already a master storyteller even in this first of her books. Character development comes naturally to her as she draws readers into relationships with her characters. Her plots gently deliver messages of hope, and will be enjoyed by fans of clean secular fiction as well as fans of Christian fiction. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Beach Rental from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

Beautifully written story of sweet but deep love. I was intrigued by the premise of the story (a modern-day marriage of convenience), and I wondered how Ms. Greene would pull it off (keeping it realistic without making it hokey), but she did! It's a story of hope and grace (no pun intended) that left me feeling good long after I clicked the last page on my Kindle. Greene has an amazing and lyrical writing voice that made me feel like I was reading poetry. Wonderful job. Can't wait for her next novel! ( )

I really enjoyed this book - as my first by this author. (purchased two others on NOOK after reading this one). The setting on the NC coast was beautiful--a lovely story about faith and love---You never know what the future may bring or what fate has in store.

On the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, in the small town of Emerald Isle. Juli, a hard-working and getting nowhere fast, marries a dying man, Ben, for a financial settlement, not expecting he will set her on a journey of hope and love. The journey brings her to Luke Winters, a local art dealer, but Luke resents the woman who married his sick friend and warns her not to hurt Ben—and he’s watching to make sure she doesn't. Lots of good things learned along the way and characters you will fall in love with--(would love a sequel) for more about Luke and Juli and the others! ( )