The first half of my life I spent moving both with my parents and then with my now ex-husband. As a result, I never developed a good sense of place or home. There was no family homestead filled with Christmas memories, etc. However, I did spend a few years in Maryland. So when I read The Chesapeake Diaries series by Mariah Stewart, I feel like I am coming home, home to St. Dennis, Maryland.

On Sunset Beach is the 8th in the series and presents the story of Ford Sinclair, the youngest son of Grace Sinclair, editor of the local newspaper. Ford returns home after years away as a "UN Peacekeeper" and steps up to help Grace with the newspaper after she has a fall. Carly Summit has come to St. Dennis to organize an art exhibit showcasing the work of a former St. Dennis resident. Romance is in the soft Maryland air.

Filled with the warmth of romance and friendships that I've come to expect in Mariah Stewart's books, On Sunset Beach did not disappoint. ( )

Another great installment in the Chesapeake Diaries series. Finally Grace's wandering son Ford is home and it would appear just in time. After Grace suffers a mishap, Ford finds himself filling in for her at the newspaper. Carly Summit is in St. Denis to get the art gallery up and running and for the showing of her life. Can the magic of St Denis work on this very unlikely pair? As always this is a wonderfully written story with all the familiar characters we have come to love. This is definitely a recommended read. ( )

The first half of my life I spent moving both with my parents and then with my now ex-husband. As a result, I never developed a good sense of place or home. There was no family homestead filled with Christmas memories, etc. However, I did spend a few years in Maryland. So when I read The Chesapeake Diaries series by Mariah Stewart, I feel like I am coming home, home to St. Dennis, Maryland.

On Sunset Beach is the 8th in the series and presents the story of Ford Sinclair, the youngest son of Grace Sinclair, editor of the local newspaper. Ford returns home after years away as a "UN Peacekeeper" and steps up to help Grace with the newspaper after she has a fall. Carly Summit has come to St. Dennis to organize an art exhibit showcasing the work of a former St. Dennis resident. Romance is in the soft Maryland air.

Filled with the warmth of romance and friendships that I've come to expect in Mariah Stewart's books, On Sunset Beach did not disappoint. ( )

A special thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Having read all the Chesapeake Diaries Series by Mariah Stewart, always look forward to catching up with Grace (who knows all there is to know about everyone in town), other favorites, and the charming quaint town of St. Dennis, for #8, “On Sunset Beach.”

Grace starts out her diary entry, excited about her son Ford making his way back to Virginia to meet with someone, after being away with his military career in Africa, who is still having issues with his haunted experience and needless to say, he is looking for a hideaway to escape, not to be charming.

Of course, there is always so many people which come from the big city to this small quaint town (wow, they attract some talent here). The main character, being Carly (a friend of Ellie-from “The Long Way Home”) who owns an art gallery in New York, and will be displaying previously unknown works by a prominent 21st century painter. However, she is not thrilled when she has to move the premier of her new exhibition from Manhattan to St. Dennis.

Of course, Ford is helping out with the newspaper and has to interview Carly and the two definitely do not hit it off in the beginning. Ford sees her charm and outgoing nature, and of course he has no personality, yet Carly finds a way to dig beyond the rough exterior to warm his heart.

A light heartwarming beach read - I would recommend to fans of Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, and Susan Mallery. Each book can be a standalone within the Chesapeake Diaries’ series; however, nice to read them all and catch up with a few of the longtime residents such as the famous Dallas, Clay/Lucy, Dan, etc.

As usual, Grace always ends with her famous diary entry, recapping the town’s progress, and the gossip of family and friends, as well as future plans, hopes and dreams --until next time. ( )

I have been reading this series since the beginning and this newest installment was as good as the rest. Although it is a series, it is not necessary to read the other books to understand On Sunset Beach. Mariah Stewart does a good job with making her characters interesting and fresh. The romance is believable and what I would expect from Ms. Stewart. I will definitely continue to recommend the Chesapeake Diaries series to my friends who enjoy romance. Thank you Library Thing Early Reviewers for the chance to read and comment on this book. ( )