Margaritas at The Beach House Hotel (The Beach House Hotel, #5)

by Judith Keim

[Jeff Sexton]

Entertaining. This is a book that is somewhat deep in a series - Book 5 - and never once shies away from that fact. It has a wide range of established characters and storylines, but Keim does a remarkable job of making sure the reader understands the relevant histories, no matter if they've been a long time fan or if this is your entry point to this series or even this author - as it was both for me. Indeed, it is arguable that perhaps Keim does *too much* rehashing of prior stories- more in repeating a few sentences (with variation, not copy/ paste, at least not obviously) about whatever relevant fact such as how characters met or why another character is so problematic, etc.

And yet, despite and perhaps because of all of this, this book absolutely works as a continuation of its world and as a showcase for the author's style and tone. Those that enjoy ensemble casts with a lot of characters and a lot going on will thoroughly enjoy this book, those who prefer fewer characters... probably won't like it as much. But the storylines all interweave remarkably well, particularly with the narration being solely driven by one character's perspective and the primary focus being that character and her business partner and friend - who enjoy catching up in stolen moments via the titular event.

Ultimately a strong book about friendship and defending the hurting, this tale is very much recommended.