Catching Cassidy (Harborside Nights, #1)

by Melissa Foster

[Lynn]

Catching Cassidy is a compelling and emotional coming of age story which will tug at your heartstrings.

Harborside, Massachusetts is small seaside town which has come to be a magnet for young people who fall outside of what is considered the norm for society. The fact that Wyatt and Delilah's parents own a beach house and a bar business in this diverse town is surprising considering their very conservative views on life.
At what should have been an exciting time in their lives after graduating college, Wyatt and Delilah Armstrong's lives change direction after the tragic death of their parents. Suddenly, they have business responsibilities and insurances to sort out whilst coming to terms with their loss. To get away from the family home which holds too many painful memories, the twins, along with Cassidy Lowell, head to this small town where they have spend so many long summers.

Cassidy Lowell is Wyatt Armstrong's best friend. They've known each other years and shared everything together including their beds occasionally, although their relationship has always been platonic. After finding her boyfriend Kyle in an uncompromising position, Cassidy, decides to spend summer with Wyatt and Delilah whilst waiting for a job offer in New York.

Witnessing Cassidy's boyfriend cheating on her triggered far more emotions in Wyatt than he expected. She's been his best friend since they were five years old and you just don't have those kind of feelings for a friend do you?

I love how the author develops the protagonists. Watching them mature during this sad and challenging time in their young lives. Wyatt is dealing with the loss of his parents, his feelings for Cassidy and the realisation, he is now solely responsible for making his own decisions in life. Coming to terms with not having parental interference and guidance, is a tough lesson for him to learn. Cassidy is understanding for the first time in her life that she needs to make decisions for herself and not to suit others, even if it means breaking her own heart in the process.
The secondary characters give us a glimpse into their own lives and challenges, painting a colourful scene in the daily life of the Harborside residents, where they are part of a community that shares and supports one another like a big extended family.

I've read a couple of Melissa Foster book before and this is by far my favourite. This first book in the Harborside Nights series covers grief, angst and deception as well as love, compassion and hope. All wrapped up in a plot that will keep you eagerly turning the pages. Additionally, we are given a tantalising glimpse of what to expect in future books in the series. I'm really looking forward to reading Delilah's story and very impressed by the sensitive way her character has been portrayed so far.

4½ Stars