Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Book Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids

The Summer of Chasing MermaidsAuthor: Sarah Ockler
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse


The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. 

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them…


When you don’t feel like talking, no one can force you, no matter how many stories and secrets might be locked inside.

For centuries poets and fisherman alike have written about the loneliness of the sea.


Outside, clouds drifted over the moon, and in the new darkness the ocean hissed. Black as ever, my words remained.
The heroine makes this book everything that it is. Not only is she diverse, unique, and brave but she has survived an accident that has left her without a voice, and most importantly the voice that allowed her to sing. This book seems like a nice, light summer read, but some of the issues that this story covers are realistic and deep and will cause you to appreciate life more and more. Elyse was, of course, my favorite part of the story. From the beginning pages, she appears to readers as strong, capable, and determined to live her life regardless of all that has tried to stop her in the past. She is the perfect role model for anyone who reads this book. Everyone should try to be as selfless as Elyse on any given day.

Elyse’s love interest, Christian, on the other hand, was a little bit harder to love. He is a bit cocky and you might have your doubts about him at first, but he does have charming ways and I do believe he will grow on you just like he did with me. Elyse and Christian do not see eye to eye at first, but in my opinion those romantic interests are some of the best ones to read about. Their love begins to grow and the barriers they break through together are enough to make any reader swoon and cry. This is when the story becomes heartbreaking and sensitive. This book has snippets that will remind you of The Little Mermaid and is perfect to kick off the summer season!


***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher at Simon Pulse in exchange for my honest review***




1 comment:

  1. Such a great review -- I honestly feel like I see Elyse in a whole new light after reading your review. I found her a bit too stand-offish but she truly is brave! I agree that this book is a perfect kick-off to summer!

    My review of this one here

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