Book Review - The Secret Seaside Escape by Heidi Swain

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Title: The Secret Seaside Escape

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 16th April 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she’s left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all.

With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . .  

The Secret Seaside Escape is the perfect read this summer, promising sandy beaches, stunning rockpools and breath-taking romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Sarah Morgan.

What a gorgeous new setting from Heidi Swain, in this delightful story, filled with secrets, misunderstandings, great events and the possibility that summer could change lives. 

Tess is feeling overwhelmed by her high pressured job, its making her ill, and she keeps dreaming of her childhood holidays to Wynmouth.  She is still grieving for her mum, and when she discovers that not everything was as seemed in her parents marriage, she takes off for a break to Wynbridge without telling anyone where she's going. 

She also has memories of the most spectacular first kiss of her life behind the beach huts when she was a teen there, and a small part of her is hoping to see if that man is still there or generally see if there are any familiar faces still to her. 

The town really isn't as she remembered it, but she also isn't one to sit back and do nothing on her break, so she soon gets involved with some of the local businesses and their owners.  She makes friends, and there are some gorgeous men about too. 

I loved the descriptions of Wynmouth,I could picture the beach, and Sophie's fusion cafe so well, as well as Sam's pub. And the thoughts of rock pooling and the beach huts and fish and chips are just typical of an English seaside break. 

I love this authors writing style, her way with words, and storytelling ability.  As the book progressed I was drawn into it more and more and was incredibly curious as to how some of the plots would turn out.   Seeing how Tess changes over the course of the book and the way her new friendships developed was really great to see. 

I just really enjoyed everything about this book. 

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.