The Chesapeake Diaries: Coming Home [Mass Market Paperback]

Having not read any of Mariah Stewart's crime/suspense books, I had nothing to measure her by, and so I came into her new, softer small town romance with no particular expectations.

This is one of those cosy, small town romances that have gained huge popularity in the last few years, and if I've heard correctly, a complete change for this author. On one hand parts of the story were painfully sweet - planning weddings and baking cookies abound. I'm usually into darker stuff than that. However, on the other hand, Stewart is an incredible writer, and I was willing to overlook the sugary sweetness of it all because I was really enjoying the book (I had to put it down for a rest when I realised the sun had risen and I was still reading!). The suspense plot picks up by halfway through, and I enjoyed it.

I liked the evolution of Vanessa and Grady's relationship. It seemed realistic, considering the circumstances. I liked how they wanted to help each other but were uncertain of the boundaries. In fact, I just liked them: Grady's realisation Vanessa has learnt to expect nothing from a man she is involved with, Vanessa's determination not to be shaped by things she can't change.

I liked how real all the characters seemed, and though there was sometimes a bit too much description of the cuteness of the town and surrounds I was never bored the way I am with some other writers in this genre.

However, while this book is the beginning of a new series, it actually follows characters the author featured in other stories. It was quite clear there were things I wasn't going to learn about these people - and the pasts that shape them - here, in this book unless I read Stewart's earlier books. This is fine with me generally, but when you have not only started a new series but completely switched genres I'm not entirely sure it's fair to make readers genre-jump in order to get all the facts. I'm also not sure it is the right thing to do to the characters - take them from tough crime stories into a small town story about fishing and baking.
These characters clearly have quite the history from previous books, so a great deal of time had to be dedicated to explaining it. It was well-written, but sometimes felt like a recap for the benefit of new readers - which was exactly what it was.

So many small town books have a `thing' these days. There are books that start their chapters with recipes, while others have something to do with knitting, Sudoku, even beekeeping! This one has an older woman's diary entry at the beginning of each chapter, but it would have been better without. The diary entries simply sum up the story so far, rendering them pointless, except perhaps to add some `small town charm'.

I was very happy with the way the book ended. It seemed an acceptable ending for this couple, with no need for a tacked-on overly happy ending that ruins so many romance novels. The story didn't drag on too much; only taking us to the point where all the characters had a bright future ahead of them. I was happy Stewart didn't draw it out.

I will continue reading this series.

The book is easy to read, and like an earlier reviewer said, it tends to be more romance than suspense. The story about two damaged people finding solace and love is a repetitive theme in any book, but it is good. At least Grady isn't into the "Woe is me! I'll never trust another woman again!" syndrome, but more of the "It happens. Let's move on" type.

What I really like though is the diary written by the newspaper editor within the story. It's intriguing enough to be a stand alone novel.

In St. Dennis on Chesapeake Bay, Vanessa Keaton feels she has finally found a home as the townsfolk have welcomed her and her boutique Bling is a success. Her half-brother town Police Chief Gabriel Beck is always there for her; unlike her mother whom she is estranged from and her father who she does not even know who he is. She is especially ecstatic for Gabriel as he will shortly marry Mia Shields.

Widower and former FBI agent Grady Shield shocks everyone when he leaves his Montana reclusive hideaway where he ran to after his wife was murdered to attend Mia's wedding as no one expected him to come. Even more stunning is the attraction between the hermit and the shopkeeper. As they fall in love, their pasts keep both from committing. However when someone vandalizes Bling, Grady realizes this was not a teenage prankster, but instead a person angrily targeting Vanessa. He vows to keep her safe.

Coming Home is a very entertaining and compelling romantic suspense second chance at love thriller. The lead couple is a fascinating pairing as each brings tons of baggage into their relationship while the townsfolk add eccentricity into the mix. More romance than suspense, fans will enjoy the opening Chesapeake Diaries tale as two people learn the meaning of Coming Home is love.

Harriet Klausner

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