Beach Town: A Novel

I got this for a swap, and thought it was great because it has a lot of "wishers". I wish I'd read all of the 1 star reviews before I wasted my money & time on this dreck. Now I'm going to get about half of what I paid for it back. This is my first, and last, MKA book. I thought it would be a fun beach read about the movie industry, which I find interesting. It wasn't. It was more of a procedural book in the life of a location manager, working on the world's worst film, for the world's worst director, writer, & actors. Is Greer a total idiot, that she's always requesting "pages" from the script, but never gets them? Yet, she always manages to find perfect locations. One of the locations, a has-been casino, is perfect - to blow up. This makes for "conflict" between the leads. Except it goes nowhere and is pointless, like the idiotic accidents at the end. Pointless & boring. Speaking of Greer, could she be more immature? Running out on the guy after sex, saying she's getting ice cream and will be right back is so tacky and really unforgivable. She's 35, not 18 for goodness sakes.

Also, I was grossed out in her description of the "heart throb" rapper turned actor's severe acne, yet he was relentlessly pursued by a throng of young girls. Oh, and of course, he can't act and just wants to party. I was totally put off by the weird character names, like Lise, Eb Thibideaux, Greer (for a woman), Kregg, and Dearie for the protagonist's grandmother. I've heard of grammies calling people "dearie", but never as their name. Also, it's bizarre that she calls her mother by her first name most of the book. Why? She wasn't estranged from her. She loved and lost her. I can understand her calling her father Clint, though. But, even that's rushed at the end after the way, way over description of macular degeneration. Did we need to know all that? No. It was unpleasant.

Lastly, there's absolutely no chemistry between the 2 main characters, and in fact, their lives wouldn't mesh at all in real life. Did the backwards town, with all it's closed up shops grow on Ms. L.A.? Yeah, no. The ending is so rushed to wrap it up that it feels forced. But it's only fair because I had to force myself to finish this really terrible book. 434 pages of don't bother.

About twelve years ago, I was taking a vacation from my job the week before Memorial Day...to get that extra day off. I went to my local book store looking for something new. I picked up a book by Mary Kay Andrews because it looked like a good vacation .. to take on my deck. It was totally delicious!!! Now, I am retired but I look for my Mary Kay Andrews book every year and I now have all she has written so far. Every book has been read and reread and every friend has heard of Mary Kay. Thank you VERY much Mary Kay!! I have your Trocheck books too!!

I absolutely love this writer! But having said that I can not give this book a good rating. The beginning was so drug out, I almost stopped reading it. The middle picked up a little so I slogged on. Then it bogged down again. Hopefully Mary Kay Andrews will write more Callahan Garrity books, or more books about Savannah. I fell in love with her from Savannah Blues and every book she wrote up until this one!

disappointed in this book. if a person wants to work in the movie industry, this is your book--otherwise it was nothing-- boring, predictable, and had NO ZEST. will The real mary kay Andrews return?? I hope so, have loved her other works.

Another hero that needs redemption and a heroine that thinks she's beyond help.

I like MKA and have read all her books.

As a side note, golden retrievers are not Labradors which the author, the editor and the proof readers missed early in the book. In one spot, she introduces the two dogs as Goldens and then on the next page refers to them as Labs. Love both but they aren't the same.

Second not so good book in a row! After the last book, which I can't even remember the name of(!) I'm mad at myself for hitting the buy button. This story was ho hum and boring.
The previous books by this author were funny and entertaining.
IF I try again, it will be from the library - for free!

I'm disappointed again! Two years in a row I wait for the nee book and two years in a row it's a dud! Sorry MAN I'm a fan but haven't cracked a laugh in two years. The book lacks imagination, humor, depth. I'm sorry to say it's not worth buying! I'll look out for your next one and hope it's better!

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I wait every year for a new release from Mary Kay Andrews and every year as I am finishing her new book I get a bit sad because the setting , story and characters that I have grown to like have ended their story:( Does any one else ever feel like that? I am always happy when there is a series, then I know that the story will continue, at least for a while......

The setting of the book Cypress Key was pictured in my mind as quaint, old-fashioned looking buildings but pretty and with the ocean nearby how could it not be picturesque? As I was reading Beach Town I imagined myself in Cypress Key, maybe at the diner, having a cup of coffee. I always know the minute I imagine myself in the setting of the book that I will really enjoy the story.

Greer, the main character , has abandonment issues so unfortunately for her she just cannot seem to find the right man.....yet. What did I like about Greer? Her strong personality and work ethic, also her loyalty to her friend Ceejay who will sometimes put a man first before friendship, one of my personal pet peeves! The one tiny criticism of Greer for me was her refusal to look at the situation (at first) regarding her father, from his point of view (at the time of his departure from her life), or maybe I just felt bad for her father because he is older now and just trying to make amends. The character, if this were Survivor, that I would send packing? Hands down Bryce! This story meets all of my criteria for a favorite book

A main character that I want to have a glass of wine with, Greer.
A quaint and picturesque setting.
And lastly, sad that the story is over.
Would I read more books from this author? Yes

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Got this on CD from the library. Wow, this is one of the most boring books ever. I am more than half way thru and likely won't finish it. The beginning is chapter after chapter describing buildings. The love story part is so predictable. But as far as a "story", I'm still trying to find one.
And this author is so annoying with the make up names, "Ginny Buckaloo", "Eb Tibado". I think she has said the word Tibado more than 50 times so far and who goes around calling people by their first and last names all the time. I swear if I hear the word Tibado one more time, I'm throwing the CD out the car window. Well, can't 'cause it's not mine but it's tempting.
And what is with everyone "raising one eyebrow." Have you ever tried this???? One person even had one eye brow shoot up. Does this author not realize how stupid this sounds?
There is just a total lack of any kind of interesting story here. If you are looking for something to put you to sleep, get the CD version.

You know summer has begun when a new Mary Kay Andrews book is out. Her books just signal the start of summer and are the most perfect beach reads you could possibly dream up. Beach Town is loads of fun with a great setting and a strong female lead character that you can root for. MKA's tried and true formula is on display here--put the female lead in some sticky situations, root for her to come out on top and for the bad guys to get theirs, and read along happily as she finds love. All of MKA's books are funny and witty and charming. Beach Town is no exception. It is great fun--like a day at the beach!

There’s nothing like a new Mary Kay Andrews novel to read during the summer and Beach Town is an appropriately named beach book. Although I enjoyed Beach Town, I thought it was just a little too long and a little too predictable.

Greer Hennessy is a location manager, and she is scouting a locale for a big-budget movie to be filmed in Florida. Bryce Levy, the director, wants “the Florida of his imagination [that] no longer existed—if it ever had. He just wanted palm trees and Spanish moss and rusty shrimp boats. And an Alamo that he could blow up.” On a recommendation, she discovers the perfect location in Cypress Key, a town that is stuck in the past and has seen better days. Soon, Hennessy realizes that the man she thinks is the custodian of her seedy hotel, Eben Thibadeaux, is actually the mayor, the town engineer, a realtor, the owner of a local market, and the owner of a marina—and she will require his approval for almost everything she needs for the movie. And of course, they don’t get off on the right foot. Once the movie production comes to town, there is the usual high drama associated with filming including a demanding director, an alcoholic script-writer, a young out-of-control singer (think Justin Bieber) making his first film, money and equipment problems, arguments with city hall and Cypress Key residents, jealous co-workers, affairs between staff, and ample amounts of alcohol and drugs. It’s an explosive mix.

In addition to the movie, Hennessy has her personal issues. Her mother recently died of lung cancer, and the father that she hasn’t seen since she was very young now wants to become a part of her life again. Plus her last romantic relationship ended badly and she’s reluctant to become vulnerable again. Even so, you can see how this novel is going to end from the very first pages. Still, Andrews has some good dialogue and observations. As Hennessy is dealing with her father, she tells Eben “’I think every girl wishes she had Atticus Finch—or Gregory Peck—for a father. Unfortunately, most of us end up with somebody who’s somewhere between Jed Clampett and Homer Simpson.’” She also discovers that she never knew the true story about her parents’ divorce.

As Mary Kay Andrews continues to write, her characters are becoming better developed, her plots are more intricate, and there is a more serious side to her stories. Beach Town is a good example of her growth as a writer.

Greer Hennessy is used to pulling off the impossible. In fact, she does it daily in her job as a location scout for big-budget Hollywood movies. When she's directed to find a small Florida town that's off the beaten path, she springs into action and lands in Cypress Key, a tiny Gulf Coast town that has seen its better days.

As usual, it's up to Greer to schmooze the town's powers-that-be to persuade them to allow the production company to invade their area for several weeks to create its latest masterpiece. While that's usually not difficult to do, particularly when Greer points out the financial advantages, Cypress Key's mayor, Eben Thibadeaux, isn't so easily swayed. In fact, he's dead set against Greer's plans, which include purchasing an abandoned community casino in order to blow it sky high for the movie's final climactic scene.

What Eb doesn't know, however, is that Greer's professional future is at stake and her successful completion of her assigned task is crucial. Even though it wasn't her fault, she has been blamed for a public safety fiasco that took place on the set of the last movie upon which she worked and finally has been given a chance to redeem herself. She can't possibly allow anything to go wrong this time. The stakes are simply too high.

Unfortunately, no one has told Greer's libido that the smart, sexy mayor is strictly off limits. In fact, one might even say he's the enemy. So why does she keep finding herself melting whenever he glances her way?

In addition to the location-related hurdles, Greer must deal with a wayward leading man who's too fond of booze and bimbos. How will she manage to keep wildly popular rapper Kregg in line long enough to complete filming without landing himself and everyone around him in a public relations fiasco?

In her personal life, Greer faces pressure to get to know her estranged father, who just happens to live in the area. Having recently lost her mother to cancer, she is torn between closing off her heart to the man who seems eager to get acquainted with her and opening the door a crack to let him in.

BEACH TOWN is the perfect summer read, particularly for anyone who harbors fond memories of childhood vacations spent in small Florida towns before big resorts and luxury accommodations took over the coastline. The rundown Silver Sands Motel, run by Eb's plain-speaking Aunt Ginny, and the lone grocery store in Cypress Key easily evoke nostalgic feelings in anyone who loves the Florida of yesteryear.

In addition, characters who are far from cookie cutter populate BEACH TOWN to create a warm, homey feeling that will leave readers eager to immerse themselves in the story. They will keep reading to see if Greer returns to her superficial life in Hollywood or gives it all up in exchange for a fulfilling, yet gritty, existence in Cypress Key.

Reviewed by Amie Taylor

I haven't read anything else by Mary Kay Andrews yet, but thought this would be an easy summer read. It was pretty disappointing. The characters were unlikeable and unbelievable. I had a hard time with so many of the plot points! That Gregg would be interested in doing a movie with Jared and invite him out to travel with him? Not much chemistry between Greer and Eb, IMO. I didn't even believe the tension between Greer and her assistant location manager. They didn't seem to hate each other at all, but then suddenly towards the end of the book, there's some intense animosity. The friendship between CeeJay and Greer even seemed forced.

I'll probably give her books another chance and try out one of the others recommended in these reviews. Andrews seems like she gets good reviews overall, so maybe this one was just a 'miss' for me.

Really a 3.5. This is a very nice beach read. The main character works for a film company as a movie location scout. Her job is very interesting. She finds a tiny town called Cypress Key and that fits the bill for the movie about to be produced. While she's there she meets the town mayor/Rreal Estate Person/Grocery Store owner, etc. etc. They have some conflicts as the producer wants to do a scene where the old community center is blown up and the mayor wants to restore it, not have it blown up. He is helping raise his niece as his big brother is in jail, but he is released at the end of the book and gets up to no good as usual. Greer, our heroine, finds her location to be not far from her father who left them when she was a little child and she promised to her dying mother that she would get in touch with him, so she does. A romance develops between Greer and the mayor. A good read.

Life isn’t easy for Greer Hennessy. It’s difficult enough in her line of work as a movie location scout, but when a disaster she couldn’t control occurs, she loses the job she loves. Now, she is hired as a location manager for the film Beach Town. Her first assignment is to locate the perfect spot for the film, but the director’s demands are not easy to fulfill. When she comes upon a small Florida town, Cypress Key, she’s convinced it would be just the place the director is looking for. A sleep-eyed town that is more than a little run down.

The only problem Greer encounters is Cypress Key’s mayor, Eb Thibadeaux. He doesn’t want a movie made in his town. He gives Greer a hard time whenever she tries to do make a deal, but there’s too much on the line for Greer and she has no intention of giving up. It's up to her to convince the stubborn mayor that his town would profit from a movie.

To add to Greer’s difficulties, Eb’s niece is given a job working on the movie set and instantly becomes involved with the movie’s star actor and finds herself the center of TMZ reports and not in a good way. Greer has her hands full.

It doesn’t help when Greer and Eb find themselves attracted to each other. They know it’s an impossible situation but sometimes the heart just wants what it wants. They fight it as much as they can, but will the succeed? Or will their differences about the movie ruin any chance these two can have at happiness?

This is the perfect book to stick in your beach bag and relax under the sun. The characters come to life in each page – there’s a motley cast, to say the least. This story has them all from the good guys to the bad ones. They are all here. The book moved at a nice, steady pace. I felt as if I escaped to Cypress key for a few hours. Mary Kay Andrews has another winner on her hands!

FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Always a fun time with southern charmer, Mary Kay Andrews and of course, love the Florida setting and the front cover.

BEACH TOWN is a "must" for your beach bag for some summertime fun. Highly recommend the audio, narrated by the fabulous Kathleen McInerney for hours of laugh out loud entertainment!

Mary Kay Andrews is back with her southern lovable humor and sass with BEACH TOWN, for a summer sizzling beach read of family, drama, and romance, assured to warm your heart.

Set in Florida panhandle, Greer is a movie scout, and finding the perfect spot for the big screen is her specialty; especially after her last project. She is given another chance to make things right and she knows if she can find the perfect undiscovered gem beach hideaway, she will score and save her reputation.

When she discovers Cypress Key, a laid back Florida beach town, she thinks she has found the idea spot for a big-budget movie. With a marina, a motel, an old fishing pier with a community casino, and miles of pristine beach –this has to be a winner.

Unfortunately, as typical in a small town, they do not like outsiders. Cypress Key is no exception. Eben, the town mayor is against Greer’s plans. He wears many hats and runs the town. He is all for revitalizing the town and does not want it to be turned into a commercialized circus.

After a paper plant closed, they finally are cleaning up the mess, so he does not need this gal coming in to do more destruction. However, Greer is driven and determined to change his mind. To make things worse, with two strong personalities on opposite sides, they also have chemistry and a strong attraction.

To further complicate matters, Greer is dealing with a director and a spoiled leading man, testing her limits. As she is challenged with one obstacle after another, she begins to learn something about herself and the town. At the same time, she may find her own love story.

A long- time fan of Atlanta’s Mary Kay Andrews/Kathy Hogan Trocheck, having read all her books, and anxiously await the next- always humor mixed with a heartwarming tale. I listened to the audiobook, and as always Mary Kay Andrews and Kathleen McInerney are a match made in southern heaven. Full of humor, wit, and sass for hours of listening entertainment.

As a Florida resident, this town reminded me so much of Lake Worth Beach Complex (Palm Beach County), with its motels, old pier, diners, beach, shops, restaurants, and its old casino (which by the way has just been renovated in 2013).

Don’t forget to pack BEACH TOWN, for your summer reading pleasure! Why you are packing, load up with some of her back list, as she is the queen of southern charm.

3.5/5 It's not truly summer until Mary Kay Andrews releases her newest book. Well, it's here - Beach Town has just released!

Andrews has set her latest on the Florida Gulf Coast this time. Greer Hennessey is a film location scout. Her latest search turns up sleepy Cypress Key - a run-down, sleepy little town off the beaten path that is just what the director is looking for. Cypress Key won't be sleepy much longer with the influx of the movie stars and crew. But not everyone is happy that they're there.....

Beach Town captures all the elements of a chick lit novel - love found, love lost and perhaps found again - Eb, the mayor of Cypress Key is quite attractive.... Complications in the form of misunderstandings, family and self sabotage - Greer has unresolved family issues.....And of course, there needs to be a sidekick friend, always a little 'out there' - CeeJay, hair and makeup maven. A dastardly boss with unrealistic expectations - movie director Bryce is definitely demanding. And lots of supporting players with their own issues and story lines.

I always look forward to the latest from Mary Kay Andrews - I like her warm, humorous storytelling. But, somehow this latest fell a little flat for me. It took a bit to figure out what it was that stopped Beach Town being another great read for me. And upon reflection - I didn't like Greer. Despite plot line developments that are meant to endear her to the reader, I just never warmed up to her. I found her self-serving and insensitive and I never felt like cheering her on.

Although there are lots of details about the movie biz, I found I wasn't overly interested - I prefer the books set on Tybee Island and the Outer Banks. Books that feature more 'everyday' people and situations. In Beach Town, those are the characters I enjoyed the most - Eb and his aunt Gin, residents of Cypress Key.

This latest just wasn't as heartwarming, heartfelt and humorous as I wanted it to be. Still, that being said, Beach Town was an entertaining read, light fare for beach chair perusing. And I will still be looking forward the the next MKA.

Are you ready for the latest adventure from Mary Kay Andrews? Thank you to St. Martins Press and Tandem Literary for a copy of Beach Town. This novel was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Now onto the novel!
Synopsis:
Greer Hennessey is a Location Manager for the motion picture industry. The title of the picture is Beach Town. Now to find that Beach Town and will fulfill the director’s vision. She stumbles upon Cypress Key a down on its luck town in Northern Florida. Small towns are nothing like working in the big city. How successful will Greer be in getting the locations she wants for the movie shoot? One morning she meets the mayor of the town Eben Thibodaux who does not make it easy for her to accomplish her goals. Will they agree on anything?
My Thoughts:
Another great summer read by Mary Kay Andrews! I enjoyed reading about what it is like to work on a movie set. The author made it seem like such an easy position to work as a Location Manager. A great job with creating great characters that is memorable and lovable.
Now whenever you read a Mary Kay Andrews setting is key. Earlier this year I remember her asking on Facebook about a good beach town for the setting for this novel. I have to say that Cypress Key is an interesting location.
The plot lines in this novel explore what it is like to work on a movie set. How to work with celebrity personalities. Finally what will bring the main character into a state she can make changes that are ultimately desired.
All in All a great read!

Greer Hennessy is a movie location scout who needs to find an old school Florida beach town. What she’s found so far are planned beach communities that look far too sanitized and Disney-fied. Then she comes upon Cypress Key – a small seaside town that time seems to have forgotten. She also finds the mayor of Cypress Key who makes her heart skip a beat.

Eben Thibadeaux is a jack-of-all-trades as well as the mayor of Cypress Key. He is willing to work with the Hollywood group but wants to save a historical building that the director would like to blow up for the shoot. And that’s just a small part of the difficulties that arise during the production. He also has family issues to take care of.

Greer is forced to face her past when her estranged father contacts her. He happens to live an hour away from Cypress Key. Is everything she’d been told about him the truth? How far will she open her heart to new possibilities? Mary Kay Andrews’ heroine had me equally frustrated and sympathetic throughout the novel but, in typical MKA style, I was satisfied with her growth by the end of the book.

Beach Town is an entertaining novel. It has drama, romance, conflict and a Florida beach town setting. For me, it hit all the marks of a fun beach read.
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Beach town by Mary Kay Andrews
Have liked the author's other works. Greer Hennessey is a ocation scout finds the perfect spot. Her mother also wants her to contact her father as she know with her health she won't be around much longer.
Her father had skipped out on them when Greer was a baby....
Ebin Timonio is the mayor and he's not really up on what they want to do with their movie. money talks though...
The movie event is leaked out to the reporters and she thinks the mayor did it, but they talk....
Anything that can go wrong does, even the weather. They each still stand strong about the casion building ...
Hot sex scenes. Good fun combination of characters that keep the action rolling...she's leaving early with the film crew and he knows she will never return...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Normally I really enjoy Mary Kay Andrews but I have been on a tear listening to the books lately. Unfortunately, I noticed that too many of the female characters are a bit more of a grownup manic pixie dream girl-spunky but stubborn but so badly wants a man but doesn't want to admit it, "pretty but not in an obvious way." Normally, I don't mind but the relationship between Greer, the heroine, and Ebb the hero is the type of relationship people in their early 20's have. They fight constantly and everything is fraught with misunderstanding. He is upset she needs to do her job and she feels guilty. Not an adult relationship which makes it difficult to accept they are meant to be in their mid to late 30's. I may also be a bit upset that Greer discusses how important her career is but throughout the book seems willing to compromise it for the men in her life. Career isn't everything but if you truly love it it's not something you give up for a fling with someone who gets upset when you have to do your job. Overall, it's not a bad beach read but I do wish Ms. Andrews would branch out a little bit more. She writes a fun read but seems to be struggling a bit more the last couple of books.

Good story with assortment of characters. This isn't a bad book, it just drags on for far too long. Could and should have been 150 pages shorter. At times there was far too much detail about mundane matters, for example there are TWO separate scenes about issues with the port a potties. The flashbacks between Greer's mother and father weren't necessary. 98% of the story is told from Greer's perspective but there are a handfull of scenese thrown in that are told from other perspectives. It's strange. Greer's relationship with her assistant was annoying - Greer treated her badly and spoke to her rudely. When Greer has to be absent from her job for almost 2 days, the assistant steps up and gets things done and Greer actally gets upset with her about this? Again - strange. Also, Greer slut-shaming the assistant is totally offensive and uncalled for.

All in all - a light and mostly entertaining read. Prediictable and easy.

So often novels like this are little more than tall, handsome stranger meets strong, misguided female; this book is much more than that and succeeds with a unique plot in a rather run-of-the-mill small town in Florida. A plot that has the residents of a small town interacting with a Hollywood movie cast and crew makes for some amusing story lines. Ultimately “Beach Town” turns out to be the perfect beach book!

‘Beach Town’ wasn’t really my type of book. There really isn’t much of a plot (think hallmark or lifetime movie) and the ending just felt rushed and unrealistic. The characters aren’t very developed and don’t put much thought into their actions and as a result act foolishly. I almost gave up a couple of times and overall I just thought the whole thing was a bit of a waste.

That's pretty much my feeling about this book - so-so. Maybe I'm too much of a nit-picker, but things like the dogs' breed changing from golden to labs, to Greer talking about getting "cigarette boats," than a few pages later asking what kind of boats they were, drive me CRAZY. Greer wasn't a very likeable character; the town itself was the most sympathetic character in the book. Overall disappointing read IMO.

Greer Hennessy is a movie location scout who needs to find an old school Florida beach town. What she’s found so far are planned beach communities that look far too sanitized and Disney-fied. Then she comes upon Cypress Key – a small seaside town that time seems to have forgotten. She also finds the mayor of Cypress Key who makes her heart skip a beat.

Eben Thibadeaux is a jack-of-all-trades as well as the mayor of Cypress Key. He is willing to work with the Hollywood group but wants to save a historical building that the director would like to blow up for the shoot. And that’s just a small part of the difficulties that arise during the production. He also has family issues to take care of.

Greer is forced to face her past when her estranged father contacts her. He happens to live an hour away from Cypress Key. Is everything she’d been told about him the truth? How far will she open her heart to new possibilities? Mary Kay Andrews’ heroine had me equally frustrated and sympathetic throughout the novel but, in typical MKA style, I was satisfied with her growth by the end of the book.

Beach Town is an entertaining novel. It has drama, romance, conflict and a Florida beach town setting. For me, it hit all the marks of a fun beach read.
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Beach town by Mary Kay Andrews
Have liked the author's other works. Greer Hennessey is a ocation scout finds the perfect spot. Her mother also wants her to contact her father as she know with her health she won't be around much longer.
Her father had skipped out on them when Greer was a baby....
Ebin Timonio is the mayor and he's not really up on what they want to do with their movie. money talks though...
The movie event is leaked out to the reporters and she thinks the mayor did it, but they talk....
Anything that can go wrong does, even the weather. They each still stand strong about the casion building ...
Hot sex scenes. Good fun combination of characters that keep the action rolling...she's leaving early with the film crew and he knows she will never return...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Normally I really enjoy Mary Kay Andrews but I have been on a tear listening to the books lately. Unfortunately, I noticed that too many of the female characters are a bit more of a grownup manic pixie dream girl-spunky but stubborn but so badly wants a man but doesn't want to admit it, "pretty but not in an obvious way." Normally, I don't mind but the relationship between Greer, the heroine, and Ebb the hero is the type of relationship people in their early 20's have. They fight constantly and everything is fraught with misunderstanding. He is upset she needs to do her job and she feels guilty. Not an adult relationship which makes it difficult to accept they are meant to be in their mid to late 30's. I may also be a bit upset that Greer discusses how important her career is but throughout the book seems willing to compromise it for the men in her life. Career isn't everything but if you truly love it it's not something you give up for a fling with someone who gets upset when you have to do your job. Overall, it's not a bad beach read but I do wish Ms. Andrews would branch out a little bit more. She writes a fun read but seems to be struggling a bit more the last couple of books.

Good story with assortment of characters. This isn't a bad book, it just drags on for far too long. Could and should have been 150 pages shorter. At times there was far too much detail about mundane matters, for example there are TWO separate scenes about issues with the port a potties. The flashbacks between Greer's mother and father weren't necessary. 98% of the story is told from Greer's perspective but there are a handfull of scenese thrown in that are told from other perspectives. It's strange. Greer's relationship with her assistant was annoying - Greer treated her badly and spoke to her rudely. When Greer has to be absent from her job for almost 2 days, the assistant steps up and gets things done and Greer actally gets upset with her about this? Again - strange. Also, Greer slut-shaming the assistant is totally offensive and uncalled for.

All in all - a light and mostly entertaining read. Prediictable and easy.

So often novels like this are little more than tall, handsome stranger meets strong, misguided female; this book is much more than that and succeeds with a unique plot in a rather run-of-the-mill small town in Florida. A plot that has the residents of a small town interacting with a Hollywood movie cast and crew makes for some amusing story lines. Ultimately “Beach Town” turns out to be the perfect beach book!

‘Beach Town’ wasn’t really my type of book. There really isn’t much of a plot (think hallmark or lifetime movie) and the ending just felt rushed and unrealistic. The characters aren’t very developed and don’t put much thought into their actions and as a result act foolishly. I almost gave up a couple of times and overall I just thought the whole thing was a bit of a waste.

That's pretty much my feeling about this book - so-so. Maybe I'm too much of a nit-picker, but things like the dogs' breed changing from golden to labs, to Greer talking about getting "cigarette boats," than a few pages later asking what kind of boats they were, drive me CRAZY. Greer wasn't a very likeable character; the town itself was the most sympathetic character in the book. Overall disappointing read IMO.

Greer is a location scout for a new, hopefully blockbuster, movie that needs an authentic Florida town to shoot in. Enter Cypress Key, a little town that time forgot after the closing of the paper mill. Eben, not just the mayor, but wearer of numerous hats in town, is wary of the big plans and money promised by the studio. There are a lot of family dynamics and coincidences going on as well. Eben and his aunt are raising his niece, his brother is in jail. Greer's mother recently passed away and her estranged stunt man father lives an hour north of Cypress Key. There was almost too much story to give all of them justice, but is was a fine book for a beach read this time of year. The descriptions of the heat and the bugs sure made you feel like a resident of southern Florida.

I have purchased every one of Mary Kay Andrews' books, but I just could not get into this one...finally finished it last night. It has taken me two months of picking it up, putting it down to actually get through it. It did not hold my interest at all. I feel it could have been a short paperback at best. I will be very hesitant to buy the next book...may just get it from the library. Her first few books were hilarious and I couldn't put them down. Absolutely none of that in this book...it was way too long.

Beach Town: A Novel by Mary Kay Andrews
Beach Town is a fast and delightful summer read. In a lightheaded manner the topics of money and power, commercial development, environmental protection and governance are all addressed. Combined with friendships and a bit of romance, this book was an easy to read and enjoy and I would recommend. I give it a 3.5 stars out of 5.

I’m a huge Mary Kay fan, that is the only reason this book gets 2 stars. The dialogue fell very flat, the characters were not nearly rounded enough and the chemistry was not there between the two main love interests. Greer was so annoying and immature, who sleeps with someone and then behaves like that all the while talking about him to his family like he’s the jerk. She acts all woo is me and then treats people like crap. Did she really not think it was a good idea to talk to Jenny about Allie and that loser? The story line was so lost amongst all the details that it was practically not there at all.

I usually love these types of easy, breezy, summer reads but this book just didn't do it for me. I was actually bored and found myself skimming over the pages just to get through it. It started out cute but never really went anywhere and the characters began to annoy me. The ending was anti-climatic and felt rushed in order to tie everything up in a nice, little bow. I've read other books by MKA and really liked them but this one definitely fell flat.

A fun read, not too light, not too deep. Sure, somewhat predicable, but sometimes that's what I want. Interesting look into what goes on behind the scenes of a movie set, things I had never thought of. This is my first read from this author and I will definitely be reading more.

As I have never read any other books that Mary Kay Andrews has written, I thoroughly enjoyed Beach Town. I was engaged with the main character, Greer Hennessy, and I could identify and understand the issues in her life. I thought Andrews gave great detail of the pain in Greer's life. She also gave me a flavor for what a movie scout's career would be like, and I found I learned about this type of position. I enjoyed the story, I had vivid pictures in my mind due to Andrews' details, and I always love a happy ever after romance. It was a quick read, and I would buy another Mary Kay Andrews book.

I have always enjoyed Ms. Andrew's books, but noticed something disturbing in this book.

I would like an explanation of some of the character descriptions in Beach Town. I have contacted the author and received no response.
On four occasions that I noted that the author chose to describe minority characters differently than she did the majority of other characters.

Page 95 "A heavyset young black man with a head full of dreadlocks clambered down ......."

Page 104 "From the front of the room, a thin black man rose slowly......."

Page 349 "...a white-coated doctor, who had the darkest skin she had ever seen,........"

Page 429 "An attractive twenty something black reporter in a sleeveless green dress....."

I never read a description of a supposedly Caucasian character as "white". They were described by hair and eye color.

Why the difference? Why the need to point out that the character is "black", but not the need to describe other characters as "white"? The description of a character as black was only appropriate in one instance, page 104.

In addition, the description of Eb as a typical "typical straight, single male" on page 122 was equally disturbing.

Looking forward to an explanation.

Beach Town: Mary Kaye Andrews

Relationships come in all shapes, sizes and often are created within the parameters that many set for them. Walls can be raised, barriers can be broken to recreate what the past took away or create what the present might bring. This might be a book about Greer Hennessy a location set scout for a movie company but it is much more. When searching for the right location for a movie, she came upon a rundown, dilapidated small town in Florida, Cypress Key. Filled with many interesting down to earth people that might not be up on the most recent movies or fashions, these hardworking people are striving each day to reignite and refresh this tiny town. As she enters the town and looks around, the beautiful blue sky and the bright sparkling sun, she sees a scene that would not only take your breath away but will change her life in many ways. Beach Town: Mary Kaye Andrews is about Greer and her relationship with her mother and the father she thought deserted her and now wants a place in her life. It is about Bryce Levy the director/producer of the film and his fly by night relationships with women, his attitude about how he gets things done and his treatment of CeeJay his girlfriend and Greer’s best friend.

When she finally enters the center of this town and finds the motel that would house the crew and herself, you learn more about a woman named Ginny, her reasons for allowing Greer’s crew to take over the motel, and her nephew the Mayor whose dynamic personality, temper and desire to keep some things as they are cause friction not only between him and Greer but others too. Hoping to find the right place for this movie she enters this town and realizes that this small seaside community is perfect. But, although she is determined to create this movie there are man obstacles that will come her way as Bryce is set on his own way of handling things, over extends his budget, uses Greer to handle the difficult negotiations with the town, getting the deeds, permits and much more and then she meets Eben Thibadeaux the mayor of Cypress Key, the city engineer, the plumber, exterminator, and much more whose goal it is to preserve his town and not change it. But, when the director wants to use a historical building, the old casino, in the last scene of the movie this sets off an explosion of a different type, as this is where he draws the line. Relationships are at the heart of this novel an although Eb is caught up in the movie, the director’s demands and dealing with his feelings for Greer, his other priority is his niece Allie who becomes so enamored with Greer that she manages to get a job as a PA working for her and then the fireworks begin. Flashbacks of Greer’s last moments with her mom before she died are revealed and the reasons why she and her father Clint are estranged. Different versions of his leaving are told and she has to decide which to believe and if she has room in her heart for a father that has sudden reappeared. Greer has to face many betrayals, harsh realities and the truth behind her mother’s disappearance and the fact that her father really did not desert her. But, just how far will she go to allow herself to let him back into her life?

Disappointments come front and center as she and Eben go head to head about the final scene of the movie, dealing with Vanessa, who owns the property that the casino stands on, whether she agrees that it should be destroyed in the last scene and how she is going to deal with her assistant, Allie and much more. With a screenwriter who cannot seem to come up with the final pages of the movie and changes course all too often, the threat of funds being cut off because they are over budget, a headstrong director who has a one track mind, a best friend who gets tossed aside and a community that is eager to benefit from having them there. Payments made, bribes paid and one young girl who falls prey to the wiles of the star.

As usual, it's up to Greer to schmooze the town's powers-that-be to persuade them to allow the production company to invade their area for several weeks to create its latest masterpiece. While that's usually not difficult to do, particularly when Greer points out the financial advantages, Cypress Key's mayor, Eben Thibadeaux, isn't so easily swayed. In fact, he's dead set against Greer's plans, which include purchasing an abandoned community casino in order to blow it sky high for the movie's final climactic scene.

When Allie Thidbadeax is hired as a production assistant and becomes too friendly with Kregg the rapper and star of the movie red flags go up but only Eben and Ginny see them. Getting too close to him and in incident that was basically innocent causes a major rift between Allie, Eben and Greer when the facts come to light but not in the way you think. Trust goes out of the window. Safety and respect are challenged and when Greer keeps getting blamed for all of the failures something within her snaps. But, Greer and Eben are totally attracted to each other and although on one hand they say no to a relationship on the other they can’t. Forced to decide whether to return to LA or remain in Florida things spiral out of control, words are spoken and the outcome remains to be seen. With Kregg getting drunk, smoking weed and not able to remember his lines, taking her assistant under his wing and finding a friend in Allie’s just prison released father, things heat up but not in the way you would expect. As the time comes for the casino to be blown up Eben refuses to sign the permit and the one person that Greer never want to see again is her ex-boyfriend, Sawyer a pompous, self absorbed and overbearing lawyer who pretends interest in her for the moment as he takes control of a meeting that would destroy more than just an historical landmark. Take a plane, visit Cypress Key, find the grocery store, visit the Silver Sands, enjoy the old fashioned town, meet Aunt Ginny and decide for yourself whether you would stay or go if you were Greer.

When Greer’s father has an accident and the truth behind it is revealed will she go to the hospital and forgive him for the past or will she continue on the set and let the doctors worry about him? Realities set in and decisions have to be made, threats are hurled and the lives of the people in Cypress Key will never be the same. When the final scene is changed what happens will shock readers as the ending is electrifying, explosive and lives will be endangered and some might pay a serious penalty for the callus behavior of others. A business that requires money, time, pushing people to the limit and often no regard for anything but money and business; Beach Town: When the final cut! Is stated and the film is in the can will it be a blockbuster or will it just bust? Bryce Levy will stop at nothing to get what he wants and the fallout on the way matters little to him. Relationships are fly by night, nothing permanent many are pushed aside in order to get what he wants. Greer Hennessy faces many obstacles when working on this film and dealing with Eben might be the largest one. Whose side will she take? Will she push to have the final scene remain the same? What about Vanessa will she win in the end? Greer is a strong, persistent and tenacious character that is ambitious and can do just about anything if she puts her mind to it. But, what about living in Cypress Key a town without many of the conveniences she is accustomed too? What will she decide and what will happen to Clint her father? Beach Town is an outstanding romance novel that is filled with a touch of mystery, intrigue and definitely some characters that you will want more of.

As a native Floridian, who is particularly fond of “old Florida”, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well, truth is, I listened to most of the story on CD during a long car trip. Three quarters into the 12 CDs and I was already home. Yes, I could have finished it up on a home device but there was something so enjoyable about savoring the story while road tripping. I kept finding excuses to run errands. When I ran out of errands, I turned to the hard copy that I had ( I save a hard copy of all her books) and found I had only about 75 pages to go.

You know that feeling when you thumb through the last pages hoping they will somehow multiply and your story won’t end? That’s what I found myself doing! I felt like I had been on vacation, learning about someone else’s life and now my innocently voyeuristic experience was ending!

I’ve been to these natural areas of Florida and felt the book did a great job of capturing the “then and now” . Enjoyed the storyline that took me inside an industry of which I have zero knowledge and coupled it with characters I could both adore and loathe. And as to Florida’s flying roaches. . . only MKA can make me laugh and give me the creeps at the same time. Made me want to hit the Florida road again, minus the bugs.

The best thing about the start of summer? I know another book by Mary Kay Andrews is on its way! I loved this book...I think that Beach Town might be the best I have read by this author yet! I had no problems picturing the little town of Cypress Key in my mind...I wish I could go there on vacation! I love "old time" Florida...and while I have not ived there in 20 years, this book made me feel like I was home! Great read for the summer, or actually any season!

This is one of those light, summer reads that doesn't have a lot of substance and is pretty predictable. While I enjoyed the book and don't regret the time I spent reading it, it doesn't rise above the crowd but it is better than many novels of this genre. There wasn't really anything outstanding (good or bad) and will fade in my memory over the coming weeks. I am happy I borrowed it from the library versus paying, what I believe to be, an inflated price.

Very blah. I picked this book expecting a good summer romance book, and I was greatly disappointed. This book is mostly about making a movie... not really a romance novel. The middle is especially boring. There are inconsistencies as other reviewers have noted. And honestly the writing just isn’t very good and the sub-plots are predictable.

Greer Hennessy is a location scout and manager for the movie industry, which is one of the coolest jobs I’ve ever read about. Greer’s had a rough go of it lately. She broke up with a cheating boyfriend and then lost her mother to cancer. Professionally, things aren’t much better. The last movie set she worked on was such a disaster that she quit, damaging her reputation. Her best friend CeeJay is dating the bigtime director Bruce Levy and she convinces him to hire Greer. Her first assignment – find the perfect beach town for the setting of his latest blockbuster.

Review continued at Chick Lit Plus:
http://chicklitplus.com/bookreview-beach-town-by-mary-kay-andrews/

I started out loving MKA books. I purchased them and happily read them over and over. What happened? After Summer Rental, I never purchased another MKA novel again. I live in a small Florida beach town, so getting the books from the library is an easy process with a short wait. After the tortuous experience of reading Beach Town, I am not even sure I will waste my time reading her work again, even if it is free. Too much detail about movie making, characters I cared nothing about, unreal love interest and a predictable ending. Snore ..........
I would give it zero star if it were a possibility. Think twice before wasting your time.

Beach Town is a fun summer read with lots of humor. I really enjoyed the characters and would enjoy another book following them; the look behind the scenes of making a movie was quite interesting. I always look forward to reading a new book by Mary Kay Andrews.

After the holidays it was a fun read. I really enjoyed this story The story has strong women and men characters,hot romance, drama, and a small town. Good read. I like Mary Kay Andrews she always has a great story;

I enjoyed this story about families and friends and a long lasting love and flings! The Florida setting was interesting and the details about the movie business were eye opening! It was a lot of work! And it had the General Lee!

Super fast read. Not my favorite MKA book, but I did enjoy it. Chicklit with a fairly predictable storyline. 3.5 stars. I didn't care for the lead characters at the beginning, but they did grown on me. Perfect weekend choice.

I did not enjoy this book. This is a romance with a poorly written love story. The end was wrapped up to quickly. I was left wondering about her friend CeeJay. How did Jared manage to avoid prison after his drug use and reckless behavior? I do not recommend this book.

I grabbed this book as an ironic beach read but what I really found this book to be delightful. I love the Florida setting and the movie shooting aspect of the book was truly interesting. I loved the main characters and the flow of the book was right were i wanted it to be. The drama seemed silly this time around but the story-line really overshadowed the drama. Always a great summer read by Andrews.

I loved this book. The setting and characters were a bit of a departure from her norm, but I found that refreshing. I loved the characters in this book, as usual, she brought them to life for me. The storyline was fun, I loved the location scout occupation! I can't say enough good things about this book, the story it told, and of course, the author. A favorite of mine, one who never fails to deliver a fun, enjoyable read! Thank you, again, Ms. Andrews. I can't believe I have to wait a year for your next book!

This is a fun read. Relaxing and moments of fun. Informative, too. Had no idea of the process for setting up for a movie to be made or that a girl could handle those details. Good for her. Keep writing Mary Kay.

I've read several of the authors books & they are all pretty good. They are quick reads, you don't have to concentrate & there's not really a plot to any of her books. They are pretty much all the same but not in a bad way

I grabbed this book as an ironic beach read but what I really found this book to be delightful. I love the Florida setting and the movie shooting aspect of the book was truly interesting. I loved the main characters and the flow of the book was right were i wanted it to be. The drama seemed silly this time around but the story-line really overshadowed the drama. Always a great summer read by Andrews.

I loved this book. The setting and characters were a bit of a departure from her norm, but I found that refreshing. I loved the characters in this book, as usual, she brought them to life for me. The storyline was fun, I loved the location scout occupation! I can't say enough good things about this book, the story it told, and of course, the author. A favorite of mine, one who never fails to deliver a fun, enjoyable read! Thank you, again, Ms. Andrews. I can't believe I have to wait a year for your next book!

This is a fun read. Relaxing and moments of fun. Informative, too. Had no idea of the process for setting up for a movie to be made or that a girl could handle those details. Good for her. Keep writing Mary Kay.

I've read several of the authors books & they are all pretty good. They are quick reads, you don't have to concentrate & there's not really a plot to any of her books. They are pretty much all the same but not in a bad way

Even though I work in the movie industry and I knew that the portrayal of movie production was unrealistic, I hung in there waiting to see how this would end. The conclusion did not ring true to me either. Who gets married after knowing each other for only weeks? Seems unrealistic to me.

Loved this book!! I don't get a lot of time to read, since I have three small boys, but this book was such an easy and fast read… That I finished it in a week, just reading at night. This was my first mka book and I must say that I am going back to look for more! The book was fast paced and the characters were fun and easy to follow.

Loved this book!! I don't get a lot of time to read, since I have three small boys, but this book was such an easy and fast read… That I finished it in a week, just reading at night. This was my first mka book and I must say that I am going back to look for more! The book was fast paced and the characters were fun and easy to follow.

A good book, but L O N G! There is so much that could have been left out and still made for a good book. I just made myself sit down this afternoon and finish reading the book. The plot was good, but just to L O N G!

I like the love interest characters that Mary Kay Andrews creates and this book was equally enjoyable. I liked the story the whole way through, a few tiny twists (some predictable) and the end was exactly what I hoped.

I would have rated this book higher if the sexual scenes would have been left more to the imagination. Now th book will NOT be passed down to my mother and her friends. Clean it up a little more please.