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Carousel Beach
A cryptic letter on her grandmother's grave and a mysterious inscription on a carousel horse leads artist Maya Brice to Hank Hauser, the ninety-year-old carver of the beloved carousel she has been hired to restore in time for its Fourth of July reopening in her Delaware beach town. Hank suffers from Alzheimer's, but on his "better" days, Maya is enthralled by the stories of his career. On his "off" days, he mistakes her for her grandmother--his secret first love.
While stripping chipped layers of paint from the old horse and peeling layers of fragmented memories from the old man, Maya untangles the intertwined secrets of love, heartbreak, and misunderstandings between three generations of strong willed women.
While stripping chipped layers of paint from the old horse and peeling layers of fragmented memories from the old man, Maya untangles the intertwined secrets of love, heartbreak, and misunderstandings between three generations of strong willed women.
317 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 28, 2018
Art restorer Maya is restoring a carousel that meant a lot to her as a child. She and her grandmother would make up stories about the various animals and pretend they were magical. Unfortunately, Maya lost her grandmother on the same day she had a miscarriage. That was a year ago.
The double whammy of loss has put a strain on her marriage. Maya loses herself into her project and the secrets she finds within.
As Maya tries to piece together the mysteries she finds, one animal at a time, she wonders if she can make her marriage work. Her ex-boyfriend comes back to town and she’s forced to see him frequently in her efforts to unravel the secrets of three generations of women in her family.
Getting one’s life back on track after a loss isn’t easy, and Konig does a beautiful job describing the hard work of the work of trying to dig oneself out of grief.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forge for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES MAY 8, 2018.
For more reviews, please visit http:///www.theresaalan.net/blog
The double whammy of loss has put a strain on her marriage. Maya loses herself into her project and the secrets she finds within.
As Maya tries to piece together the mysteries she finds, one animal at a time, she wonders if she can make her marriage work. Her ex-boyfriend comes back to town and she’s forced to see him frequently in her efforts to unravel the secrets of three generations of women in her family.
Getting one’s life back on track after a loss isn’t easy, and Konig does a beautiful job describing the hard work of the work of trying to dig oneself out of grief.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forge for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES MAY 8, 2018.
For more reviews, please visit http:///www.theresaalan.net/blog
April 29, 2018
5 majestic and magical stars to Carousel Beach! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
The magic of the merry-go-round. Each animal has its own beauty, its own secrets. But it’s when they’re all together that the magic happens.
Having read Orly Konig’s debut, The Distance Home, a five-star, deeply emotive book, especially in its connection to animals, I was thrilled to see her second book, Carousel Beach would be released in May!
Maya Brice, a character to love, is an artist restoring a magical carousel, which has enchanted her since her own childhood. She gets in touch with the original artist, Hank, who is now in his 90s, and the most nurturing relationship unfolds. Hank has been diagnosed with dementia, and Maya is in a troubled place in her marriage; through their bond, they find hope and healing.
When I turned the last page, I had such a mix of emotions- tears were flowing, I was heartbroken, and at the very same time, I felt uplifted. Those feelings let me know I was invested in this book and its characters; I was lost in it. I found Maya extremely relatable, and the way her marriage was portrayed could not have been more realistic. Of course with this being an Orly Konig novel, there is an animal cameo, a dog this time, who just may steal the show and win your heart as he did mine.
Bottom line, I cherish book experiences such as the one I had reading Carousel Beach. I want nothing more than to escape inside a book, to step into true to life characters’ shoes, and to be whisked away into a beautiful setting. Lovingly and perfectly written, Carousel Beach gets my highest recommendation.
Special thanks to the author for the complimentary ARC to read and review. Carousel Beach will be released on May 8, 2018!
The magic of the merry-go-round. Each animal has its own beauty, its own secrets. But it’s when they’re all together that the magic happens.
Having read Orly Konig’s debut, The Distance Home, a five-star, deeply emotive book, especially in its connection to animals, I was thrilled to see her second book, Carousel Beach would be released in May!
Maya Brice, a character to love, is an artist restoring a magical carousel, which has enchanted her since her own childhood. She gets in touch with the original artist, Hank, who is now in his 90s, and the most nurturing relationship unfolds. Hank has been diagnosed with dementia, and Maya is in a troubled place in her marriage; through their bond, they find hope and healing.
When I turned the last page, I had such a mix of emotions- tears were flowing, I was heartbroken, and at the very same time, I felt uplifted. Those feelings let me know I was invested in this book and its characters; I was lost in it. I found Maya extremely relatable, and the way her marriage was portrayed could not have been more realistic. Of course with this being an Orly Konig novel, there is an animal cameo, a dog this time, who just may steal the show and win your heart as he did mine.
Bottom line, I cherish book experiences such as the one I had reading Carousel Beach. I want nothing more than to escape inside a book, to step into true to life characters’ shoes, and to be whisked away into a beautiful setting. Lovingly and perfectly written, Carousel Beach gets my highest recommendation.
Special thanks to the author for the complimentary ARC to read and review. Carousel Beach will be released on May 8, 2018!
April 1, 2018
Maya Brice, thirty years old, cherished childhood memories with grandma, a weaver of magical stories. They took long walks on "Carousel" Beach, fondly named by locals. The boardwalk housed the historic wooden horse carousel originally installed in summer 1943. Salt air, minimal maintenance and disruption of funding contributed to the carousel's poor condition. Grandma and Maya could always feel the carousel's magic, especially when riding on their favorite horse, a Stander Horse. Grandma suggests that Maya petition the city to restore the carousel.
One year had passed since Grandma's death and the loss of Maya's baby. Maya felt responsible for these deaths. She became withdrawn and solitary, unable to move on. This caused a fissure in her marriage to husband, Vale. Maya and Vale communicated mainly by sticky notes. Once Maya, an art restorer, was able to win the contract to restore the carousel with a grand reopening looming near, she was constantly in her art studio. Each horse would have to be repaired, painstakingly detailed and repainted. When Maya started to restore her favorite, the big Bay Stander, she found an inscription on the horse's underside. Grandma always stated that carousel animals "know things".
Carousel Horse restoration entailed taking photos of the horses, diagramming every detail and intricacy of the bridles and breast plates, and refining the color palette. Maya was able to locate Hank Hauser, ninety years old, the master mind and builder of the carousel. She hoped to peruse Hank's notes on the project. Hank however, was an Alzheimer's patient in the Memory Support Center. He vacillated between sharing awesome memories and intermittent confusion. What secrets and magic might the carousel hold? What was the significance of the inscription on the Stander Horses's underbelly? Most important, can Maya stop shutting down, stop feeling sorrow and failure and move on with her husband, Vale?
As a lover of the magic of Carousel Horses, this reader enjoyed the journey of carousel restoration. Maya Brice, like many among us, had difficulty moving on after the death of a loved one. That said, the story was, at times, redundant and might have benefited from a shorter, novella length.
Thank you Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Carousel Beach: A Novel".
One year had passed since Grandma's death and the loss of Maya's baby. Maya felt responsible for these deaths. She became withdrawn and solitary, unable to move on. This caused a fissure in her marriage to husband, Vale. Maya and Vale communicated mainly by sticky notes. Once Maya, an art restorer, was able to win the contract to restore the carousel with a grand reopening looming near, she was constantly in her art studio. Each horse would have to be repaired, painstakingly detailed and repainted. When Maya started to restore her favorite, the big Bay Stander, she found an inscription on the horse's underside. Grandma always stated that carousel animals "know things".
Carousel Horse restoration entailed taking photos of the horses, diagramming every detail and intricacy of the bridles and breast plates, and refining the color palette. Maya was able to locate Hank Hauser, ninety years old, the master mind and builder of the carousel. She hoped to peruse Hank's notes on the project. Hank however, was an Alzheimer's patient in the Memory Support Center. He vacillated between sharing awesome memories and intermittent confusion. What secrets and magic might the carousel hold? What was the significance of the inscription on the Stander Horses's underbelly? Most important, can Maya stop shutting down, stop feeling sorrow and failure and move on with her husband, Vale?
As a lover of the magic of Carousel Horses, this reader enjoyed the journey of carousel restoration. Maya Brice, like many among us, had difficulty moving on after the death of a loved one. That said, the story was, at times, redundant and might have benefited from a shorter, novella length.
Thank you Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Carousel Beach: A Novel".
August 21, 2023
The author shows herself to be a wonderful storyteller who uses the magic of a carousel to explore family secrets, lost loves, and grief.
Maya is an art restorationist who is spending her summer fixing up the carousel that she and her grandmother loved during her childhood. When she discovers a message on one of the animals, it sends her on a journey of uncovering the truth about her family.
I loved spending time with these characters.
Even though it wasn’t a thriller (my usual go-to-book), I was eager to keep turning pages to see how everything would end up. Maybe you will, too.
Maya is an art restorationist who is spending her summer fixing up the carousel that she and her grandmother loved during her childhood. When she discovers a message on one of the animals, it sends her on a journey of uncovering the truth about her family.
I loved spending time with these characters.
Even though it wasn’t a thriller (my usual go-to-book), I was eager to keep turning pages to see how everything would end up. Maybe you will, too.
December 27, 2020
I’ve loved carousels my whole life and that’s what attracted me to this storyline. The details of the carousel restoration are interesting. The protagonist’s dedication is obvious and her emotional connection to this particular carousel is revealed as the story progresses. The story is a heartfelt read, and a great novel to enjoy any time of year.
February 19, 2018
The first thing that I want to say is that I loved this book. Every time Orly comes out with a new book, it becomes my new favorite because she just keeps getting better. Trust me - this is a book that you don't want to miss.
Maya is restoring an old carousel in her small beach side town. For the last year she has been pulling away from everyone around her - her husband, friends and family. She is grappling with the loss of her beloved grandmother and her unborn child. In both deaths, she blames herself and the only part of her life that brings her peace is her restoration work on the carousel that her grandmother loved so much. Her husband has been very supportive but feels like its time to move on with their lives - either as a couple or separately. Her friends and family feel that its time for her to end her grieving. As she spends time with the animal figures from the carousel, she finds a message from the original builder and when she meets him and tries to ask him questions about the carousel, she finds out that he may have answers that will help her change her life.
The journey with Maya will pull at your heartstrings. She is a wonderful character - though I did want to shake her a few times - and I rooted for her to figure out her life and find happiness again.
Add this one to your tbr list. You don't want to miss it!
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Maya is restoring an old carousel in her small beach side town. For the last year she has been pulling away from everyone around her - her husband, friends and family. She is grappling with the loss of her beloved grandmother and her unborn child. In both deaths, she blames herself and the only part of her life that brings her peace is her restoration work on the carousel that her grandmother loved so much. Her husband has been very supportive but feels like its time to move on with their lives - either as a couple or separately. Her friends and family feel that its time for her to end her grieving. As she spends time with the animal figures from the carousel, she finds a message from the original builder and when she meets him and tries to ask him questions about the carousel, she finds out that he may have answers that will help her change her life.
The journey with Maya will pull at your heartstrings. She is a wonderful character - though I did want to shake her a few times - and I rooted for her to figure out her life and find happiness again.
Add this one to your tbr list. You don't want to miss it!
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2018
Secrets surround Maya Brice as she struggles to overcome the loss of her beloved grandmother and her baby, both who passed away a year earlier. To cope, she loses herself in the restoration of an antique beach carousel which was a magical memory from her own childhood. As she works, she finds an inscription on one of the horses. It leads her to a nursing home where she meets Hank Hauser, an Alzheimer's patient who may or may not have all the answers to her many questions.
Her quest is fascinating but everything else is falling apart for Maya. Her relationship with her darling husband (Vale) is strained from a year of grief, and her childhood love (Simon) is back in town and the doctor at the nursing home. Both men want to reconnect with Maya but before she can move on she has to unravel the knots in the rest of her world.
This book kept me guessing in every chapter. What secrets does the carousel hold? Which man will she choose? I wasn't sure who I wanted to win, they were both so great. Every character was endearing even while dealing with heavy grief...which in some books can get overly introspective and tiresome. Not so with Carousel Beach. It was whimsical and wistful and wonderful!
Her quest is fascinating but everything else is falling apart for Maya. Her relationship with her darling husband (Vale) is strained from a year of grief, and her childhood love (Simon) is back in town and the doctor at the nursing home. Both men want to reconnect with Maya but before she can move on she has to unravel the knots in the rest of her world.
This book kept me guessing in every chapter. What secrets does the carousel hold? Which man will she choose? I wasn't sure who I wanted to win, they were both so great. Every character was endearing even while dealing with heavy grief...which in some books can get overly introspective and tiresome. Not so with Carousel Beach. It was whimsical and wistful and wonderful!
May 7, 2018
Orly Konig is a wonderful storyteller who uses the magic of a carousel to explore family secrets, lost loves, and grief. It says something when I want to jump into the book to give the main character, Maya, a talking-to.
Maya is an art restorationist who is spending her summer fixing up the carousel that she and her grandmother loved during her childhood. When she discovers a message on one of the animals, it sends her on a journey of uncovering the truth about her family.
I loved spending time with these characters. I especially loved the time with Maya and Hank. It was such a unique premise for women’s fiction, which is hard to do these days. And even though it wasn’t a thriller by any means, I was eager to keep turning pages to see how everything would end up. That’s the sign of a great writer, where you can’t tell how fast you’re moving because you’re just completely absorbed by the story.
Kudos to Orly Konig, and I thank her for the review copy. Eagerly looking forward to her next.
Maya is an art restorationist who is spending her summer fixing up the carousel that she and her grandmother loved during her childhood. When she discovers a message on one of the animals, it sends her on a journey of uncovering the truth about her family.
I loved spending time with these characters. I especially loved the time with Maya and Hank. It was such a unique premise for women’s fiction, which is hard to do these days. And even though it wasn’t a thriller by any means, I was eager to keep turning pages to see how everything would end up. That’s the sign of a great writer, where you can’t tell how fast you’re moving because you’re just completely absorbed by the story.
Kudos to Orly Konig, and I thank her for the review copy. Eagerly looking forward to her next.
April 25, 2018
Carousel Beach by Orly Konig is a tender and heartfelt novel that explores loss, the magic of childhood, and the possibility of second chances. Maya Brice is still reeling from a personal tragedy, pulling away from her friends, family, and husband. She’s buried herself in her work restoring an old carousel, spending long days in her studio lovingly bringing the animals back to their former glory. While working on the carousel, Maya makes a discovery that leads her to Hank, an elderly man living in a nearby nursing home, whose past is linked to Maya’s. As she becomes closer to Hank and the secrets he’s been keeping, Maya must decide if she’s going to hold on to regret or move forward.
Told with humor, heart, a little romance, and a keen ear for dialogue, Carousel Beach kept me turning the pages to find out where Maya’s story would lead.
Told with humor, heart, a little romance, and a keen ear for dialogue, Carousel Beach kept me turning the pages to find out where Maya’s story would lead.
February 28, 2019
Carousels are magical and beautiful. In this story Konig weaves a sentimental present story with secrets and memories of the past. In refurbishing an old carousel Maya struggles to reconnect with her husband after a devastating loss. She throws her heart and soul into the carousel focusing especially on one particular horse. This horse holds a secret that will lead Maya to a past she was not aware of. Have a tissue ready as you might shed a tear as the story unfolds. The book is beautifully written with a beautiful cover. As a child I loved carousels. As an adult I now get nauseous going around in circles!
September 19, 2023
Originally built in 1943, a deteriorating carousel is being restored to its original splendor by Maya, an artist. I was immediately drawn into this story and enjoyed the author's writing style. I loved the part about the carousel restoration and felt its magic while I was reading. It was interesting that both Maya and her grandmother, Meera, were drawn to it.
Reeling from the recent loss of both her grandmother and her unborn baby boy, Maya is finding it difficult to move on. Can the support of her husband, Vale, her best friend, Sam, and various other friends and family members help her find her way out of the dark places? How will the reappearance of her first love, Simon, and a new friend, Hank, play into the story?
If you enjoy stories about new beginnings and/or artists, then I would highly recommend this one. The end brought tears to my eyes.
Lastly, I read this book while cruising on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. Having a carousel on board the ship made my reading experience even more magical, and I smiled every time we walked past it.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy won in an Instagram giveaway! All opinions are my own.
Location: Kent, Delaware
Click here to read an article by the author!
Reeling from the recent loss of both her grandmother and her unborn baby boy, Maya is finding it difficult to move on. Can the support of her husband, Vale, her best friend, Sam, and various other friends and family members help her find her way out of the dark places? How will the reappearance of her first love, Simon, and a new friend, Hank, play into the story?
If you enjoy stories about new beginnings and/or artists, then I would highly recommend this one. The end brought tears to my eyes.
Lastly, I read this book while cruising on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. Having a carousel on board the ship made my reading experience even more magical, and I smiled every time we walked past it.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy won in an Instagram giveaway! All opinions are my own.
Location: Kent, Delaware
Click here to read an article by the author!
July 2, 2018
I absolutely loved it! What a gut-wrenching, beautiful, enlightening story. I could feel all the emotions each character was feeling as if I were in the book right alongside them. At first I wanted I yell at Maya Brice (one of the main characters) but then I grew to love her because all she wanted to do was overcome the devastation that had wrecked havoc in her life.
May 19, 2018
I loved the premise of this book. I wanted to love the book too but I did not like the main character. And, she was not meant to be unlikeable. The potential was there but it just did happen for me.
June 28, 2018
A beautiful story about second chances, family secrets, and magic. I loved it!
May 8, 2018
A gorgeous book about the delicate, precarious nature of every choice we make and how second chances don't always look the way you think they will.
And magic. It's about magic too <3
And magic. It's about magic too <3
April 10, 2018
A touching story about family and tragedy. A women is finding herself again after the loss of her grandmother and a miscarriage around the same time. Restoring an old carousel, she uncovers family secrets along the way. The story is relatable, original and in the end, uplifting.
December 31, 2018
"Parents don't always know best. Sometimes we screw up. But everything we do starts from love." --Claire
Orly was fabulous with this book!! Small town family with big hidden secrets. Carousel Beach was heartwarming in the complete meaning of the word. Reminding me of my childhood summer nights riding the carousel at the local park, which is being restored, I am able to share memories with my son for a long time. All emotions ran through me while reading this book. In Orly's writing she makes you think of a few things..... the one that stuck with me is.... No matter how much you love someone in your life, those people aren't going to be around forever. If everyone could, please give them a hug and remind them that you will always love them, no matter what secrets they keep.
:There is only so much space inside any of us for grief. You've had more than your share lately. If you don't let it out, you can't make space for the happiness." --Vale
Orly was fabulous with this book!! Small town family with big hidden secrets. Carousel Beach was heartwarming in the complete meaning of the word. Reminding me of my childhood summer nights riding the carousel at the local park, which is being restored, I am able to share memories with my son for a long time. All emotions ran through me while reading this book. In Orly's writing she makes you think of a few things..... the one that stuck with me is.... No matter how much you love someone in your life, those people aren't going to be around forever. If everyone could, please give them a hug and remind them that you will always love them, no matter what secrets they keep.
:There is only so much space inside any of us for grief. You've had more than your share lately. If you don't let it out, you can't make space for the happiness." --Vale
April 6, 2018
At first, I misjudged this novel based on the cover-- a carefree photo of a carousel on a beach eliciting images of summer fun and romance. Yet after reading the very first page I was pleasantly surprised to find that my first impression was wrong. I was immediately swept into a much deeper connection with this heart-tugging story that subtly and artfully unfolds itself with each page. The characters were genuine and believable people caught up in a love story fraught with family entanglements and secrets slowly revealed. Beautifully written in first person, each scene paints a clear image in one’s mind of the artist Maya and her attempts to heal from her own loss while reconciling with her family’s past and her hopes for the future. Orly Konig is an artist herself as she has painted a riveting novel that is a pleasure to read. I look forward to enjoying more of her books.
June 5, 2018
This is a book that will hang with you. The characters are real, in real life situations - it gets messy. But I was so rooting for how it turned out (no spoilers).
And I want to adopt the Grandmother.
A serious look at grief,regrets and learning to go on. Loved it.
And I want to adopt the Grandmother.
A serious look at grief,regrets and learning to go on. Loved it.
May 5, 2018
My REVIEW OF “CAROUSEL BEACH’ by Orly Konig A Forge Book 2018
“Carousel Beach” by Orly Konig, is such a captivating, sentimental, magical, emotional and intriguing novel. I love the way Orly discusses in great detail the artistic and natural elements in the environment. The timeline of the story is set within a year, and only goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The setting of the story is by the beach which is known as Carousel Beach, where the wonderful carousel once stood, and is currently in the process of restoration. The genres for this novel are Fiction, with some Suspense and Mystery and an essence of magic.
Orly König discusses her characters as complex and complicated. There are deep secrets. There is loss and hurt. Maya Brice, is grieving the loss of both her baby and her grandmother.Maya specializes in restoration, and is in the process of restoring the animals for the carousel, which hopefully will be completed and in operation again. Painting and talking to the horse and other animals is comforting to Maya. While examining the horse, Maya finds a strange inscription that has her grandmother’s name. At the gravesite, Maya finds a letter written to her grandmother. Is this a sign or something that is meant to be investigated? What problems will this cause?
Maya’s family and friends try to prevent her from isolating herself, and want to see her start living her life. Maya’s husband is frustrated, and their marriage is questionable. It is only with the magic of the carousel does Maya feel alive.
I appreciate that the author discusses important topics such as grieving and Alzheimers. Olga Konig also discusses the importance of communication, honesty, the importance of a support system , family, friends, love, faith and hope. I received an ARC for my honest review. I would highly recommend this amazing novel to those readers that enjoy fictional stories with an essence of magic.
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“Carousel Beach” by Orly Konig, is such a captivating, sentimental, magical, emotional and intriguing novel. I love the way Orly discusses in great detail the artistic and natural elements in the environment. The timeline of the story is set within a year, and only goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The setting of the story is by the beach which is known as Carousel Beach, where the wonderful carousel once stood, and is currently in the process of restoration. The genres for this novel are Fiction, with some Suspense and Mystery and an essence of magic.
Orly König discusses her characters as complex and complicated. There are deep secrets. There is loss and hurt. Maya Brice, is grieving the loss of both her baby and her grandmother.Maya specializes in restoration, and is in the process of restoring the animals for the carousel, which hopefully will be completed and in operation again. Painting and talking to the horse and other animals is comforting to Maya. While examining the horse, Maya finds a strange inscription that has her grandmother’s name. At the gravesite, Maya finds a letter written to her grandmother. Is this a sign or something that is meant to be investigated? What problems will this cause?
Maya’s family and friends try to prevent her from isolating herself, and want to see her start living her life. Maya’s husband is frustrated, and their marriage is questionable. It is only with the magic of the carousel does Maya feel alive.
I appreciate that the author discusses important topics such as grieving and Alzheimers. Olga Konig also discusses the importance of communication, honesty, the importance of a support system , family, friends, love, faith and hope. I received an ARC for my honest review. I would highly recommend this amazing novel to those readers that enjoy fictional stories with an essence of magic.
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May 8, 2018
I’ve always loved merry go rounds, so how could I not enjoy this book, that is centered around the restoration of an old carousel at the beach. Maya Brice has lived in Kent all of her life, and grew up with her grandmother’s stories about the magic of the carousel’s fading, worn animals.
As Maya takes on the huge task of restoring the carousel, she also is struggling to repair her shattered heart, from the loss of her beloved grandmother and her guilt over the loss of her unborn son. She has a strained relationship with her mother and her marriage to Vale is falling apart. She knows how to return the animals to their previous beauty, but can’t manage to do the same with her damaged relationships.
This story is about family secrets, lost loves, hopes and dreams and the hard work to repair them, when damaged. In Maya’s struggle to return the animals and the carousel to its former beauty, she finds the courage to repair what is wrong in her life. My first time reading Orly Konig, and I look forward to her debut novel and those that follow.
My thanks to the author for this ARC, which I enjoyed immensely.
As Maya takes on the huge task of restoring the carousel, she also is struggling to repair her shattered heart, from the loss of her beloved grandmother and her guilt over the loss of her unborn son. She has a strained relationship with her mother and her marriage to Vale is falling apart. She knows how to return the animals to their previous beauty, but can’t manage to do the same with her damaged relationships.
This story is about family secrets, lost loves, hopes and dreams and the hard work to repair them, when damaged. In Maya’s struggle to return the animals and the carousel to its former beauty, she finds the courage to repair what is wrong in her life. My first time reading Orly Konig, and I look forward to her debut novel and those that follow.
My thanks to the author for this ARC, which I enjoyed immensely.
April 3, 2018
Oh, my! I loved this book and could not leave it alone. The writing alone is superb and it is combined with the heart touching story of a young woman trying to come to terms with two horrible and utterly sad events. One can just feel the heaviness of heart of Maya as she struggles daily to recapture a lost sense of wholeness and find a way back to the person she was. All along her troubled journey is her devoted husband, Vale, who tries his best to bring her back to the love, closeness and uniqueness that defined them. The true savior in the story is Hank, creator of the carousel that Maya is restoring. His connection to Maya and their conversations about the carousel and about Maya’s deceased grandmother reach the places in Maya that were closed off, effectively shutting her off from life and family.
This is an absolutely beautiful book.
This is an absolutely beautiful book.
July 3, 2018
Maya and her husband Vale live in a small beach town in Delaware. It's a story of love, family and secrets. Maya is restoring an antique carousel horse and helping keep the pier open so the next generation can enjoy the merry-go-round as much as she and her grandmother did. Maya works with Hank, an aging Alzheimer patient who is telling her the wonderful history of the carousel and stories of her grandmother who died a year ago. Maya's grief for her grandmother and unborn son keeps her from moving forward. It may end her marriage as well since Vale has a job in Seattle that he can't turn town. Written so well, it's like you're right there watching the story unfold. I love old carousel's and I've been to several beach town's that could be the setting for this story. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 20, 2018
Orly's Konig's Carousel Beach is a powerful novel that untangles the secrets of love, heartbreak, and misunderstandings between three generations of women, perfect for summer beach reading and book clubs..
This one is very special, in that it hit home to me in several places. Lots of feels in this one and you will need a tissue. I adore carousels and the magic of them. Put this on your to be read list, you will be glad you did. Carousel It is a moving, beautiful book from page 1 to The End.. Very much a five star book for me.
This one is very special, in that it hit home to me in several places. Lots of feels in this one and you will need a tissue. I adore carousels and the magic of them. Put this on your to be read list, you will be glad you did. Carousel It is a moving, beautiful book from page 1 to The End.. Very much a five star book for me.
November 9, 2018
This was a good book that covered a couple of tough subjects, miscarriage and dementia. The main character restores an old carousel for the town she lives in and she discovers a secret about her family she never knew. She's also dealing with loss and a crumbling marriage.
The author uses a lot of adjectives and descriptive language and sometimes that bugged me, but the storyline was interesting and kept me reading.
The author uses a lot of adjectives and descriptive language and sometimes that bugged me, but the storyline was interesting and kept me reading.
April 3, 2018
What a nice easy read. Just enough description. Maya has had a miscarriage a year ago and still can’t let it go. Her husband has been most supportive but is skating on thin ice. Maya has been commissioned to restore the towns old carousel which holds many memories for her. She comes across an inscription on the underbelly of the finale piece to be restored. She feels she must get to the bottom of who inscribed it and
why and so this wonderful story continues. There are lots of family secrets that will hopefully now be uncovered.
why and so this wonderful story continues. There are lots of family secrets that will hopefully now be uncovered.
May 29, 2018
I finished this just now...a book I couldn’t put down...filled with grief and loss, family secrets, memories, and the challenge of moving on. One of my favorite lines: “Loss is hard to get past, but it’s impossible to live in.” There is so much to love about this book, and I loved it all.
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June 9, 2018I don’t think this one was written for me. Not going to rate it because I started to skim at a point because it just wasn’t drawing me in. Maybe I’ll come back to it at some point and it’ll speak to me.
June 15, 2018
This was an amazing book. I loved all the characters. It seems like Vale and Maya are having a happy start again. I'm glad for them. Maya definitely seems to need both Simon and her mom in her life. I feel bad for Maya that Hank had to die. I'm so glad that they took the abandoned puppy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2018
Sweet, charming, humorous. Carousel Beach is moving and tugs the heartstrings. The characters are relatable and flawed, struggling with real-life challenges. The carousel as focal point is wonderfully artful and nostalgic - I loved it!
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