The Summer of Chasing Mermaids Review.

Book: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids.

Written By: Sarah Ockler.

Pages: 399.

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts: First off, let me start off by saying, this book was GREAT! The only reason I couldn’t give it five stars is because at times it felt like the stuff that didn’t matter went on and on and on. It made me want to skip around, but I wouldn’t let myself. But once the boring parts where over, I loved it!

This was my first time reading a fairy tale retelling, and it makes me want to read more. My only problem with retellings is, they seem to be more fantasy than real life. I liked that The Summer of Chasing Mermaids was realistic. People do believe in curses and witchcraft, and I’m glad that Elyse’ story didn’t seem…fake.

The storylines weren’t cliche and her characterization was on point. I loved Sebastian. He was one of the best parts of this story. This story went above and beyond to show the importance of acceptance. Mr. Kane needs to set aside his pride, and think about his sons for once. It shouldn’t matter what others think, he should have let Sebastian be himself. A Mermaid.

This is my second Sarah Ockler books, and can I just say, I am in love! I can’t wait to read her other books. Hopefully they are as great, as The Summer of Chasing Mermaids and Twenty Boy Summer(!!).

I gave The Summer of Chasing Mermaids 4 Stars!