A Year by the Sea

Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman

By: Joan Anderson

Narrated by: Laural Merlington

Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Life is a work in progress, as ever-changing as a sandy shoreline along the beach. During the years Joan Anderson was a loving wife and supportive mother, she had slowly and unconsciously replaced her own dreams with the needs of her family. With her sons grown, however, she realized that the family no longer centered on the home she provided, and her relationship with her husband had become stagnant. Like many women in her situation, Joan realized that she had neglected to nurture herself and, worse, to envision fulfilling goals for her future.

As her husband received a wonderful job opportunity out-of-state, it seemed that the best part of her own life was finished. Shocking both of them, she refused to follow him to his new job and decided to retreat to a family cottage on Cape Cod. At first casting about for direction, Joan soon began to take pleasure in her surroundings and call on resources she didn’t realize she had. Over the course of a year, she gradually discovered that her life as an “unfinished woman” was full of possibilities.

Out of that magical, difficult, transformative year came A Year by the Sea, a record of her experiences and a treasury of wisdom for readers. This year of self-discovery brought about extraordinary changes in the author’s life. The steps that Joan took to revitalize herself and rediscover her potential have helped thousands of woman reveal and release untapped resources within themselves.

©1999 Joan Anderson (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A Year By the Sea

This book was well written, and I enjoyed the woman’s journey overall, but felt that as she rediscovered herself there was a bit of whining and overthinking going on which got tiresome. I suppose though that as we rediscover ourselves in later life, that whining is a real part of the journey. I will say that the author offered up fabulous quotes from other authors that I have followed up on and found intriguing! All in all an enjoyable read. Definitely one for discussion among a book club!

Awesome transformation novel

Good for moms of adult children and long marriages rediscover yourself great rhythm and flow

Great read but not enjoyable listen

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I gave up trying to listen to this book because the read read too fast for such complex sentences and depth. I tried slowing the speed but that didn't work for me. I read the entire book on Kindle but felt my Audible purchase was a waste of money. This is the first time I have not been able to listen to a book I have purchased.

Would you be willing to try another one of Laural Merlington’s performances?

Never!

Could you see A Year by the Sea being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Maybe

Best book Ever

I love this book. It spoke to my heart. I feel like I could really connect to Joan.

Wow, My Life......

When I started the book and Joan was describing her husband I totally thought she was talking about my husband. The book was amazing and I found a lot of guidance from her year. I would love to have met her while I was walking the beach last week. I always feel like I have come home when I cross the bridge on to the Cape. A year on my own taking and healing my soul would be scary but it is something I wish for.

What an Amazing Read

This book was recommended by a trusted friend who had insight into my current season of my life. What insight provided for women of my generation and what we are taught to do and to be. The amazing lesson of the importance of self in a well lived life and a healthy marriage is so valuable to me and other women of my generation who find themselves at such a critical juncture in their relationships. Thank you.

My physic

It was intriguing to delve into ones own physic and find answers so profound. Delightful.

An Unfinished Woman - An Unfinished Life

This spoke to my heart, the inner dialogue I find myself in during this chapter, these moments in life.

Great vacation read

My mother and I listened to the book and then she read the book we both absolutely loved this book excellent details makes you feel like you were there. We already bought her other books. Enjoy

Free too be a woman of my own making.

I long to be brave enough to take chances. This book gives me the courage to return to my days of youthful adventure and overcome the fear that has come about from life's mistakes. I feel free to be a woman of my own making and help my wonderful husband of 40 years find retirement an adventure, too.