The Seacrest

Paines Creek Beach #1

De: Aaron Paul Lazar

Narrado por: George Kuch

They say it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Finn McGraw disagrees.

He was just 17 when he had a torrid summer affair with the girl who stole his heart - and then inexplicably turned on him. Finn may have moved on with his life, but he's never forgotten her.

Now, 10 years later, he's got more than his lost love to worry about. A horrific accident turns his life upside down, resurrecting the ghosts of his long-dead family and taking the lives of the few people he has left.

Finn always believed his estranged brother was responsible for the fire that killed their family - but an unexpected inheritance with a mystery attached throws everything he knows into doubt.

And on top of that, the beguiling daughter of his wealthy employer has secrets of her own. But the closer he gets, the harder she pushes him away.

The Seacrest is a story of intrigue and betrayal, of secrets and second chances - and above all, of a love that never dies.

"The Seacrest is a poignant love story that will have you reaching for the tissues. Every woman needs a Finn McGraw!" - Victoria Howard, bestselling romantic suspense author of Ring of Lies

"At a time when many authors seem to crank out fiction by the numbers, Aaron Paul Lazar invests his whole heart in every book he writes. His stories shine with sensitivity, compassion, and the richness of deeply personal experience." - Michael Prescott, bestselling author of Grave of Angels

"This book is about love – first love, young love, unrequited love, lost love, and rediscovered love. Simply put, it's a good old-fashioned love story with an ending that will make your heart swell with joy." - Cindy Guest Taylor, notable book reviewer.

"I just finished reading Seacrest by Aaron Lazar. Let me tell you, ladies...you will LOVE this book! A love story of all love stories, and characters so easy to fall in love with! Aaron has a way of painting a world so descriptive you feel like you're really there. If I had a five star rating system to use, I would give him six!" - Heather McLaren, author.

©2013 Aaron Paul Lazar (P)2013 Aaron Paul Lazar

Ups and Downs

It is a great story in many ways. undying love, family values, mistakes and forgiveness, constant twists and turns.... l

A Wonderful Romance!

This is the first book in the Paines Creek Beach series. I really enjoyed it.

I downloaded this book in audiobook format as I have listened to this author's work in this way before and really enjoyed it. This story is narrated by George Kuch. His narration was easy to listen to and his reading pace kept me engaged.

Finn McGraw is a wonderful character. I really liked this young man. He fell in love with a mysterious young girl he met on the beach when he was seventeen and had an affair. Ten years later he's married and working at the Seacrest, a horse farm, when his life is turned upside down by a tragic accident and his wife and his estranged brother are killed. As he delves deeper into his brother's life, he finds out secrets long kept hidden. With the help of his employer's daughter, he begins to realise that things are not all as they seem. However, Libby Van der Horne has her own secrets and demons from her past.

It is not often that I come across romance books told through the male POV, but I must admit that it makes a nice change. Each chapter is told through alternating time lines, flicking between 2013 to 1997. I did find myself wondering who the girl Finn met and fell in love with really was, as her identity was hidden for the majority of the story. Even Finn never really knew her real name until later (he gave her a nickname - Sassy). Nevertheless, their love story was extremely touching and made me a little teary-eyed at times.

There are a few story threads in this tale that weave into the whole. There is Finn's past and his one true love. Then there's the car accident that killed Finn's wife, Cora, and his brother Jackson, which creates a mystery that sees him trying to piece together the events leading up to the accident. Then there is Libby's past and her secret. All in all, this story is masterfully told with several twists and turns that kept surprising me. There is mystery, suspense, love, loss, forgiveness and redemption, along with a whole emotional roller coaster from start to finish. My only gripe is that I would have loved to have known the identity of "Sassy" long before it was revealed. However, that is only my opinion. Other readers may not have the same reaction. The ending, for me, was bitter sweet and something I didn't expect. I am looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in the series, The Seacroft, as soon as I can.

Aaron Paul Lazar has written a fantastic tale that captured my imagination. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. I also love the flow. He has found another fan. I am now looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

Although this book doesn't have any bad language, there are some slightly explicit scenes of a sexual nature. Therefore, I recommend this book to older teen readers and to adults who love contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton

Good

The tension of his feelings the heartbreak in his life for one so young, was well done by the author and the narration of this story. The narration was also excellent in the depth and clarity, well done. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

Wonderful

The Seacrest by Aaron Paul Lazarwas the first book I read by Lazar, so it is only fitting that it is my first Audible experience. Narrated by George Kuch, this book is perfect in every way. Kuch is a master of voices, keeping all of the different from each other, yet consistently the same throughout. This is a fantastic story, so it was a fantastic audible.

I was hooked!

If you could sum up The Seacrest in three words, what would they be?

First love forever

What did you like best about this story?

It's very difficult to switch time frames and make it work without jarring the reader, but Mr. Lazar does it beautifully in The Seacrest. Each chapter becomes a short story in itself, and the reader is taken back and forth as the story unfolds into the present. And what a story. There's something in the book for everyone: mystery, suspense, but it's mainly a love story that survives lies, mistrust, and misconceptions. Fortunately, I listened to it on a long drive, and I was totally caught up in the story and eager to find out what happened next.

What does George Kuch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Both reading a book and listening to one offers totally different experiences. Reading allows you to create the scenes and voices in your mind. Listening adds emotion, and Mr. Kuch does a fine job drawing the reader into the head of the main character. I felt the pain and joy and love through his narration. Fine job, Mr. Kuch.

Any additional comments?

Mr. Lazar is a fine writer. Period. End of story.