The House on Mermaid Point

Ten Beach Road, Book 3

By: Wendy Wax

Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Maddie, Avery, and Nikki first got to know one another - perhaps all too well - while desperately restoring a beachfront mansion to its former grandeur. Their latest project has presented some challenges they couldn't have dreamed up in their wildest fantasies - although the house does belong to a man who actually was Maddie's wildest fantasy once.

Rock 'n' roll legend "William the Wild" Hightower may be past his prime, estranged from his family, and creatively blocked, but he's still worshiped by fans - which is why he guards his privacy on his own island in the Florida Keys. He's not thrilled about letting this crew turn his piece of paradise into a bed and breakfast for a reality show, though he is intrigued by Maddie.

But whether it's an unexpected flirtation with a bona fide rock star, a strained mother-daughter relationship, or a sudden tragedy, these women are in it together. The only thing that might drive them apart is being trapped on a houseboat with one bathroom....

©2014 Wendy Wax (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[ The House on Mermaid Point] will be hungrily devoured by readers." ( RT Book Reviews)

Still Going Strong

The third installment of the series is just as good as the first two. All the characters from the first two books are back and no one and no part has become trite, formulaic or tiresome. Though the continued enmity displayed by Avery for her mother gave me pause; especially given that book two ended with Delia taking a bullet to save Avery. Her reversion to the angry child of the initial two books made her a much less sympathetic character in this one. Added to that is the over the top tabloid coverage of Kira's son Dustin. It's difficult to conceive that the tabloid fascination with the kid would continue for years. Likewise William "the Wild" Hightower was a rock star back in the seventies and early eighties and the paparazzi is still chasing him around; seriously? I mean when was the last time there a tabloid article on Gregg Allman or Lindsay Buckingham?
Still these are the same tough, gutsy, likable ladies that created an emotional investment by the readers/ listeners of the first two works. Plus even though there was a lot less space given to the DIY facets in books two and three than there was in the first book, it was still more than is in most audiobooks. Despite those issues we still unanimously awarded this one five stars .

Horrible! Only finished cause I had nothing else to read

The performance was so fake and horrible. Only to be made worse by the stupid baby talk voice and words. Nothing romantic happens and it’s just a lot of dumb fighting and home repair talk.

Read and loved the entire Beach Road series!

I started at Book 1 and read the entire Beach Road series. Loved it all! Just enough romance without being near-porn as so many books are today. Great storyline. I want to stress how important it is that this series be read in order. The characters are meshed and each book builds on the previous one(s). The narrator did the Southern accents almost perfectly. Maybe a little OTT (which I'm sensitive to, being from the South, and knowing how easily Southern accents can equal ignorance on perception).

Progression with too many reminders

This story continues the Ten Beach Road saga but it has many, many repeats of narration from a previous book in the series. It would’ve been a better read without the “two steps forward, one step back” pacing.

It's like being pulled into a circle of friends.

This is the third book I've listened to in the Wendy Wax series. The only complaint I have is that it's hard to turn it off and get things done. Amy's narration is fluid and easy to listen to, like speaking to a friend. I love how the characters have developed in the series and look forward to their next adventure.

Fantastic, relaxing, enjoyable read. Just do it.

Where does The House on Mermaid Point rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

All of Wendy Wax's books are great reads, especially for relaxing or sitting at the beach.

What did you like best about this story?

This book is fourth (I believe) in the Ten Beach Road Series. I've read them all, and I like getting to know the back stories of all the characters. I lived in the Atlanta and I'm now back in Florida. I can relate to the places Wendy refers to in her books.

What about Amy Rubinate’s performance did you like?

I've grown accustomed to Rubinate's voice with this particular series. I think I would be thrown off it this book had been read by somebody else. She is the voice of these characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I was just anxious to see what would happen to the 4 women and to the house. I was looking forward to the description of the house they'd be fixing up this time and who the owner was. I LOVED Max from the last book.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend any of Wendy Wax's books. She is a consistently great writer and I really enjoy her style. She is one of the very few authors that I have stayed faithful in reading all of her books. She is just as nice in person.

What a wonderful book!!! Shows a true bond between woman friends!!! I could not stop listening to this book!

Excellent!!!! This book grabs at your heart and shows the true meaning of friendship and the ability to start your life over at any age!!!

Nice easy summer beach read.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, already have. Fun series - rather predictable, but fun to follow the characters. I listen to audible while I walk or sit out at the beach and this just fits the mood perfectly.

What did you like best about this story?

Even if I was not closely paying attention, I could easily follow the story without missing anything. Plus I love home remodel and learning about a woman growing and finding herself and female friendship. My friends and often meet at the end of the day and drink, we have added the "one good thing a day" toast.

Have you listened to any of Amy Rubinate’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

just this series

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Any additional comments?

No

Story is good but narrator …..

Narrator is horrible singsongy of the story line a bit better for the voices …… had to take breaks from the narrator voice.
Story is intriguing, that is the only thing that kept me from stopping completely.

Great story

Loved this book, great story with wonderful scenery that left me daydreaming about the Keys and living there!!