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That Night at the Beach
As mothers we never dare to delve into our worst-nightmare scenarios. What if… we might murmur to each other, and then shake our heads, telling ourselves it’ll never happen to us if we’re just good enough mothers. Yet here we are. And the steady beep of the heart monitor is the only evidence the child in front of us is alive…
It’s Labor Day weekend, so of course we went to the beach. Like we do every year. For a barbecue picnic with my best friend Rose. It’s the perfect tradition—drinks, games, burgers, music, laughter. Together with our husbands, my two teenage sons and her two daughters, we all arrived as the sun was still shimmering over the water, the whole evening ahead of us.
But nothing goes to plan. Old secrets emerge, tempers flare. And so we parents decide to leave the beach, telling the teenagers to enjoy themselves, reassuring them someone will be back to collect them in an hour or two.
But when I return a little while later, I know something is really wrong. Our teens are slurring their words, stumbling to the car. It’s clear they have been drinking and I’m shocked. I never expected our kids to behave this way. I’m bracing myself to have firm words with them in the morning, but the next day my concerns fade to nothing, when seventeen-year-old Bella claims my son Finn assaulted her.
Finn insists he would never do that. And I so want to believe him. Because I brought my son up right. Because a mother would know, wouldn’t she?
What I don’t know is that the answer to what happened that night on the beach may be a matter of life and death for one of our beloved children…
It’s Labor Day weekend, so of course we went to the beach. Like we do every year. For a barbecue picnic with my best friend Rose. It’s the perfect tradition—drinks, games, burgers, music, laughter. Together with our husbands, my two teenage sons and her two daughters, we all arrived as the sun was still shimmering over the water, the whole evening ahead of us.
But nothing goes to plan. Old secrets emerge, tempers flare. And so we parents decide to leave the beach, telling the teenagers to enjoy themselves, reassuring them someone will be back to collect them in an hour or two.
But when I return a little while later, I know something is really wrong. Our teens are slurring their words, stumbling to the car. It’s clear they have been drinking and I’m shocked. I never expected our kids to behave this way. I’m bracing myself to have firm words with them in the morning, but the next day my concerns fade to nothing, when seventeen-year-old Bella claims my son Finn assaulted her.
Finn insists he would never do that. And I so want to believe him. Because I brought my son up right. Because a mother would know, wouldn’t she?
What I don’t know is that the answer to what happened that night on the beach may be a matter of life and death for one of our beloved children…
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2023
2,787 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
805 books1,550 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
January 22, 2023
One night that will change two families forever.
What a gripping, heartbreaking, emotional and thought provoking read! Whew! This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions.
Every Labor Day weekend, best friends, Rose and Cara and their families get together. They BBQ, play games, drink, reminisce, and share laughs. But this year, there is tension, and the adults decide to call it a day, leaving their teenagers behind for a few hours to enjoy themselves.
When they are picked up by Cara, they are not the happy go lucky teenagers they were when their parents left them behind. They have been drinking and something is off with all of them. The next morning Rose goes to Cara's home and informs her that Cara's son Finn had assaulted her daughter, Bella the night before and they would be involving the police.
Whew!
Finn says he never assaulted Bella and Bella is firm that he did. Two mothers- one who believes her child and the other, hoping the allegation is not true. This book became an emotional and hard to put down book. I felt for both mothers. Both wanted to protect their child. Both wanted answers. I wanted answers. I felt for the teens involved as well.
This one pulled on my heartstrings and had me on the edge of my seat. What a powerful book that had me wondering how I would react if I were the parent of either of these teens. There is tension flowing throughout this book. I felt for everyone involved. This book covers many hot topics: drinking, social media, and sexual assault to name a few.
Wow, wow, wow is all I can say. This was my first book by Kate Hewitt, and I look forward to reading more of her book.
Gripping, powerful, thought provoking and emotional.
#ThatNightattheBeach #NetGalley #bookouture, #KateHewitt
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
What a gripping, heartbreaking, emotional and thought provoking read! Whew! This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions.
Every Labor Day weekend, best friends, Rose and Cara and their families get together. They BBQ, play games, drink, reminisce, and share laughs. But this year, there is tension, and the adults decide to call it a day, leaving their teenagers behind for a few hours to enjoy themselves.
When they are picked up by Cara, they are not the happy go lucky teenagers they were when their parents left them behind. They have been drinking and something is off with all of them. The next morning Rose goes to Cara's home and informs her that Cara's son Finn had assaulted her daughter, Bella the night before and they would be involving the police.
Whew!
Finn says he never assaulted Bella and Bella is firm that he did. Two mothers- one who believes her child and the other, hoping the allegation is not true. This book became an emotional and hard to put down book. I felt for both mothers. Both wanted to protect their child. Both wanted answers. I wanted answers. I felt for the teens involved as well.
This one pulled on my heartstrings and had me on the edge of my seat. What a powerful book that had me wondering how I would react if I were the parent of either of these teens. There is tension flowing throughout this book. I felt for everyone involved. This book covers many hot topics: drinking, social media, and sexual assault to name a few.
Wow, wow, wow is all I can say. This was my first book by Kate Hewitt, and I look forward to reading more of her book.
Gripping, powerful, thought provoking and emotional.
#ThatNightattheBeach #NetGalley #bookouture, #KateHewitt
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 21, 2023
the unbearable pressure
of tiny things two mothers
will endure for a last perfect
joined families holiday and its
bleak unforseen consequences. ♡
of tiny things two mothers
will endure for a last perfect
joined families holiday and its
bleak unforseen consequences. ♡
December 30, 2022
I’ve withheld this review for weeks. But I’ve finally decided: You need to go into this cold.
Don’t read reviews that spoil it. Don’t read the synopsis.
Do you have a teenager at home? A friend with a teenager? Then you need to read this.
All I’ll tell you is that one night at the beach changed everything for two families who did everything together for 15 years. Can they dig deep to uncover the facts? Can they sift through the accusations? Will it tear them apart? Bring them closer?
What really happened that night at the beach?
“We’ve lost so much, over the years, simply to time. Or was it more than that?”
It’s everything you’d expect from Kate Hewitt; extremely tastefully, compassionately and sensitively written and it pulls on your heartstrings.
I’m glad I read it. It’s a five-star read.
Going forward, I’m going to make more of an effort to be responsive rather than reactive. I’d hate my actions to derail someone at their most vulnerable point.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Don’t read reviews that spoil it. Don’t read the synopsis.
Do you have a teenager at home? A friend with a teenager? Then you need to read this.
All I’ll tell you is that one night at the beach changed everything for two families who did everything together for 15 years. Can they dig deep to uncover the facts? Can they sift through the accusations? Will it tear them apart? Bring them closer?
What really happened that night at the beach?
“We’ve lost so much, over the years, simply to time. Or was it more than that?”
It’s everything you’d expect from Kate Hewitt; extremely tastefully, compassionately and sensitively written and it pulls on your heartstrings.
I’m glad I read it. It’s a five-star read.
Going forward, I’m going to make more of an effort to be responsive rather than reactive. I’d hate my actions to derail someone at their most vulnerable point.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 30, 2023
3.5 stars - rounded up! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was my first experience with this author. Started off strong for me, but it seemed to really drag on for most of it. Nothing was going on - just a lot of trying to figure out “what to do” about the situation.
Like other reviewers, I agree that most of the characters were super annoying for different reasons - particularly the parents. I guessed the ending - which was sorta lackluster - but I did enjoy the book and bumped it up a 1/2 star because it held my attention.
This book was my first experience with this author. Started off strong for me, but it seemed to really drag on for most of it. Nothing was going on - just a lot of trying to figure out “what to do” about the situation.
Like other reviewers, I agree that most of the characters were super annoying for different reasons - particularly the parents. I guessed the ending - which was sorta lackluster - but I did enjoy the book and bumped it up a 1/2 star because it held my attention.
April 15, 2023
3 1/2 Rounded to 4 Stars Best to go into this blind.
January 21, 2023
Cara and Rose could not be any different as mothers. However, this latest book by Kate Hewitt is not about either of them. In fact, it is about their children, and an accusation that Rose’s daughter Bella claims about Cara’s son Finn. Bella’s claim is one that is very serious and very devastating. What happened and what were the circumstances that led to this claim?
It is the end of summer and a yearly cookout at the beach is one that neither family will ever forget. Cara and Rose have been close friends for years. Best friends, in fact. Cara has two sons and Rose has two daughters, and all of the children have grown up together and had been close for the most part. Any distance that the children had developed over the years went mostly unnoticed by their mothers, but the last thing either set of parents would ever expect was the possibility of what Bella says happened at the night of the cookout.
After a blowup between their husbands, both sets of parents headed home with Cara promising Rose that she would go back in about an hour and pick up all four of the children. They were not concerned that the four teens being unsupervised would be problematic in any way. Once Cara returned to pick up the children, none of them were with each other, but she did manage to find all four and dropped Rose’s two daughters off at their home before returning to her home with her sons. The next morning, Rose comes banging on Cara’s door quite upset that Bella told her that the previous night Finn had attacked her. Rose is determined that Finn will pay for the crime of attacking Bella, and that they would definitely be pressing charges on him for sexual assault.
Quite naturally, Cara goes to speak to her son, and he denies that anything like that happened between him and Bella. With both teenagers claiming that they are being 100% honest, both Cara and Rose immediately strive to get to the bottom of whatever happened that night. Any mother would do the same. Of course, Cara wants Finn to take responsibility for the assault, but first she must determine whether or not she is able to believe him when he says that he did not harm Bella in any way. The problem is that it was determined that both of the teenagers were drinking that night and that alcohol has made at least one of them unsure as to what happened at the beach after the cookout.
What a serious read this book was! The subjects were powerful. Teenagers drinking, sexual assault, the impact of social media, lies as well as secrets, and how friendships could easily be destroyed. This dramatic read went past the serious subjects being discussed when it came to the surprises that took place in this story. This led to quite a a shocking ending thus making That Night at the Beach a truly compelling read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/ObZJS7aggjw
It is the end of summer and a yearly cookout at the beach is one that neither family will ever forget. Cara and Rose have been close friends for years. Best friends, in fact. Cara has two sons and Rose has two daughters, and all of the children have grown up together and had been close for the most part. Any distance that the children had developed over the years went mostly unnoticed by their mothers, but the last thing either set of parents would ever expect was the possibility of what Bella says happened at the night of the cookout.
After a blowup between their husbands, both sets of parents headed home with Cara promising Rose that she would go back in about an hour and pick up all four of the children. They were not concerned that the four teens being unsupervised would be problematic in any way. Once Cara returned to pick up the children, none of them were with each other, but she did manage to find all four and dropped Rose’s two daughters off at their home before returning to her home with her sons. The next morning, Rose comes banging on Cara’s door quite upset that Bella told her that the previous night Finn had attacked her. Rose is determined that Finn will pay for the crime of attacking Bella, and that they would definitely be pressing charges on him for sexual assault.
Quite naturally, Cara goes to speak to her son, and he denies that anything like that happened between him and Bella. With both teenagers claiming that they are being 100% honest, both Cara and Rose immediately strive to get to the bottom of whatever happened that night. Any mother would do the same. Of course, Cara wants Finn to take responsibility for the assault, but first she must determine whether or not she is able to believe him when he says that he did not harm Bella in any way. The problem is that it was determined that both of the teenagers were drinking that night and that alcohol has made at least one of them unsure as to what happened at the beach after the cookout.
What a serious read this book was! The subjects were powerful. Teenagers drinking, sexual assault, the impact of social media, lies as well as secrets, and how friendships could easily be destroyed. This dramatic read went past the serious subjects being discussed when it came to the surprises that took place in this story. This led to quite a a shocking ending thus making That Night at the Beach a truly compelling read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/ObZJS7aggjw
January 23, 2023
I am ugly crying right now. That Night at the Beach by Kate Hewitt was not an easy read, but as the mom of a teenage girl, two teenage boys and a preteen teen boy, it was an important read.
I think it’s best if you go into this book with no preconceived notions. Trust me, your emotions will be all over the place. My emotions were in a roller coaster the entire time.
It’s so hard for teenagers today with social media. Their mistakes will always be remembered on Snapchat or Instagram. We were lucky that we didn’t have that as a child.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
READ THIS IF YOU
Have teenagers
Want to push your emotions
TRIGGER ALERT
There are a many sensitive topics
I think it’s best if you go into this book with no preconceived notions. Trust me, your emotions will be all over the place. My emotions were in a roller coaster the entire time.
It’s so hard for teenagers today with social media. Their mistakes will always be remembered on Snapchat or Instagram. We were lucky that we didn’t have that as a child.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
READ THIS IF YOU
Have teenagers
Want to push your emotions
TRIGGER ALERT
There are a many sensitive topics
February 17, 2023
This book absolutely blew me away! The first chapter pulls you in with a bang and makes you want to keep reading because you want to know what happened. This book is thought provoking and heartbreaking. It makes us ask “do we want to believe something so bad about one of our children” and “How far are we willing to go to protect our children?” The story is told from each other mother’s points of view. Hewitt wrote both of those characters as strong women in their own ways. Cara is the doting mother, Rose is the cool mother. As a mother myself, I had empathy for both women. I can’t even imagine coming home and having my son accused of something so awful. This was such a powerful book – one that everyone needs to read. It touches on peer pressure and the downfalls of social media. My hats off to Hewitt for such a successful novel.
May 24, 2023
Labor Day weekend at the beach gets turned on its head. Friends and families are strained and tested as fingers point and secrets are revealed.
This was a dramatic domestic thriller. It had emotion and twists. You won't forget it.
This was a dramatic domestic thriller. It had emotion and twists. You won't forget it.
Read
December 31, 2022That Night at the Beach by Kate Hewitt is a story that would leave any parent with an impossible dilemma. Having a son and daughter, I had every empathy for both Cara and Rose and was torn throughout as to what I would have done if I had been in the same situation. A thought-provoking and heartwrenching read!
January 10, 2023
Two families have been friends since their children were babies. While they live in the same area, they are different in many aspects-socially, financially and even in the way they operate as a family. Despite all these things, they’ve remained close through the years and they have a tradition of a barbecue on the beach on Labor Day weekend and have been doing it for as long as they can all remember.
This year, events lead to a he said, she said turn of events and no one is budging on their version of the story and then because of social media, the story takes on a life of its own.
This is a heavy topic and in today’s #metoo culture a lot of people will find it relatable.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
This year, events lead to a he said, she said turn of events and no one is budging on their version of the story and then because of social media, the story takes on a life of its own.
This is a heavy topic and in today’s #metoo culture a lot of people will find it relatable.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
January 23, 2023
My Review:
Wow and Loved!!!!! I also want to warn you a whole box of Kleenex are needed to get through this one. I was an emotional basket case after reading this book. This story pulled at my heart like no other. By the time I was done my face was red and puffy from crying. This is why I will not read books like this very often but we all need a good cry every once in a while. Ok, now let’s talk about this book. I always like to put myself in the book that I’m reading and ask what would I do. With this one I have no clue. I’m a mother to an almost 15 year old boy plus I am a woman and I honestly can say I don’t even know how I would feel in the same situation as these characters were in. I can see it from both their sides. I love these types of books. They really get you thinking about everything. I can’t say enough good things about this one. It had everything I want in a book. It was great in every way. I have read this author before and I can’t wait to read more from her. She writes such emotionally charged books with sensitive topics and she does it so well. Hopefully, her next book will be out sooner rather than later as I’m not a very patient person.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow and Loved!!!!! I also want to warn you a whole box of Kleenex are needed to get through this one. I was an emotional basket case after reading this book. This story pulled at my heart like no other. By the time I was done my face was red and puffy from crying. This is why I will not read books like this very often but we all need a good cry every once in a while. Ok, now let’s talk about this book. I always like to put myself in the book that I’m reading and ask what would I do. With this one I have no clue. I’m a mother to an almost 15 year old boy plus I am a woman and I honestly can say I don’t even know how I would feel in the same situation as these characters were in. I can see it from both their sides. I love these types of books. They really get you thinking about everything. I can’t say enough good things about this one. It had everything I want in a book. It was great in every way. I have read this author before and I can’t wait to read more from her. She writes such emotionally charged books with sensitive topics and she does it so well. Hopefully, her next book will be out sooner rather than later as I’m not a very patient person.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 23, 2023
BOOK TOUR!! I just finished That Night at the beach by Kate Hewitt and here are my thoughts.
Two families torn apart by one night at the beach. The adults have been drifting apart for years but they still have a BBQ at the beach every labor day weekend. After the husbands have another clash, they all decide to go home and come back for the teens in a couple of hours.
When Cara returns to pick everyone up, something is wrong. When she finally finds them they are all drunk and the mood is subdued. Nothing could have prepared Cara for the next morning.,,,
Rose is furious. Her daughter Bella claims Cara’s son Finn assaulted her. Finn vehemently denies it all. Cara doesn’t believe it and the fracture friendship between the 2 women widens as they both search for what really happened that night….
Mother’s worst nightmares right here. To have a daughter who says she has been assaulted and a son saying he didn’t do it. I wouldn’t want to be on either side of this coin. These two women couldn’t be more different or have more different parenting styles but both have the same concerns and fears internally. I found the book super easy to connect with and the fact it was a thriller too really made it more intense for me.
The pace was really well set and sped up in all the right places. The book comes from both mothers POV and it helped to round the book out to understand the two perspectives. I felt super invested in the outcome and while I did figure it out pretty soon into the book, it didn’t spoil anything for me at all. It was really well done with exceptionally genius writing. Hard topic to cover and the author did it with such class and gravitas which I was really grateful for.
Triggers: attempted suicide and assault.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I give it a solid 4 stars! If you love Jodi picoult books, then this one's for you!
Thank you to @bookouture and @netgally for my review copy
Two families torn apart by one night at the beach. The adults have been drifting apart for years but they still have a BBQ at the beach every labor day weekend. After the husbands have another clash, they all decide to go home and come back for the teens in a couple of hours.
When Cara returns to pick everyone up, something is wrong. When she finally finds them they are all drunk and the mood is subdued. Nothing could have prepared Cara for the next morning.,,,
Rose is furious. Her daughter Bella claims Cara’s son Finn assaulted her. Finn vehemently denies it all. Cara doesn’t believe it and the fracture friendship between the 2 women widens as they both search for what really happened that night….
Mother’s worst nightmares right here. To have a daughter who says she has been assaulted and a son saying he didn’t do it. I wouldn’t want to be on either side of this coin. These two women couldn’t be more different or have more different parenting styles but both have the same concerns and fears internally. I found the book super easy to connect with and the fact it was a thriller too really made it more intense for me.
The pace was really well set and sped up in all the right places. The book comes from both mothers POV and it helped to round the book out to understand the two perspectives. I felt super invested in the outcome and while I did figure it out pretty soon into the book, it didn’t spoil anything for me at all. It was really well done with exceptionally genius writing. Hard topic to cover and the author did it with such class and gravitas which I was really grateful for.
Triggers: attempted suicide and assault.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I give it a solid 4 stars! If you love Jodi picoult books, then this one's for you!
Thank you to @bookouture and @netgally for my review copy
December 31, 2022
The Night at the Beach by the brilliant Kate Hewitt is a domestic drama that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with plenty of food for thought.
Two families head to a nearby beach to celebrate the Labour Day weekend. The women, Cara and Rose, have been friends for years, but lately the cracks have been starting to show, and the day out comes to a rather abrupt end. Leaving their teenaged children at the beach with the promise of soon returning to collect them, the adults depart. But when they are picked up not long after, it is clear that the teens have been drinking. What emerges the next morning, however, is much more than a hangover. Bella accuses Finn of assault, and families, friendships, and loyalties will be tested, pushing everyone to the brink.
This is a heartbreaking story of the ties that bind us in this life, and the relationships that are the very foundation of our day to day.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Two families head to a nearby beach to celebrate the Labour Day weekend. The women, Cara and Rose, have been friends for years, but lately the cracks have been starting to show, and the day out comes to a rather abrupt end. Leaving their teenaged children at the beach with the promise of soon returning to collect them, the adults depart. But when they are picked up not long after, it is clear that the teens have been drinking. What emerges the next morning, however, is much more than a hangover. Bella accuses Finn of assault, and families, friendships, and loyalties will be tested, pushing everyone to the brink.
This is a heartbreaking story of the ties that bind us in this life, and the relationships that are the very foundation of our day to day.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
May 19, 2023
A perfect storm of circumstances that destroys two familys who have been the coldest of friends.
January 30, 2023
Love all of this versatile author's wonderful books. And this one - wow! Loved it from start to finish. Poignant. Just beautiful
February 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐
Loved, loved, LOVED how easily Hewitt had written (regarding writing style, of course) about such a difficult and relevant subject(s). The sentences and vocabulary are greatly executed and fit well. I already mentioned while reading that I absolutely loved how points of view changed with each chapter, switching between Rose and Cara, picturing the gloomy atmosphere both families experienced. 🙌
Story follows two friends whose relationship changed forever after that night at the beach. But, the unfortunate event doesn't only affect them, but their families as well. Everything is said in a blurb, but nothing is said at all.
Hewitt raises some difficult questions we all have trouble answering, especialy if we're parents. This was an amazing read with an unexpected twist I did not see coming, not by a long shot :O
All in all, this was a book worth reading and one I'll be remembering for a while :)
Loved, loved, LOVED how easily Hewitt had written (regarding writing style, of course) about such a difficult and relevant subject(s). The sentences and vocabulary are greatly executed and fit well. I already mentioned while reading that I absolutely loved how points of view changed with each chapter, switching between Rose and Cara, picturing the gloomy atmosphere both families experienced. 🙌
Story follows two friends whose relationship changed forever after that night at the beach. But, the unfortunate event doesn't only affect them, but their families as well. Everything is said in a blurb, but nothing is said at all.
Hewitt raises some difficult questions we all have trouble answering, especialy if we're parents. This was an amazing read with an unexpected twist I did not see coming, not by a long shot :O
All in all, this was a book worth reading and one I'll be remembering for a while :)
September 23, 2023
Gripping, couldn't put it down. I enjoyed reading about the issues with older children, older families.
January 23, 2023
That Night at the Beach is a standalone novel written by Kate Hewitt. It will be published on January 24th, 2023 by Bookouture. I was able to access this ARC by Bookouture as being a member of their review team and was given instant access on NetGalley.
The novel is about Cara and Rose, two mothers who are best friends, whose friendship and lives are changed forever after a single night at the beach.
Cara is a mother to two sons, Finn and Henry, while Rose has two daughters, Bella and Elspeth. They have been friends for many years, and their families has a tradition to spend the day together at a nearby beach in the final weekend of the summer before the school year starts. Due to other obligations, issues, and fights, all the adults leave early and the kids stay behind hanging out at beach longer until Cara picks them up later in the night to take them all home.
Their lives are upheaved the next day when Bella confides to Rose that Finn sexually assaulted her after the adults left at the beach. Finn denies everything to Cara, but matters are made worse when the information is leaked and Bella goes to the police to report the crime.
While Bookouture advertised the novel as women’s fiction, and I can agree with that, I think it could also be appropriately advertised as a psychological thriller to some extent. We switch between the points of view of Cara and Rose, and we see how the issues affects even them as mothers, to the point where their mental health begins to suffer as they doubt every decision they ever made over the years.
I have not done a book tour post before, and I am honored that this captivating book was the first one. I rate this book as 5/5 stars, and I would recommend it for all types of fans, such as for women’s fiction, crime, mothers, and readers that enjoy a story that truly shows the qualities and personality of characters across the pages.
The novel is about Cara and Rose, two mothers who are best friends, whose friendship and lives are changed forever after a single night at the beach.
Cara is a mother to two sons, Finn and Henry, while Rose has two daughters, Bella and Elspeth. They have been friends for many years, and their families has a tradition to spend the day together at a nearby beach in the final weekend of the summer before the school year starts. Due to other obligations, issues, and fights, all the adults leave early and the kids stay behind hanging out at beach longer until Cara picks them up later in the night to take them all home.
Their lives are upheaved the next day when Bella confides to Rose that Finn sexually assaulted her after the adults left at the beach. Finn denies everything to Cara, but matters are made worse when the information is leaked and Bella goes to the police to report the crime.
While Bookouture advertised the novel as women’s fiction, and I can agree with that, I think it could also be appropriately advertised as a psychological thriller to some extent. We switch between the points of view of Cara and Rose, and we see how the issues affects even them as mothers, to the point where their mental health begins to suffer as they doubt every decision they ever made over the years.
I have not done a book tour post before, and I am honored that this captivating book was the first one. I rate this book as 5/5 stars, and I would recommend it for all types of fans, such as for women’s fiction, crime, mothers, and readers that enjoy a story that truly shows the qualities and personality of characters across the pages.
February 1, 2023
Intense book!
February 4, 2023
I found it hard to like any of the characters or agree with their decisions, but most of them redeemed themselves in the end. A difficult read.
January 3, 2023
What a tangled web of lies! And when I say “tangled web” I truly mean it!
Two families that have been friends forever have their life’s torn apart in just one night. No one will ever be the same.
A truly heartbreaking and emotionally charged story. You will find yourself going through many emotions reading That Night at the Beach.
The only thing that I found frustrating was how long the author took in some parts of the story to get the point.
The ending was quite surprising though I did have just a tiny inkling of “who did it.”
Definitely recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Two families that have been friends forever have their life’s torn apart in just one night. No one will ever be the same.
A truly heartbreaking and emotionally charged story. You will find yourself going through many emotions reading That Night at the Beach.
The only thing that I found frustrating was how long the author took in some parts of the story to get the point.
The ending was quite surprising though I did have just a tiny inkling of “who did it.”
Definitely recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 5, 2023
A frightening episode when two families get together… secrets held, facts misconstrued and lives damages
January 24, 2023
What do I say about this book ? All I know is that I was absolutely numb after reading it. This was a roller coaster of emotions and as a mother of a teen myself this book and the characters all hit very close to home.
Cara, mother of Finn and Henry and Rose, mother of Belle and Elspeth have been best friends since they met at a mother's group. They have a tradition of meeting up for barbeque on Labour day weekend with their families for the last 15 years. But everything changes when they leave their teenage kids unattended that night at the beach.
The narrative alternates between Cara and Rose who are faced with an impossible dilemma, giving us a look inside their lives, their relationships with their husbands and kids. We also get to see the siblings' relationship with one another.
I loved Kate Hewitt's writing which is raw and honest as she delves deeper into some real and intense topics such as teenage drinking, impact of social media, sexual assault, lies and deceit. Just her emotionally driven prologue gave me all the feels and I knew that I was in for a compelling and heartbreaking read. The ending truly shocked me.
Highly recommend this impactful and thought provoking book especially for fans of Jodi Picoult .
Thank you for the review copy and having me on #bookontour @bookouture @netgalley and @katehewitt1
Cara, mother of Finn and Henry and Rose, mother of Belle and Elspeth have been best friends since they met at a mother's group. They have a tradition of meeting up for barbeque on Labour day weekend with their families for the last 15 years. But everything changes when they leave their teenage kids unattended that night at the beach.
The narrative alternates between Cara and Rose who are faced with an impossible dilemma, giving us a look inside their lives, their relationships with their husbands and kids. We also get to see the siblings' relationship with one another.
I loved Kate Hewitt's writing which is raw and honest as she delves deeper into some real and intense topics such as teenage drinking, impact of social media, sexual assault, lies and deceit. Just her emotionally driven prologue gave me all the feels and I knew that I was in for a compelling and heartbreaking read. The ending truly shocked me.
Highly recommend this impactful and thought provoking book especially for fans of Jodi Picoult .
Thank you for the review copy and having me on #bookontour @bookouture @netgalley and @katehewitt1
January 6, 2023
This heart-wrenching novel tells of the fractured relationships between two families. Cara met Rose at a Mother & baby class when they were both new first time mothers. They immediately became firm friends even though they were like chalk and cheese. As their families grow the friendships within the two families drifts until it is only the occasional text messages and annual beach BBQ.
Cara and Rose’s husbands never really see eye to eye as they have a much more competitive and hostile relationship.
Now that the kids are teenagers the closeness between then has changed and the yearly trip to the beach is not so attractive. When a serious incident occurs at the beach after their parents have gone home it leaves both families with a dilemma that has them fighting for the protection of their children.
My thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for the ARC of this book.
Cara and Rose’s husbands never really see eye to eye as they have a much more competitive and hostile relationship.
Now that the kids are teenagers the closeness between then has changed and the yearly trip to the beach is not so attractive. When a serious incident occurs at the beach after their parents have gone home it leaves both families with a dilemma that has them fighting for the protection of their children.
My thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for the ARC of this book.
January 3, 2023
I received this book from Netgalley. The first thing that attracted me to this book was the cover and the writing on it -
This book was really quick to read. The chapters were well written and flowed into each other well. At the beginning of the story I preferred Rose to Cara but then Rose exploded on Cara about Finn and the alleged incident. While I can understand where she was coming from, that's not the way you handle the situation. Especially not when this woman was your best friend. Albeit not anymore apparently.
Carla's almost reluctance to believe Finn is strange to me. When Finn says that he can't remember what happened, Cara seems to believe that he could be capable of what he has been accused of. Even saying he should give Bella an apology when he can't remember and it's her word against his. When there hasn't even been a discussion between the two of them.
When Cara finds out it was Henry she just cares about protecting him. Whereas when it was Finn it seemed she just wanted him to do the right thing.
I'm a bit unsure about the end of this book. When everyone thought it was Finn they wanted blood, particularly Rose. Then it turns out to be Henry and all of a sudden, due to his circumstance, everything is okay? It's all just forgiven? The family are friends again? Bella and Finn might be more than friends? If Henry had been perfectly fine would they still have been so understanding? Doesn't seem likely. To be honest this book was 4 starts for me until the end. Now, unfortunately it's about 3 and a half.
This book was really quick to read. The chapters were well written and flowed into each other well. At the beginning of the story I preferred Rose to Cara but then Rose exploded on Cara about Finn and the alleged incident. While I can understand where she was coming from, that's not the way you handle the situation. Especially not when this woman was your best friend. Albeit not anymore apparently.
Carla's almost reluctance to believe Finn is strange to me. When Finn says that he can't remember what happened, Cara seems to believe that he could be capable of what he has been accused of. Even saying he should give Bella an apology when he can't remember and it's her word against his. When there hasn't even been a discussion between the two of them.
When Cara finds out it was Henry she just cares about protecting him. Whereas when it was Finn it seemed she just wanted him to do the right thing.
I'm a bit unsure about the end of this book. When everyone thought it was Finn they wanted blood, particularly Rose. Then it turns out to be Henry and all of a sudden, due to his circumstance, everything is okay? It's all just forgiven? The family are friends again? Bella and Finn might be more than friends? If Henry had been perfectly fine would they still have been so understanding? Doesn't seem likely. To be honest this book was 4 starts for me until the end. Now, unfortunately it's about 3 and a half.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
Repetitive
Started off ok, other than I hated all of the characters. It just got so repetitive and boring. I ended up skimming so much of it and just wanted to be done with it.
Started off ok, other than I hated all of the characters. It just got so repetitive and boring. I ended up skimming so much of it and just wanted to be done with it.
March 31, 2023
This is a book I would have never picked up and read on my own. The synopsis of the book honestly did not capture my attention. However, it was chosen as the read for my local in person book club. I was debating with my sister if I was even going to read it because it sounded so uninteresting to me. But, I am loyal to a fault and decided to donate a few hours of my life to reading this book.
The good news? It surprised me. I read this book really quick as it really held my attention. The story is told by two POV's - Cara & Rose. Cara is the mom of two boys - Finn (17) and Henry (14). Rose is the mom of two girls of the same age - Bella and Elspeth. Both are married.
These two families have known each other since the oldest children were babies. At one time Cara & Rose were good friends but their friendship has not been as strong the past few years. Everyone is a little strained as they prepare for an annual family bbq on the beach with the two families. No one really wants to go and by the end of the night, nothing will ever be the same again. The teens are left on the beach after a heated intereaction by the fathers and are to be picked up in an hour. How much trouble can happen in an hour? Enough for three kids to get black out drunk apparently and have Bella accuse Finn of sexual assault.
The story touches on real subjects and real reactions. { Trigger warning: Sexual Assault } I am done raising my children but it brings back memories and emotions of always wanting to protect them from the evils of the world.
The not so good news. I did not warm up to any of the characters. The moms were a bit self centred in their own ways. The dads were douchebags. The kids were kids but out of all of them, I liked Elspeth the best with her sassy take no crap attitude. I thought it was a great read but the ending threw me for a loop. The next part is my opinion and spoiler:
I just personally think it wrapped up in a bit of a fairy tale ending because I am not sure in real life, this is how it would have ended.
Overall, a well written novel. It is a bit exhausting mentally (realization this happens all the time) and some people may find the subject matter difficult.
The good news? It surprised me. I read this book really quick as it really held my attention. The story is told by two POV's - Cara & Rose. Cara is the mom of two boys - Finn (17) and Henry (14). Rose is the mom of two girls of the same age - Bella and Elspeth. Both are married.
These two families have known each other since the oldest children were babies. At one time Cara & Rose were good friends but their friendship has not been as strong the past few years. Everyone is a little strained as they prepare for an annual family bbq on the beach with the two families. No one really wants to go and by the end of the night, nothing will ever be the same again. The teens are left on the beach after a heated intereaction by the fathers and are to be picked up in an hour. How much trouble can happen in an hour? Enough for three kids to get black out drunk apparently and have Bella accuse Finn of sexual assault.
The story touches on real subjects and real reactions. { Trigger warning: Sexual Assault } I am done raising my children but it brings back memories and emotions of always wanting to protect them from the evils of the world.
The not so good news. I did not warm up to any of the characters. The moms were a bit self centred in their own ways. The dads were douchebags. The kids were kids but out of all of them, I liked Elspeth the best with her sassy take no crap attitude. I thought it was a great read but the ending threw me for a loop. The next part is my opinion and spoiler:
I just personally think it wrapped up in a bit of a fairy tale ending because I am not sure in real life, this is how it would have ended.
Overall, a well written novel. It is a bit exhausting mentally (realization this happens all the time) and some people may find the subject matter difficult.
May 21, 2023
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kate Hewitt is back with a heart-wrenching emotional drama that will keep readers in thrall from start to finish: That Night at The Beach.
Cara and Rose have been the best of friends for years. When Labor Day weekend comes around, the two friends and their families all meet up for a barbecue picnic on the beach where they eat good food, watch the fireworks and enjoy spending time in one another’s company. This year, however, far from having a relaxing picnic, everything goes awry as tempers flare, old secrets emerge and tensions run high. The adults decide to call it a day and head back home and they tell their teenage kids that they will pick them up in an hour or two. However, what neither Cara or Rose realize is that a shocking event is going to unfold that is going to have devastating consequences for both their two families.
When Cara goes to pick the kids up, she can immediately sense that something is wrong. Her teenage offspring are slurring their words, stumbling to the car and seem unsettled and uneasy. Cara wonders whether they had some kind of fight in her absence, however, what emerges the next morning shakes the foundation of her entire world and pulls the rug out from under her feet: seventeen year old Bella claims that Cara’s son Finn assaulted her. Naturally, Cara is completely flabbergasted. She knows that Finn would not do something so heinous. But why would Bella lie? Is she telling the truth? Finn insists that he’s innocent, but could he have committed such a horrific act?
As two lifelong friends are torn apart determined to do whatever it takes to protect their child, will Cara and Rose ever uncover the truth about what happened that night at the beach? Or will discovering the secrets behind Bella’s attack end up being a matter of life and death for their two children?
Kate Hewitt is such a fantastic storyteller. She writes emotionally complex family dramas that brilliantly explore her characters’ inner lives and leave readers on the edge of their seats desperate to find out what happens next. That Night at the Beach is an absorbing, engrossing and astute page-turner that I struggled to put down. A fantastic tale of friendship, lies, secrets and deception that grips like a vise, That Night at the Beach continues to confirm Kate Hewitt’s standing as an outstanding storyteller.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kate Hewitt is back with a heart-wrenching emotional drama that will keep readers in thrall from start to finish: That Night at The Beach.
Cara and Rose have been the best of friends for years. When Labor Day weekend comes around, the two friends and their families all meet up for a barbecue picnic on the beach where they eat good food, watch the fireworks and enjoy spending time in one another’s company. This year, however, far from having a relaxing picnic, everything goes awry as tempers flare, old secrets emerge and tensions run high. The adults decide to call it a day and head back home and they tell their teenage kids that they will pick them up in an hour or two. However, what neither Cara or Rose realize is that a shocking event is going to unfold that is going to have devastating consequences for both their two families.
When Cara goes to pick the kids up, she can immediately sense that something is wrong. Her teenage offspring are slurring their words, stumbling to the car and seem unsettled and uneasy. Cara wonders whether they had some kind of fight in her absence, however, what emerges the next morning shakes the foundation of her entire world and pulls the rug out from under her feet: seventeen year old Bella claims that Cara’s son Finn assaulted her. Naturally, Cara is completely flabbergasted. She knows that Finn would not do something so heinous. But why would Bella lie? Is she telling the truth? Finn insists that he’s innocent, but could he have committed such a horrific act?
As two lifelong friends are torn apart determined to do whatever it takes to protect their child, will Cara and Rose ever uncover the truth about what happened that night at the beach? Or will discovering the secrets behind Bella’s attack end up being a matter of life and death for their two children?
Kate Hewitt is such a fantastic storyteller. She writes emotionally complex family dramas that brilliantly explore her characters’ inner lives and leave readers on the edge of their seats desperate to find out what happens next. That Night at the Beach is an absorbing, engrossing and astute page-turner that I struggled to put down. A fantastic tale of friendship, lies, secrets and deception that grips like a vise, That Night at the Beach continues to confirm Kate Hewitt’s standing as an outstanding storyteller.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 25, 2023
EXCERPT: She still didn't move, and I was starting to get alarmed.
My first rather shaming thought was that she'd taken something. You hear horror stories about what kids get up to these days; it's not a casual joint at a party anymore, it's ket at a nightclub, snorting coke in someone's bathroom. Overdoses and addictions and kids dealing hard drugs in the locker room. The world is a crazy, scary place, especially for teens, even in a protected place like Westport, a haven of wealth and privilege.
My heart started to race as I put down the water and medicine and dropped to my knees in front of her. 'Bella . . . sweetie . . . what's happened? What did you -'
A single tear snaked down her cheek, silencing me, splintering my heart.
'Bella . . . whatever happened, it's going to be okay. I promise.' Of course, parents can't make those kinds of promises, and yet still we can't help ourselves. We will make our children's worlds safe. We will right every wrong. Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes.
ABOUT 'THAT NIGHT AT THE BEACH': As mothers we never dare to delve into our worst-nightmare scenarios. What if… we might murmur to each other, and then shake our heads, telling ourselves it’ll never happen to us if we’re just good enough mothers. Yet here we are. And the steady beep of the heart monitor is the only evidence the child in front of us is alive…
It’s Labor Day weekend, so of course we went to the beach. Like we do every year. For a barbecue picnic with my best friend Rose. It’s the perfect tradition—drinks, games, burgers, music, laughter. Together with our husbands, my two teenage sons and her two daughters, we all arrived as the sun was still shimmering over the water, the whole evening ahead of us.
But nothing goes to plan. Old secrets emerge, tempers flare. And so we parents decide to leave the beach, telling the teenagers to enjoy themselves, reassuring them someone will be back to collect them in an hour or two.
But when I return a little while later, I know something is really wrong. Our teens are slurring their words, stumbling to the car. It’s clear they have been drinking and I’m shocked. I never expected our kids to behave this way. I’m bracing myself to have firm words with them in the morning, but the next day my concerns fade to nothing, when seventeen-year-old Bella claims my son Finn assaulted her.
Finn insists he would never do that. And I so want to believe him. Because I brought my son up right. Because a mother would know, wouldn’t she?
What I don’t know is that the answer to what happened that night on the beach may be a matter of life and death for one of our beloved children…
MY THOUGHTS: Kate Hewitt really knows people: their relationships, their emotions, their thoughts, their fears. Her characters are us, our friends. The tragedies - something I hope we never have to face.
That Night on the Beach encompasses friendship, sexual assault, addiction, peer pressure, the pitfalls of social media, teenage drinking, and relationships both within marriage and between parents and their children.
This is a good read to go into cold, and I am disappointed that the book blurb gives away so much information, so I am going to say no more about the plot.
This is a serious read. There's not a lot of light and joy, but it is a riveting read and one with many important messages.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#ThatNightattheBeach #NetGalley
I: katehewitt1 @bookouture
T: @KateHewitt1 @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #friendship
THE AUTHOR: Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of That Night at the Beach by Kate Hewitt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
My first rather shaming thought was that she'd taken something. You hear horror stories about what kids get up to these days; it's not a casual joint at a party anymore, it's ket at a nightclub, snorting coke in someone's bathroom. Overdoses and addictions and kids dealing hard drugs in the locker room. The world is a crazy, scary place, especially for teens, even in a protected place like Westport, a haven of wealth and privilege.
My heart started to race as I put down the water and medicine and dropped to my knees in front of her. 'Bella . . . sweetie . . . what's happened? What did you -'
A single tear snaked down her cheek, silencing me, splintering my heart.
'Bella . . . whatever happened, it's going to be okay. I promise.' Of course, parents can't make those kinds of promises, and yet still we can't help ourselves. We will make our children's worlds safe. We will right every wrong. Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes.
ABOUT 'THAT NIGHT AT THE BEACH': As mothers we never dare to delve into our worst-nightmare scenarios. What if… we might murmur to each other, and then shake our heads, telling ourselves it’ll never happen to us if we’re just good enough mothers. Yet here we are. And the steady beep of the heart monitor is the only evidence the child in front of us is alive…
It’s Labor Day weekend, so of course we went to the beach. Like we do every year. For a barbecue picnic with my best friend Rose. It’s the perfect tradition—drinks, games, burgers, music, laughter. Together with our husbands, my two teenage sons and her two daughters, we all arrived as the sun was still shimmering over the water, the whole evening ahead of us.
But nothing goes to plan. Old secrets emerge, tempers flare. And so we parents decide to leave the beach, telling the teenagers to enjoy themselves, reassuring them someone will be back to collect them in an hour or two.
But when I return a little while later, I know something is really wrong. Our teens are slurring their words, stumbling to the car. It’s clear they have been drinking and I’m shocked. I never expected our kids to behave this way. I’m bracing myself to have firm words with them in the morning, but the next day my concerns fade to nothing, when seventeen-year-old Bella claims my son Finn assaulted her.
Finn insists he would never do that. And I so want to believe him. Because I brought my son up right. Because a mother would know, wouldn’t she?
What I don’t know is that the answer to what happened that night on the beach may be a matter of life and death for one of our beloved children…
MY THOUGHTS: Kate Hewitt really knows people: their relationships, their emotions, their thoughts, their fears. Her characters are us, our friends. The tragedies - something I hope we never have to face.
That Night on the Beach encompasses friendship, sexual assault, addiction, peer pressure, the pitfalls of social media, teenage drinking, and relationships both within marriage and between parents and their children.
This is a good read to go into cold, and I am disappointed that the book blurb gives away so much information, so I am going to say no more about the plot.
This is a serious read. There's not a lot of light and joy, but it is a riveting read and one with many important messages.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#ThatNightattheBeach #NetGalley
I: katehewitt1 @bookouture
T: @KateHewitt1 @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #friendship
THE AUTHOR: Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of That Night at the Beach by Kate Hewitt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews