The House on Mermaid Point. Wendy Wax

The House on Mermaid Point
Wendy Wax
Publisher: Berkley
Date: July 2014
Format: Paperback
Pages: 388
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: Own book

Maddie, Avery, and Nikki first got to know one another—perhaps all too well—while desperately restoring a beachfront mansion to its former grandeur. Now they’re putting that experience to professional use. But 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-and-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. Hard as that is for her to believe as a newly single woman who can barely manage a dog paddle in the dating pool.

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 . .

The women we met first in Ten Beach Road and then in Ocean Beach are back.  It was every bit as enthralling reading about them in The House on Mermaid Point as it was the previous two times.

How things are changing since that first time we met them.  Maddie was having difficulties in her marriage back then, now she is single woman again, and growing in stature all the time.  She still has that wise, caring way about her, and she is also a woman to be reckoned with.  Don't expect her to pick up what you drop anytime soon, those days are gone. Loved the growing relationship with William Hightower.

Deirdre and her daughter Avery are furthering their reconciliation - with many surprising developments along the way.  Kyra and Dustin are delightful as they have always been, Kyra is proving she is a good mother - and Dustin is charming.  Their story too develops with a surprising and wonderful revelation towards the end.  

The Do Over boss is as difficult as always and again is not out to make life easy for the women. However change is on the way! There are many challenges along the way - as a group and individually.  What will Nicole do - she has someone who loves her, but she is just so not willing to trust the idea of marriage again. 

Rich descriptive details bring the setting alive, the character development was deeply satisfying, and while every little detail was not tidied up and made into 'happily ever after', each woman was on a satisfying journey and the place they found themselves in was perfect for now.