Clean Reads By The Sea (Summer Book Club) 2024 discussion

Oh my gosh... Chapter 6 is hilarious already.
Gerry...

"Do we look stupid?"

"Hold on a minute. I'm not sitting anywhere until I know what this is."

"They spelled chemical k-e-m-i-c-a-l."

"I'll stay over here, thank you. One of us should keep her shoes on to run for help." 😆

A few stranded hours on a deserted island. hmmm

I want to know what's up with Lacey. I have lots o' thoughts and curiosities.

Did anyone else catch the substantial mention of illness/meds/etc with Lacey and her parents?

And how Lacey said, "Don't bother" when her Mom was about to put her Dad on the phone?

Did I dream that? Is it insignificant or does it have something to do with why she's pushing Jon away?

And I can't wait to get back to the boat and see what's going on there with the 'investigation.'

This author is not disappointing! She really is taking this full steam ahead in the storytelling! I am really curious why Lacey is running from answering the questions from Jon and what is in the past yet to be revealed why she left.
I also love the "granny Gansters" and their no holding back on plans to bring Jon and Lacey together.
I think there is going to be many layers to this story, so far I'm loving this!

I noticed how Lacey brushed off speaking with her Dad. Both parents sounded like they had a lot of health issues which felt a little strange? Something about it seemed off.

I’m interested to see why she feels like “the charming” ones are the ones who will let you down. Obviously something in her past!

These ladies 😆😆😆. So hilarious!

Also, is it just me or does it feel like the “PI” is trying to get Jon away from the ship? something feels odd with him!

Away from the ship

Yessss --- the oddities. Excited to see if we're right.

LOVE the ladies. so. much.

Know what I'm thankful for? That this book is a chunker! Don't want it to end too quickly!

Bethany, that is something that I didn’t think of, the PI could very well be up to something!

I also noticed the convo with the parents and had the same questions. I agree something is hokey about the PI but I hadn't thought about it that way, Bethany. You might be on to something there.

These grandmas are not even remotely subtle, lol. I feel like people are going to get together in spite of them not because of them. haha!

Chapter 6 is my favorite so far. 😂😂

If the PI is suspicious, does that mean the cruise line's manager is up to no good since he's the one who brought PI guy in?

This might sound crazy but I'm wondering if Jon is actually the Merchant Cruises owner's son?

I loved the detail of Emily wearing Bill's aviator sunglasses on the island. 💗

Love, love, love all our suspicions talk!

I thought it was odd that the PI sent Jon off, but wondered if it’a because he’s lazy or has ulterior motives (but didn’t think he might be a villain).

I assumed that Jon was the son too of the cruise company!

It’s funny you brought up the aviator glasses, Nashelle. The first time they were mentioned, the fourth sentence of Chapter one to be exact, made me smile…

“The cheeky grin of her late husband stared back as he stood resplendent in his dress whites and flashy aviator glasses.”

💙 😎

Not only because I’m a proud Navy brat (and Army Mom), but also because I ADORE an author that can “show, not just tell’ SO well!
I’m trying to finish a book where the author is NOT gifted in that area. She’s describing every little thing instead of finding ways to hint and give clues and let me visualize it for myself.

Utmost respect for the men and women who wear the uniform AND for their families who also bear the weight of service and sacrifice. ❤️ 🇺🇸 💙

Well, well said, Nashelle. Indeed. 🇺🇸 💙 🇺🇸

Oh! I guess I missed the part - or the clues - about John being the son of the cruise line owner. Huh! That would make sense, though.

I think I got that impression from page 24 (if you have the paperback). Jon mentions his Dad (his Deacon dad not liking the nickname of one ship being Ship of sin) when he's explaining the bad publicity the cruiseliners are getting with all the drugs. I could be way off on that though.