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Potomac Shores #1
The Cicada Spring
A coming-of-middle-age story about second chances, the enduring bonds of friendship, and the power of nature to heal and guide us home.
Empty nest. Broken dreams. A single mom rediscovers her inner compass on the Potomac shores, guided by an ancient arrowhead and the captivating marsh man who found it.
Katie Young thought she had it all figured out. A fresh start in sunny Florida, a new husband, a thriving career. But life, like the tide, has a way of shifting course. Forced back to Virginia by the tragic loss of her mother, the family river house becomes her refuge from a storm no one saw coming.
Heartbroken and adrift, Katie explores the river on her dad’s old boat, questioning where—and with whom—she truly feels at home. Rekindled friendships around the beach bonfire spark new dreams in the little town of Occoquan.
But when a neighbor’s development threatens an eagle's nest, Katie finds herself fighting for her heart, her land, and a future she never dared to imagine. As the lovelorn cicadas emerge from decades in the dark, can Katie chart a new course toward a forever love?
The Cicada Spring, the first in the Potomac Shores series, is a poignant and heartwarming novel for women who are ready to rewrite their own stories and discover the strength that lies within.
Empty nest. Broken dreams. A single mom rediscovers her inner compass on the Potomac shores, guided by an ancient arrowhead and the captivating marsh man who found it.
Katie Young thought she had it all figured out. A fresh start in sunny Florida, a new husband, a thriving career. But life, like the tide, has a way of shifting course. Forced back to Virginia by the tragic loss of her mother, the family river house becomes her refuge from a storm no one saw coming.
Heartbroken and adrift, Katie explores the river on her dad’s old boat, questioning where—and with whom—she truly feels at home. Rekindled friendships around the beach bonfire spark new dreams in the little town of Occoquan.
But when a neighbor’s development threatens an eagle's nest, Katie finds herself fighting for her heart, her land, and a future she never dared to imagine. As the lovelorn cicadas emerge from decades in the dark, can Katie chart a new course toward a forever love?
The Cicada Spring, the first in the Potomac Shores series, is a poignant and heartwarming novel for women who are ready to rewrite their own stories and discover the strength that lies within.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2024
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July 23, 2024
The Cicada Spring: A Potomac Shores Novel by Carolyn McBride was a great introduction to this new series. It took place in both Virginia, along the banks of the Potomac River, and in Miami, Florida. The timeline for The Cicada Spring coincided with the onset of the Pandemic. It also saw the reemergence of the cicadas who had been dormant for seventeen years. The Cicada Spring explored mother/daughter relationships, second chances for a new life, friendships, support systems and loss. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Maria Marquis. The cover was my initial draw towards choosing to listen to the audiobook of The Cicada Spring but I was quickly immersed in the story as soon as I started listening to it.
Katie Young was an involved and loving single mother soon to become an empty nester. Her beautiful, strong and independent daughter was about to become a college freshman. Katie had focused all her time, energy and attention on her daughter for the past seventeen years. What would she do now? Fortunately, Katie had just received an offer for a new job. The timing was perfect. Her daughter was excited for her. The only thing that made Kate hesitant was that she would be leaving her mother in Virginia but the job was too good to pass up. Living in a warm climate was enticing as well. Soon after Katie dropped her daughter off at college, she traveled down to Florida to start her new job.
Just when Katie didn’t think things could get any better for her she met a man who was easy on the eyes and managed to sweep her off her feet. They had a whirlwind relationship that culminated in marriage within a very short period of time. Both Katie’s daughter and mother warned her that it was too soon to enter into a marriage with this man but Katie knew how she felt. He was too good to be true. Everything about him was perfect. He was attentive, caring and romantic. They would make his houseboat their home until they decided where to live. However, as soon as they had married, everything started to fall apart right before Kate’s eyes. She tried to ignore the red flags and the changes that surfaced but it was difficult. Katie realized that her marriage was over before it began. Her new job was in jeopardy as well. Covid was just becoming a reality. Then Katie received the worst news she could have ever imagined. Her mother had been infected with Covid and had died from it. Katie didn’t have to think twice. She left Florida, her marriage of less than six months and her husband who had become a complete stranger to her and returned to her mother’s home in Occoquan, Virginia. Katie returned to her childhood home, the home where her mother had died, to her memories of her father, his boat and the river and to her support system, the Bonfire Beach Babes. As the spring thaw took over the land and the cicadas began to emerge, Katie was pulled toward the river and the boat she had loved as a child. More than anything, Katie wanted to go out on the boat and connect with the water and nature again. The boat had not been used in a long time. Was it fate that brought a helpful stranger to assist Katie in getting her boat back on the Potomac? Did Katie believe in second chances? Who was the handsome stranger that had come to her rescue?
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Cicada Spring by Carolyn McBride. Katie’s character evolved over the course of the book. She became stronger and more confident and learned how to believe in herself again. The friendships that Katie forged with the women evolved in the Bonfire Beach Babes were authentic and beautiful. I enjoyed how Katie and her daughter became even closer after Katie’s return to Occoquan. Second chances, friendships, family, nature, hope and love were some of the themes that helped make this book so memorable for me. I recommend The Cicada Spring if you enjoy romance and women’s fiction. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Make Waves Press for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Cicada Spring: A Potomac Shores Novel by Carolyn McBride through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Katie Young was an involved and loving single mother soon to become an empty nester. Her beautiful, strong and independent daughter was about to become a college freshman. Katie had focused all her time, energy and attention on her daughter for the past seventeen years. What would she do now? Fortunately, Katie had just received an offer for a new job. The timing was perfect. Her daughter was excited for her. The only thing that made Kate hesitant was that she would be leaving her mother in Virginia but the job was too good to pass up. Living in a warm climate was enticing as well. Soon after Katie dropped her daughter off at college, she traveled down to Florida to start her new job.
Just when Katie didn’t think things could get any better for her she met a man who was easy on the eyes and managed to sweep her off her feet. They had a whirlwind relationship that culminated in marriage within a very short period of time. Both Katie’s daughter and mother warned her that it was too soon to enter into a marriage with this man but Katie knew how she felt. He was too good to be true. Everything about him was perfect. He was attentive, caring and romantic. They would make his houseboat their home until they decided where to live. However, as soon as they had married, everything started to fall apart right before Kate’s eyes. She tried to ignore the red flags and the changes that surfaced but it was difficult. Katie realized that her marriage was over before it began. Her new job was in jeopardy as well. Covid was just becoming a reality. Then Katie received the worst news she could have ever imagined. Her mother had been infected with Covid and had died from it. Katie didn’t have to think twice. She left Florida, her marriage of less than six months and her husband who had become a complete stranger to her and returned to her mother’s home in Occoquan, Virginia. Katie returned to her childhood home, the home where her mother had died, to her memories of her father, his boat and the river and to her support system, the Bonfire Beach Babes. As the spring thaw took over the land and the cicadas began to emerge, Katie was pulled toward the river and the boat she had loved as a child. More than anything, Katie wanted to go out on the boat and connect with the water and nature again. The boat had not been used in a long time. Was it fate that brought a helpful stranger to assist Katie in getting her boat back on the Potomac? Did Katie believe in second chances? Who was the handsome stranger that had come to her rescue?
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Cicada Spring by Carolyn McBride. Katie’s character evolved over the course of the book. She became stronger and more confident and learned how to believe in herself again. The friendships that Katie forged with the women evolved in the Bonfire Beach Babes were authentic and beautiful. I enjoyed how Katie and her daughter became even closer after Katie’s return to Occoquan. Second chances, friendships, family, nature, hope and love were some of the themes that helped make this book so memorable for me. I recommend The Cicada Spring if you enjoy romance and women’s fiction. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Make Waves Press for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Cicada Spring: A Potomac Shores Novel by Carolyn McBride through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 8, 2024
I genuinely enjoyed this book, kept listening whenever I got a chance, and wanted to know what was going to happen. It had solid themes with some depth, and transported me to vivid settings on land and water in both Florida and Maine.
I gave it 3.5 stars instead of 4 because it lacked subtlety and didn’t show a lot of character depth or growth. I think more could have been done to refine the inner and interpersonal dialogues to make the whole story more poignant and less cringey. The narrator did a good job with the material, and had a calming reading voice.
All in all, I enjoyed it and will keep my eyes open for future books from this debut author. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
I gave it 3.5 stars instead of 4 because it lacked subtlety and didn’t show a lot of character depth or growth. I think more could have been done to refine the inner and interpersonal dialogues to make the whole story more poignant and less cringey. The narrator did a good job with the material, and had a calming reading voice.
All in all, I enjoyed it and will keep my eyes open for future books from this debut author. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
Shelved as 'on-hold'
July 17, 2024Actually listening to the audiobook ver, but it seems that this ver doesn't show in here??
July 15, 2024
The Cicada Spring by Carolyn McBride
Narrated by Maria Marquis
Women’s Fiction With Some Romance
3.75 Stars
Thank you Carolyn McBride for sending me a copy of the audiobook. Ana's Attic has not been compensated to post this review. This post contains affiliate links.
Though The Cicada Spring by Carolyn McBride is not my usual read, I love books with divorced middle-aged FMCs. That, plus the fact that it partially takes place here in South Florida had me intrigued.
Katie raised her daughter as a single mom. For years it’s just been her and her daughter, and the book begins (after a brief lesson about cicadas) with Katie dropping her daughter off at college. I choked up right at the beginning because I’ve recently done the same and understand the grief and the questions of “Who am I now?”
Katie grew up boating with her family on the Potomac shores in Virginia; her love of the water and boating is evident right from the start. After dropping her daughter off, she was offered an amazing position for a cruise line in Miami and headed there for an interview. While there, she met a man she knew a bit from the boating scene up north and he immediately charmed her and whisked her away for a weekend on his yacht.
After a whirlwind romance (a weekend?) she decided to uproot her whole life, move to Florida, and marry the man. At this point in the story, I felt like this was on the verge of becoming a thriller—there was a lot to be suspicious about as we learn more and more about her new husband. As Katie started to realize that maybe she made a mistake, COVID was just beginning and her mother was one of the first to succumb to the disease.
Forced to go back to Virginia to take care of her mother’s estate, Katie heads back to Potomac Shores as the whole world shuts down. Carolyn McBride’s description of the area was almost like another character. It gave me a bit of the same feeling I had from Where The Crawdad’s Sing, where the location was depicted with such love and detail.
In Virginia, Katie reunited with old friends (outside because of Covid) and fought off evil land developers while discovering who she was without her daughter, and maybe discovering love along the way.
Likes:
•I found the heroine to be relatable.
•Her friend group in Virginia, The Bonfire Beach Babes.
•Her new friend in Florida.
•The symbolism of the Cicadas coming out every 17 years.
•The beautiful imagery in the description of the area that made it come alive.
•I actually liked that Covid was part of the storyline. It was such a big part of our lives I sometimes find it strange to never see it mentioned.
•The Author’s note.
Dislikes:
•I felt like the book couldn’t make up its mind on what it wanted to be. Was it a thriller? A coming of middle age? A romance? It had a little bit of each but not enough of any.
•There were a few plot holes that were never resolved.
•The first part in Florida and the second part in Virginia had such a different feel.
The Narration:
Maria Marquis was perfect for this book. I think her narration added to the story and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect narrator. She sounded as mature and intelligent as the character.
The Down & Dirty:
The Cicada Spring by Carolyn McBride would have made a great thriller. I found the FMC relatable as a middle-aged single mom with a newly empty nest. According to the blurb it’s “A coming-of-middle-age story about second chances, the enduring bonds of friendship, and the power of nature to heal and guide us home.” That’s a good description, but my interest was held more by the thriller aspect of the story and finding what the man she married was up to.
The setting is a huge part of the book and I loved the beautiful descriptions of the area. The author’s love for it showed in every word. I enjoyed The Cicada Spring, but I feel like a developmental editor could have honed down the book and made it even better
Rating: 3.75 Stars, 4.5 Narration
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June 26, 2024
The Cicada Spring by Carolyn McBride
Katie Young is now an empty nester, her daughter has gone off to college, and she has met a man that is everything she has dreamed of. Going through a whirlwind relationship, she marries the man that swept her off her feet, against her mom and daughter’s reservations. Moving to Florida, living on a boat, starting a new job and most of all, starting a new life with her new husband, isn’t what she expected, and as the layers are revealed, she realizes that she has made a big mistake
When Katie finally talks to her mother, worried about her mother hearing about her failed marriage, they reconnect. Days later, her mother dies from CoVid. With her life spiraling, she returns home, grieving her mother and regretting her rash marriage. When she sees the handsome stranger, she develops a friendship, helping her through such a difficult time
I liked the characters, especially her friends. I like the way they all came together, supporting each other, and ending their get togethers with prayers. I enjoyed the way she eventually came around and started showing some strength.
I disliked the COVID storyline. Hike for the most part, the author only touched on parts, it was still a major theme. I thought it was more of life and love after divorce and empty nesting, but felt more of the story revolved around pandemics and covid. I disliked how easily manipulated Katie was in the beginning and through most of the book.
I loved the narrator and her voices were engaging. She had me drawn in and I could continue to listen to her voice.
Katie Young is now an empty nester, her daughter has gone off to college, and she has met a man that is everything she has dreamed of. Going through a whirlwind relationship, she marries the man that swept her off her feet, against her mom and daughter’s reservations. Moving to Florida, living on a boat, starting a new job and most of all, starting a new life with her new husband, isn’t what she expected, and as the layers are revealed, she realizes that she has made a big mistake
When Katie finally talks to her mother, worried about her mother hearing about her failed marriage, they reconnect. Days later, her mother dies from CoVid. With her life spiraling, she returns home, grieving her mother and regretting her rash marriage. When she sees the handsome stranger, she develops a friendship, helping her through such a difficult time
I liked the characters, especially her friends. I like the way they all came together, supporting each other, and ending their get togethers with prayers. I enjoyed the way she eventually came around and started showing some strength.
I disliked the COVID storyline. Hike for the most part, the author only touched on parts, it was still a major theme. I thought it was more of life and love after divorce and empty nesting, but felt more of the story revolved around pandemics and covid. I disliked how easily manipulated Katie was in the beginning and through most of the book.
I loved the narrator and her voices were engaging. She had me drawn in and I could continue to listen to her voice.
May 22, 2024
I have to admit that I felt a little sceptical about going into a novel which begins just as Covid 19 is hitting, lockdowns are beginning and everything is a little uncertain. To be fair I’ve only read a few which have referenced the pandemic so it wasn’t overuse of the time that put me off it was just meh! Don’t worry I was a silly little sceptic, because this novel played like a beautiful daydream after a bit of a bumpy start and I found myself longing for long empty days fresh air and the way nature rebuilt itself so much.
So, the book opens with a lovely snippet about cicadas (hands up I thought they were crickets) there’s a bit of a mess brewing as Katie is left adrift when her daughter leaves for college. Feeling hopeless she quickly falls in love and marries this no good guy (no judgement here) her marriage is quickly on the rocks, but when Katie loses her mother to the virus early on she returns home to Occoquan Virginia, to the house she grew up in, her fathers boat and her old friends the Bonfire Beach Babes.
There’s lots of personal life story, and love and friendship and heartbreak, even a new love interest, I don’t want to be dismissive of that part of the story it’s lovely and all. What captivated my heart though, was the love of the land, the call of the water and the history of the town, I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be right there in a place and time so much, I loved learning about the eagles, the testing of the water, the 17 year cicadas, and the history that quite literally washes up. I just wish I’d have been sat round the bonfire in a family quilt to listen. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it only really missed the 5 🌟 as there were a few superficial holes in the story.
The narration was really fitting, it added that day dreamy feel.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and IBPA members audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
So, the book opens with a lovely snippet about cicadas (hands up I thought they were crickets) there’s a bit of a mess brewing as Katie is left adrift when her daughter leaves for college. Feeling hopeless she quickly falls in love and marries this no good guy (no judgement here) her marriage is quickly on the rocks, but when Katie loses her mother to the virus early on she returns home to Occoquan Virginia, to the house she grew up in, her fathers boat and her old friends the Bonfire Beach Babes.
There’s lots of personal life story, and love and friendship and heartbreak, even a new love interest, I don’t want to be dismissive of that part of the story it’s lovely and all. What captivated my heart though, was the love of the land, the call of the water and the history of the town, I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be right there in a place and time so much, I loved learning about the eagles, the testing of the water, the 17 year cicadas, and the history that quite literally washes up. I just wish I’d have been sat round the bonfire in a family quilt to listen. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it only really missed the 5 🌟 as there were a few superficial holes in the story.
The narration was really fitting, it added that day dreamy feel.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and IBPA members audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
May 13, 2024
This is the story of Katie Young, a single mom of a new college freshman, trying to re-discover her place in the world after 18 years of focusing all of her energy and attention on raising and caring for her only daughter.
Just as Katie's daughter sets off for college, she lands the job of her dreams in sunny Miami, and even meets Mr. Right the weekend she accepts the job offer. He invites her on a romantic weekend away on his houseboat and they quickly fall head over heels for each other. What could be better than living on a boat, a high-paying job in the tech industry, and a perfect new man?
Shortly after their fast-tracked relationship begins, everything that seemed so right comes crashing down around her- amidst a devastating loss of a family member and a global pandemic. Katie finds herself back in her hometown, alone, trying to heal her heart and pick of the pieces of her now shattered dreams.
Will friendship and love find their way back into her life and heart? Can her relationship with her daughter survive the physical distance between them?
I enjoyed this story, and found the audiobook narration very pleasant to listen to. While I at times wanted to smack the main character for her reckless and short-sighted decisions, I still found myself cheering for her to come out on top. I loved some of the supporting characters, while others I found to be cliche or even slightly annoying. Despite some messy (although minor) plot holes, sloppy writing, forced plot changes, and cheesy storylines, I still enjoyed the story. It's a romance novel, which is not my typical genre of choice, but it's also a story about women re-discovering themselves in middle age, the impact of friendship on our lives, and the importance of close family ties.
I found myself wanting to visit the town of Occoquan, VA to sit around a campfire with Rhiannon, Katie and the Beach Bonfire Babes! I will be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Just as Katie's daughter sets off for college, she lands the job of her dreams in sunny Miami, and even meets Mr. Right the weekend she accepts the job offer. He invites her on a romantic weekend away on his houseboat and they quickly fall head over heels for each other. What could be better than living on a boat, a high-paying job in the tech industry, and a perfect new man?
Shortly after their fast-tracked relationship begins, everything that seemed so right comes crashing down around her- amidst a devastating loss of a family member and a global pandemic. Katie finds herself back in her hometown, alone, trying to heal her heart and pick of the pieces of her now shattered dreams.
Will friendship and love find their way back into her life and heart? Can her relationship with her daughter survive the physical distance between them?
I enjoyed this story, and found the audiobook narration very pleasant to listen to. While I at times wanted to smack the main character for her reckless and short-sighted decisions, I still found myself cheering for her to come out on top. I loved some of the supporting characters, while others I found to be cliche or even slightly annoying. Despite some messy (although minor) plot holes, sloppy writing, forced plot changes, and cheesy storylines, I still enjoyed the story. It's a romance novel, which is not my typical genre of choice, but it's also a story about women re-discovering themselves in middle age, the impact of friendship on our lives, and the importance of close family ties.
I found myself wanting to visit the town of Occoquan, VA to sit around a campfire with Rhiannon, Katie and the Beach Bonfire Babes! I will be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2024
This book is a must read for all women. We can all relate to experiences had by Katie, Clara, Belle, Rhiannon and the Beach Bonfire Babes. It is a story that touches on all stages of life. The story and characters introduced in "The Cicada Spring" make us realize that we are not on this ride alone.
May 21, 2024
Unfortunately this one did not resonate well with me. The premise of the book seemed good at first, but the execution fell flat. I found myself groaning inwardly (and sometimes out loud) over Katie's lack of spine both at work and in her personal life. I was hoping for a much stronger female protagonist, with less pining and whining about finding the perfect man. The narrator of the audio version did an excellent job, which is why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2.
May 9, 2024
Katie Young gets divorced and makes some life decisions. She makes some mistakes along the way. This book will have you happy, down, and angry.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Make Waves Press for an audio ARC of this book for an honest review.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Make Waves Press for an audio ARC of this book for an honest review.
June 9, 2024
The title of this book caught my attention and the cover looks so beautifully idyllic. I wanted to be transported into the world of a cosy read and that’s exactly what I got. However, not only that, it was an entertaining storyline with likeable characters. It shares great friendships and outcomes that filled my heart with joy. I listened to the audiobook and found it well narrated and very enjoyable.
I give this book 3.5 stars and would recommend it.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and all involved in allowing me an ARC copy for an honest review.
I give this book 3.5 stars and would recommend it.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and all involved in allowing me an ARC copy for an honest review.
June 8, 2024
Carolyn McBride - The Cicada Spring.
Audio Review.
In the blurb, this book is described as being a ‘coming of middle age’ story. I love this description and it very succinctly sums up the feel of the book.
Katie and her group of friends have all been through their troubles in life
When Katie’s mother dies, her legacy could provide a fresh start for more than just Katie herself.
Set largely over the period of the covid pandemic, this is a sensitively written reminder of the times that we all went through in the not too distant past.
This is a tale of love and friendship, the strength of women and of holding onto hope no matter what.
I loved this book. The characters and the setting captivated me. A poignant read, moving and uplifting.
Fabulous audio narration by Maria Marquis.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio Review.
In the blurb, this book is described as being a ‘coming of middle age’ story. I love this description and it very succinctly sums up the feel of the book.
Katie and her group of friends have all been through their troubles in life
When Katie’s mother dies, her legacy could provide a fresh start for more than just Katie herself.
Set largely over the period of the covid pandemic, this is a sensitively written reminder of the times that we all went through in the not too distant past.
This is a tale of love and friendship, the strength of women and of holding onto hope no matter what.
I loved this book. The characters and the setting captivated me. A poignant read, moving and uplifting.
Fabulous audio narration by Maria Marquis.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 29, 2024
#CicadaSpring is an unedited audiobook I received in advance and will be giving my own honest opinion. The novel begins with the protagonist, Katie, dropping her daughter, Belle, off at college for the first time. She is pursuing a degree in the arts emphasis in dance. It seems her mom has been a helicopter mom for the past 18 years, a constant figure in the lives of her brother, Ben, a consummate bachelor, which Katy hopes to rectify and her mother the owner of Heritage travel agency, who loves to travel herself. Katie always watched her mother’s house plants and cats while her mother traveled. Katie loves boats of all sizes and is a very capable captain in her own right on the Potomac inner coastal waterways knows every crook and stream along the way, the father of Katy and Ben passed his obsession of boats and boating to his children, the family attending yearly the Annapolis boat show. Ben owning a 45’ yacht that he lives in. So when Katy moves to Miami to begin a new job in a new city, she finds herself a little out of sorts because she doesn’t have all the responsibilities like she was used to and could live her own life now after 18 years. Katy took a job that would put her in the IT leadership team, Director of technology for the largest cruise lines in the world. When feeling exuberant after aceing her interview where she received an offer and signing bonus on the spot. Upon leaving the meeting she ran into the yacht The Cake and Eat it Too. The captain, J.E. she had previously met years ago, said he was going to Key West tonight if she wanted to tag along. She could have the master suite and he would take the guest bunk. He professes his love for her and wants to go on down to the Caribbean to be married. In a small ceremony that won’t even be large enough for her family to attend. But she has Belle stand up with her and meet her husband. Belle doesn’t get the same vibe as her mom at any rate, it makes for the perfect summer read. I would like to thank the following for allowing me to review early:
#NetGalley
#Publisher
Title #CicadaSpring
Author: #CarolynMcBride
Narrator: #MariaMarquis
Publication Date: 04/24/2024
Again, A perfect summer read
Don't forget! Come back to
#NetGalley
#Publisher
Title #CicadaSpring
Author: #CarolynMcBride
Narrator: #MariaMarquis
Publication Date: 04/24/2024
Again, A perfect summer read
Don't forget! Come back to
June 1, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Make Waves Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Katie just got a whole new start to life – her daughter started her freshman year of college and, instead of having an empty nest, she’s starting life as a newly married woman in Florida with a new career! But when the newness starts to wear off, Katie finds herself wondering if there’s something lurking beneath the surface of her marriage and her workplace. When she has to return to Virginia to bury her mother, her so-called-perfect life comes unraveled at the edges and finds her reevaluating her future while stuck in her family home. Will she be able to overcome the challenges, or will she cave to everyone’s demands on her?
The Cicada Spring is Carolyn McBride’s debut novel and the start of a promised Potomac Shores series. Set on the water both in Florida and Virginia, this novel showcases the natural environment almost as an additional character, allowing the fauna and weather patterns to drive portions of the plot. This is a story of defining your own destiny and restarting after heartbreaking loss.
I give The Cicada Spring 4 out of 5 stars. The many romantic twists in this book and the girlfriend support system make this book feel like a Hallmark movie. I liked that the book is set in the recent past, with references to things like COVID lockdowns that we all dealt with. However, I felt like the characters were written below their implied ages – I fall into the age group with these women, yet it felt as thought the characters were 10-15 years younger than me, which made it hard to connect with them. I am interested in reading the next installment in this series and see how these characters develop over time.
This book would best be directed to more mature readers over 16. This would be a great girlfriend read along or book club choice – there’s a lot to unpack in these characters’ stories. With themes of financial fraud and toxic relationships, this may not be the best book for all readers. With that said, this would be a great light romance read for ladies in my generation who have the shared experience of COVID lockdown and natural disasters.
I was immediately drawn to The Cicada Spring when I noticed it on NetGalley simply for the cover. The beautiful lighting and water drew my eye! With that said, I was expecting something a little more cicada-driven and the cover doesn’t exactly match the scenes depicted in the book. With this being a debut novel, I am looking forward to seeing more by this author in the future!
Katie just got a whole new start to life – her daughter started her freshman year of college and, instead of having an empty nest, she’s starting life as a newly married woman in Florida with a new career! But when the newness starts to wear off, Katie finds herself wondering if there’s something lurking beneath the surface of her marriage and her workplace. When she has to return to Virginia to bury her mother, her so-called-perfect life comes unraveled at the edges and finds her reevaluating her future while stuck in her family home. Will she be able to overcome the challenges, or will she cave to everyone’s demands on her?
The Cicada Spring is Carolyn McBride’s debut novel and the start of a promised Potomac Shores series. Set on the water both in Florida and Virginia, this novel showcases the natural environment almost as an additional character, allowing the fauna and weather patterns to drive portions of the plot. This is a story of defining your own destiny and restarting after heartbreaking loss.
I give The Cicada Spring 4 out of 5 stars. The many romantic twists in this book and the girlfriend support system make this book feel like a Hallmark movie. I liked that the book is set in the recent past, with references to things like COVID lockdowns that we all dealt with. However, I felt like the characters were written below their implied ages – I fall into the age group with these women, yet it felt as thought the characters were 10-15 years younger than me, which made it hard to connect with them. I am interested in reading the next installment in this series and see how these characters develop over time.
This book would best be directed to more mature readers over 16. This would be a great girlfriend read along or book club choice – there’s a lot to unpack in these characters’ stories. With themes of financial fraud and toxic relationships, this may not be the best book for all readers. With that said, this would be a great light romance read for ladies in my generation who have the shared experience of COVID lockdown and natural disasters.
I was immediately drawn to The Cicada Spring when I noticed it on NetGalley simply for the cover. The beautiful lighting and water drew my eye! With that said, I was expecting something a little more cicada-driven and the cover doesn’t exactly match the scenes depicted in the book. With this being a debut novel, I am looking forward to seeing more by this author in the future!
July 5, 2024
I absolutely loved this book.
So relatable on so many levels. The refrancing of the covid pandemic explains how some people had to deal with loosing loved ones during this time, family members all being in places they didn't expect to be due to quarantine and then sadly the funeral whereby only a few guests can attend. Also explains a little of the impact on those with businesses and how people in different countries had different rules and regulations put upon them, leaving them not knowing when they can re-open, etc, putting different strains on families.
The bigger picture of course is of a family breaking up during all of this chaos and Katie has to navigate her way through not only her own life, loss of her mother, uncertainty of work but also the divorce from her 16 year marriage of which she was cheated on with children to comfort along the way. She beautifully finds a journal that opens up a little of her family line and receives much comfort from her daughter, Deek, a man she meets at a boat store, and of course, the bonfire beach babes.
When she first meets this man at a boat store she is convinced her heart is set in the ice age and she will never love again however destiny has other plans and she surrenders to the unknown even after much heartache and ongoing battles with her ex-husband who was determined to make life difficult.
This story tells of her love of water and boats from her father who was in the navy where the connection really begins to deepen with Deek as they speak of such things along with his current job of water testing to eagles nests and preservation of such things for all. The fact of the cicadas singing after 17 years was profound in itself and you can feel this through the writing and narration.
Well narrated, easy to follow, and truly just enjoyed the harmonious feeling of the water, beach, and all the well descripted areas Katie had been.
With thanks to Netgalley & Make Waves Press for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for an honest review.
So relatable on so many levels. The refrancing of the covid pandemic explains how some people had to deal with loosing loved ones during this time, family members all being in places they didn't expect to be due to quarantine and then sadly the funeral whereby only a few guests can attend. Also explains a little of the impact on those with businesses and how people in different countries had different rules and regulations put upon them, leaving them not knowing when they can re-open, etc, putting different strains on families.
The bigger picture of course is of a family breaking up during all of this chaos and Katie has to navigate her way through not only her own life, loss of her mother, uncertainty of work but also the divorce from her 16 year marriage of which she was cheated on with children to comfort along the way. She beautifully finds a journal that opens up a little of her family line and receives much comfort from her daughter, Deek, a man she meets at a boat store, and of course, the bonfire beach babes.
When she first meets this man at a boat store she is convinced her heart is set in the ice age and she will never love again however destiny has other plans and she surrenders to the unknown even after much heartache and ongoing battles with her ex-husband who was determined to make life difficult.
This story tells of her love of water and boats from her father who was in the navy where the connection really begins to deepen with Deek as they speak of such things along with his current job of water testing to eagles nests and preservation of such things for all. The fact of the cicadas singing after 17 years was profound in itself and you can feel this through the writing and narration.
Well narrated, easy to follow, and truly just enjoyed the harmonious feeling of the water, beach, and all the well descripted areas Katie had been.
With thanks to Netgalley & Make Waves Press for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for an honest review.
June 7, 2024
Thank you to Negalley, the author and Make Waves Press for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
The story starts in late 2019 where our protagonist Katie, a forty something single mom moves her only daughter Belle into college. Alone for the first time in her adult life, Katie feels adrift and doesn't know what to do with herself. Spending the evening with her brother Ben, who is briefly in town she ruminates with him about her future without being 'Belle's mom'. Running into JC, an old acquaitance who owns a 75 foot yacht, she accepts his offer of a weekend away running to Key West with the 'I'll stay in the guestroom' line. At the end of the weekend, JC has asked her to marry him. Katie accepts his proposal and also accepts a job offer as a Director in the IT department at a cruise line.
All is not smooth sailing however as Belle takes an instant dislike to JC. Neither Belle, nor Katie's mom attend the wedding. Almost immediately cracks start to show in JC and Katie's marriage and Katie starts to suspect that JC is not what he seems. Katie must make a decision about her future. What will she do?
The events are set against the backdrop of the Pandemic and it brought me right back to the scary days of social distancing, lockdown, work from home and the term 'masking up'. I enjoyed the story on the whole, shaking my head at how quickly Katie jumped in and married JC, swept away on a current of romance only to learn he wasn't what he seemed. I enjoyed the description of the Potomac river and the varied wildlife that inhabits it and particularly enjoyed Katie's crew, the Bonfire Babes (I'm secretly jealous, I want friends like that!). To me this is the perfect beach read and an uplifting story of women helping women. Well done.
The story starts in late 2019 where our protagonist Katie, a forty something single mom moves her only daughter Belle into college. Alone for the first time in her adult life, Katie feels adrift and doesn't know what to do with herself. Spending the evening with her brother Ben, who is briefly in town she ruminates with him about her future without being 'Belle's mom'. Running into JC, an old acquaitance who owns a 75 foot yacht, she accepts his offer of a weekend away running to Key West with the 'I'll stay in the guestroom' line. At the end of the weekend, JC has asked her to marry him. Katie accepts his proposal and also accepts a job offer as a Director in the IT department at a cruise line.
All is not smooth sailing however as Belle takes an instant dislike to JC. Neither Belle, nor Katie's mom attend the wedding. Almost immediately cracks start to show in JC and Katie's marriage and Katie starts to suspect that JC is not what he seems. Katie must make a decision about her future. What will she do?
The events are set against the backdrop of the Pandemic and it brought me right back to the scary days of social distancing, lockdown, work from home and the term 'masking up'. I enjoyed the story on the whole, shaking my head at how quickly Katie jumped in and married JC, swept away on a current of romance only to learn he wasn't what he seemed. I enjoyed the description of the Potomac river and the varied wildlife that inhabits it and particularly enjoyed Katie's crew, the Bonfire Babes (I'm secretly jealous, I want friends like that!). To me this is the perfect beach read and an uplifting story of women helping women. Well done.
May 19, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
I absolutely loved this book. It is the exact type of women’s fiction that I’m typically drawn to: strong female characters, slow burn romance, plenty of drama, and a scenic backdrop (Potomac Shores).
The main character, Katie, is embarking on a new chapter of her life after her daughter leaves for college. She quickly marries and realizes she may have jumped the gun and moved on too quick. This novel sees Katie hitting the “re-set button” on her life more than once in the span of just over a year.
The friendships Katie has are wonderful and provide a lot meat for this story. I wanted to joint their friend group!
Another thing I unexpectedly loved about this novel was that it takes place during the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic and wraps up around the time people are starting to get their first vaccines. I think a lot of writers for books and other media have completely bypassed this important chapter of our lives, but it was real, it happened and the stories deserve to be told. I loved how it was realistically woven into the book.
Lastly, I chose to listen to this audiobook because I’m in IL where the 17 year cicadas are just now making their appearance in May 2024. So I thought the cicada intro as well as the cicada tie-ins later on in the book were particularly relevant for me.
I have to mention that the audiobook was read by Maria Marquis and she did a fantastic job.
I have no idea what author Carolyn McBride has in mind for upcoming novels, but I’d love more Potomac Shores books based on all of Katie’s friends.
I absolutely loved this book. It is the exact type of women’s fiction that I’m typically drawn to: strong female characters, slow burn romance, plenty of drama, and a scenic backdrop (Potomac Shores).
The main character, Katie, is embarking on a new chapter of her life after her daughter leaves for college. She quickly marries and realizes she may have jumped the gun and moved on too quick. This novel sees Katie hitting the “re-set button” on her life more than once in the span of just over a year.
The friendships Katie has are wonderful and provide a lot meat for this story. I wanted to joint their friend group!
Another thing I unexpectedly loved about this novel was that it takes place during the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic and wraps up around the time people are starting to get their first vaccines. I think a lot of writers for books and other media have completely bypassed this important chapter of our lives, but it was real, it happened and the stories deserve to be told. I loved how it was realistically woven into the book.
Lastly, I chose to listen to this audiobook because I’m in IL where the 17 year cicadas are just now making their appearance in May 2024. So I thought the cicada intro as well as the cicada tie-ins later on in the book were particularly relevant for me.
I have to mention that the audiobook was read by Maria Marquis and she did a fantastic job.
I have no idea what author Carolyn McBride has in mind for upcoming novels, but I’d love more Potomac Shores books based on all of Katie’s friends.
May 19, 2024
Book Title: Thr Cicada Spring: A Potomac Shores Novel
Author: Carolyn McBride
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Maria Marques
Publisher: Make Waved Press- Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA),
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date was: April 24, 2024
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 356
I was drawn to this story because of the cicadas. Living near the Ocean in California we do not have cicadas – well not the ones that emerge every seventeen years. However born and raised in West Virginia experience their rise from being buried. The sound is something one never forgets. Moved to the Chicago area in my late twenties and guess what? – Got to experience the cicadas again. I figured this story was going to be a hopeful one about creating a new live after being somewhat in the dark for years.
This story protagonist is Katie Young, who is divorced and although share custody of Belle, their daughter is with Katie more, Now Belle is a college freshman. Katie is experiencing empty-nest and then finds the job of her dreams in sunny Miami, and even meets Mr. Right the weekend she accepts the job offer.
Nope story isn’t over!
Their relationship was fun at first but has ended. Katie finds herself back in her hometown, to heal her broken heart and pick of the pieces.
Katie has the support of long time friends, Clara, Belle, Rhiannon ‘the Beach Bonfire Babes’
Thank You NetGalley and Make Waves Press- Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was April 24, 2024
Author: Carolyn McBride
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Maria Marques
Publisher: Make Waved Press- Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA),
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date was: April 24, 2024
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 356
I was drawn to this story because of the cicadas. Living near the Ocean in California we do not have cicadas – well not the ones that emerge every seventeen years. However born and raised in West Virginia experience their rise from being buried. The sound is something one never forgets. Moved to the Chicago area in my late twenties and guess what? – Got to experience the cicadas again. I figured this story was going to be a hopeful one about creating a new live after being somewhat in the dark for years.
This story protagonist is Katie Young, who is divorced and although share custody of Belle, their daughter is with Katie more, Now Belle is a college freshman. Katie is experiencing empty-nest and then finds the job of her dreams in sunny Miami, and even meets Mr. Right the weekend she accepts the job offer.
Nope story isn’t over!
Their relationship was fun at first but has ended. Katie finds herself back in her hometown, to heal her broken heart and pick of the pieces.
Katie has the support of long time friends, Clara, Belle, Rhiannon ‘the Beach Bonfire Babes’
Thank You NetGalley and Make Waves Press- Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was April 24, 2024
June 11, 2024
3.75⭐️
This follows Katie Young as she navigates a new and confusing marriage, faces the COVID-19 pandemic, and rediscovers herself in her childhood home following her mother's death. Katie is a very likable character despite the foolish decisions she makes. As far as debut novels go, this is a pretty strong one! The author is clearly well-versed in the history and preservation of the area she has written about, with a background working for National Geographic.
My favorite part of the book was definitely Katie and her friends having their meetings and Bible studies around a bonfire. This is something my family and I actually did during the pandemic as well! It was, however, a bit unrealistic to see just how many people Katie was able to interact freely with maskless during the peak of COVID-19.
My one qualm would be the overall pacing of the book. The synopsis provided for the book encapsulates the storyline for the first 60-70% of the book. Everything just felt like it appeared and then was resolved too easily. At no point did I feel that Katie was facing a true struggle because I knew it would get resolved in the next few pages. This is just a small detail that I believe the author will learn and improve upon as she continues to hone her novel writing style in her upcoming books in this series.
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me access to a free audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
This follows Katie Young as she navigates a new and confusing marriage, faces the COVID-19 pandemic, and rediscovers herself in her childhood home following her mother's death. Katie is a very likable character despite the foolish decisions she makes. As far as debut novels go, this is a pretty strong one! The author is clearly well-versed in the history and preservation of the area she has written about, with a background working for National Geographic.
My favorite part of the book was definitely Katie and her friends having their meetings and Bible studies around a bonfire. This is something my family and I actually did during the pandemic as well! It was, however, a bit unrealistic to see just how many people Katie was able to interact freely with maskless during the peak of COVID-19.
My one qualm would be the overall pacing of the book. The synopsis provided for the book encapsulates the storyline for the first 60-70% of the book. Everything just felt like it appeared and then was resolved too easily. At no point did I feel that Katie was facing a true struggle because I knew it would get resolved in the next few pages. This is just a small detail that I believe the author will learn and improve upon as she continues to hone her novel writing style in her upcoming books in this series.
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me access to a free audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
June 30, 2024
Have you watched Sullivan's Crossing or Virgin River? How about the respective book series by @robyncarrwriter ?
Carolyn McBride's The Cicada Spring gave me the same vibes! Like Mel who goes to Virgin River for a new beginning, Katie ultimately ends up in the little town of Occoquan after her daughter starts college and her whirlwind romance that began in marriage only to end up in separation mere weeks later.
To top this all off, the timeline of the Co-Vid pandemic has begun and claims someone very dear to Katie. Now she must pick up the pieces of her heart as she begins to make her family's river house her new home.
But Katie gets knocked back down again when her neighbor (someone who she knows, coincidence or no?) tries to take down the trees which house an eagle's nest.
I found these characters to be incredibly relatable, like I could meet them while grocery shopping and pick up a quick chat and just hit it off. I loved that though this is a lot about Katie's romances, we see a lot of her self-discovery and we see that it is never too late to make something of yourself.
Grab yourself a copy of the audiobook because Maria's Marquis' voice makes these characters come to life and has you gripped to the book the whole way!
Thank you NetGalley and Carolyn McBride for the ALC!!!
I cannot wait for the next book, perhaps with one of our Beach Bonfire Babes..?
Carolyn McBride's The Cicada Spring gave me the same vibes! Like Mel who goes to Virgin River for a new beginning, Katie ultimately ends up in the little town of Occoquan after her daughter starts college and her whirlwind romance that began in marriage only to end up in separation mere weeks later.
To top this all off, the timeline of the Co-Vid pandemic has begun and claims someone very dear to Katie. Now she must pick up the pieces of her heart as she begins to make her family's river house her new home.
But Katie gets knocked back down again when her neighbor (someone who she knows, coincidence or no?) tries to take down the trees which house an eagle's nest.
I found these characters to be incredibly relatable, like I could meet them while grocery shopping and pick up a quick chat and just hit it off. I loved that though this is a lot about Katie's romances, we see a lot of her self-discovery and we see that it is never too late to make something of yourself.
Grab yourself a copy of the audiobook because Maria's Marquis' voice makes these characters come to life and has you gripped to the book the whole way!
Thank you NetGalley and Carolyn McBride for the ALC!!!
I cannot wait for the next book, perhaps with one of our Beach Bonfire Babes..?
July 10, 2024
The book info for this book describes it as a coming-of-middle-age book, and that's a very apt description. At the start, the main character, Katie, is a single mom dropping her only child off at college. She's at loose ends, wondering what to do with herself now that she's left with a semi-empty nest. On an impulse, she decides to accept a job offer that means more money and a big change in location, from Northern Virginia to Miami. A whirlwind romance and marriage follow, and it all seems to be too good to be true. And no big surprise, it is. Then 2020 hits.
Not gonna lie here - I'm not a huge fan of reading books with 2020/Covid as big plot devices. It's a "too soon" thing for me. So I'm glad I didn't know that would be a part of this story because McBride handles it well. And it does drive the narrative in terms of getting Katie back to her Virginia home in the midst of lockdown. She's surrounded (though sometimes at a social distance) by friends there, women she's know from her youth, who support her and help her figure out her new "what's next". McBride's knowledge and love of boating and life on the water shines throughout the book. She gives the reader characters to care about and to root for. The first book in a series is rarely the best - by necessity it's setting things up for the rest of the series, things like the setting, characters, and overall tone. She's handles it all well here, especially for a debut novel. And the narration of the audiobook by Maria Marquis is excellent, she managed to give multiple characters individual voices that were easily recognized. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Make Waves Press for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.
Not gonna lie here - I'm not a huge fan of reading books with 2020/Covid as big plot devices. It's a "too soon" thing for me. So I'm glad I didn't know that would be a part of this story because McBride handles it well. And it does drive the narrative in terms of getting Katie back to her Virginia home in the midst of lockdown. She's surrounded (though sometimes at a social distance) by friends there, women she's know from her youth, who support her and help her figure out her new "what's next". McBride's knowledge and love of boating and life on the water shines throughout the book. She gives the reader characters to care about and to root for. The first book in a series is rarely the best - by necessity it's setting things up for the rest of the series, things like the setting, characters, and overall tone. She's handles it all well here, especially for a debut novel. And the narration of the audiobook by Maria Marquis is excellent, she managed to give multiple characters individual voices that were easily recognized. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Make Waves Press for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.
July 17, 2024
Katie Young has been dreading the day she would become an empty nester with her daughter going off to college. But when she is offered a new dream job in Florida and meets a new 'dream' man at the same time she decides to take the leap for both, unfortunately without doing her homework beforehand. As her new marriage begins to crumble and the dream job turns sour, Covid-19 hits and things just get worse for Katie. And then her mother dies. It's bad. She returns home to her mothers house in a quaint little town on the Potomac river called Occoquan. Katie and her brother had idyllic childhoods there on the river and she is comforted to be there working out her grief for the loss of her mother, her unscrupulous husband and her job. She rekindles friendships with her 'bonfire babe' friends and takes time to spend as much time as she can on the water and surrounding property. This is a wonderful second beginning for Katie and when she meets a local environmentalist her heart begins to heal and she is able to open her heart to love again. This was a lovely story and I can tell it came deep from the authors heart the way she described the scenery and local flora and fauna. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend this book to others. My only issue with the story is a personal one of having Christianity integrated into it. I felt it was completely unnecessary and detracted from the story. Again, that's just me. 4.5 stars.
July 8, 2024
Listened at 2x speed with no issues. Thought the narrator was lovely.
It makes me a little sad just how much of the story the description gives away. Single mom Katie is spiraling a bit as her daughter goes off to college, and she makes some rash decisions as she attempts to really envelop her new "freedoms" in life, and sadly those decisions end up leading to heartbreak after heartbreak for her.
It seems pretty obvious early on that JC is a walking red flag, so it's tough to want to root for Katie's relationship with him to work. Instead, it's impossible NOT to love her newly formed friendship with Rhiannon. Additionally, the plot overlaps Covid, so 4 years later it's interesting to see the return of masks and social distancing to a story, the loss of loved ones, the impact on travel... Grief, mental health, cleaning out homes.... it was a gentle reminder of what everyone experiences (at least on some level) during that time.
While not an exciting story, it was a nice listen. A few farfetched moments stitched together... but ultimately it's supposed to be a "feel good" story that needed a happy ending.
Overall: 3 stars (I liked it)
**Thank you to NetGalley & Make Waves Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
It makes me a little sad just how much of the story the description gives away. Single mom Katie is spiraling a bit as her daughter goes off to college, and she makes some rash decisions as she attempts to really envelop her new "freedoms" in life, and sadly those decisions end up leading to heartbreak after heartbreak for her.
It seems pretty obvious early on that JC is a walking red flag, so it's tough to want to root for Katie's relationship with him to work. Instead, it's impossible NOT to love her newly formed friendship with Rhiannon. Additionally, the plot overlaps Covid, so 4 years later it's interesting to see the return of masks and social distancing to a story, the loss of loved ones, the impact on travel... Grief, mental health, cleaning out homes.... it was a gentle reminder of what everyone experiences (at least on some level) during that time.
While not an exciting story, it was a nice listen. A few farfetched moments stitched together... but ultimately it's supposed to be a "feel good" story that needed a happy ending.
Overall: 3 stars (I liked it)
**Thank you to NetGalley & Make Waves Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
August 17, 2024
3.75⭐
The Cicada Spring was just what I needed. A small-town romance (it gives Virgin River vibes), this book has it all: strong female characters, a slow-burn romance, drama, and a scenic backdrop. The emotional depth of the story kept me engaged from start to finish.
The main character, Katie, embarks on a new chapter of her life after her daughter leaves for college. Her journey, filled with ups and downs, is one that many of us can relate to. She quickly remarries, only to realise she may have moved on too quickly. Throughout the novel, Katie hits the “reset button” on her life more than once, navigating significant changes over a year.
Maria Marquis’s narration was spot on, with a well-paced delivery and just the right amount of emotion in her voice. She truly brought the story to life. I would gladly listen to anything she narrates in the future because of her ability to immerse the listener in the story and her skill in bringing out the nuances of the characters and the plot.
Overall, this audiobook was fantastic and really enhanced the story's experience. It had the power to evoke strong emotions, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to friends and family who love women’s fiction and romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Make Waves Press for providing me with an Audio ARC of The Cicada Spring in exchange for my honest review.
The Cicada Spring was just what I needed. A small-town romance (it gives Virgin River vibes), this book has it all: strong female characters, a slow-burn romance, drama, and a scenic backdrop. The emotional depth of the story kept me engaged from start to finish.
The main character, Katie, embarks on a new chapter of her life after her daughter leaves for college. Her journey, filled with ups and downs, is one that many of us can relate to. She quickly remarries, only to realise she may have moved on too quickly. Throughout the novel, Katie hits the “reset button” on her life more than once, navigating significant changes over a year.
Maria Marquis’s narration was spot on, with a well-paced delivery and just the right amount of emotion in her voice. She truly brought the story to life. I would gladly listen to anything she narrates in the future because of her ability to immerse the listener in the story and her skill in bringing out the nuances of the characters and the plot.
Overall, this audiobook was fantastic and really enhanced the story's experience. It had the power to evoke strong emotions, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to friends and family who love women’s fiction and romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Make Waves Press for providing me with an Audio ARC of The Cicada Spring in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2024
This is a relatable book about middle age, hindsight and second chances, as well as discovering what your passion in life is.
Virginia is about as different from Florida as it can be, and when Katie finds herself returning to her riverside family home instead of embarking on a new life with her new husband in Florida, she has to face up to some inevitable soul searching.
Her mother's unexpected death deals a body blow to her stability, and amidst the newfound uncertainty, Katie must navigate her way to an unmapped future if she is to have a chance at true happiness.
Fortunately, happiness can be found in the most unexpected of places...
Set against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic, this story will have immense appeal to readers navigating their own way through mid life and the unexpected challenges that they may be forced to contend with. Divorce, separation, new love and parenting, to name just a few.
Some elements of this tale feel a little far fetched, and parts of it are predictable, but Katie is a likeable protagonist and you find yourself rooting for her to find her way back to herself - as we have all needed to at some point in life.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Virginia is about as different from Florida as it can be, and when Katie finds herself returning to her riverside family home instead of embarking on a new life with her new husband in Florida, she has to face up to some inevitable soul searching.
Her mother's unexpected death deals a body blow to her stability, and amidst the newfound uncertainty, Katie must navigate her way to an unmapped future if she is to have a chance at true happiness.
Fortunately, happiness can be found in the most unexpected of places...
Set against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic, this story will have immense appeal to readers navigating their own way through mid life and the unexpected challenges that they may be forced to contend with. Divorce, separation, new love and parenting, to name just a few.
Some elements of this tale feel a little far fetched, and parts of it are predictable, but Katie is a likeable protagonist and you find yourself rooting for her to find her way back to herself - as we have all needed to at some point in life.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 14, 2024
I love the beautiful cover of this book. I can imagine sitting on that dock taking in the sunset on a warm summer evening. I think it is a great title. In the past few years, I have been lucky enough to have lived in a state that has cicadas and fireflies and I love it. I enjoyed that the story is about persevering through life's difficulties, friendship and family. However, especially at the beginning, I found the storyline syrupy sweet and a bit unbelievable. The main character, Katie just was too naive and gullible for someone in mid-life, especially a single mother with a grown child. The story improved at about midway, and I do think it is great that Carolyn McBride has chosen to write a story about mid-life, it seems that there are so few stories of this time period. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration by Maria Marquis. I do feel that the setting of time during COVID is a little hard to take on this soon with so many lives completely changed, and the scars are still so fresh. Thank you to Net Galley and Make Waves Press for providing me an ARC copy of this title.
July 17, 2024
I have just finished this audiobook. I have to say I enjoyed it. I didn't see some of the relationship issues happening. Without giving anything away, I can say that it starts with an empty nest woman that goes on a date and ends up marrying the person after only a weekend. It goes on to show the relationship and some of the issues and thoughts that happened when covid began and ended. I was a little concerned that the book was going to turn into a political read, but it never did, which was nice. You get to experience how the country had shut down and how scary it was for everyone. The book shows how a mother comes to grips with covid, her new relationship, friendships, and loss. It had a great plot with characters that you like and one that you end up hating, or at least I hated. This was a quick and simple read. It hit a little in the emotions but nothing too heavy. Great read if you're looking for something to relax to on a nice summer day. #thecicadaspring #netgalley #fypage #bookreview #bookstagram #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreview #booklover #audiobooks #books #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookstagram #book #booktok
May 13, 2024
Katie is trying to keep to together. She has issues with her mom, her daughter has left the nest and when she thinks she meets the man of her dreams she ignores the red flags and jumps in. The pandemic hits, she loses her mom, her daughter is stuck a few states away and she discovers that her marriage isn’t at all what she was hoping for. With some good friends, seriously good legal help, finally recognizing that loving yourself is the answer and a really good night vision camera Katie finally gets the life she wants for herself and her daughter. An enjoyable, well written, listen with good narration. At times I found myself cringing with some of the situations she was in and wanted her to wake up, but was it was part of her journey in finding her strength and herself.
Uprated to 4 stars from what would have been a 3.5 if half stars were available.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Uprated to 4 stars from what would have been a 3.5 if half stars were available.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 30, 2024
This is a wonderful story of a woman starting the next stage of her life. Throwing caution to the wind, she moves to another state to start an amazing job that sounds to good to be true. While there she meets a man who just seems to check all of her boxes. The get married, she meets an awesome friend and then things start getting rocky. This book takes place during the COVID pandemic. When her mother dies from the dreaded disease, she moves back home to close out her mother's estate and close down the house. There are so many things in her mother's home that helps her relive some history. Her husband turns out to be a problem and she starts the proceedings to divorce him. All of the changes this woman goes through could cause some people to give up, but with the help of her friends she picks up and fights for what is right. A great story in a part of our country that I did not know much about. Thanks #NetGalley for the ARC and narrator is great too.
July 16, 2024
First of all, Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ARC of The Cicada Spring by Caroline McBride in return for my honest review.
The Cicada Spring focuses around a middle aged, single mother who is dealing with what to do with life now that her teenage daughter is off to collage.; Meeting a man, they quickly fall i9n love and Katie, our FMC, learns to navigate what this new relationship with this new older man means for her life.
This book is also based around when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit and what it mean to not just Katie, but also the world when it came to maintaining jobs and education, relationships and friendships.
I found the narrators voice to be calming and easy to listen to, her tone changing when the story needed it to.
I have given this book a four star, as for me it hit a couple of points that I liked to see within a story while I'm reading/listening.
The Cicada Spring focuses around a middle aged, single mother who is dealing with what to do with life now that her teenage daughter is off to collage.; Meeting a man, they quickly fall i9n love and Katie, our FMC, learns to navigate what this new relationship with this new older man means for her life.
This book is also based around when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit and what it mean to not just Katie, but also the world when it came to maintaining jobs and education, relationships and friendships.
I found the narrators voice to be calming and easy to listen to, her tone changing when the story needed it to.
I have given this book a four star, as for me it hit a couple of points that I liked to see within a story while I'm reading/listening.
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