Sherryl Woods - Beach Lane

Praise for the novels of
New York Times and USA TODAY
bestselling author Sherryl Woods

Sherryl Woods always delights her readers
including me!

#1 New York Times bestselling author
Debbie Macomber

Woodsis noted for appealing,
character-driven stories that are often
infused with the flavor and fragrance of the South.

Library Journal

A sweet read, perfect to enjoy again and again.

RT Book Reviews on A Chesapeake Shores Christmas

Infused with the warmth and magic of the season,
Woodss fourth addition to her popular,
small-town series once again unites the unruly,
outspoken, enduring OBrien clan in a touching,
triumphant tale of forgiveness and love reclaimed.

Library Journal on A Chesapeake Shores Christmas

Timely in terms of plot and deeply emotional,
the third Chesapeake Shores book is quite absorbing.
The characters are handled well and have real chemistry
as well as a way with one-liners.

RT Book Reviews on Harbor Lights

Sparks fly in a lively tale that is overflowing with family
conflict and warmth and the possibility of rekindled love.

Library Journal on Flowers on Main

Launching the Chesapeake Shores series,
Woods creates an engrossingfamily drama.

Publishers Weekly on The Inn at Eagle Point

Also by New York Times and USA TODAY
bestselling author Sherryl Woods

MOONLIGHT COVE

DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE

RETURN TO ROSE COTTAGE

HOME AT ROSE COTTAGE

A CHESAPEAKE SHORES CHRISTMAS

HONEYSUCKLE SUMMER

SWEET TEA AT SUNRISE

HOME IN CAROLINA

HARBOR LIGHTS

FLOWERS ON MAIN

THE INN AT EAGLE POINT

WELCOME TO SERENITY

SEAVIEW INN

MENDING FENCES

FEELS LIKE FAMILY

A SLICE OF HEAVEN

STEALING HOME

WAKING UP IN CHARLESTON

FLIRTING WITH DISASTER

THE BACKUP PLAN

DESTINY UNLEASHED

FLAMINGO DINER

ALONG CAME TROUBLE

ASK ANYONE

ABOUT THAT MAN

ANGEL MINE

AFTER TEX

Look for Sherryl Woodss next original novel
AN OBRIEN FAMILY CHRISTMAS
available October 2011

SHERRYL WOODS

Beach Lane

Dear Friends,

From the very beginning, not only the OBriens, but all the rest of us, have been befuddled by the not-dating stance determinedly taken by Susie OBrien and Mack Franklin. Finally these two are getting their act together in Beach Lane. This book will also give you a glimpse into Susies side of the familyfather Jeff and his ongoing tense relationship with his brother Mick; his mother, Jo; and Susies brothers, Matthew and Luke.

As if Mack and Susies relationship hasnt been difficult enough, theyre about to be thrown a major curve, which has the power to pull them together or tear them apart. To his everlasting credit, when those very scary chips are down, Mack doesnt even hesitate to step up. For me hes the ultimate hero! I hope youll agree.

Beach Lane will hopefully make you laugh, but its almost guaranteed to have you shedding more than a few tears, so keep the tissues handy! And be attuned to the next budding romance in this series between two very unlikely people. It will play out in An OBrien Family Christmas, scheduled for fall 2011 from MIRA Books.

All the best,

Sherryl Woods

Contents

M en were the bane of Susie OBriens life. She was surrounded by them, all of them stubborn in the extreme, beginning with her father, Jeff. Add in her uncles Mick and Thomas, her brothers and, the very worst of all, Mack Franklin, and it was a wonder she could get through a day without screaming.

Today, in fact, already seemed likely to test the limits of her patience in never-before-imagined ways. Before shed even had the first sip of her coffee, her uncle Mick came charging into the Chesapeake Shores real estate management company that she ran with her father.

Wheres Jeff, that At her frown, he cut off the disparaging epithet hed apparently been intent on using. Your father, where is he?

Dad had an appointment with a client, she said, then chose her next words about her fathers whereabouts carefully. She knew that this particular piece of property was a hot-button issue for Mick. Hes showing her a house on Mill Road. Its the third time shes gone through the place. Hes almost certain shes going to sign a contract today.

Mick frowned, obviously clicking through his own mental data bank of properties on Mill Road. Then astonishment dawned. The Brighton house? Hes finally going to unload that old eyesore? Howd he get the listing? Last I heard, no one in that family would even speak to an OBrien.

Susie hid a smile. It still stuck in her uncles craw that old Mr. Brighton had refused to sell him a key piece of shoreline property when hed been developing Chesapeake Shores. Apparently the refusal had something to do with a Brighton-OBrien family feud several generations back that neither coaxing nor big bucks had been able to resolve. For all Susie knew, some great-great-uncles rooster had chased a Brighton, whod lopped off its head and cooked it for Sunday dinner. In her family that was all it would take to start a feud that could last for eons.

Seems that way, she confirmed. Apparently Mr. Brightons heirs dont have the same aversion to dealing with an OBrien that he did.

Stubborn old coot, Mick muttered.

Why did you want to see Dad? Susie asked. Is there a problem?

For years now the only things that brought the two brothers together were problems and the entreaties of their mother. Nell OBrien insisted that even the sparring brothers and their families had to spend holidays under the same roof. Susie couldnt recall a tension-free holiday meal in her entire lifetime. The antacid business probably thrived thanks to the OBrien dynamics.

Mick and her dad could be civil for an hour or two, which was more than she could say for Mick and her uncle Thomas, at least until recently. Lately theyd apparently struck some kind of accord, which was akin to achieving peace in the Middle East. Like those treaties, Susie suspected this one didnt have a lot of hope of lasting, though now that Thomas was with Connie Collins she seemed to have a soothing effect on him. She also seemed determined to maintain the dtente.

Theres water leaking in Shannas bookstore again, Mick told Susie, referring to his daughter-in-laws business on Main Street. And, frankly, the plumbing in Megans gallery should be checked, too. The last thing she needs is a flood ruining all that expensive art.

Susie gave him an innocent look. Isnt the art hanging on the walls?

Her uncle scowled. Whats your point?

Only that it would take quite a flood to ruin the paintings. She beamed at him. Besides, since you gave Megan that space for a dollar a year, didnt you agree to take care of all the upkeep? I can look at the lease, if you like. We kept a copy hereat your insistence, as I recall.

Mick gave her a sour look. If your daddy stayed on top of details the way you do, hed be a better businessman.

He doesnt need to, Susie retorted. He has me. I will get the plumber over to Shannas today, though. The last thing we need is another insurance claim. And I can send him by Megans as well, as long as the bill comes to you.

Though he looked disgruntled, Mick nodded. Thatll do. He studied her. Youll be at the house for Thanksgiving dinner?

Of course.

He eyed her speculatively. You bringing Mack?

Susie stilled. Why would I? Ive never brought him before.

Ive seen you around town with Mack Franklin for at least three years now, Mick replied. Maybe longer. Isnt it time the two of you either got serious or called it quits? What kind of man drags his heels this long, and what sort of woman lets him? You deserve better than that, Susie. Youre an OBrien, after all, even if youre not one of mine. Nobody would have gotten away with treating one of my girls that way.