It's sizzling in Maryland this weekend .... perfect time to be a the beach! Maryland denizen Toby Devens joins us today with a guest post to celebrate the release of BAREFOOT BEACH. From her bio (link),
Born in the heart of Brooklyn, by four I was a pint sized, curly haired strawberry blond who sang and acted on stage and TV (the money I made from sudsy soap opera roles helped pay my college tuition). But at twelve, like most other pre-teens, I just wanted to be one of the kids on the block. I also knew where my passion really lay, not in tap dancing before the camera, but in tapping words out on the keyboard. I wanted to, needed to, couldn't not, write. I started with my own fairy tales, went on to spin detective stories a la Nancy Drew, and in high school wrote reams of poetry about young (sigh!) love.
I’ve sunned myself on beaches from Hawksbill Bay in Antigua (silky
white sand, spectacular hawk’s bill rock formation rising from water clear and
smooth as glass) to the French Riviera (hoards of Soviet—back then--men of inappropriate
age and tonnage in speedos—ugh!). But in my
book, literally (my novel Barefoot
Beach was recently released) and figuratively, there’s no place like home.
I grew up in Brooklyn and my happiest summer memories are of
Brighton Beach. That’s where I met my first real boyfriend at fifteen. Not
exactly met, more like crawled out from under after he threw himself atop me to
shield me from a flock of seagulls diving to pluck my copper colored hair to feather
their nests. My hero! Brighton Beach is where I dug to China, ate homemade sandwiches
accidentally but deliciously salted with sand, and sipped the orange drinks
peddled by sweating vendors schlepping coolers. Today Brighton Beach is populated
by a wave of immigrants that seems to have just washed ashore. The chatter on the
blankets–in addition to Brooklynese—is an international babel of Spanish, Uzbek,
but mostly Russian. For that large demographic, the area is known as Little Odessa.
So you can get blini, pelmeni (meat dumplings) and vodka at Russian café’s and cabarets
just off the beach. Or take a breeze-cooled walk to Coney Island to scarf down Nathan’s
legendary hot dogs, crinkly fries and lobster rolls. Then ride the historic
Cyclone rollercoaster or the Wonder Wheel for a thrilling view of the ocean
before heading back into it.
Maryland is my home now and the strip of Delmarva Coast
shared with Delaware is hemmed with beaches, each with
its own character and charm. Locals call a visit to any of the resort towns, “going
down the ocean,” and Ocean City, Maryland is a favorite. The beach is generally
crowded, happily noisily, family friendly. The boardwalk is also dog friendly
and loaded with games, rides, barkers and buskers and the oldest (since 1912)
continuously operating carousel in the country.
A prized OC tradition: Thrasher’s french fries crispy, salty and laced
with vinegar, best followed by a Dumser’s ice cream sundae. Beach bliss!
Up the coast in Rehoboth, the vibe is more adult,
sophisticated and mellow. That beach is carved with coves for solitude, places
where waves lap gently and you can lean against a rock to read or nap and rouse
to a magnificent sunset and the promise of dinner at chic restaurants selling
tapas and steamed blue crabs. I end my weekend evenings in Rehoboth with a seat
at the downtown bandstand. Here live bands—jazz, pop, rock and country—perform.
So get up and join those free summery souls, from kids to seniors, who dance
around the stage and in the street. You’re at the beach. Celebrate!
Mahalo, Toby, for sharing your beach memories! I am currently reading (and enjoying) BAREFOOT BEACH:
Spend a summer at the beach with this enchanting and emotional story about love, loss, and the powerful bonds of female friendship...
The beach house carried some kind of spell, concocted of—I don’t know—salt air, sea grass and Old Bay seasoning that over the years had permeated its walls and floorboards. Whatever it was, the place cast fabulous magic.
For Nora Farrell, Tuckahoe, Maryland, isn’t just a summer refuge, it’s home—where she married the love of her life, decided to have a child, and has remained connected with her two closest friends. Even now, long after her husband’s passing, Nora reunites with Margo and Emine every June….
But this year, challenges invade the friends’ retreat. Even as Nora delights in teaching at her dance studio, she is shaken by the possible loss of her beach house…and by a tentative new romance. While Margo directs a musical at the Driftwood Playhouse, she finds her marriage on rocky ground. And Em, who relishes running her family’s café, struggles to handle her rebellious daughter.
With their personal dramas reaching a fever pitch, the women will discover that it isn’t only the beach that brightens their lives. Their bond with one another provides the ultimate magic.
Spend a summer at the beach with this enchanting and emotional story about love, loss, and the powerful bonds of female friendship...
The beach house carried some kind of spell, concocted of—I don’t know—salt air, sea grass and Old Bay seasoning that over the years had permeated its walls and floorboards. Whatever it was, the place cast fabulous magic.
For Nora Farrell, Tuckahoe, Maryland, isn’t just a summer refuge, it’s home—where she married the love of her life, decided to have a child, and has remained connected with her two closest friends. Even now, long after her husband’s passing, Nora reunites with Margo and Emine every June….
But this year, challenges invade the friends’ retreat. Even as Nora delights in teaching at her dance studio, she is shaken by the possible loss of her beach house…and by a tentative new romance. While Margo directs a musical at the Driftwood Playhouse, she finds her marriage on rocky ground. And Em, who relishes running her family’s café, struggles to handle her rebellious daughter.
With their personal dramas reaching a fever pitch, the women will discover that it isn’t only the beach that brightens their lives. Their bond with one another provides the ultimate magic.
I am giving away beach swag to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Where's your favorite beach? Mine, of course, is Bellows Beach, a military resort on Oahu, pictured above.
2. Comments are open through Saturday, July 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner Sunday, July 31.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Learn more about Toby and her books at tobydevens.com.
