The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen was a fun, easy read. Lindsey, recently divorced, returns to Sunset Beach with her kids for her 20th summer there. While there, she runs into the boy (now man) who made this place so special for her 20 years before. Campbell's got his own set of problems - an ex-wife, a daughter with an eating disorder, and the knowledge that he hasn't tried as hard as he should to build strong relationships with the people in his life. It seems they've both been given a second chance - with each other, and with love in general. The question now is, what are they going to do with it?

I really enjoyed The Mailbox. It would definitely be a fun vacation read. Quick, easy, not a lot to think through. I also liked the way the author told the past through Lindsey's letters to the Kindred Spirit who tends The Mailbox (an actual landmark in North Carolina). It was an interesting way to weave in a little character history without getting bogged down. Whalen also addresses difficult issues (like divorce and a child with an eating disorder) without giving pat answers but still giving hope. Other themes include forgiveness, second chances, love, friendship, and parenting.

I would recommend this book and look forward to Whalen's next novel.

4 stars (out of 5)

I received a free copy of this book from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my fair and honest review of the book.