I started Violet's story almost immediately after finishing her sister, Desiree's. Violet was the flaky, unreliable, just-like-their-mother, rough sister I just didn't connect with. 

Until Andre. Until I was given a closer look inside. A look at what makes Violet tick and the reason she keeps everybody at arm's length. Watching her deal with emotional scars left behind by her mother's flighty lifestyle, Bayside Escapes lets us see a whole new Violet. 

I enjoyed Violet and Andre's story. I'm used to rough bikers from Melissa Foster, but seeing a rough-around-the-edges character in female form was a nice change. Violet and Desiree are opposite enough that they complement each other well. It felt good to see Desiree get the bond with her sister that she wanted so badly in the first book. Of course, things are always interesting when Lizza (their mother) makes her appearance ... 

This book centers a lot around volunteering, art, and working with kids - all aspects I love seeing. I felt bad for Violet, thinking she had to keep her two worlds separate, and really wanted to see her get a happy ending with Andre. 

Definitely a must-read for all Bayside Summers and Melissa Foster fans!