Lost Coast Literary

Ellie Alexander — 2022

When an editing pen has the power to not only change stories but also to change lives. Book editor Emily Bryant finds herself unexpectedly in the charming town of Cascata on California’s Lost Coast, holding the keys to her grandmother’s rambling Victorian mansion. While sorting through her grandmother’s things, Emily learns that she must edit old manuscripts to inherit the estate. It’s a strange request from a family member who was basically a stranger. Emily quickly realizes that there’s something different about these manuscripts. Any changes she makes come true. At first, she embraces the gift. She has a chance to help characters find true love or chart a new course for their future. But then things go terribly wrong. Her edits have the opposite effect. The sweet and funky seaside community of Cascata is reeling from the chaos Emily has created. Everything she thought she believed about her family and her past is in jeopardy, and no amount of editing can fix the damage she’s done. Then she finds one last manuscript. If Emily can get this edit right, maybe she’ll have a chance to create a new narrative for herself and everyone around her.

Reviews

Crystal L@umcrystal

May 2, 2023

When I saw that Ellie Alexander had a new book out obviously I jumped at the chance to read it. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. Emily is facing what many her age come to deal with, burnout in the face of a company that doesn't respect its employees, their lives, or any personal boundaries. And that's pushed to the limit when her grandmother passes away and Emily is left to deal with the estate. This book is absolutely fantastic! I loved the exploration of family dynamics, the gorgeous imagery of the small town of Cascata, and obviously, I loved the magical realism (something I didn't expect from Ellie Alexander!). This book really takes you on a journey through the lives of those in Cascata and I hope that we'll get to see a lot more from this lovely town. 5/5 Stars Thank you to NetGalley and Sweet Lemon Press for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Callie Anna@callieanna

Aug 12, 2022

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This story blew all my expectations out of the water. An endearing collaboration of magic and realism, Lost Coast Literary tells stories about stories in a way that invites you to live in the characters’ shoes rather than unceremoniously dumps you there. The descriptions are vivid, the characters are alive, and the plot lovely. The author did a great job of writing about hardship and pain without being excessively graphic or gratuitous. Made me want to visit the Lost Coast and take an editing course.

Adelia French@mrsfrench930

Jun 13, 2023