I should have known better than to purchase this book on the first day of fall. Not surprising, this book is filled with fantasies. Homes on beaches across the country, one more fabulous than the next.

None of the seventeen beach houses presented are too kitschy, and only one has a heavy nautical motif. Fun sidebars include non-decorating themes such as beach reads or favorite beach tunes. Interestingly, two of the homes showcased are in Galveston. I can’t help wonder how they stood up to Hurricane Ike.

The winter will be long. Escape into this book and remember the smell of the salt water.