Pickleball has come to sunny Carlsbad, California. Two brand new courts have been creatively sandwiched between St. Patrick's Church and Carlsbad Care by the Sea --or CARS, as more popularly known by the locals. Father Bernie Fairfield is proud of his dream courts and hopes the community will participate in this fast-growing sport. He has high hopes of pickleball players coming together for a spirited athletic activity, while at the same time socializing with their neighbors.

Charlotte Wade--Charlie to her friends, a resident of CARS, signs up for lessons and falls in love with the game. With her former background in tennis, she can see similarities, but she finds lots to learn. She is also pleased to get reacquainted with a former tennis doubles partner, Robert Murdoch. Charlie, a widow, isn't looking for romance. She has a contented life at CARS and deep friendships with fellow residents Kitty--married three times--and Renata, her mysterious friend with a sixth sense. But, will romance find Charlie as she and Robert become fast friends.

Father Bernie has his hands full with his new facility. He never imagined there would be so much drama, so much controversy, yet so much fun! He's happy, Jim, the court manager/instructor takes his duties seriously and does his best to keep the players in line, all the while emphasizing the finer aspects of the game.

Personalities emerge at the courts. There are some heated discussions regarding the rules, the playing schedule, and the dress code, but overall a higher level of play emerges and athletic abilities shine. Father Bernie is happy to step outside the duties at St. Patrick's to play a game or two with Dennis, Rick, and Radar Randy.

Parallel stories and backstories fill the gaps during the off-court time. Romance, betrayal, and alliances are revealed. Will sexy Miranda interfere with the blooming relationship between Charlie and Robert? Will Kitty seek out and find Jeremy Stein, the man she has married twice before? Will the bangers learn to dink and will the players pause to share a drink of the local brew?

Pickleball by the Sea, while a romance story, also offers tips, rules, and guidelines for the pickleball enthusiast, all the while under the sunny umbrella of Carlsbad, California.