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Ocean Breeze #1
Sand Castle Bay
In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved.
For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?
For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2013
1433 people are currently reading
4655 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,525 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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June 13, 2021
"He had the boarding-up routine down pat. But when it came right down to it, Mother Nature was always in control of the outcome."
Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods
My review:
The fact that I liked this book so much, was as much of a surprise as it was to see many DIDN'T love it on GR.
The reason my liking it so much surprised me is because romance isn't a genre I read alot of. I did when I was younger although it never was my favorite. But this was such a pleasant surprise. I liked it-GREATLY.
And I guess I can understand why some did not. What I liked was not just the romance which was believeable but the family aspect of it. This is a book about family as much as romance and I really took to that.
I also LOVED the setting. I am addicted to the sea and books that take place there have an advantage for me. With Sand Castle Bay, the story takes place in a seaside coastal small town in North Carolina. Seriously, visiting North Carolina's outer banks has always been a dream of mine. Reading this made me YEARN to go there. And the book also made me feel like I was already there-not an easy thing to acomplish.
Now-I can understand the dislike for Emily that many have expressed. The truth? She wasn't my favorite person either. She is not someone I would choose for a friend. She is also someone I basically have nothing in common with so there is that. I could not relate to her choices at all. I am not a person to put my job above everything else, I am not a big city person, and there was a corporate crispness to Emily's demeanor that I didn't love.
But I did like Boone. And other members of Emily's family. And I did root for the romance. I got pulled in and that is something because this is not a genre I read much of anymore. Although maybe I will have st start.
The romance wasn't corny either.
To the contrary, the relationship portrayed here was very realistic. I did not know this was part of a trilogy when I first sat down to read this. (Three sisters and each book is about a different sister.). I have read one more from the trilogy but I prefer this one. I have not read the third.
It is perfect beach reading with an engrossing story set against the beauty of a small southern beach town. Highly enjoyable and highly recommended.
Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods
My review:
The fact that I liked this book so much, was as much of a surprise as it was to see many DIDN'T love it on GR.
The reason my liking it so much surprised me is because romance isn't a genre I read alot of. I did when I was younger although it never was my favorite. But this was such a pleasant surprise. I liked it-GREATLY.
And I guess I can understand why some did not. What I liked was not just the romance which was believeable but the family aspect of it. This is a book about family as much as romance and I really took to that.
I also LOVED the setting. I am addicted to the sea and books that take place there have an advantage for me. With Sand Castle Bay, the story takes place in a seaside coastal small town in North Carolina. Seriously, visiting North Carolina's outer banks has always been a dream of mine. Reading this made me YEARN to go there. And the book also made me feel like I was already there-not an easy thing to acomplish.
Now-I can understand the dislike for Emily that many have expressed. The truth? She wasn't my favorite person either. She is not someone I would choose for a friend. She is also someone I basically have nothing in common with so there is that. I could not relate to her choices at all. I am not a person to put my job above everything else, I am not a big city person, and there was a corporate crispness to Emily's demeanor that I didn't love.
But I did like Boone. And other members of Emily's family. And I did root for the romance. I got pulled in and that is something because this is not a genre I read much of anymore. Although maybe I will have st start.
The romance wasn't corny either.
To the contrary, the relationship portrayed here was very realistic. I did not know this was part of a trilogy when I first sat down to read this. (Three sisters and each book is about a different sister.). I have read one more from the trilogy but I prefer this one. I have not read the third.
It is perfect beach reading with an engrossing story set against the beauty of a small southern beach town. Highly enjoyable and highly recommended.
March 29, 2013
3 ½ Stars! Charming sweet romance!
Steffi and I did a joint review for this book and while she rated it at 5 Stars, it was a 3 ½ Star read for me. Hope you enjoy our side by side comparison!
What worked
Steffi:I love Sand Castle Bay as much as I do because of the small town life and family dynamic. Gabi, Emily, Sam and Cora Jane are meddlers and sometimes annoying but they stay strong together and are always supportive of each other. While Sand Castle Bay is not a steamy read, Emily and Boone do have a lot of chemistry. It might not have filled me with heat but with happiness and sunshine. When I read about the premise of the story and later realized that Emily’s job is one of the main problems in the romantic relationship, I became wary. I expected to be disappointed by a stereotypical story of a woman having to choose between her love for a man and her successful career. That does not happen in Sand Castle Bay and I was ecstatic. Sherryl Woods accommodates small town sweetness with Emily’s big city style and does not degrade one or the other.
Surprisingly, I was completely enamored with the meddling grandmother, Cora Jane. Yes, she intrudes on every possible intimate and private situation but I loved her involvement and, again, the strong family bonds. Also, staying with the family aspect of the story, I was glad to see that Emily’s sisters were very much involved in the book. While the focus of their stories will be in their own books, they already started in Sand Castle Bay.
Karla: The family dynamic! I loved the premise of three sisters who come home to help their grandmother after hurricane causes damage to her restaurant along the coast. Even though they fight like siblings, get in each other’s business, there is still that sense of camaraderie and they never forget that they are family.
I enjoyed the setting along North Carolina coastline and that small town community atmosphere. It always give me such a warm feeling when I read about people who are familiar with one another and come together to help each other after tragedy strikes.
What didn’t work
Steffi: Not much, for me. The only thing that bothered me a bit was Boone’s inability to fully commit to Emily but I understood his reluctance because of their past.
Karla: The head spinning indecisiveness of Emily and Boone. I had trouble gauging their true feelings for one another. When they were together and on the same page with each other it was incredibly sweet, and then at a moment’s notice, one wrong word from either of them and the other one went running. I also didn’t care for the fact that Boone couldn’t man up and wanted to keep his relationship with Emily hidden for reasons that made no sense to me.
Cora Jane, what a meddler...she was just too much. It felt like Emily was never allowed think for herself, because her grandmother had it in her head how her life should play out, and spoke her mind constantly, when she have kept quiet and been more understanding of Emily’s feelings.
Best scenes
Steffi: It’s hard for me to focus on one specific scene because the whole atmosphere of Sand Caste Bay is what was so special to me. I think if I had to pick one specific scene, I would go for a quite unromantic one which might be surprising to you. Emily and Boone very rationally discuss their relationship on Cora Jane’s porch one evening with the sisters listening in. I loved that because it’s something I would have done to my sister as well but I also really appreciated that Boone and Emily considered the difficulties their relationship would bring and the risks they’d have to take. After all, they had BJ, Boone’s son, to consider and I loved that they didn’t jump in head first.
Karla: I loved when Boone walked with Emily out to the pier, took her hand and apologized to her and admitted that he held some blame in their break up ten years ago. He let his guard down, and I felt like Emily finally had the Boone back that she fell in love with years ago. How ironic that this should all happen on the same pier that they sat on as teens, talked the night away and realized that they were meant to be. It was a short scene, but it was so romantic *sigh*!
Favorite characters
Steffi: BJ is one of my favorite characters, hands down. He is such a sweet boy and wears his heart on his sleeve. I loved how he bonded with Emily but she wasn’t immediately painted as the neglectful girlfriend when she struggled to adjust her lifestyle to include a new boyfriend and his son.
I actually enjoyed Cora Jane’s interactions with the sisters so much, that she became one of my favorite characters as well, because of her caring and loving nature. Karla has a very different view of her character, which I found really interesting when we talked about Sand Castle Bay. I basically liked most of the secondary characters in the book. Gabi, Sam, Wade, Ethan and Jerry; I loved them all and can’t wait for their stories to come in Wind Chime Point and Sea Glass Island.
Karla: Emily and BJ! I loved both of them, and I like how they forged such a sweet relationship. I felt like little BJ was the only one who truly understood Emily. He broke my heart and it was quite evident that he was in need of a maternal figure. He had Cora Jane and his less than likeable grandmother, Jodie, but there was something about his attachment to Emily that had me wanting to reach into the pages of the book and wrap my arms around him.
Emily was a strong woman and she knew what she wanted out of life. Even though everyone wanted to have a say in how she lived it, she was not easily swayed. She had a way of thinking things through and tried to take everyone’s feelings into account. She handled Jodie very well and was always respectful in her comments about Jenny. I really liked her!
Overall Thoughts
Steffi: Sand Castle Bay was the perfect sweet romance read for me. Reading more steamy books most often, it was a refreshing change of pace. Sand Castle Bay is the right book for you if you enjoy sweet stories about family, love and small town life and appreciate the simplicity in the construction of a story. Sand Castle Bay does not need special effects, big drama, intrigues or kinky erotic scenes to convey emotion. The story does that all on its own, which speaks of the high-quality and very skilled style of writing.
Sand Castle Bay is the perfect introduction into spring and summer reading when you want to feel the sun on your face and a gentle breeze cooling your skin. It took me back to my very first romance books and I can’t wait to read Gabi’s story in Wind Chime Point. ~ 5 stars!
Karla: On the whole this was an enjoyable read, but as I stated I had a hard time endearing myself to one character in particular. Cora Jane’s meddling got old after a while, I could have tolerated a little, but my goodness, she was there at every turn. When she was out of the picture, the read was better, but unfortunately she played a larger role than was necessary. I think my issue with her might be more of a personal one, as I don’t take kindly to people dictating how I should live my life and maybe that’s why she annoyed me so much.
However, the author’s skilled writing, attention to detail, and the overall premise of the story; a second chance with your one true love, making sacrifices for that person, and coming home, made this a very pleasant read. Whether you find a spot on the beach or cozy up on the couch on a Sunday afternoon, in the end Sand Castle Bay will leave you with a good feeling. I’m looking forward to returning to the Ocean Breeze series and reading about the elusive Gabi in Wind Chime Point! ~ 3.5 stars
*A copy of this book was provided by Harlequin Mira via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 27, 2021
Book on CD read by Shannon McManus
2.5**
From the book jacket: In a trade-off she’s lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved. For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
My reactions
I’ve never read anything by Sheryl Woods before, but this seemed to fit the bill for a “beach reads” challenge.
It’s a pretty formulaic plot: long-lost lovers reconnect, but there are complications keeping them apart, they jump to conclusions and have fights over their mutual misunderstandings. But hot kisses seem to solve everything and remind them how much they mean to one another. I really didn’t care about any of the drama because I didn’t really care about these characters. Emily seemed like a hot mess.
I thought it was overly complicated and there are several threads that are just left hanging. But I suppose Woods did this to ensure a repeat audience for books two and three in the trilogy. Apparently, each book focuses on a different one of the Castle sisters. If I had read the blurb I might have saved myself some time. Just typing it out, makes me realize just how melodramatic and “wrought” the plot sounds. Ah well, it was a fast read.
Shannon McManus did a fine job narrating. Too bad she didn’t have better material to perform.
2.5**
From the book jacket: In a trade-off she’s lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved. For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
My reactions
I’ve never read anything by Sheryl Woods before, but this seemed to fit the bill for a “beach reads” challenge.
It’s a pretty formulaic plot: long-lost lovers reconnect, but there are complications keeping them apart, they jump to conclusions and have fights over their mutual misunderstandings. But hot kisses seem to solve everything and remind them how much they mean to one another. I really didn’t care about any of the drama because I didn’t really care about these characters. Emily seemed like a hot mess.
I thought it was overly complicated and there are several threads that are just left hanging. But I suppose Woods did this to ensure a repeat audience for books two and three in the trilogy. Apparently, each book focuses on a different one of the Castle sisters. If I had read the blurb I might have saved myself some time. Just typing it out, makes me realize just how melodramatic and “wrought” the plot sounds. Ah well, it was a fast read.
Shannon McManus did a fine job narrating. Too bad she didn’t have better material to perform.
June 29, 2013
Hooooooo boy. Where do I begin?
I think the fault of the book is represented by the fact that when the female lead sees her love interest, she is entranced by his ass.
And I'm not just saying this because I'm not a big ass person. But that seems pretty shallow, to reacted to what's supposed to be the love of your life with "DAT ASS."
Plus the way that the book endlessly punishes the woman is disgusting.
The backstory is as follows; they were teenaged sweethearts. When they were 21, he was like "Let's get married, have kids, and settle down." She replied "I'm not ready yet; I want to find myself and have a career. Wait for me," and left town.
DID HE WAIT? NOPE. He just turned around and married someone else.
Ten years later, his wife is dead of some vague infection, he's left with a son (BJ, and we never learn what the stands for), and she's back in town.
And somehow it's her fault for not taking him up on the offer, not him for trying to pressure her into marrying him. SIGH.
There's a ton of other irritating things (all the innuendo yet no sex scenes, overbearing religiousness when the book has no indication that we were entering bible belt territory, the fact that the author introduces drama in the last 50 pages only to IGNORE IT ALL with cheap payoff and going "GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE."), but I can't get past the misogyny directed towards the female lead for daring to want a career and an identity separate from a man and a wife/mother.
I think the fault of the book is represented by the fact that when the female lead sees her love interest, she is entranced by his ass.
And I'm not just saying this because I'm not a big ass person. But that seems pretty shallow, to reacted to what's supposed to be the love of your life with "DAT ASS."
Plus the way that the book endlessly punishes the woman is disgusting.
The backstory is as follows; they were teenaged sweethearts. When they were 21, he was like "Let's get married, have kids, and settle down." She replied "I'm not ready yet; I want to find myself and have a career. Wait for me," and left town.
DID HE WAIT? NOPE. He just turned around and married someone else.
Ten years later, his wife is dead of some vague infection, he's left with a son (BJ, and we never learn what the stands for), and she's back in town.
And somehow it's her fault for not taking him up on the offer, not him for trying to pressure her into marrying him. SIGH.
There's a ton of other irritating things (all the innuendo yet no sex scenes, overbearing religiousness when the book has no indication that we were entering bible belt territory, the fact that the author introduces drama in the last 50 pages only to IGNORE IT ALL with cheap payoff and going "GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE."), but I can't get past the misogyny directed towards the female lead for daring to want a career and an identity separate from a man and a wife/mother.
October 30, 2020
La verdad es que me estoy haciendo fan de esta escritora, con sus libros tan fáciles de leer pero que también tiene historias bonitas.
También es verdad que casi nunca me gustan sus protagonistas femeninas, después de leer varios de sus libros, por algún motivo se ve que le gusta pintarlas como mujeres que hacen sacrificios para ir en busca de sus logros personales y profesionales, la cuestión es que, yo soy de las personas que piensan que no necesitas hacer tantos sacrificios y mucho menos romperle el corazón a alguien de manera tan egoísta para lograrlo.
En fin, que Emily en general no me gusta, me parece que la mayoría de las veces es alguien egoísta y mimada y en este caso en particular la actitud de Emily con su hermana mayor me ha descolocado, sobre todo porque no se explica la razón por la cual le tiene tanta envidia y uso esa palabra porque eso es lo que se explica que siente Emily por la hermana.
La relación romántica, esta bien, nada del otro mundo pero Boone me gusta y la problemática con los suegros ha sido algo que le ha dado color a la historia, además realista, desgraciadamente hay gente así, que no le importa hacer daño a los niños manipulándolos.
Es un libro sencillo, fácil de leer e ideal para momentos en los que se necesita leer algo ligero, ya sea para hacerlo entre lecturas o bien, como en mi caso, te entren las ganas de leer libros de corte romántico
También es verdad que casi nunca me gustan sus protagonistas femeninas, después de leer varios de sus libros, por algún motivo se ve que le gusta pintarlas como mujeres que hacen sacrificios para ir en busca de sus logros personales y profesionales, la cuestión es que, yo soy de las personas que piensan que no necesitas hacer tantos sacrificios y mucho menos romperle el corazón a alguien de manera tan egoísta para lograrlo.
En fin, que Emily en general no me gusta, me parece que la mayoría de las veces es alguien egoísta y mimada y en este caso en particular la actitud de Emily con su hermana mayor me ha descolocado, sobre todo porque no se explica la razón por la cual le tiene tanta envidia y uso esa palabra porque eso es lo que se explica que siente Emily por la hermana.
La relación romántica, esta bien, nada del otro mundo pero Boone me gusta y la problemática con los suegros ha sido algo que le ha dado color a la historia, además realista, desgraciadamente hay gente así, que no le importa hacer daño a los niños manipulándolos.
Es un libro sencillo, fácil de leer e ideal para momentos en los que se necesita leer algo ligero, ya sea para hacerlo entre lecturas o bien, como en mi caso, te entren las ganas de leer libros de corte romántico
June 6, 2013
Emily left home ten years ago to become a successful interior designer. Leaving home also meant leaving behind Boone Dorsett. Boone, heartbroken, married another woman. Now, ten years later, Boone is a widower. After a hurricane strikes Sand Castle Bay, Boone and Emily may have another chance at love, even with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit.
I don't even know where to begin with this book. It felt like things happened, but it felt like the details were skimmed over. The characters felt a little one-dimensional or shallow to me. The beginning was the worst for me. After getting their hearts broken and not seeing each other for ten years, they can pick up almost right where they left off? Too unrealistic.
I would recommend this book for people who really like inspirational fiction. There were no details about the bedroom scenes. For those readers who like more steamy stuff, I really like Jill Shalvis and Victoria Dahl.
I will not be reading the rest of the books in this series.
I don't even know where to begin with this book. It felt like things happened, but it felt like the details were skimmed over. The characters felt a little one-dimensional or shallow to me. The beginning was the worst for me. After getting their hearts broken and not seeing each other for ten years, they can pick up almost right where they left off? Too unrealistic.
I would recommend this book for people who really like inspirational fiction. There were no details about the bedroom scenes. For those readers who like more steamy stuff, I really like Jill Shalvis and Victoria Dahl.
I will not be reading the rest of the books in this series.
October 5, 2025
Great character development in this story! I enjoyed it.
February 23, 2013
This was given to me from NetGalley for a honest and fair review. Emily Castle heads home to North Carolina after a major storm has occurred and residents of Sand Castle Bay are finally allowed back to rebuild after the storm. In this situation it brought three women together who use to summer with their grandmother Emily, Samantha and Gabi come to aid their grandmother and rebuild up the restaurant that got damaged due to the storm, which brought Emily face to face with her ex-boyfriend Boone who she ranaway from over 10 years ago.
Boone Dorsett has gone through alot over time married to Jenny who gave him a beautiful son BJ before dying young. Boone is also having issues with Jenny's mother who blames the death of her daughter on Boone. Boone and Emily try to keep a safe distance without letting romance creep in. Which with author Sherryl Woods is impossible.
Boone and Emily soon reconnect and work together to try to get Jenny's mother to see that what she is doing isn't what her daughter would want. This book is great and reminds me on some levels of the Sweet Magnolias and Chesapeake Shores books.
Boone Dorsett has gone through alot over time married to Jenny who gave him a beautiful son BJ before dying young. Boone is also having issues with Jenny's mother who blames the death of her daughter on Boone. Boone and Emily try to keep a safe distance without letting romance creep in. Which with author Sherryl Woods is impossible.
Boone and Emily soon reconnect and work together to try to get Jenny's mother to see that what she is doing isn't what her daughter would want. This book is great and reminds me on some levels of the Sweet Magnolias and Chesapeake Shores books.
May 6, 2013
The indecisiveness of the 2 main characters almost had me giving up on finishing the book. Add to that the repeating and rehashing their thoughts over and over and over and over....It is only my need to finish what I start that kept me reading and finally finishing...the Hallelujah chorus played in my head when I read the last word...predictable ending.
I had high hopes for this series as a new fav for me...but I guess not. Based on this book, I won't read another by this author :-(
I had high hopes for this series as a new fav for me...but I guess not. Based on this book, I won't read another by this author :-(
April 27, 2013
Sherryl Woods has done it again! She has created yet another charming, delightful series with characters that I felt an instant connection with. I have been a fan of Sherryl Woods for a while and I have loved all of her other series so I was excited to read her latest, The Ocean Breeze Series.
The First in this delightful new series is Sand Castle Bay. In this book Ms. Woods introduces the Castle Family, Cora Jane (Grandma) and her three granddaughters Emily, Gabi, & Samantha.
Emily Castle left North Carolina many years ago to find success and left behind a very heartbroken Boone Dorsett. She now has a very successful business helping her wealthy customers decorate & redecorate their homes and businesses. When a hurricane wreaks havoc on the bay side diner owned by her Grandmother, she and her two sister rush home to help her clean up and get ready to reopen. She doesn't know that her childhood sweetheart is now a widower with an adorable young son. At first these two do everything they can to cause friction between them because the fireworks are very much still there and they don't know how to handle them. The fireworks reach a stage they just can not ignore anymore and once they agree to give each other a chance they have A LOT of things they have to overcome in order. With the power of love most things can be concurred.
I admired Emily's ambition to go after the career she wanted and the life she has made for herself. When she finds something is missing and wants to make things work with Boone she tries to juggle everything. I so enjoyed watching Emily rediscover her family ties. She has spent so much time working on her career that she hasn't spent a lot of time with her sisters and grandmother. While they are all working together to reopen Castle's by the Sea they all discover how much they have missed that family support. Not only is there the wonderful relationship that unfolds between Emily and Boone as well as their interaction with Boone's son B.J, we also see the bond between sisters and a their grandmother. Speaking of their Grandmother oh my goodness I loved Cora Jane! This woman is full has a lot of great qualities, she is spunky, a little sassy sometimes, likes to meddle in her family's lives but only for their own good.
I loved Boone, he is a very dedicated father, a successful businessman, and very dedicated to his family and friends that he also considers family. He has a young son that he is trying to do the very best he can to raise. He has a meddling mother-in-law that causes him some problems and even more problems once he and Emily try to find their way back to each other. I so admired Boone for some of the choices he makes to help make sure this relationship works.
Boone and Emily's story was so compelling I found myself having to force my hands to put this book down when I sure did not want to. These two are just such a sweet couple and with B.J., they are an adorable family. I absolutely loved this book and I can not wait to read Gabi's story in Wind Chime Point. It is already in my to read pile so stay tuned for my review for it to follow soon.
The First in this delightful new series is Sand Castle Bay. In this book Ms. Woods introduces the Castle Family, Cora Jane (Grandma) and her three granddaughters Emily, Gabi, & Samantha.
Emily Castle left North Carolina many years ago to find success and left behind a very heartbroken Boone Dorsett. She now has a very successful business helping her wealthy customers decorate & redecorate their homes and businesses. When a hurricane wreaks havoc on the bay side diner owned by her Grandmother, she and her two sister rush home to help her clean up and get ready to reopen. She doesn't know that her childhood sweetheart is now a widower with an adorable young son. At first these two do everything they can to cause friction between them because the fireworks are very much still there and they don't know how to handle them. The fireworks reach a stage they just can not ignore anymore and once they agree to give each other a chance they have A LOT of things they have to overcome in order. With the power of love most things can be concurred.
I admired Emily's ambition to go after the career she wanted and the life she has made for herself. When she finds something is missing and wants to make things work with Boone she tries to juggle everything. I so enjoyed watching Emily rediscover her family ties. She has spent so much time working on her career that she hasn't spent a lot of time with her sisters and grandmother. While they are all working together to reopen Castle's by the Sea they all discover how much they have missed that family support. Not only is there the wonderful relationship that unfolds between Emily and Boone as well as their interaction with Boone's son B.J, we also see the bond between sisters and a their grandmother. Speaking of their Grandmother oh my goodness I loved Cora Jane! This woman is full has a lot of great qualities, she is spunky, a little sassy sometimes, likes to meddle in her family's lives but only for their own good.
I loved Boone, he is a very dedicated father, a successful businessman, and very dedicated to his family and friends that he also considers family. He has a young son that he is trying to do the very best he can to raise. He has a meddling mother-in-law that causes him some problems and even more problems once he and Emily try to find their way back to each other. I so admired Boone for some of the choices he makes to help make sure this relationship works.
Boone and Emily's story was so compelling I found myself having to force my hands to put this book down when I sure did not want to. These two are just such a sweet couple and with B.J., they are an adorable family. I absolutely loved this book and I can not wait to read Gabi's story in Wind Chime Point. It is already in my to read pile so stay tuned for my review for it to follow soon.
March 28, 2013
Emily and Boone were childhood sweethearts that wanted different things in life and eventually went their separate ways. After a hurricane damages Emily’s grandmother’s restaurant, she and her two sisters come home to help. What Emily didn’t expect was for her feelings for Boone to resurface.
Boone, poor Boone. He was goner from the first moment that he even HEARD that Emily was there. But he is a widower with a young son and former in-laws threatening at every turn to take away his son. He doesn’t need Emily back in his life. Unfortunately, his heart is not cooperating with his head. He also didn’t think that his son would take such a shine to Emily and not realizing that his son was truly missing his mother.
I’ve briefly talked about why I read Sand Castle Bay above. I truly adored Emily and Boone. From the opening paragraph to the last paragraph, I was engaged to know those two more than just on the surface. Emily and Boone had a depth to them. Ms. Woods let me get to know them as individuals and then as a couple. Yes, were there sacrifices, misunderstandings and miscommunication between them? Sure, it’s what made them human. In fact, I got to know all of the characters in the book. Emily’s family was not window dressing or there just to prop her up when the plot dictated it. These are real people with real thoughts, wants and needs.
The townspeople are good people who can be a bit gossipy but what small town can’t be a bit gossipy. I will say that Boone’s in-laws really grated on my last nerves and I look forward to the continuation of that thread in Gabi’s book. I don’t think that its “over” between them.
I highly recommend Sand Castle Bay to you, my dear readers. Yes, is sweet/sensual in nature? Yes, but sex would have just gotten in the way of the beautifully storytelling that Ms. Woods weaves in the book. I was captivated by the setting, characters and most of all, Emily and Boone. Sometimes second chances truly are better than the first time around and Emily/Boone proved that.
Boone, poor Boone. He was goner from the first moment that he even HEARD that Emily was there. But he is a widower with a young son and former in-laws threatening at every turn to take away his son. He doesn’t need Emily back in his life. Unfortunately, his heart is not cooperating with his head. He also didn’t think that his son would take such a shine to Emily and not realizing that his son was truly missing his mother.
I’ve briefly talked about why I read Sand Castle Bay above. I truly adored Emily and Boone. From the opening paragraph to the last paragraph, I was engaged to know those two more than just on the surface. Emily and Boone had a depth to them. Ms. Woods let me get to know them as individuals and then as a couple. Yes, were there sacrifices, misunderstandings and miscommunication between them? Sure, it’s what made them human. In fact, I got to know all of the characters in the book. Emily’s family was not window dressing or there just to prop her up when the plot dictated it. These are real people with real thoughts, wants and needs.
The townspeople are good people who can be a bit gossipy but what small town can’t be a bit gossipy. I will say that Boone’s in-laws really grated on my last nerves and I look forward to the continuation of that thread in Gabi’s book. I don’t think that its “over” between them.
I highly recommend Sand Castle Bay to you, my dear readers. Yes, is sweet/sensual in nature? Yes, but sex would have just gotten in the way of the beautifully storytelling that Ms. Woods weaves in the book. I was captivated by the setting, characters and most of all, Emily and Boone. Sometimes second chances truly are better than the first time around and Emily/Boone proved that.
May 23, 2017
Sherryl Woods' covers are so inviting and I'm such a sucker for serials, I am drawn to her books. Unfortunately, the romance between main characters Boone and Emily makes me want to give the book a heave within the first few chapters. Good story, but help your readers stay with it. There is too much unnecessary angst and struggle in their relationship . . . one step forward, two steps back, constantly rehashing misunderstandings and sending of mixed messages that the characters come across as wishy-washy, pathetic and lacking, while individually, each is tender, compassionate and driven. Please, if trying to make a relationship work is such an ongoing struggle, why would anyone stick with it?
May 15, 2024
Soooo unrealistic at times. Like girly is not flying from la to Raleigh then driving to the obx every week? But fun to read/liked it enough to continue the series!
September 10, 2018
Next one is on it's way!
January 21, 2013
4 STARS
Sand Castle Bay (An Ocean Breeze Novel) Book 1
The first novel in this new series was good. I already want to find out what happens to Emily's sister.
Emily broke up with her boyfriend because she wanted to make lfe away from Sand Castle but she always thought that Boone would be waiting for her to come back. When Boone got married to someone else right after she was hurt bad.
Boone was hurt when Emily broke up with him and left town. He was hurt and thought it was over so he found someone else to love and marry. Now he is a single father in thier hometown after his wife died. Boone is really close to Emily's grandmother Cora Jane still.
Now Emily and her two sisters are back in town to help thier grandmother get the family restraunt back open and repaired after a hurricane. No one told Emily that Boone is now a widower or that he owns three restraunts of his own.
Boone's son B.J. is close to Cora Jane and spends time with her too. B.J. gets attached to Emily right off the bat. Boone is afraid he will get hurt when Emily leaves.
Everyone wants Emily and Boone to workout thier differences and get back together except Boone's Former Mother-in-law. Working on opposites coasts make it hard to have a relationship too.
This is a character driven novel. Lots of characters. B.J. is cute all by himself. I like the characters and wanted everything to workout for Emily & Boone too. I want to read the next two books now but have to wait till they come out.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
Description taken of Netgalley.com
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods takes readers to the North Carolina coast with a new family and her trademark heartfelt emotions
In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved.
For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
Will fate once again separate them-or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?
www.SherrylWoods.com
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (March 26, 2013) 400 pages ASIN: B00ALTVIQU
Sand Castle Bay (An Ocean Breeze Novel) Book 1
The first novel in this new series was good. I already want to find out what happens to Emily's sister.
Emily broke up with her boyfriend because she wanted to make lfe away from Sand Castle but she always thought that Boone would be waiting for her to come back. When Boone got married to someone else right after she was hurt bad.
Boone was hurt when Emily broke up with him and left town. He was hurt and thought it was over so he found someone else to love and marry. Now he is a single father in thier hometown after his wife died. Boone is really close to Emily's grandmother Cora Jane still.
Now Emily and her two sisters are back in town to help thier grandmother get the family restraunt back open and repaired after a hurricane. No one told Emily that Boone is now a widower or that he owns three restraunts of his own.
Boone's son B.J. is close to Cora Jane and spends time with her too. B.J. gets attached to Emily right off the bat. Boone is afraid he will get hurt when Emily leaves.
Everyone wants Emily and Boone to workout thier differences and get back together except Boone's Former Mother-in-law. Working on opposites coasts make it hard to have a relationship too.
This is a character driven novel. Lots of characters. B.J. is cute all by himself. I like the characters and wanted everything to workout for Emily & Boone too. I want to read the next two books now but have to wait till they come out.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
Description taken of Netgalley.com
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods takes readers to the North Carolina coast with a new family and her trademark heartfelt emotions
In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved.
For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
Will fate once again separate them-or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?
www.SherrylWoods.com
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (March 26, 2013) 400 pages ASIN: B00ALTVIQU
April 2, 2013
This review and others can be found at my blog, My Written Romance. Just click here.
This book was OK. Not a lot really happens - no real action, other than a few moment later in the book with Boone's in-laws, and it was pretty closed-door when it came to the sexytimes (which is not always a bad thing). However it didn't blow me away, and there were a few things that got on my nerves about the main characters.
I didn't always get the attraction and chemistry between Boone and Emily. Yeah, they were together as teenagers, but as adults, I just couldn't get my head around what each saw in the other.
Everyone in their world - her family, his friends - is convinced they are fated to be together, but are constantly harping on at Emily about how she let him down and hurt him so badly when she left in the first place. There was probably some of this at play, but another person has a few performances on that blame train as well (I'm talking to you, Boone - bitching that she left you then not going after her and marrying someone else, hmmm...) that they need to acknowledge.
Obviously, Boone is concerned about his son and his emotional health post the death of his mother (which is commendable), however his attitude towards Emily and any interaction she has with his son, even after they get together, is pretty frustrating. The haste with which B.J. instantly accepted Emily as a potential stepmother was another thing that got to me a bit. It brought to mind the discussion between Sarah and Jane in the DBSA Romance Fiction Podcast episode, Plot Moppets and Pet Moppets the other day (check it out when you have the chance, you'll know what I mean).
I am intrigued, however, by the upcoming stories that will involve Emily's sisters. So despite my ambivalence towards the main characters in Sand Castle Bay, this will keep me reading this series. It was these characters that rescued this book from a lower review score. I keep thinking that if Ms Woods had eased up a bit on the "Emily's to blame for everything", I probably would have enjoyed this book more than I did.
My rating: 3 out of 5 (but only just)
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy by MIRA, an imprint of Harlequin via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This book was OK. Not a lot really happens - no real action, other than a few moment later in the book with Boone's in-laws, and it was pretty closed-door when it came to the sexytimes (which is not always a bad thing). However it didn't blow me away, and there were a few things that got on my nerves about the main characters.
I didn't always get the attraction and chemistry between Boone and Emily. Yeah, they were together as teenagers, but as adults, I just couldn't get my head around what each saw in the other.
Everyone in their world - her family, his friends - is convinced they are fated to be together, but are constantly harping on at Emily about how she let him down and hurt him so badly when she left in the first place. There was probably some of this at play, but another person has a few performances on that blame train as well (I'm talking to you, Boone - bitching that she left you then not going after her and marrying someone else, hmmm...) that they need to acknowledge.
Obviously, Boone is concerned about his son and his emotional health post the death of his mother (which is commendable), however his attitude towards Emily and any interaction she has with his son, even after they get together, is pretty frustrating. The haste with which B.J. instantly accepted Emily as a potential stepmother was another thing that got to me a bit. It brought to mind the discussion between Sarah and Jane in the DBSA Romance Fiction Podcast episode, Plot Moppets and Pet Moppets the other day (check it out when you have the chance, you'll know what I mean).
I am intrigued, however, by the upcoming stories that will involve Emily's sisters. So despite my ambivalence towards the main characters in Sand Castle Bay, this will keep me reading this series. It was these characters that rescued this book from a lower review score. I keep thinking that if Ms Woods had eased up a bit on the "Emily's to blame for everything", I probably would have enjoyed this book more than I did.
My rating: 3 out of 5 (but only just)
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy by MIRA, an imprint of Harlequin via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 27, 2016
Edit: I made a big stink over the unresolved issues with some of the characters. I do realize this is a series and it may be covered in future books.
I'm trying to figure out how anyone gave this book more than 3 stars.
I hid the entire review because of "spoilers" but nothing happens that you wouldn't expect. Long lost lovers meet. They rekindle their love. It states they have lots of sex. (Which was irritating to read about - it's closed door, which is fine. And I'm not a prude but it added absolutely nothing to the story.) They argue because their lives are complicated. They make sacrifices and live happily ever after. Yay...
I'm weird about not finishing books so I finished it. It's definitely better the last 100 pages or so, but still not great.
Felt like there was a lot left unresolved. Example... Gabi goes AWOL. Last we hear about her, she calls their grandmother stating she would be back for x-mas. Which in most cases would be OK, but the author all but emphasized her mysterious actions as a sub-plot. There were other things too that we never get answers to. It's ridiculous.
Recommended for anyone who wants a lazy beach read... That doesn't require any brain power.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2013
**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review**
Hmm this one just didn’t pull on my heart-strings as I would have hoped. I did like the story overall but I just did not find myself attached to many of the characters, especially Emily and Boone. There were times when to be honest I was bored with all of the back and forth that Emily and Boone did discussing Jenny. Frankly, I found some of the events to be pretty predictable too. I am a tad disappointed that I did not love this book.
I did like the storyline behind the Castle business though and I thought Cora Jane was a sweet person. She was probably my most favorite character in this book. I will be reading the rest of the books in this series to see if any of these characters show up in future stories and develop more.
Hmm this one just didn’t pull on my heart-strings as I would have hoped. I did like the story overall but I just did not find myself attached to many of the characters, especially Emily and Boone. There were times when to be honest I was bored with all of the back and forth that Emily and Boone did discussing Jenny. Frankly, I found some of the events to be pretty predictable too. I am a tad disappointed that I did not love this book.
I did like the storyline behind the Castle business though and I thought Cora Jane was a sweet person. She was probably my most favorite character in this book. I will be reading the rest of the books in this series to see if any of these characters show up in future stories and develop more.
July 6, 2017
Oh dear, I can't remember the last time I rated a book a one star but Sand Castle Bay just didn't work for me on any level.
Not only was the heroine Emily Castle extremely unlikable but throw in an interfering Grandmother and the hero's late wife's horrible mother and you have a cast of unappealing characters. But the major problem of the book was the core relationship between Emily and Boone Dorsett. Supposedly childhood sweethearts back together after ten years apart and despite each claiming to be the love of each other's life they spent over 70% of the book with unkind bickering and such different points of view on life that their compromises in the finally 10% of the book to be together just seemed to be totally unrealistic.
There are two more sisters in this Ocean Breeze Trilogy. Needless to say I won't be reading their stories!
Not only was the heroine Emily Castle extremely unlikable but throw in an interfering Grandmother and the hero's late wife's horrible mother and you have a cast of unappealing characters. But the major problem of the book was the core relationship between Emily and Boone Dorsett. Supposedly childhood sweethearts back together after ten years apart and despite each claiming to be the love of each other's life they spent over 70% of the book with unkind bickering and such different points of view on life that their compromises in the finally 10% of the book to be together just seemed to be totally unrealistic.
There are two more sisters in this Ocean Breeze Trilogy. Needless to say I won't be reading their stories!
August 1, 2014
I have read a few books Sherryl Woods and I remember enjoying them. But this was horrible.I could not even finish it.
The novel is based on a romance between Emily and Boone. Emily has returned to Sand Castle Bay after ten years, when she had turned her back on a relationship with Boone. Now that she has returned and they decide to try again, things don't seem easy.
The problem with this plot is the unbelievable problems that the two main characters seem to find; simple issues that could be addressed are portrayed as insurmountable.
More importantly the plot has very little going for it outside of them wanting to be together but can't. The whole point of reading romance novels is to see the couple overcome obstacles and find each other. When the obstacles are the characters themselves, after a while it is just wading through page after page of frustration.
The novel is based on a romance between Emily and Boone. Emily has returned to Sand Castle Bay after ten years, when she had turned her back on a relationship with Boone. Now that she has returned and they decide to try again, things don't seem easy.
The problem with this plot is the unbelievable problems that the two main characters seem to find; simple issues that could be addressed are portrayed as insurmountable.
More importantly the plot has very little going for it outside of them wanting to be together but can't. The whole point of reading romance novels is to see the couple overcome obstacles and find each other. When the obstacles are the characters themselves, after a while it is just wading through page after page of frustration.
April 8, 2015
Novela entretenida pero con muchas cosas incomprensibles como la relación de sus protagonistas que me ha parecido demasiado irreal a pesar de conocerse desde la adolescencia. Ella es decoradora de interiores, la autora hace demasiadas descripciones sobre esa profesión totalmente innecesarias, y él es dueño de tres restaurantes pero está más empeñado en ayudar a "la competencia" que atender a sus propios negocios, luego la historia de la custodia del hijo del protagonista que no se sostiene ... en fin, que la trama es un compendio de situaciones a lo loco en la que la prota tan pronto está en Carolina del Norte como coge un avión y está en Los Angeles y viceversa.
La autora no me ha disgustado así que igual le doy alguna oportunidad a alguno de sus libros.
La autora no me ha disgustado así que igual le doy alguna oportunidad a alguno de sus libros.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2013
First Book in the new Ocean Breeze series. I just loved it. Emily and Boone were high school sweethearts but Emily took off to pursue her career. A Hurricane hits the North Carolina coast and she comes back home to help her grandmother along with her two sisters. Boone and Emily meet up with Boone's adorable son. Boone had lost his wife a few years ago. Boone and Emily are given a second chance at love. What a surprise ending. I had never expected that. Now on to the next book in the series Wind Chime Point. Sherryl Woods has another great series. I figured she would.
April 3, 2013
This was a good story, but not much happened. I really like Sherryl Woods, and thought this book was not up to her usual standards. Nice, easy read. It meets the typical romance outline: Boy meets Girl, there's a reason they can't get together, they overcome that problem and live happily ever after. Sand Castle Bay throws in a son and high level jobs, but I was screaming at them the whole time to just to what they finally did in the end. I'll probably read the rest of the series because I did like the characters. It could have just been more exciting.
June 19, 2020
I completely enjoyed this story and especially loved that it took place by the sea in North Carolina. The characters are so real that they just come to life. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
April 19, 2013
I did like this book, however I thought there were some loose ends. One being w/Emily's sisters. Maybe that will be fixed in the next book though.
May 16, 2013
I enjoyed this book. Boone and Emily resolved things a bit quickly at the end. Overall good though and will read the rest of the series.
June 3, 2013
Cant wait to read the next one.
September 17, 2016
prima boek voor op een Grieks strand!!
May 2, 2020
I do like this Authors' work and this book doesn't disappoint, the beginning of another trilogy. Whilst I can see how the trilogy will pan out, it's still a great read, how each couple work through any differences they may have, or problems which may cause a hitch in their relationship, ultimately it's a good ending for all.
This book introduces 3 Sisters, their Grandmother and Father, the Castle family in Sand Castle Bay. Emily, Samantha and Gabriella spent their Summers with their Grandmother Cora helping at the family restaurant, their Father busy with his biomedical work meant they hardly saw him. Later they lost their Mother so Cora became their guiding light.
Emily fell in love with Boone, but her career took her away from the Bay, and a series of misunderstandings between them meant it was 10 years before she came back; in that time he'd married Jenny, had a Son (BJ) and then later lost his wife in an accident, leaving him to bring BJ up alone. A successful restaurateur himself, having been mentored by Cora, he's part of the Castle family by friendship.
The Sisters return to the bay after a hurricane causes damage to the restaurant. Emily runs into Boone as he is helping Cora put things right so she can open, her regards Cora as a surrogate Mother (his own Mum and Dad off the scene doing their own thing) so he's there for her. Meeting Emily throws him, can they rekindle their relationship? BJ immediately takes a strong liking to Emily but Boone is worried she'll break his heart like she broke Boone's when she went off before, so he's reluctant to start a relationship; coupled with the fact Jenny's Mother is just looking for a chance to get BJ off him having blamed him for her death.
Can Emily have it all, successful career and Boone & BJ?, will Boone compromise and allow her back into his life?
I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read the next book about Gabriella. All three books seem intertwined so best to read them in order, although they can be read as standalone books.
This book introduces 3 Sisters, their Grandmother and Father, the Castle family in Sand Castle Bay. Emily, Samantha and Gabriella spent their Summers with their Grandmother Cora helping at the family restaurant, their Father busy with his biomedical work meant they hardly saw him. Later they lost their Mother so Cora became their guiding light.
Emily fell in love with Boone, but her career took her away from the Bay, and a series of misunderstandings between them meant it was 10 years before she came back; in that time he'd married Jenny, had a Son (BJ) and then later lost his wife in an accident, leaving him to bring BJ up alone. A successful restaurateur himself, having been mentored by Cora, he's part of the Castle family by friendship.
The Sisters return to the bay after a hurricane causes damage to the restaurant. Emily runs into Boone as he is helping Cora put things right so she can open, her regards Cora as a surrogate Mother (his own Mum and Dad off the scene doing their own thing) so he's there for her. Meeting Emily throws him, can they rekindle their relationship? BJ immediately takes a strong liking to Emily but Boone is worried she'll break his heart like she broke Boone's when she went off before, so he's reluctant to start a relationship; coupled with the fact Jenny's Mother is just looking for a chance to get BJ off him having blamed him for her death.
Can Emily have it all, successful career and Boone & BJ?, will Boone compromise and allow her back into his life?
I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read the next book about Gabriella. All three books seem intertwined so best to read them in order, although they can be read as standalone books.
May 20, 2022
Sand Castle Bay (Ocean Breeze #1) by Sherryl Woods
This is book one in this series where Emily comes back to sand castle bay after a hurricane to help her grandmother out. She is the youngest of three sisters. Emily is an interior designer and she is out to prove herself in the world. Boone Dorsett is a restaurant owner and a widower with a young son. Emily broke his heart and he eventually moved on to Jenny and had a son with her before she died.
Boone is a decent man even though he tried to put his past with Emily behind him when he married Jenny he still had a hole in his heart that was still burning for Emily. Emily was not ready for anything serious she wanted to find her way in the world and the break-up between her and Boone was just that for her. She did have some regrets about leaving Boone and seeing him eventually marry Jenny and having a son.
When Emily returns home to be with her Grandmother she did not know what to expect when she see Boone at her grandmothers to help with repairs after the hurricane. The chemistry and angst between these two was spilled heavily throughout the story.
Boone tries to protect his son from being hurt and his own heart from Emily. The story was entertaining and watching to see what happens between Emily and Boone can they rekindle from their past or will the angst pull them apart forever. Emily has so much potential with her job will that interfere with her love life.
I recommend this book it was well worth the read and entertaining if you love a good romance novel this is one. I admire Emily in her love of working on the design of a shelter for women. She really loved what she was doing and that part of the story just made me feel good. The romance in the story was filled with angst from a past of broken hearts.
This is book one in this series where Emily comes back to sand castle bay after a hurricane to help her grandmother out. She is the youngest of three sisters. Emily is an interior designer and she is out to prove herself in the world. Boone Dorsett is a restaurant owner and a widower with a young son. Emily broke his heart and he eventually moved on to Jenny and had a son with her before she died.
Boone is a decent man even though he tried to put his past with Emily behind him when he married Jenny he still had a hole in his heart that was still burning for Emily. Emily was not ready for anything serious she wanted to find her way in the world and the break-up between her and Boone was just that for her. She did have some regrets about leaving Boone and seeing him eventually marry Jenny and having a son.
When Emily returns home to be with her Grandmother she did not know what to expect when she see Boone at her grandmothers to help with repairs after the hurricane. The chemistry and angst between these two was spilled heavily throughout the story.
Boone tries to protect his son from being hurt and his own heart from Emily. The story was entertaining and watching to see what happens between Emily and Boone can they rekindle from their past or will the angst pull them apart forever. Emily has so much potential with her job will that interfere with her love life.
I recommend this book it was well worth the read and entertaining if you love a good romance novel this is one. I admire Emily in her love of working on the design of a shelter for women. She really loved what she was doing and that part of the story just made me feel good. The romance in the story was filled with angst from a past of broken hearts.
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