Circle in the Sand

by Lia Fairchild

Four life-long friends bound by two decades of laughter, love, promises, and secrets. Once inseparable, the four grow into independent adults pursuing very different paths.

Sage, raised by career-driven parents, follows a carefully laid out future of success that leaves her wondering what she’s missed out on.

Emily, the college drop-out, now has three children that have become her whole life. She's slowly lost herself, subconsciously seeking dangerous ways to cope. Can she find herself in time?

Jax always lived on the edge, skating through life with no apparent ambition, yet remained the energy and emotional cement of the group. She longs for her friends to accept her without trying to fix her.

Ned, Emily’s twin brother, yearns to stand up and be counted. But his old loyalties and new feelings for one of the girls has him pulled in different directions.

Will the ties that held them together as kids be strong enough for them as adults? These four friends will discover the true meaning of friendship and unveil truths about themselves they never knew existed.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary

327 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2014

About the author

Lia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who come to life in stories that will touch your heart.

Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two children.

Amazon amazon.com/author/liafairchild

Look for updates on her and her books at http://www.liafairchild.com or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/liafairchild/ or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild...

Books by Lia Fairchild
Building Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book1)
Broken Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book2)
Compulsive
Liar
Circle in the Sand
In Search of Lucy
Emma vs. the Tech Guy
Vigil-Annie
High Maintenance
Home for Christmas
Special Delivery

Reviews

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle in the Sand is a wonderful tale of friendship and the things that can pull friends together, but also push them apart.

Jax, Emily, Sage, and Ned have been best friends since they were kids (yes, you read that correctly, Ned), but can their bonds remain strong through the struggles life throws at each of them? Life is different as an adult and secrets are harder to share.

Ned is somewhat an enigma in the story, but he fits in quite perfectly as the pieces all start to fall together. The story wouldn't quite be the same without him actually – leave it to Fairchild to find a new and exciting way to spice up Contemporary Fiction! (Side note: that is actually one of the best things about Lia’s books – they are never just the run-of-the-mill. There is always something just a little different. A small surprise that enhances the story and keeps readers on their toes.) Ned fits into this circle of friends snugly, but he too has issues and secrets to deal with – if he doesn't, he may lose a very good friend…maybe even a partner.

The three girls have very different personalities, which makes their friendship and their antics in the book all the more interesting. Sage has everything under control – she knows what she wants in life and nothing will change it…maybe. Emily has the family she’s always dreamed of, but at what price? Jax, well Jax is a powerhouse in this novel. I love her – I think most readers will. She’s a free spirit with a big heart, but does she need to settle down and get a “real” life or will her friends, once and for all, accept her for who she is?

Fairchild writes the story from every character’s point of view – switching off to a new character with each chapter. This method suited the story well as readers will really get to know each one intimately – their fears, thoughts, secrets. Additionally, readers will see some situations from more than one POV – talk about putting a spin on things…sometimes things aren’t as they originally seem!

Humor, romance, kids, money, mental illness, dying relatives – it is all in here and woven together well in a tale that will have you reading straight through to find all the answers and see how these friends figure things out and end up (not to mention there are some really awesome supporting characters with some of their own secrets).

If you want to start 2014 off with a great book, a few chuckles, and a lot of fun, read this one!!

*I was blessed to be asked to beta read this book and am absolutely floored by the wonderful acknowledgement Lia included in this book (about ME…I mean, seriously, ME). I was not compensated for the beta read nor the review, but was asked for an honest opinion of the book. All thoughts and views are my own.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book ever by Lia Fairchild but it won't be my last! ...I won ‘Circle in the Sand’ therefore I had a clean slate & am a very open-minded person, but this exceeded my expectations! ... In my own words, this is my honest review as an avid lover of fiction with contemporary romance and drama! ... Make sure you have time to read this coz you won’t want to put it down once you get started!

I would say if you like books by Luanne Rice, Nancy Thayer or Elin Hilderbrand (just to name a few) then you will love Lia Fairchild’s own style of writing... I love the way her characters develop throughout the story and were told by each one's perspective... 4 lifelong friends, only human with flaws yet so likable that you wish they were real and a part of your own circle of friends! ... I rarely cry when reading, like I do when watching a movie but this poignant, feel good story will tug at your emotions! ... Rich descriptions and a happy ending will leave you wanting more of this author’s books and hopefully a future story with these characters :) ... I promise, you won’t be sorry with this amazing 5 STAR MUST READ!!

[Jessmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the multiple narrator, when it is done well. It is done very well in this book. Each character, Jax, Ned, Sage, and Emily had their own voice which made them all interesting to read.

I like the idea that your family is who you make it out if. Not all blood relatives are real family, and sometimes friends become more of a family than you expect. These four friends are the perfect example. Lifelong friends that pick up immediately where they left off no matter how long it's been. They were also all flawed in their own way which made them easy to relate to. Not everything was roses all the time either. The different conflicts seemed realistic for the most part.

I rather enjoyed this book. My favorite character may just have been Sage's sassy grandmother, Rose who spoke some important words in her last days. "Live each day being the reason someone smiled, the inspiration for someone to fight, the strength for someone to heal." These are words worth living by.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

This is not usually my typical read, I like the steamy romances filled with angst and sex. This is more of a Chick-Lit, it does have a few romantic elements thrown into the story, but I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as a typical romance. The story follows a group of four life long friends. The narrative is told in the POVs of each of the characters and changes throughout the story, I loved this aspect because it gave you a chance to get inside the head of all of them.

I have to say this was a very nice, light read. It was very well written and the characters were relatable and realistic. I enjoyed it a lot.

~ Review by Erin

[Donna Fasano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends are the family you choose for yourself. It's a wonderful saying… and it's true. CIRCLE IN THE SAND is a book that perfectly captures this idea. By the end of the book, I knew this circle of friends; I understood them; I empathized with each and every one. I could see bits of me in them, and I fell in love with them. This would be a perfect book club book because, I think, each reader will identify with a different character, and that would certainly churn up a lot of lively discussion. Recommended read!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Circle in the Sand is an extraordinary story about ordinary people. The idea of childhood friends keeping their friendship alive as their lives took them in different directions appealed to me.

I like the writing style which gives a first person perspective from each of the four main characters Emily, Jax, Ned and Sage. The informality allows you to connect with the characters immediately so you feel less that you are reading the story and more like you're on the fringes of their lives watching them progress.

What make this a five star story for me are the characters that range from stay at home mum to career woman with Jax adding the quirky dimension. Ned is remarkable because of the relationship he has with the women. Their ordinariness makes them special you can empathise because you can visualise yourself in their situations.

The conflicts were often unexpected and always well explained and helped illuminate the character/s they affected. The plot possessed the necessary twists and although I guessed some of them it didn't detract from the reading experience.

A Circle in the Sand is a lovely tale of enduring friendship and sweet romance.

I received a copy of this e-book from the author in return for an honest review.



Lia Fairchild

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I received it in return for an honest review. It was my first Lia Fairchild book. I have not read a lot of contemporary, so it was a new genre and a new author, but I am so glad I read it. I really liked that you hear the stories through the four main characters, and the past and present is explored. I also loved how strong and real the relationships in the book felt. My impression of each character changed as I read more of the book because I learned more about them with each page. That is another thing I loved about the book. Everything was revealed in the most perfect way. I don't want to give anything away, so I won't go into specifics. It was as if the answer to an earlier question would subtly make its way into the story. it was done in such a way that I felt I was a member of this wonderful group of friends, and they had just shared a very personal secret with me. Boy did it make me love the book even more! I feel like I am now a part of their circle! This book had a much bigger impact than I was expecting. It made me kind of stop and think about things, and gave me some new perspectives. Lia Fairchild did a fabulous job connecting so many different people in such a special way, and that includes all of the characters, not just the main four. I highly recommend this book! It was very touching and endearing.

[Shelly♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Circle in the Sand tells the story of four long-time friends(Jax, Sage, Ned and Emily) as they revisit their bonds and friendship during 30 something crises of discovering who and what they really are. Each of them, in their own way, stands on a cross road of choices that will impact them for the long term. Are they bold enough to step out and beyond and push through the barriers that are holding them back?

I found this book to be a nice, light Chick litty/women's fiction read. The plot pulled me through the pages. The author kept the reader in the dark as to some of conflicts, or barriers facing each of them, which compelled me to push through to find out the truths, the answers and what each one would do. It was an ensemble style cast of characters - each chapter told in the first person voice of the 4 main people, but also within the telling, a variety of different minor characters with equally as much panash as the main ones, found their way into the story and our hearts.

Set in Southern California, it has a beach read feel with just a little more heart and soul. Recommend for lovers of Elin Hildebrand, Claire Cooke, and Kate Jacobs.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lighthearted and engaging story revolves around four life-long best friends and their gallant struggle to maintain their collective relationship as they travel different paths in life. As each person copes with relationships, family, demanding jobs, and missed opportunities, their desire to remain as close as adults is proving to be a challenge. Twists and turns abound as each person wrestles with their own secrets and an aging grandmother passes along important life lessons she regrettably learned when it was nearly too late.

The writing style is unique, in that each chapter of the story is told from the first person perspective of either Sage, Emily, Jax, or Ned. Though the characters have different personalities and outlooks on life, they are each very likable. The reader will no trouble relating to one or more of this group of friends. A vast array of topics are woven throughout (trust, love, acceptance, judgement, forgiveness, fear, loyalty) and give the story depth. Hopefully, the reader will pause to take a quick inward glance at his or her own life. I know I did. Definitely recommend.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This lively modern lifestyle story is mostly set in San Diego, with surfer dudes, barbecues and balmy air. A brother and sister and two lady friends have been close for twenty years, and they share troubles and some - but not all - of their secrets.

Circle in the Sand is not a typical romance but has romantic aspects and will appeal to people who like reading depth of characterisation. The tensions are emotional rather than arising from action. I found that the switching between characters for each new chapter can be hard to keep up with as the people from similar backgrounds have similar voices. To be honest I did not get all that attached to any character although I did hope that matters would work out well for them.

I'd previously read 'Emma Vs The Tech Guy' by Lia Fairchild and noticed common themes, with some characters stuck in grooves that they need to leave in order to grow. Clearly the author does a lot of thinking about modern life and the expectations we have, plus the expectations others have of us. I'll look forward to her next well-considered novel.

[Lia Fairchild]

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author for my honest review**

I have read a couple of Lia Fairchild's books before so I was eager to read this one.
I could tell from the blurb it was one that would interest me, so got stuck in.

At the beginning I had to stay with it as I need to piece who was who together and what was what, but it all soon came together like a good jigsaw puzzle making up a lovely picture.
I found it a very easy pleasant read, I chuckled, and in some places felt for several of them.

Each of them took on an image in my head, they could be one of my friends, they could be one of yours.

What I love about Lia Fairchild's writing is that its fluent. She knows how to tell a good story and keep the reader interesting from page one.

Absolutely loved this read, and I'd highly recommend it.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it wholeheartedly. On the surface, it's a story about friendship that has lasted over many years, but underneath, it's so much more. As a high school teacher I often read young adult "coming of age" books, but this is the first time I have encountered such a novel centered around adults. Each of the characters is well developed and each faces a life decision. The beauty of this novel is that Fairchild addresses each in an organic manner so that none of it feels forced or cliche'. The characters are ordinary people that I might encounter every day and because of that, I felt an instant connection to each of them, coupled with the use of multiple point of view narration I felt as if I "knew" these people. The only thing that would have made this novel better would have been if I had read it at the beach!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters make this story special. I quickly became attached to them, and soon fell in love. The love that the characters have for one another is heartwarming. Each character has a unique personality, with good and bad traits, that allows them to quickly become real in the mind of the reader.

The story is also heartwarming. I enjoy when everything falls into place. Not in a predictable way, but in a way that feels right when the story is fully told. When you take the reader on a journey full of turns and twists, and in the end, they know that they have arrived at the proper destination, you have accomplished something wonderful.

I loved this story.

[S. Chavous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect summer beach read!

[Shandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

-A Journey Through All Stages Of Life - One Everyone Should Take!-

I would like to start by saying that I feel privileged to have gotten the opportunity to read this book. It's rare that a book perfectly encapsulates a life, much less five of them, and it's a precious, beautiful experience to feel as if one has taken a journey with both the author of a work as well as with their characters.

Circle in the Sand was very much a journey for me.

I entered into reading this book with no set expectations, only knowing the barest bit of the premise, and intending to leave an unbiased review based on that.

I have left this book feeling as if I have come to know every character involved in it as if they were my own friends, my own family, or a part of my own life.

This is the story of three women who shared a childhood friendship that has evolved into a lifelong love for one another. I got to see Jax -named for Jacqueline Onassis- be a wild, free spirit with boundless love for others find a way to fully love herself. I got to witness Sage -the "pretty" one who takes life too seriously- come to learn what it is that truly matters in life. I saw Emily -the devoted mother- come to grips with the fact that there is nothing wrong with asking for help and I saw her twin brother Ned realize that he's more than the tag-along to their little circle of women.

And Rose.

I got to see Rose -the woman who has reached the end of her life, Sage's grandmother, and someone who is intimately familiar with what it is to grow old- pass on the most important lessons she managed to learn in all her years to those that she loved. Rose, of all of them, touched me because I saw a lot of my grandmother, a lot of other grandmothers, in her. I come from the South where we value our elders for their stories, their wisdom, their humor, and even their most cantankerous behaviors because these people are our heritage as much as we are their legacy.

Sage, Jax, Emily, and even Ned and Travis (who breaks my heart as much as he is a heartthrob!) are all a part of Rose's legacy; I feel it would be remiss not to pay homage to the fact that she was what ultimately brought them all together again to celebrate childhood's lasting friendships. The memories recounted in this book are ones I could easily empathize with while all the characters were fully realized, perfectly imperfect people whose lives all mattered because of the ways they touched each other.

This was a book about friendship as much as it was about love and it was as much about life as it was about anything else.

I'm more than glad to give this book five stars all the way around for the lyrical writing, the beautiful characters, and all the joy that came from simply living alongside these people for a time. I could taste the salt on my lips from the beach of their youth. I could feel the pain of their losses and the joy of their gains. Every moment was another gift in this gem of a novel.

Thank you for your fine literary contribution, Lia Fairchild. The world is a better place because this book exists in it.

***NOTE: ARC PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW ON BEHALF OF THIS REDHEAD LOVES BOOKS BLOG***

Shandra Torbett
Reviewer for This Redhead LOVES Books Blog
https://www.facebook.com/thisredheadl...
http://thisredheadlovesbooks.blogspot...

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished an advanced reader copy of a new book by Lia Fairchild called Circle in the Sand. She is a new author for me so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was feeling daring.

Turns out this book was well worth the risk! With the chapters being told from the point of view of the different characters it really allowed me to understand and connect with each of them.

I really loved how the author portrayed the complicated progress from simple childhood friendships to friends with separate lives and relationships but still a close connection and love for each other. While some books stick with a purely 'peaches and cream'- everything is wonderful depiction of friendships and others focus mostly on the difficulties and negative aspects, I found this book to be a really charming and realistic mix.

I would recommend this book in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a story of love, loss, and the friends that stick around through it all.

Synopsis
Four life-long friends bound by two decades of laughter, love, promises, and secrets. Once inseparable, the four grow into independent adults pursuing very different paths.

Sage, raised by career-driven parents, follows a carefully laid out future of success that leaves her wondering what she’s missed out on.

Emily, the college drop-out, now has three children that have become her whole life. She's slowly lost herself, subconsciously seeking dangerous ways to cope. Can she find herself in time?

Jax always lived on the edge, skating through life with no apparent ambition, yet remained the energy and emotional cement of the group. She longs for her friends to accept her without trying to fix her.

Ned, Emily’s twin brother, yearns to stand up and be counted. But his old loyalties and new feelings for one of the girls has him pulled in different directions.

Will the ties that held them together as kids be strong enough for them as adults? These four friends will discover the true meaning of friendship and unveil truths about themselves they never knew existed.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Circle in the Sand is at its basic a contemporary women’s fiction told through four points of view. Jax, Sage, Emily, and Ned have had a lasting friendship from childhood through to adulthood each leading very different lives, but always connected. Each character is introduced individually in present time and we are given flashbacks of defining moments in each of their lives. Each character is well defined and their journeys are realistic and their situations are believable and vastly different.

Ms. Fairchild did an excellent job weaving each of these character's stories seamlessly together. Her transitions are smooth, easy to read, and entertaining. There are a few twists in each of their lives that keeps the story moving forward. Sage’s grandmother Rose’s birthday was one of my favorite highlights and made reading this story worth the time to read the whole book. It left a smile on my face.

My favorite character though was Jax, perhaps because I would love to be more like her. However, the one I identified the most with was Emily, even though her journey was very different from mine. It was nice to get a male view from Ned, Emily’s twin brother, of these three female friends. Even though he is floundering a bit with his own life he was always there for these women, mostly feeling like a fourth wheel. Sage was the hardest for me like, her journey was probably the most unique and life changing.

I don’t read a lot of women’s fiction, I prefer fantasy and mythic stories where I try to escape everyday life and lose myself in different worlds. However, I did enjoy Circle in the Sand and I am glad I read it. This would be a great beach read and not because there is sand in the title.

FYI: Adult language, several F bombs are dropped. Some adult situations, not overly graphic. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** August 16, 2015

Format/Typo Issues: I came across a small number of proofing errors, which mostly consisted of missing words, wrong words, or extra words.

[Jessica Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Circle in the Sand is an adorable story where childhood friends grow into adults and the struggles that they all face in their own lives while trying to remain the closest best friends. Emily, Jax, and Sage were inseparable, promising themselves as kids to always be together. 20 years later they try to remain connected even though life has pulled them all in different directions.

Jax always goes out of her way to help those less fortunate, chairties, helping the poor, even taking in college students and their ex-con brothers. Yet, she feels as though something is missing. Always looking for a sign, always trying to find her place in the world.

Emily, a mom of three, struggles with extreme anxiety. She keeps everything hidden from friends and family too embarrassed to appear 'weak'. No one can know her fears, her pain, or even her unhealthy coping mechanism.

Sage grew up being taught to work hard and save her money. She's always felt that something was missing, a family of her own.. Her biological clock is ticking, and it's ticking loudly! Never really close to her family, she is shocked to find out that her grandmothers dying wish is for her to liquidate her savings and donate it all to charities that mean the most to Sage.

The three are faced with their own struggles, all while trying to be there for each other. 20 years of friendship makes them all more like sisters. I really enjoyed reading the strengths they all gave each other. Can they all be honest with each other and help fight the struggles together, or will they slowly drift apart, as most childhood friends do?

The emotions that Lia Fairchild lay out of the page for each character was absolutely fabulous. Although there were a few times that I would get confused on which character was which, as each chapter is written in another's POV, I did enjoy reading their story and loved watching each of their lives unfold on the page.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Are you looking to read a realistic book about people you can relate to?? Then this is the one!! Not all books need to have a tragic moment, swoon-worthy scenes, or an extremely inflated HEA. Sometimes it’s ok to just read about the things you live day after day. Friendship being one of those things. This story is about a long standing friendship between four people. Friendship isn’t just about the good times, either, it’s about dealing with the bad and sad times, too. Circle in the Sand takes you through many of those times.

“I feel the love of two friends and twenty years seep into me. I think if I’m ever lucky enough to have a child, I’d want him or her to have friends exactly like these. The kind that will always be there no matter how much time has passed…how many tears shed or mistakes made.”

It centers around four very close friends; Ned and Emily (who are twins), Sage, and Jax. These four have been close for a long time but yet live very different lives. Who says people need to live similar lives to remain good friends!!

“We’ve had twenty years of memories, laughter, tears, and triumphs. And it’s these moments that will keep us bonded together when we’re away from each other, living our own lives, fulfilling our own dreams.”

I have to say, this story went in a very different direction than I originally thought and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I loved that it was told in all four of the character’s POVs without being repetitive. I get to see the struggles and the good times of all four of the characters. But yet still get to see how solid their friendship truly is.

I will be honest and say it’s not the kind of book that grabs right at the beginning, but once it did grab me, I was hooked. I became close with these characters and needed to know that they were at least heading in the direction of a HEA :)

*Review copy received from the author* 

[Booty Dancin Graphix BOOK fri-ENDS · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Was Given To Blog For Honest Review

Circle In The Sand is a nostalgic, tug-at-your-heart-strings, feel-good type of read. It’s nostalgic in the sense that while reading this amazing life journey amongst four lifelong friends, you can’t help but reminisce and think back to your closest lifelong friends. The similarities the characters have to your life, the experiences, etc… Circle In The Sand makes you feel. It’s real life. Every situation in this book is relatable, something either ourselves personally have struggled with or helped someone close to us struggle with and try to help them get through.

Sage, Jax, Emily, and Ned were childhood friends trying to maintain their strong tight bond as they have grown up, gone separate ways, and are starting to grow apart. I loved how each chapter was told in a different character’s point of view. You were able to truly develop a connection with each of them and really get to know them personally. Each of the four friends has their own story, their own secret that they are hiding, struggling to make the most out of their life and be the best person they can be, all while holding on to the past in hopes that that will be the key that keeps them together. Trying to come full circle. I felt connected to each character in this story in different ways and couldn’t help but relate them to people that are closest to me in my personal life. That I loved the most. Being able to relate and fully understand and grasp what they were all personally going through.

Lia did a great job with this novel. It tugged on all my emotions and kept my attention from beginning to end, starting and ending with a smile. I look forward to reading her future works.

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

a bittersweet story of friendships and family!

When I started reading this book I was a little confused by the character that started it off
"where does he fit into all this" "what's his story" but the more I read the more I started to understand and all the pieces started to fall perfectly into place! The characters Jax, Emily,
and Sage are three very different girls on different paths in their lives but they have one thing not many people have ... their unique friendship and a strong bond!

Circle In The Sand is such an amazing story I found myself digging right in and not stopping
until I was finished I love that I felt like I was in the story and sharing the character's moments of joy, sadness, laughter and tears! I liked being able to read from each one of the character's point of view and that the author went into detail sometimes more than others it really helped to get to know the character's more and gave the story depth without being overly done.
At first I was afraid that switching around from each character that I would get lost or have a hard time keeping up but all my fears were for naught because each scene, each chapter flowed into the next so smoothly!

I feel this book has great structure which turned into one fantastic story, great character, lots of
surprising moments to keep your attention and turning the pages, but most of all it leaves you with
a beautiful ending and a longing to hold your loved ones close and treasure every moment! You can't ask for a better book then the one the author has given us with this one!

[BooksandBeyondFiftyShades · Rating 4 out of 5]

When four lifelong friends Emily, Sage, Jax, and Ned reunite, things just seem different. None of the friends are on the path that they believe they would be on when they were younger. Emily has a family, which causes her massive amounts of stress. Sage works at a bank and a promotion that she desperately wants does not seem to be in her future. Jax is a jack of all trades, working at a tattoo shop, volunteering at a soup kitchen, and renting her rooms out in her mother’s house to strangers. Then there is Ned; he is neutral. His job is to keep all the girls together. He also happens to be Emily’s twin brother. When Jax convinces Sage’s grandmother to change her will, it causes a tear in their friendship. That tear is just the beginning of a domino effect that takes place between all four friends.

Circle in the Sand is a story about the struggle of four lifelong friends to keep from drifting apart. While their lives are not as similar as they used to be, they find out that everyone has secrets of their own. Will the secrets tear their friendships apart? Or will they bring them closer together?

This book was a very different read from what I am used to reading; however, it was very enjoyable. While I find it difficult to adjust to multiple points of view in a story, I think that brought the essence
of this story together. You get to see just how much these four friends hide from each other. It also shows just how equally hard life can be for those in very different situations. It is very easy to relate to all four characters, even if it is just a tiny bit. You feel for their heartaches, and you cheer for their achievements. I would recommend this unique book.

[Athena Freya Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the one literature lovers are constantly looking for…It’s the one that satisfies their needs for a good book..

Circle in the sand practically screams quality from the first page..It is sensational…If you’re looking for beauty, then this is it..

The book is written by multiple POVs (Ned, Sage, Jax and Emily)..When I saw that, I have to admit I was very wary, since it’s a tactic that rather does the authors harm than good. But this is not the case with Lia and I was very happy about that. The book is a pure joy to read..The multiple POVs are actually very welcome and extremely well written, while the story never fades or strains.

It’s a really magnificent book..

As I said, the multiple POVs were exemplary. The writing is graceful and Lia’s words seem to flow, the one into the other, without difficulty, but with elegance.

The characters are also excellently developed. Every character is very different from the other, but they are all very well described and introduced to the reader. It really feels like reading about a real friends’ group…

It’s really a fantastic book that takes your mind and breath away..

While reading it, it feels like you are one of the group, talking to the characters themselves. It’s really mesmerizing..It’s been a while since I read a book like this one..A real book about real people with real problems..But without putting me into depression..It maintains a hopeful and joyful attitude, even though we’re actually talking about reality..And we all know that isn’t all hearts and flowers, like our Mr.Grey says .

[Ciclochick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m no stranger to Lia’s writing. She’s a multi-faceted writer who can turn her hand to contemporary fiction, crime thrillers, chick lit and short stories.

This was a story about four people, bound by a long-standing friendship, a friendship that's tight and unbreakable. Adulthood and circumstances has meant four very different paths have been followed, but the binds that tie can never be broken. The four are Jax, Sage and twins Emily and Ned. We catch up with them at a time when each has reached a turning point in his/her life: there are decisions to be made, lifestyles to examine, careers to change…and needs to be met.

What I liked about this novel was that while the skeleton of the story is unremarkable, Lia’s perspicacity and insight present four friends who bring the whole thing to life. Four very diverse characters, each likeable for different reasons. Each has depth and different perspectives on life. There’s a feeling of warmth throughout and you are cocooned in a glow as you read this is; no matter what happens or what gets in the way of bringing the four together, the bond of their friendship is unbreakable.

This is a feel-good and satisfying story, beautifully written.

[Jeff LaFerney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reading copy...maybe so Lia Fairchild could get a feel for what a male reader would think. I've read three of her other books, so I wasn't afraid to dive in and test the waters. This book is heavy on characterization, but Fairchild is a master at developing outstanding characters. One man and three women, best of friends since childhood, have reunited to tell their stories. Each takes a turn narrating, so I was able to get to know the characters inside and out. It's a story of drama, personal problems, love, friendship, regrets, forgiveness, restoration, and even a little mystery. The characters are so different from each other that there's a little something for everyone in this book, and their lives are so unique that it's almost certain that every reader will make connections as he or she reads. I felt like I was their friend too, and as I finished the book, I felt a little disappointed that I had to move on with my life without them. I predict that others will feel the same.

[K3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Lia Fairchild and was really excited to read this book. Let me just say, she didn’t disappoint.
I loved everything about this story. The friendships, the four points of views. The characters, their issues. I loved that their twenty year friendship has survived and seems to get stronger, through thick and thin.
Their problems they each dealt with keeps them distanced but yet brings them together.
Sage, Emily and Jax are so different from each other and deal with life in their own ways. Ned is just Ned. He loves the girls something fierce but his feelings for one of them runs deeper than most.
Ned, the only male in the group. Best friend and twin brother to Emily. He just made me smile. While dealing with his issues, he always put the ladies first.
This is one of those stories that just warms your heart. It is romantic and heartbreaking and a fantastic story about friendship.

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ned, Jax, Emily and Sage have been friends for twenty years. They are family. As they got older though they did grow apart. Trying to recapture the closeness they had before, they learn new things about each other. It's tough for them to come to grips with it all and in time they will. Sage's grandmother gives them all a new perspective when looking at life. Will they learn the lesson Sage's grandmother wants them too?

This is an easy read. A fantastic story and characters that are well defined make this book one to read. You'll enjoy this story told from four different points of view. You get the chance to see all sides.

I didn't find issues.

I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because it just didn't come together as it should have. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~

[Bibi Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of the story; four points of view, four friends each at a crossroads in their lives and the potential for their friendship to move in very different directions.

The story flows very well with each character bringing their own spin on events, both past and present, ensuring that the tale moves at a good pace. By the end of the book I felt like I was part of the circle and my only disappointment was that I wanted to know more about each character and I wanted them to be my friends too. I particularly loved that each character was so different; I felt like I knew a version of Jax, Emily, Sage and even Ned in my own life and I could identify with each and every one.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable, easy read. *****

I received a copy of this e-book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Michelle (Bookaholic Banter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Circle in the Sand was a beautiful story of life-long friendship and family. This story also shows how you don't have to have the same blood to be considered family-family are the ones who are always there for us when we need them. I loved the writing style of this book-hearing the story from each friend. This story was heart-felt, funny, and intriguing. I could absolutely relate to the characters and their lives. Lia made this story come alive. It made me think of my life-long girlfriends who have always been there for me and made me appreciate them even more. This story should NOT be MISSED! A must-read! You will not be disappointed!