Photographs from the Cove

Sand Dollar Cove #2

by Jennifer Bardsley

The old cinema sits proud—but neglected—on the cove’s sun-bleached main street. Mary is determined to bring it back to its former glory, but when she discovers a crumbling photo album inside, one picture will change everything…

Mary Turner’s hopes of a happy life in beautiful Sand Dollar Cove come crashing down when her boyfriend leaves her. After her mother walked out when she was just a child, Aiden’s betrayal destroys the last shred of belief in love that Mary’s been clinging on to.

When the cove’s newest resident Steven Clarke hires her to renovate the town’s historic movie theater, Mary is scared of failing. But she dreams of bringing the fading theater back to its 1960s glamor. Plus, the more she works with the elusive Steven, the more she comes to like him and his striking good looks—against her better judgement…

As Mary’s confidence grows, her heart starts to reopen to the possibility of love. But then, hidden in the cinema’s storage room, Mary discovers a mysterious photo album containing pictures of a little girl who looks just like her. She can’t believe her eyes. How is Mary connected to this album and the cinema? And will the answers help to heal her broken heart?

Mary is willing to risk everything to learn the truth. But when she uncovers a secret that casts a shadow on her family, on Steven, and on Sand Dollar Cove, will the past haunt her forever? Or will she choose to believe in love and finally claim her happy ending?

Step into the beautiful coastal town of Sand Dollar Cove in this heart-healing story of long-buried family secrets, learning to love yourself, and overcoming the wounds of the past. Fans of Susanne O’Leary, Mary Alice Monroe and Kristin Harper will adore this sweeping novel.

Genres: Fiction

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

About the author

Jennifer Bardsley believes in friendship, true love, and the everlasting power of books. A graduate of Stanford University, she lives in Edmonds, Washington with her husband and two children. Jennifer’s “I Brake for Moms” column has appeared in The Everett Herald every week since 2012. She also writes Young Adult Paranormal Romance under the pen name Louise Cypress. When she’s not writing books, or camping with her Girl Scout troop, you can find Jennifer walking from her house to the beach every chance she gets.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

This is the second book in the Turner sister’s experience at Sand Dollar Cove, Photographs From The Cove, and it focuses on the younger sister, Mary.

If you choose to read this as a stand-alone, the author has provided enough backstory that you’ll have no problem catching up quickly.

Although I understand the focus of the book, I really missed Hannah. I think it was because I identified more with her than Mary. You’ll get a chance to meet Elvis the snake, the Cove’s newest resident, Steven Clarke, see how Mary has fared since her shocking news, and embark on a mystery with her as she struggles to understand the significance of her find in the old cinema’s storage room. I think I enjoyed the development of the mystery more in this second book than the one in the debut. Regardless, unearthing a secret puts everything Mary holds dear in jeopardy. As with the previous book, Bardsley engages readers quickly with her believable story, her vivid descriptions and her ability to tug on the heartstrings.

Thank you for the Easter eggs in both books, Jennifer Bardsley. I love turmeric lattes, too.

The next stop on the Sand Dollar Cove Tour is to see Brittany and get a peek at her new life after Jeremy goes to college.

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sand Dollar Cove series. I do suggest you read these in order as this book starts immediately after the first one ends. I love the description of Sand Dollar Cove. Having never been to Washington State where this takes place, I'm now ready to visit. Though it may rain a lot in the Pacific Northwest I'm ready to visit the beaches and take walks.
The book is absolutely packed full of so much going on.
Sisters Mary and Hannah and their grandmother live with their friend Bridget and her son in her boarding house. It's a great situation for all of them.
Hannah's boyfriend is not at all what she thought he was and she's much better off without him. If only she wouldn't still have to see him so often.
Mary is an interior decorator and is thrilled to be hired by the cove's newest resident Steven Clarke to renovate the cinema and bring it back to its former glory days. It's a huge job and the pressure is on, she's afraid of failing. What does it mean when she finds an old album in a storage area of the old cinema and a girl looks like her? Can Mary's budding romance survive the secrets that are revealed about her family and town? So many secrets and feelings of betrayal, self-discovery, family bonds renewed. Such a beautiful story, I enjoyed it a lot.

Pub Date 15 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE COVE
SERIES: SAND DOLLAR COVE
AUTHOR: Jennifer Bardsley
PUB DATE: 02.15.2024

The old cinema sits proud—but neglected—on the cove’s sun-bleached main street. Mary is determined to bring it back to its former glory, but when she discovers a crumbling photo album inside, one picture will change everything…

THOUGHTS:

Sisterhood
Secrets
Snakes 🐍

I thought this was such a sweet story and I was so glad to be back at Sand Dollar Cove and the PNW to see Mary’s story this time at work on the restoration of an old cinema, and the secrets discovered within.

I love this series and getting some time to visit some old friends I have made and some new ones too really made my weekend reading. It just so happen that it’s been raining this whole weekend in SoCal and giving me some PNW vibes perfect while reading this gem.

Though the book may be read as a stand alone, I do recommend reading them in order to really get to know the characters at The Cove.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the first book in this series and I LOVED this second book.

I liked the familiarity of knowing the characters from book one. I also loved the male main character in this book, newcomer, Steven Clarke. He is such a quirky guy. He has come from Vegas with a few pet snakes and a new purchase of the Sand Dollar Cinema that is in need of refurbishing.

Mary is an interior designer that has recently had a relationship end badly. Steven hires Mary to get the old cinema shiny.

There is not only the budding relationship between Mary and Steven, but also the continued dynamics of Mary’s family (her sister, Hannah is the main character in book one) as well as a mystery of an old photo album with a snakeskin cover.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sand Dollar Cove series and picks up where the first book ends. This explores Mary's story and focuses on her figuring out how to heal and move on from the past and create the life that she wants.

Mary is trying to get her design business off the ground and move on from the disaster of her ex-boyfriend which is hard when he lives next door. She can't believe her luck when the new owner of the cinema hires her to update the cinema. She is not sure what to think of Steven and his snakes and unique sense of style but she is determined to do a good job. When her mother reappears in her life Mary is forced to confront the past. What she finds is a secret that could impact everything she has built. Will Mary be able to build the life she wants or will the secret destroy it?

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookoutre for providing a copy for my honest review.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to have the two first books in this series so I finished the first and started book two right away.
Photographs From The Cove is another delightful story, same gorgeous setting, beautiful writing and characters that will steal your heart. Fun, heartwarming and captivating.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲 by Jennifer Bardsley Author released February 15, 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

[Lisa]

DNF


I am not putting any stars because I did not read nor finish this book.

I quit early on.

Trust me y'all I loved book one and also book 3.

So this totally is a ME REASON why I quit.

ONE word



I quit super early on right after someone was introduced


my reason for DNF?


ELVIS



see a me reason


that said I would recommend this book to all who enjoyed book one.

if elvis wasnt in this book I"m sure I would have enjoyed it too

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Mary, the younger sister and her career her life and memories of life with Kelly her mum.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Turner longs for a “happily ever after” life in Sand Dollar Cove. She is expecting her boyfriend to propose. Of course her answer will be yes. But when he returns to Sand Dollar Cove after being gone for four months, he returns married and his wife is pregnant. Mary is devastated but decides to stay in Sand Dollar Cove and she is holding on to the hope that she will find true love one day. Steven Clarke a new resident of the Cove, hires her to renovate the town’s historic movie theater. Mary is excited to have something worthwhile to do. An opportunity to make a difference in the town she loves. While she is clearing out a storage room in the old theater she discovers an old photo album. Flipping through the old pictures Mary sees a little girl that looks exactly like her. But who could it be and what is the connection to Mary. Mary must find the truth but is she willing to accept it?

Photographs from the Cove written by author Jennifer Bardsley is an amazing continuation to the Sand Dollar Cove Series. I really enjoyed this story. It was so great to return to the cove and feel the warmth of the sand under my feet and the sunshine on my face. I love the characters in these books and I think Mary’s story is one that kept me guessing. This story tugged at my heartstrings and I was cheering for Mary to find the answers she was searching for. I loved this story and I highly recommend it.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photographs from the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley
Sand Dollar Cove #2
369-page Kindle Ebook ends on 334

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Grays Harbor County and Port Angeles, Washington; Sisters, Dumped Trope, Christmas, Grandmother, Senior Center, Grandparents, Shameful Secrets, Single Mom, Teen, Designer MC, Rebound Trope, Depression, Renovations, Rose-Colored Glasses, Self-Actualization, Childhood Issues, Movies, Snakes, Sexual Innuendos, Mommy Issues, Forgiveness Trope, Author's Bibliography, Letter From Author, Excerpt from Notes from the Cove #3 - Two Chapters; Author's Newsletter Sign Up Link - Free Short Story, Author's Bibliography; Letter From Author, Facebook Reading Group Link, Blurb for Postcards from the Cove - Sand Dollar Cove Book 1

Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult language and content

Songs for the soundtrack: "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison, "Great Balls Of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤳🖼📸🐚

My thoughts: 🔖Page 32 of 334/369 [Chapter] THREE - Wow! This is so much better than the opening of the last book. I almost mentally pulled out popcorn 🍿 for that drama.
🔖85 [Chapter] EIGHT - This is a bit all over the place, they better not switch the love interest.

The first half was better than the second half, but the mystery made up for it. I'm going to read the short story after I read book 3.

Recommend to others: Sure, this is a good series.

Sand Dollar Cove
1. Postcards from the Cove (2024)
2. Photographs from the Cove (2024)
3. Notes from the Cove (2024)
4. Finding Love in The Cove novella

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Photographs from the Cove” by Jennifer Bardsley is the second of the “Sand Dollar Cove” novels. This book can be read as a stand-alone, though I’d recommend reading the first book to fill in some information - though Ms. Bardsley does a good job catching the reader up on background material. As a sequel, this book wasn’t bad - it focuses on Hannah Turner’s sister, Mary, who is a minor character in the first book. The other main characters make appearances, along with a number of new characters, including Mary’s new love interest. My one complaint about this book is that there was, again, a lot of back story - including a lot to do with Mary’s mother’s behavior and story (also, why one character kept insisting upon “family” things really annoyed me). The fact that there’s a tie between the two main characters bugged me. I also felt like the two main characters should have had better communication skills in general. I did like getting to know Mary a bit better - she was obviously more fleshed out in this story, but I did miss the interaction with Hannah. This book has some odd bits in it - such as focusing on the new fitness person (not sure why those scenes were included) and blow-ups between two other characters. All in all, I think if one has read the first book, this might be one to pick up - the storyline is pretty solid, but I cannot say that I enjoyed it as much as the first book. A 3.5 read, rounded up to 4 stars.

[kimberley (thearieslibrary) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

The old cinema sits proud—but neglected—on the cove’s sun-bleached main street. Mary is determined to bring it back to its former glory, but when she discovers a crumbling photo album inside, one picture will change everything…

There was a lot of things about this book I liked and also disliked. I like that we got to learn more about the characters from the first book and see the characters develop. From the character development, I ended up changing my opinion on some of the characters. There are some that I like and others who I am not the biggest fan of. Although, I liked Mary in the first book in the series, I wasn’t the biggest fan of her by the time I finished this book — she doesn’t feel like she’s a 23 year old, she feels a lot younger as her decisions and the way she acts makes her feel younger than what she actually is.

Although I do think that you could read this as a standalone because there is enough backstory given from the previous book, I do actually think that there is too much given as it felt very repetitive at times.

I feel like the mystery in the book was solved way too quickly, it didn’t feel fleshed out enough and it felt predictable in the direction it went in.

Also for a book that talks quite a lot about different ways to be inclusive to the disabled community and features a character in a wheelchair, the last thing I would have expected was an ableist slur being used.

Despite all of this, I’m interested in seeing how this series will end, with us following Brittany and her life after her son goes to college in the next book.

⚠️ CWs: cheating, derogatory language, cursing, victim blaming, controlling behaviour, ableist slur, verbal abuse, vomiting, mentions car accident, murder, domestic abuse, past abuse and neglect ⚠️

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Publication date: February 15, 2024

Photographs from the Cove is the second book in the Sand Dollar Cove series by Jennifer Bardsley. I received the ARCs for books 1 & 2 at the same time.

This second book focuses on Mary Turner, the younger sister of Hannah the focus of the first book. Mary and Hannah have lived in Sand Dollar Cove their whole lives. They were raised by their grandmother after losing their father to a car accident and their mother fell into a drug and alcohol addiction.

At the end of the first book, Mary finds out her longtime boyfriend not only has cheated on her but is married and expecting a baby. This book locks up right as the first one ends. Mary is in a deep depression just plugging along after being dumped.

Mary is an interior designer and lands a dream job with Steven the new owner of the Sand Dollar Cove cinema looking to restore it to its previous glory. As Mary gets to know Steven, she can’t deny her attraction to him. She’s interested but has so many trust issues between her ex boyfriend and her mother.

After Mary catches Steven in a lie, she breaks up with him before he can explain his reasoning. Will Mary ever find true love?

I liked this book better than the first but still had trouble connecting with the characters. I’m giving this one 3 stars but will be passing on reading the next instalment of the series.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #jenniferbardsley #photographsfromthecove

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photographs from the Cove is the second book about the Turner sisters. It focuses on Mary the younger sister. Mary thought she had met the love of her life and was just waiting for Aidan to propose. He had already called her sister Hannah to ask about the ring advice.
Mary had gone to Hollywood to seek her dream job of becoming an actress and even took a role in a low production movie film that Mary wasn’t very proud of what they had demanded she do in the production and when it basically belly flopped Mary came home dejected. Mary signed for classes to become an interior designer/decorator. She was given the opportunity to decorate the lobby at the Cove resort which as much as she appreciated the job she felt it was given to her because Hannah her sister was the new general manager and dating the new owner of the resort.
Mary gets blind sighted by Aidan when he walks in to town with a very pregnant lady who is wearing engagement ring on her finger.
Mary has a hard time struggling with her self worth as she struggles to remember what their mother put them through when their Dad passed away and her mother made horrible choices in life.
I received ARC of this from NetGalley and enjoyed the story of Mary.

[Marlene Nelwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photograph from the Cove is the second book in the series.

In book 1, Hannah is the focus, and in book 2, Mary Turner, Hannah's sister, is the focus. Mary recently broke up with her boyfriend, Aidan, who she believes was going to ask her to marry him. Instead, Aidan returns from his work trip with a pregnant wife. Mary gets really upset and decides to focus on her interior design career, where she meets Steven, the new owner of an abandoned theatre, who has an affinity for snakes. Mary is quickly interested in Steven but does not want to make the same mistake again by falling too quickly. Mary has a past that she finds hard to share with anyone. As she grows up, she often feels insecure because of her mother, Kelly's drug addiction.
Mary aspires to be loved and achieve success in her life and career. Her past is what holds her back.

I really enjoyed reading both books and am halfway through the third book. There are none of the characters I dislike. I do think that this can be a standalone, but I would recommend reading the whole series. There are a lot of conversations between them that never bore me. I did not know what to expect when I first started. This series is surprisingly enjoyable for me.

Thank you Netgalley and

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of Photographs From the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley, published by Bookouture

Another heartwarming novel by Jennifer Bardsley, this sequel to her first novel Postcards From the Cove does not disappoint. Amazing characters, some new and most we are familiar with from the first book. Loved the plot. This 2nd novel is written from Mary's point of view as she gets over the fact that her boyfriend cheated on her. She starts to establish herself as interior designer in the community and lands her first job at the local cinema that needs a total makeover. We learn a lot about Mary in this novel including her insecurities and also her drive to be a better person.
Mary is also battling with concerns she in going to turn out like her mother Kelly who battled with alcoholism since Mary and her sister were young.
In all I really enjoyed this 2nd book and I'm looking forward to the next in this series. This novel was a great escape from the everyday, really well written and an easy read. Wasn't hard to devour this book over 2 days.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photographs from the Cove is the second book in the Sand Dollar Cove series by Jennifer Bardsley.
I really loved the first book Postcards from the Cove and Hannah's story.

In this book, the story is focused on Hannah's younger sister Mary .

This book can be read as a stand-alone, and the author does a nice job of doing a short recap.
But I do love the Easter Eggs the author drops and really enjoyed the first book immensely.

I really enjoy how the author integrates a mystery into the story. I found Mary's story very interesting. The secrets that are revealed felt so organic.

The descriptions of Sanda Dollar Cove are so excellent and really pull you into the story.

This is a heartfelt story with so much to love, I am already excited for the next book in the series.

[Sarah Bowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Mary. It picks up right up where book 1 left off. Aidan is such a jerk, I can't believe the way he tried to justify his behavior! She was good to get rid of him though it took her a bit to get over it.

Enter Steven. He just bought the movie theater and picked Mary to use her design skills to fix it up. He's a little bit strange and has 3 pet snakes but seems to be a good guy. Mary is very careful with her budding relationship with him.

I like that the girls eventually give their mother, Kelly, a chance to be in their lives again and she seems to be doing well now.

Love the sisterhood and their relationship with their grandmother who is still so fun to me, what a great character she is.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being back in the small seaside town of Sand Dollar Cove. I think I enjoyed this book even more than book 1 of the 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴.

Hannah’s sister Mary has just suffered a heartache. But a newcomer and his pet snakes are in town. Steven Clarke bought the Sand Dollar Cinema and needs help fixing it up. Steven hires Mary to help and slowly Mary begins to open up her heart to love again. This was such a fun one, as it brought in some of Mary’s past time in Hollywood and some people crept back into her life. There’s mystery, romance, and family, with Hannah and the sisters’ grandmother playing a role in this story too.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙖, 𝙨𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @jenniferbardsleyauthor for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman finding her way after ditching her hurtful boyfriend and taking on a new career as an interior designer (not a decorator, as she insists!) for the renovated town cinema house has a lot of navigating in the family briar patch to do as she gets to know her new man.

With the scary tension-maker of a film scene she desperately wants cut before release, set against a viral Tik Tok PR push (for a zombie film!) and a harrowing discovery beneath the streets of her oceanside home town, the story takes Mary on a winding road that is really growing into an adult who stands tall.

I kept turning the pages to find out what was next as new secrets came to light and the love relationship hit the shoals for a bit. The pace never slowed and I really enjoyed the journey!

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 and the story continues with Mary, the younger sister. Mary was younger and doesn't remember a lot, that happened when she was young. Now she is an adult, and her journey is bringing her to discover who she is, and who she is meant to become. As she learns about the past, both her past and also the past that Sand Dollar Cove had, she finds the confidence to move forward in her journey, The women she is becoming, is who she is meant to be, and she follows it. It was interesting seeing who she was and all the changes that are taking place to become the woman she is going to be.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to Sand Dollar Cove! This is book two in the series and starts right where book one left off. I love when an author does that for us, never missing a beat! Even tho it’s a continuation, I think you could read it as a stand alone but things would probably click more if you read book one first. But I’m a little OCD about reading books in order, so there’s that!

Just like Hannah’s story in the previous book, her sister Mary’s story is part romance and part mystery with town secrets and family drama. We get to know the characters a little better and some become more lovable and some not so much! Another easy, light and enjoyable escape in this little seaside town!

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to get Mary’s story after getting to know her in the first book. For me, she had more of a self discovery journey than her sister Hannah did. The relationship she ended up having with Jeremy (her teenage housemate) was so sweet. I loved that he felt comfortable talking to Mary about his life and he took her advice seriously.

Even though Steven owned three nope ropes (AKA snakes) I still loved his personality. I loved the mix of banter and serious conversations he had with Mary. He did whatever he could to help her in any situation and it made my heart melt. I do think Mary did overreact over one situation but I loved how her family helped set her straight.

The mystery that was involved in this one was so interesting and I loved how it allowed us to get even more information on the sisters' past as well as the coves. A perfect mix of the two genres while keeping it a heartwarming small town read.

I haven't looked ahead to the next book in the series yet but I really hope that it follows Brittany. I feel so bad for how this book ended for her but I also loved both Mary and Hannah's reaction to it.

Thank you @jenniferbardsleyauthor and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are on to Mary’s story in book two of the series. I liked Mary in book one and thought she got a raw deal. I was intrigued when she found an album with an old photo that looks like her.

I enjoyed seeing a little more about Hannah and Guy and learning a little more about this deadbeat Mom that was often mentioned in the first book.

Underground tunnels, snakes, and a mystery. I must admit I was a little less accepting of the snakes than the rest of the characters but it was unique.

In addition to a romance, what is family is explored a little deeper.

I’ll miss Jeremy but I can’t wait to see what happens in Brittany’s story.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the second book in the Sand Dollar Cove series better than the first. I was really impressed with Mary's strength and her pushing back for what she wanted. I was also surprised to hear about Kelly's background and understood her struggle with addiction after a very troubling childhood. Her experience helped her to give up custody of her children to their grandmother because she knew from experience that they needed a better mother figure. I really enjoyed the second book and can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary is expecting her boyfriend to propose after years of being together. He even rang her sister to see what type of ring he should buy. But when he came home from being away for four months, he brought a pregnant wife with him. Poor Mary is devastated. Steven has bought the very old cinema in town, and hires Mary to do her magic. And it sure does need a lot of magic. To go with the snakes. This story was absolutely wonderful from beginning to end. I sure hope there are more stories from Sand Dollar Cove.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Sand Dollar Cove series. It can be read as a standalone though I think reading book one is a good idea.
In the first book we got to know Hannah. Now we get to know more about her younger sister, Mary. Who can be just a bit…..exasperating in many ways!
I loved the authors descriptions of Sandy Dollar Cove.
All in all, a cozy story that is both heartwarming and heartfelt.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary doesn’t trust her choices in men because she’s made some poor ones.
However she’s a sharp designer and soon is hired by Stephen to reinvision the local theater.
Mary may not be savvy in some things but she does hold to her convictions.
Stephen is quirky and a good potential match for Mary but I couldn’t get past the snakes, ick.
Readers are shown more about Kelly’s background.
Once character turns out to be a total skunk and that was disappointing.
I like the development if this not so quiet seaside town.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to be back in Sand Dollar Cove! It’s such a unique town and Jennifer’s writinng is so descriptive that I can clearly picture it. I loved the first book and it was good to catch up with Hannah, Mary and Cheryl. I really enjoyed that this second book focused more on Mary and her next chapter. I’ve always been fascinated by tunnels so found the underground developments in the Pacific Northwest really interesting. I’m excited about book 3 and look forward to returning to Sand Dollar Cove.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a contemporary romance book series because it's always nice to see characters from previous books and know they're still together. This is Mary's love story and I really enjoyed seeing her come into her own in this book. Steven is an adventurous character and just what she needed. Also, he comes with Elvis the snake, loves horror films, bought the local cinema, and hired her to redesign it. Mary has a difficult time trusting due to traumatic events in her past and it was so nice to see her find her happily ever after.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.