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Sand Dollar Cove #3

Notes from the Cove

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The cozy café on the bustling beach welcomes tourists and locals for steaming coffees and delicious homemade cakes. But when Brittany receives mysterious notes from a customer will they lead her to the happy ending she’s always dreamed of?

Brittany Thompson has spent her whole life in peaceful Sand Dollar Cove lonely, loving the wrong men and mourning the loss of her beloved older brother Paul—the only guy she’s ever been able to trust—when they were just teenagers. Her one escape is her café, Safe Harbor, where customers can gift meals to strangers along with handwritten notes of encouragement.

That is until a familiar face returns to town: rugged, brooding Ryan Osborne—the man Brittany had a schoolgirl crush on when they were young. And who was once her brother's best friend… Ryan’s arrival brings back painful memories, and bumping into him at the charming café sends Brittany's emotions all over the place.

Brittany can’t forget the way Ryan skipped town after Paul’s death, leaving her to grieve alone, though as she watches him struggle to readjust to life in the cove, her heart softens just a little. But just as she and Ryan start to grow closer, bonding over their shared past, mysterious notes begin appearing. The messages encourage Brittany to think about the person she is and how her past led her here…

But when Brittany uncovers a secret about the night she lost Paul that changes everything, can she and Ryan come together to finally heal and find a happier future together? Or will the truth of what really happened tear them apart forever?

Escape to the beautiful coastal town of Sand Dollar Cove in this heart-wrenching yet uplifting story of long-buried heartbreak, the journey to loving yourself, and learning to forgive. Fans of Susanne O’Leary, Mary Alice Monroe and Liz Eeles will fall hard for this gripping novel.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2024

141 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Bardsley

20 books922 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Phrynne.
4,034 reviews2,725 followers
March 14, 2024
This is the third book in the Sand Dollar Cove series and although I have not read the previous two it was easy to follow the characters and the story in this one.

Notes from the Cove has a small mystery in it but it is really a romance. Brittany has always regarded Ryan as responsible for her brother's death many years prior and has never forgiven him. The story of course is the standard trope of great dislike turning to love, but it is handled nicely and is always believable.

Friendly characters, a pleasant setting and a well-paced story make this an easy, comfortable read. Four stars from me. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,495 reviews206 followers
March 22, 2024
In NOTES FROM THE COVE, Brittany lost her brother when she was a teenager. Paul has always looked out for Brittany and tried to include her in everything, including activities with his best friend, Ryan. After a tragedy during a storm, Paul who was on a boat with Ryan, passes away. Brittany blames Ryan for her brother’s death and wants nothing to do with him. Ryan moves away from Sand Dollar Cove and Brittany is glad not to have to see him anymore. Until Ryan moves back. Keep the tissues close by! You are going to need them!

Switching between the thoughts of a young woman and her brother’s best friend, across multiple years, there is a romance storyline you will be routing for, but I will definitely say NOTES FROM THE COVE is going to pull at your heart strings throughout the story! Be prepared for Jennifer Bardsley to rip your heart out! She will do a nice job of putting it back together as well! Although her brother Paul is gone, I love how the essence of Paul is still very much alive. In a way, NOTES FROM THE COVE is his story too.

I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away all of NOTES FROM THE COVE but once I started reading this beautiful and heart breaking story, I could not stop! Everyone should have this unforgettable book on their reading list if you don’t already. The dialogue between Brittany and Ryan is just hysterical. There is so much pain in this story and in Brittany’s heart that I was crying like a baby while reading but mostly when I was finished! I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters from page one and I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,408 reviews120 followers
March 24, 2024
This is the fourth book I’ve read in the Sand Dollar Cover series and the third full length book. You get a novella length book in the series when you sign up for the author’s newsletter.

Sand Dollar Cove’s description sounds so peaceful and relaxing. Taking place in the Pacific Northwest, with the water lapping serenely against the shore and shells to be found while walking along the beach you’ll surely want to spend the day here.

The water isn’t always this calm though and one night a fierce storm caused lifelong resident Brittany Thompson‘s older brother to lose his life in a boating accident back when they were in high school. Brittany has always blamed his best friend Ryan Osborne as they were together that night.

I really enjoyed how the series continues right from the last book with the same characters, so we already know them and their personalities.

How will Brittany react when she sees Ryan inside of her new cafe, she’s opened that has been a long-time dream of hers? To make matters worse she realizes he has moved back to the area.

Brittany really has a lot to deal with, Ryan moves back to town, her teenaged son has been having some emotional struggles and then a secret is revealed that changes what she thought she knew about something so important.

As the two spend more time together she sees he’s struggling to readjust to live in the cove again and has a teenaged daughter that is going through her own struggles. Despite her struggles I liked his daughter’s character, and it shows her vulnerability. I was glad to see her persevere, standing up for herself and making friends. It’s not easy as a teenager moving to a new area and not knowing anyone.

Just like the other books in the series, there is a lot going on with parents, teens, adjusting to a move, relationships, learning to trust again comes into it. I fully recommend this series.

There are family dynamics, misunderstandings, reacquaintances, forgiveness, reconciliation and just plain compassion and at the end of the day after all they’ve been through, they are there for each other with family love.

A must read series!
Profile Image for Caroline|Page~Turners.
575 reviews15 followers
March 24, 2024
Brittany Thompson loves Sand Dollar Cove which is why she has lived there all of her life. When she was just a teenager she lost her older brother Paul. He was her best friend and confidant. She still misses him and she is still mourning his loss after all these years. But she finds solace and comfort in her café, Safe Harbor. It’s a lovely little café where customers feel at home and bless a stranger with a meal and notes of encouragement. Just when Brittany feels like things are going great and she may finally stop grieving she Ryan Osborne walks into her café. The memories of Ryan pour into her mind like a flood. She remembers how he left Sand Dollar Cove right after her brother Paul died. She also remembers how Ryan left her to grieve all by herself. As they begin to grow closer, Brittany starts receiving messages of encouragement and she realizes how strong of a person she is now, because of her past experiences. Brittany discovers a secret about the night she lost Paul and once again her life is turned upside down.

Notes From The Cove written by author Jennifer Bardsley is a lovely emotional story and I was so happy to return to Sand Dollar Cove. It is on a lovely little beach town that is locals and tourists love to be. Brittany was a wonderful character and her little café is a place I would love to visit. The idea of gifting meals accompanied by a note of encouragement really touched my heart. I loved the unexpected plot twist and I read faster and faster because I couldn’t wait to see how it would end. This is the third installment in the Sand Dollar Cove Series and all though it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the entire series. This story was a heartwarming and inspirational read and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,456 reviews13 followers
March 22, 2024
I adored this book! It is my favorite book in the series. The characters are well developed and after three books it is like visiting with old friends and I was invested in the outcome. Brittany is opening the cafe she has always dreamed of and building a life as a single, empty nester. She has friends for support but she is still trying to move past the tragic death of her brother. Paul When Ryan, her brother's best friend shows up she is torn, she has always been attracted to him but she blames him for her Paul's death. As Brittany and Ryan spend more time together she learns more about Ryan and what really happened to Paul. Can they find a way to put the past behind them and be more than friends?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon.
406 reviews13 followers
February 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book about a woman who takes her life into her hands and makes it what she wants. She uses the money from a bad situation to open a store front to bring people together and do nice things for others. She allowed customers to pre buy a card that allows someone in need to have $5.00 for food or a drink. The customers would write a nice note and hang it on the bulletin board. But then the notes get kind of weird and they can't figure out who's writing them. The notes added a little bit of mystery and gave the characters a chance to wonder what was happening and be sleuths to figure it out in the end. Very cute and uplifting book.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Profile Image for Grass monster.
579 reviews17 followers
March 20, 2024
The Blurb :
Brittany Thompson has spent her whole life in peaceful Sand Dollar Cove lonely, loving the wrong men and mourning the loss of her beloved older brother Paul—the only guy she’s ever been able to trust—when they were just teenagers. Her one escape is her café, Safe Harbor, where customers can gift meals to strangers along with handwritten notes of encouragement.
That is until a familiar face returns to town: rugged, brooding Ryan Osborne—the man Brittany had a schoolgirl crush on when they were young. And who was once her brother's best friend… Ryan’s arrival brings back painful memories, and bumping into him at the charming café sends Brittany's emotions all over the place.
Brittany can’t forget the way Ryan skipped town after Paul’s death, leaving her to grieve alone, though as she watches him struggle to readjust to life in the cove, her heart softens just a little. But just as she and Ryan start to grow closer, bonding over their shared past, mysterious notes begin appearing. The messages encourage Brittany to think about the person she is and how her past led her here…
But when Brittany uncovers a secret about the night she lost Paul that changes everything, can she and Ryan come together to finally heal and find a happier future together? Or will the truth of what really happened tear them apart forever?


My Thoughts :
Notes from the Cove is the third book in the Sand Dollar Cove series. Although I have the other 2 books on my Kindle, I have not yet read them.
This didnt effect the story or Characters and can easily be read as a standalone book.
Here we meet Brittany Thompson, after losing her job, and her son off to college, Brittany decides to follow her dream of opening a cafe in Sand Dollar Cove.
She is still struggling from the death of her brother Paul a few years ago from a drowning accident and when Paul’s best friend Ryan arrives back in the Cove, Brittany is torn, not only was he her first love but at the same time she is angry with him and blames Ryan for the death of her brother.
Soon weird messages from a customer start to appear on the cafe notice board and it brings Brittany and Ryan closer together, more so than they anticipated.
Both Brittany and Ryan go on a path of rediscovery, we learn more about their journey and what brought them to where they are now. Will Brittany finally get some answers from that fateful night?!.
Jennifer Bardsley captures the Characters perfectly and draws you into their lives, this is a story about loss, love and forgiveness, and one you struggle to put down.
I am looking forward to reading the first 2 books from the series next.


Profile Image for Megan Bolds.
156 reviews15 followers
August 5, 2024
BOOK REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emojis: ☕️⛵️❤️‍🩹🤫📝

Thank you @jenniferbardsleyauthor for chatting with MAAPA last week about our summer book club read “Notes from the Cove”. It was so great to connect with you and our Panhellenic group loved chatting about your writing process. Plus, such a sweet dedication to your sister! #DoGood

Notes From the Cove follows small business owner Brittany as she navigates life as an empty nester, second chance romance, her wacky town gossip and even a mysterious threatening note leaver🤫📝

This was a relaxing read. I had not realized this was book 3 of 3, but it did not impact the story and I loved that. Jennifer writes her characters with such intention it was easy to place myself in the small town and be a fly on the wall. There were several parts that made me tear up, as the characters deal with the processes of grief and learning to forgive and love again.

The first thing I told Jennifer was this book felt like reading a Gilmore Girls episode. A cozy spot in town, where the people can gossip and stop in for support. Even Brittany’s mom was a bit of an Emily Gilmore (though she could’ve used a martini or two every now and then😉🤭).

This is a closed door, contemporary fiction with a hint of mystery and found family. I loved reading alongside these ladies and look forward to picking up the first two books! #boldsbooks #bookreview #bookrecommendations #contemporaryfiction #summerbookclub
Profile Image for kimberley (thearieslibrary).
405 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2024
4.5⭐️

The cosy café on the bustling beach welcomes tourists and locals for steaming coffees and delicious homemade cakes. But when Brittany receives mysterious notes from a customer will they lead her to the happy ending she’s always dreamed of?

This was definitely my favourite of the series - I really loved being on Brittany’s self discovery and healing from past traumas journey. Her character development was amazing and it really had me rooting for her that she got the happily ever after that she deserved. I also really liked Ryan and Isabella who are new to Sand Dollar Cove, as well as seeing returning characters from the previous books in the series.

I loved the lush descriptions of Sand Dollar Cove - I felt like I could picture the town and what it looks like, which made me want to be able to visit this fictional town.

I do wish that certain chapters were longer as they felt unresolved and like they were ending on cliffhangers. There were also some things mentioned that I would have liked to see implemented within the story, like making the meals cheaper for the folks at the senior centre, as it is mentioned quite a bit in this book.

⚠️ CWs: grief, cursing, derogatory language; mentions child abuse, cancer, death, drowning, death, body shaming and controlling behaviour ⚠️
Profile Image for Nana.
913 reviews17 followers
January 30, 2024
There is so much to this story that will keep you reading. Brittany blamed Ryan for her brother's death, and she has hated him ever since. Ryan left, right after he graduated, and we see how what happened his senior year, changed him, and how lost he was, and then one thing clicked with him, and this started him on his new journey, and who he is now.
Brittany has also been lost, but she has been moving her life along. When Ryan came back to Sand Dollar Cove, their paths came together again. This part of their journey will help them discover what really happened that fateful time so many years ago, they discovered things about themselves that were there, but they hadn't noticed, and it was challenging going through this part of their journey, but they faced their past, and dealt with all the things happening today, to prepare for what the future brings to them.
This is book 3 of the Sand Dollar Cove series, and I highly recommend this series. I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
Profile Image for January.
2,848 reviews129 followers
August 16, 2024
Notes from the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley
Sand Dollar Cove #3
355-page Kindle Ebook [Location Only 4713]

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Grays Harbor County and Port Angeles, Washington; Sisters, Dumped Trope, Single Mom, Teen, Mourning Family, Divorced Grandparents, Cafe, I Hate You But I Love You Trope, Sibling's Best Friend Trope, Hate You But Love You Trope, Misplaced Anger, Empty Nest, Self-Actualization, Renovations, Single Dad, Forgiveness Trope, Family Issues, Sexual Innuendos, Designer, Angel Tree, Memory, Mystery, Divorces, Updates For Characters, Author's Bibliography, Letter From Author, Excerpt from Notes from the Cove #3 - Two Chapters; Author's Newsletter Sign Up Link, Author's Bibliography; Letter From Author, Facebook Reading Group Link - Free Stories, Blurb for Postcards from the Cove - Sand Dollar Cove Book 1, Blurb for Photographs from the Cove - Sand Dollar Cove Book 2

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

Songs for the soundtrack: "Havana" by Kenny G., "Dreamlover" by Mariah Carey, "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion, "Livin’ La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin, "The Man Who Sold The World" by Nirvana, “You Learn” by Alanis Morissette, “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette, "Power of Two" by Indigo Girls, "Lucky One" by Amy Grant, and "Taffy" by Lisa Loeb, "Come As You Are" by Nirvana, "Runaway Train" by Soul Asylum, "One" by U2, "All Of The Girls You Loved Before" by Taylor Swift, "The Story" by Brandi Carlile, "Something In The Way" by Nirvana, "Lithium" by Nirvana, "Oceans" by Pearl Jam, "Immortality" by Pearl Jam, "Hands All Over" by Soundgarden, "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" by Nirvana, "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

Books mentioned: The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟📝🗒🌲🐚⛵️

My thoughts: 🔖11% Location 510 of 4713 [Chapter] FOUR - Ugh! I'm sick of Paul already, and he's deceased, so I feel bad about it, but she's been whining about it for 3 chapters, and he died 30 years ago. He was the only good thing for everyone, okay?
🔖45% 2122 [Chapter] SIXTEEN - I don't know how this book went from meh to the best of the series, but it did; it's probably my mood.
🔖62% 2931 [Chapter] TWENTY-TWO - I'm sad I have to stop; this one has a real island vibe.
🔖74% 3473 [Chapter] TWENTY-SIX - Brittany finally sees what I saw in the first few chapters. I'm glad we're acknowledging the toxicity. I was hoping to finish this book today, but I can't keep my eyes open.
🔖85% 3928 [Chapter] TWENTY-NINE - I tried so hard to finish it, but my energy is gone. Right at the suspenseful portion, too.

This started slow and a bit annoying, but it was very good. I was surprised by the events, and that doesn’t happen often. There was a lot of comfortable predictability but enough turns to keep it interesting and exciting. I'm almost sad to see the series end, but it ended on a high note, and I can't wait to see who's the MC in the Novella.

Recommend to others: Yes. This entire series is good, although it took me a minute to fall into it.

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
315 reviews16 followers
March 19, 2024
Brittany Thompson’s life has been anything but smooth sailing. Her parents fight almost on a permanent basis, she keeps getting involved with the wrong men and her brother Paul, an aspiring athlete and family favourite, drowned in a boating accident just before his Graduation.
Her latest adventure into romance saw her lose her job at the Seniors Centre but also forced her into following a dream, that of opening her own café in Sand Dollar Cove, something she is discovering she really enjoys doing and the people of Sand Dollar Cover really appreciate.
She has always blamed herself, as well as Paul’s best friend Ryan Osbourne for Paul’s death. Ryan was her first love, her high school crush, but the hatred she now has for him a has become a very big part of her life.
Struggling down the street with a large sack of flour, she crashes into none other than Ryan Osbourne, now a resident in town. Little does she know the young girl coming into the café ordering lattes from the Community Board is his daughter.
Mysterious messages keep appearing on the café notice board, along with a colony of Bats in her café roof space, slowly bring Ryan and Brittany together, far more often that she finds comfortable, as she discovers she still feels a definite interest in the brooding, handsome man who keeps crossing her pathway.
As the days unfold, secrets are told that force Brittany to slowly allow her grief to surface and begin to let the past flow into the past, but when a Halloween prank gets out of hand, Brittany and Ryan must work together to not only face their fears but make sure another tragedy does not occur.
The third book in the Sand Dollar Cove series, Notes from Sand Dollar Cove carries forward a delightfully gentle series of love, romance and heartbreak, with naturally, a happy ending.
Profile Image for Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff).
2,555 reviews93 followers
May 31, 2024
This is the third book in the 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠, and while it can easily be read as a standalone, I think you’ll enjoy them all.

This could easily have been called “The Café at Sand Dollar Cove,” as it centers around Brittany Thompson and her cozy café, where meals are served and notes are pinned to encourage others.

What made this book so emotional and layered was that Brittany is a single mother of a teenager, with an anchor of grief weighing her down. She lost her beloved brother, Paul, during a high school senior prank and she continues to blame his best friend Ryan for his death.

Years later, when Ryan moves back to Sand Dollar Cove, it brings up painful memories and more resentment. Then Brittany begins to receive special notes of encouragement at the café. Could she have misjudged Ryan, and is it even possible for her to forgive him?

The story deals not only with grief but also the struggles of parenting, forgiveness, and, yes, romance. Sand Dollar Cove is a cozy and coastal setting, and the “mostly” friendly people make you feel welcome. This is such a heartfelt story that I look forward to returning to Sand Dollar Cove soon.

🥚In a Letter from the Author, she hints at Easter Eggs she placed throughout the series. I love this idea.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @jenniferbardsleyauthor for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
Profile Image for Marlene Nelwan.
57 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2024
The Sand Dollar Cove series continues with this third book.

Brittany Thompson, a divorcee, spent her entire life in the Sand Dollar Cove with her teenage son, Jeremy.

Following the break-up with her ex-boyfriend, she opened her dream cafe, Safe Harbor. Brittany always wanted an Angel board where customers can gift a $5 credit along with a handwritten note of encouragement to strangers who need it—feeling grief over losing her brother, Paul. The cause of Paul's death is something she cannot forget.

During the soft opening of the safe harbour, Brittany accidentally bumped into a familiar face, Ryan Osbourne. The person who she believes is responsible for Paul's death. Ryan was once Paul's closest friend. His return brought back painful memories of Paul.

The more Brittany learns about Ryan, the more she discovers what really happened the night Paul died.

I can't think of anything negative to say about this series. While reading, I am filled with feelings of warmth, love, honesty, respect, and independence. It's just such an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Sarah Bowe.
2,042 reviews
May 15, 2024
It was so nice to get more of Brittany and her story in this third installment of the series.

Brittany sent her son off to college and opened a cafe which has been her dream (thanks in a way to dumb dumb Keith). She still mourns her brother, Paul, who she lost years ago. She's in the middle of her parents' complaints about each other and she literally runs into Ryan, her brother's best friend and former crush who is back in town.

While Brittany tries to do a good thing and makes an Angel Board- where customers can pay for another person's treats - she starts getting cryptic messages targeting her. She must navigate this all while running her new business.

I like Brittany a lot. She's a great single mom and just an all around good person. I'm glad to have witnessed her journey to forgiveness and healing. I love this town in the book and I love how the townspeople watch out for each other.
1,692 reviews
February 24, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Notes from the Cove,” by Jennifer Bardsley, is the third book in the “Sand Dollar Cove” series. This book can be read as a stand-alone. In this book, we follow Brittany, a mid-forties single Mom, who is a new empty nester (with her son off to college) but also a new cafe owner. Her brother, Paul, plays a huge part in this book and I felt Ms. Bardsley dealt with grief and forgiveness in a thoughtful manner. Once the plot is set up there’s a little bit of predictability with the two main characters, but I also found it great that they could reconnect and “move on” with their lives in a healthy manner. There’s a little bit of a mystery (maybe two little mysteries) and I found this book, overall, an enjoyable and engrossing read.
Profile Image for Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack.
1,038 reviews12 followers
March 22, 2024
When Ryan Osbourne returns home after decades of being away, Brittany has to face the one person she has blamed for her brother’s death all those years ago. Will she ever be able to forgive him? I enjoyed reading this story about friendship, forgiveness, and healing. I loved how Ryan and Brittany helped each other heal by talking about Paul and what happened on the day of his death. I also liked watching Brittany grow as she reflected on her family relationships and realized there are many good men in the world. This was a refreshing concept for me because a lot of contemporary books focus on how terrible men are. I especially liked the ending of the book. It was a great way to bring closure to the characters. This was a charming romance without spicy love scenes! It is also FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Monica Mac.
1,682 reviews41 followers
June 24, 2024
I thought this was a nice read and a realistic one.

Brittany is a 45 year old woman who has been through the mill. Somehow, she picks the wrong men, time after time, and she is still mourning the loss of her brother, Paul, when he was 17 years old. She blames his best friend Ryan for it but she doesn't know the whole story and when Ryan moves back to her town, events quickly get out of hand.

This is a book about redemption, about friendships, about parenting teens, about love as well. Just life generally, when you are at a certain point in your life. It is NOT easy being a single parent of a teenager, I know the feeling very well there, and the author has done a good job of tackling some of the issues of the teen/parent dynamic. I like the idea that love is possible at any age and comes in so many forms :)

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,367 reviews135 followers
March 2, 2024
This is the 3rd book in the Sand Dollar Cove series. The books can be read as standalone reads. Though you really should read all of Jennifer Bardsley’s books as her writing is always engaging and solid.
It was fun getting to know the main character, Brittany. She is in her mid-forties, divorced once, getting over a bad relationship and mom to a teenage boy. When a situation arises with her teenage son, she decides to do what she always wanted to do…..open a cafe.
The story deals with so much. Grief being the most prominent issue.
I really enjoyed reading Notes from the Cove. Perfect summer/beach reading!
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
Profile Image for Laurie.
450 reviews11 followers
March 9, 2024
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of Notes from the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley, published by Bookouture
This was an awesome book, third in the Sand Dollar Cove series, I've read the first two books and loved them also. This novel focuses on Brittany and how she overcomes a bad breakup and the return of her brothers friend that she had blamed for Paul's death years ago
I loved that we are reacquainted with some of the previous characters but that we get to meet some new characters as well. I loved the story, the description of people and places was great. And of course I loved the ending
Jennifer writes in a way the flows so well, it's easy to keep reading and lose track of time. I look forward to her next book, maybe another trilogy?
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,770 reviews155 followers
April 30, 2024
Notes from the Cove is the third book in the Sand Dollar Cove series by Jennifer Bardsley.
These books can definitely be read as stand-alone stories, but the first two books in the series are so good you will want to read those as well.

Notes from the Cove focuses on Brittany. A major theme in this book is grief as Brittany lost her brother in her teenage years.

This story had me sobbing, but in the best possible way. I personally struggle with grief, even many years later and this story really had me thinking in a different way.

There is a small mystery, but this story has romance and heartbreak, and hope. I really enjoyed this story very much.

I cannot wait to read more from this author.



Profile Image for Lisa Albright.
1,770 reviews65 followers
May 26, 2024
I have loved every minute spent in Sand Dollar Cove and this story may be my favorite. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Ryan and Brittany are both forty-something parents of one that experienced grief and trauma in their teens. It was interesting to see them work through their adult feelings about the tragedy and the secrets that are revealed. The author's note at the end that includes hints about easter eggs hidden in all three books was fun and I always appreciate knowing more about their inspiration for writing the story. This is a charming heart-warming series that explores all relationships and the ways they change us and help us grow.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Cornish.
Author 44 books105 followers
March 3, 2024
Notes from the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley is a compelling journey of love, loss, and the path to forgiveness set against the serene backdrop of Sand Dollar Cove. Brittany is a character whose depth and relatability anchor the novel while themes of grief and healing are explored, making Notes from the Cove not just a story about a woman and her café, but a nuanced exploration of human emotion and resilience. Brittany's journey is one of self-discovery, prompted by the mysterious notes she receives, which challenge her to confront her past and rethink her path forward. Perfect for fans of love stories and redemption!
Profile Image for Janilyn Kocher.
5,089 reviews117 followers
March 17, 2024
It’s Brittany’s turn to be in the spotlight In the Sand Dollar Cove series.
Brittany is still hung up and obsessed with her brother Paul’s death. She tends to put him on a pedestal and measure everything by what he did or would have done.
I’m glad Brittany works through that and discovers the truth about what happened that night.
I cringed at the bats in the story, no thank you. Give me dogs.
Although Cynthia and Alan are very selfish and snarky I did appreciate how Cynthia dealt with Tansy before and after, I thought it was comical.
I hope there are more books in this series because it’s a nice community filled with caring people.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Julie  .
539 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and author Jennifer Bardsley for this ARC to read and review!

Notes From The Cove is book three in the Sand Dollar Cove series! I’ve really enjoyed them all! Each book is a fun little seaside escape with great characters, sweet romance and a little mystery thrown in to keep things suspenseful. I love that this installment focuses on Brittany’s story … a middle age single mom with a college age son facing future life changes while dealing with the heartaches of the past! It’s second chance, forgiveness, self-discovery and hope all bundled into a nice little package! Light, easy and sweet … these books are the perfect comfort reads!
Profile Image for Joni.
75 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2024
Notes from the Cove is the 3rd book in the Sand Dollar Cove series- Brittany has struggled with being a single mom and now her son Jeremy is graduating and wants to move to Seattle to go to school and live with his Dad take classes and become a Fireman. Brittany gets fired unjustly from her x boyfriend after she was called to the school to pickup Jeremy when he got suspended for his actions in a senior prank. Brittany had to sue the city & because they didn’t want the publicity they quickly settled with her and she was able to open up her own business a quick lunch and coffee shop that the town was lacking.
I really enjoyed the 3rd story in this series as we continued to see Brittany’s life take a positive turn.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
Profile Image for Christy Taylor.
1,108 reviews48 followers
May 16, 2024
It was great to be back in Sand Dollar Cove! I love so much about this series but one of my favorite things is that each novel focuses on a different female main character while still allowing us to catch up with the others. I’ve really enjoyed each of the women’s stories but I think Brittany’s was my favorite. It was great to read about her opening the cafe and finding such fulfillment in her work. I was also happy that she finally got some clarification about her brother’s death. This was such an enjoyable series!
Profile Image for Marilyn Goncalves.
385 reviews134 followers
May 31, 2024
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give it away, but this is a beautiful heartbreaking story that you would enjoy and it makes me you want to visit Sand Dollar Cove. I love books with drama and miscommunication along with family dynamics , this has all of that and more. It’s adorable and uplifting. Brittany opens a little cafe and customers can write notes on a notice board, soon these notes get a bit weirdly. Also a long lost crush returns to the cove whom she blames for her brother’s death.
This is one of my most treasured series.
2,437 reviews
March 27, 2024
Brittany is forty-five and her life is a mess. She is opening a café to try and get her life in order. Her young brother died years ago in a school prank accident, and she has never forgotten him. Her parents divorced many years ago but still fight like cats and dogs. Brittany was also fired from her job at a seniors centre by her spiteful ex. Then, who should return to town but the man she has blamed for so many years for the death of her brother. The gorgeous Ryan.
Profile Image for Booksandcoffeemx.
2,468 reviews123 followers
June 5, 2024
I said it before and I say it again, I’m in love with this setting and I wish I could visit a place like Sand Dollar Cove.
Notes from the Cove is a moving and uplifting story about second chances, loss and love. This is part of a series but can be read as a Standalone.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Bookouture for this tour invite.

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲 by Jennifer Bardsley Author released March 20, 2024.

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