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The Sands of Sea Blue Beach: A Beach Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance with Family Drama by the author of The Wedding Dress
Can anything rekindle the summer love between former sweethearts facing old wounds and a divided town?
Emery Quinn finds herself at a crossroads between her career and complex family dynamics. Struggling to connect with her blended family and ready for a fresh start, Emery accepts the position of editor-in-chief at the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Upon her return to the Sands Motor Motel, she is flooded with bittersweet memories of her late mother and past regrets from a long-ago summer.
Architect Caleb Ransom has returned home to Sea Blue Beach, a place filled with cherished memories and potential opportunities. He means to make a difference for his family and his hometown by caring for his troubled sister's son and preserving the history of the town as the leader of the new Main Street initiative. He certainly never expected to run into Emery Quinn, the girl who captured his heart sixteen summers ago.
As Emery and Caleb revive their friendship, they find themselves facing a bitterly divided town. Together, they navigate family challenges, professional setbacks, and a high-stakes royal visit to discover how forgiveness and love can reshape their hearts and their destiny.
"This book is truly a breath of fresh air, all wrapped within a sweet and swoony love story!"--Liz Isaacson, USA Today bestselling author
A poignant tale of second chances and the enduring power of love, perfect for your book club. This faith-based contemporary fiction makes for a delightful summer beach read and includes themes of small-town romance, dual-time storytelling, and complex family dynamics.
Emery Quinn finds herself at a crossroads between her career and complex family dynamics. Struggling to connect with her blended family and ready for a fresh start, Emery accepts the position of editor-in-chief at the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Upon her return to the Sands Motor Motel, she is flooded with bittersweet memories of her late mother and past regrets from a long-ago summer.
Architect Caleb Ransom has returned home to Sea Blue Beach, a place filled with cherished memories and potential opportunities. He means to make a difference for his family and his hometown by caring for his troubled sister's son and preserving the history of the town as the leader of the new Main Street initiative. He certainly never expected to run into Emery Quinn, the girl who captured his heart sixteen summers ago.
As Emery and Caleb revive their friendship, they find themselves facing a bitterly divided town. Together, they navigate family challenges, professional setbacks, and a high-stakes royal visit to discover how forgiveness and love can reshape their hearts and their destiny.
"This book is truly a breath of fresh air, all wrapped within a sweet and swoony love story!"--Liz Isaacson, USA Today bestselling author
A poignant tale of second chances and the enduring power of love, perfect for your book club. This faith-based contemporary fiction makes for a delightful summer beach read and includes themes of small-town romance, dual-time storytelling, and complex family dynamics.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
132 people are currently reading
7757 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hauck
76 books4,528 followersNew York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.
A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.
The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio
She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.
Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
www.rachelhauck.com
A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.
The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio
She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.
Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
www.rachelhauck.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 20, 2025
Despite not having read ‘Meet Me At The Starlight,’ I really enjoyed this lighthearted seaside romance. It’s set 40 years later and reveals the need for restoration, both personal and structural.
What’s not to like?
✔️Seaside setting; small town, historical setting, with families who grew up together
✔️Tension; family drama, division/rivalry in town between progress and preservation, romantic tension
✔️Real life situations; career disappointments, step-mother, blended family, wayward sister, overbearing father, death of family member
✔️Faith threads; Delilah’s influence, faith, love, forgiveness
✔️Thought-provoking narrative; great for book clubs
Grasping at straws and looking for fulfillment, 32 year old Emery Quinn stuffs her Honda Accord with all her worldly possessions and checks her rear-view mirror as she heads out of her suburban Cleveland neighbourhood with the promise of a job and sets out on the 900 mile journey to freedom and second chances in Sea Blue Beach, a coastal town in northern Florida.
I wanted to hug Emery! I knew exactly what she was feeling at the beginning of the book; being the older sister with “zero prospects in career or love.” I was so happy when she took the editor-in-chief position and took a leap of faith. Meeting her childhood friend, Caleb Ransom, was serendipitous, and I was along for the ride as they rekindled their relationship, navigated the challenges in their way, mended their hearts, and set their eyes on a fresh start.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
What’s not to like?
✔️Seaside setting; small town, historical setting, with families who grew up together
✔️Tension; family drama, division/rivalry in town between progress and preservation, romantic tension
✔️Real life situations; career disappointments, step-mother, blended family, wayward sister, overbearing father, death of family member
✔️Faith threads; Delilah’s influence, faith, love, forgiveness
✔️Thought-provoking narrative; great for book clubs
Grasping at straws and looking for fulfillment, 32 year old Emery Quinn stuffs her Honda Accord with all her worldly possessions and checks her rear-view mirror as she heads out of her suburban Cleveland neighbourhood with the promise of a job and sets out on the 900 mile journey to freedom and second chances in Sea Blue Beach, a coastal town in northern Florida.
I wanted to hug Emery! I knew exactly what she was feeling at the beginning of the book; being the older sister with “zero prospects in career or love.” I was so happy when she took the editor-in-chief position and took a leap of faith. Meeting her childhood friend, Caleb Ransom, was serendipitous, and I was along for the ride as they rekindled their relationship, navigated the challenges in their way, mended their hearts, and set their eyes on a fresh start.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 22, 2025
The Sands of Sea Blue Beach - Rachel Hauck
4 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Rachel sure does know how to deliver a heartwarming, emotionally layered story! This one is filled with second chances and healing. If you want a book with depth, charming seaside town and a second chance romance, check this out.
Emery Quinn is our main character and she is very relatable with her realistic feelings of grief after losing her mother to cancer when she was a teen. Cut to being in her 30s with no real career or relationship and her step sister is set to be married. She struggles with comparison and the complexity of her blended family. She goes back to Sea Blue Beach and starts a new role at the struggling Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Here is where she runs into her old boyfriend from a summer long ago and they reconnect in many ways, recounting events of the past. Caleb Ransom has a sense of devotion to his nephew and preserving the town's history - you really root for him and Emery.
Their reunion 16 years later if filled with so many feelings. There is a sweetness to their romance but also a lot of hardship. We see family wounds brought to the surface, community divisions and issues with the paper they try to work out.
Emery is such a layered character because we see every aspect of her mother's cancer diagnosis leading up to her passing away. You learn about their past together in flashbacks and why they drifted apart so long ago.
This is a story about coming home and finding second chances. An emotional, sweet and raw story. I love the town's motto is "Emmanuel, God with us." and how that tied in with the ending for Emery. I do think I would have liked a bit more of her faith journey explored, but it was a realistic take on someone walking through grief, emotions of anger and frustrations to God and coming back to being open to Him.
I always love Rachel's family stories and look forward to more by her. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review.
Content: lots of discussions and feelings about grief surrounding loss of a parent with cancer, flashbacks to those moments real time with the parent. clean romance.
4 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Rachel sure does know how to deliver a heartwarming, emotionally layered story! This one is filled with second chances and healing. If you want a book with depth, charming seaside town and a second chance romance, check this out.
Emery Quinn is our main character and she is very relatable with her realistic feelings of grief after losing her mother to cancer when she was a teen. Cut to being in her 30s with no real career or relationship and her step sister is set to be married. She struggles with comparison and the complexity of her blended family. She goes back to Sea Blue Beach and starts a new role at the struggling Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Here is where she runs into her old boyfriend from a summer long ago and they reconnect in many ways, recounting events of the past. Caleb Ransom has a sense of devotion to his nephew and preserving the town's history - you really root for him and Emery.
Their reunion 16 years later if filled with so many feelings. There is a sweetness to their romance but also a lot of hardship. We see family wounds brought to the surface, community divisions and issues with the paper they try to work out.
Emery is such a layered character because we see every aspect of her mother's cancer diagnosis leading up to her passing away. You learn about their past together in flashbacks and why they drifted apart so long ago.
This is a story about coming home and finding second chances. An emotional, sweet and raw story. I love the town's motto is "Emmanuel, God with us." and how that tied in with the ending for Emery. I do think I would have liked a bit more of her faith journey explored, but it was a realistic take on someone walking through grief, emotions of anger and frustrations to God and coming back to being open to Him.
I always love Rachel's family stories and look forward to more by her. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review.
Content: lots of discussions and feelings about grief surrounding loss of a parent with cancer, flashbacks to those moments real time with the parent. clean romance.
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August 19, 2025✨The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck - Book Review✨
This was my first time reading anything by Hauck. Overall, I enjoyed the love story & family dynamics the most, especially how all the flashbacks played into the story, but I found the Gazette and small town politics hard to get into, which was unfortunately a large part of the story.
I think this book would be perfect for those who love the ins and outs of town meetings, quaint coastal vibes, rivalries, and heart-warming characters with interesting back stories. Oh, and second-chance romance :)
Content:
- two cancer diagnosis (one leading to death)
- a wayward sister with a shady past (redeemed by the end)
- wholesome romance
I’m thankful I had the opportunity to read this book, graciously provided to me by Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was my first time reading anything by Hauck. Overall, I enjoyed the love story & family dynamics the most, especially how all the flashbacks played into the story, but I found the Gazette and small town politics hard to get into, which was unfortunately a large part of the story.
I think this book would be perfect for those who love the ins and outs of town meetings, quaint coastal vibes, rivalries, and heart-warming characters with interesting back stories. Oh, and second-chance romance :)
Content:
- two cancer diagnosis (one leading to death)
- a wayward sister with a shady past (redeemed by the end)
- wholesome romance
I’m thankful I had the opportunity to read this book, graciously provided to me by Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2025
“…is it possible we met then for now?”
The unique history of Sea Blue Beach charmed me in the 80s-set Meet Me at the Starlight, so I was excited to learn we were heading back there for a more modern (but no less charming) visit in The Sands of Sea Blue Beach. Rachel Hauck is known for seamlessly weaving dual timelines together in moving stories that often allow her characters a tangible glimpse of the Divine working around us, and these latest two novels are prime examples. If you’ve ever wished you could spend a moment here on earth looking into the eyes of Jesus, or even if you think I’m a little crazy for suggesting such a thing, the picture painted here (both in the figurative and literal sense) will stir your soul.
Decades after the events of Meet Me at the Starlight, Sea Blue Beach is still fighting a battle between progress and preservation and in fact seems more divided than ever. It’s into this charged tension that Caleb Ransom and Emery Quinn – who fell in love as teenagers one summer in Sea Blue Beach – find their paths crossing once more, and I appreciated the ‘then’ and ‘now’ structure to their story. Not just because I found their adolescent romance sweet and fun but also because their lives, separately, were never the same after that summer (for unrelated reasons) and the layers to their respective present day stories still reflect that upheaval. I felt the past timeline added depth & emotion to the present timeline and made me fall in love with Caleb and Emery together – and Emery’s dad as a supporting character – earlier than I may have otherwise. And then there’s Caleb’s nephew, who perfectly represents eleven-year-old boys, the spot-on characterization making me chuckle more than once.
Bottom Line: The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck is a second-chance-at-first-love romance told with a women’s fiction vibe and a spiritual twist, all of which fits the ‘beach read’ moniker perfectly. Along those lines, town drama (including old rivalries and old-fashioned greed) and family wounds cause their fair share of tension but also add several compelling layers to the story itself and make the threads of restoration all the sweeter. I enjoyed not only getting to know Caleb, Emery, and their families – as well as a handful of intriguing supporting characters – but also being back in Sea Blue Beach itself. This quaint coastal town has learned firsthand the ‘God with us’ meaning of Immanuel and, while this theme is presented in Sands as a bit more of a subtle undercurrent than in Starlight, it nevertheless has far-reaching and touching implications for the characters and for readers too. Heartfelt, emotional, witty, and hopeful, The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is the perfect choice for your next summer read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
The unique history of Sea Blue Beach charmed me in the 80s-set Meet Me at the Starlight, so I was excited to learn we were heading back there for a more modern (but no less charming) visit in The Sands of Sea Blue Beach. Rachel Hauck is known for seamlessly weaving dual timelines together in moving stories that often allow her characters a tangible glimpse of the Divine working around us, and these latest two novels are prime examples. If you’ve ever wished you could spend a moment here on earth looking into the eyes of Jesus, or even if you think I’m a little crazy for suggesting such a thing, the picture painted here (both in the figurative and literal sense) will stir your soul.
Decades after the events of Meet Me at the Starlight, Sea Blue Beach is still fighting a battle between progress and preservation and in fact seems more divided than ever. It’s into this charged tension that Caleb Ransom and Emery Quinn – who fell in love as teenagers one summer in Sea Blue Beach – find their paths crossing once more, and I appreciated the ‘then’ and ‘now’ structure to their story. Not just because I found their adolescent romance sweet and fun but also because their lives, separately, were never the same after that summer (for unrelated reasons) and the layers to their respective present day stories still reflect that upheaval. I felt the past timeline added depth & emotion to the present timeline and made me fall in love with Caleb and Emery together – and Emery’s dad as a supporting character – earlier than I may have otherwise. And then there’s Caleb’s nephew, who perfectly represents eleven-year-old boys, the spot-on characterization making me chuckle more than once.
Bottom Line: The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck is a second-chance-at-first-love romance told with a women’s fiction vibe and a spiritual twist, all of which fits the ‘beach read’ moniker perfectly. Along those lines, town drama (including old rivalries and old-fashioned greed) and family wounds cause their fair share of tension but also add several compelling layers to the story itself and make the threads of restoration all the sweeter. I enjoyed not only getting to know Caleb, Emery, and their families – as well as a handful of intriguing supporting characters – but also being back in Sea Blue Beach itself. This quaint coastal town has learned firsthand the ‘God with us’ meaning of Immanuel and, while this theme is presented in Sands as a bit more of a subtle undercurrent than in Starlight, it nevertheless has far-reaching and touching implications for the characters and for readers too. Heartfelt, emotional, witty, and hopeful, The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is the perfect choice for your next summer read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 23, 2025
Audiobook
I loved this “now and then” love story. And it wasn’t love just between hero and heroine. It was the love of community and the love of brothers and sisters and parents and children. A feel good story from start to finish.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
I loved this “now and then” love story. And it wasn’t love just between hero and heroine. It was the love of community and the love of brothers and sisters and parents and children. A feel good story from start to finish.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
August 21, 2025
Another great summer read from Rachel Hauck!
I loved the setting and the Easter eggs that the author placed from her other books. I normally don't spot those while reading books but she does such an incredible job that I instantly recognize people and places.
The dual timeline worked really well for this story. I enjoyed both timelines and the second chance romance was sweet. Paired with a strained family bond and new beginnings, the author had me captured!
*thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.
I loved the setting and the Easter eggs that the author placed from her other books. I normally don't spot those while reading books but she does such an incredible job that I instantly recognize people and places.
The dual timeline worked really well for this story. I enjoyed both timelines and the second chance romance was sweet. Paired with a strained family bond and new beginnings, the author had me captured!
*thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.
May 19, 2025
Rachel Hauck takes us back to the beautiful town, Sea Blue Beach, once again. Her title Meet Me at the Starlight, introduced us to the town last year. It was wonderful to wander the streets once again.
Emory is returning to Sea Blue Beach in spite of swearing to never return because it is the last place her family visited before her mother died. Caleb is also returning to make a go of it with his own architecture business. Neither of them expected to see each other again after the summer they spent falling in love.
A lovely summer read, filled with a sweet teenage story and how sometimes those stories go wrong. It is a story of families and how sometimes things are not what you would expect. I really love reading Hauck's books for that reason. She pens a love story that is so much more.
Pull up an Adirondak chair, enjoy the fire, and get to know those of Sea Blue Beach.
P.S. if you haven't read Meet Me at the Starlight, don't miss out, read that one also. You won't regret it.
Emory is returning to Sea Blue Beach in spite of swearing to never return because it is the last place her family visited before her mother died. Caleb is also returning to make a go of it with his own architecture business. Neither of them expected to see each other again after the summer they spent falling in love.
A lovely summer read, filled with a sweet teenage story and how sometimes those stories go wrong. It is a story of families and how sometimes things are not what you would expect. I really love reading Hauck's books for that reason. She pens a love story that is so much more.
Pull up an Adirondak chair, enjoy the fire, and get to know those of Sea Blue Beach.
P.S. if you haven't read Meet Me at the Starlight, don't miss out, read that one also. You won't regret it.
June 13, 2025
"Love doesn't require perfection."
"Nor fairness."
I really enjoyed getting lost in this book and going back to Sea Blue Beach with Rachel Hauck. The second chance romance was everything, and I loved seeing Prince John again. It's a gentle, sweet story that kept me turning pages. I have to say, one of my very favorite things was Emery's dad and his response to 16 year old Caleb showing up to get to know his teenage daughter. When he called Caleb's dad, I just fell in love with him right then and there. So precious!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy of the book so I could write an honest review.
"Nor fairness."
I really enjoyed getting lost in this book and going back to Sea Blue Beach with Rachel Hauck. The second chance romance was everything, and I loved seeing Prince John again. It's a gentle, sweet story that kept me turning pages. I have to say, one of my very favorite things was Emery's dad and his response to 16 year old Caleb showing up to get to know his teenage daughter. When he called Caleb's dad, I just fell in love with him right then and there. So precious!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy of the book so I could write an honest review.
December 15, 2025
Enjoyed the return to Sea Blue Beach. A story of second chance at love. Although the location is the same and some characters are mentioned this is not a sequel.
August 21, 2025
I listened to the audiobook and tuned out a little by the end. Main character was quite annoying. She held onto the past so hard and if only she didn’t hold a grudge against her “blended” family then she would’ve found happiness sooner. She all of a sudden changes at the end and is calling her stepmom “mom” after being so rude to her and her step sisters for almost 20 years. I mean she doesn’t like to acknowledge the fact that she has sisters even though she has 2 step sisters and a half sister that all love her. (Will say that the sister Ava is quite annoying and sounds like a brat. Why the weird obsession with the pearl necklace) Back to Emery…She’s had 16 years to get used to this new family dynamic and she’s still not over it because she’s so self-centered. Caleb is fine but they’ve only loved each other after meeting at age 14 and then ended up not talking for 16 years?!?! I get they talked once but they never thought to try getting in contact again???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
Sweet love story. Caleb and Emery fell in love as teenagers when Emery was visiting Sea Blue Beach on her summer vacation. But after going back to Ohio and experiencing a tragic loss, Caleb was forgotten. Sixteen years later, Emery finds herself accepting an editor job in Sea Blue Beach. Caleb, meanwhile, has come back to Sea Blue Beach to build his small architectural business. Of course you can predict what happens.
July 23, 2025
Loved this beach romance set in the Florida panhandle. The Sands of Sea Blue Beach brought all the nostalgia and feelings. My newest fave from Rachel Hauck until the next one releases xoxo
October 11, 2025
Excellent from start to finish! I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narration, the characters, and the inspirational uplifting themes of hope, forgiveness and second chances. Rachel Hauck is an author whose work I truly admire. Every time I read one of her books, I'm motivated to work toward improving my craft.
August 28, 2025
The Sands of Sea Blue Beach, by Rachel Hauck, is a heartwarming, impactful story with realistic characters, an empowering message, and an engaging plot.
Emery Quinn lost her mother years ago to cancer. It’s a trauma she never fully recovered from, and the new family that formed after the loss, uniting her father, his new wife and her two daughters, and a subsequent half-sister, never quite felt like her own. Emery struggled to feel like she belonged and therefore kept her distance as much as possible.
After suffering a professional loss and the end of a significant relationship, Emery decides to take a job as a small town newspaper publisher in the place where she and her parents spent their last vacation together as a family. While there, Emery reunites with her first love, delves into the complex, but emotion-packed town politics, reestablishes a new, meaningful career, and eventually comes to terms with her complicated blended family.
This layered story has a subtle element of faith, a main character who has depth and feels authentic and relatable, a slow-burn, second-chance romance, and a satisfying conclusion. There is so much to unpack in this story and it is not only enjoyable, but also a thought-provoking, worthwhile read.
Emery Quinn lost her mother years ago to cancer. It’s a trauma she never fully recovered from, and the new family that formed after the loss, uniting her father, his new wife and her two daughters, and a subsequent half-sister, never quite felt like her own. Emery struggled to feel like she belonged and therefore kept her distance as much as possible.
After suffering a professional loss and the end of a significant relationship, Emery decides to take a job as a small town newspaper publisher in the place where she and her parents spent their last vacation together as a family. While there, Emery reunites with her first love, delves into the complex, but emotion-packed town politics, reestablishes a new, meaningful career, and eventually comes to terms with her complicated blended family.
This layered story has a subtle element of faith, a main character who has depth and feels authentic and relatable, a slow-burn, second-chance romance, and a satisfying conclusion. There is so much to unpack in this story and it is not only enjoyable, but also a thought-provoking, worthwhile read.
July 12, 2025
This is a fantastic book! I love the setting of Sea Blue Beach! It gave me nostalgic feelings as I remembered all of the small beach towns I visited as a child. The second-chance romance is super sweet! The second chance at family is heartwarming.
Wow! The characters are wonderful! They are relatable and easy to like. I love and adore Emery. She is a woman with a sad past and emotional wounds that never healed. She built up walls around her heart. Her life isn't going the way she planned and she takes a leap of faith moving to SBB to make a fresh start. Little does she know that life has a few surprises in store for her! Caleb is hunkalicious! He's a hometown boy, intelligent and committed to his family and job. Life throws him a couple of curveballs too.
It's amazing how the town comes together and decides to revitalize the East End. Small town America! I have read a few books by this author and I look forward to reading many more!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow! The characters are wonderful! They are relatable and easy to like. I love and adore Emery. She is a woman with a sad past and emotional wounds that never healed. She built up walls around her heart. Her life isn't going the way she planned and she takes a leap of faith moving to SBB to make a fresh start. Little does she know that life has a few surprises in store for her! Caleb is hunkalicious! He's a hometown boy, intelligent and committed to his family and job. Life throws him a couple of curveballs too.
It's amazing how the town comes together and decides to revitalize the East End. Small town America! I have read a few books by this author and I look forward to reading many more!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2025
the sands of sea blue beach was such a sweet return to a beloved setting. i loved revisiting sea blue beach and watching caleb and emery slowly find their way back to each other. the flashbacks to their teenage summer romance made the present day story even more heartfelt. emery’s independence and passion for running the newspaper really stood out, and the subtle thread of faith added a gentle layer of hope. cassidy’s story was heartbreaking but ultimately healing, and i appreciated how emery grew closer to her stepfamily while still honoring her boundaries.
thanks to bethany house for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
thanks to bethany house for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
September 14, 2025
Emory, who has lost her newspaper job, has an opportunity to return to Sea Blue Beach. This town, though, holds bittersweet memories of the last summer with her mother and the place of meeting her first true love. Family circumstances propel her to return and to try to make peace with the past. She moves into an efficiency apartment, still managed by Delilah, where her family spent that beautiful and difficult summer long ago.
Architect Caleb Ransom has also come back to Sea Blue Beach. He grew up here but left for college and to pursue his career out on the west coast. When his business partner wanted to make a chance, Caleb took it as an opportunity to return to his roots and reset his career.
Thanks to Baker Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.
Architect Caleb Ransom has also come back to Sea Blue Beach. He grew up here but left for college and to pursue his career out on the west coast. When his business partner wanted to make a chance, Caleb took it as an opportunity to return to his roots and reset his career.
Thanks to Baker Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.
July 25, 2025
3.75/5 While I love this author and her stories, this story had so much happening from start to finish. It was difficult for me to keep the characters and plotlines sorted. That said, I am not sorry I read this. It was a good summer read.
July 31, 2025
I enjoyed this story set in a divided Florida beach town except for more than a few errors—typos, missing words and grammatical—in my ebook from Libby.
October 28, 2025
I just… like what was half of this story? The main romance plot was so cute but all the extra side plots about the town were so ridiculous and far fetched lol
August 8, 2025
Way too cheesy
November 22, 2025
A simple book about a first love, new starts, and preserving a beach town’s history. Cute for a beach read. A little cheesy and at times unrealistic.
July 29, 2025
In the past few years, Rachel Hauck has proven herself a master of "seasonal" books. I've never associated an author with a season before, but Rachel is becoming my go-to for a rich summer read. The Sands of Sea Blue Beach fits that bill as well. After loving Meet Me at the Starlight, I enjoyed returning to Sea Blue Beach for a deeper look at the town dynamics and some time spent with new people.
Those new people were engaging and fun as always. Emery Quinn carries some heavy emotional burdens. As seen in her standoffish attitude with her family and her workaholic tendencies, she's realistically and sometimes frustratingly flawed. Within that though, she learns the art of balance in real time--not just "work-life balance," which is almost a cliche these days, but the balance of the past and the future, of taking care of herself and showing up for other people. She embodies the novel's theme of respecting tradition while embracing innovation. That's something I rarely see characters do so well, especially in contemporary fiction.
Caleb Ransom embodies the theme too, but I think Rachel did a great job of giving him his own story, both within and outside of Emery's. He and Emery don't always hold up well by themselves, which I'll get to. Yet, Caleb is not just a mainstay in Emery's life. He is a mainstay of Sea Blue Beach, not because he's a "hometown boy," though that's true, but because he loves the town and its people. Without being preachy, Caleb grounds a lot of the characters and plot threads here, while leaning into inspirational leadership and big ideas. Again, it's a mix I don't see often and one that's hard to write well, so kudos, Rachel.
Once again, Sea Blue Beach functions as a character in itself. The town doesn't get a point of view like in Starlight, but here, that's not necessary. Here, readers get to experience every facet of Sea Blue Beach--the proverbial good, bad, and ugly. One minute, we're enjoying family night at Cottage 7 or listening to Delilah's hit albums. The next, we're dealing with the surprisingly deep implications of the East End vs. West End rivalry. The next, we're sipping milkshakes or jamming to the Beach Boys--or walking with Emery through the reality that Mom has cancer and eternity is knocking. It's life, wrapped up in the sweetness and saltiness, the warmth and the burn, of summer, and Rachel Hauck nailed it.
In the process of making Sea Blue Beach a character, Rachel also pulled off not just popping scenes, but popping settings or "photographs." Look for such gems as:
-The new Sea Blue Beach mural
-Emery and Caleb's surprise interview
-Emery's tender moment with Delilah
-The Ferris wheel
-The nods to food truck culture
-The tiny nods to '60s and '70s culture, music, and the "Jesus revolution" (I wanted a lot more)
Okay, so with all that said, what didn't The Sands of Sea Blue Beach get right? Well, not much--it's still a strong book. But if I were to compare it to a day at the beach, I would say sure, I got a bit of a burn and some irritating grains in my shoes. For instance, I liked a lot of the secondary characters. But throughout The Sands of Sea Blue Beach, it often seemed they were functioning as devices to keep Emery and Caleb's story going. It's not that they weren't developed. It's just that sometimes, they needed more purpose, more "oomph."
I'm thinking of one character in particular, especially a piece in the last third where Caleb ought to have made this person a priority. Instead, he kind of handwaves the whole situation...for reasons I still don't get. In fact, the whole subplot with this character, while engaging, seemed disjointed, because Caleb wants to be in this person's life. Yet any time someone asks, he's like, "Oh, my mom and dad are handling it." What?
I had similar feelings regarding the presence of the Lauchtenland royals throughout the book. It works to a point because as we know, the Blue family helped found Sea Blue Beach. And Emery's idea regarding the royals could've worked for this book. But then we get a twist that, while not completely out of nowhere, feels a little melodramatic. No, not "feels." Considering what else Sands has in it--Emery's mom, her legacy, Emery's family issues, Caleb's family issues, the whole East End vs. West End thing--this thread is melodramatic. That, in turn, makes the whole "royals" thing lean cliche. The last quarter of the novel leans very much into the "save our town" trope, and well...I just couldn't get into it.
There were a couple secondary threads I didn't understand or wanted more of. On the "didn't understand" front, it was the thing with the missing ads. The problem disrupts Emery's career throughout the book, and then boom. Emery mentions *once* that she figured it out. But she never truly explains how. Readers are left to try to remember, oh, there was mention of one machine with one problem much, much earlier. I remembered, so I kinda got it--but even I was going, "Wait, what does one have to do with the other again?"
On the "wanted more" front, it was Delilah and her music, her story. This doesn't come up as much as the missing ads thread, so I won't knock Rachel too hard for it. At the same time, it comes up enough that I felt like, "Okay, Rachel really wants to tell this story and just doesn't have the time." I now want Delilah to have her own book, especially since the spiritual threads in this one are kind of nonexistent. That's okay this time around, since Immanuel was such a presence last time and since I like subtlety. Having said that, I'd have liked just a smidge more on the spiritual front.
With all that said, you might think Sands of Sea Blue Beach is a three-star book. If I were splitting hairs, I guess I could go there. But the truth is, what works here is too strong for anything less than a four. Sea Blue Beach in particular has a presence that carries the novel, but in the right way. So this one still gets a recommendation, and it leaves me eager for another summer book from Rachel Hauck. (Again, maybe Delilah's story, hint, hint)? Even if not, grab your beach chair and this read for some end of summer literary pleasure.
Those new people were engaging and fun as always. Emery Quinn carries some heavy emotional burdens. As seen in her standoffish attitude with her family and her workaholic tendencies, she's realistically and sometimes frustratingly flawed. Within that though, she learns the art of balance in real time--not just "work-life balance," which is almost a cliche these days, but the balance of the past and the future, of taking care of herself and showing up for other people. She embodies the novel's theme of respecting tradition while embracing innovation. That's something I rarely see characters do so well, especially in contemporary fiction.
Caleb Ransom embodies the theme too, but I think Rachel did a great job of giving him his own story, both within and outside of Emery's. He and Emery don't always hold up well by themselves, which I'll get to. Yet, Caleb is not just a mainstay in Emery's life. He is a mainstay of Sea Blue Beach, not because he's a "hometown boy," though that's true, but because he loves the town and its people. Without being preachy, Caleb grounds a lot of the characters and plot threads here, while leaning into inspirational leadership and big ideas. Again, it's a mix I don't see often and one that's hard to write well, so kudos, Rachel.
Once again, Sea Blue Beach functions as a character in itself. The town doesn't get a point of view like in Starlight, but here, that's not necessary. Here, readers get to experience every facet of Sea Blue Beach--the proverbial good, bad, and ugly. One minute, we're enjoying family night at Cottage 7 or listening to Delilah's hit albums. The next, we're dealing with the surprisingly deep implications of the East End vs. West End rivalry. The next, we're sipping milkshakes or jamming to the Beach Boys--or walking with Emery through the reality that Mom has cancer and eternity is knocking. It's life, wrapped up in the sweetness and saltiness, the warmth and the burn, of summer, and Rachel Hauck nailed it.
In the process of making Sea Blue Beach a character, Rachel also pulled off not just popping scenes, but popping settings or "photographs." Look for such gems as:
-The new Sea Blue Beach mural
-Emery and Caleb's surprise interview
-Emery's tender moment with Delilah
-The Ferris wheel
-The nods to food truck culture
-The tiny nods to '60s and '70s culture, music, and the "Jesus revolution" (I wanted a lot more)
Okay, so with all that said, what didn't The Sands of Sea Blue Beach get right? Well, not much--it's still a strong book. But if I were to compare it to a day at the beach, I would say sure, I got a bit of a burn and some irritating grains in my shoes. For instance, I liked a lot of the secondary characters. But throughout The Sands of Sea Blue Beach, it often seemed they were functioning as devices to keep Emery and Caleb's story going. It's not that they weren't developed. It's just that sometimes, they needed more purpose, more "oomph."
I'm thinking of one character in particular, especially a piece in the last third where Caleb ought to have made this person a priority. Instead, he kind of handwaves the whole situation...for reasons I still don't get. In fact, the whole subplot with this character, while engaging, seemed disjointed, because Caleb wants to be in this person's life. Yet any time someone asks, he's like, "Oh, my mom and dad are handling it." What?
I had similar feelings regarding the presence of the Lauchtenland royals throughout the book. It works to a point because as we know, the Blue family helped found Sea Blue Beach. And Emery's idea regarding the royals could've worked for this book. But then we get a twist that, while not completely out of nowhere, feels a little melodramatic. No, not "feels." Considering what else Sands has in it--Emery's mom, her legacy, Emery's family issues, Caleb's family issues, the whole East End vs. West End thing--this thread is melodramatic. That, in turn, makes the whole "royals" thing lean cliche. The last quarter of the novel leans very much into the "save our town" trope, and well...I just couldn't get into it.
There were a couple secondary threads I didn't understand or wanted more of. On the "didn't understand" front, it was the thing with the missing ads. The problem disrupts Emery's career throughout the book, and then boom. Emery mentions *once* that she figured it out. But she never truly explains how. Readers are left to try to remember, oh, there was mention of one machine with one problem much, much earlier. I remembered, so I kinda got it--but even I was going, "Wait, what does one have to do with the other again?"
On the "wanted more" front, it was Delilah and her music, her story. This doesn't come up as much as the missing ads thread, so I won't knock Rachel too hard for it. At the same time, it comes up enough that I felt like, "Okay, Rachel really wants to tell this story and just doesn't have the time." I now want Delilah to have her own book, especially since the spiritual threads in this one are kind of nonexistent. That's okay this time around, since Immanuel was such a presence last time and since I like subtlety. Having said that, I'd have liked just a smidge more on the spiritual front.
With all that said, you might think Sands of Sea Blue Beach is a three-star book. If I were splitting hairs, I guess I could go there. But the truth is, what works here is too strong for anything less than a four. Sea Blue Beach in particular has a presence that carries the novel, but in the right way. So this one still gets a recommendation, and it leaves me eager for another summer book from Rachel Hauck. (Again, maybe Delilah's story, hint, hint)? Even if not, grab your beach chair and this read for some end of summer literary pleasure.
October 8, 2025
I didn't appreciate until Hauck's author's note that this is her second story set at Sea Blue Beach, a charming historical town on the Florida coast. However, I don't believe I was disadvantaged not having read it. I will make sure I go back to read "Meet me at the Starlight"!
Emery and Caleb first met at Sea Blue Beach as 16 year olds when Emery's family was summer vacationing. The two spent most of the summer together and fell in love. Like many summer romances it ends when they return to their everyday lives. And for Emery something tragic envelopes her next few months which make it difficult for her to reflect more on her summer romance.
Fast forward 16 years and Emery accepts a job as the editor in chief for the Sea Blue Beach Gazette, a twice weekly micro local paper. It's her first such role and she hopes it will lead to giving her the experience required to move to a bigger paper in the future. And then there's the charm and romance of Sea Blue Beach and in Emery's case, to expunge the sadness of when she left it all those summers ago.
By chance, Emery bumps into Caleb almost immediately on arriving in the town. He's now an architect, returned from Seattle, hoping to grow his small business while being close to his parents.
The romance is lovely to read and it's a story of second chances and the wonder and beauty of one's first love. I liked both Emery and Caleb. The small town politics, east vs west is presented well and adds another layer to the story, however, I wonder if it had been stronger if there had been a stronger villain. The family theme also runs through the story especially Emery's struggle with allowing herself to be loved by her now extended family and to become a willing participant in family life.
There were a couple of other subplots that felt incomplete. Caleb repeatedly tells how important his wayward sister, Cassidy, is to him. And we see evidence of it in rushing to her aid and also taking care of her 11 year old son, Bentley (who by the way is quite the character) but it feels like most of the hard work of helping her rehabilitate is handled by their parents.
Similarly, the appearance of Lautenland royalty, at first, is well played but then feels a little clichéd.
It's an easy read as Hauck flips between the past and the present as we watch the lovebirds romance develop and the East End side of town grow and prosper.
I feel fortunate to have received an early ebook copy of the story from Bethany House via NetGalley, however, this has had no bearing on my review.
Emery and Caleb first met at Sea Blue Beach as 16 year olds when Emery's family was summer vacationing. The two spent most of the summer together and fell in love. Like many summer romances it ends when they return to their everyday lives. And for Emery something tragic envelopes her next few months which make it difficult for her to reflect more on her summer romance.
Fast forward 16 years and Emery accepts a job as the editor in chief for the Sea Blue Beach Gazette, a twice weekly micro local paper. It's her first such role and she hopes it will lead to giving her the experience required to move to a bigger paper in the future. And then there's the charm and romance of Sea Blue Beach and in Emery's case, to expunge the sadness of when she left it all those summers ago.
By chance, Emery bumps into Caleb almost immediately on arriving in the town. He's now an architect, returned from Seattle, hoping to grow his small business while being close to his parents.
The romance is lovely to read and it's a story of second chances and the wonder and beauty of one's first love. I liked both Emery and Caleb. The small town politics, east vs west is presented well and adds another layer to the story, however, I wonder if it had been stronger if there had been a stronger villain. The family theme also runs through the story especially Emery's struggle with allowing herself to be loved by her now extended family and to become a willing participant in family life.
There were a couple of other subplots that felt incomplete. Caleb repeatedly tells how important his wayward sister, Cassidy, is to him. And we see evidence of it in rushing to her aid and also taking care of her 11 year old son, Bentley (who by the way is quite the character) but it feels like most of the hard work of helping her rehabilitate is handled by their parents.
Similarly, the appearance of Lautenland royalty, at first, is well played but then feels a little clichéd.
It's an easy read as Hauck flips between the past and the present as we watch the lovebirds romance develop and the East End side of town grow and prosper.
I feel fortunate to have received an early ebook copy of the story from Bethany House via NetGalley, however, this has had no bearing on my review.
December 8, 2025
The Sands Of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck is the most delightful contemporary Christian novel that I savoured and never wanted to end.
The novel is about family and love; and the love that God has for His children. The action is seen through the eyes of the two lead characters, mainly in ‘now’ but we also glimpse ‘then.’
There is a wonderful air of love pervading the whole novel. The lead characters offer delightful banter as they tease each other, producing smiles from the reader.
There is a pain in love associated with loss as a character feels rudderless and afraid to love, as she never wants to experience loving and losing again. “Love is a bit scary. You never know when the one you love could be ripped away from you.” This fear follows her from childhood and into adulthood. “I can’t go through life fearing the people I love will die.” She remembers her mother, “Mom always chose to love.” Love is always worth the risk.
A character withdraws from God. “God didn’t feel near when Mom was dying.” Even if we do not see or feel God, He always walks alongside us.”
In Sea Blue Beach there is the story of Immanuel, God with us. God is very much at the heart of the town. He needs to be at the heart of our lives too. “I didn’t need music to feel worthy because I’d found the One who made me worthy.” We find out who we are, by knowing whose we are.
Wherever we go, God goes with us. “Does Immanuel, God with us, come with us when we leave?” God goes wherever we are. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
We see the danger of regrets. Regrets will hold us back. “If only Emery had known then what she knew now… She’d have spent more time with Mom.” Regrets prevent us from moving forwards. We need to let go, and let God deal with our regrets.
Sea Blue Beach is divided into East and West. There is conflict and rivalry when really the town should work together for the good of the whole.
There are two loving families within the novel. Both have elder daughters who feel unloved. How they both deal with life is very different but they both need to be like the prodigal son, and come home.
Both girls realise they have been listening to the wrong voices. “You’re living in the past – in the lies of someone who didn’t love you. Come home, let your family tell you who you are.” Listen to the voices that say we are loved.
I absolutely adored The Sands Of Sea Blue Beach. It was such a charming and beautiful novel. I am sorry that it is ended.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. Al opinions are my own.
The novel is about family and love; and the love that God has for His children. The action is seen through the eyes of the two lead characters, mainly in ‘now’ but we also glimpse ‘then.’
There is a wonderful air of love pervading the whole novel. The lead characters offer delightful banter as they tease each other, producing smiles from the reader.
There is a pain in love associated with loss as a character feels rudderless and afraid to love, as she never wants to experience loving and losing again. “Love is a bit scary. You never know when the one you love could be ripped away from you.” This fear follows her from childhood and into adulthood. “I can’t go through life fearing the people I love will die.” She remembers her mother, “Mom always chose to love.” Love is always worth the risk.
A character withdraws from God. “God didn’t feel near when Mom was dying.” Even if we do not see or feel God, He always walks alongside us.”
In Sea Blue Beach there is the story of Immanuel, God with us. God is very much at the heart of the town. He needs to be at the heart of our lives too. “I didn’t need music to feel worthy because I’d found the One who made me worthy.” We find out who we are, by knowing whose we are.
Wherever we go, God goes with us. “Does Immanuel, God with us, come with us when we leave?” God goes wherever we are. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
We see the danger of regrets. Regrets will hold us back. “If only Emery had known then what she knew now… She’d have spent more time with Mom.” Regrets prevent us from moving forwards. We need to let go, and let God deal with our regrets.
Sea Blue Beach is divided into East and West. There is conflict and rivalry when really the town should work together for the good of the whole.
There are two loving families within the novel. Both have elder daughters who feel unloved. How they both deal with life is very different but they both need to be like the prodigal son, and come home.
Both girls realise they have been listening to the wrong voices. “You’re living in the past – in the lies of someone who didn’t love you. Come home, let your family tell you who you are.” Listen to the voices that say we are loved.
I absolutely adored The Sands Of Sea Blue Beach. It was such a charming and beautiful novel. I am sorry that it is ended.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. Al opinions are my own.
June 28, 2025
“I’ve come to realize love doesn't require perfection," Caleb tells Emery in Rachel Hauck’s novel, The Sands of Sea Blue Beach.
~ What ~
This 379-page paperback targets those interested in Christian contemporary romance involving two individuals who stand the test of time sixteen years after falling in love. Using the slang word darn, topics of an unplanned pregnancy, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, thirteen discussion questions, twenty-five pages of a prior book by the author, her biography, and advertisements.
In this tale set in a cozy Floridian beach town, sixteen years have passed since Caleb and Emery fell in love as teenagers and then went their separate ways due to uncontrolled circumstances. Written in the past and present, it involves architect Caleb dealing with his wayward sister and her young son along with Emery, the new editor-in-chief of Sea Blue Beach, who still struggles with the memory of her mother as she adjusts to her new family. Only when the two protagonists are forced to forgive, do they understand love.
~ Why ~
I like stories that tie the past's decisions to the future as two people work through life's challenges. Emery's heartfelt love for her mom and how she wanted to grasp hold of the past but find a way to include others was well written. One person's path to redemption was tender. I appreciate the undertone of Immanuel, God with us as being important to the town and its residents.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story, but it is not overdone. With the town at odds with each other, the manipulation by those in charge may be concerning, but the tale does encourage seeing things from others' perspectives. I do not recall if it was determined who was involved in the royal prank or why. The story is predictable.
~ Wish ~
By using the figure of Immanuel, the story could have included the eternal plan of salvation but fell short, never mentioning Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Since I only read Christian fiction, I prefer no slang words.
~ Want ~
If you like a then-and-now love story set in a lifeless seaside town with two people overcoming their fears by the sands of time, this is a nice romantic beach read.
Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
~ What ~
This 379-page paperback targets those interested in Christian contemporary romance involving two individuals who stand the test of time sixteen years after falling in love. Using the slang word darn, topics of an unplanned pregnancy, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, thirteen discussion questions, twenty-five pages of a prior book by the author, her biography, and advertisements.
In this tale set in a cozy Floridian beach town, sixteen years have passed since Caleb and Emery fell in love as teenagers and then went their separate ways due to uncontrolled circumstances. Written in the past and present, it involves architect Caleb dealing with his wayward sister and her young son along with Emery, the new editor-in-chief of Sea Blue Beach, who still struggles with the memory of her mother as she adjusts to her new family. Only when the two protagonists are forced to forgive, do they understand love.
~ Why ~
I like stories that tie the past's decisions to the future as two people work through life's challenges. Emery's heartfelt love for her mom and how she wanted to grasp hold of the past but find a way to include others was well written. One person's path to redemption was tender. I appreciate the undertone of Immanuel, God with us as being important to the town and its residents.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story, but it is not overdone. With the town at odds with each other, the manipulation by those in charge may be concerning, but the tale does encourage seeing things from others' perspectives. I do not recall if it was determined who was involved in the royal prank or why. The story is predictable.
~ Wish ~
By using the figure of Immanuel, the story could have included the eternal plan of salvation but fell short, never mentioning Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Since I only read Christian fiction, I prefer no slang words.
~ Want ~
If you like a then-and-now love story set in a lifeless seaside town with two people overcoming their fears by the sands of time, this is a nice romantic beach read.
Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
September 23, 2025
The Sands of Sea Blue Beach, by Rachel Hauck, is the story of Emery Quinn, who comes from a blended family. Her mom passed away of cancer while Emery was a teenager, not long after they spend a last Summer together at Sea Blue Beach. Emery's dad remarried a woman with two daughters not long after, and another daughter was born. Emery worked for a newspaper in her hometown but now works as an editor for a local paper at Sea Blue Beach, giving her a new start in a town very dear to her heart. It also gives her distance from the family she has trouble fitting in with. During her Summer at Sea Blue Beach, she met another teen, Caleb Ransom, and a friendship was born. Caleb and Emery meet again when she moves into the neighborhood, and they resume their friendship.
Caleb, an architect, also has a mom who has been through cancer, but survived it. He also has a dad and a younger sister who, although she was a good student, became a little wild. Eventually she became a mom to a young son, who she leaves with Caleb to run off with a man who isn't crazy about children. Caleb takes the boy under his wing like a substitute father.
The West side of Sea Blue Beach is a fine neighborhood, whereas the East side is in need of renovation. The citizens would like to see the East side restored to its former glory, with Caleb at the helm of one of the restorations. Unfortunately, there are those with big pockets and those who wait for their palms to be greased who do not want the restoration. They want to tear the East side down and make it into something to suit themselves, with no semblance of the old town. Will Emery, Caleb, and the citizens of Sea Blue Beach be able to fight to save the East side from greedy developers and equally greedy businessmen, whose only interest is their own profit at the cost of others well being? Will the citizens of both sides put aside their opposing ways and get together, fighting for bringing back a time that was good and decent through the restoration of the East side? One will have to read this story to find out.
This book was very good, and I give it five stars.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
Caleb, an architect, also has a mom who has been through cancer, but survived it. He also has a dad and a younger sister who, although she was a good student, became a little wild. Eventually she became a mom to a young son, who she leaves with Caleb to run off with a man who isn't crazy about children. Caleb takes the boy under his wing like a substitute father.
The West side of Sea Blue Beach is a fine neighborhood, whereas the East side is in need of renovation. The citizens would like to see the East side restored to its former glory, with Caleb at the helm of one of the restorations. Unfortunately, there are those with big pockets and those who wait for their palms to be greased who do not want the restoration. They want to tear the East side down and make it into something to suit themselves, with no semblance of the old town. Will Emery, Caleb, and the citizens of Sea Blue Beach be able to fight to save the East side from greedy developers and equally greedy businessmen, whose only interest is their own profit at the cost of others well being? Will the citizens of both sides put aside their opposing ways and get together, fighting for bringing back a time that was good and decent through the restoration of the East side? One will have to read this story to find out.
This book was very good, and I give it five stars.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
July 16, 2025
The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck is a mix of the old and the new at Sea Blue Beach in this dual-timeline story.
The Sands of Sea Blue Beach goes back and forth between Emery Quinn's teenage year that she visited Florida with her parents and stayed at the Sand Motor Motel. She met Caleb Ransom that summer and romance blossomed. She found out at the end of the trip that her mom had the cancer--and nothing was ever the same.
In the current timeline, Emery is back at Sea Blue Beach as editor in chief of the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Coincidentally, Caleb is also back in town because his mom had a cancer diagnosis and after starting his architectural career in Seattle, he wanted to move home to be closer to his family.
I have to start off by saying I am a huge fan of this author. I have enjoyed several of her books in the past. However, The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is not my favorite. The writing is good. I especially like that the former sweethearts reconnect. At the same time, after having my own cancer diagnosis 4 years ago, I am not a fan of reading about characters with cancer--especially when they don't live through the diagnosis. It was a struggle for me to get through this book for that reason. Not everyone has that story though so this may be just the book you want to read. I love the happy ending. There are themes of healing and redemption through both Caleb and Emery's story-lines. There is also healing between other family members and that is one of the best parts of the story.
I think the cover of The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is definitely beach read gorgeous and the publisher did a great job with that. The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is a great book for a summer read if you like stories of sweethearts reconnecting and stories of redemption--and don't mind that characters faced a cancer diagnosis. I think it is a good book--it just wasn't the best for me personally.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.
The Sands of Sea Blue Beach goes back and forth between Emery Quinn's teenage year that she visited Florida with her parents and stayed at the Sand Motor Motel. She met Caleb Ransom that summer and romance blossomed. She found out at the end of the trip that her mom had the cancer--and nothing was ever the same.
In the current timeline, Emery is back at Sea Blue Beach as editor in chief of the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Coincidentally, Caleb is also back in town because his mom had a cancer diagnosis and after starting his architectural career in Seattle, he wanted to move home to be closer to his family.
I have to start off by saying I am a huge fan of this author. I have enjoyed several of her books in the past. However, The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is not my favorite. The writing is good. I especially like that the former sweethearts reconnect. At the same time, after having my own cancer diagnosis 4 years ago, I am not a fan of reading about characters with cancer--especially when they don't live through the diagnosis. It was a struggle for me to get through this book for that reason. Not everyone has that story though so this may be just the book you want to read. I love the happy ending. There are themes of healing and redemption through both Caleb and Emery's story-lines. There is also healing between other family members and that is one of the best parts of the story.
I think the cover of The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is definitely beach read gorgeous and the publisher did a great job with that. The Sands of Sea Blue Beach is a great book for a summer read if you like stories of sweethearts reconnecting and stories of redemption--and don't mind that characters faced a cancer diagnosis. I think it is a good book--it just wasn't the best for me personally.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2025
This is a touching story of loss, second chance love and renewing family relationships. This is the perfect book to read at the beach as it is set in Sea Blue Beach, a small community with an epic story in its past.
Emery Quinn is floundering, and needs a new place to land. When she is offered the position of editor-in-chief of the local newspaper in Sea Blue Beach, she is hesitant to accept. This place holds a lot of memories of that long ago summer. Some are wonderful and some are sad. She takes the plunge, but she does not count on seeing her blast from the past, Caleb Ransom.
Caleb Ransom has come back home to Sea Blue Beach to start his own architecture business. He wants to preserve the historical integrity of buildings in this town that he grew up in. The town's people are divided, literally, east and west. The west end has brought their portion into the current century and they want to expand by eating up the east end. However, Caleb believes they need to take what they have and restore it.
This book was chock full of emotional scenes as it moved back and forth from that summer 16 years ago, and then back to the present, so you can more fully appreciate how Emery and Caleb arrived where they are today. Blended family is front and center in this story, along with the pains of an acute loss, which has caused Emery to shut down emotionally. Emery needs to learn that she is not in this life alone.
Caleb was my hero in this story as he struggled with family issues with his wayward sister and her son. He has a heart of gold.
A revival of friendship and a chance to heal, as well as a renewal of faith make this book one of my favorite books that I have read this year.
Thank you to Bethany House for this ARC through Interviews and Reviews. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Emery Quinn is floundering, and needs a new place to land. When she is offered the position of editor-in-chief of the local newspaper in Sea Blue Beach, she is hesitant to accept. This place holds a lot of memories of that long ago summer. Some are wonderful and some are sad. She takes the plunge, but she does not count on seeing her blast from the past, Caleb Ransom.
Caleb Ransom has come back home to Sea Blue Beach to start his own architecture business. He wants to preserve the historical integrity of buildings in this town that he grew up in. The town's people are divided, literally, east and west. The west end has brought their portion into the current century and they want to expand by eating up the east end. However, Caleb believes they need to take what they have and restore it.
This book was chock full of emotional scenes as it moved back and forth from that summer 16 years ago, and then back to the present, so you can more fully appreciate how Emery and Caleb arrived where they are today. Blended family is front and center in this story, along with the pains of an acute loss, which has caused Emery to shut down emotionally. Emery needs to learn that she is not in this life alone.
Caleb was my hero in this story as he struggled with family issues with his wayward sister and her son. He has a heart of gold.
A revival of friendship and a chance to heal, as well as a renewal of faith make this book one of my favorite books that I have read this year.
Thank you to Bethany House for this ARC through Interviews and Reviews. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2025
It was lovely to take a trip back to Sea Blue Beach again with this new novel The Sands of Sea Blue Beach from best selling author Rachel Hauck. Meet Me at the Starlight is your first chance to visit the town and explore the beach and people and places. Because several characters are revisited and events from book one are mentioned, I'd highly recommend reading Meet Me At the Starlight before diving into this book. Timewise, I'd say this one happens present day (2020's) while Meet Me at the Starlight was the late 80s. People who were teenagers now have grandchildren.
This book explores the connection that Emery and Caleb have to each other AND to the beach city. Emery is there for the first time since she was 17 when she discovered her mom was dying of cancer--Caleb has returned to the place he grew up in after getting his career off to a great start working in Seattle. Both of them stumble into each other and discover that the spark they had back when they were teenagers is still simmering...
The side plot is how they are going to bring East Side and WEst side of the beach together to remember that they are ONE city. To cease the rivalries between the businesses and residents and come together to make Sea Blue Beach great--the way it was back with the Prince founded it.
The power of family and forgiveness is front and center in this story.
There are very subtle Christian messages woven throughout.
4 Stars
*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
This book explores the connection that Emery and Caleb have to each other AND to the beach city. Emery is there for the first time since she was 17 when she discovered her mom was dying of cancer--Caleb has returned to the place he grew up in after getting his career off to a great start working in Seattle. Both of them stumble into each other and discover that the spark they had back when they were teenagers is still simmering...
The side plot is how they are going to bring East Side and WEst side of the beach together to remember that they are ONE city. To cease the rivalries between the businesses and residents and come together to make Sea Blue Beach great--the way it was back with the Prince founded it.
The power of family and forgiveness is front and center in this story.
There are very subtle Christian messages woven throughout.
4 Stars
*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
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