The Sand Dollar Sisters

by Amy Rafferty

One inn. One mystery. One chance to begin again.

After a devastating divorce and the loss of her family’s historic hotel, almost-sixty Jess Bryant is ready to disappear—until a crumbling seaside inn on Anna Maria Island offers one last shot at starting over.

With her twin sister by her side and a brooding handyman who seems tied to the inn’s shadowy past, Jess begins rebuilding what’s broken. But the island has secrets—and Jess is at the center of them. Dreams that don’t feel like dreams. A love story lost to time. And the ghost of Rose Holt, the inn’s former owner, whispering through the walls.

What starts as a renovation becomes a journey of healing, hope, and heart—where every sand dollar holds a wish, and every broken thing has the power to be made new.

If you love later-in-life heroines, coastal settings, cozy mysteries with a hint of magic, and clean second-chance romance, you’ll fall in love with The Sand Dollar Sisters.

Grab Book 3 today and discover the island where second chances are always in season.

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2025

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty

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Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, easy read. Beach setting; family relationships; mystery.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One inn. One mystery. Once chance to begin again.

This contemporary clean second chance romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building on Anna Maria Island, where the sunrises and sunsets are magical are magnificently painted across the sky in vibrant hues that can be seen for miles, and characters that are later-in-life heroines, resistant, intelligent, nice, captivating, and realistic. Jess Bryant almost-sixty is ready to disappear after a devastating divorce and the loss of her family's historic hotel, until a crumbling seaside inn on Anna Marie Island one last shot at starting over, with her twin sister and her husband by her side, a brooding handyman who seems tied to the inn's shadowy past, Jess begins rebuilding what's broken, the island has secrets, deception, and Jess is at the center to them, dreams that don't feel like dreams, a love story lost to time, the ghost of Rose Hold, the inn's former owner whispering through the walls, what starts as a renovation becomes a journey of healing, hope, love, and heart, where ever sand dollar holds a wish every broken thing has the power to be made new, coastal mysteries with a hint of magic, cozy clean second chance romance, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with the sand dollar sisters and a sweet, clean second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world where love and loss, and second chances collide; resulting in an unforgettable journey with emotions running high leaving readers needing Kleenex/Puffs.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series is more than a series, it is a serial that gives you a cliff hanger after each only to add more characters, strange events and questions with each one. The main characters are great with a little romance budding between the two main characters, Jess and Byron. When Jess lost everything, her family's inn and home, through her divorce from Carl, she started over with the help of her sister and her husband and bought an inn on Anna Maria Island as a new chance at starting over. The inn came with the handyman, Byron. When Jess's ex showing up demanding money, she refused and he took her car. He ended up going over the mountain at a bad bend - breaks were cut. Was the accident meant for Jess? Will Carl survive? What did the words he said to Jess as he was put into the ambulance mean? Why was Byron arrested for the accident? Where does Carl's fiancé, Karen fit into all of this? Where does the police chief, who was mugged fit in? There is so much more! I will not divulge the cliff hanger in this one since it will knock your socks off! I can't wait to dive into book 4! This serial is so well written, you can't put it down! I received an ARC of this book and I highly recommend not only this book but the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess Bryant lost everything in her divorce. She ended up buying an historic inn with the help of her sister. Things have been happening there. She feels a presence there. She also is trying to solve a mystery with the help of her caregiver, Byron Trent of the inn on the Anna Maria Island. He was taken in to be interviewed by the police. Almost like a setup. Jess’s ex husband got in an accident and a so-called witness said they saw him by the car. Jess loves being an amateur sleuth. Can she solve the mystery? Can she help prove Byron is not guilty? Lots of twists and turns. Couldn’t put it down. If you love a mystery where you don’t want to stop reading it, this one’s for you. Worth the read. Can’t wait for the next book. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Amy Rafferty, and this does not disappoint; this is book three in The Anna Maria Inn Series. Byron the handyman at The Anna Maria Inn, is taken to the police station for questioning in the attempted murder of Carl; Jess's ex husband. Jess is the new owner of The Anna Maria Inn, along with her twin sister Jules; and Jules husband. Rose Holt, Byron's deceased grandmother; the original owner of the Inn seems to be haunting the Inn. Many people are staying at the Inn, are any of them guilty of Carl's accident? Love the plot, great setting; and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to the next book in the series!!!

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of action with twists and turns in book Three. Byron is take. To the police station after a witness came forward to say he was near Jess’s car. Maybe he cut the brake lines. Is history repeating itself?

Jess is so soft hearted she continues to open the in to guests including her ex husband’s new fiancé. Jess’ sister and family come to town to help. Several other guests are staying at the inn as well.

More mystery and intrigue as Jess receives a series of threatening messages complete with photos. Short quick read.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my there is so much going on in this book.
Byron is cleared but then so much more happens.
The Inn slowly begins to fill up with possible suspects and a few people who may be able to help Jess.
Jules and her family are guest, Karen and Hasbrook seek a place to stay for a bit.
Cally is home.
Carl is still in a coma.
And lastly Jennifer's brother-in-law, a hockey player, shows up.
The question becomes what do any of these people have to do with Carl's crash?
Who is friend and who is foe?

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is going on. Is,it past crimes or new crimes

Jess is,wondering what is,going on? Her ex is still in the hospital, police are looking at Byron, and now everyone is showing up at the Inn. Jess sister, Jules, her husband and son show up. Then the police chief shows up wanting to stay and right him, Karen, Jesse's exes girlfriend wants to stay. Also Roses ghost makes an appearance in front of Jules. What else can go wrong. Maybe finding the office has been searched, Karen and the Police Chief are gone, and Cally has been kidnappec

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet latter in life, second chance, cozy mystery romance,
Who cut the brakes on Jess's car? Who's sabotaging the work on the Inn? Who shot Tug? What's Charles up to? Who's framing Bryon for attempted murder? What's Karen up to?
I loved Jess and Byron's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read. I can't wait to read her next book and get the answers to my questions.

[LINDA BASS · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH, I AM LOVING THIS SERIES!! I fell in love with Jess and Bryon, and I loved the mystery of the inn. It seemed that there were far too people as eves kept running into each other. When Jess's ex-husband drove took her car, he drove off of a cliff and poor Bryon was taken to the police station. Jess was having trouble repairing the inn as one thing after another was ripped or broken! I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrying on from the happenings in Book 2, Jess is trying to figure out what is going on. The cast of characters gets longer, and many of them are staying at the inn. There are threatening messages, and the behaviour of ex-husband Carl is contradictory. Who is really the enemy among all the many twists and turns? A rollicking story, but actually I would rather it was all in one book, rather than a series.
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!

This is a fabulous series and each book adds more intrigue to the story. The mystery and terrifying events keep building as the deception deepens. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery continues….

The cliffhanger on this one is a dooozyyy. More things are being revealed, but even more questions need answers.

New characters, sweet Tug still at the vets, and budding romance… I’d only they had time to explore those feelings.

I can’t wait for the next book.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 might reveal a little more but it is hiding a lot more. The comings and goings of people and things happening are getting more complicated. The characters are increasing as the plot slowly unfolds, but there are some unlikeable ones emerging..Karen, Connors and Hasbrook. Who is helping who?

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought there couldn’t be more excitement in this series, Amy Rafferty added even more intrigue and a kidnapping!I was turning pages as fast as I could! I am really looking forward to book 4.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s lots of people coming and going at the Inn. It’s a mystery. Secrets are revealed. This book is full of excitement, intrigue and suspense. And there’s a cliffhanger, but we now know who the bad guys are!

[Danette Fowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! This series just keeps getting better!! Just when I think I have a suspect, something happens and I am going in a different direction. Really enjoying this short read.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY?!?!?!

Why would u leave a cliffhanger?!?!?
And why so long for the others to be released????
This is by far thee BEST book series u have EVER written! I love it!
Just wish we didn't have to wait so long for the other 3 :(

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sure Amy Rafferty is trying to give me heart failure. I’m not good at waiting, She has drawn me into this story of intrigue and betrayal with humor, a touch of romance, and more than a few surprise twists. I’m now drumming my fingers very impatiently waiting for Book 4.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about Jess and what is happening at the inn and mysteries of what is going on with her exhusband girl friend being involved and what is behind it? Thank you for this awesome story and ready to read the next book.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

We dive into book three and boy is it gooooooood!!! This addition is gripping and full of twists and turns and surprises as the drama and intrigue continue. Secrets, dreams, mysteries, ghosts and second chances, this has me totally enthralled and eager for the next instalment!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sand Dollar Sisters: Book 3 brings more beachy charm and heart. Jess dives deeper into the mystery of the old inn, reconnecting with her past and opening up to love again. It’s cozy, a little magical, and full of second chances—like a warm hug in book form.

[Laurel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is another two to three short chapters to this never ending cliffhanger. This took me all of ten minutes to read. With even more characters, we know even less about the mysteries. I will not buy more chapters that are being sold as books. It is dishonest.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful start to a new series. really looking forward to more . A lot of excitement and intrigue in this novella. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a lot happening at the inn. Once mystery after another. Jess & Byron have opened Pandora’s box. Can’t wait for book 4.

I read this book as an ARC. Thank you Amy Rafferty.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

The car crash had caused Jess and Byron a lot of chaos. There is suspense and sabotage to deal with too. An intriguing read. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read!!!!!
Went straight through it, and my heart was pounding, I was reading so fast.
Another great one Amy.

You'll have to read for yourself. I'm not giving anything away.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will be greatly surprised when you read this one.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing each book pulls you in more and more!!!!!! So much suspense ! The characters and the story are so well written!!!!!

[Pam]

Quit at the end of book 3. See note