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 6 today and discover the island where second chances are always in season.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One inn. One mystery. One 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, magnificently painted across the sky in vibrant hues that can be seen for miles. The characters 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 every 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.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion to the series, we find out the mystery connecting the H and the h from the past. Something the h with the H have been searching for before being sidelined by events they were not expecting. The book starts out with a funeral and you don’t know whose. The h was called to the hospital for the death but also learns that there is good news for another patient. Then we find out the survivor when he is released from the hospital and receives a hero’s escort with his return to the inn. Later the H and h are told that the sheriff needs to talk with them. When the lady who the h had contacted requesting help to solve a mystery from the past they make a connection with what the sheriff wants to talk to them about. In the end they find out from both what happened in the past and the reason for it. The H and h get their HEA. Hope you enjoyed this series as much as I did. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys developing romance with mystery with many twists and turns. It keeps you reading to find out what is happening next. ENJOY!

[Sue Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost couldn’t finish the first chapter because it leaves the reader hanging farther over the cliff-defying ending of Book 5. Was anything good going to come out of the trials of these characters? Surprises continue to hook the reader, including that souvenir sand dollar having an unexpected significance. But I think there’s more to be told, especially surrounding the daughters of the main characters. Only, please, not so many heart pounding cliffhangers. I wasn’t especially fond of the story being told in six books instead of one cohesive volume. My teenage self would have appreciated this format, though. I tend to be an emotional reader and my mother would take books in progress out of my hands if so much as one tear fell. Teenage me would have liked knowing I could catch up and move forward with the next volume, all the time hiding the fact that it was the ongoing story of the one snatched from my hands. Adult me says grab a fresh tissue box, relax with a soothing beverage, and enjoy the journey!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing ending to the 6 book serial type series that kept you wanting more after each of the previous books. This 6th book is the most fantastic read of them all since the author neatly ties everything up so smoothly it all makes sense. The cliff hanger in the 5th book has an explosion with Byron trying to keep it from blowing up the whole hospital and then some. But he is stuck in the basement since the hospital floors above him came down on him. Now the 6th installment opens with a funeral and Jess in shock and breaks down. But we don't know who the funeral is for since Carl Jess's ex-husband was in the hospital at the time, not doing too well. This book will bring you to tears! We are treated to second chance love, forgiveness and a second chance at success. This book has to be read in one sitting as it was with the previous 5. I highly recommend this entire 6 book series, but have tissues handy. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her divorce from her husband of many years, Jess Bryant bought an Inn, with her sister and brother-in-law on the island of Anna Maria, sight unseen. When she walked in, she felt like she was home. Like it’s the place she was supposed to end up at. The sell also came with a groundskeeper . The man, Byron Holt lived there when he was a child. The two work together to bring it back to its glory. Unexplained things start happening and Jess puts her amateur hat on. Can they figure out what’s going on? Things from the past are also brought up. Lots of secrets. Lots of twists and turns. The past and the present meet. Maybe the two will find true love. Worth the read. I tried to figure out on my own but I was always wrong. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Joanne Wisniewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

History of the Anna Maria Inn

This is a review of all six books in this series. After I read the first book I just couldn’t stop and over two days I read all six. I fell in love with the characters but also admired how Amy Rafferty ended each book so that I could hardly wait to start the next. I felt comfortable at the Inn and wanted good things for Jess and all her family. Byron was a wonderful addition to the cast of characters and I both laughed and cried as I went fearing the worst to hoping for the best. These books have family values and show people caring about each other. There is also a vein of trouble where others try to ruin their lives and happiness. Get these books and settle in for a great read.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet latter in life, second chance, cozy mystery romance with suspense and no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “That’s only natural. Like it or not, he was a chapter in your story.” ---
What are Connors and Karen desperate to keep hidden? Will Byron make it out alive? Will Conners and his goons be captured? These and other questions will all be answered.
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.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Amy Rafferty, and this does not disappoint; this is the final book in The Anna Maria Inn Series and we get all the answers I think. The book has all the characters; Jess, Jules, and Blake as the new owners of the Inn and Holt house. We also have Byron the handyman, with his daughter Jennifer; and Jess's daughter Cally. What happens to Jess's ex husband Carl and his girlfriend Karen? Do we get answers about the original owner of the Inn, Rose Holt? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Amy Rafferty!!!

[Cricket · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in this series, and man is it a great ending. Grab your tissues and dive in. I loved how the story is ended and the ghosts are included in the ending. the characters in this series are well written and well developed. The book moves and a great pace, and the world building is great. I really want to go stay at the Anna Maria Inn.If you are waiting on a complete series before you read, then wait no longer The Anna Maria Inn series is complete and each book in the series is very well written.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful ending to this series.
The book starts out with you feeling very sad with what happened in the explosion. And then you find out what happened to the others who were also in the bombing.
It was interesting to see how the past connected to the present and also influenced how the the present situation played out.
I also loved how the aberrations played a part in all of the happenings at the Inn.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of the series! The beginning of the book had me on pins and needles to see the resolution after the bombing. Jess has been through so much following her bitter divorce from Carl. She needs time to rebuild her life and her heart. Additionally will the ghost of Rose finally get the justice she seeks to clear Simon’s name.

Interesting to see how the story ends

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

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sand Dollar Sisters

Well this story was awesome, I Loved every page of this series. This story was great and storyline was well written. The Characters were well matched and relatable. This mystery was so big and crazy and the length of the beginning of of it and the families that it affected. But it was a page turner until the last word was written. I would recommend that this story be read by all. I loved this story.

[Linda Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling story

I enjoyed the story but wonder why it was put into 6 short books instead of one?

Also I want to point out that there are not any cliffs on Anna Maria Island. Additionally, there are not any cellars because they would fill with water. Another common error is the call the Gulf the Ocean.

Overall I enjoyed the read. As someone who knows this area well the inaccuracies were just an annoyaance.

[Lauren Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book "series" is not well written. The story had good elements that were not well fleshed out and others that were unnecessary. If there was an editor it wasn't very evident in the errors and story line. By "book" 6 it barely kept my attention. Additionally, the spectacular setting of the real Anna Maria Island was never really mentioned. This story could have been set anywhere. I would not recommend spending the money for this.

[LINDA BASS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness! I never thought that I could not stop crying! I was so ticked that this book was a cliffhanger. I even thought that I had to wait MONTHS to read the conclusion, but I did not, I just had to wait days to post my review. I hated Karen so much that I wanted to beat her. I was so intrigue with this book that I wanted to know what happened next!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving and joyful climax to a very twisted plan to devest a good family by a bad one. So much action and near destruction embellished in this story which leads to great things in the end. It truly brought tears through the majority of it. I received this as an arc and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect ending!

This is an eye-opening, unexpected, yet perfect ending as secrets are revealed and past mysteries are solved. I love how Amy ties the series together in a unique and interesting way. A great book in a great series!

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

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying conclusion to this series, following on from the previous cliffhangers. The way the loose ends link together is well done, explaining some of the previous events from a different perspective. I want to read the whole series again!
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an ending, but what else could we expect? We get answers, we get a funeral, we get a family brought together. I hope there are no reviews that give the story away. You need to read it for yourself. Amy Rafferty really knows how to keep the drama going. I enjoyed this serial, even when I was complaining about waiting.

[Cynthia L. Hartson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series started out very good, but having the stories in short spurts in a series of six books was a little frustrating. It would’ve been better to have everything in one book. This last one, in the series, was pretty boring after what had happened in the fifth book. If I were the author, I would re-do the story into one longer book.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to tie up everything in this series! This series of 6 short books is very intriguing and packed full of adventures. I loved the ending and I look forward to more from this author!
I received a copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Nina Denise Brenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love always wins

I'm so glad I found this author! There were times when reading these books that my heart would sink, but I could not and would not give up through all the twists and turns! I won't spoil anything for someone else by saying too much! You won't regret reading this collection of books!!! Thank you Amy Rafferty!!!

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

The aftermerth of the bombing had left Jess shattered. A heart-warming story of bravery, loyalty and courage in this great conclusion . I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever start to this book after we were left with a cliffhanger in the hospital at the end of Book 5. A moving finale to the series that wraps up all the loose ends of the mysteries current and historical. An entertaining read. Highly recommend this series.

[Danette Fowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible ending to this series. This author sure knows how to make even a short story great! I always look forward to her new series and will now try be patient for the next.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of the series and the end of the mystery. The whole story emerges. The truths of the past emerge with the truths of the present. Practically a mirror image of love and life. Secrets and redemption go hand in hand as the ghosts of the past finally lie in rest.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy does it again!!!!
Yes, you will cry, A LOT!!!!
But all the pieces finally come together and the Cold case is solved.
What a series! What a Family!
If you aren't an Amy Rafferty fan, you need to become one. Loved every minute of the series. A MUST READ!!!!

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I held my breath

That last chapter almost done me in, you were so smart to tease us that way as I had to read fast to see who died. What a smarty pants to make us wait but it was great. People have to read this book.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End

The beginning will have you guessing who/what/why. All ends are tied up and in a bow. We get our happily ever after. A few little surprises along the way.

Great chapters, great storyline, with parallels that are unbelievable.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this whole series!

This was a amazing series, the one's gone who appeared reminded me of something that happen to me when my grandfather died. Great storyline and loved the ending!