The Sanctuary Keepers

by Alexandra Barber

'This book held my heart and held it tight... when it was finished I was like no that's not fair, it can't end yet...' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Some places choose us when we need them most. Hideaway House has been keeping its secrets, waiting for the right person to finally walk through the door…

When Carrie Adams flees to the remote, pretty Isle of Wight after her life crumbles, all she wants is quiet solitude to heal. Hideaway House, with its thatched roof and weathered turquoise door, seems the perfect retreat – a place where time stands still.

As Carrie settles into island life, she's drawn into a circle of unlikely apple-cheeked Rita, whose warmth feels like coming home; the prickly Major, guarding his own grief; and Guy, a tousle-haired gardener whose quiet presence stirs something unexpected in her heart.

But the house holds secrets of its own – whispers in empty rooms lead Carrie to an old tea caddy of bittersweet memories of a family who once lived here, long ago. As Carrie begins to piece together the cottage's achingly beautiful secrets, she realises that the threads connecting past and present could be the key to finally finding her own fragile peace…

A love story tainted by tragedy, a promise left unfulfilled and a voice that won’t be silenced, even by death. The Sanctuary Keepers is an enchanting story of second chances and the healing power of finding where you truly belong.

What readers are saying about The Sanctuary Keepers:

'If you are looking for a book to get lost in for a few hours, this is the one... mystery, intrigue and love all wrapped together in this book. A magical read.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Perfect in every way with heartbreak, new beginnings, romance, friendships and a wonderful community spirit.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This story completely swept me away.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I rarely read a book in one sitting, but this was one that I just couldn't put it down!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The Sanctuary Keepers is a book that will stay with you long after the last page... I didn't want it to end.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This story is full of so many touching emotional moments. It grabs you in the beginning and leaves you wanting more and more.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A book that you do not want to end and are overjoyed to discover that it is the first of a series.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book is a heartwarming and emotionally rich novel that beautifully weaves together themes of romance, betrayal, healing, and community.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I was truly saddened when I reached the end... I don't think anyone will go wrong reading it.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Romance

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

[Jessy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sat with The Whispers of Hideaway House and let it take its time. It doesn’t rush you — just opens up bit by bit, like someone finally telling the truth after years of keeping it tucked away. The place feels lived in, heavy with memories, and you can almost hear the floorboards creak as the past comes wandering back. It’s quiet, thoughtful, and stays with you long after you’ve closed the cover.

[Bethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

|:: The Sanctuary Keepers
By Alexandra Barber
Chapter Three Page 23
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

{ She took her cup of tea on to the deck and sat on one of the front seats, watching small sailing boats scudding past on the stiff Solent wind. It was uncanny how travelling across such a small stretch of water could really make you feel as if you were getting away from it all. It seemed strange, too, to be going away entirely on her own but it was too short notice to ask anyone to join her. Besides, Jules had said that the place would be good and she was definitely right about that. Her mind was a complete jumble.
‘You need to be by yourself,’ she'd said, as Carrie fretted about what to take, ‘and try to just be for a change. You're always doing. It's not healthy. It leads to burnout. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. I've got new mums who are burnt out before they even have a baby because they work up until the very last minute or they take time off but won't give themselves permission to stop for a moment. Sometimes I think the whole world needs to unwind.’ }

Carrie Adams is a PR's dream. She is young, has ideas, creativity, inspires people, loves her job with a burning passion and everyone likes her and now all her hard work is paid off. She is going to be made a Partner. Finally!!
But what started off as a good day, went downhill rather fast, if she had been open to seeing the signs she would have known to keep her head and heart guarded. Because nothing hurt more than watching the lifts open to the scene before her. 

Thanks to Jules, her best friend, she found a retreat away from her wreck of a life, in Manchester, to get some clarity on situations, relationships and more importantly herself. Being with someone since you were 18 might seem like a sweet sentiment. But were you the same person you were at 18.. now? Things change.

People change. But some people stick because it's comforting and it's better than change which brings risk, reward, heartbreak, closure and/or pain. Anything can happen. Although frightened at what she would find once she was alone with her feelings, in a place she didn't know, surrounded by strangers she has never met, in a remote location with no phone signal, things that go bump in the night and the endless suppressing silence which could only mean one thing. More time to worry about what she hasn't got in her life and more time to plan on how to get it back.

Atleast.. that is what she wants.. isn't it?

I loved this story. It's going to stay with me for a very long time. And now I have just been left with so many questions.

What happens to Rita, will she be okay? Will the Major stick to his new approach to life? Will Jo ever be reunited with her loves? Why has Isaac left? Why did Eliza stay? Does Jack really love his wife? Will Sebastian ever come back? What will Carrie's parents do? And why did Irene only have a small part of the book?? Did Jules really meet 'the one'?

I need more. More Hideaway House please 😭

I started reading this book and the first thing I thought was.. It's too predictable. The beginning, the way Carrie was pushed into the storyline, everything was going for her and then it quickly turned into a nightmare. I honestly thought.. This is another of them.. ‘finding yourself’ books. But omg was I wrong! 

This is one of my favourite reads of 2025. It was so beautifully delicate that even though I had the very strong (I'm so very very sorry!) first impression, I was so rooting for Carrie to slosh the wine in her ex's face or worse, at the seductive ‘other’ woman. But she had Beth and although I wished I had a friend who would do something like that for me, plus the hurricane that was Jules blowing in and pushing resulting in Carrie deciding to go.. had me hooked.

Confession time. All I know about the Isle of Wight is.. it holds a festival every year? So reading this book was almost like a slap to the face. But a good one! Guy and Wilbur, Rita and Cassie I loved straight away. Watching Carrie knock down the Major's walls though was just beautiful. I feel the older generation is somehow muted in today's society. They fought for us and look how the world has turned out? Ungrateful.

But this story, really did make my heart spike. It was so beautifully written and I just cannot sing the authors praises enough! 

This was the first book in a very long time that actually made me cry. I am a deeply emotional person and I can get caught up in feelings, emotions and sensations. For some strange reason, this book made me very tearful. Yes, it was beautiful to see how it ended, to watch Carrie bloom in front of my eyes but I think I felt more sad for myself. As I witnessed Guy and Carrie, it made me realise that maybe this is what I have been doing with my life. Just going through the motions. 

Recently I have found my reading bug again. I don't feel myself if I don't have a book (or some sort of device I use to read online) within touching distance of a book. Unfortunately for me. I use my phone to read and review but now.. maybe I should put my phone down. Put my reviews and reading on another device. A device that has nothing on it but the one thing I love. Books.

Maybe this book really did open something up inside me that I hadn't dealt with yet. I can't tell you what it is, but something has loosened in order for me to tear. I just believe it was beautiful, simple but so expertly intricate that it has the power to move you, even if only a little nudge forward. I wish I could visit this cottage. It sounds like such a beautiful place. Especially when your social battery is low and you feel out of sorts with today's world. 

What you need is a comfy chair, a cup of tea, hot chocolate or coffee and a copy of Secret Keepers.

A huge thank you to Alexandra Barber, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some days defy our expectations, and the day Carrie Adams had anticipated as one of the most pivotal in her life was no exception, but not in the way she had hoped. After putting in tremendous effort to become a partner at Winterson's PR Company, Carrie was ready for the announcement that would confirm her achievement. What she didn't foresee was that the news would turn out to be vastly different—a colossal disappointment beyond words.

In hopes of offering Carrie respite, Jules shared a message from her mother about a unique opportunity. A newly refurbished cottage on the Isle of Wight, aptly named Hideaway Cottage, is in search of a test occupant before its grand opening to the public. This is the perfect chance for Carrie to escape—offering a refreshing and peaceful change of scenery, a sanctuary to heal from everything that has happened in both her personal and professional life.

This novel captivated me with its beautifully crafted and heartfelt narrative, which weaves a tapestry of emotions and transforms it into more than just a story—it's an experience. The author's prose is evocative, allowing readers to feel the weight of disappointment while also experiencing uplifting moments of discovery and renewal.

This is a deeply character-driven story. Carrie is reminded that everyone faces struggles, disappointments, and loss as a part of life. Each person discovers their own way to move forward, and the journey is rarely a straight path. The kindness of others and the act of helping one another play important roles in this process. I found the thoughtful wisdom shared by a woman named Jo particularly engaging.

The novel is not only about personal growth; it's a beacon of hope that reminds us that healing is a multi-faceted journey that unfolds over time. It is filled with insights on love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, the novel encourages us to find joy in life's simple pleasures— be it sharing a cup of tea, tending to a flower garden, or taking a leisurely stroll with a furry companion. This heartwarming narrative invites readers to believe in the potential of new beginnings and, ultimately, to discover a life that brings us fulfillment in ways we may never have imagined.

Thank you to Alexandra Barber, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

📘ARC Review
The Sanctuary Keepers by Alexandra Barber
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🗓️ Coming July 31, 2025

Some places don’t just offer shelter—they offer healing. When Carrie Adams escapes to the quiet charm of the Isle of Wight after her life unravels, all she wants is quiet time alone. But what she finds at Hideaway House is something far deeper. A charming cottage with a thatched roof and inviting turquoise door, the cottage feels almost sentient—like it’s been waiting just for her.

As Carrie begins to settle in, the island slowly wraps her in warmth: from Rita, the kind-hearted neighbor who instantly feels like family, to the gruff but endearing Major, and Guy—the soft-spoken gardener whose gentle presence begins to thaw something inside her. But the house holds its own secrets. Whispers in the walls, a forgotten tea caddy filled with memories, and the lingering traces of a family long gone all pull Carrie into a story from the past—one filled with love, loss, and promises left undone.

This novel beautifully blends cozy atmosphere with poignant emotional depth. The themes of grief, hope, and second chances are tenderly explored, and the slow-burn connection between Carrie and Guy is as heartwarming as it is healing. Both carry wounds, both are guarding truths, but within the walls of Hideaway House, they just might find the courage to begin again.

I absolutely adored this story. Eliza and Isaac’s past is deeply moving, and watching Carrie and Guy slowly open up to one another felt so authentic and earned. If you’re looking for a romantic escape with just the right touch of mystery and emotional depth, The Sanctuary Keepers is your next perfect read. Curl up with a cup of tea and prepare to be transported—I read this in one sitting and didn’t want to leave.

Thank you NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: Alexandra Barber’s The Sanctuary Keepers. Thank you to Storm Publishing and the author for the gifted copy.

This book was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. There’s something deeply comforting about a story that holds space for both heartbreak and hope—and The Sanctuary Keepers does that with quiet grace and emotional precision. From the first page, I felt like I had stepped into Carrie Adams’s shoes, running from the chaos of a life she could no longer bear and landing in the wind-battered peace of the Isle of Wight. Hideaway House, with its peeling turquoise door and air of forgotten memories, was the kind of fictional setting that felt more real than some actual places I’ve visited. Alexandra Barber doesn’t just describe it—she grounds you there, and you can almost smell the salt air, hear the creak of floorboards, and feel the weight of time in every room.

Carrie is not your typical romantic lead. She’s bruised, exhausted, and stripped of anything resembling a plan. Her career has flatlined, her personal life has imploded, and she’s driven by an unnamed desperation for escape. But that rawness is what makes her compelling. You follow her not because she’s plucky or upbeat—she isn’t—but because she’s honest in her pain, and her gradual thawing is earned, not manufactured. Barber writes her like a real woman: flawed, funny in small moments, scared but trying. That vulnerability is the beating heart of the novel.

The supporting cast is a beautifully messy mosaic of personalities. Rita could have easily turned into a stock “sweet elderly neighbor,” but Barber gives her layers—there’s loss behind her kindness, and a resilience that makes her more than just a caretaker. The Major is bristly and guarded, a man clearly holding onto grief the way others hold onto ritual. Their interactions with Carrie never feel convenient or overly sentimental; they evolve with the slow burn of actual relationships, full of missteps, silences, and eventually trust. And then there’s Guy. I loved the choice to make the romantic lead so understated. He’s not there to “fix” Carrie—he’s dealing with his own ghosts—but his presence is steady, calm, and unexpectedly magnetic. Their relationship blooms without fanfare, and that’s what makes it feel true.

One of the most powerful threads in the book, though, is the mystery of the house itself. When Carrie finds that old tea caddy filled with mementos, it kicks off a gentle unraveling of the past, and I was hooked. There’s a ghost in this book—not the kind that slams doors or whispers at night, but the kind that lingers in photographs, in the ache of something unfinished. The story of the family who once lived in Hideaway House is tragic, yes, but also deeply human. The way Barber interlaces their narrative with Carrie’s adds depth to the present-day plot without overshadowing it. Both timelines feed each other emotionally. It’s not about solving a mystery—it’s about honoring what came before and allowing it to illuminate what comes next.

This book isn’t just a romance or a story about grief. It’s about what it means to let yourself belong somewhere again. There’s an emotional generosity to the way Barber writes about community—the way people slowly fold each other into their lives without ceremony, just quiet consistency. And there’s power in how she treats healing: not as something linear or pretty, but as something that happens in fragments, in moments when you least expect it. You cry, you mend, you remember, you try again.

The Sanctuary Keepers reminded me of the best kind of comfort reads—the ones that don’t pretend everything will be perfect, but show you that peace is possible anyway. It doesn’t rely on drama or big plot twists to keep you turning pages. It relies on feeling. On characters you care about. On writing that respects silence as much as dialogue. I didn’t just read this book—I lived in it for a while, and I didn’t want to leave.

If you love character-driven fiction with emotional depth, gentle romance, and a touch of bittersweet mystery, this one will land hard in the best way. It’s a story about the weight of the past and the courage it takes to build something new. And it’s one of those books that leaves you a little quieter, a little softer, and a little more open by the final page.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lovely mix of romance, betrayal, and hope. The story starts with a conversation between Eliza and Isaac and their connection to Hideaway Cottage on the Isle of Wight. The story then moves on to Carrie and the betrayal done to her by her ex-fiancé Mark and the company she worked for. I really felt Carrie’s pain as she left the office that day. Fortunately for her, her best friend Jules had arranged a getaway for her to the Hideaway Cottage and she soon became involved in the community.

The people in the community are warm and welcoming to her—Rita, who is her contact to the cottage and has her own struggles with her farm and son and daughter-in-law, Guy, who is a landscaper for the cottage and the major’s estate, Cressie, a mother of newborn twins and is struggling with an absentee husband, and other women who come into the story.

I loved how Carrie took the time to evaluate her life and figure out what she wants to do next and how she blended in so well with the community. Hopefully there will be more stories about the Isle of Wight because there are stories to uncover about Isaac and Eliza, the tea caddy under the floor, Rita and her farm/family situation, Cressie and her absentee husband, Jo’s future, and if the beginning love between Carrie and Guy has a future.

Even though almost everyone in the community is going through something, you come away knowing that everything will work out in the end. It truly seems like a magical village that is wrapped in love and hope. I rarely read a book in one sitting, but this was one that I just couldn’t put it down!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of a series. Carrie, who works in finance in Manchester, is cheated of promotion by boyfriend Mark, who then breaks the news he is with work colleague Paloma, and she’s pregnant. After a meltdown at work, Carrie is given time off to sort herself out, but fears on her return she will be out 0f a job.
Hearing of a newly renovated cottage available on the Isle of Wight, she decides on a two week break to try to get her life back together. Heartbroken over Mark, and the future she thought they had, she arrives at the cottage and discovers a whole community of kind and supportive people.
This is a light-hearted and easy read following Carrie as she gradually learns to mend her heart and in doing so, realises she maybe needs a whole life change. Obstacles are in the way, of course, as awful Mark makes a reappearance, and Guy, the man she’s finding herself increasingly attracted to, appears to belong to someone else.
A lovely story, also involving two spirits, Eliza and Isaac, who watch over the cottage and conspire to bring Carrie and Guy together. Although they are limited in their abilities to influence, Eliza has some ghostly tricks up her sleeve.
A lovely holiday read. - I’m looking forward to the sequel to see what these two get up to next!

My thanks to Storm, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Sanctuary Keepers in exchange for an honest review.

[Pamela Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sanctuary Keepers is a delightful and captivating story set in the beautiful Isle of Wight. It literally had me at hello. A charming cottage, island life, and a delightful array of side characters that pulls you in to a story that deals with the FMC, Carrie, who desperately needed a respite and to heal from her everyday life. When her life hands her a multitude of disappointments, she escapes to the island to gather herself and to take a hard look at her life. There she meets some engaging and endearing characters who weave her into the fabric of their lives, and she is swept up with each of them in their own special ways. The cottage itself serves as it’s own character, as it has some occupants that neither Carrie or anyone else knows is there. One can’t help but root for Carrie. Not only has she made great friends in such a limited amount of time, but she also caught the eye of the local horticulturist, Guy. Their sweet and tender interactions prompt self introspection for each of them, and at the end, all you want is to see what can be between these two. This charming book has you wanting more at the end, and I can’t wait for the next in the series. I want to thank Alexandra Barber, Storm Publishing, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an arc of this novel. It has been an honor.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sanctuary Keepers by Alexandra Barber is a contemporary romance. There is also an awakening of self and finding your true purpose in life. Carrie Adams is shocked to find out she is not the new partner at her advertising agency. She knows she is creative and a hard worker. That wasn’t to be. Carrie leaves abruptly to consider her next moves.

Carrie rents a cottage on the Isle of Wight called Hideaway House. The cottage is seemingly the best place for her to contemplate her next moves. There are many characters she meets and people that she connects with. She almost feels like this is where she is supposed to be. Then her past shows up and wants to make amends.

I loved the main character, Carrie, and felt she was realistic as we all get “stuck in our own loops”. There are also ghosts or spirits who live in the cottage that occasionally rearrange things into how they feel they should go. What I liked the best for Carrie, was the feeling of companionship with the island natives.

This is Alexandra Barber’s first adult romance. I am hoping that there are more in this series to come. I thought the book was an interesting read full of great characters. The Sanctuary Keepers by Alexandra Barber was a good read.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie Adams needs an escape. Her relationship is over, her ex Mark has moved on with Paloma and taken the position that Carrie has been working towards for years. She really thought the job was hers, she knew she had earned it and had carried Mark through his career this far. She concludes that hard work won't cut it, if you don't schmooze you lose.

Carries best friend and roommate, Jules, has stepped in at meltdown point and booked Carrie a much needed escape. Carrie is doubtful she will enjoy it and her sense of independence has waned over the years she spent with Mark.

As a reader, I escaped with Carrie to the Isle of Wight. Hideaway House overlooks the ocean, it's quaint and the garden is lovely and serene. Of course the township is home to many different characters and all but one make Carrie feel so welcome.

I recommend this book if you'd like to escape with Carrie to a gorgeous destination for some soul searching too. The getaway left me feeling empowered and a little bit fuzzy on the inside.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I look forward to revisiting the Isle in Alexandra Barber's next book.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie's life has crumbled. Her fiance broke off their long relationship to be with another woman. He worked in her company, where he relied on her experience and knowledge. But when it came time for a new partner to be selected, shockingly, he was chosen over Carrie, who had been the expected employee to move up. She had a meltdown at work and it was suggested that she take sometime off to gather herself.

Serendipitously, a opportunity came up to stay at a newly renovated house on an isolated island. She was asked to stay there to find any issues before the owner started to rent it to visitors. It was a lovely, comfortable place and Carrie loved the house. She also became very comfortable with the welcoming local people. She made friends easily and the man who maintained the house and gardens became a particularly interesting friend. But, Carrie feels a presence in the house. Not an evil one, but maybe more than one individual co-existing with her and watching out for her.

This is a feel-good, touching story about finding yourself, learning what truly makes you happy, and new beginnings. I really enjoyed it and I look forward to the second book.

[A Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sanctuary Keepers by Alexandra Barber, is a quintessential, feel-good story. This book is a perfect lazy summer beach read. It touches on self-esteem and self-awareness as well as emotional growth.

Carrie is at one of the lowest points in her life and is seeking a quiet place to come to terms with her losses and figure out what comes next. She sets off to the Isle of Wight to rediscover herself and heal her heart. The cottage she stays at is quaint and the perfect spot for some soul searching. The people she meets along her journey are warm and friendly, and she finds herself settling in despite the fact that the cottage seems to have a presence there. In the short time she is there, she lets go of her burdens and finds happiness and peace.

This was a quick read that I really connected with. Carrie's grief quickly turns to acceptance and hope with the help of her new island friends. I loved Carrie and all the other characters as well. They were all well written and were very likable. If you're looking for a story of hope and inspiration, this is for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy

[Stephanie Jacobi · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🗓️Coming July 31st, 2025

The Sanctuary Keepers is a soft, character-driven, atmospheric read that makes you feel a bit like stepping into a timeless summer, in a cozy cottage by the sea.
What I really enjoyed about this book was that it felt like a feel-good, comfort read in a way that holds space for grief and the messiness of being human while still showing you that peace is possible anyway. The cottage by the sea felt like a sacred place you retreat to when the world feels too loud.
This book doesn’t rely heavily on plot/plot twists, but rather on emotions and deeply human characters you care about. This book is less about what’s happening, and more about how it makes you feel. It felt a little bit slow for me in this sense personally, but I still really enjoyed being immersed in this world and read about 85% in one sitting because I didn’t want to leave!
A cute & cozy summer read 📖☀️


Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy of this book 📖

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are the kinds of books I adore reading!! It was just utterly delightful from the first page to the last, and the story has been left nicely for the next instalment - which I'm hoping isn't too far away!!

At the heart of the story is Hideaway Cottage and we get to learn about the inhabitants - old and new - as the story unfolds. Carrie is the latest person to move in, and she's escaped here to leave the past behind her and find some peace, and the moment she sees this cottage she feels that peace.

She soon settles into the slower pace of life and finds some new friends and acquantainces with the locals and that's where the stories begin to be told about previous residents and also discovers a tea caddy full of past secrets and she starts to investigate further.

This is a story that's full of intriguing characters and you always get that feeling there's something a little bit special about the cottage to have that effect on people. It's beautifully written and I just couldn't put it down once I started reading it!! Wonderful!

[Barbara Selman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this Great ARC for my honest review This is my first book by this author and it certainly will not be my last. What is not to love about this book?? Poor Carrie leaves town to heal after she didn’t get the promotion she thought was hers. When in fact,her ex boyfriend,who she works with, got the job instead. She feels very betrayed by her company and her ex since she taught him everything! So she escapes to a quaint cottage in a small town under the advice of her best friend. As Carrie begins to settle in and figure out her future, she meets Guy who is the gardener. He helps her along with her healing journey along with all the other special characters in this book. This story is full of so many touching emotional moments. It leaves you wanting more and hoping it will never end. This book is a very powerful story with romance, emotion, healing and even some mystery I highly recommend this heartfelt touching book.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating read. This was first by this author, and I’m not sure what I expected, but after I started reading I realised there were ghosts/spirits I was a bit skeptical but I was intrigued and I have to say very pleasantly surprised. The ‘ghosts’ weren’t the main characters and their ‘activity’ was spoken about by other characters, both believing and none believing, the author even cleverly managed to leave us on a cliffhanger of sorts with them, and I know I’m curious to know what’s happening and why.

Carrie and Guy are great characters, I loved how Carrie is so open and honest and people are drawn to her. The Major was a great character also, who really warmed to Carrie from the start. Carrie saw people and their heart and helped them see it to help themselves. I loved watching her gain more inner strength after being cheated on and over looked at work. I will definitely be back for the next one.

[Anika · Rating 1 out of 5]

just finished Sanctuary Keeper by Alexander Barber. While this book wasn’t for me, I deeply respect the author’s courage to publish such an ambitious, inventive work. The premise—two of the main characters are dead and become ghostly guides for the living—offers a fresh take and a uniquely dreamlike vibe that some readers will surely enjoy. I did find the storytelling a bit confusing and only grasped the central twist near the end. I didn’t feel a strong connection to the characters, and the narrative was easy to lose track of at times. It ends on a cliffhanger intended to draw readers into the sequel, which I won’t be reading. If you’re drawn to bold concepts and supernatural mysteries, this could be right up your alley. My overall rating is 1 star, but I applaud Barber’s willingness to put her work out into the world and invite readers to see where this unconventional path leads for fans of the genre.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one. The premise had so much promise—an emotional escape to the Isle of Wight, a cozy cottage with a mysterious past, and a woman trying to find peace after heartbreak. But as I got into the first few chapters, I couldn’t shake the déjà vu.

It reminded me so much of Kate Winslet’s storyline in The Holiday—the quiet English village, the charming new acquaintances, the emotional healing arc. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, the similarities were strong enough that it made it hard for me to fully connect with Carrie’s journey as something new or fresh.

Still, there’s a quiet beauty in the setting and a sweet cast of side characters that kept me reading. If you enjoy stories about second chances, found family, and uncovering the past, this might hit the mark for you.

📚 This was an advanced reader copy from Net Galley.

[Andy Krahling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should probably be more accurately be described as a paranormal romance, which changes how I look at the book. It moves from being a straightforward romance to something else, something I didn't anticipate before I started reading. In any case, this was pretty mild on the paranormal and pretty mild on the romance. I appreciated the Isle of Wight setting, and I wish this was more of a focus. The characters seemed pretty young, as each often-misinterpreted utterance and action was responded to childishly and with an overreaction.

To be fair, this did keep my interest, and I found myself rooting for the tow main characters.

Will I read more of the series? Hmmm. Maybe.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie isn’t selected for the promotion she’s been working so hard for, instead it goes to her ex and then she finds out he’s engaged. Ripe for a break from everything, she travels to the cozy, beautiful Isle of Wight. Welcomed by the warmest Queen of Hospitality, Rita, she settles right in. Right away she starts meeting the nicest locals to include Guy, who the owners of Carrie’s cottage are anxious for them to fall in love. Carrie also finds comfort sharing what’s on her heart while also connecting with her newfound friends of the Isle. The rest of the tale is ready for you to discover. Also, don’t miss the author’s letter…it’s a good one devoted to a special book. Looking forward to her next one!

Thank you Alexandra Barber, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC opportunity!

[The Balcony Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

If a Hallmark movie was a book with all the warmth but more maturity, this is it. Barber’s endearing narrative style is a comforting hug in its relatability. The story opens with the FMC at the lowest point of her life and escapes to the Isle of Wight. There, she meets an eclectic group of locals. Romance is secondary in this book to self-discovery and healing. So when the romance finally materialized, it felt rushed. Barber touched upon several compelling issues but didn’t go into depth on them, which I think would’ve elevated the story further. I loved the vivid description of the coastal village setting.

Thank you so much for Storm Publishing, Alexandra Barber, and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the sound of this book and I really enjoyed it. Carrie has gone to live in the Isle of Wight, there are some things she needs to escape from and she wants to settle herself somewhere new and different. As Carrie starts to meet the locals, there are some interesting characters that she meets, I liked the sound of Guy who has his own problems he is trying to deal with. Can Carrie and him help each other heal? the place where Carrie is staying has it own secrets can she figure them out/ overall I really enjoyed it this book however I did feel as though the ending was a little slow and drawn out. I did like reading about the Isle of Wight though as it is a place I have been to before and now want to return to.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serendipity leads Carrie to Hideaway House when she needs it most. What she finds on the Isle of Wight is a beautiful cottage, idyllic but full of past secrets that gently haunt its rooms. It's a lovely story about recovering from betrayal and heartbreak and finding the joy in the little things. There is a supernatural element to this story which adds depth and reinforces its emotional qualities. Gently paced, it draws you into other worlds and takes you on an emotional journey of loss, love and living again. I like the characters, each with their individual stories, the sense of belonging that this story creates and the magically poignant setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie has had a double whammy. Her boyfriend ditched her for the glamorous Paloma and also undercut her at work and got the promotion. Unable to bear the sympathetic words of co workers or the tirade from her ambitious parents, she flees to the Isle of Wight to Hideaway House for healing and a chance to reset.

The House is magical with its own set of benevolent ghosts, supportive neighbours and a charismatic man with his own brand of charm. The story proceeds in a nice manner despite villainous boyfriend reappearing on the scene, a series of misunderstandings resulting, but all ends well.

Descriptive of the workings of life on a remote island, the story is a relaxing one.

[LeeanneH · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is one of those feel good stories (imagine midday movie format) where you know all will end well. The FMC, recently single, escapes to find herself, lands in a tiny community that take her in and help her decide on her future. There was romance, but not really romance, and mystery, but not really mystery, and if they both had been expanded on a bit it would have made for a more engaging story. There are a few references to religion too which add to the cozy, comforting themes. I did enjoy the book and all the characters, just wish there was a bit more.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Carrie who needs to get away from her quickly dissolving life in Manchester. Her recent break up from her longtime partner with whom she still works with and the promotion to partner that he is given when it should have been hers. The cottage on the Isle of Wight is the right place for her for peace and quiet to give her time to think and find herself again. The Hideaway House seems to have other ideas for her, she mets some lovely people and of course the lovely Wilbur and Guy.
Such a lovely read and look forward to reading other books by this author when released.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Carrie's world is turned upside down, she ends up on the Isle of Wight. Through the people she encounters, she learns a lot about herself and reevaluates what she thought was important. There is a marvellous array of characters in this book, and more stories to be told. I hope to read more about Rita and Irene, Eliza and Isaac, the back story of Guy, and find out the significance of the baby box under the floorboards. This was a very heart warming story and one that I think many readers will enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy of this book.

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Following a major disappointment in her career that has crossed over into her personal life, Carrie needs an escape. Her friend Jules recommends Hideaway Cottage on the Isle of Wight. Hideaway cottage is guarded by spirits, who interfere in a kindly way with Carrie's stay. Carrie makes new friends and immerses herself in island life very quickly. This book was an easy read, but it wasn't for me. There is a follow-up coming as this one ended with a spot of bother for the ghosts of Hideaway Cottage. I won't be reading it.

[Christina Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Storm Publishing for my copy of #The Sanctuary Keepers by #Alexandra Barber.

If you are looking for a book to get lost in for a few hours, this is the one.
Alexandra weaves a mysterious tale around Carrie Adams who takes refuge in a small cottage on the Isle of White after a disastrous last three months of her life.
Can she find new hope in this small community.
There is mystery, intrigue and love all wrapped together in this book.
A magical read.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sanctuary Keepers is a book that will stay with you long after the last page. It's heartbreak and hope, grief and healing, second chances, sweet romance and new friendships with a bit of charming cottage mystery. The colorful cast of characters draw you in gently then keep you hooked to this amazing story. It was lighthearted yet had depth and I didn't want it to end. I loved the wonderful, heartfelt, entertaining and fabulously written book. A beautfiul story that had all the feels.