Shells, Sand, & Second Chances

Love in Destiny

by Judy Kentrus

That summer, their eighteen-year-old hearts soared with the thrill of first love—a feeling they believed would last forever—and nothing could come between them. However, their treasured bond began to unravel amid whispers of betrayal, leaving both of them heartbroken.

Eighteen years later, Kane Beckett returned to Destiny, taking on the role of sheriff and questioning whether his “destiny” has been preordained all along. Expecting a trouble-free life in a quiet seaside town in Florida, he finds himself unprepared for the surge of vandalism and the threatening dangers that haunt the community, along with vengeful threats against his life.

Making things more complicated is his unavoidable reunion with the woman he has always loved. Is he willing to risk his heart for a fresh start, or is he doomed to face heartbreak again?

Harper Keegan is happy and content raising her teenage son and managing Sand, Shells, and Second Chances, her gift and antique shop. Her world is thrown into chaos when the man who broke her heart returns to Destiny.
The town plans to host an event over Labor Day weekend, and she is compelled to co-chair it with Kane. Coinciding with their festival, she’s organizing an auction of rare, expensive shells aboard the Vanderbilt Queen. Unaware to her, she gets caught up in an ongoing police investigation into diamond smuggling.

Together, they must move beyond their teenage heartbreak and believe that the love they shared has endured through time and distance, helping them rediscover the deep love they once cherished.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

I’m a romantic at heart, having married my high school sweetheart, who is still the love of my life. While raising our two children, I was a “closet” writer and managed to complete four books. With the e-book explosion, I bottled up my courage and selected my favorite book, reworked the story line, and self-published “Elusive Obsession,” November 6, 2013.
I like to create characters that the reader can relate to/with. Sometimes while writing a scene, I find myself laughing out loud at the hilarious situations I literally toss them into. They’re not perfect with beautiful bodies, they make mistakes, their not afraid to say I’m sorry, they are not afraid to compromise and they suffer all human emotions. Most important, they love with all their heart..
I like to read books with a “twist” or two in the storyline and you’ll find these OMG situations in my stories. They are stand alone books, but I bring the characters from the first book into the follow-up story. I’ve already got readers clamoring for the next book, “Maid to Order”, that centers around Russell, a character from “Elusive Obsession.”
My characters also love to spend time in the kitchen and whip up their favorite dishes and treats. You’ll find a yummy dish or sweet from the books on my website: judykentrus.com.
I hope you enjoy my books and I love to hear from my readers.
Judy

Reviews

[G.K. Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had everything I love in a small-town romance—heartfelt characters, second chances, and that cozy seaside charm that makes you want to move there. The mystery kept me guessing, and I enjoyed Kane and Harper’s journey from heartbreak to healing. A perfect blend of warmth and suspense!

[Bailey Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The imagery of the town and its residents set up this small town romance perfectly. I’m a sucker for second chance romances. Kane and Harper belong together. The emotional rollercoaster from their past to present hooks you from the beginning. Plus, who doesn’t love a man in uniform? Cuddles is adorable and the perfect mascot for Destiny. I can wait to read the next book!

[Laura Zook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance romance, small town and great secondary character plus Cuddles the alligator.

[Stacey Handley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second chance romance is deliciously written without being overdone. You feel the history between them, with every glance, almost near touch, and remarks they shared with regret. And of course there’s cuddles! Who is the most important mascot! Sauntering in with his leash and eyepatch! Judy’s writing in the book balances the love, the small town vibe, and mystery!
I give this book 🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊

[Cynthia Gallaher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Great story.

Family, an one eyed 3 legged alligator, Florida panhandle small town, bayou, mystery, and an air boat, yes an air boat!
Only Judy Kentrus can write a book you can not put down that has all this, along with a couple who departed 18 years heartbroken and misunderstood and reunite them and make the story believable.
I love Harper and Kane. She owns the "Shells, Sand and Chances" shop in Destiny Florida. He has returned home 18 years after serving his country and is the Police Chief.
I like how Judy brings back characters from previous books and lets them be a major part of the story.
Judy did hint in the story that she will be visiting Destiny again, and who will be featured next. I am excited and impatient.
I was given an ARC by the author for a honest review.

[Ruth Brici · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying these "Destiny" series! This book was so cute 😍 loved second chances with Harper and Kane. This book had everything, from romance to mystery it kept you reading and I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with the town and its people!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read by Judy Kentrus is part of the Love in Destiny series that I was given as an ARC. It is a sweet, small town, second chance romance detailing the love story of Kane and Harper. It was a quick and easy read. It was also practically squeaky clean with no spicy, just sweet kisses.

Harper was completely heartbroken by Kane the summer after high school. He went his way, into the military. She stayed in their small cozy town, picking up the pieces of her shattered heart. Even after eighteen years apart these two lovable characters found their way back to each other like no time had passed at all.

The unexpected element to this book was the mystery plot that drove the storyline. This is a welcomed addition to this book. The author would make the reader believe one thing and then take the mystery into a whole new direction. The twisty plot intertwined in this love affair was fantastically written and completely satisfying.

Kane and Harper got their happily ever after all these years later and they also came together to take some jewelry thieves down! This was a perfectly sweet read and I can’t wait to see where Destiny takes us next in the series.

[Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shells, Sand & Second Chances is a beautiful and heartfelt novel by author Judy Kentrus; this is the first novel I’ve read by this author but will not be the last! In the quaint seaside setting of Destiny, romance, action and crime mystery involve main characters Harper Keegan and Chief of Police Kane Beckett, that span 18 years. Their young love, heartache, family dynamics and jealousy led to reconnection that had me challenged to stop reading cover to cover. I particularly enjoyed the references to Danny and Sandy, as well as the humor of nicknames not forgotten over 18 years. The author not only focuses on the main characters but includes just enough information about the lives and stories of other characters as well, in just a way that piques my interest, leading my desire to seek more Destiny-related novels. The intrigue, twists and plots combined with romance and strong family bonds are perfectly blended in Shells, Sand & Second Chances. Highly Recommend!

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute second chance romance with a generous side of mystery!

The thing that had me most intrigued was trying to find out what happened to destroy the beautiful first love between Kane and Harper. I enjoyed the flashbacks that depicted their love story, especially their very first meeting.
Kane’s avoidance of Harper finally came to an end after being forced (so to speak) to work with her on the town festival. It became obvious that it was only a matter of time until these two could no longer fight their feelings.
The additional mystery of what was going on with one of Kane’s sergeants and the graffiti on the old house in the preserve added a layer of suspense that kept me reading.
I have to mention Kane’s Beach Beauties! I love that they were not only shameless, and brought chaos, but they added a very nice layer of comedy that had me chuckling if not outright laughing!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Caitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shells, Sand, and Second Chances by Judy Kentrus is a charming, witty, and deeply heartwarming second-chance romance that feels like a breath of ocean air. From the very first chapter, Kentrus pulls you straight into the sun-soaked setting and the emotional tension between the leads, making it a story you don’t just read… you feel. The secondary characters also brought the laughs right out of the gate. I’m not a huge fan of second chance romances, however, I’m glad I decided to give this one a shot. Fans of sun-kissed beaches, soft ocean breezes, heartfelt reconnections, and stories that blend humour with genuine emotion will enjoy this story.

I received an ARC of this book for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story line in this book, and all the characters (Cuddles was the best!). It kept me up reading too late waiting to see what happened. Unfortunately I found the conversations unnatural and not flowing, which made it a little hard for me to read. There were also some issues where the scenes didn't flow well either, partly because there were way too many extra details (I don't need to know what random people wear, eat, or drink). Despite that, the book was worth a read for the suspense aspect, plus it's always nice to read about older couples.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kane and Harper have a past - first loves - Danny & Sandy from Grease. Life took them in different directions and left them heartbroken. Now Kane is back in town and it's time to face the past. While they work on doing just that, there's a mystery to be solved, crime prevented, and a big town-wide event to hash out in a matter of weeks. What could possibly go wrong? This story entertained me from beginning to end and had me laughing out loud at moments. This was my first time reading something by Judy Kentrus, but it won't be my last.

[Heather Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from the wonderful small town of Destiny Florida! This is a story of second chances from a teenage love 18 years ago that ended in heartbreak but soon finds that connection again. Kane, moved back to his hometown and is now the police chief. Harper is a small business owner. They both finds themselves involved with a mystery that needs to be solved and love that needs answers from the past. This story has suspense, risk and new found love!

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance at first love
Kane and Harper drew me into their second chance romance. These two have a history filled with rumours, misunderstandings and heartache and I loved how they rebuilt their connection.
This is full of suspense and mystery and had me on the edge of seat a few times. It’s also got wonderful humour and an alligator that can’t be missed.

[Terry Hammoutene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute book of second chances, mystery, and a small town.
I really enjoyed this book. It held my attention and it was a fast read.

[Lucinda Race · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town charm with second chances - yes please!
Add the beach and Cuddles on a leash? What a hoot.

Judy Kentrus writes a wonderful second chance romance. Add this to your TBR today.