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Sandcastles

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Lia is smart, successful, and best friends with Dean, a gay man who is just as neurotic as she. Life is smooth and flowing, unmarked by much more than a little family jealousy here and there, until she runs into Willow, an exciting enigma from her past.

Willow, a psychic, receives a sense that something is off kilter surrounding Lia. Should she tell her, even though Lia, the person she’s never been able to stop thinking about since childhood, might run the other way? It’s a risk she decides to take, and Lia’s curiosity surprises her.

As truths about life, love and uncertainties are unearthed, Lia and Willow, along with Dean, learn to seek strength from unexpected places and people. Along their journeys, the three learn what a struggle it is to maintain their sandcastles as they embrace the parts of their lives that really matter.

235 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2015

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About the author

Suzie Carr

24 books203 followers
Suzie Carr is a contemporary novelist, podcaster on the Lesbian Talk Show, avid blogger, and Director of Membership for the Golden Crown Literary Society. When she's not writing, conducting hands-on research, exercising, or blending a green smoothie concoction, she's likely engaged in the sweet memory of her beloved boxers, Sunshine and Bumblebee, enjoying a few giggles over their funny antics and embracing their loving spirit as they undeniably watch over her from the Rainbow Bridge.

Whether it's writing fiction books about love and life, inspiring new authors, advocating for LGBT equality and animal welfare or blogging about community awareness, positive living, taking action and inspiration, Suzie remains passionate in her beliefs!

Suzie's love for the written word started back when she was a child. She enjoyed visiting the library every Saturday to spend hours reading. Books quickly became a constant companion to her and remained as such throughout her childhood.

Soon after graduating from Rhode Island College, Suzie wrote her first novel, The Fiche Room, a coming-of-age novel about two women falling in love. Over the years The Fiche Room grew from its humble e-book origins to an Amazon Kindle best seller receiving glowing reviews. Her upcoming novel, The Pet Boutique, revisits with Emma, Haley, and Goldie from The Fiche Room as they join a new cast of characters in their cameo roles.

With twelve bestsellers on Amazon Kindle, Suzie continues to enjoy writing about the beauty of love and life.

Suzie Carr believes strongly in giving back to the community. She donates a portion of book sale proceeds to the Hearts United for Animals.

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5 stars
55 (42%)
4 stars
40 (31%)
3 stars
30 (23%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Book Worm.
120 reviews32 followers
October 9, 2017
"We were meant to shape and reshape our lives, and allow the tides of change to roll in and redefine those landscapes. The constant flow protected us from stagnation and the perils of growing too comfortable with the here and now."

As is often the case in Suzie Carr's books I was left with a profound message, a plea to enjoy life to the fullest, to not succumb to fear of the unknown, but to embrace the beauty of life and learning.

I think her books often carry this message. Slow down, don't stress, value friendships and family instead of wealth and things, keep your mind open.
We all know this to be true, yet we seldom live like it. Thus I do feel that books like hers are much needed. Especially as the message comes with a beautifully crafted story and beautiful metaphors.
The poet in me rejoices at the picture of the sandcastle as a temporary yet beautiful structure. It symbolizes how short and fragile life is, yet also that life is constantly changing. The fact that building a sandcastle is mostly an effort made by two or more people as a past time on the beach for the sole purpose of building it together, knowing fully well that it will not last just enhances the beauty of the picture. Life is not like a sandcastle, it is building the sandcastle with loved ones and seeing how the world around us changes it.
Profile Image for Kennedy.
1,191 reviews80 followers
September 5, 2015
Fun read with likable characters. Willow and Lea have history that may or may not derail their future. This story had me thinking about what I think and believe about people with psychic abilities.
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,411 reviews104 followers
April 13, 2020
Odd - didn't get it, and I did try. But the narrative confused me, it really felt there was a good story in there somewhere, but it got lost amoungst all the packaging.
Profile Image for Lara Estes.
17 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2015
This was yet another beautiful story by Suzie. Although it was different in then her previous work I could she her gift of using the written word right away. In the beginning when I first realized that Psychic’s and their abilities were a major part of this story I became very interested and dove in for more, I loved the character Lia as I could identify with her in many ways. Of course this became an issue with me as there were time I had to put the book down and breathe. This is in no way the fault of Suzie.
For those who are unacquainted with Suzie Carr’s writing style you are in for a special treat. You see Suzie is not only very capable and talented when building all of the characters and settings in her books. She is even more so talented when it comes to developing the emotions of the character. Which is why I ended up putting Sandcastle’s down a more than few times. I fell so deep into Lia character that the emotions would sweep over me and take hold. You will love this book and author, so what are you waiting for? Buy Sandcastle’s open it up and dive in, you will be glad you did!
Profile Image for Sharlie.
39 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2015
Just when I thought I knew where this book was going, it would take a delightful or surprising turn. So if you like safe, predictable books, this one might not be for you. But if you want a page-turner that's going to keep you guessing, this one's for you. Sandcastles is a lovely book, full of wisdom, the trials of everyday life and work, and the joys and tragedies that befall us all. I love a book with several main characters as it adds so much richness to the plot and this has a strong story line. I enjoyed the way in which Suzie brought out the strengths and weaknesses of each of the characters and felt as though I got to know them each personally. Sandcastles has strong and lovable male characters, as well as female ones and that was an added delight. I listened to the interview Suzie did on The Girls Hour where she mentioned that in her books the characters themselves seem to write the book and I totally get this, because her characters take on a life of their own.
Profile Image for Alemona.
29 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2015
What is impressive with Suzie Carr is her ability to let two different characters talk. We really see two completely different personalities.
In Sandcastles she opens the reader to the world of psychics and chase away all the preconceptions we could have about this universe.
As Proust would say: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." Well, that's where Suzie Carr comes she lets the reader get these new eyes about life.
In addition, the reader is invited to think by the realistic complexity of her characters.
All of her novels are different from one another which is not always the case in lesfic.
In each of those we have the opportunity to discover many different universe. And every time it's a real voyage.
If I had to make a critic it would be that Suzie Carr's style is addictive.
By the way I need a new book now! :-)
Profile Image for Mark Rochford.
13 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2015
This is much more than just a story it is a book about your mind set and beliefs. Willow is a psychic and an outsider but she only wanted to be loved and her love was Lea. Can Lea overcome her fears and look forward.

All the characters are well formed and are paramount to the story. As with all Suzie's books you can relate to each person. Dean, Lea's work partner and Pat who is another outstanding character.

This book is very well researched and some of the techniques that are mentioned I may take up myself
Author 9 books10 followers
February 23, 2015
Ms. Carr brilliantly crafted a novel that not only was a romance, but took a path that allowed the reaction of some characters to the psychic abilities of one of the two protagonists to be a metaphor for hate and prejudice. I think this beautifully showcases Ms. Carr's support for the NOH8 movement, as well as being a fine and enjoyable romance strictly for the pleasure of it.

HollyAnne Weaver
Profile Image for Linda Bates.
3 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2016
This is a great read from start to finish. Suzie's turn of phrase, and the way she describes her characters is real and imaginative.
Profile Image for Lynn Lawler.
Author 3 books18 followers
September 4, 2015
This story is about two dynamic women. The first one is Lia, a strong willed and ambitious independent, businesswoman. On the surface she appears to be very desirable. Her own company is successful and obstacles never seem to deter her mission.

I applaud the author for making her so independent because many traditional “Romance” stories portray one weaker than the other – where one can’t function without the other – and need someone to save them. Not Lia. She takes the bull by the horns and is very much a “do-it-yourselfer”.

On the other side of the spectrum is Willow, a shy, but assertive woman who meets up with Lia. Willow is an old soul who is very spiritual and speaks the truth. She works as a yoga instructor, a job she really loves. In addition – her psychic gifts, allow Willow the opportunity to help others in a professional setting.

Willow’s calm and caring demeanor, made me really appreciate everything she did. Suzie Carr has a special way of creating characters whom you can easily fall in love with. This one truly captured me in a special way. Sometimes we are presented with life’s challenges and we have to come to terms with who we are and what we have to work with.

Growing up in a strict conservative household, Willow was forced into a religion that didn't fit her. Many times she felt stifled. Unfortunately, where she lives, psychic abilities carry a stigma and many people fear her; she's been ridiculed and ostracized.

In Willow’s corner is Yvonne, her aunt’s partner, who I really admire. Yvonne views the world in a positive way and believes in reaffirming hope, love and growth by practicing affirmations. Her words of wisdom are, “Follow your dreams.” Yvonne and Willow have a strong bond that is evident throughout the story.

Here is an excerpt from "Sandcastles" that I really like:

"Her challenging gaze and teasing question stirred me in a strange, unsettling way. It tickled the dormant parts of me, somehow reaching down into my soul and bringing me out of the depths of a sensual hibernation I didn’t realize I had even entered.”

The author’s descriptions of character traits and relationships are crystal clear and the story easily captures and keeps your attention throughout. Suzie inspires us with wisdom and humor alike. Her storytelling is remarkable and connects the reader to the characters - as well as to herself. If you haven’t read any of Suzie's books, get started right away! I highly recommend “Sandcastles”, especially if you’re in the mood to be drawn toward the private beach of your own imagination.
Profile Image for Inked Reads.
824 reviews19 followers
March 8, 2015
FourStars
This was a long read, but worth it. I love Suzie Carr's writing style. For anyone who likes a lot of plot with a side of romance, this fits the bill nicely. There are a few great scenes between Lia and Willow, enough to satisfy but not so much they overshadow the storyline. The steamy-but-not-graphic sex was perfect for my preference.
I enjoyed the characters, but Dean was by far my favorite. I thought he was a good balance for the story. Lia was the textbook definition of stressed workaholic, and Willow was a bit much sometimes on her end, too, so it was good to have something in between.

My only hesitation (and why I can't give it 5 stars) was that Willow and Yvonne came across as somewhat judgmental and like they had an agenda for the reader. There was also a bit of body-, health-, and fat-shaming (for example, Lia assuming a plump boy was running to get ice cream, or the character running a wellness session on the "causes" of obesity). I wasn't fond of the part where a couple of the characters seemed to be saying people cause their own illnesses and that emotions other than peaceful/happy are bad. I think those elements could be triggering for some people.

Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read. I've been a fan of Suzie Carr for a while, so my concerns with this story will in no way keep me from reading her work and recommending it to others.

I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.

Amy

FourStars

Its not exactly a page turner in my opinion but it is a good book full of life lessons that everyone should take to heart. Its a easy read and full of love,happiness and pain just like life.
It is very inspirational and just the right mix of deep and humor. It will have you laughing while thinking how true, and good of a point it is. I also like that it shows the importance of being open minded, how you hurt truly great people by being small minded. This book is a eye opener and we'll written.

I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.

Amber
Profile Image for Joanna Darrell.
57 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2015
The latest offering from Suzie Carr is a departure from her previous style of writing and showcases a confident, maturing author, developing her customary style in order to hopefully challenge readers to ask themselves the question "what if that was me ?"

As you would expect, you get three superbly crafted characters who provide differing perspectives on the books core of how they are affected by potentially life changing news. Each character's perspective adds a layer of reasoning for the reader to explore and maybe just inspire you too. There's the conventional one who flipflops between rational and irrational, the alternative, "I need to try something different" one (while not discounting the traditional) and lastly the new age one which takes you out of yourself and challenge "are you taking care of yourself to make the most of now and the future ?" These characters interact with one another through the story, to ultimately affect and influence Lia to change her outlook on life.

Whether you read sandcastles as a story in its own right, or as a catalyst for self improvement, it's impossible not to enjoy a book of this quality. Not just in terms of the story itself, but also how the characters engage with you. They become real people. They're sometimes frustrating, sometimes funny, sometimes you even want to shout at them (or was that just me), but ultimately, people you come to care about. I personally found it a very emotional read which made me laugh or cry openly and also think deeply about myself all the time I wasn't reading it. Hopefully, maybe even changing a little for the better.

Buy it, read it, enjoy it, return to it and treasure it.
Profile Image for jennspoint.
70 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2015
I loved this story! The complicated relationship among the characters, and with themselves and their families in this story were very intriguing. The plot was interesting, and had me wondering what was going to happen right up until the end. The characters were very well developed, and I'm really hoping to read more about them in future novels.
Profile Image for Jedi Sheriff.
22 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. As with all Suzie Carrs stories, you really connect with the charachters. I loved the friendship portayed in this book also. Its nice when you can sit there and totally absorb yourself in the atmosphere created and finish the book with a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Patricia Ferrer.
1 review
Want to Read
March 3, 2015
One of Suzie Carr's best!

There's no stopping once you read the first page. The balance around the story about friendship and love is just perfect. A must read!
Profile Image for Kat.
666 reviews13 followers
December 24, 2015
wonderful very optimistic book! I'm glad I had the chance to read it :)
Profile Image for Jen.
1,302 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2019
Missed the Mark

“I realize that sandcastles are temporary. Trying to build them into permanent structures is an impossible dream. They fall down quickly, with little warning. They crumble and fall back into the sea and become the foundation for something else in the waiting.”
“Everything was temporary, especially life itself.”

“The secret to enjoying a beautiful life would never lay in the strength of saving it, but solely in the magic of building it.”

There was so much potential from a creative & intriguing storyline that unfortunately ends up falling well short of what I expect from a Suzie Carr book.

Lacking cohesive design, comprehensible direction & overall coherent development with the scenes, characters & narrative just left me lost, confused &, as a result, annoyed & disinterested, missing most of the messages & lessons I was supposed to be getting introduced & exposed to. Plus, other than Pat, the characters were so vague that they never became real people & individuals more than simply a name.

It ends up feeling more like a summary or outline—not a finished book. Everything seemed to happen in like warp speed & with no emotions or imagery to connect with.
8 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2018
(spoilers)

I was first drawn to Sandcastles by the element of psychics. As someone who grew up with a grandmother who called herself psychic and was told she also has a similar gift, I have researched and wondered about the world of psychics and energy and spirits for years. I often find myself stuck between the staunch skepticism of my mind and the gut feelings and intuition I feel so in tune with. I started reading this novel with the hope that it would explore a similar conflict, and it did not disappoint.

Read the rest of my review here.
Profile Image for Marty Preslar.
Author 3 books14 followers
August 13, 2017
Uplifting

While there were some aspects of the story that didn't make much sense (like how someone as cautious with her heart as Willow is was ever married to the type of jerk her husband was, especially since she seems like the type who wouldn't fall for a jerk...) over all it's an uplifting story.
2 reviews
June 4, 2017
Sandcastles

This is more than just a love story (although it could stand alone as such). It is also a detailed and compassionate portrayal of psychics, the prejudice they endure and the rewards they find when they help others.
Profile Image for charles clayson.
1,372 reviews6 followers
December 27, 2018
The is a e-book with very educational lessons about holistic healing . It has it's one brief moment of intimate passion for those that require that inclusion ! There's also the fatal lose of a support character . But above all it's definitely got plenty of positive entertainment !😘
Profile Image for A.M. Leibowitz.
Author 40 books64 followers
August 20, 2016

This was a long read, but worth it. I love Suzie Carr’s writing style. For anyone who likes a lot of plot with a side of romance, this fits the bill nicely. There are a few great scenes between Lia and Willow, enough to satisfy but not so much they overshadow the storyline. The steamy-but-not-graphic sex was perfect for my preference.

I enjoyed the characters, but Dean was by far my favorite. I thought he was a good balance for the story. Lia was the textbook definition of stressed workaholic, and Willow was a bit much sometimes on her end, too, so it was good to have something in between.

My only hesitation (and why I can’t give it 5 stars) was that Willow and Yvonne came across as somewhat judgmental and like they had an agenda for the reader. There was also a bit of body-, health-, and fat-shaming (for example, Lia assuming a plump boy was running to get ice cream, or the character running a wellness session on the “causes” of obesity). I wasn’t fond of the part where a couple of the characters seemed to be saying people cause their own illnesses and that emotions other than peaceful/happy are bad. I think those elements could be triggering for some people.

Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read. I’ve been a fan of Suzie Carr for a while, so my concerns with this story will in no way keep me from reading her work and recommending it to others.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews