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Carolina Heirlooms #2.5
The Sandcastle Sister
*An Outer Banks Novella*
I want to be like this stretch of freshly cleared shore. At times I think, I'm ready. Let the waves wash over me. But then I catch myself running from the tide just before it happens . . .
New York editor Jen Gibbs knew when she bought Evan Hall's next blockbuster book, it would change her career. She didn't know it would change her life. But after being sent along on the European book tour, at Evan's request, she has made a promise she's not sure she can keep--she's crossed professional lines and accepted Evan's surprising engagement proposal. Now she's scared to death. In Jen's family, marriage represents the death of every dream a woman holds for herself.
Can the revelation of her mother's long-held secret open the doors to Jen's future and change her beliefs about life and love?
New York editor Jen Gibbs knew when she bought Evan Hall's next blockbuster book, it would change her career. She didn't know it would change her life. But after being sent along on the European book tour, at Evan's request, she has made a promise she's not sure she can keep--she's crossed professional lines and accepted Evan's surprising engagement proposal. Now she's scared to death. In Jen's family, marriage represents the death of every dream a woman holds for herself.
Can the revelation of her mother's long-held secret open the doors to Jen's future and change her beliefs about life and love?
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2015
1119 people are currently reading
2975 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Wingate
57 books13.4k followersLisa Wingate is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Before We Were Yours, which remained on the bestseller list for over two years. Her award-winning works have been selected for state and community One Book reads, have been published in over forty languages, and have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide. The group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa and six others as recipients of the National Civics Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She lives in Texas and Colorado with her family and her deceptively cute little teddy bear of a dog, Huckleberry. Find her at www.lisawingate.com, on Facebook at LisaWingateAuthorPage, or on Instagram @author_lisa_wingate
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
April 18, 2017
When I read The Sea Keeper's Daughters (book 3 in the Carolina series) did I not know how much I would come to love that book, or rather love the whole series. But, the story was so gripping and beautiful that I bought the previous two books in the series and loved them as well. The Sandcastle Sisters is the last novella that I had left to read. Now I just hope that Lisa Wingate will write another book in the series.
The Sandcastle Sister takes place after The Story Keeper and it's like an interlude to the book with Jen Gibbs trying to decide if she should marry Evan Hall or not. She has said yes to his proposal, but in her family marriage is more like a slavery for women than an equal union. A call from her sister makes her head home to find out more about her mother's family and perhaps decide if she dares marry the man she loves.
This sweet little novella made me remember how much I love the Carolina series. I loved reading about Jen again and the story was pleasant albeit short. Hence, the 3-star rating. I liked the novella, but at the same time, it's like an appetizer when I want a full meal. When the story really starts to get somewhere it ends. At the same time, it was a nice ending. I just want more!
You should definitely read this book if you have read the previous books/novellas in this series and if you have never read The Carolina series should you really do it!
The Sandcastle Sister takes place after The Story Keeper and it's like an interlude to the book with Jen Gibbs trying to decide if she should marry Evan Hall or not. She has said yes to his proposal, but in her family marriage is more like a slavery for women than an equal union. A call from her sister makes her head home to find out more about her mother's family and perhaps decide if she dares marry the man she loves.
This sweet little novella made me remember how much I love the Carolina series. I loved reading about Jen again and the story was pleasant albeit short. Hence, the 3-star rating. I liked the novella, but at the same time, it's like an appetizer when I want a full meal. When the story really starts to get somewhere it ends. At the same time, it was a nice ending. I just want more!
You should definitely read this book if you have read the previous books/novellas in this series and if you have never read The Carolina series should you really do it!
November 1, 2017
Loved catching up with Even and Jen, even though it has been awhile since I read The Story Keeper and needed to refresh myself on the details. Definitely would recommend reading straight after the Story Keeper if you can while the story is still fresh!
Only thing to note is if you're reading on Kindle the novella finishes at about 48% through and the rest are sample chapters from her other book/s. So I was taken by surprise and a bit disappointed by the unexpected ending and desperate for more!
Only thing to note is if you're reading on Kindle the novella finishes at about 48% through and the rest are sample chapters from her other book/s. So I was taken by surprise and a bit disappointed by the unexpected ending and desperate for more!
October 18, 2017
Inspiring, contemporary storyteller, Lisa Wingate returns with another installment of her addictive and charming, Carolina Series, set in the stunning coastal, Outer Banks, NC area – THE SANDCASTLE SISTER, (# 2.5) a short novella bridging the gap between The Story Keeper (#2) and upcoming The Sea Keeper's Daughters (#3).
Having read all the books in this engaging series (once you read one, there is no stopping), I almost missed this one. I started reading The Sea Keeper’s Daughter, and realized there was another novella, so stopped to catch up.
If you have followed the saga of Jen and Evan, and the famous book, The Story Keeper — author and editor; while crossing the line between personal and professional, Jen agrees to the accompany Evan on the book tour—then the exciting engagement proposal.
However, is a marriage what she really wants, or will the secrets from her past, keep her from her dreams, of the future?
As always, no one can tell a story like the gifted and talented Lisa Wingate!
From emotional, complex, and heartwarming; mixed with mystery, intrigue, suspense, romance—secrets, and much soul-searching— she delves into the hearts, minds, and souls of her characters, pulling you into a magical and compelling world of hope, and dreams, while facing shocking revelations of the past, mistakes, and flaws --making them stronger for their journey.
Fans will love catching up with familiar characters, and new ones--setting the stage for the exciting upcoming, The Sea Keeper’s Daughters, coming Sept!
Having read all the books in this engaging series (once you read one, there is no stopping), I almost missed this one. I started reading The Sea Keeper’s Daughter, and realized there was another novella, so stopped to catch up.
If you have followed the saga of Jen and Evan, and the famous book, The Story Keeper — author and editor; while crossing the line between personal and professional, Jen agrees to the accompany Evan on the book tour—then the exciting engagement proposal.
However, is a marriage what she really wants, or will the secrets from her past, keep her from her dreams, of the future?
As always, no one can tell a story like the gifted and talented Lisa Wingate!
From emotional, complex, and heartwarming; mixed with mystery, intrigue, suspense, romance—secrets, and much soul-searching— she delves into the hearts, minds, and souls of her characters, pulling you into a magical and compelling world of hope, and dreams, while facing shocking revelations of the past, mistakes, and flaws --making them stronger for their journey.
Fans will love catching up with familiar characters, and new ones--setting the stage for the exciting upcoming, The Sea Keeper’s Daughters, coming Sept!
September 19, 2024
I enjoyed this one. It had a depth that I appreciated. I was also pleased that this novella ties all of the storylines in the series together. Although Tandi Jos character did not make an appearance in this book, the characters from The Storykeeper visit the setting from the Prayer Box and meet Sandy, from Sandys Sea Shell Shop.
The focus of this story is Jen and her younger sister, and someone they "find", in digging through the past. This novella is a direct continuation of The Storykeeper. There was no faith content. I definitely recommend reading the books in this series in order.
The focus of this story is Jen and her younger sister, and someone they "find", in digging through the past. This novella is a direct continuation of The Storykeeper. There was no faith content. I definitely recommend reading the books in this series in order.
January 9, 2018
This was the first Lisa Wingate that disappointed me. Both her novellas and complete stories have always been above average. This book didn't have the depth of characters, the ending felt really rushed, and the faith thread was "Christian Lite." This is my least favorite of the Carolina series.
March 13, 2019
I don't know if it is because of this being a novella or what, but I was disappointed with this book. The story lacked depth and I didn't connect to the characters. I thought the cover was beautiful, but the story I didn't enjoy. I was glad it was a shorter read.
May 4, 2020
I was so happy to revisit Jennia Beth and Evan from The Story Keeper and find that they had found their way to each other. More mysteries are resolved and we even get to go back to Hatteras Island and check in with our friends from previous books in the series. I’m getting just a little apprehensive about the end of this series...just one book left. I’ve really enjoyed being in this world created by Lisa Wingate, and will miss it terribly once I finish the final book.
August 22, 2019
It's been a while since I read the first part of Jen's story (The Story Keeper), but I felt like this book gave enough of the 'back story' for me to remember what had happened previously with her and Evan, and her family. I think the issues that Jen wrestled with were understandable, given her family's history, but I also liked what RC was able to remind her about 'living life in reverse'. I liked the imagery of letting the One who controls the ocean decide what treasures we will find on the sand and in our lives.
Definitely a good novella!
Definitely a good novella!
October 21, 2017
Excellent!
It’s been a while since I read Lisa Wingate but it was easy to jump back into the story of Lily and Jen and Evan. Such a satisfying read even though it was short. It connected two of her story lines in a very seamless way. I certainly will be reading more of her!
It’s been a while since I read Lisa Wingate but it was easy to jump back into the story of Lily and Jen and Evan. Such a satisfying read even though it was short. It connected two of her story lines in a very seamless way. I certainly will be reading more of her!
Read
January 16, 2021I was inspired by the analogy of the waves coming in each morning and erasing the mistakes and rough spots of yesterday. We all get a clean slate with every waking morning. Time to look forward and not backward.
May 17, 2018
I read this, not knowing that it's a part of a bigger series so I would probably pick it up once again in the future, but for now my rating would be in the middle. The story was interesting, especially the parts focused on the family interactions. However, I was left with the feeling of "not enough" of something. The ending felt very abrupt, so maybe that's why, but I wish it could be a little longer and wrap everything more nicely.
May 4, 2024
This was so good! It filled in a lot of plot holes. Definitely read these in order!
December 12, 2019
I love these books, the tying in is absolutely. Fabulous, now in to final book
July 31, 2021
Lovely writing and sweet. The story is rather short, even for a novella.
May 30, 2015
I loved The Sandcastle Sister! Since reading The Story Keeper last year, I have been eager to continue Jen and Evan’s story. I love this special couple and am thrilled Lisa Wingate continued their relationship in this captivating novella. I really enjoyed delving into Jen’s family history and was astounded by the secret that was revealed. Dramatic, emotional, and romantic, The Sandcastle Sister is a must read for fans of the Carolina Chronicles! If you have not yet enjoyed the books in this compelling series, you certainly need to add them to your summer reading list!
May 30, 2015
A typical Lisa Wingate story...so compelling you can't put it down once you start! She has such a way of weaving historical tidbits into her captivating settings that the reader longs to experience the place first hand! I would definitely love to walk the beaches of the Outer Banks and peruse Sandy's Seashell Shop some day!
June 13, 2015
The Story Keeper left me with some unanswered questions and I wanted more. The Sandcastle Sister gave me the answers and tied up the Story Keeper loose ends. Once again, Lisa mesmerized me with her story telling and the way she can always put into words the thoughts I have always tried to explain. Just loved it.
June 12, 2015
Such a wonderful continuation of The Story Keeper from last year. This novella makes you want to laugh and cry with happiness as we check in with previous characters and meet new ones that I am sure will show up in Lisa Wingate's next book in the Carolina Heirlooms Series, The Sea Keepers Daughters. Such a tender novella. My favorite of all her novellas.
June 6, 2015
Another great novella from Lisa Wingate. How fun to be able to "visit" with Jen and Evan again and to find out about the relationship with Jen and her sister, Lily Clarette. I can't wait for The Seakeeper's Daughter to find out more!!!
June 8, 2015
This novella did it's job well. It keeps me on pins and needles waiting for the rest of the story. I loved the Story Keeper and this makes the story continue and fills in parts and connects other parts. Quick read. Can't wait for Lisa Wingate's next book.....The Seakeepers Daughter.
December 5, 2017
The Sandcastle Sister by Lisa Wingate is a novella sequel to The Story Keeper, and both are part of the Carolina Chronicles series.
In The Story Keeper, Jen Gibbs had escaped an almost cultish group in the Appalachian hills of NC to go to college and then work in publishing. An old unsigned manuscript led her back to her roots, to a reclusive author, and to a discovery of a people called the Melungeons.
In this book. the reclusive author, Evan Hall, writes a bestseller about the Melungeons and Jen serves as his editor. They develop a relationship, and when the book comes out, Evan insists that Jen accompany him on the book tour, which takes them across Europe. When he wants to tie the knot in Paris, Jen pulls away. An urgent situation with her sister brings her back to the States.
Her youngest sister, Lily, had come out from the same group that Jen had, but without burning her bridges. She wants to become a pharmacist and go back to man the only pharmacy in the area she comes from. But along the way she researches her family history, trying to find out whatever became of the mother who left the family years ago, and discovers a half-sister that no one in the family knew of. Lily is determined to look up this sister, and Jen decides to accompany Lily for her safety and protection. They end up in the Outer Banks of NC (the setting for the first book in the series, The Prayer Box), and come across some of its characters. While searching, Jen wrestles with her reasons for hesitating to marry Evan and wonders if she can overcome them. But what they find in the Outer Banks changes their lives in many ways.
I enjoyed this little book. It was fun to see what became of the characters from The Story Keeper and to see the tie-ins with the other books. The faith element is not quite as obvious in this one, but it’s there.
In The Story Keeper, Jen Gibbs had escaped an almost cultish group in the Appalachian hills of NC to go to college and then work in publishing. An old unsigned manuscript led her back to her roots, to a reclusive author, and to a discovery of a people called the Melungeons.
In this book. the reclusive author, Evan Hall, writes a bestseller about the Melungeons and Jen serves as his editor. They develop a relationship, and when the book comes out, Evan insists that Jen accompany him on the book tour, which takes them across Europe. When he wants to tie the knot in Paris, Jen pulls away. An urgent situation with her sister brings her back to the States.
Her youngest sister, Lily, had come out from the same group that Jen had, but without burning her bridges. She wants to become a pharmacist and go back to man the only pharmacy in the area she comes from. But along the way she researches her family history, trying to find out whatever became of the mother who left the family years ago, and discovers a half-sister that no one in the family knew of. Lily is determined to look up this sister, and Jen decides to accompany Lily for her safety and protection. They end up in the Outer Banks of NC (the setting for the first book in the series, The Prayer Box), and come across some of its characters. While searching, Jen wrestles with her reasons for hesitating to marry Evan and wonders if she can overcome them. But what they find in the Outer Banks changes their lives in many ways.
I enjoyed this little book. It was fun to see what became of the characters from The Story Keeper and to see the tie-ins with the other books. The faith element is not quite as obvious in this one, but it’s there.
May 28, 2020
This novella picks up shortly after The Story Keeper ends. Jen and Evan are in Europe on his book tour with one last stop to go - Paris. Evan has asked Jen to marry him, and she agreed but now she isn't so sure based on the relationships she's observed in her past. When her sister, Lily, calls with news of their mother's family, Jen hops the next plane back to the States.
This story focuses on shedding the things that hold you back. Jen's upbringing has definitely influenced how she views relationships between men and women, and she has legitimate trust issues. She also faces the very real choice on whether she is going to let her fears control her future.
There is a lot of truth packed in a few words.
This story focuses on shedding the things that hold you back. Jen's upbringing has definitely influenced how she views relationships between men and women, and she has legitimate trust issues. She also faces the very real choice on whether she is going to let her fears control her future.
There is a lot of truth packed in a few words.
June 18, 2024
This is a short story, one that felt a lot shorter than the previous novella I read in this series (the one on Tandi, the Tidewater Sisters). It was a bit more mushy than some of the other books as far as the love story.
If you like fairytale love stories with the handsome prince charming who happens to be rich and everything a girl could dream up, this book is for you. I wish the author would've gone a bit deeper in this book with the storyline like she did in the Tidewater Sisters, honestly. Not a bad storyline, though.
I liked how they found an important person from Jen's mom's past, and how that relationship ended up working out! That was probably my favorite part of the book. I wondered if they'd find her mom too but I'll leave off any spoilers about that.
Some kisses, no swearing or anything explicit. Has a happy ending ✨️
3 stars.
If you like fairytale love stories with the handsome prince charming who happens to be rich and everything a girl could dream up, this book is for you. I wish the author would've gone a bit deeper in this book with the storyline like she did in the Tidewater Sisters, honestly. Not a bad storyline, though.
I liked how they found an important person from Jen's mom's past, and how that relationship ended up working out! That was probably my favorite part of the book. I wondered if they'd find her mom too but I'll leave off any spoilers about that.
Some kisses, no swearing or anything explicit. Has a happy ending ✨️
3 stars.
January 30, 2022
Such a short, but sweet novella!
It was great to get another little edition about Jen and the sister she never knew about, but this novella leaves me wanting more! It didn’t leave me with enough about either of her sisters to be satisfied. I personally think this could have been made into a whole length book with the content introduced in it.
All in all, a solid book, despite leaving me wanting more.
“Everything you want waits on the other side of your fear.”
“If you keep looking backward, all the obstacles you think are behind you are actually still ahead of you. If you’re bumping across the same things over and over, it’s a sign you’re stuck in reverse.”
^Lisa Wingate never ceases to provide golden quotes. ✨
It was great to get another little edition about Jen and the sister she never knew about, but this novella leaves me wanting more! It didn’t leave me with enough about either of her sisters to be satisfied. I personally think this could have been made into a whole length book with the content introduced in it.
All in all, a solid book, despite leaving me wanting more.
“Everything you want waits on the other side of your fear.”
“If you keep looking backward, all the obstacles you think are behind you are actually still ahead of you. If you’re bumping across the same things over and over, it’s a sign you’re stuck in reverse.”
^Lisa Wingate never ceases to provide golden quotes. ✨
October 15, 2017
Lisa Wingate's Carolina series has been excellent 5 star reads. The story lines are interesting, making the reader love the characters. After reading several of the Carolina books I hunkered down with The Sandcastle Sister and a cup of tea
expecting a great read. However, The Sandcastle Sister was a promise unanswered. It felt as if the author rushed the plot then decided to end the book in the middle of the story. The book could have been told in a long epilog to the Story Keepers. This reading experience has not deterred me from reading The Sea Keeper. I'm not sure I'll read the follow-up to the Prayer Box.
expecting a great read. However, The Sandcastle Sister was a promise unanswered. It felt as if the author rushed the plot then decided to end the book in the middle of the story. The book could have been told in a long epilog to the Story Keepers. This reading experience has not deterred me from reading The Sea Keeper. I'm not sure I'll read the follow-up to the Prayer Box.
October 29, 2023
Story of Connection
Jen is having issues committing fully to Evan, which is frustrating but he doesn't give up on her.
While she left him in Paris to handle a "family emergency" she discovers she has another sister. She and Lily are dealing with that while she struggles with accepting Evan's proposal and coming to terms with the fact that marriage doesn't necessarily mean the end of her life as an individual.
It was nice to see her connect with her sisters and fall deeper in love with Evan 😊
Jen is having issues committing fully to Evan, which is frustrating but he doesn't give up on her.
While she left him in Paris to handle a "family emergency" she discovers she has another sister. She and Lily are dealing with that while she struggles with accepting Evan's proposal and coming to terms with the fact that marriage doesn't necessarily mean the end of her life as an individual.
It was nice to see her connect with her sisters and fall deeper in love with Evan 😊
March 16, 2018
In these Carolina series books, Lisa Wingate elicits emotion through her narrative that stays with me after I close the book(s), and I love that. Having writing making me feel for the characters is what good writing is all about. I was excited to see this was another story/extension from the Story Keeper book letting us know what happens with Jen and the author she pursued in the Story Keeper book.
Thank you, Lisa.
Thank you, Lisa.
April 10, 2018
I think this story left too much underdeveloped and should have been longer. It felt like as soon as the plot and characters were all heading in the right direction, a hasty deviation breaks the anticipating denouement, forfeiting some of the credibility of the characters themselves. I liked that Jen and Lilly decided to spend time together and visit unknown relatives from their past, they discovered and met Rebecca Christine, but too much of this felt rushed.
November 11, 2020
I have always enjoyed reading Lisa Wingate's stories. I fell in love with the Carolina Heirlooms series right from the start. Even though I did not read them in the correct order, they were intriguing enough to stand alone. The Novella The Sandcastle Sister was one I could not put down. Since it is a novella, I was done before I knew it. Being honest, it left me wanting for more. It felt unfinished.
September 13, 2022
Jen Gibbs, has broken away from her small town and her family that is part of an oppressive male-dominated church in a small town in Carolina. The community doesn't value education and many young people end up married and pregnant in their teens. Jen's youngest sister contacts her about doing research on their family and she is drawn back into the family drama just as she was going to get married.
This is a good study about growing beyond your family yet being tethered to the past.
This is a good study about growing beyond your family yet being tethered to the past.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews