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Poppy Creek #3
The Secret in Sandcastles
Two childhood enemies. One adventure-filled summer. And an unexpected romance they're trying hard to resist...
Penny Heart likes to play it safe... in life and in love.
When she’s asked to brave her town's most thrilling adventures to revamp their outdated guidebook, things quickly go from bad to worse. The person assigned to help? None other than her childhood nemesis.
His dimpled grin and endearing charm might fool other women, but she wouldn’t trust the notorious prankster with her potted cactus... let alone her heart.
Colt Davis has spent his entire life fulfilling his father’s dying wish. But something about being home—and the intriguing redhead who owns the local antique store—has him questioning everything.
As they tackle each adventure, and the rush of adrenaline grows to a genuine connection, will their differences push them further apart?
Or could a long-kept secret be the key to their happily ever after?
Penny Heart likes to play it safe... in life and in love.
When she’s asked to brave her town's most thrilling adventures to revamp their outdated guidebook, things quickly go from bad to worse. The person assigned to help? None other than her childhood nemesis.
His dimpled grin and endearing charm might fool other women, but she wouldn’t trust the notorious prankster with her potted cactus... let alone her heart.
Colt Davis has spent his entire life fulfilling his father’s dying wish. But something about being home—and the intriguing redhead who owns the local antique store—has him questioning everything.
As they tackle each adventure, and the rush of adrenaline grows to a genuine connection, will their differences push them further apart?
Or could a long-kept secret be the key to their happily ever after?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2020
1308 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
November 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were appealing, as well as the setting. I will be reading more of this series.
December 26, 2021
“Love is a gift in this life, not a guarantee. And if you're blessed to find it, you do whatever it takes to keep it. Even when it's hard."
Colt Davis has spent his entire life on a mission to fulfil his father’s dying wish. Bold and adventurous, he’s determined to embrace each day with both hands. When he arrives in Poppy Creek for Luke’s wedding to Cassie, he only plans to stay for a few days. Before long, a certain redhead who he teased relentlessly when they were young, has put a kink in his plans. As a result, when Frankie Barrie needs help with his coffee roasting following a minor heart attack, Colt volunteers to help.
Penny Heart, the Queen of Caution, likes to play it safe - in life and in love. An antique dealer who is riddled with hang-ups and phobias as a result of a sheltered childhood, she has never ventured away from Poppy Creek and leads an uneventful life.
When Beverley Lawrence has to opt out of writing an article to revamp the town’s outdated guidebook due to Frank’s heart attack, Penny volunteers to write it in her friend’s stead.
Matters take a complicated turn when Mayor Burns decides that he wants the article to be on the town’s most thrilling adventures. The person assigned to help? None other than her childhood nemesis, Colt Davis. His dimpled grin and endearing charm might fool other women, but she wouldn’t trust the notorious prankster with her potted cactus... let alone her heart.
As they tackle each adventure, the two share a genuine connection. Will their differences push them apart or could a long-kept secret be the key to their happily ever after?
The Secrets in Sandcastles is the third instalment of the Poppy Creek series. This time the onus is on Colt and Penny, two seemingly very different people, who have more in common than they realise due to issues stemming from the deaths of their respective fathers. When they team up to write an article for the town's guidebook, each initially has their own set of ideas. It's not until they combine their lists that the real adventure begins. Colt helps to bring Penny out of her shell and rethink her life style. By the end, each of them experience an epiphany - Penny after reading her father’s final letter to her before he died and Colt after a heart to heart with his brother Luke over the promise he made to his father on his death bed.
My favourite aspect of the series is that we are once again given the opportunity to catch up with our favourite couples from the previous books to see how they have progressed. I particularly liked that the author chose to throw Colt together with Frank.
If you love opposites attract, childhood enemies who grow into something more, and fun, heart-pounding adventures, you won't be able to put down this tender and thrilling romance.
Colt Davis has spent his entire life on a mission to fulfil his father’s dying wish. Bold and adventurous, he’s determined to embrace each day with both hands. When he arrives in Poppy Creek for Luke’s wedding to Cassie, he only plans to stay for a few days. Before long, a certain redhead who he teased relentlessly when they were young, has put a kink in his plans. As a result, when Frankie Barrie needs help with his coffee roasting following a minor heart attack, Colt volunteers to help.
Penny Heart, the Queen of Caution, likes to play it safe - in life and in love. An antique dealer who is riddled with hang-ups and phobias as a result of a sheltered childhood, she has never ventured away from Poppy Creek and leads an uneventful life.
When Beverley Lawrence has to opt out of writing an article to revamp the town’s outdated guidebook due to Frank’s heart attack, Penny volunteers to write it in her friend’s stead.
Matters take a complicated turn when Mayor Burns decides that he wants the article to be on the town’s most thrilling adventures. The person assigned to help? None other than her childhood nemesis, Colt Davis. His dimpled grin and endearing charm might fool other women, but she wouldn’t trust the notorious prankster with her potted cactus... let alone her heart.
As they tackle each adventure, the two share a genuine connection. Will their differences push them apart or could a long-kept secret be the key to their happily ever after?
The Secrets in Sandcastles is the third instalment of the Poppy Creek series. This time the onus is on Colt and Penny, two seemingly very different people, who have more in common than they realise due to issues stemming from the deaths of their respective fathers. When they team up to write an article for the town's guidebook, each initially has their own set of ideas. It's not until they combine their lists that the real adventure begins. Colt helps to bring Penny out of her shell and rethink her life style. By the end, each of them experience an epiphany - Penny after reading her father’s final letter to her before he died and Colt after a heart to heart with his brother Luke over the promise he made to his father on his death bed.
My favourite aspect of the series is that we are once again given the opportunity to catch up with our favourite couples from the previous books to see how they have progressed. I particularly liked that the author chose to throw Colt together with Frank.
If you love opposites attract, childhood enemies who grow into something more, and fun, heart-pounding adventures, you won't be able to put down this tender and thrilling romance.
January 5, 2021
Book 3 of 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series has been completely delightful! I truly loved the first two books, but this one had something a little extra special to it. Was it completely perfect? No, but it put a smile on my face the whole time. For that, I had to give it 5 stars. Sometimes you just need a light read that is quick and enjoyable.
This is a story of Colt & Penny. They both grew up in Poppy Cove, but Colt left town to explore the world while Penny stayed and opened an antiques shop. Colt comes back to town, more mature than when he left (a total prankster as a teen), and falls fast for Penny. Penny is resistant to a relationship, but through shared experiences, they both take a risk to see if falling in love is worth it.
“Love is a gift in this life, not a guarantee. And if you’re blessed to find it, you do whatever it takes to keep it. Even when it’s hard.” Loved this quote from the book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series has been completely delightful! I truly loved the first two books, but this one had something a little extra special to it. Was it completely perfect? No, but it put a smile on my face the whole time. For that, I had to give it 5 stars. Sometimes you just need a light read that is quick and enjoyable.
This is a story of Colt & Penny. They both grew up in Poppy Cove, but Colt left town to explore the world while Penny stayed and opened an antiques shop. Colt comes back to town, more mature than when he left (a total prankster as a teen), and falls fast for Penny. Penny is resistant to a relationship, but through shared experiences, they both take a risk to see if falling in love is worth it.
“Love is a gift in this life, not a guarantee. And if you’re blessed to find it, you do whatever it takes to keep it. Even when it’s hard.” Loved this quote from the book!
November 28, 2020
Could not connect to the characters.
They both didnt know that much about each other but had still fallen in love. It was really difficult to believe.
I wish the author would have included their childhood interactions so it was easier to know why they were "childhood enemies".
I lost interest after the 50% mark.
They both didnt know that much about each other but had still fallen in love. It was really difficult to believe.
I wish the author would have included their childhood interactions so it was easier to know why they were "childhood enemies".
I lost interest after the 50% mark.
August 31, 2020
I continue to be infatuated with Rachael’s Poppy Creek series of sweet romance books. This addition follows calm, vintage-loving Penny and her frenemy, the adventurous Colt. She has to decide whether she can trust a former prankster that used to tease her in school, and he begins to wonder if a quiet life in one town is in the cards for him after all. We also get a glimpse into what’s going on with the characters from the previous books, and a hint as to what the next book in the series will focus on. (Side note: Rachael’s books leave me hungry and thirsty because her characters are always cooking delicious food, baking scrumptious treats, or concocting delightful coffee or tea-related drinks!) I just finished this book around midnight last night and I already can’t wait for the next book!
February 3, 2022
This book was NOT FOR ME. Let's just start off with the honest fact that the ONLY ONLY ONLY reason I read this book was because it had a sandcastle on the front and I needed to complete a book challenge. This book was a freaking ready-to-be made Hallmark movie and those types of books are just not for me. I have nothing personally against them, they just don't entice me, so I strugglebused my was through it. I did think the chapter headings were cute with little sandcastles on them too. And I guess I kind of liked Chip the tortoise. But Penny and Colt's story didn't entice me to read further into the series(wholesome romance--not my style), nor did I feel like I was missing out on all the side characters stories who appeared from previous books. I will say though that I appreciated the connection over losing a father, having also lost mine.
January 12, 2022
Swooning Over Sandcastles
I was pleasantly surprised by the hopelessly romantic story of childhood enemies turned lovers in “The Secret in Sandcastles.” There were several moments throughout the book where I audibly swooned over the thoughtful and romantic gestures Colt (the hero) demonstrated for Penny (the heroine). The thrilling adventures shared between the two combined with the evolving stories of characters from the 1st two Poppy Creek novels had me completely engrossed from start to finish.
I was pleasantly surprised by the hopelessly romantic story of childhood enemies turned lovers in “The Secret in Sandcastles.” There were several moments throughout the book where I audibly swooned over the thoughtful and romantic gestures Colt (the hero) demonstrated for Penny (the heroine). The thrilling adventures shared between the two combined with the evolving stories of characters from the 1st two Poppy Creek novels had me completely engrossed from start to finish.
April 15, 2023
This series hasn't let me down yet. Rachael Bloome is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This book is the third in The Poppy Creek series was not my favorite, but still so good. I wish I could go live in Poppy Creek because it sounds like heaven.
July 8, 2023
3.5*
Penny and Colt were a nice more like frenemies to lovers. I am super excited about the sister part and again this is such a sweet series! I am really enjoying these books a lot. 😊 But Cassie and Luke are still my favorites. 😁
Penny and Colt were a nice more like frenemies to lovers. I am super excited about the sister part and again this is such a sweet series! I am really enjoying these books a lot. 😊 But Cassie and Luke are still my favorites. 😁
July 25, 2021
Book 3 in the series. Perfect way 2 keep going. Getting better & better
Read
March 21, 2022DNF 38%
March 7, 2025
Very cute book and a quick read. The series is great for a feel good read and I love the author’s use of descriptors especially when talking about food and coffee. Very comfy.
December 2, 2020
Couldn’t put this book down! Such a wholesome series. Love the characters!
December 31, 2023
I probably would have given this book 4 stars, but the kindle book had some issues. There were pages and even a complete chapter missing. Then one chapter was in the book twice. Thankfully the story still made sense even though parts were missing.
August 29, 2020
The Secrets in Sandcastles is the third book in the Poppy Creek series, and in my opinion, is further proof that I don't think Rachael Bloome could write a bad book if she tried. She's officially become one of those authors that I'd literally read their grocery list if she chose to publish it, and I think readers everywhere are going to fall head over heels for Penny and Colt's endearing and beautiful romance that gets off to a bit of a rocky start.
I loved getting another visit to Poppy Creek, and it's heartwarming community of characters. Rachael always brings this beautiful town to life on the pages, and I'd honestly love to live there. In this particular visit, we're introduced in more depth to Penny; who owns the local antique shop and has a fear of honestly just about everything; and Colt, Luke's younger brother who's a bit of a thrill seeker and has a hard time staying in one place for too long. When tragedy strikes in the form of Frank having a heart attack, Cassie and Luke know that he's going to need help at his place and shouldn't be left alone. Colt gets volunteered for the job, and in between dealing with Frank's gruffness and being forced to work with Penny on an article about thrilling adventures in Poppy Creek, Colt's feeling like he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Penny's unsure about having to work with Colt on anything since they've been frenemies for as long as she can remember, however he's different than what she was expecting, and she soon finds herself wanting more.
While at it's forefront, The Secrets in Sandcastles is a heartwarming romance, there's also so much more to the story. Themes are employed of forgiveness, trusting your heart, learning to overcome your fears, and realizing that loving others means letting them in even when it may be scary to do so. The reader is also treated to lots of appearances from other beloved Poppy Creek residents like Luke and Cassie, Grant, Eliza and Ben, Jack, Reed, Frank, Beverly and many many more. With all the upheaval in our world right now, this sweet romance was exactly the story I needed, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.
It's another fantastic edition to the Poppy Creek series, and it gets the highest recommendation from me.
Definitely go ahead and pick this one up if you're a fan of sweet and clean romance. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to advance read this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved getting another visit to Poppy Creek, and it's heartwarming community of characters. Rachael always brings this beautiful town to life on the pages, and I'd honestly love to live there. In this particular visit, we're introduced in more depth to Penny; who owns the local antique shop and has a fear of honestly just about everything; and Colt, Luke's younger brother who's a bit of a thrill seeker and has a hard time staying in one place for too long. When tragedy strikes in the form of Frank having a heart attack, Cassie and Luke know that he's going to need help at his place and shouldn't be left alone. Colt gets volunteered for the job, and in between dealing with Frank's gruffness and being forced to work with Penny on an article about thrilling adventures in Poppy Creek, Colt's feeling like he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Penny's unsure about having to work with Colt on anything since they've been frenemies for as long as she can remember, however he's different than what she was expecting, and she soon finds herself wanting more.
While at it's forefront, The Secrets in Sandcastles is a heartwarming romance, there's also so much more to the story. Themes are employed of forgiveness, trusting your heart, learning to overcome your fears, and realizing that loving others means letting them in even when it may be scary to do so. The reader is also treated to lots of appearances from other beloved Poppy Creek residents like Luke and Cassie, Grant, Eliza and Ben, Jack, Reed, Frank, Beverly and many many more. With all the upheaval in our world right now, this sweet romance was exactly the story I needed, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.
It's another fantastic edition to the Poppy Creek series, and it gets the highest recommendation from me.
Definitely go ahead and pick this one up if you're a fan of sweet and clean romance. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to advance read this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2024
As much as I wanted to enjoy this book as much as the first or even second Poppy Creek book, I just really struggled to get there. Penny and Colt’s love story was heartwarming, but I had a difficult time connecting with Penny the same way I did Cassie or Eliza. Her rigidity and fear, while occasionally understandable and palatable, was beyond frustrating and hindered a lot of my belief that she was as “all in” in her relationship as Colt was.
By the end of the book, I saw a lot more noticeable change in Colt than Penny. I retain hope that perhaps we’ll get glimpses into how she may continue to grow by herself and how she and Colt will grow together, but to be honest, it won’t break me if we don’t see much of her again in the future. I think this is one of those books where a side character was fleshed out more and it didn’t make a difference to my love of the universe.
There was also a minor frustration that the Kindle Unlimited version of this book has a duplicate chapter, so there could be more to the story and I have no idea. Interesting enough, I didn’t actually feel like I was missing any detail or exposition, so it could just genuinely be a mistake. But if there is a whole missing chapter not in the KU version of the book, it’s disappointing to know there could’ve been information that may have helped improve the book for me. I reported the issue, and I know I’m not the only one who noticed so hopefully the issue gets corrected in a future edition.
The story wasn’t bad, but I don’t plan to revisit it again in the future. The one good thing I’ll say about it is it further fed my desire to learn more about the OTHER characters in Poppy Creek. I can’t wait to see who comes along to change Jack’s life and I’m chomping at the bit for more Frank insights. I suppose it’s not a total loss of a book when you still want to enjoy more of the universe, but (with my apologies to Colt and Penny) Rachael Bloome sadly didn’t land the plane on this one for me (pardon the pun!).
By the end of the book, I saw a lot more noticeable change in Colt than Penny. I retain hope that perhaps we’ll get glimpses into how she may continue to grow by herself and how she and Colt will grow together, but to be honest, it won’t break me if we don’t see much of her again in the future. I think this is one of those books where a side character was fleshed out more and it didn’t make a difference to my love of the universe.
There was also a minor frustration that the Kindle Unlimited version of this book has a duplicate chapter, so there could be more to the story and I have no idea. Interesting enough, I didn’t actually feel like I was missing any detail or exposition, so it could just genuinely be a mistake. But if there is a whole missing chapter not in the KU version of the book, it’s disappointing to know there could’ve been information that may have helped improve the book for me. I reported the issue, and I know I’m not the only one who noticed so hopefully the issue gets corrected in a future edition.
The story wasn’t bad, but I don’t plan to revisit it again in the future. The one good thing I’ll say about it is it further fed my desire to learn more about the OTHER characters in Poppy Creek. I can’t wait to see who comes along to change Jack’s life and I’m chomping at the bit for more Frank insights. I suppose it’s not a total loss of a book when you still want to enjoy more of the universe, but (with my apologies to Colt and Penny) Rachael Bloome sadly didn’t land the plane on this one for me (pardon the pun!).
August 14, 2024
Poppy Creek CA
Colt the wonder, the adventure seeker… came back for Luke his brother and Cassie’s wedding. While he’s there he decides to stay a little while. He gets asked by the mayor to help with the city brochure to advertise the adventures of the area. He is teamed up with Penny, the quiet,timid, no risk taker. Who Colt pulled pranks on all the time while in HS. They are an opposite team.
They make a list of activities to do, but he says she has to participate not only write about it. They start with horse back riding, ok till Penny’s horse is spooked by a snake and throws her into the lake. Colt saves her. Then they do zip lining. While waiting for the guide things start to heat up between them.
The town has pulled together to help Frank the coffee roaster, he’s had a heart attack so everyone has pulled to help him. Colt volunteered to stay with him at night. Colt sees himself in Frank some. Try’s to lighten the situation, reminds him of he’s dad.
The next adventure was caves, they had to crawle through. Light I’d broken and Colt gets them out but still dark. They hold onto each other end up kissing. Then they are busted with lights. The next time Colt asks Penny out and really does it up right. He flys her to this beach she has a picture of. They spen the day building a castle laying by the fire pit, eat dinner. Just a perfect day. They fly back home. Then Colt tells Penny he was offered a great job he wants her to go. She’s is upset, just gave him my heart now he’s leaving. Both are ever ,hurt. So the don’t see each other. Penny finally read a letter from her dad. Told her her mom was at that beach they went to. Her dad also told her her mom had another child, that’s who’s in the picture on her fridge.
Colt the wonder, the adventure seeker… came back for Luke his brother and Cassie’s wedding. While he’s there he decides to stay a little while. He gets asked by the mayor to help with the city brochure to advertise the adventures of the area. He is teamed up with Penny, the quiet,timid, no risk taker. Who Colt pulled pranks on all the time while in HS. They are an opposite team.
They make a list of activities to do, but he says she has to participate not only write about it. They start with horse back riding, ok till Penny’s horse is spooked by a snake and throws her into the lake. Colt saves her. Then they do zip lining. While waiting for the guide things start to heat up between them.
The town has pulled together to help Frank the coffee roaster, he’s had a heart attack so everyone has pulled to help him. Colt volunteered to stay with him at night. Colt sees himself in Frank some. Try’s to lighten the situation, reminds him of he’s dad.
The next adventure was caves, they had to crawle through. Light I’d broken and Colt gets them out but still dark. They hold onto each other end up kissing. Then they are busted with lights. The next time Colt asks Penny out and really does it up right. He flys her to this beach she has a picture of. They spen the day building a castle laying by the fire pit, eat dinner. Just a perfect day. They fly back home. Then Colt tells Penny he was offered a great job he wants her to go. She’s is upset, just gave him my heart now he’s leaving. Both are ever ,hurt. So the don’t see each other. Penny finally read a letter from her dad. Told her her mom was at that beach they went to. Her dad also told her her mom had another child, that’s who’s in the picture on her fridge.
October 17, 2022
The Secret in Sandcastles by Rachael Bloome is the third book in the Poppy Creek series. Penny Heart and Colt Davis have been childhood enemies especially when she had been at the receiving end of one of his pranks. Penny likes to play it safe in life and in love. Safe means never getting hurt or having your heartbroken. Colt Davis is the town prankster, ladies’ man and adventurer. They are thrown together for a town project: to find the town’s most thrilling adventures to revamp the outdated guidebook. Something about the cautious Penny intrigues him. One adventure after another, they begin a genuine connection and unexpected romance. Will they take the jump to a happily ever after? Or will their different approaches in life keep them apart?
The Secret in Sandcastles is about two extremes in life: playing it safe versus the reckless adventure. Penny is known as the Queen of Caution and Colt is the rootless adventurer who never stays in the same place twice. But deep inside there is more to Penny and Colt than they realize. Penny longs for adventure and Colt grows tired of his rootless life. I felt a connection to Penny. I loved how Colt was able to slowly pull Penny from her shell and help her embrace adventure. You can be an adventurer without being too reckless. I also loved Colt’s vulnerability under his bravado. I am truly enjoying this series and I highly recommend The Secret in Sandcastles as well as the first two books.
The Secret in Sandcastles is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Book 1: The Clause in Christmas
and
Book 2: The Truth in Tiramisu
are available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
The Secret in Sandcastles is about two extremes in life: playing it safe versus the reckless adventure. Penny is known as the Queen of Caution and Colt is the rootless adventurer who never stays in the same place twice. But deep inside there is more to Penny and Colt than they realize. Penny longs for adventure and Colt grows tired of his rootless life. I felt a connection to Penny. I loved how Colt was able to slowly pull Penny from her shell and help her embrace adventure. You can be an adventurer without being too reckless. I also loved Colt’s vulnerability under his bravado. I am truly enjoying this series and I highly recommend The Secret in Sandcastles as well as the first two books.
The Secret in Sandcastles is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Book 1: The Clause in Christmas
and
Book 2: The Truth in Tiramisu
are available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
July 18, 2023
It's a cheesy hallmark type book. But I did need something light, so here we are. I enjoyed it. I do have a few issues, though. The whole "leaving everything behind to live in a small town in the middle of nowhere" irks me.
***spoilers ahead***
Also, in book the previous, the protagonists got together after 8 years of separation. They got engaged in this book, which happens barely a month later... like what? The protagonists in this book know each other from school, and they haven't seen each other in years. He is sort of but not exactly her bully. It was a cute dynamic, and Colt is absolutely adorable. However, I absolutely HATE how people who pursue careers instead of staying in a small town are presented as horrible. For instance, the ex of Penny left her because he got a curator job at the MET instead of staying in Poppy Creek. And he's the asshole... what? Same for Colt. He had a huge work opportunity that he refused. Instead, even though he went to culinary school, he accepted a part-time job as a sous-chef in the local diner and another part-time job roasting coffee... for a girl he fell in love with not even a month ago and kissed a few days ago... like... WHAT? And SHE'S the victim in the story, and he's the asshole even though he explicitly asked her to come with him and told her that if she refuses, he'll refuse the job. She BROKE UP with him after that convo. Like... WHAT? I don't want to be with someone who doesn't support my dreams. But I'm not Colt. Bottom line is, she didn't deserve him.
***spoilers ahead***
Also, in book the previous, the protagonists got together after 8 years of separation. They got engaged in this book, which happens barely a month later... like what? The protagonists in this book know each other from school, and they haven't seen each other in years. He is sort of but not exactly her bully. It was a cute dynamic, and Colt is absolutely adorable. However, I absolutely HATE how people who pursue careers instead of staying in a small town are presented as horrible. For instance, the ex of Penny left her because he got a curator job at the MET instead of staying in Poppy Creek. And he's the asshole... what? Same for Colt. He had a huge work opportunity that he refused. Instead, even though he went to culinary school, he accepted a part-time job as a sous-chef in the local diner and another part-time job roasting coffee... for a girl he fell in love with not even a month ago and kissed a few days ago... like... WHAT? And SHE'S the victim in the story, and he's the asshole even though he explicitly asked her to come with him and told her that if she refuses, he'll refuse the job. She BROKE UP with him after that convo. Like... WHAT? I don't want to be with someone who doesn't support my dreams. But I'm not Colt. Bottom line is, she didn't deserve him.
August 28, 2020
In this time of quarantine and social distancing, I especially enjoyed visiting Poppy Creek in The Secret in Sandcastles. I love this community and its care for its own. Frank’s serious medical conditions and need for help—wanted or not—have a domino effect on the lives of others.
Antiques store owner Penny volunteers to update a guidebook for seniors, freeing Frank’s girlfriend Beverly to help with his cooking and cleaning. Then the task is changed: she must write an adventure guide for twenty-somethings with the research led by her least favorite person—prankster Colt Davis.
Sparks fly as safety-conscious Penny and thrill-seeking Colt go horseback riding, white water rafting, caving and more. With warm humor, author Rachael Bloome guides us behind their masks, where each still hurts from the loss of a father and each tries clumsily to fulfill their father’s expectations. As Bloome makes Penny and Colt wrestle with their hopes and fears, I find myself rooting for them. For courage. For uncovering secrets. For living without regret. Perhaps the most terrifying risk and greatest adventure is giving your heart to another person.
While The Secret in Sandcastles is great as a standalone, it also reveals some special surprises for characters from the first two books and teasers for the next. I can’t wait for more!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
Antiques store owner Penny volunteers to update a guidebook for seniors, freeing Frank’s girlfriend Beverly to help with his cooking and cleaning. Then the task is changed: she must write an adventure guide for twenty-somethings with the research led by her least favorite person—prankster Colt Davis.
Sparks fly as safety-conscious Penny and thrill-seeking Colt go horseback riding, white water rafting, caving and more. With warm humor, author Rachael Bloome guides us behind their masks, where each still hurts from the loss of a father and each tries clumsily to fulfill their father’s expectations. As Bloome makes Penny and Colt wrestle with their hopes and fears, I find myself rooting for them. For courage. For uncovering secrets. For living without regret. Perhaps the most terrifying risk and greatest adventure is giving your heart to another person.
While The Secret in Sandcastles is great as a standalone, it also reveals some special surprises for characters from the first two books and teasers for the next. I can’t wait for more!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
February 14, 2021
This book is the third set in the small town of Poppy Creek, and it’s another five star read. Like all the others, it stands on its own, but you’ll get more out of it if you read in order.
In this book we spend some time with Penny, the daughter of an antique shop dealer who was raised to be very cautious and risk averse. She’s thrown into an unexpected situation where she has to help the small town with a tourist guidebook, which she’s perfectly willing to do. But at the last minute, the mayor changes the focus of the book into one based around thrilling local activities that she would never choose to do on her own. To make matters worse, he’s told her to go with the wild, free, and completely untamed Colt - who also teased her constantly as a girl.
It’s referred to an ‘enemies to lovers’ story, but I think it’s far more an ‘opposites attract’ tale. He’s the boy who teased the girl he was interested in, and she doesn’t exactly hate him, so much as she thinks he doesn’t take life seriously. Either way, it’s a good romance regardless of how you categorize it.
Penny spends a lot of the story facing her fears and realizing that she’s more adventurous than she ever knew. Colt finds himself helplessly drawn to Penny all over again, but this time he has a deathbed promise to keep, and he’s torn between that and the ever-increasing urge to plant roots back in Poppy Creek.
A splendid story, all sweet romance with plenty of wholesome scenes and fun adventures together.
In this book we spend some time with Penny, the daughter of an antique shop dealer who was raised to be very cautious and risk averse. She’s thrown into an unexpected situation where she has to help the small town with a tourist guidebook, which she’s perfectly willing to do. But at the last minute, the mayor changes the focus of the book into one based around thrilling local activities that she would never choose to do on her own. To make matters worse, he’s told her to go with the wild, free, and completely untamed Colt - who also teased her constantly as a girl.
It’s referred to an ‘enemies to lovers’ story, but I think it’s far more an ‘opposites attract’ tale. He’s the boy who teased the girl he was interested in, and she doesn’t exactly hate him, so much as she thinks he doesn’t take life seriously. Either way, it’s a good romance regardless of how you categorize it.
Penny spends a lot of the story facing her fears and realizing that she’s more adventurous than she ever knew. Colt finds himself helplessly drawn to Penny all over again, but this time he has a deathbed promise to keep, and he’s torn between that and the ever-increasing urge to plant roots back in Poppy Creek.
A splendid story, all sweet romance with plenty of wholesome scenes and fun adventures together.
September 2, 2020
I received an ARC for my honest review and opinion of this book. The Poppy Creek Series has quickly become one of my favorite series to read and I am eagerly awaiting the next book to come out. The are very fun to read and make you feel like you are right there with them thru each and every step. In this book, you have Colt and Penny. They grew up together and it was more often than not, that Penny was at the end of Colts jokes. In the book, they get teamed up to write an article for the town's guidebook. Each one has their own ideas of how it is going to go, and they end up 'combining' their lists and experiencing the adventures. Every one in Poppy Creek always has ideas of who should end up together and how everything should go and it is always interesting on how it is actually going to happen. Rachael's writing always keeps me intrigued and waiting to see what is going to happen next. I strongly recommend this book and even though you could read them as a stand alone, I would recommend starting with the first book and reading them thru so you can learn about all the characters in Poppy Creek. I know once you are done with them, you won't be able to wait for book four to come out!
August 27, 2024
The third book from Rachael Bloome's Poppy Creek series. Touching story that was just as lively, energetic and sassy as the first two. Lovely romance with humor and fun. Penny Heart owns the local antique shop, lives alone with her tortoise Chip. After attending a town meeting, Mayor Burns appoints Penny to transform the old, out of date town guidebook into an updated version with the town's most exciting and enjoyable, adventures ever. Mayor Burns assigns Penny's childhood nemesis, prankster Colt Davis to help with the task. Colt, the world traveler and daredevil only comes back to Poppy Creek to be there for his brother's wedding and had no plans of staying. Penny has stayed much of the time since her father's death alone and focusing on her shop. She is horrified and has no idea how she is going to complete a new version of the guidebook, with Colt. The Secret in Sandcastles continues with the lives of the couples from the first two books, along with the bakery, Frank's coffee business, Beverly, Maggie, Jack and Reed. Colt made a promise to his dying father that he intended to fulfill, and Penny never opened a letter her father had written to her before his death. Heartwarming story of secrets, surprising friendship and hope. I loved it.
August 20, 2021
Just like a thrilling adventure, this book had so many surprises and unexpected moments. I greatly enjoyed that it wasn't predictable as so many and left my heart very happy. The entire book kept me needing to know what happened next, and the ending? Oh my goodness, let's just say I bought the next in the series immediately after the final sentence.
At the start of The Secret in Sandcastles I was so unsure of Penny and Colt, but dang did they grow on me. Every adventure they went through got me more and more hooked and on the edge of my seat (for action and really wanting them to just finally be together!). My heart also kept racing because author Rachael Bloome does such a lovely job explaining everything that anytime Penny was anxious, I could feel how she felt, which just made this book all that much better. I couldn't believe how amazing this book was written and how lovely it was.
I cannot wait to begin the next book in the Poppy Creek series so I can see what happens next with everyone, especially after the beautiful discoveries in this story. Thank you again Rachael Bloome for such a beautiful book.
At the start of The Secret in Sandcastles I was so unsure of Penny and Colt, but dang did they grow on me. Every adventure they went through got me more and more hooked and on the edge of my seat (for action and really wanting them to just finally be together!). My heart also kept racing because author Rachael Bloome does such a lovely job explaining everything that anytime Penny was anxious, I could feel how she felt, which just made this book all that much better. I couldn't believe how amazing this book was written and how lovely it was.
I cannot wait to begin the next book in the Poppy Creek series so I can see what happens next with everyone, especially after the beautiful discoveries in this story. Thank you again Rachael Bloome for such a beautiful book.
August 24, 2020
What a fantastic addition to the Poppy Creek series. This book features Penny and her frenemy Colt. Colt was a jokester in school and Penny was the recipient of a few of them. When Frank Barrie has a mini heart attack, Colt says he’ll stay with him at night and help him with his coffee bean roasting. Beverly, Frank’s girlfriend, was supposed to write an article for the town’s guidebook, but Penny says she’ll do it. Mayor Burns decides that he wants the article on adventures and Colt will be the perfect person to help Penny with it. Will Penny and Colt become friendlier or will he still leave Poppy Creek, at the first opportunity? I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but I will say I enjoyed catching up with all the characters and I can’t wait to read Jack’s story. If you’re not familiar with Rachael Bloome, then do yourself a favor and grab one of her books. You won’t be disappointed.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 17, 2021
I listened to this on Audible, great narration.
It was so nice to be back in Poppy Creek.
This story picked off from the end of book 2.
We find out how Frank is and meet new characters.
The story revolves mainly around Penny and Colt. Colt came back to town for his bother Luke's wedding and has stayed for a few days longer. He ends up agreeing to help Frank - much in many ways to Frank's disgust. The two of them form a bond over food and coffee.
Penny plays things very safe but when she and Colt are pushed together to write a guide book for the town, the attraction they felt for each other at Luke's wedding develops.
Can a committed traveller and thrill seeker help bring Penny out her shell and can her love of Poppy Creek and its communitee persuade a traveller to settle?
I would recommend thiws book but would advice you read the two previous books first.
I am looking forward to getting the next one.
It was so nice to be back in Poppy Creek.
This story picked off from the end of book 2.
We find out how Frank is and meet new characters.
The story revolves mainly around Penny and Colt. Colt came back to town for his bother Luke's wedding and has stayed for a few days longer. He ends up agreeing to help Frank - much in many ways to Frank's disgust. The two of them form a bond over food and coffee.
Penny plays things very safe but when she and Colt are pushed together to write a guide book for the town, the attraction they felt for each other at Luke's wedding develops.
Can a committed traveller and thrill seeker help bring Penny out her shell and can her love of Poppy Creek and its communitee persuade a traveller to settle?
I would recommend thiws book but would advice you read the two previous books first.
I am looking forward to getting the next one.
November 22, 2021
I love this series
Each book gets better and better. Each with a beautifully written story worthy of Hallmark television.
Penny is an eclectic individual who owns an antique shop. Her shop is a vision of the woman she is. She is eccentric and unique in every way. She is beautiful inside and out.
Colt is adventurous and determined not to plant roots in one place too long. But it seems a certain unique woman, whom he has teased and taunted for years has put a kink in his plans. So when Frank needs assistance Colt jumps on the opportunity to stay in Poppy Creek a little longer.
Overall this is a beautiful story. A page turner till the end. It has a wonderful set of characters living in a small town. Each character has a unique story and the author does a wonderful job writing them. Her books are laid out to perfection and flow seamlessly. I can’t wait to read more.
Each book gets better and better. Each with a beautifully written story worthy of Hallmark television.
Penny is an eclectic individual who owns an antique shop. Her shop is a vision of the woman she is. She is eccentric and unique in every way. She is beautiful inside and out.
Colt is adventurous and determined not to plant roots in one place too long. But it seems a certain unique woman, whom he has teased and taunted for years has put a kink in his plans. So when Frank needs assistance Colt jumps on the opportunity to stay in Poppy Creek a little longer.
Overall this is a beautiful story. A page turner till the end. It has a wonderful set of characters living in a small town. Each character has a unique story and the author does a wonderful job writing them. Her books are laid out to perfection and flow seamlessly. I can’t wait to read more.
February 28, 2021
Back in October I read the first book, ‘The Clause in Christmas’, in this Poppy Creek series. I was so enamored with it, that I knew I had to read the rest of the books. This is the 3rd one and I’m still thoroughly enjoying this town and the wonderful people in it. This one is about Penny and Colt. Colt can’t stay in one place for long. He’s always looking for the next great adventure. Coming home for his brother Luke’s wedding brings him back in contact with Penny Heart. She’s the exact opposite of Colt. She’s not adventurous at all. But something about her makes him rethink his lifestyle. Maybe it’s really not what his dying father meant for him to do with his life. I’m completely hooked on this sweet, romantic series, I can’t wait to dive into the next one and escape reality for awhile. Well done!
August 31, 2020
This is an enemy to lovers story. Penny and Colt grew up together in the same small town. Then Colt went on his adventuresome ways. He came back to Poppy Creek for his brothers wedding. Penny caught his eye. They fought the attraction for as long as they could. It was fun to watch the interaction between them. Learning more about Frank was nice, as well as catching with some of the other characters. This is a clean contemporary romance. It can be read as a stand alone read, but the characters do interact throughout the series. I have read book 1, but not 2 yet. There was a link at the end for Franks story and I assume a glimpse into Jack’s story, Unfortunately, Probably because I read a ARC copy of the book, they didn’t work. I would recommend this story for a quick sweet read.
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