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Sandover Island #2
Sandover Beach Week
Jimmy nursed a crush on his big sister’s best friend for years. When he finally revealed his feelings, Emily rejected him. He went running to Sandover Island to start a new life as a firefighter and leave the memories of his longtime love behind. Emily’s life took a downward turn after she lost Jimmy’s love and his friendship. When Jimmy comes to her rescue while she’s on a girls’ trip to the beach, all Emily wants is another chance. But can she let go of her pride long enough to admit her feelings for Jimmy? And after spending three years trying to get over Emily, can he open up to her again? This is a standalone Christian beach romance and Book 2 in the Sandover Island Sweet Romance series.
286 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2020
279 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Emma St. Clair
62 books4,042 followersEmma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 5, 2019
Been waiting for these two kids to get together since Cold Feet, Hot Summer. Love the dialogue, the complex characters, and, of course, Sandover. Looking forward to more stories from this amazing author!
January 28, 2026
The book had an interesting storyline. Probably not a book I'll read again though, the character development felt a little all over the place.
December 30, 2021
The first book was excellent and the second book was even better.
July 6, 2019
I love Emma St Clair's novels. They bring enough unique storyline, characters you fall in love with, and tension as you wait for the couple to connect against all odds. Sandover Beach Week does not disappoint. Right away you find yourself in Emily's shoes as she heads to the island for a bachelorette weekend before a friend gets married. Though she knew Jimmy lived on the island, she had hoped not to have to bump into him. The way they first see one another comes unexpectedly. Emily is not only fighting her feelings for Jimmy, but avoiding pain from her past. Her week on the island brings her face to face with both. This book took me a weekend to read. I've now read all three in the connected stories - Cold Feet, Hot Summer, Sandover Beach Memories, and Sandover Beach Week. I recommend you read them in order, but they can be read as stand-alones.
October 26, 2019
Emily
I loved this book. I completely related to Emily in feeling like I didn't quite belong. My heart hurt for her though since she didn't have anyone in her corner for a long time. Even her supposed BFF Natalie.
(I liked the first book and I liked Natalie in it. But in this book, she is a shrew and I wanted to slap her. She was so two faced and awful. Pregnancy does not give you a pass to be a complete jerk. She told Emily that she didn't think she wasn't good enough for Jimmy. Yet on the phone to Jimmy, that's exactly WHAT she said! And she kept pushing Jimmy that Emily wasn't good enough. Or flakey. Or unstable. I mean with friends like that, who needs enemies. It's no wonder Emily felt alone and like she couldn't talk and share with people close to her since Natalie was her closet friend and thought so little of her! Telling her to stay away from Jimmy at her wedding was a b*tch move. Maybe they weren't ready at the time, but it wasn't Natalie's place. If Jimmy had said something to her about Seth, she would have been furious. So she needed to stay in her lane.)
I love that Jimmy didn't just see her looks. He saw her for who she is, and loved her for it.
I would have liked to have seen some resolution with her battle with depression and anxiety. Maybe a blurb about seeing a counselor to deal with the darkness that she lived with for so long. Those don't just go away and you can't just strong will them away either. It's ok to need help, especially with the way Emily was brought up. It couldn't hurt to have some tools in her toolbox to deal with people like her parents.
Overall, I'm glad they got their own story. Even though it started with a lot of pain and hurt.
I loved this book. I completely related to Emily in feeling like I didn't quite belong. My heart hurt for her though since she didn't have anyone in her corner for a long time. Even her supposed BFF Natalie.
(I liked the first book and I liked Natalie in it. But in this book, she is a shrew and I wanted to slap her. She was so two faced and awful. Pregnancy does not give you a pass to be a complete jerk. She told Emily that she didn't think she wasn't good enough for Jimmy. Yet on the phone to Jimmy, that's exactly WHAT she said! And she kept pushing Jimmy that Emily wasn't good enough. Or flakey. Or unstable. I mean with friends like that, who needs enemies. It's no wonder Emily felt alone and like she couldn't talk and share with people close to her since Natalie was her closet friend and thought so little of her! Telling her to stay away from Jimmy at her wedding was a b*tch move. Maybe they weren't ready at the time, but it wasn't Natalie's place. If Jimmy had said something to her about Seth, she would have been furious. So she needed to stay in her lane.)
I love that Jimmy didn't just see her looks. He saw her for who she is, and loved her for it.
I would have liked to have seen some resolution with her battle with depression and anxiety. Maybe a blurb about seeing a counselor to deal with the darkness that she lived with for so long. Those don't just go away and you can't just strong will them away either. It's ok to need help, especially with the way Emily was brought up. It couldn't hurt to have some tools in her toolbox to deal with people like her parents.
Overall, I'm glad they got their own story. Even though it started with a lot of pain and hurt.
July 6, 2019
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Is it ever too late for a second chance at love?
Emily made the mistake of letting Jimmy go and they've both been paying the price. Jimmy nursed a crush on his big sister’s best friend for years. When he finally revealed his feelings, Emily rejected him. He went running to Sandover Island to start a new life as a firefighter and leave the memories of his longtime love behind.
Emily’s life took a downward turn after she lost Jimmy’s love and his friendship. When Jimmy comes to her rescue while she’s on a girls’ trip to the beach, all Emily wants is another chance.
But can she let go of her pride long enough to admit her feelings for Jimmy? And after spending three years trying to get over Emily, can he open up to her again?
MY TAKE
Another fun romance from Emma St. Clair. I really liked Jimmy and Emily. Em was the perfect example that what you see on the outside is NOT always a reflection of what's going on on the inside. She was an emotional mess of insecurities. Goodness! It's kind of scary she has so little confidence in herself. Seeing her family, it's easy to understand.
Jimmy was a bit of sunshine in the whole story. A fun guy with the sweetest heart ever. And he loved Em so much! I confess that I wasn't a fan of his sister Natalie. I haven't read her love story, so I didn't know her so well. So someone who was supposed to be BFFs with Em, Nat was pretty clueless and unsupportive. With a friend like that, who needs enemies?
4 1/2 stars
Is it ever too late for a second chance at love?
Emily made the mistake of letting Jimmy go and they've both been paying the price. Jimmy nursed a crush on his big sister’s best friend for years. When he finally revealed his feelings, Emily rejected him. He went running to Sandover Island to start a new life as a firefighter and leave the memories of his longtime love behind.
Emily’s life took a downward turn after she lost Jimmy’s love and his friendship. When Jimmy comes to her rescue while she’s on a girls’ trip to the beach, all Emily wants is another chance.
But can she let go of her pride long enough to admit her feelings for Jimmy? And after spending three years trying to get over Emily, can he open up to her again?
MY TAKE
Another fun romance from Emma St. Clair. I really liked Jimmy and Emily. Em was the perfect example that what you see on the outside is NOT always a reflection of what's going on on the inside. She was an emotional mess of insecurities. Goodness! It's kind of scary she has so little confidence in herself. Seeing her family, it's easy to understand.
Jimmy was a bit of sunshine in the whole story. A fun guy with the sweetest heart ever. And he loved Em so much! I confess that I wasn't a fan of his sister Natalie. I haven't read her love story, so I didn't know her so well. So someone who was supposed to be BFFs with Em, Nat was pretty clueless and unsupportive. With a friend like that, who needs enemies?
4 1/2 stars
September 1, 2018
Not perfect - but a lot to like in book 2
This is a really great story to follow up its 5 star predecessor, Sandover Beach Memories - with a terribly romantic & original (re)meet cute, lol.
It was a little harder to get into this one than the 1st though. A lot of it was because it was a little challenging to like Emily, and, maybe I was just in the wrong mood for it, but also because their situation initially just seemed so frustratingly hopeless. Thankfully it picked up from there.
SPOILER ALERT
The main reason I took a star off was because of the journal entry that mean girl Stacy used to upset Emily. It was clear that the author was leading to something happening with the journal, but it was too painfully contrived. I just could not buy that something from years before when Emily already knew full well that Jimmy was hurting and angry would have sent her running at that point.
I appreciated the after the fact acknowledgement Emily made that she shouldn't have been so upset by it, but I don't believe it would have happened so it really jarred me out of the story.
Instead it came across as an effort to drag out the story for more pages. That didn't ruin it for me, but the happily-ever-after glow was diminished by the irritation it left me with. I hope Beau and Mercer's story flows better because I really like them.
This is a really great story to follow up its 5 star predecessor, Sandover Beach Memories - with a terribly romantic & original (re)meet cute, lol.
It was a little harder to get into this one than the 1st though. A lot of it was because it was a little challenging to like Emily, and, maybe I was just in the wrong mood for it, but also because their situation initially just seemed so frustratingly hopeless. Thankfully it picked up from there.
SPOILER ALERT
The main reason I took a star off was because of the journal entry that mean girl Stacy used to upset Emily. It was clear that the author was leading to something happening with the journal, but it was too painfully contrived. I just could not buy that something from years before when Emily already knew full well that Jimmy was hurting and angry would have sent her running at that point.
I appreciated the after the fact acknowledgement Emily made that she shouldn't have been so upset by it, but I don't believe it would have happened so it really jarred me out of the story.
Instead it came across as an effort to drag out the story for more pages. That didn't ruin it for me, but the happily-ever-after glow was diminished by the irritation it left me with. I hope Beau and Mercer's story flows better because I really like them.
August 8, 2018
Jimmy has been in love with Emily for years but she only sees him as her best friend’s little brother. He thought he had a shot with her at his sister’s wedding, but she crushed his heart when she made out with another guy in front of him. Emily has been attracted to Jimmy for a while, but on her wedding day Natalie told her to stay away from him after seeing all the men that Emily has gone through. Emily’s parents are cold and only care about appearances and the modeling world must have hurt her too only seeing her as an object, so she puts up walls and won’t let anyone close. That’s why her boyfriends keep breaking up with her. I thought Stacy was a nasty unchristian person getting back at Emily in a cruel way for dating guys she was interest in. Jimmy was immature and did have to grow up and figure out what he wanted to do with his life before he could commit to Emily. He also had to get past seeing only fantasy Emily. Scarlet was so precocious. I can see Jimmy and Emily with a little one like her in a year or two. I liked Mercer and Beau and can’t wait to read their story.
August 12, 2019
This was such a sweet and clean romance. The characters are well-written with great depth. The author captures the uncertainties of the late teen years with wit and compassion.
Emily and Natalie are best friends. Jimmy, Natalie's younger brother, has always loved Emily but their timing is never right. Through a series of misunderstandings and miscommunication, it seems that the right time is destined to remain out of reach.
This author has created a wonderful backdrop in Sandover Beach and her detailed description of this small town will make you wish that you lived there. This story is one that leaves you feeling hopeful that even in today's world, the happily ever after is still possible.
Emily and Natalie are best friends. Jimmy, Natalie's younger brother, has always loved Emily but their timing is never right. Through a series of misunderstandings and miscommunication, it seems that the right time is destined to remain out of reach.
This author has created a wonderful backdrop in Sandover Beach and her detailed description of this small town will make you wish that you lived there. This story is one that leaves you feeling hopeful that even in today's world, the happily ever after is still possible.
June 21, 2022
Emily and Jimmy's story kept me hooked from the get go. I love second chance romances, and this one had a bit of a different twist to it. I totally related to Emily with her problems with depression. People don't always understand that the life of the party is often the one who is struggling with those things. The way her friends brushed it away was so frustrating to me. I was glad when she was able to share with Jimmy what brought it on. Her reaction to what she read that caused her to leave him again was a bit much, but also understandable. I loved this one and can't wait for the next one - Mercer and Beau's story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2018
Clean Fireman Second Chance Romance
This is a wonderful second chance romance. It is a sweet romance that nicely balances the introspection of the characters with a light heartedness of long time friends. The story moves along at a good pace with no stereo typing, no boring details about food, clothing or other minute details that just pad the word count. The story has good depth, the characters are very realistic and the plot works seamlessly. I received this ARC book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review
This is a wonderful second chance romance. It is a sweet romance that nicely balances the introspection of the characters with a light heartedness of long time friends. The story moves along at a good pace with no stereo typing, no boring details about food, clothing or other minute details that just pad the word count. The story has good depth, the characters are very realistic and the plot works seamlessly. I received this ARC book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review
August 7, 2018
A wonderfully written second chance love story. Emily rejected Jimmy her best friends little brother to run off to try and be model and not wanting to chance her relationsholip with best friend. Jimmy rreject an hurt goes to Sandover and becomes a firefighter. On a backorette weekend there is a mishap and Jimmy artives and saves the day. There is a strong cinnection and chemistry can the past be overlooked and a chance be given? A sweet touching love story with twists and turns after maturity and time. I voluntarily reviewed this standalone ARC.
August 7, 2018
A romantic story about true love set on the beautiful ficticious Sandover Beach in North Carolina. Jimmy Echols and Emily Whitfield have loved each other for over ten years but life and circumstances got in their way. Now Emily is falling for Jimmy literally and physically as the balcony she is on is about to collapse. What a fun, beachy, romantic book with sexy firefighters, and best friends turned into real sisters. I want to move there! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
August 10, 2018
Loved, loved, LOVED 'Sandover Beach Week'!!! Where to begin? Jimmy and Emily are a perfect couple!! Their character and personalities complement each other really well, and you can't help but hope for a happy ending for them!! Absolutely loved the setting!! Fell in love with the island and wish I could visit there :)The plot was well-written and interesting and kept me guessing in a few parts. Secondary characters were also great and realistic. Overall, 'Sandover Beach Week' is a must read!! 5 out of 5 stars!!
September 28, 2021
I loved this book so much that I’ve read it 2 times. I’m an arc reader and love to read good books. This family that moved to Parrot Island has a small baking business that is thriving. It’s helping them to become part of their beach community. This family knows pain and loss but lives to help others. Their newest family member is a Macaw. He is brilliant and they named him brill. He talks all the time repeating what he has heard Each are developing good friendships. The mom who is a recent widow has a new friend John who has become a confident too
August 8, 2018
Sandover Beach Week is a fun, clean friends to lovers romance that makes a great summer read. You do not have to have read the previous book to enjoy this one. The characters are well written. The plot includes Jimmy's daring rescue of Emily from a collapsed balcony, covers their many year friendship and their 5 year separation of Jimmy first declares his love. This is just a fun, sweet read that I really enjoyed.
June 14, 2019
Oh wow, I really loved this book. The characters were well written and the chemistry undeniable. I can never quite understand why a sibling would not want their BFF to marry their brother or sister, after all then they would be family too. It’s a concept I never understood
I am so going to have to read the rest of the series to find out what happened to the other characters.
I received this as an arc and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
I am so going to have to read the rest of the series to find out what happened to the other characters.
I received this as an arc and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
December 16, 2019
Fabulous Clean Romance
Ever since I read her free novella, I’ve been dying to read what happened next! I loved how things worked our, even though it was completely crazy! A third story balcony with a hot tub sounds like a terrible idea to me! So does reading someone’s journal. I loved the ending though! She had some miserable experiences (Trigger alert: she was raped and there’s mention of it) and parents that don’t show love. She deserved her happy ending!
Ever since I read her free novella, I’ve been dying to read what happened next! I loved how things worked our, even though it was completely crazy! A third story balcony with a hot tub sounds like a terrible idea to me! So does reading someone’s journal. I loved the ending though! She had some miserable experiences (Trigger alert: she was raped and there’s mention of it) and parents that don’t show love. She deserved her happy ending!
March 22, 2021
Another wonderful vacation at the beach
Having loved Emily and Jimmy in an earlier book, I was so excited to find their story at the beach. I appreciated Emily’s insecurities and her sarcasm. There were some hilarious moments involving quirky humor that made me think, these are my kind of people. I appreciated the tenderness extended to Emily also when she opened up about her assault. Great story, one of Emma St. Clair’s best.
Having loved Emily and Jimmy in an earlier book, I was so excited to find their story at the beach. I appreciated Emily’s insecurities and her sarcasm. There were some hilarious moments involving quirky humor that made me think, these are my kind of people. I appreciated the tenderness extended to Emily also when she opened up about her assault. Great story, one of Emma St. Clair’s best.
December 28, 2021
Really well written
I love how sensitive Ms St Clair is about dealing with issues like depression / mental health / etc. I also love the way she incorporates Christian elements without hitting you over the head with it. I also love love love the author notes at the back - just love the insights behind the story and the research and thought put into it.
4 stars just because not my fave. Sorryyy sometimes it just doesn't click
I love how sensitive Ms St Clair is about dealing with issues like depression / mental health / etc. I also love the way she incorporates Christian elements without hitting you over the head with it. I also love love love the author notes at the back - just love the insights behind the story and the research and thought put into it.
4 stars just because not my fave. Sorryyy sometimes it just doesn't click
March 17, 2024
I came across this author from Christmas Kisses & Holiday Wishes that had Sandover Beach Christmas which was very good. This is another very good story by Emma St Clair.
The story moves at a very good pace and never gets boring. It is so nice to read a romance book without sex.
I loved Jimmy and Emily as well as the supporting characters. This is a very enjoyable series and I look forward to the next couple of books.
The story moves at a very good pace and never gets boring. It is so nice to read a romance book without sex.
I loved Jimmy and Emily as well as the supporting characters. This is a very enjoyable series and I look forward to the next couple of books.
August 7, 2018
What a fun, clean, romantic read...absolute perfection for a summer beach reading! I read the first book in the Sandover Island series...Sandover Beach Memories and couldn't wait to check back in with more of the characters...and I was not disappointed! Great story about having the courage to pursue second chances. And now I can't wait for the next Sandover book!
August 7, 2018
I love this series and was happy for another installment.
Jimmy was always Emily's best friend's little brother--the one with the annoying crush on her. But now, they're both all grown up. Can a long-term crush turn into true love? Take this book on your next beach vacation and find out!
Warning: reading this book while not on a beach may cause must-go-to-the-beach-now-ness.
Jimmy was always Emily's best friend's little brother--the one with the annoying crush on her. But now, they're both all grown up. Can a long-term crush turn into true love? Take this book on your next beach vacation and find out!
Warning: reading this book while not on a beach may cause must-go-to-the-beach-now-ness.
August 8, 2018
Sandover Beach Week is a well-written, sweet, friends to sweethearts, and second-chance romance. A romance with a fireman on the beach--what more can you ask for? Oh, you do get that HEA. I enjoyed reading Emma St. Clair's book and would recommend it to other sweet romance readers. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.
January 23, 2019
Yay! For Jimmy and Emily
A fun, clean beach read. Who wouldn't love Jimmy?! He's the epitome of a hero. And i loved the growth, humor, and ability to take things in stride(especially with Stacy. Blech) that Emily displayed. Great supporting characters. Jimmy's friends are true brothers. Can't wait to read their stories.
A fun, clean beach read. Who wouldn't love Jimmy?! He's the epitome of a hero. And i loved the growth, humor, and ability to take things in stride(especially with Stacy. Blech) that Emily displayed. Great supporting characters. Jimmy's friends are true brothers. Can't wait to read their stories.
January 3, 2020
Couldn't put it down
I got really invested in this story! I felt like a big cheerleader for Emily and Jimmy. They are relatable characters--good but flawed people. They made it so easy to root for then! I definitely would recommend this story to anyone who likes second chance at love stories.
I got really invested in this story! I felt like a big cheerleader for Emily and Jimmy. They are relatable characters--good but flawed people. They made it so easy to root for then! I definitely would recommend this story to anyone who likes second chance at love stories.
October 15, 2020
Another great realistic love story
Reading this series has me wanting to visit The Outer Banks (in the off season). This love story was so relatable and had you pulling for them. In life it is hard to get out of our head space long enough to feel the joy in our hearts that love brings. Thank you Emma StClair for helping us to really connect with your characters.
Reading this series has me wanting to visit The Outer Banks (in the off season). This love story was so relatable and had you pulling for them. In life it is hard to get out of our head space long enough to feel the joy in our hearts that love brings. Thank you Emma StClair for helping us to really connect with your characters.
March 29, 2021
I got a copy of the prequel to this series (Cold Feet, Hot Summer) where you meet Jimmy and Emily and I was thrilled to see their story unfold. I love this—bit of an age gap, sister’s best friend, little brother to hero fireman—story. Some intense moments, way more depth to Emily that really develops her character as a whole (including some hard topics) and it was all done so well.
May 15, 2025
Emily and Jimmy
The thing of it is that the insecurities you acquire from your parents do affect you in your relationships in your adult life. But I agree with Natalie that Emily is not her parents.
Good little book,.
I like the Christian tidbits.
Kudos to Emma St. Clair for keeping it clean,
The thing of it is that the insecurities you acquire from your parents do affect you in your relationships in your adult life. But I agree with Natalie that Emily is not her parents.
Good little book,.
I like the Christian tidbits.
Kudos to Emma St. Clair for keeping it clean,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews