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Lobster Bay #4
Shifting Sands
Andie Miller may have made a terrible mistake in moving back to Lobster Bay.
Andie always wanted something more than small-town beach life. That’s why she worked so hard at her prestigious career as an antique appraiser in New York City. She does have one regret though, she never got to make that one big important antique find of a lifetime. Now that her mother’s illness has brought her back to Lobster Bay, it’s unlikely she ever will.
But even though she appreciates spending time with her aging mother and loves that she’s reconnected with her sister, Jane, Andie needs something more.
When an unusual opportunity presents itself, Andie is excited... until she finds out the fate of her new project is in the hands of unscrupulous town historian Damien Carruthers. Andie caught him ripping off little old ladies, and he’s giddy with excitement at the prospect of ruining her new plans.
Then there’s her old high school flame, Shane Flannery. Even though Andie was the one to break things off decades ago, she never really got over him. Shane is back in town too, but unfortunately he doesn’t seem to be the least bit interested in her.
Shane’s Aunt Mary, on the other hand, has taken quite a liking to Andie. Mary would love to see Shane and Andie together. Mary and Andie have gotten close. But Mary is nursing a painful heartache - she had a falling out with her daughter years ago and they haven’t spoken since. Can Andie help fill that hole?
Jules Whittier messed up her life. That’s how she ended up cutting hair in her great-aunt Mary’s hair salon. She blew her big chance, but it wasn’t totally her fault. She had some help in the form of her two cousins whom she hasn’t spoken to since. When she sees things turn around for Andie, she wonders if it can happen for her too, or is it too late?
Return to Lobster Bay and check in with old friends Jane, Claire and Maxi and make some new friends too!
Andie always wanted something more than small-town beach life. That’s why she worked so hard at her prestigious career as an antique appraiser in New York City. She does have one regret though, she never got to make that one big important antique find of a lifetime. Now that her mother’s illness has brought her back to Lobster Bay, it’s unlikely she ever will.
But even though she appreciates spending time with her aging mother and loves that she’s reconnected with her sister, Jane, Andie needs something more.
When an unusual opportunity presents itself, Andie is excited... until she finds out the fate of her new project is in the hands of unscrupulous town historian Damien Carruthers. Andie caught him ripping off little old ladies, and he’s giddy with excitement at the prospect of ruining her new plans.
Then there’s her old high school flame, Shane Flannery. Even though Andie was the one to break things off decades ago, she never really got over him. Shane is back in town too, but unfortunately he doesn’t seem to be the least bit interested in her.
Shane’s Aunt Mary, on the other hand, has taken quite a liking to Andie. Mary would love to see Shane and Andie together. Mary and Andie have gotten close. But Mary is nursing a painful heartache - she had a falling out with her daughter years ago and they haven’t spoken since. Can Andie help fill that hole?
Jules Whittier messed up her life. That’s how she ended up cutting hair in her great-aunt Mary’s hair salon. She blew her big chance, but it wasn’t totally her fault. She had some help in the form of her two cousins whom she hasn’t spoken to since. When she sees things turn around for Andie, she wonders if it can happen for her too, or is it too late?
Return to Lobster Bay and check in with old friends Jane, Claire and Maxi and make some new friends too!
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1933
2208 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
May 12, 2021
From my updates:
This reads rather like a rapid first draft that hasn’t been re-read. Redundancies, repetitions, meaningless sentences everywhere. There’s no sense of skill or joy in the writing and I’m struggling to get to grips with it. I like frothy summer novels, but this seems just amateurish.
It didn't improve, sadly. The characters were flat and I could not work out how Andie actually managed to keep a business open. She came across as someone without any real sense of 'being' - I had very little idea of her age, or much about her really, and they way she acted when Shane was around reminded me of a love-sick teenager. She went on and on and on about finding a 'purpose' in her life which - as far as I could find out, meant discovering some valuable antique or something.
That isn't a 'purpose'. A purpose is finding something that fills your world, be it a hobby, a career, a vocation. Finding a valuable antique is just an ambition. What's left once you've done it? Where do you go from there? It was very irritating, especially as her 'purpose' was mentioned over and over.
The writing was immensely sloppy and flat. Nothing really happened, and some events which were mooted as important (eg: Why the inspector didn't fail the house, why the daughter didn't want to come home) were never explained. I finished the book wondering if anyone had read it with an eye for a hard edit.
"Great. I've inventoried most of it and rearranged the shop. Everything is organized the way I want it. The apartment is another story , though." The store she'd purchased had come with inventory and an apartment above. Andie had moved in but spent all her time on the inventory, and her apartment was bare bones.
That's three uses of inventory and apartment in three consecutive sentences. Surely someone should have spotted that??
This reads rather like a rapid first draft that hasn’t been re-read. Redundancies, repetitions, meaningless sentences everywhere. There’s no sense of skill or joy in the writing and I’m struggling to get to grips with it. I like frothy summer novels, but this seems just amateurish.
It didn't improve, sadly. The characters were flat and I could not work out how Andie actually managed to keep a business open. She came across as someone without any real sense of 'being' - I had very little idea of her age, or much about her really, and they way she acted when Shane was around reminded me of a love-sick teenager. She went on and on and on about finding a 'purpose' in her life which - as far as I could find out, meant discovering some valuable antique or something.
That isn't a 'purpose'. A purpose is finding something that fills your world, be it a hobby, a career, a vocation. Finding a valuable antique is just an ambition. What's left once you've done it? Where do you go from there? It was very irritating, especially as her 'purpose' was mentioned over and over.
The writing was immensely sloppy and flat. Nothing really happened, and some events which were mooted as important (eg: Why the inspector didn't fail the house, why the daughter didn't want to come home) were never explained. I finished the book wondering if anyone had read it with an eye for a hard edit.
"Great. I've inventoried most of it and rearranged the shop. Everything is organized the way I want it. The apartment is another story , though." The store she'd purchased had come with inventory and an apartment above. Andie had moved in but spent all her time on the inventory, and her apartment was bare bones.
That's three uses of inventory and apartment in three consecutive sentences. Surely someone should have spotted that??
May 28, 2025
i felt like this whole book fell flat for me and there was no climax :(
October 31, 2020
I love this series! Good friends are hard to find. I love that these ladies are older, have more experience with life and still cling to their close friends to be there when they need each other. Ms. Summers is such a good storyteller. You feel the emotions of her characters. Her settings are so beautifully described that you feel like you are there. Her stories touch the heart and make you feel good. If you like stories about real women and their lives, then you will love this series!
June 12, 2023
Each book gets better
Great job of tying in all the main characters. The story allows you to relax but also get to where you don't want to put it down.
These books (1-4) so far have been very clean reads and I really appreciate that. I've found a new author to add to my favorites in Meredith Summers!
Great job of tying in all the main characters. The story allows you to relax but also get to where you don't want to put it down.
These books (1-4) so far have been very clean reads and I really appreciate that. I've found a new author to add to my favorites in Meredith Summers!
February 23, 2025
Easy read Shifting Sands
I love reading good deed stories & how this series comes together. The ladies really help each other out with their lives. Fun to see how a small town can keep you interested in the stories.
I love reading good deed stories & how this series comes together. The ladies really help each other out with their lives. Fun to see how a small town can keep you interested in the stories.
June 9, 2021
After a lifelong career in New York as an antique appraiser, Andie Miller moves back from to her hometown of Lobster Bay to help her sister Jane run their family beach-side inn, Tides following their mother’s declining health.
She’s also bought an old antiques store which she manages. The store she’d purchased had come with an apartment which she moved right in.
She’s also bought an old antiques store which she manages. The store she’d purchased had come with an apartment which she moved right in.
June 23, 2021
This is the fourth story about three friends in Lobster Bay. In this story, Jane’s older sister, Andie, has decided to stay in Lobster Bay and make a life for herself. In New York, she was an antiques dealer and her, she buys an antique store. She finds her true joy in helping a family save there house from foreclosure by selling some of the antiques and helping to make the home into an Airbnb. These stories are cute and you begin to feel a part of this sweet town.
June 24, 2021
Refreshing old relationships
A lot of people have left small towns for careers when young and when sickness or deaths brings you back old relationships with friends or love ones can be rekindled.
A lot of people have left small towns for careers when young and when sickness or deaths brings you back old relationships with friends or love ones can be rekindled.
June 23, 2021
Relaxing
A sweet story line with no surprises. Just right for sitting on the beach or beside the pool. LobsterBay is enchanting.
A sweet story line with no surprises. Just right for sitting on the beach or beside the pool. LobsterBay is enchanting.
April 26, 2023
I am devouring this series! I love that it reads fast and has a great story line. Each book develops one of the characters who are friends. We get to learn their backstory and see them develop. I enjoy the relationships these friends and community members have with each other. Couldn’t wait to borrow the next one!
June 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
30/50 books read for the year
A Heartfelt Return to Lobster Bay
Meredith Summers' "Shifting Sands" is a delightful listen that delivers on its promise of small-town charm, layered relationships, and a touch of intrigue. While not without its minor imperfections, the audiobook successfully sweeps you back into the familiar embrace of Lobster Bay, earning a solid four stars from me.
Andie Miller's return to her hometown, propelled by her mother's illness, immediately resonated. Her struggle between appreciating family time and yearning for the professional excitement of her New York life felt incredibly authentic. As an antique appraiser longing for that one "big find," her predicament sets the stage nicely for the unexpected opportunity that arises.
The cast of characters is where this book truly shines. Damien Carruthers, the unscrupulous historian, provides a deliciously antagonistic foil, and his glee at the thought of ruining Andie's plans adds a much-needed spark of conflict. The rekindling of the flame (or lack thereof) with Shane Flannery kept me guessing, and the complex relationship between Andie, Shane, and his well-meaning Aunt Mary was genuinely touching. Mary's own heartache over her estranged daughter adds a poignant depth to her character and a lovely subplot that Andie finds herself drawn into.
Jules Whittier's storyline, with her past mistakes and fractured family ties, offers a compelling parallel to Andie's journey, making you root for her own redemption. And, of course, the return of familiar faces like Jane, Claire, and Maxi was a warm welcome, instantly grounding the narrative in the beloved Lobster Bay setting.
The narrator did an excellent job of bringing these diverse personalities to life, making it easy to distinguish between characters and conveying their emotions effectively. The pacing felt just right for a cozy mystery/romance, allowing for character development without dragging.
My only slight reservation, preventing a full five stars, is that a few plot points felt a tad predictable, and certain resolutions, while satisfying, tied up a little too neatly. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise a truly enjoyable and heartwarming listen. "Shifting Sands" is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the "something more" you're looking for can be found right back where you started, surrounded by family, friends, and a few well-placed antiques. If you're looking for a comforting escape with engaging characters and a touch of mystery, I highly recommend diving into this one.
30/50 books read for the year
A Heartfelt Return to Lobster Bay
Meredith Summers' "Shifting Sands" is a delightful listen that delivers on its promise of small-town charm, layered relationships, and a touch of intrigue. While not without its minor imperfections, the audiobook successfully sweeps you back into the familiar embrace of Lobster Bay, earning a solid four stars from me.
Andie Miller's return to her hometown, propelled by her mother's illness, immediately resonated. Her struggle between appreciating family time and yearning for the professional excitement of her New York life felt incredibly authentic. As an antique appraiser longing for that one "big find," her predicament sets the stage nicely for the unexpected opportunity that arises.
The cast of characters is where this book truly shines. Damien Carruthers, the unscrupulous historian, provides a deliciously antagonistic foil, and his glee at the thought of ruining Andie's plans adds a much-needed spark of conflict. The rekindling of the flame (or lack thereof) with Shane Flannery kept me guessing, and the complex relationship between Andie, Shane, and his well-meaning Aunt Mary was genuinely touching. Mary's own heartache over her estranged daughter adds a poignant depth to her character and a lovely subplot that Andie finds herself drawn into.
Jules Whittier's storyline, with her past mistakes and fractured family ties, offers a compelling parallel to Andie's journey, making you root for her own redemption. And, of course, the return of familiar faces like Jane, Claire, and Maxi was a warm welcome, instantly grounding the narrative in the beloved Lobster Bay setting.
The narrator did an excellent job of bringing these diverse personalities to life, making it easy to distinguish between characters and conveying their emotions effectively. The pacing felt just right for a cozy mystery/romance, allowing for character development without dragging.
My only slight reservation, preventing a full five stars, is that a few plot points felt a tad predictable, and certain resolutions, while satisfying, tied up a little too neatly. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise a truly enjoyable and heartwarming listen. "Shifting Sands" is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the "something more" you're looking for can be found right back where you started, surrounded by family, friends, and a few well-placed antiques. If you're looking for a comforting escape with engaging characters and a touch of mystery, I highly recommend diving into this one.
Read
November 12, 2020Andie Miller returned to Lobster Bay to help her sister Jane with their mother, Addie, and the family inn, Tides Their mother is now in Tall Pines due to her failing memory. Andie left a job in NYC where she was an antique appraiser. She has been looking for that big find. She has now purchased an old antique shop in Lobster Bay from a resident of Tall Pines. She is questioning whether she will find that big find in Lobster Bay. While visiting her mother she sees an old friend of her mom's, Sadie Thompson. They now feud a lot so Sadie's daughter, Emily Wilder, doesn't seem to like Andie. When Andie finds out that Emily needs money to keep her mom at Tall Pines, Andie offers to help her appraise the antiques at Thompson House, one of the oldest houses in town.
I have enjoyed watching the characters develop and Andie and Shane Flannery re-establishing the love they had in high school.
This story could be read alone but I encourage you to read the first three books in the series.
I received an advance copy of the book. This is my honest review.
I have enjoyed watching the characters develop and Andie and Shane Flannery re-establishing the love they had in high school.
This story could be read alone but I encourage you to read the first three books in the series.
I received an advance copy of the book. This is my honest review.
November 6, 2020
Shifting Sands is Book 4 in the Lobster Bay Series. This can definitely be read as a stand alone book, but you definitely want to check out the other books in this fantastic series.
Andie Miller is such a fanatic protagonist. This story reminds me of that saying "be careful what you wish for". Andie always wanted to find that one great find of antiques. After she moved back to Lobster Bay to take care of her ill mother that seemed to be out of sights.
Something turns up that sets Andie on a path that she did not expect. Add to this her ex boyfriend from years ago returning to town, Andie has her hands full.
I loved revisiting with Jane, Clare and Maxi.
The characters are well round, complex and well fleshed out. I enjoy reading characters at an older age, they are so relatable.
The story itself is so well written and perfectly paced that I enjoyed every minute.
A great read that I highly recommend.
Andie Miller is such a fanatic protagonist. This story reminds me of that saying "be careful what you wish for". Andie always wanted to find that one great find of antiques. After she moved back to Lobster Bay to take care of her ill mother that seemed to be out of sights.
Something turns up that sets Andie on a path that she did not expect. Add to this her ex boyfriend from years ago returning to town, Andie has her hands full.
I loved revisiting with Jane, Clare and Maxi.
The characters are well round, complex and well fleshed out. I enjoy reading characters at an older age, they are so relatable.
The story itself is so well written and perfectly paced that I enjoyed every minute.
A great read that I highly recommend.
October 3, 2025
The story (book 4 in the series)primarily follows Andie Miller, who is back in town to care for her mother, and is trying to figure out her own next chapter, which includes an exciting antique project and a run-in with an old flame, Shane. But honestly, the best part of this book, as well as the whole series, is the deep, unwavering bond between the main characters.
Whether it's Andie's connection with her sister Jane, or the continued presence of the friends from earlier books (like Jane, Claire, and Maxi), you can genuinely feel the history and mutual support. These women have each other's backs through everything, including career woes, family struggles, even messy old high school drama. Their friendship is so authentic and heartwarming; it’s the kind of sisterhood that feels like a big, cozy blanket on a chilly beach night. It really makes the whole Lobster Bay setting feel like home.
Whether it's Andie's connection with her sister Jane, or the continued presence of the friends from earlier books (like Jane, Claire, and Maxi), you can genuinely feel the history and mutual support. These women have each other's backs through everything, including career woes, family struggles, even messy old high school drama. Their friendship is so authentic and heartwarming; it’s the kind of sisterhood that feels like a big, cozy blanket on a chilly beach night. It really makes the whole Lobster Bay setting feel like home.
May 14, 2021
Enjoyable read...
This is the first book I've read by this author and I didn't feel anything was missing by not having read the prior 3 books. It was an enjoyable, although typical, story of past loves returning home. The story and outcome were predictable, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's the skill of the author's writing that makes the ride through the story enjoyable. There were a couple of technical errors, but otherwise this book was entirely devoid of proofreading errors, which I appreciate more than anyone would understand. I'm a connoisseur of covers and this one, along with the other 3, is merely generic, as is the title. I shall add this author to my Whitelist and look forward to reading more of her work.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I didn't feel anything was missing by not having read the prior 3 books. It was an enjoyable, although typical, story of past loves returning home. The story and outcome were predictable, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's the skill of the author's writing that makes the ride through the story enjoyable. There were a couple of technical errors, but otherwise this book was entirely devoid of proofreading errors, which I appreciate more than anyone would understand. I'm a connoisseur of covers and this one, along with the other 3, is merely generic, as is the title. I shall add this author to my Whitelist and look forward to reading more of her work.
November 1, 2020
This was a well written story and can stand alone even though it is the fourth in the series.
It’s about coming home after exiling yourself for years. I liked how Andie was able to reconnect with her sister Jane. Andie’s friends seem to be the tried and true variety.
What I liked was these women seem real to me. Their concerns are not banal and they care about each other. Even new friends can be made with the opportunity of age and personal growth.
This is a feel good story and I can’t wait for the next one.
I was given an Advanced e-copy of this book and am not required to leave a positive review.
It’s about coming home after exiling yourself for years. I liked how Andie was able to reconnect with her sister Jane. Andie’s friends seem to be the tried and true variety.
What I liked was these women seem real to me. Their concerns are not banal and they care about each other. Even new friends can be made with the opportunity of age and personal growth.
This is a feel good story and I can’t wait for the next one.
I was given an Advanced e-copy of this book and am not required to leave a positive review.
March 22, 2024
This is book four in the Lobster Bay series. It is focused on Jane's sister, Andie, as she tries to find her calling. This book is about Andie helping people, which will eventually lead her to know what she wants in life, and her old high school love, who she'd broken up with decades ago. I really enjoyed this book, it is my new favorite in the series, and I was quite sad when it was over. I had a bunch of different emotions while reading this book. I laughed, cried, got mad, blushed... I give this book 5/5 stars. It was a very fast read, only taking about five hours (I'm a slow reader though). Highly recommend you read the series.
May 11, 2021
Wow
It seemed like this book was more about Andie, her mom and everyone else and Shane came last. The Author didn’t put them together very much throughout the book, and being as though they had history, it seems like that would’ve made the story more interesting . It was hard to see them ending up together because the narration was so long, which made you forget what was said two pages ago, and because their love/like for one another wasn’t established enough throughout the book...
It seemed like this book was more about Andie, her mom and everyone else and Shane came last. The Author didn’t put them together very much throughout the book, and being as though they had history, it seems like that would’ve made the story more interesting . It was hard to see them ending up together because the narration was so long, which made you forget what was said two pages ago, and because their love/like for one another wasn’t established enough throughout the book...
January 16, 2024
The fourth story in this series was very boring. I actually started omitting many places to read because I lost interest quickly, unlike the other books. It was a struggle to finish and it seemed to drag on. I got tired of the same old reminiscing about her leaving Shane in earlier days. Sadly, I really didn’t read much more halfway through except the last paragraph to see the ending, which I knew how it would end between Andie and Shane. Wondering if I want to finish the remaining books left in this series?
January 18, 2026
Not an earth shattering story but a feel good, easy, somewhat predictable read. Compared to the previous book's main characters leading up to this one, Addie, in this book didn't feel quite as wishy-washy and weak. (Thank Goodness). There were some non-important typos in one chapter especially that bug me in a published book. I don't know why it does, but I feel like surely enough people pre-read the book for an author to catch such things right? That's just my own hang up! Doesn't affect the books story or anything just a pet peeve of mine 😊
November 10, 2024
Andie an antique appraiser in New York is back in Lobster Bay as her mother's health has deteriorated and also it's a chance to reconnect with her sister. Not to mention her old flame is also back in town and she's loving the quieter pace of life and fresh air. Will Andie stay now she's back with family and will she reconnect with Shane? Thoroughly enjoyed the fourth book in this series and looking forward to reading the next one
May 9, 2025
# 4 in the Lobster Bay series finds sisters Andie & Jane reconnecting after decades of living apart, and Andie deciding to stay in Lobster Bay. Andie quickly realized Lobster Bay was a better fit than New York, and bought an antiques shop & an apartment. Was rekindling her feelings for her high school sweetheart a reason also? She soon realizes that a life in Lobster Bay could provide more happiness than a career in New York. Very enjoyable read.
November 11, 2025
Enjoying this series set in a seaside town in Maine. This book is about Andie, Jane's sister, finding her passion and purpose in her small hometown after living in NYC for years. While the books could be read as a standalone, they are best enjoyed in order of the series, so you can get to know the characters as they are presented. Looking forward to reading the next one, as well as the Shell Cove series branching off from this one.
November 18, 2020
Andie came home to Tides, the family inn, to help her sister, Jane when their mother needed to go to a senior care facility because of failing memory. Andie's story of finding "home," her place and purpose there, as well as friends, makes for a heartwarming tale that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend it!
May 18, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. Andie left New York and her prestigious job to help her sister take care of her ailing Mom. I liked how she dedicated herself in helping others. She did not give up once she promised to help others as in not so friendly Emily. It paid off at the end when Emily was able to saved their historical mansion for being foreclosed. Andie and Shane were able to get that second chance since both of them never left each others heart.
July 19, 2021
This series should have been one book not 4. Each successive book was redundant going through the relationship of each character so people who hadn’t read the previous books would be able to follow—- totally unnecessary if you’d read the previous books. Each successive book could have been shortened significantly w/o the unnecessary explanations.
July 8, 2023
Very good book.
I really liked this book, as well as the rest of the series. I didn’t want to see any of them to end, to see how these women’s lives turned out. I enjoyed watching them come to a second new stage of life. I enjoyed watching the story of Emily’s transformation of her home.
I really liked this book, as well as the rest of the series. I didn’t want to see any of them to end, to see how these women’s lives turned out. I enjoyed watching them come to a second new stage of life. I enjoyed watching the story of Emily’s transformation of her home.
November 17, 2024
Great wrIter
I could see in my minds eye, everyone and every place the writer wrote about. The smells and the tastes of everything. What a wonderful set of stories. Light hearted and written with love. Thank u so much. I have truly enjoyed them. Can wait to see what other adventures we are going on!
I could see in my minds eye, everyone and every place the writer wrote about. The smells and the tastes of everything. What a wonderful set of stories. Light hearted and written with love. Thank u so much. I have truly enjoyed them. Can wait to see what other adventures we are going on!
November 19, 2020
A short series conclusion
I was totally surprised by this book which takes less than an hour to read? It does bring the series to a conclusion, taking in most of the characters. Looking back I think it should have been one or two chapters added to the third book in the series.
I was totally surprised by this book which takes less than an hour to read? It does bring the series to a conclusion, taking in most of the characters. Looking back I think it should have been one or two chapters added to the third book in the series.
December 22, 2020
This was my least favorite book of the series. Really one dimensional without much interaction between the characters. The characters and the seaside town are critical to this series, and just felt like they were MIA in this installment of the series.
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