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Sandover Beach #1
Secrets Whispered from the Sea
Family secrets can’t stay buried forever. But will they draw you closer to those you love or tear you apart?
When Clementine Firth loses her job, her boyfriend, and her grandmother on the same day, she returns to Sandover Island to take care of her nana’s estate. But preparing the beach cottage for sale comes with its own set of heartaches and challenges. The home is falling apart, and Clementine has nowhere else to stay, no matter what the gorgeous but grumpy inspector says about the home’s structural integrity.
Her estranged sister simply wants to hurry things along, and her nana’s best friends want to find a way to make Clementine stay. When she finds her nana’s journal, the quirky and humorous mistakes and rules for living lead Clementine to a secret that shakes her to the core.
Will she be able to make peace and finally set down roots, or will the truth send Clementine running from the only place that’s ever felt like home?
Secrets Whispered from the Sea is a novel about family, love, and forgiveness set on the fictional Sandover Island, North Carolina. Many of the characters in this book also appear in the Sandover Island Sweet Romance series. You don't need to read them first, but you may enjoy them as companion books, with more emphasis on romance.
When Clementine Firth loses her job, her boyfriend, and her grandmother on the same day, she returns to Sandover Island to take care of her nana’s estate. But preparing the beach cottage for sale comes with its own set of heartaches and challenges. The home is falling apart, and Clementine has nowhere else to stay, no matter what the gorgeous but grumpy inspector says about the home’s structural integrity.
Her estranged sister simply wants to hurry things along, and her nana’s best friends want to find a way to make Clementine stay. When she finds her nana’s journal, the quirky and humorous mistakes and rules for living lead Clementine to a secret that shakes her to the core.
Will she be able to make peace and finally set down roots, or will the truth send Clementine running from the only place that’s ever felt like home?
Secrets Whispered from the Sea is a novel about family, love, and forgiveness set on the fictional Sandover Island, North Carolina. Many of the characters in this book also appear in the Sandover Island Sweet Romance series. You don't need to read them first, but you may enjoy them as companion books, with more emphasis on romance.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2020
94 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Emma St. Clair
62 books3,867 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 50 reviews
September 12, 2020
Clementine is drowning in her sorrow after her nana passed and has to face secrets that come up as she goes through the estate. While she is forming new relationships, she tries to mend those with her family, especially her sister. Once she realizes the impact the secrets had on her life, she finally decides to confront them and stops running from herself.
This novel has a melancholic tendency as we accompany Clementine through all her grief, sadness, and family issues. The story brings hope, happiness, and stability back to the main character, and shows that no relationship is beyond repair.
This is an emotionally loaded story, perfect if one is willing to question one’s own definition of happiness as well as realizing the value of the love surrounding us. I love books that make me actively think about my own life, but I would be careful recommending reading it while in low spirits. Though sometimes really sad, the plot is written with humor, having a way of making me laugh while being sentimental. Nevertheless, the story was a pleasure to read.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
This novel has a melancholic tendency as we accompany Clementine through all her grief, sadness, and family issues. The story brings hope, happiness, and stability back to the main character, and shows that no relationship is beyond repair.
This is an emotionally loaded story, perfect if one is willing to question one’s own definition of happiness as well as realizing the value of the love surrounding us. I love books that make me actively think about my own life, but I would be careful recommending reading it while in low spirits. Though sometimes really sad, the plot is written with humor, having a way of making me laugh while being sentimental. Nevertheless, the story was a pleasure to read.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
September 17, 2020
A standing ovation to Ms St Clair...
What a brilliant book smack-bang in the middle of women's fiction! First person and one POV... bravo!
I loved this story about Clementine, her life struggles, the issues of her past, her family mess... everything! The grief and darkness Clem had to deal with as she purged her nana's house. I also love the possible segue into her sister Ann's story (which I hope is a future book!).
Oh, and I especially loved the romantic elements. For a book which only went as far as kissing, this story sizzles at times! Wowzer! Hot! I love grumpy males... so that little bonus was wonderful!
So much tension, angst, real-life human concerns, drama... and some hilarious situations too. My cup of tea. 😉
Read this!
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
What a brilliant book smack-bang in the middle of women's fiction! First person and one POV... bravo!
I loved this story about Clementine, her life struggles, the issues of her past, her family mess... everything! The grief and darkness Clem had to deal with as she purged her nana's house. I also love the possible segue into her sister Ann's story (which I hope is a future book!).
Oh, and I especially loved the romantic elements. For a book which only went as far as kissing, this story sizzles at times! Wowzer! Hot! I love grumpy males... so that little bonus was wonderful!
So much tension, angst, real-life human concerns, drama... and some hilarious situations too. My cup of tea. 😉
Read this!
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
September 15, 2020
I’m all in for this new series! What a great story about the search for significance. Clem is a young woman who must come face to face with her shortcomings, her losses, and life after her beloved grandmother passes away.
She navigates uncomfortable family dynamics as she goes through her grandmother’s house and discovers secrets about herself she never knew.
With the help of her grandmother’s best friends, a friendly contractor and the man who’s holding up her renovation she might just find herself, and a little bit of love along the way.
This book is well written with warm and sometimes quirky characters that give depth to the story. I recommend it.
I was given an ARC courtesy of the author. This is my honest opinion of the book.
She navigates uncomfortable family dynamics as she goes through her grandmother’s house and discovers secrets about herself she never knew.
With the help of her grandmother’s best friends, a friendly contractor and the man who’s holding up her renovation she might just find herself, and a little bit of love along the way.
This book is well written with warm and sometimes quirky characters that give depth to the story. I recommend it.
I was given an ARC courtesy of the author. This is my honest opinion of the book.
September 15, 2020
I have cried so much reading this; sometimes crying on the inside, sometimes crying a little here and there and in parts I've cried a lot! I felt the pain, the sorrow, the grief, the fears, the anger, the bewilderment and the uncertainty. I also felt the light, the laughter, the warmth, the friendships, the hope and the love. I was lost in the story and did not want to put it down. I was very unhappy when I realised I had finished the story as I wanted to keep on reading, wanted to stay a part of their lives for a little bit longer - I am so looking forward to the next book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
September 14, 2020
Clementine next bacon Sandover Island for he Nana’s funeral. She is jobless, her boyfriend just broke with their and the relationship with her sister Ann is strangled. Can she find herself in the only place she has ever considered home? Will she be able to stop running from her past and settle in the island? A heartwarming life and love story.
September 12, 2020
Unexpected Life-Altering Events on Sandover Island
This is a sweet and clean romance which is more like women's fiction that romance. Our heroine is called home to deal with her grandmother's death and all sorts of skeletons begin to fall from the closets. Her life has totally flipped as she tries to make lemonade from the lemons she has been handed. As with most romance novels, the fun is in the road the book travels. I received this ARC book for free from the author and this is my honest review.
This is a sweet and clean romance which is more like women's fiction that romance. Our heroine is called home to deal with her grandmother's death and all sorts of skeletons begin to fall from the closets. Her life has totally flipped as she tries to make lemonade from the lemons she has been handed. As with most romance novels, the fun is in the road the book travels. I received this ARC book for free from the author and this is my honest review.
September 14, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this book! Clementine is as real as it gets, almost larger than life. All the characters are fully realized in a well thought out, smoothly flowing, complex plot. And Alec is HOT despite this being a clean, slow burn romance. Bravo!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
September 13, 2020
A really engaging, thoughtful read about sisterhood, healing, and finding home.
Maybe a little heavy on the romance for this particular reader, but that part of the storyline was lovely, too.
Maybe a little heavy on the romance for this particular reader, but that part of the storyline was lovely, too.
September 12, 2020
I found this story very good with a whole bunch of great characters. It contains family secrets, humor, forgiveness and some really sweet, clean romance.
September 8, 2020
An engaging, heartfelt & moving story,
filled with laughter, tears, & secrets.
Great characters & small town charm.
In one day, Clementine's whole life
changed. Now she's come back to
Sandover Beach. But she's surprised
by what she finds there.
It's a very enjoyable book to read.
It will draw you in from the beginning,
& keeps you reading till the end!!
filled with laughter, tears, & secrets.
Great characters & small town charm.
In one day, Clementine's whole life
changed. Now she's come back to
Sandover Beach. But she's surprised
by what she finds there.
It's a very enjoyable book to read.
It will draw you in from the beginning,
& keeps you reading till the end!!
October 7, 2020
It is wonderful to be back on Sandoval Island with Secrets Whispered from the Sea. This book works as a stand alone but it was great to reconnect with old friends. Clementine's life changes drastically when her Nana dies unexpectedly and she moves to Sandoval Island to renovate Nana's cottage. With charismatic. well developed characters, this well written book is about family drama, family secrets, overcoming difficulties, forgiveness and love. I enjoyed every minute of reading this sweet romance and could not put it down.
November 13, 2020
(4.5 stars) - putting the fun in dysfunctional
Sandover Beach is my favorite series by the author, so even though I'm not a big women's fiction fan, I trusted her with this one, & she didn't disappoint.
Clementine comes from a dysfunctional family, but she's faking her way thru life pretty well, until her boyfriend dumps her, she loses her job, and her grandmother dies.
She returns to Sandover to fix up her grandmother's house to sell and ends up at odds with the island's building inspector.
Alec is one of those annoying people who is "detail oriented" (so am I), and correcting people is second nature to him - and he's usually right which is even more annoying.
Clementine is one of those people who seem easygoing, but we come to understand that it's really because she's letting things go that she has no plan to hang around for or get too emotionally invested in.
In the midst of the approval process with the annoying Alec, she realizes that he's actually a pretty good guy once you get past wanting to punch him, lol.
I'm not generally a fan of relationships with a big age gap, but it's not huge, & the author makes it work fairly well here.
The women's fiction aspect of the story is rooted in the seriously messed up family relationships & the accompanying angst & self discovery that follow the death of Clementine's grandmother. It's emotional but in a realistic rather than contrived way. There's a secret revealed at the end that's not particularly original, but is psychologically true and - following the aftermath - actually provides a path forward to healing.
So, a little more involved than her romance novels, but still very, very good. And much as I didn't like Ann at the beginning, I'm actually looking forward to her book next.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
Sandover Beach is my favorite series by the author, so even though I'm not a big women's fiction fan, I trusted her with this one, & she didn't disappoint.
Clementine comes from a dysfunctional family, but she's faking her way thru life pretty well, until her boyfriend dumps her, she loses her job, and her grandmother dies.
She returns to Sandover to fix up her grandmother's house to sell and ends up at odds with the island's building inspector.
Alec is one of those annoying people who is "detail oriented" (so am I), and correcting people is second nature to him - and he's usually right which is even more annoying.
Clementine is one of those people who seem easygoing, but we come to understand that it's really because she's letting things go that she has no plan to hang around for or get too emotionally invested in.
In the midst of the approval process with the annoying Alec, she realizes that he's actually a pretty good guy once you get past wanting to punch him, lol.
I'm not generally a fan of relationships with a big age gap, but it's not huge, & the author makes it work fairly well here.
The women's fiction aspect of the story is rooted in the seriously messed up family relationships & the accompanying angst & self discovery that follow the death of Clementine's grandmother. It's emotional but in a realistic rather than contrived way. There's a secret revealed at the end that's not particularly original, but is psychologically true and - following the aftermath - actually provides a path forward to healing.
So, a little more involved than her romance novels, but still very, very good. And much as I didn't like Ann at the beginning, I'm actually looking forward to her book next.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
October 11, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story has depth, wonderful characters, and scenery that will take you away from a humdrum life. There is a whole host of characters that you feel like you have met or would like to meet in real life. There is never a dull moment in this story.
Clementine has come back to Sandover Beach following her Nana's death. She is given the beach cottage and she is when deciding whether to sell it or renovate it and then sell it. The idea of selling it doesn't feel right to her. When she faces the ire of the CRUD and Alec, the grumpy "inspector", she almost gives in and unloads the house.
She has a very dysfunctional family that has kept family secrets that could destroy her once they come to light. She has a strained relationship with her sister, Ann, and her father but her Nana was always the one who loved her unconditionally and when she discovers the secrets that have been kept from her, she feels like she has been living a lie her whole life.
There is so much to the story and the good news is there is a happy ending. This is a clean story without foul language and graphic sexual details. It has romance, difficult family dynamics, forgiveness and love.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Clementine has come back to Sandover Beach following her Nana's death. She is given the beach cottage and she is when deciding whether to sell it or renovate it and then sell it. The idea of selling it doesn't feel right to her. When she faces the ire of the CRUD and Alec, the grumpy "inspector", she almost gives in and unloads the house.
She has a very dysfunctional family that has kept family secrets that could destroy her once they come to light. She has a strained relationship with her sister, Ann, and her father but her Nana was always the one who loved her unconditionally and when she discovers the secrets that have been kept from her, she feels like she has been living a lie her whole life.
There is so much to the story and the good news is there is a happy ending. This is a clean story without foul language and graphic sexual details. It has romance, difficult family dynamics, forgiveness and love.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
September 19, 2020
This was an interesting romance that kept the family secret right up to the end of the story. Clementine's relationship with her sister is not the greatest as well as the relationship with her father and step-mother. Her first meeting with grumpy is while she is wading at the sea shore and he over hears her conversation with her ex and her Dad, neither sounded like she was being nice to them. Alec keeps running into her around town and each time he is grumpy, he keeps her from getting the permits she needs to work on her house. Even though she decides she doesn't like the guy, she is physically attracted to the man. The twists, turns and surprises are mainly the result of her insecurities and how she handles things. She refuses to face most things that she is not sure about. As she works on Nana's house she starts job hunting and gets a job in Atlanta and plans to leave everyone behind not telling anyone what she plans. There is a confrontation with Eric but she still leaves without a call or any notice. Six weeks later she comes back and begins to make amends to everyone. She finally begins to face things.
September 19, 2020
☀️☀️ONE REFRESHING DELIGHT☀️☀️
Engaging! Emma serves up one delectably delicious deep dish delight with this skillfully spun debacle, weaving a cocoon around you so intricately and precise, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist, wrapping this baby up sleek shiny and tight. Toss in the drama, humor, secrets, loss, intrigue and escalating suspense, you have one riveting adventure. Boundaries are shattered and exploited, exposing the frenzied facts, dodged deals and electrifying escapades, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming them into lovable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and vivid descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline explode. Fantastic job Emma, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Engaging! Emma serves up one delectably delicious deep dish delight with this skillfully spun debacle, weaving a cocoon around you so intricately and precise, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist, wrapping this baby up sleek shiny and tight. Toss in the drama, humor, secrets, loss, intrigue and escalating suspense, you have one riveting adventure. Boundaries are shattered and exploited, exposing the frenzied facts, dodged deals and electrifying escapades, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming them into lovable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and vivid descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline explode. Fantastic job Emma, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
September 27, 2020
Good clean women's fiction. I loved how we got an in depth look at Clementine's journey as she deals with the loss of her boyfriend, her job and death of her Grandma - not to mention dealing with her dysfunctional family, the guilt from her mothers death and inability to connect with her sister. As she is forced to deal with her Grandma's house (which is both full of stuff and structurally unsound) Clementine comes to realize her inability to put roots down and her tendency to run from problems is a legacy from her past that she has to deal with before she can truly connect with anyone. I loved getting to know the the various characters - her Grandma's friends, her sister Ann and of course the grumpy but gorgeous inspector. I loved all the interactions between Alec and Clementine as they both fought the attraction and looking forward to the next book. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased review.
October 25, 2020
You can never go wrong when you pick up a book by Ms. St. Clair. I can always count on a sweet, clean and heartwarming story that will leave me with a nice warm feeling afterwards. This book surely did not disappoint. This is a touching story about Clementine and her shortcomings and losses and her struggle to find herself. Discovering family secrets leads her to take a good look at herself and her life and see herself in a different light. The book has a strong storyline and wonderful characters with such personality and depth that give them an authentic quality. You can't help but fall in love with them. The story draws you in from the first page and does not let go until you are done. A truly heartwarming story, and a brilliant beginning to a wonderful new series. I would definitely recommend it. Can't wait to read the next installment!
I was gifted an advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I was gifted an advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 18, 2020
I’ve been reading Emma‘s books for a long time now. I absolutely love anything that takes place in Sandover. I guess I have a soft spot for them because I’ve always had this fantasy of having a beach house where my kids could come back full of happy and dramatic memories with their kids. Who knows, maybe even meet the love of their life? We still don’t have that house but these Beachy books take me right there to this magical place. Like all of Emma’s stories there’s a hint of sadness and a woman with problems we can all relate to on on some level but the heart off the story is finding love when and where you least expect. I absolutely loved the surprise ending, and I think you will too! I look forward to the next installment.
September 18, 2020
This author is no stranger to sweet clean romances, and she's brilliant at it. But this is her first book that's more towards women's fiction with a sweet romance element. And I think she made the transition quite well. One thing that I think sets her apart from other authors is her unique sense of humor. She sprinkles it in at just the right places. This book will gather your attention and pull you in but really picks up about the final third of the story. It gets better and more engaging as it goes on so stick with it! You'll be rewarded with some twists and turns and a happy ending. I really liked getting reacquainted with the Sandover characters. I did receive an ARC but this is my honest review.
September 20, 2020
Emma St. Claire wrote another winner! Loved being back at the beach with some familiar characters as we get to learn these new ones. Lots of drama and family dysfunction, with twists and turns galore. Clementine (Clem) was a runner - from jobs, cities, love - and seemed to know herself. She comes back home after tragedy hits and has to stay and face a lot of uncomfortable living. She finds new relationships along the way and works on maintaining existing ones. True to who she is - Clem runs again after facing some hard truths. Stick around to see what happens. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. The best part is how faith is weaved throughout the book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
October 17, 2020
The day Clemintine looses her boyfriend and her job, she receives news her Nana had passed away. She packs her belongings in her car and heads to Sandover Beach where her Nana lived. When she arrives she finds her Nana had changed, and things are not as they seem with her sister Ann. Why did Nana leave Clemintine in charge of her will? Clemintine and Ann feel like Ann should have been in charge. What happened to Nana in the years since Clemintine last seen her Nana? This is a good book and I enjoyed it. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
September 25, 2020
Although Secrets Whispered from the Sea has some romance in it, I consider it Women's Fiction or Chick Lit. Ms. St. Clair writes so that readers get an in-depth view of the characters and their challenges: Clem's dilemmas [job, home, & relationships], relationship problems between sisters, her sister’s marital problems, and interference from her Grandmother’s “gang”. I really enjoyed reading the book. It was very well written and entertaining. I recommend Secrets Whispered from the Sea to all who enjoy reading books about family, friends and romance.
March 31, 2024
This was a very good story. I like how the author develops the characters and that the stories are clean romance.
I loved Clementine and Alec and the supporting characters. Clem and Alec did not have an easy time with relationships and it was one surprise after another.
It would be nice if all family relationships could be repaired and made perfect but that does not always happen. So it was nice to see an author deal with that.
I recommend this book and suggest that you start with book one of Sandover Beach.
I loved Clementine and Alec and the supporting characters. Clem and Alec did not have an easy time with relationships and it was one surprise after another.
It would be nice if all family relationships could be repaired and made perfect but that does not always happen. So it was nice to see an author deal with that.
I recommend this book and suggest that you start with book one of Sandover Beach.
September 18, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is easily my favorite Emma St. Clair novel. Yes, it really does meet the requirements of Women's Fiction better than Romance. And it is all the richer for it.
Clementine's character development is deep and satisfying. I appreciated her growth arc and thought the eventual romance only benefited from it.
Full disclosure: I did receive a complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.
This is easily my favorite Emma St. Clair novel. Yes, it really does meet the requirements of Women's Fiction better than Romance. And it is all the richer for it.
Clementine's character development is deep and satisfying. I appreciated her growth arc and thought the eventual romance only benefited from it.
Full disclosure: I did receive a complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.
September 18, 2020
She really does not like going home. Does she even have a home? And yet when her grandmother dies . . .she goes. Sees her sister at the lawyer and it has been years since she saw her. When they both inherit the house but SHE is left to make all the final decisions it is another crack in their relationship. This is a great book of family disfunction that needs healing, a new love and a woman who always runs when life gets hard.
September 21, 2020
What a beautiful, heartwarming story that truly touched all of my emotions. I felt happy, I laughed, and I even cried when I read this book. I also was sad when I had reached the last page. Clementine felt like my friend and with all of her ups and downs and soul searching I did not want to let her go but I do know that she is in good hands. This book is a keeper and one I will read again. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
September 22, 2020
* This story shows the unseen emotions that can come up at odd times with the loss of a loved one. I appreciated the quirky ladies & their support. Added a bit of humor to what is hard.
* So much emotion pouring out in this story. From how she handled the grief, to the Panic attacks. I could feel it all.
* I loved seeing the interaction of the group friends from The Sandover Beach series.
* So much emotion pouring out in this story. From how she handled the grief, to the Panic attacks. I could feel it all.
* I loved seeing the interaction of the group friends from The Sandover Beach series.
September 18, 2020
I read several of Emma St. Clair's books more than once. I love the Sandhover characters and it was great to see another book set in this beautiful area. Great characterization, and poor Clementine! But I love the ending with a surprise and unexpected twist to bring the book to a very satisfying conclusion. Once again, Emma did not disappoint.
September 19, 2020
At the beginning of this book, I didn't know where the story was going. As I kept reading I became more & more vested in it & very captivated. It is not a typical romance story but I enjoyed it very much. There are complicated relationships between all the characters. There is one BIG surprise at the end. I am anxious to read the 2nd book. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
September 19, 2020
Secrets Whispered from the Sea is amazing and terrific!
I don't usually read romantic stories unless they have paranormal or fantasy characters. But this amazing story is a wonderful love story and so much more. Watching people grow and learn to love is miraculous and makes me just a little bit envious. Don't miss this story; it is definitely a treat!
I don't usually read romantic stories unless they have paranormal or fantasy characters. But this amazing story is a wonderful love story and so much more. Watching people grow and learn to love is miraculous and makes me just a little bit envious. Don't miss this story; it is definitely a treat!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews