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Secrets in the Sand
New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown's Texas twang and inimitable sass shine through in this contemporary romance about winning a second chance with a long-lost love
He left her alone in the sand that night
And has regretted it ever since
But maybe he can mend it
If only she'll let him
Time doesn't heal all wounds... Not when they are deep within the heart like Angela Conrad's. Ten years ago, Clancy Morgan broke her heart and even though she's made a successful life for herself, she's never gotten over that pain. Angel didn't intend to ever go back home, but when the Alumni Association asked her to return to her hometown to play for the dance at their alumni gathering, she agreed.
Clancy wasn't planning to attend, but he does, and he recognizes Angela immediately. He never expected to see her again, and definitely didn't expect to see her standing up there looking like a movie star and singing like a seasoned famous country artist. She's the Angel he walked away from and has been kicking himself ever since.
He made a big mistake, but maybe he can mend it, if only she'll let him. She's not so easily inclined, but he gets to know her posse of protective girlfriends, and they cook up a scheme to help her get over him once and for all. Or, maybe she'll let him win her back.
He left her alone in the sand that night
And has regretted it ever since
But maybe he can mend it
If only she'll let him
Time doesn't heal all wounds... Not when they are deep within the heart like Angela Conrad's. Ten years ago, Clancy Morgan broke her heart and even though she's made a successful life for herself, she's never gotten over that pain. Angel didn't intend to ever go back home, but when the Alumni Association asked her to return to her hometown to play for the dance at their alumni gathering, she agreed.
Clancy wasn't planning to attend, but he does, and he recognizes Angela immediately. He never expected to see her again, and definitely didn't expect to see her standing up there looking like a movie star and singing like a seasoned famous country artist. She's the Angel he walked away from and has been kicking himself ever since.
He made a big mistake, but maybe he can mend it, if only she'll let him. She's not so easily inclined, but he gets to know her posse of protective girlfriends, and they cook up a scheme to help her get over him once and for all. Or, maybe she'll let him win her back.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1998
906 people are currently reading
2342 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,119 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 1, 2022
I love second chance romances, I’ve enjoyed Carolyn Brown’s books before. But this was a hot mess of cheesy melodrama. The dialogue made me cringe and there’s also the thing that makes me most cranky of all - when a hero who hurt the heroine terribly is forgiven quickly with just a marginally heartfelt “I’m sorry”.
The narrating was okay but the story did NOT work for me AT ALL.
The narrating was okay but the story did NOT work for me AT ALL.
July 13, 2022
DNF at 55%.
This was so bad. I've read Carolyn Brown before and I knew I wasn't going to get the modern day equivalent of Jane Austen, but this was so much worse than anything else I've read by her. Angela is a poor-girl-turned-oil-magnate who is also a country singer with a moderately successful band, only the band is breaking up to get their weekends back.
Like ya do...?
Clancy was an absolute asshat back in the day and I was prepared to be here for it, but he broke up with Angel when she told him she was pregnant because he thought she was beneath him (which, okay, yeah, that's an asshat thing to do, but as someone currently living with an asshat 18 year old, I can tell you that by nature, a lot of guys that age are MASSIVE asshats, so I could see how down the road he'd learned his lesson). Then, while telling his mother about his past relationship with Angel (this is fairly early on in the book), she reveals that she's also been slumming it with the help (my words, and probably also Clancy's) and is going to marry the cemetery groundskeeper and he responds by saying that the man is beneath his mother. (Her response in my head: "Not yet dear, we're saving that for the honeymoon." Earning him therapy for at least 10 years which this dude definitely needs.)
So clearly, this dude has not learned a damn thing about snobbery in the 10 years since losing Angel.
The book lost me at that point, but I kept slogging through. Then the characters go on a trip (actually, he stalks her on her trip with the help of her meddling friends). I put it down for good when (I'm going to spoiler tag it but I only made it halfway through this book so click the spoiler tag at your own risk)
And that's where I had to put this down. Between the psycho ex and the clunky dialogue when and it was awful.
Not only that, but the book's summary promised a grovel and that's... not what this was. At all. In fact, when I put it down at 55%, Angel seemed to have had an about-face, and all it took was this guy to stalk her a few times and horn in on her vacation. So, ya know, stalking works, guys! 👍
The narrator was fine. Her voice for Clancy wasn't wonderful, but I've heard worse male voices from female narrators. My issues here were entirely writing-based.
This was so bad. I've read Carolyn Brown before and I knew I wasn't going to get the modern day equivalent of Jane Austen, but this was so much worse than anything else I've read by her. Angela is a poor-girl-turned-oil-magnate who is also a country singer with a moderately successful band, only the band is breaking up to get their weekends back.
Like ya do...?
Clancy was an absolute asshat back in the day and I was prepared to be here for it, but he broke up with Angel when she told him she was pregnant because he thought she was beneath him (which, okay, yeah, that's an asshat thing to do, but as someone currently living with an asshat 18 year old, I can tell you that by nature, a lot of guys that age are MASSIVE asshats, so I could see how down the road he'd learned his lesson). Then, while telling his mother about his past relationship with Angel (this is fairly early on in the book), she reveals that she's also been slumming it with the help (my words, and probably also Clancy's) and is going to marry the cemetery groundskeeper and he responds by saying that the man is beneath his mother. (Her response in my head: "Not yet dear, we're saving that for the honeymoon." Earning him therapy for at least 10 years which this dude definitely needs.)
So clearly, this dude has not learned a damn thing about snobbery in the 10 years since losing Angel.
The book lost me at that point, but I kept slogging through. Then the characters go on a trip (actually, he stalks her on her trip with the help of her meddling friends). I put it down for good when (I'm going to spoiler tag it but I only made it halfway through this book so click the spoiler tag at your own risk)
And that's where I had to put this down. Between the psycho ex and the clunky dialogue when and it was awful.
Not only that, but the book's summary promised a grovel and that's... not what this was. At all. In fact, when I put it down at 55%, Angel seemed to have had an about-face, and all it took was this guy to stalk her a few times and horn in on her vacation. So, ya know, stalking works, guys! 👍
The narrator was fine. Her voice for Clancy wasn't wonderful, but I've heard worse male voices from female narrators. My issues here were entirely writing-based.
August 16, 2025
Ten years ago, a boy shattered a girl’s heart and she left town determined to move on. Now, a class reunion, maturity and mileage down life’s road, some interfering friends, and some hearts in the sand, bring second chances. Carolyn Brown has been a go-to author for quite some time so I trusted her to write a story that allowed me to get past what the guy said in his young and dumb years.
I’ve been slowly making my way through Carolyn Brown’s backlist and came upon Secrets in the Sand tucked away on one my Kindle shelves. It’s gotten some very mixed reviews so I was leery and hesitated over it. Coincidentally, a day later, it popped up in a library recommendations feed so I took the hint and borrowed the audio. Savannah Peachwood’s voice and Carolyn Brown’s words pulled me right into Angel’s bittersweet story and carried me right to the finish.
Secrets in the Sand hit on some profoundly deep topics from teen pregnancy, grief, class differences, and more. For some, Clancy’s actions were and are unforgiveable and that will determine how this story hits them. And, depending on how the story went after the ten years passed, I might have fallen in that camp.
But, I didn’t.
In this story, the awful events happened in a way that I could allow compassion and forgiveness in. Upfront, here’s a teenager, eighteen years old, who has been sneaking around with a girl because he’s immature enough to care about his social status as much as a relationship and he thinks because his dad is a stickler for social status, that he’d disappoint his parents for being with the girl. He knows he can’t keep up sneaking around with her especially when he heads off to college so his mindset is to break it off. Then, right when he’s worked himself up to do so, she hits him with the news that she’s pregnant and she knows they’ll be a happy family. Panic! Then, his mouth spews so much stupid my heart broke for her. He wasn’t being deliberately cruel, but rather he was thoughtless and selfish with not a care to her at all.
This is not an excuse, just an explanation.
Then, the story moves forward ten years. They meet. Angel is hurt and angry still and rightfully so. He says and does what he should in regret and apology. She shows him one more burden that situation laid on her and, because he wasn’t a genuine brute- just stupid and immature- his heart is broken right along with hers after she shares what went down after she left.
Most of the story is Clancy working hard to show he’s not that boy and his life in the military, a marriage and divorce from a cheating spouse, and following years spent teaching and living quietly has made him a whole different person.
There was also the discussion that even if he had done the right thing back then, there was a good chance they wouldn’t have made it with both being young and untried toward life’s struggles. The years have matured them, made them stronger, and they both get to know the new versions of themselves.
I felt her gradual road to forgiveness and trust was shown (though much faster than real life since it is a fiction romance) and he had to work to earn that. Now, the love was never the issue. Angel tried to deny it, but her heart was Clancy’s all along and he figured out the same thing after life banged him around a bit, too.
So, Secrets in the Sand was one I enjoyed like I do most of Carolyn Brown’s books and I liked the new to me narrator, too, but I’ll just say that this will not be for everyone because of how Clancy handled that early breakup.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 8.11.25.
I’ve been slowly making my way through Carolyn Brown’s backlist and came upon Secrets in the Sand tucked away on one my Kindle shelves. It’s gotten some very mixed reviews so I was leery and hesitated over it. Coincidentally, a day later, it popped up in a library recommendations feed so I took the hint and borrowed the audio. Savannah Peachwood’s voice and Carolyn Brown’s words pulled me right into Angel’s bittersweet story and carried me right to the finish.
Secrets in the Sand hit on some profoundly deep topics from teen pregnancy, grief, class differences, and more. For some, Clancy’s actions were and are unforgiveable and that will determine how this story hits them. And, depending on how the story went after the ten years passed, I might have fallen in that camp.
But, I didn’t.
In this story, the awful events happened in a way that I could allow compassion and forgiveness in. Upfront, here’s a teenager, eighteen years old, who has been sneaking around with a girl because he’s immature enough to care about his social status as much as a relationship and he thinks because his dad is a stickler for social status, that he’d disappoint his parents for being with the girl. He knows he can’t keep up sneaking around with her especially when he heads off to college so his mindset is to break it off. Then, right when he’s worked himself up to do so, she hits him with the news that she’s pregnant and she knows they’ll be a happy family. Panic! Then, his mouth spews so much stupid my heart broke for her. He wasn’t being deliberately cruel, but rather he was thoughtless and selfish with not a care to her at all.
This is not an excuse, just an explanation.
Then, the story moves forward ten years. They meet. Angel is hurt and angry still and rightfully so. He says and does what he should in regret and apology. She shows him one more burden that situation laid on her and, because he wasn’t a genuine brute- just stupid and immature- his heart is broken right along with hers after she shares what went down after she left.
Most of the story is Clancy working hard to show he’s not that boy and his life in the military, a marriage and divorce from a cheating spouse, and following years spent teaching and living quietly has made him a whole different person.
There was also the discussion that even if he had done the right thing back then, there was a good chance they wouldn’t have made it with both being young and untried toward life’s struggles. The years have matured them, made them stronger, and they both get to know the new versions of themselves.
I felt her gradual road to forgiveness and trust was shown (though much faster than real life since it is a fiction romance) and he had to work to earn that. Now, the love was never the issue. Angel tried to deny it, but her heart was Clancy’s all along and he figured out the same thing after life banged him around a bit, too.
So, Secrets in the Sand was one I enjoyed like I do most of Carolyn Brown’s books and I liked the new to me narrator, too, but I’ll just say that this will not be for everyone because of how Clancy handled that early breakup.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 8.11.25.
July 16, 2022
2.5 stars
I didn’t like this romance at all despite the premise being promising. In fact I was okay with the beginning. I was intrigued with the baby angle. Then the full truth came of what happened when they broke up, and it just went downhill from there. I was completely turned off. What he did was mean and cruel and treated her like garbage after keeping her as his dirty little secret around town where she was hidden from all. It wasn’t even due to external pressure either. He did that all on his own because he didn’t want to be embarrassed to be seen with her. That was plain wrong. He just wasn’t a good guy. He tried to justify that as him being a young, immature teenager, but that didn’t justify what he did. It was just harsh. I would have called him the villain instead of the hero. All of his actions didn’t show that he was desperately in love with her like he claimed. What he did was sickening. Plus he never checked up afterwards to see how she was doing especially knowing she was pregnant. He just didn’t care and didn’t want to. After that I really couldn’t root for him. What made matters worse was there was no grovel or epic gestures to show he was sorry. He nowhere made up for what he did to her. She just readily forgave him without a fight and never made him earn the right to be with her. The setup at the hotel he put into motion just wasn’t enough for me. After that I was just bored because they were in happy la la land after that and nothing else really happened. It was not a satisfying ending.
I didn’t like this romance at all despite the premise being promising. In fact I was okay with the beginning. I was intrigued with the baby angle. Then the full truth came of what happened when they broke up, and it just went downhill from there. I was completely turned off. What he did was mean and cruel and treated her like garbage after keeping her as his dirty little secret around town where she was hidden from all. It wasn’t even due to external pressure either. He did that all on his own because he didn’t want to be embarrassed to be seen with her. That was plain wrong. He just wasn’t a good guy. He tried to justify that as him being a young, immature teenager, but that didn’t justify what he did. It was just harsh. I would have called him the villain instead of the hero. All of his actions didn’t show that he was desperately in love with her like he claimed. What he did was sickening. Plus he never checked up afterwards to see how she was doing especially knowing she was pregnant. He just didn’t care and didn’t want to. After that I really couldn’t root for him. What made matters worse was there was no grovel or epic gestures to show he was sorry. He nowhere made up for what he did to her. She just readily forgave him without a fight and never made him earn the right to be with her. The setup at the hotel he put into motion just wasn’t enough for me. After that I was just bored because they were in happy la la land after that and nothing else really happened. It was not a satisfying ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. It was quick. The main characters were likable and the story moved along quickly. Not my favorite, but I was entertained. The narrator was perfect.
May 16, 2025
Secrets in the Sand by Carolyn Brown (2021) originally published as Winning Angel 1998
+324-page Paperback story pages 1-242
Bonus Story: Warm Nights in Magnolia Bay by Babette de Jongh - Welcome to Magnolia Bay, #1 pages 243-322
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Cover Advertisements for - The Shop on Main Street, The Sister's Café, and Christmas at Home, Bibliography for Carolyn Brown, Letter From Author, 10-Year High School Reunion, Nerd to Hot Trope, Country Girl Band, Second Chance Trope - High School Summer Love, First Love, Ex; Small-Town Oklahoma, Small-Town Texas, Farm, Oil Company, Davis, Oklahoma; Red River, Panama City, Florida; Tricenarians, Over the Top Drama, Terrible Travel Math, Montgomery, Alabama; Shreveport, Louisiana; Ardmore, Oklahoma; Sex, Profanity, Gossip, Haves-and-Have-Nots, Bibliography for Carolyn Brown Again, Covers and Blurbs for Welcome Back to Rambling Texas by June Faver, That Deep Feeling by Jackie Ashenden, and Hope on the Range by Cindi Madsen, Cover Advertisements for: Honky Tonk Cowboys - I Love This Bar, Hell, Yeah, My Give a Damn's Busted, and Honky Tonk Christmas
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content and language
Songs for the soundtrack: "Hush Hush" by Miranda Lambert, "On The Coast Of Somewhere Beautiful" by Kenny Chesney, "Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain" by The Judds, "I May Hate Myself In The Morning" by Lee Ann Womack, "Ol’ Red" by Blake Shelton, "17" by Cross Canadian Ragweed
Books and Authors mentioned: Something to Talk About by Callie Khouri
Memorable Quotes: "Hello, Clancy." Allie met him at the top of the stairs on the second floor. "So, you're the infamous rich boy who---"
"Nice to meet you too." He gritted his teeth. "This is ridiculous." "But necessary," Allie said firmly.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🏫🇨🇱👢🎤
My thoughts: 📖 Page 85 of 242/324 Chapter 7 - This is very Hallmarky with terrible dialogue, but I'm here for it. The nerve of this guy. I did not realize this book was a double feature. Lucky for me I already read the other book, it's a lit better than this one.
This book opens up with a letter from the author reminding you this story is over 20 years old but it could have been 40 years old by the dialogue. The story was very cheesy the drama was melodramatic and the home Melissa's storyline just got on my nerves. Clancy was a jerk I'm not sure he deserves forgiveness but it was pretty easily given in my opinion. One of my pet peas when I read 1 of Carolyn brown's books is her travel math I'm not gonna get into how the Alabama border is not 3 hours from Panama City I'm just gonna say that wasn't going in its favor. I had the hardest time trying to figure out where in Oklahoma these 2 small towns were, one minute they were talking about Davis, then Ardmore, they were talking about the Red River in Texas, Oklahoma City, and Dallas; it was all over the place. So this was not my favorite story I cannot give it a full 3 stars it was okay and kind of cheesy and a little bit annoying. The bonus story was is not mentioned anywhere on the cover or inside cover, it just pops up in the middle of the book. I have actually already read Warm Nights in Magnolia Bay years ago and gave it 5 stars I love that story, and I need to read Book 3.
Recommend to others: Nope, but if you see it, it's your call.
+324-page Paperback story pages 1-242
Bonus Story: Warm Nights in Magnolia Bay by Babette de Jongh - Welcome to Magnolia Bay, #1 pages 243-322
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Cover Advertisements for - The Shop on Main Street, The Sister's Café, and Christmas at Home, Bibliography for Carolyn Brown, Letter From Author, 10-Year High School Reunion, Nerd to Hot Trope, Country Girl Band, Second Chance Trope - High School Summer Love, First Love, Ex; Small-Town Oklahoma, Small-Town Texas, Farm, Oil Company, Davis, Oklahoma; Red River, Panama City, Florida; Tricenarians, Over the Top Drama, Terrible Travel Math, Montgomery, Alabama; Shreveport, Louisiana; Ardmore, Oklahoma; Sex, Profanity, Gossip, Haves-and-Have-Nots, Bibliography for Carolyn Brown Again, Covers and Blurbs for Welcome Back to Rambling Texas by June Faver, That Deep Feeling by Jackie Ashenden, and Hope on the Range by Cindi Madsen, Cover Advertisements for: Honky Tonk Cowboys - I Love This Bar, Hell, Yeah, My Give a Damn's Busted, and Honky Tonk Christmas
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content and language
Songs for the soundtrack: "Hush Hush" by Miranda Lambert, "On The Coast Of Somewhere Beautiful" by Kenny Chesney, "Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain" by The Judds, "I May Hate Myself In The Morning" by Lee Ann Womack, "Ol’ Red" by Blake Shelton, "17" by Cross Canadian Ragweed
Books and Authors mentioned: Something to Talk About by Callie Khouri
Memorable Quotes: "Hello, Clancy." Allie met him at the top of the stairs on the second floor. "So, you're the infamous rich boy who---"
"Nice to meet you too." He gritted his teeth. "This is ridiculous." "But necessary," Allie said firmly.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🏫🇨🇱👢🎤
My thoughts: 📖 Page 85 of 242/324 Chapter 7 - This is very Hallmarky with terrible dialogue, but I'm here for it. The nerve of this guy. I did not realize this book was a double feature. Lucky for me I already read the other book, it's a lit better than this one.
This book opens up with a letter from the author reminding you this story is over 20 years old but it could have been 40 years old by the dialogue. The story was very cheesy the drama was melodramatic and the home Melissa's storyline just got on my nerves. Clancy was a jerk I'm not sure he deserves forgiveness but it was pretty easily given in my opinion. One of my pet peas when I read 1 of Carolyn brown's books is her travel math I'm not gonna get into how the Alabama border is not 3 hours from Panama City I'm just gonna say that wasn't going in its favor. I had the hardest time trying to figure out where in Oklahoma these 2 small towns were, one minute they were talking about Davis, then Ardmore, they were talking about the Red River in Texas, Oklahoma City, and Dallas; it was all over the place. So this was not my favorite story I cannot give it a full 3 stars it was okay and kind of cheesy and a little bit annoying. The bonus story was is not mentioned anywhere on the cover or inside cover, it just pops up in the middle of the book. I have actually already read Warm Nights in Magnolia Bay years ago and gave it 5 stars I love that story, and I need to read Book 3.
Recommend to others: Nope, but if you see it, it's your call.
August 19, 2023
Parts of it were cute & sappy. This book was so dumb that it actually felt like a mini vacation for my brain-nothing to think about or reread, just a simple story with corny dialogue. Probably won’t read anything else by her.
June 5, 2022
Angela Conrad and Clancy Morgan were high school sweethearts on the downlow as she is poor and he isn't. When she tells him she is pregnant he dumps her and tells her to marry another classmate or he'll pay for an abortion. Ten years later they meet again.
June 4, 2022
Oh Ms. Brown! I expect so much better from you. Honestly 2 stars is generous.
To be clear I enjoy Brown's stories. They are cozy and surface-y escapes. But her writing is good and she skims important topics without demanding the reader delve too deeply. This novel felt incredibly irresponsible. The topic had promise. It was interesting and had a good locale. How Brown handled it? In the most unhealthy way possible. I am a huge fan of second chances and forgiveness, but in a healthy way with the supports required of trauma. This is no small thing and in the hands of another reader simply perpetuates unhealthy, unbalanced relationships and places far too much importance on couples over the individual. Angel isn't better with a partner or incomplete without one. She deserved better than Brown gave her.
Also, tell me you've never done a sound check without telling me you've never done a sound check. Blowing into a microphone is neither productive to gauge levels nor good for the microphone.
Disappointing.
To be clear I enjoy Brown's stories. They are cozy and surface-y escapes. But her writing is good and she skims important topics without demanding the reader delve too deeply. This novel felt incredibly irresponsible. The topic had promise. It was interesting and had a good locale. How Brown handled it? In the most unhealthy way possible. I am a huge fan of second chances and forgiveness, but in a healthy way with the supports required of trauma. This is no small thing and in the hands of another reader simply perpetuates unhealthy, unbalanced relationships and places far too much importance on couples over the individual. Angel isn't better with a partner or incomplete without one. She deserved better than Brown gave her.
Also, tell me you've never done a sound check without telling me you've never done a sound check. Blowing into a microphone is neither productive to gauge levels nor good for the microphone.
Disappointing.
October 13, 2021
The story
Angela and Clancy were involved with each other in high school but the break up wasn’t pleasant. But ten years have passed since they last saw each other. Angela has built up a successful oil business from scratch. Clancy was married and now divorced. When they meet up again, the old feelings surface but can they make it work?
My thoughts
Carolyn Brown’s books are not generally intellectual works of art but provide gentle entertainment. This one was particularly unchallenging and didn’t really have the sweet “old granny” aspects that many of her others have. Just grateful that this was a library loan rather than something I paid for 😂
Angela and Clancy were involved with each other in high school but the break up wasn’t pleasant. But ten years have passed since they last saw each other. Angela has built up a successful oil business from scratch. Clancy was married and now divorced. When they meet up again, the old feelings surface but can they make it work?
My thoughts
Carolyn Brown’s books are not generally intellectual works of art but provide gentle entertainment. This one was particularly unchallenging and didn’t really have the sweet “old granny” aspects that many of her others have. Just grateful that this was a library loan rather than something I paid for 😂
August 31, 2021
Secrets in the Sand is such a heart touching novel! The pain of being a teenager is hard enough but when you are looked down on because you are not rich enough, then it makes life difficult! Angela Conrad was having such difficulties but having handsome, rich and popular Clancy Morgan as her boyfriend made life bearable, except no one knew they were dating. Clancy kept his relationship with Angela a secret because his parents would never approve. Angela thought life could not get any better because she was getting ready to start college, was in love with Clancy and just found out she was pregnant. Determined to let Clancy know that he was going to be a daddy, Angela waited at their special place so she can tell him and then they could get married, but things never go as planned. Clancy wants no part in the pregnancy or Angela, for that matter. Arriving to let Angela know that their little fling was over, Clancy's world turned upside down in a matter of seconds. Breaking Angela's heart, Clancy let's her know that he wants nothing to do with her or the baby and then leaves her sobbing at the sandbar. Ten years later, Clancy is reunited with Angela when her all girl band plays their 10 year high school reunion.A beautiful and fearless young woman has replaced the frightened, awkward teenager so Clancy's chance at forgiveness is zero. Seeing Clancy again has brought up all of the past hurts so Angela's friends set a chance meeting up for Angela and Clancy at a Florida resort. When a hurricane has them evacuating during the night, Clancy and Angela find themselves traveling home together. Will this be the one and only chance that Clancy will have to make the only woman, who has stolen his heart, fall in love with him once again? Can Angela get past the pain and move on with Clancy or will she finally say goodbye forever? This amazing novel had me laughing one minute and crying the next! I was drawn into Angela and Clancy's story from the first page❤️ As always, Author Carolyn Brown has magically drawn me into the lives of her amazing characters!
April 11, 2022
not that good
This is a hard review to write. Did I like this story. Yes. I read Carolyn Browns books regularly and she is a very good author. I know I’m reviewing g a light weight romance novel, not a real novel, but this book took a really good story with the opportunity to explore emotions and display maturity, and desensitized the really awful truth. Teenage romance, poor girl, rich boy, dumped pregnant right before graduation. Girl degraded and alone. Boy moves on. But the girl carries the child u til it is born stillborn. She manages to get an education and be I e a successful woman. Then meets up with the boy ten years later. And with in a matter of days they’re dating. Falling back I. Love .?.... NO. No emotions were dealt with and it’s very unrealistic. Very immature. Maybe this is the way young people handle life today, but it sure isn’t realistic. Disappointed that the book lacked the depth the story demanded. Carolyn Brown is a good writer. I won’t avoid her stories, but I hope she avoids deep subjects if this is the way she tells young readers life is supposed to go.
This is a hard review to write. Did I like this story. Yes. I read Carolyn Browns books regularly and she is a very good author. I know I’m reviewing g a light weight romance novel, not a real novel, but this book took a really good story with the opportunity to explore emotions and display maturity, and desensitized the really awful truth. Teenage romance, poor girl, rich boy, dumped pregnant right before graduation. Girl degraded and alone. Boy moves on. But the girl carries the child u til it is born stillborn. She manages to get an education and be I e a successful woman. Then meets up with the boy ten years later. And with in a matter of days they’re dating. Falling back I. Love .?.... NO. No emotions were dealt with and it’s very unrealistic. Very immature. Maybe this is the way young people handle life today, but it sure isn’t realistic. Disappointed that the book lacked the depth the story demanded. Carolyn Brown is a good writer. I won’t avoid her stories, but I hope she avoids deep subjects if this is the way she tells young readers life is supposed to go.
July 18, 2021
I was hoping this would be a fun summer read. It is a classic tale of boy meets girl when young, society messes them up, they meet again later in life and, well, you know the rest. It had promise with a decent backstory and some good character building. Unfortunately, it wrapped up too fast and too neatly without really explaining why. Why would someone who is so determined to not allow herself to love a person again (due to heartbreak, etc) fall into bed with them again so quickly. I never felt that the past was really hashed out, just one conversation and "okay, I love you" seemed to be what it took. It seems like this could be the first in a series as many characters were introduced with partial back story reveals. If you want a short, formulaic, read that wraps up super fast, go for it. If you want something a little more, skip this one.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
July 20, 2021
On July 16, 2021, I received the Kindle book Secrets in the Sand by Carolyn Brown for free through Goodreads First Reads. First, I need to disclose I love author Carolyn Brown’s books, they are so great, if you love this one look into her others, which is why I entered for this one. The book starts a little slow but wow I cannot put it down, but that changed. I will not give away any spoilers but assuming something about someone can end up hurting a relationship. I know it gets done in everyday life too though, so this topic was so point on. But to me the book was a little too much, with the going back and forth with Angel and Clancy, in fact it was so wishy washy I really did not care if they got together or not. I did love the friendship of her and her band mates. I thought this was an okay read, a three-star read. It was just an okay read, because I think the rush at the end giving a little spoiler here, ok I forgive you.
May 14, 2022
I have read 90% of Carolyn Brown's Books and this novel along with a few other new ones do not feel like her work.
This is a book of second chances as two former classmates bound by a Summer love affair struggle with. One Summer will change their paths in life. A rollercoaster of events thrust these former !overs back into each other's lives. Will they be able to forgive the heartbreak of the last and have a future? I could not stop listening to this audiobook. I wanted to know what happens next,and next.... I took off a star for narration. The narrator did a great female voice but, the man's voice she had is AWFUL! She made him sound uneducated and a backwoods hick. A bad narrator can make me stop listening to a wonderful book.
This is a book of second chances as two former classmates bound by a Summer love affair struggle with. One Summer will change their paths in life. A rollercoaster of events thrust these former !overs back into each other's lives. Will they be able to forgive the heartbreak of the last and have a future? I could not stop listening to this audiobook. I wanted to know what happens next,and next.... I took off a star for narration. The narrator did a great female voice but, the man's voice she had is AWFUL! She made him sound uneducated and a backwoods hick. A bad narrator can make me stop listening to a wonderful book.
January 6, 2023
The H was a snob who flat out asks h not to mention to anyone about their baby when she tells him she was pregnant and was ready to pay 500$ for abortion and implies that he is too rich for her and is a snob. The very same day he breaks up, he hooks up with another girl who he goes on to marry as she "belongs".
He never seriously redeems himself or apologizes. His attitude and his character never develops through the book. When his mother informs him about getting married to the cemetery keeper he shows he still a snob. He never standsup for himself or does anything beyond looking good. The author mentions about h wishing she had fought for them back then, what was there to fight for when the boy denies paternity and is so ashamed to even take her on a date in public.
He never seriously redeems himself or apologizes. His attitude and his character never develops through the book. When his mother informs him about getting married to the cemetery keeper he shows he still a snob. He never standsup for himself or does anything beyond looking good. The author mentions about h wishing she had fought for them back then, what was there to fight for when the boy denies paternity and is so ashamed to even take her on a date in public.
August 24, 2021
SECRETS IN THE SAND by Carolyn Brown is a heartwarming story about the night teenager Clancy Morgan had left Angel Conrad alone in the sand that night, and ten years later, he regrets that night. When he unexpectedly sees her in his hometown’s annual alumni gathering, he wants another chance. But would she let him? SECRETS IN THE SAND is a second chance troupe and a journey of hope and forgiveness to overcome emotional heartaches and secrets. Would it be enough to reignite love they once shared? Carolyn Brown writes riveting and sensual romances about sassy women who persevering through adversity to get what they most desire.
February 25, 2022
Sweet little romance. Do you believe in second chances?
"He left her alone in the sand that night
And has regretted it ever since
But maybe he can mend it
If only she'll let him
Time doesn't heal all wounds... Not when they are deep within the heart like Angela Conrad's. Ten years ago, Clancy Morgan broke her heart and even though she's made a successful life as a musician, she's never gotten over that pain. Angel didn't intend to ever go back home, but when she's invited to return to her hometown to play for the high school reunion dance, she agrees, knowing full well that if Clancy sees her up on that stage, he'll regret the day he ever said goodbye." synopsis copied
"He left her alone in the sand that night
And has regretted it ever since
But maybe he can mend it
If only she'll let him
Time doesn't heal all wounds... Not when they are deep within the heart like Angela Conrad's. Ten years ago, Clancy Morgan broke her heart and even though she's made a successful life as a musician, she's never gotten over that pain. Angel didn't intend to ever go back home, but when she's invited to return to her hometown to play for the high school reunion dance, she agrees, knowing full well that if Clancy sees her up on that stage, he'll regret the day he ever said goodbye." synopsis copied
April 7, 2023
Angel and Clancy used to secretly date in high school. She was from a poor family and he didn't think his parents would approve of him dating her. She met him one night in their secret spot to tell him about her little secret but when he showed up and she told him, he broke up with her.
Now she has gone back to her high school reunion with her band. She wanted her classmates to see that she did make something of her life.
This was a really good story that I read in a day. I just could not put it down. If you want a really good book you can't go wrong when you pick up one by Carolyn Brown.
Now she has gone back to her high school reunion with her band. She wanted her classmates to see that she did make something of her life.
This was a really good story that I read in a day. I just could not put it down. If you want a really good book you can't go wrong when you pick up one by Carolyn Brown.
August 2, 2021
Clancy Morgan knew he had been an idiot the day Angel Conrad told him she was pregnant. He was a high school senior and said many horrible things to her that day. Things he could never take back. Ten years later he still thinks about her and knows she was the one that got away. Angel hasn't spent the last ten years mourning Clancy. She hasn't forgotten him but in the last ten years she has definitely made a name for herself.
I know there are many negative reviews but I really enjoyed Secrets in the Sand. Read it and follow Clancy and Morgan on their way to a happy ever .
I know there are many negative reviews but I really enjoyed Secrets in the Sand. Read it and follow Clancy and Morgan on their way to a happy ever .
July 29, 2025
Secrets in the Sand delivers Carolyn Brown’s signature Southern charm and heartfelt themes of friendship and healing. Set in a small Texas town, the story follows women reconnecting and confronting long-buried truths. While the premise holds promise, the pacing drags and the plot lacks the emotional pull found in Brown’s best work. The characters are likable, but their journeys feel predictable, and the story never quite becomes captivating. It’s an easy, comforting read for fans of gentle women’s fiction, but it may not leave a lasting impression. A decent choice for a quiet weekend escape.
July 19, 2021
I won this book on Goodreads in exchange for a review.
Secrets in the Sand is a good second chance love book. The two main characters are a good combination together, and I'm happy that they got a second chance to rekindle after youth, stupidity and circumstance separated them for 10 years.
All in all the book is good. I gave it 4/5 stars as I think the ending was a but rushed. I wanted more of a story towards the end. But in the end, it's a happy ending book.
Secrets in the Sand is a good second chance love book. The two main characters are a good combination together, and I'm happy that they got a second chance to rekindle after youth, stupidity and circumstance separated them for 10 years.
All in all the book is good. I gave it 4/5 stars as I think the ending was a but rushed. I wanted more of a story towards the end. But in the end, it's a happy ending book.
August 1, 2021
Had a good foundation and interesting concept but felt it needed fleshed out a little more in some areas and the ending seemed a bit rushed. Also left a few lingering threads that I wished I had closure on before it ended. But it was a nice light read that had strong friendships, family bonds and is set in my state so it was fun to read about places I know. It was a cute quick story and I enjoyed reading it.
I received my copy from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received my copy from a Goodreads Giveaway.
March 23, 2022
Secrets in the Sand
Angela fell in love with C!Andy in kindergarten but she was from the wrong side of town. The summer after their high school graduation they were secretly together but when Angel told him she was pregnant he left her and later married Melissa. Ten years later at their high school reunion, Angel and the Honey Tonk band play for the dance and Clancy realizes that he was a fool before when he let her go.
Angela fell in love with C!Andy in kindergarten but she was from the wrong side of town. The summer after their high school graduation they were secretly together but when Angel told him she was pregnant he left her and later married Melissa. Ten years later at their high school reunion, Angel and the Honey Tonk band play for the dance and Clancy realizes that he was a fool before when he let her go.
June 3, 2022
Terrific!
This is one of the best second chance romances that I have ever read! Clancey leaves Angel, alone and crying, at age 18 because he is afraid of opinion, status, and family obligation! She leaves town but they see each other again at their 10th high school reunion. He realizes he needs to talk to her to clear his own conscience and try to explain. This is the story of their second chance at love together!
This is one of the best second chance romances that I have ever read! Clancey leaves Angel, alone and crying, at age 18 because he is afraid of opinion, status, and family obligation! She leaves town but they see each other again at their 10th high school reunion. He realizes he needs to talk to her to clear his own conscience and try to explain. This is the story of their second chance at love together!
July 22, 2022
I don’t know if it’s because I’m so young or what, but I did not love this book. It was short, almost too short. I felt like everything was being rushed super fast. Our main character Angel was described as a bad ass bitch who didn’t need no man, but she folded pretty quickly when Clancy showed back up. Clancy also is a tool. Also wtf was with the random pregnancy trap scenario. I kind wish actions were had. Idk not my favourite. It’s on Spotify
July 24, 2022
Five stars
I have been reading books by Carolyn Brown for well over 20 years. I have never been disappointed. This book is about second chances at love. The characters are believable and you can almost feel their emotions. Her stories center around strong characters in the great state of Texas. This book was well written and has a good editing job. I highly recommended it to readers of all ages.
I have been reading books by Carolyn Brown for well over 20 years. I have never been disappointed. This book is about second chances at love. The characters are believable and you can almost feel their emotions. Her stories center around strong characters in the great state of Texas. This book was well written and has a good editing job. I highly recommended it to readers of all ages.
April 14, 2025
Love Prevqils
When she returned to Tschmingo, reconciliation with her past was out of the question. A decade later, at the class reunion, she relished the opportunity to prove her worth to those who had once dismissed her. Her confidence radiated as she stood before her old rivals, silently challenging their previous judgments. Despite her triumph, Clancy remained determined, her resolve unshaken by the evening's events.
When she returned to Tschmingo, reconciliation with her past was out of the question. A decade later, at the class reunion, she relished the opportunity to prove her worth to those who had once dismissed her. Her confidence radiated as she stood before her old rivals, silently challenging their previous judgments. Despite her triumph, Clancy remained determined, her resolve unshaken by the evening's events.
August 1, 2021
Sweet story
This was a sweet story about two people finding each other again. It was an easy read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I love Carolyn Brown's writing style, and this one did not disappoint. Also, the pace of the story was perfect! I won a Kindle copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a sweet story about two people finding each other again. It was an easy read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I love Carolyn Brown's writing style, and this one did not disappoint. Also, the pace of the story was perfect! I won a Kindle copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
September 16, 2021
Always a great read!!
I'm a sucker for love. I'm a sucker for second chances. And I'm a fanatic when it comes to Carolyn Brown books! I never get disappointed with anything she writes, and this was no exception. Loved the sweet and sassy lead female and the sweet devotion of the lead male. Great job!
I'm a sucker for love. I'm a sucker for second chances. And I'm a fanatic when it comes to Carolyn Brown books! I never get disappointed with anything she writes, and this was no exception. Loved the sweet and sassy lead female and the sweet devotion of the lead male. Great job!
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