The Secret At Sugar Sand Inn

Sugar Sand Beach #2

by Leigh Duncan

Escape to Sugar Sand Beach with Reggie Frank and her best friends for a second chance at all life has to offer.

Reggie has life all mapped out. The husband she put through law school has just landed his first big case. He’ll probably make junior partner within the year. In no time at all, they’ll move out of their cramped apartment, pay off the bills from the fertility clinic and buy a nice house in the suburbs, where they’ll raise the baby Reggie longs to hold in her arms.

Except…life goes seriously off course when Reggie’s husband walks out on their marriage the same day she receives the most devastating news. With her hopes and dreams for the future crumbling, Reggie turns to three of the best friends a girl could ever want.

Helping Michelle, Nina and Erin convert a run-down beach house into the Sugar Sand Inn is just the project Reggie needs to restore her self-confidence and heal her battered soul. A talented gardener, she volunteers to restore the neglected grounds around the inn to their former glory with the help of handyman Chris Johnson.
In no time at all, Reggie’s world is filled with bright possibilities for the home and family she’s always wanted. But will the secret she harbors jeopardize Reggie’s new-found happiness?

Genres: Fiction, Womens Fiction

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2021

About the author

Leigh Duncan is an Amazon best-selling author and a National Readers' Choice Award winner, the author of more than two dozen novels, novellas and short stories. However, the biggest thrill of her career--so far!--came when she saw her book, Journey Back to Christmas, featured on the Home and Family Show after Hallmark Publishing chose Journey to introduce its new line of romance novels. Her newest Hallmark Publishing release, A Simple Wedding, and her upcoming A Cottage Wedding (6/2/20) are the first of several books in Leigh's Heart's Landing series. These sweet, contemporary romances take place in a small town known as America's Top Wedding Destination, and each book centers on one couple who fall in love in Heart's Landing.

Leigh lives on Central Florida's East Coast where she loves to stay in touch with readers through social media. Find her at www.facebook.com/LeighDuncanBooks, or visit her website at www.leighduncan.com.

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series and the individual friend stories. Four women have gone into partnership to keep a huge house on a beautiful beach in Florida. They each have strengths to offer that will help make the place a lovely bed & breakfast and a home for them. It’s interesting seeing the changes each woman is going through. This is #2 out of #5 stories, so far. I highly recommend!

[Patricia Sue Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh Duncan has done it again. Book two is set in Sugar Sand Beach. The ladies have arrived. What will Sugar Sand Beach hold in store? We only get a glimpse. Thank heavens there are 5 books in the series. I love these four women. I love their strength, hope, resilience and their friendship. I want to be their friend. This is a story about starting over and that life can continue on even in the most challenging situations. Duncan has made you root for these woman and their happiness. I want to know what happens next. The cliff hanger, oh the cliff hanger at the end. I won't give any spoilers. You will fall in love with this charming town and the townspeople. There are wonderful personalities, you will laugh you will cry maybe..and most of all look forward to book 3! Thank you Leigh for writing such a beautiful book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shana Barmoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second installment! Felt great to be back with my friends in Sugar Sand Beach!! Loved the pace of the book and the character development and hated to have it end!! Can’t wait for the next one!!

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second installment in the Sugar Sand Inn series, focusing primarily on Reggie. I enjoyed the continuation of the story, and am looking forward to the next one.

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite entertaining!!!

I will book my stay at Sugar Sand Inn as soon as I finish writing my review. The book ended before I realized it.
I enjoyed the friendship of the four (4) women. It was great to see them as strong reliable women. I can't wait to see what else is in store for them!!!
Happy Reading!!!
Mary C

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even cuter than the first book as we get to meet all the of adorable residents of Sugar Sand. I am loving this series!

[K V Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my interest and sparked desire for next in series..

Enjoyed the story. Won’t give it away. Requiring twenty words is ridiculous and will mean I do not review again.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a pleasure to return to this series because I really enjoyed the characters from the first book.  It was amazing that Michelle, Nina, Erin, and Reggie packed up their belongings and moved to Sugar Sand Beach, where Michelle had inherited a beautiful home from her birth mother, a year after her husband, Allen died.  All four women have had their share of struggles and are ready for a new start together.  Michelle's husband left her in a financial mess when he died.  Erin seemed to be at a crossroad in her life and her sister, Reggie is getting divorced since her husband, Sam left her.

I liked that the women were finding their strengths independently, as well as, in the group.   They were choosing to open new doors and not wallow in self pity.  They were strong and dedicated to opening the Sugar Sand Inn and making this their home.  I look forward to reading  about the stranger that appeared at the end of this book.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy getting lost in a story & not surfacing until you are done, you’ll love this book! Leigh Duncan’s second book in the series is a continuation of Book 1 but mainly focusing on Reggie. She thought her life was on track to give her everything she wanted with the only hiccup being an inability to conceive. She’s sure that can be resolved though. Then in one day, her world crashed down. She received some devastating news & on top of that, the husband she had supported through law school, wants a divorce. How can she survive all of this?

Ms. Duncan writes stories about strong vibrant women that manage to survive everything life throws at them. I love the characters that reside in her stories. They could be the women in your neighborhood that you admire, your best friends, or the woman you wish you could be. The stories pull you in from the beginning & you don’t surface until you are at the end & fervently wishing it continued on. I can’t wait to see how this story continues into Book 3!

[Delores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book number two in this series left me in the same position as book number one—wanting to hear the rest of the story! While this book involves all four women and continues to build on their strengths and characters as they move forward with their ongoing plan to turn their inheritance into an inn and cafe, it is mainly Reggie’s story—dealing with her past and looking forward to her future. I was cheering for her all the way as she tackles engines, the gardens and grounds around the inn, but at the same time is working through her feelings about herself, her soon-to-be ex-husband and the challenges of her upcoming divorce. I thoroughly enjoyed the further developments in her story and enjoyed her character, but I also enjoyed learning more about the town and other residents of Sugar Sand Beach. The secret was well thought out and planned by the author—a perfect moment. Another winner in this author’s foray into women’s fiction.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret at Sugar sand Inn~ Sugar Sand Beach bk2 by Leigh Duncan

I love this series, yes I know, it is only book two! but the way Leigh has written this book you feel at home.
We continue to follow Erin, Reggie, Nina, and Michelle on their new adventure. Though we follow more of Reggie's story in this book, where she finds more out about Sam that she never knew, he finds his way to Sugar Sand Beach to get her to come home, but will she go back with him?
While this is going on, the rest of the ladies get the Inn together to make a proposal for the town council will they be able to persuade them to a rezoning of the Inn?
I will stop here, as I believe the story is too good for spoilers:) Please purchase your book and see what a fabulous series this is.
Thank you, Leigh, for this excellent book, I am looking forward to seeing what book 3 brings:)*****

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series - but it could easily be read as the first. It is easy still to get into the story of the four main characters: Michelle, Erin, Reggie, and Nina. Four women in their mid-thirties to early fourties, who dare to start anew, finding unexpected strength within themselves and in within their group.
Together they want to remodel a house that Michelle had inherited and start an Inn at Sugar Sand Beach.
In this book they encounter a lovely set of people from town, face new challenges and brave the unknown.
A great story with interesting characters, that each in their own unique way engage the reader.
I am looking forward to the next story - but be forewarned - there is a cliffhanger at the end of this book....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four women who are at all time lows in their lives converge on a property that one of them inherited in Sugar Sand Beach. They will be fixing up both their lives and dreams as well as the property. This story is about Reggie, who can not seem to conceive and is just getting divorced from her lawyer husband who is moving up the ladder without her and also cheating on her for years. The outside landscape is just what the doctor ordered. It is her contribution to the Inn that the four are trying to start up. Loved how the four work so well together and that one is also her sister. Kayaking along the coast sounded wonderful. Loved their evening salute to the sunset. Such a heartwarming series of stories. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reggie, her sister Erin, and friends Michelle, and Nina together making plans.
The presentation to the town council for rezoning , having open house for their Inn and hoping the council and town people approve. If not Orson and developers with their plans of houses along that area. None of them could afford the taxes and upkeep . The biggest would be the lost of the four of them being together the joys and challenges.
A delightful second story of these four woman and their hopes and plans they have. Awaiting to see who some of the guest will be in the next books.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Pat Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues with the most riveting story line and characters. While this book concentrates on Reggie, all of the other characters are involved. Progress is being made on the inn. This is paradise—from wiggling your toes in the fine white sand, to kayaking along the Gulf Coast, to Birds of Paradise in your front yard, not to speak of Nina’s food creations that start your mouth watering. Michelle, Reggie, Nina, and Erin all feel like good friends, and I love watching them grow and build this inn. The only thing stopping it from being perfect is my inability to book a room at Sugar Sand Inn.

[Louise - romance.movies.and.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely sensational! Loved it!

This is the second book in the series and the author did not disappoint.

This book focuses on Reggie and like the first book, it deals with real life struggles.

If you are looking for something real with emotion, drama and friendship, you have found it.

This book, like the first, will show you no matter what, you have a hidden strength but the strength is at it's best when you are surrounded by your friends.

If you fell in love with Michelle in the first book, you are definitely going to love Reggie. This book will have you hooked from the first page.

I cannot wait to read Nina's story.

I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this 2nd book of the series. I can't wait for the next 3 books! Four friends arrive at the house that Michelle's real mother left her to start a new chapter in their lives. Each has a reason to start over and each book touches on each woman. I love the small town they moved to and how they got accepted there so quickly. I see romance in the cards eventually or at least the possibility of one. They each have such good personalities and are such good I highly recommend this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we are getting into the meat and potatoes of these 4 ladies adventures and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I love reading about the trials these ladies are going thru because life is not a perfect one from start to finish. You have issues from time to time and starting a new life can be an adventure as long as you have friends to start it with. Middle age does not have to be the end of life it can be a whole new beginning, I cant wait to see what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have...

These four brave and remarkable women continue to amaze me. This series has quickly captured my heart. This story focuses on Reggie. Reggie is thrown off balance when her husband drops the bomb when he checks out on their marriage and leaves her. Reggie is keeping herself busy by helping to bring the Inn back to its original glory. With her friend's support she is able to face her problems head on and find her strength that she has kept inside for years. Nina's story is next and I can't wait.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to Sugar Sand Beach with Reggie Frank and her best friends for a second chance at all life has to offer.

Need to escape your everyday life for a bit? This is the book that's perfect for just that. Once you start reading you don't want to stop and you're easily swept up in the story and just tune life out around you. The characters and their lives are realistic, they're well developed and you can't help but love them as you get to know them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darn you Leigh Duncan for leaving me hanging like that! The second book in this series was equally as enjoyable as the first. We get to know each of the characters a little bit more and start to see some more romance developing. We also get some more insight into this lovely little town and the wonderful people who live in the town. I would definitely read the first book before reading this one or you will be a little behind on the characters back story. I can’t wait for book 3!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a *Must Read* series! It is absolutely wonderful! This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It is full of drama and you become fully invest with the characters. It is full of emotions and reads true to life. I loved everything about this book and can't wait to book three. I loved how the ladies look at life; "We can wallow in our problems or we can learn from them and move on."

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another well-plotted and episodic read that is just right to take all the locked-in troubles away.
Reggie, her sister Erin and their friends Michelle and Nina are pushing forward with their concept for the Sugar Sand Inn. In the process, they take on the Town Council mending not just a physical building but also improving those bonds of friendship that will prepare them to withstand any storm.

[Christina Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Leigh Duncan and I really enjoyed it!!! The real day to day struggles of life woven into a novel that will keep you turning the pages!!! I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series!!! Read and enjoy!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story focuses on Reggie and her divorce journey — the growth she experiences as she works through letting go and moving on.
At the same time the friends are busy preparing their business proposal and introducing themselves to the neighbors.

[Darian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting ensemble cast of characters. Loved the camaraderie between everyone, just didn’t like how the book ended, total cliffhanger deluxe. Looking forward to reading the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of four friends who are attempting to open a n inn together. A Secret At Sugar Sand Inn is the second book in the series and is every bit as good as the first one. I can’t wait for the next one in the series to see what will happen next.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and entertaining story with interesting and complex characters. Some twists and turns with plenty of drama thrown in. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh Duncan brings you into her character's lives as four strong women embark on a season together . I so enjoyed getting to know them as they set off together and finding their dreams . It's a must read

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and is just as good as the first.. Revolving around Reggie it keeps you interested from start to finish. I loved every minute of it.