The Cafe at Sugar Sand Inn

Sugar Sand Beach #3

by Leigh Duncan

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

At forty-five, Chef Nina has all but given up on her dream of having a kitchen of her very own. Once hailed as the fresh, new face on the restaurant scene, she saw her hopes for the future fall like an over-baked soufflé after the man she loved betrayed her and destroyed her reputation. For ten years, Nina has worked hard at regaining the trust of the top chefs in the DC area. But opening a restaurant of her own? That dream went up in a puff of smoke a long time ago.

Or she thought it had…until, thanks to the best friends a girl could ever want, Nina gets one more chance to make her dreams come true. While Michelle, Reggie and Erin concentrate on converting a run-down beach house into an inn, Nina tests out new dishes and recipes for the soon-to-be-opened Café at Sugar Sand Inn. But when rumors of Nina’s past threaten the Café, will diners and guests patronize the Cafe? Or will history repeat itself?

Join Nina, Michelle, Reggie and Erin as they build new lives in Sugar Sand Beach, where fresh opportunities for life, love and happiness are as limitless as the blue Florida skies.

Genres: Fiction, Womens Fiction

348 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 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]

Great story of friendship. I highly recommend this series!

[Patricia Sue Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Sugar Sand Beach is like pulling a warm blanket over you with a hot cup of cocoa watching your favorite movie only the story is even better because you get to read it and use your imagination. Leigh Duncan has done it again. Sugar Sand Beach this beautiful Florida Coastal Small town you will fall in love with over and over as you read these books. The towns people, I wish were in my town and the 4 best friends; Nina, Reggie, Michelle and Erin I feel like I know them and that they are my “friends”. You are rooting for them through their ups and downs and each trial and triumph. You see 4 strong women who have each others backs no matter what. They support each other and provide unconditional love.

This story is focused on Chef Nina and her ex comes into the picture and the chaos and trials that ensue with his arrival. This book is delicious! The food descriptions of Chef Nina’s plates will make your mouth water and make you want to go to her Café when it opens! I love these types of hidden gems.

I am thrilled that new love interests were introduced. They are taking their time which I love, true love takes time. You can feel the love brewing off the pages. Loves that will last a lifetime.

These four friends are true friendship goals. Their love for one another, their care, compassion and loyalty. Family doesn’t t have to be blood only. I loved this book and can’t wait to return to Sugar Sand Beach and read books 4 and 5!!

Leigh Duncan your a true talent and bless you and your story telling!! Thank you!!

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

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What defines us is how well we rise after falling...

The Sugar Sand Inn Series continues to amaze me. Another stunner by Leigh Duncan. In the third story of this series, we follow Nina's journey. It has not been an easy road for Chef Nina. Her hard work and dreams are demolished in one fine swoop. Her ex who is also a Chef betrayed her and her hopes of running her own restaurant one day.

The love and friendship of her best friends rally to help get her strength and confidence back. The four of them have proven that they can conquer anything together. Nina shines as the Chef for the Inn. We are introduced to new characters Zeke and his daughters who Nina has already grown fond of, including their dad. I see Zeke and Nina's friendship developing further. I am excited to read Erin's story next.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cafe At Sugar Sand Inn ~ Sugar Sand Beach bk3, by Leigh Duncan.
I have been following this series from the very beginning and am loving every single one. I love how they continue on from each other and as
we follow Michelle, Nina, Erin, and Reggie on their journey in Sugar Sands.
We now have new characters entering the story and they all fit in.
Leigh has continued to tell the story of these four women so well that I feel that they're real.

The Cafe At Sugar Sands Inn follows mainly Nina a new start for her as she tries to rebuild her life after her ex Tobias(also a chef) destroyed her reputation and their relationship, that was 10 years ago, and now he's back!
What will Tobias do? How will he destroy Nina again? Will this be sorted? I strongly recommend this book, but I will say to purchase books 1 & 2 first so you get to know the lovely ladies at Sugar Sand Inn. It's a fantastic series a much read 5*****+
Thank you, Leigh, for yet another great read:)

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

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina had dreams, a boyfriend, betrayal and walking out, quickly ended that dream. With friends another dream her own kitchen, her own creative recipes and honest praises. When Tobias comes to their Inn, he was still the created image he had made, but underneath a wimp. His new plans, would a hundred miles restaurant away be a problem.
She had a new assistant to help her in the kitchen.
Would old problems and accusation flare up again causing problems for Nina. A story of believing in oneself, and having true friends around.
The story flows and one enjoys visiting them once again at the Inn.
GivenARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
August 13.’21.coming

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

These four women are independent and strong in their own right BUT as the awesome foursome they can conquer anything.

These four women show you the meaning of friendship, family, love, loyalty and strength with the unknown.

In this book you read more about the sassy chef Nina. You will love how the author has introduced Zeke and his daughters into this five star read.

This author intertwines all the women and hopefully their new beau's to the point you don't want to story to end. You also get to meet and understand some of the locals that make up Sugar Sand Beach.

I cannot wait to read book four in this series - The Reunion At Sugar Sand Inn - Erin's story.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was my favorite of the series. I loved reading about the characters we already met and seeing their relationship develop. In addition we get to meet Zeke and his daughters and start to see how they will weave their way into the storyline. Finally, I enjoyed reading the journey of Nina and loved the way her old story wrapped up. Bring on Erin’s story as she has been by far the most mysterious of the 4. Can’t wait to see where the next story takes us!

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

These friends are wonderful! They support each other in so many ways.
That shows up a little for each friend in this story, though it concentrates on Nina.
The support also comes from the friends they've made in the little town of Sugar Sand Beach.

This was a fun read and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chef Nina is the highlight of this part of the series, along with her best friends who are opening Sugar Sand Inn. After an ex demolished her goals and career, she has another chance at the Inn and the recipes she creates melt off the pages. The friends are a tight-knit bunch and support each other through anything that comes along, including her ex returning to bother her again. A new relationship with a father and his kids is on the horizon and looking good.
The characters are heartwarming in their passion and determination. The storyline is well written with plenty of twists and surprises, as well as romance and triumphs. Loved the women and fingers crossed for the romance. Can not wait to see what happens in the next book.

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

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Leigh and I was captured in the first chapter. Each lady was so well developed, sharing their history of what brought then to the Inn. And then building for their future. I can't wait to read the next book. And this first book didn't just build the characters up but there was a really good story line. I am looking forward to the next book.

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

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to Sugar Sand Beach with Nina Gray and her best friends for a second chance at all life has to offer.
A fun and enjoyable story line that sweeps you up and keeps you wanting more. It flows smoothly thru the pages, keeps your interest from the start and makes it hard to stop reading. The characters are realistic and feel like life long friends long before you reach the end.

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

[Shana Barmoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved being back at Sugar Sand Beach! Hated to put it down, and already miss my friends now that it’s over. Can’t wait for the next one and wishing the series never ends!!

[Delores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely looking forward to book three in this series after reading the first two, and it did not disappoint. The story focuses on Chef Nina, but the stories of all the other women involved in the series continue to develop, as well. This takes talent. Once I started reading, my sewing project was put aside. There was no doubt in my mind that Tobias would resort to his old tricks once he made his appearance, but how? Would he be successful, and how would Nina deal with him? This story is well thought out by the author, and I loved some of the little twists—Walt’s part in the reveal, nonchalant Krystal, Nina’s generosity in the end. I highly recommend the entire series so far and am looking forward to Erin’s story.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh Duncan has given her readers another sensational story in the Sugar Sand Inn series. Each story brings another one of the characters into prominence and tells the readers what their story is. Nina had worked hard to establish her reputation as an up and coming chef before her boyfriend trashes her career & reputation. She feels that she is doomed to work under other chefs & not realize her dream. When her friends offer her the chance of a lifetime to run her own restaurant where they are rehabbing a house into an inn, Nina can’t believe it. Will her past come to the forefront & ruin her chances? Will her friends stand beside her?

[Pat Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can hardly wait for each new book in this series. The characters in these books are so well-rounded with interesting stories. I’m always on edge to find out how a situation is going to be resolved and am anticipating the next book in the series before I’m done with the current one, knowing the next one will be even better. This particular book revolves around Nina and the café. Interesting people, interesting foods, and of course, problems to resolve. I’m hungry for a taste of Nina’s lemon bars. Yum!

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such fun returning to Sugar Sand Inn and catching up with Michelle, Erin, Nina, and Reggie. I liked that this book was full of drama, romance, mystery, and surprises. I felt so sorry for Nina whose ex, Tobias entered the picture again. I liked that this time he was not going to bring her down. I also liked the sparks between Reggie and Chris and Nina and Zeke. I am so glad the series is not done yet! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Katherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

These ladies have to overcome so many obstacles to get their inn going, most people would quit while they were ahead. Not these ladies, they find a way to overcome all their obstacles. And maybe find a new love interest, none of them are ready to dive in with both feet so we shall see. Another wonderful story by Leigh, I can’t wait to see what happens next

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's never dull for these 4 ladies. They are doing their best with great results to get the Inn and Cafe ready to open and circumstances keep getting in their way. What I like about these ladies is that nothing keeps them down for long. They brainstorm until they find the answer that will fix the issue. I very much enjoying this series and can't wait until the next addition

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

[Kaylee Nizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

More!!! I truly hope their are more books to this series.
The good people always win. Chef Nina needs to write a recipe book for these recipes she makes in this book.
This book is heartwarming and shows what true friendships are about. You have each other’s backs especially during the trying times.
This is a must read book and should be made into a Hallmark movie.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy I found my next binge series. This novel is well-plotted and keeps the reader invested to the very last word. I'm going to download the first two books in this series.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Cafe at Sugar Sand Inn

I really enjoyed this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She is a wonderful writer.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

i DO NOT LIKE CLIFF HANGERS

Four friends, Nina, Michelle, Erin and Reggie are working hard to renovate an older Queen Anne home into an inn and cafe. Each of the women bring special talents to the projects.

This book is centered around Nina who is a talented chef. Her history has been up and down. She was very successful and then it was all taken away by a jealous chef who publicly accused her of stealing recipes.

But, all the women are very involved in the story. The story is interesting.

The small town on the Florida coast is populated by good hearted people who want to preserve their small town. But, they are also willing to help this group of women because their completed goal will be an asset to the village.

I have read the first books in this series, but basically the book works as a stand alone read.

The characters in the story are relatable. Everyone has a past and everyone has lived with issues.

I do not like cliff hangers and so far that is what happens at the end of each book. Not a good thing.

[Marleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once you've started the Sugar Sand Inn series, you can't but read the next one. The 4 friends, Michelle, Nina, Erin and Reggie, are women around 40-ish, and I like that - They are at that age where impulsiveness is not at the forefront, but making sound decisions and thinking of others come first.
This is the 3rd book in the series and the 4 friends are getting closer and closer to opening their Beachfront Inn & Café, somewhere in small town Florida. In this little town, the ladies make friends and encounter men who are trustworthy, and maybe that'll lead to something more? I think it will. Nevertheless, there might be romance in the air, but that's not what important in these books. Not at all. This is about women forging a partnership because they are great friends and having a common goal. It's also about leaving the past behind.

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destin Florida Area
I’m loving this series.
This one Nina is working on cafe, they decide to have a booth at the 4th of July festival. Nina hires an assistant who steals her recipes and gives them to arch rival who is at a restaurant an hr away. They uncovered all this, then she helped them till they got a new chef. She has the Heath inspector out to look over kitchen, find out the dinning room isn’t big enough so the have to take down a wall Zeke is who does the work which is Maggie’s son, who run the diner in town. They have sparks.
Michelle spends more time with Dave and are official. Her kids still haven’t come to see her. But son is working on website
Reggie’s got the garden producing veggies. Spending time with Chris. Even babysitting Hope.
Erin goes to the keys to pick up her boats.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the third installment of the Sugar Sand Inn series featuring four women who undertake to convert a stately southern home that was bequeathed to one of the women into a B&B. Each book focuses on one of the characters, and The Cafe at Sugar Sand Inn highlight’s Chef Nina’s story, and her effort to get the cafe prepared for opening.

I’ll admit, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the two previous ones. It devolved into some ridiculousness around Nina’s former boyfriend who becomes a new competitor. The drama was just too far-fetched for me, and Tobias was a bit of a caricature.

I hope the next one is better!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina, Michelle, Reggie and Erin are best friends and find themselves at crossroads when they reach their 40s. They decide to completely re-do a run-down beach house and reform it into an inn, adding to it a larger restaurant, as Nina is a professional chef and dreams of her own restaurant.
In this book we follow their endeavor with all the trouble that comes along, including Nina's ex, who already once before destroyed her name and career.
A good story-line, well-written and definitely something I want to continue reading.about these women.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good heartwarming story about friends trying to work their way through issues and to make their life great. Wonderful and interesting characters to follow along on this journey. Love a good second chance story. There might be a few twist and turns and some bumps along the way but that just makes for fun reading. Good read.

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

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful wholesome series

I’ve just binged the first three books in this series and absolutely loved them. So refreshing to read a clean series about a group of strong women who support each other every step of the way. If you love small town stories with best friends finding and then living their best lives with a little romance thrown in - this series is for you. I can’t wait to read the next book

[Lynn Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This is the third book in the series I have read so far. I am so happy I found this author. Not only are the stories fantastic, but relatable. Also being from South Mississippi, I have known these places so of my life, as well as where the cover picture of the house us in Troy, Alabama. I can't wait to read more of the series and look forward to many more of her books. I highly recommend this author and her books.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth of July festival

Things are working out for the four friends until the Health Inspector comes and tells them the dining room isn't large enough for the number of tables they want and need to make the cafe pay for itself. They decide to remodel the dining room and one of the parlor into one room. Chris suggests they hire Zeke the job is too large for him. They get ready for the Fourth of July festival. Good fun story and characters.