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The Burning Sands
Can an old tavern’s secrets free two women from their pasts?
After a year, Olivia Griffin still drowns in grief from losing her beloved husband in a tragic accident. To cope with his death, she loses herself in her art and genealogy research that follows her grandmother’s lineage to Trerose, a small fishing village on the Cornish coast of England. In a bid to start fresh, she travels to Cornwall to discover more about her grandmother’s past, where she is captivated by an old tavern and the story of a young woman who lived there in the seventeenth century.
In the autumn of 1671, Grace Atwood and her brother still mourn the loss of their childhood friend while they struggle to protect their mother and siblings from their abusive father, who operates The Burning Sands Tavern. Grace's life sinks further into turmoil after her father arranges her marriage to a local merchant with secrets of his own. When two strangers arrive in the harbor and the village is set alight with rumors, Grace finds herself caught between her family’s secrets and a romantic interest in Rig, a mysterious young man who is determined to help save her family.
In the present day, Olivia dives deeper into the history of the village, tavern, and young Grace's story, alongside two eccentric elderly sisters and the handsome vicar. The longer she spends in Trerose the more she is drawn to the village and tavern, which may very well hold the answer to both the past and her future.
After a year, Olivia Griffin still drowns in grief from losing her beloved husband in a tragic accident. To cope with his death, she loses herself in her art and genealogy research that follows her grandmother’s lineage to Trerose, a small fishing village on the Cornish coast of England. In a bid to start fresh, she travels to Cornwall to discover more about her grandmother’s past, where she is captivated by an old tavern and the story of a young woman who lived there in the seventeenth century.
In the autumn of 1671, Grace Atwood and her brother still mourn the loss of their childhood friend while they struggle to protect their mother and siblings from their abusive father, who operates The Burning Sands Tavern. Grace's life sinks further into turmoil after her father arranges her marriage to a local merchant with secrets of his own. When two strangers arrive in the harbor and the village is set alight with rumors, Grace finds herself caught between her family’s secrets and a romantic interest in Rig, a mysterious young man who is determined to help save her family.
In the present day, Olivia dives deeper into the history of the village, tavern, and young Grace's story, alongside two eccentric elderly sisters and the handsome vicar. The longer she spends in Trerose the more she is drawn to the village and tavern, which may very well hold the answer to both the past and her future.
430 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2022
About the author
Carole Lehr Johnson
20 books84 followersCarole Lehr Johnson is a veteran travel consultant of more than 30 years and has served as head of genealogy at her local library. Her love of tea and scones, castles and cottages, and all things British has led her to immerse her writing in the United Kingdom whether in the genre of historical or contemporary fiction.
She is the author of inspirational novels, a novella, and multiple anthologies. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and has previously served as president of her local chapter. She and her husband live in Louisiana with their goofy cats. For more information about Carole, visit her website at www.carolelehrjohnson.com
She is the author of inspirational novels, a novella, and multiple anthologies. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and has previously served as president of her local chapter. She and her husband live in Louisiana with their goofy cats. For more information about Carole, visit her website at www.carolelehrjohnson.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 30, 2025
The Burning Sands is one of those stories that I know will stick with me. Each of the characters from both timelines rose tall and alive from the pages of the author's lovely writing.
I love historical fiction, and Carole Lehr Johnson's writing reminds me of some of my favorite authors: Susanna Kearsley and Lisa See. The author's experience with genealogy and travel enhanced the story's authenticity.
The back and forth in time was handled very well with expertly timed breaks. I never found myself confused with the storylines and eagerly returned to each plot. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I love historical fiction, and Carole Lehr Johnson's writing reminds me of some of my favorite authors: Susanna Kearsley and Lisa See. The author's experience with genealogy and travel enhanced the story's authenticity.
The back and forth in time was handled very well with expertly timed breaks. I never found myself confused with the storylines and eagerly returned to each plot. I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 20, 2022
Another fantastic novel by Author Carole Lehr Johnson! This time it’s a split time novel set in Cornwall. This author never fails to transport me to England where I feel like I’m sitting at a lovely table having afternoon tea in a quaint village.
This novel is a heartwarming and faith-based novel that centers on two women who are trying to move beyond the pain of their pasts. One in modern day and one in the late 1600s. I so want to visit a costal village in Cornwall because of this novel! Can’t wait to read her next novel!
This novel is a heartwarming and faith-based novel that centers on two women who are trying to move beyond the pain of their pasts. One in modern day and one in the late 1600s. I so want to visit a costal village in Cornwall because of this novel! Can’t wait to read her next novel!
April 25, 2022
Walk along the cliffs and beaches of Cornwall as mysteries unfurl and questions beg for answers. Far from home, Olivia holidays in her ancestors’ homeland, never expecting to find a meandering trail to her past. A past that includes Grace in the 1600s and her colorful family.
The two stories make this split-time fiction an energetic journey. Genealogical research gives credence to the fact that our past can sprinkle our present with treasures—wisdom, artifacts, relatives, answers, encouragement. Read on to discover Olivia’s treasures.
Bravo, Carole!
The two stories make this split-time fiction an energetic journey. Genealogical research gives credence to the fact that our past can sprinkle our present with treasures—wisdom, artifacts, relatives, answers, encouragement. Read on to discover Olivia’s treasures.
Bravo, Carole!
March 24, 2023
Enlightening
I really liked the honest struggle of faith during crisis, there are times when books are very one sided. The character believes, something bad happens that causes doubt, but then some one says something a long the lines of "you must have faith" and then their faith is instantly restored...I don't feel like that is real. In this story, both Grace and Olivia struggle and pray, struggle and pray... that hit home for me. Beautifully written and a wonderful ending!
I really liked the honest struggle of faith during crisis, there are times when books are very one sided. The character believes, something bad happens that causes doubt, but then some one says something a long the lines of "you must have faith" and then their faith is instantly restored...I don't feel like that is real. In this story, both Grace and Olivia struggle and pray, struggle and pray... that hit home for me. Beautifully written and a wonderful ending!
July 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, and liked it the best of Johnson's books. I like the dual timelines, and the characters in both eras are well drawn. The pacing of both stories is just right, and I kept reading to find out what was going to happen to both sets of characters.
January 26, 2024
Genealogy and love at first sight!
Another wonderful story by Ms Johnson. Being in Cornwall, learning of past generations and their descendants, and how beautifully God makes all things work for good. Captivating storyline and lovable characters. Well done.
Another wonderful story by Ms Johnson. Being in Cornwall, learning of past generations and their descendants, and how beautifully God makes all things work for good. Captivating storyline and lovable characters. Well done.
August 6, 2022
I discovered a good read.
There were so many twists and turns, suspense and humor, and I did not see the biggest surprise coming. That one blew me away.
I should tell you that part of the book is contemporary and part is set in 1671 in a small Cornish village called Trerose. I have to say I had no trouble feeling like I was in that village, walking to the cottages or along the beach. I think that is Carole's forte--writing so that the setting comes alive almost like another character.
If you enjoy watching Poldark on PBS, you will especially appreciate this book. Well done.
There were so many twists and turns, suspense and humor, and I did not see the biggest surprise coming. That one blew me away.
I should tell you that part of the book is contemporary and part is set in 1671 in a small Cornish village called Trerose. I have to say I had no trouble feeling like I was in that village, walking to the cottages or along the beach. I think that is Carole's forte--writing so that the setting comes alive almost like another character.
If you enjoy watching Poldark on PBS, you will especially appreciate this book. Well done.
September 5, 2023
A Masterful Weaving of Two Times
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The stories in the two timelines are so neatly interwoven to be almost seamless. This is definitely one I will read over and over!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The stories in the two timelines are so neatly interwoven to be almost seamless. This is definitely one I will read over and over!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews