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Summer Cottage #1
Sandbar Sisters
The beach of her childhood may hold the keys to the second chance of her dreams.
On the cusp of her fiftieth birthday Libby Quinn’s Pinterest perfect life has turned into a disaster. When her husband leaves with all her money, Libby is left broke, alone, and unemployable. A surprise invitation from her aunt to enjoy a retreat at the family's old summer beach house could be the balm she needs.
The first moment the warm breeze blows in her hair, sun-soaked memories, cherished friendships, and an old flame begin to remind Libby of who she used to be. The best times of her life were at the beach house but the past also holds a secret that Libby has buried for decades. Libby will have to combine the fearless girl she once was with the woman she’s become to fight for her piece of paradise.
Warm sand, sun, and a second chance is there for the taking if Libby can repair her shattered confidence enough to see it.
Sandbar Sisters is the first book in the Summer Cottage Series that follows the heartwarming stories of Libby Quinn, her friends, family, and summer visitors to the beaches of Irish Hills. If you like sweet romance, flip flops, and sun on your shoulders, you’ll love Sandbar Sisters. Pick a spot on the pontoon boat and spend the summer with old friends and gentle laughs.
Fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Pamela Kelley, Rachel Hanna, Dorothea Benton Frank, and Hope Holloway will love this second chance at the beach women’s fiction.
On the cusp of her fiftieth birthday Libby Quinn’s Pinterest perfect life has turned into a disaster. When her husband leaves with all her money, Libby is left broke, alone, and unemployable. A surprise invitation from her aunt to enjoy a retreat at the family's old summer beach house could be the balm she needs.
The first moment the warm breeze blows in her hair, sun-soaked memories, cherished friendships, and an old flame begin to remind Libby of who she used to be. The best times of her life were at the beach house but the past also holds a secret that Libby has buried for decades. Libby will have to combine the fearless girl she once was with the woman she’s become to fight for her piece of paradise.
Warm sand, sun, and a second chance is there for the taking if Libby can repair her shattered confidence enough to see it.
Sandbar Sisters is the first book in the Summer Cottage Series that follows the heartwarming stories of Libby Quinn, her friends, family, and summer visitors to the beaches of Irish Hills. If you like sweet romance, flip flops, and sun on your shoulders, you’ll love Sandbar Sisters. Pick a spot on the pontoon boat and spend the summer with old friends and gentle laughs.
Fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Pamela Kelley, Rachel Hanna, Dorothea Benton Frank, and Hope Holloway will love this second chance at the beach women’s fiction.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2022
2318 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Regnier
27 books161 followersI write, beachy women's fiction, paranormal women's fiction, and I'm also a columnist.
I was in television news for 21 years but hung up the hairspray to become an author.
Give me a follow on TikTok, it's my latest way to procrastinate.
I'm an avid reader and fan. Thank you for connecting with me here!
I was in television news for 21 years but hung up the hairspray to become an author.
Give me a follow on TikTok, it's my latest way to procrastinate.
I'm an avid reader and fan. Thank you for connecting with me here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 2, 2022
Different Read For Me
Libby has had everything stolen from her by her ex husband. Her aunt helps and brings her back to her summer home, where she hasn't been in years. But with an ulterior motive in place by her aunt, Libby needs to decide if staying is worth the painful memories she has.
So, I'm not used to reading women's fiction like this, but this book was a refreshing change of pace. We have a FMC that's over forty and on the brink of a midlife crisis, and is someone that is completely relatable. Libby has a lot going against her, so coming back to a place of both good and painful memories just adds to her problems. Her aunt's motives for getting her to come back I felt were justified, and really impacted the story in a great way.
I couldn't get into the story to begin with, because everything felt slow. I wasn't hooked in the first chapter, but kept reading just to see what would happen. As the story progressed, it did get better and I did enjoy the overall book.
Libby has had everything stolen from her by her ex husband. Her aunt helps and brings her back to her summer home, where she hasn't been in years. But with an ulterior motive in place by her aunt, Libby needs to decide if staying is worth the painful memories she has.
So, I'm not used to reading women's fiction like this, but this book was a refreshing change of pace. We have a FMC that's over forty and on the brink of a midlife crisis, and is someone that is completely relatable. Libby has a lot going against her, so coming back to a place of both good and painful memories just adds to her problems. Her aunt's motives for getting her to come back I felt were justified, and really impacted the story in a great way.
I couldn't get into the story to begin with, because everything felt slow. I wasn't hooked in the first chapter, but kept reading just to see what would happen. As the story progressed, it did get better and I did enjoy the overall book.
August 19, 2024
Super cheesy, needed more energy, kindle version had many grammatical errors.
April 1, 2022
Libby Quinn had to retire when her ex-husband stole everything from her, most importantly her job as the head of the non-profit for which she worked. Her ninety-year-old aunt has offered her a lifeline. So, she leaves he big city life to return to the family summer home she hasn’t seen in decades, and where some of her fondest, and most painful, memories from growing up occurred. She quickly realizes that her aunt had ulterior motives for the invitation, and she will have to decide if it is reason enough for her to stay. Unfortunately, her memories of the three girls known as the Sandbar Sister, her first love, and the small town are threatened by a big city developer who wants to destroy the town.
These are wonderful characters, each and every one of them is well written, realistic, and compelling. Libby is drawn into a battle to save the small town, and the people whom she has such fond memories of, at first very reluctantly. But a high-power job offer is just the push she needs to stand up for the place, and people she loves. While I hesitated, initially, I adore this author, so I decided to give this book a try. It’s absolutely fascinating and gives glimpses into the past of a small town, and its residents pasts that kept me deeply engrossed. A little bit of romance, a somewhat suspenseful moment or two, (What will Libby decide?) and unexpected twists make this a must read, and a fantastic series starter. I loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
These are wonderful characters, each and every one of them is well written, realistic, and compelling. Libby is drawn into a battle to save the small town, and the people whom she has such fond memories of, at first very reluctantly. But a high-power job offer is just the push she needs to stand up for the place, and people she loves. While I hesitated, initially, I adore this author, so I decided to give this book a try. It’s absolutely fascinating and gives glimpses into the past of a small town, and its residents pasts that kept me deeply engrossed. A little bit of romance, a somewhat suspenseful moment or two, (What will Libby decide?) and unexpected twists make this a must read, and a fantastic series starter. I loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 24, 2022
I loved this book. Rebecca Regnier is my new favorite author! I just read 7 books in her paranormal series, Widow's Bay, and can't wait for the next one. This book was delightful. The characters were realistic and had a great connection from many years ago. I'm grabbing the next book now and will start reading it in less than 5 minutes!
Amazon synopsis:
The beach of her childhood may hold the keys to the second chance of her dreams.
On the cusp of her fiftieth birthday, Libby Quinn’s Pinterest-perfect life has turned into a disaster. When her husband leaves with all her money, Libby is left broke, alone, and unemployable. A surprise invitation from her aunt to enjoy a retreat at the family's old summer beach house could be the balm she needs.
The first moment the warm breeze blows in her hair, sun-soaked memories, cherished friendships, and an old flame begin to remind Libby of who she used to be. The best times of her life were at the beach house but the past also holds a secret that Libby has buried for decades. Libby will have to combine the fearless girl she once was with the woman she’s become to fight for her piece of paradise.
Warm sand, sun, and a second chance is there for the taking if Libby can repair her shattered confidence enough to see it.
Amazon synopsis:
The beach of her childhood may hold the keys to the second chance of her dreams.
On the cusp of her fiftieth birthday, Libby Quinn’s Pinterest-perfect life has turned into a disaster. When her husband leaves with all her money, Libby is left broke, alone, and unemployable. A surprise invitation from her aunt to enjoy a retreat at the family's old summer beach house could be the balm she needs.
The first moment the warm breeze blows in her hair, sun-soaked memories, cherished friendships, and an old flame begin to remind Libby of who she used to be. The best times of her life were at the beach house but the past also holds a secret that Libby has buried for decades. Libby will have to combine the fearless girl she once was with the woman she’s become to fight for her piece of paradise.
Warm sand, sun, and a second chance is there for the taking if Libby can repair her shattered confidence enough to see it.
April 1, 2022
I have read books from this writer in the past and these were all with a magical twist in it. But when she offered an arc with a feel good and no magic I thought I give that a try too, since I like feelgood books.
This book didn't dissapoint. It actually did remind me a bit of the widow bay series, but without the magic. Or maybe there is still magic in it, because Libby goes back to her youth when after a disaster with her ex husband and her former job, her aunt invites her over. Not only invites her over, but also gives her the house and a project. Saving the town from being bulldozed down. Libby meets up with her old friend J.J. and with Keith, her first crush.
Great to read about memories of this summers long ago. But also about Libby getting back on her feet and planning to help the town.
This book didn't dissapoint. It actually did remind me a bit of the widow bay series, but without the magic. Or maybe there is still magic in it, because Libby goes back to her youth when after a disaster with her ex husband and her former job, her aunt invites her over. Not only invites her over, but also gives her the house and a project. Saving the town from being bulldozed down. Libby meets up with her old friend J.J. and with Keith, her first crush.
Great to read about memories of this summers long ago. But also about Libby getting back on her feet and planning to help the town.
October 1, 2023
A new series and author for me to read. I like books about women who have to rebuild their lives, and if that means returning to a place of sanctuary for them, then all the better.
Libby Quinn has thrown her embezzling, theiving her husband out, narrowly avoided being charged herself, and has to rebuild her life. A lifeline is thrown to her by her aged Aunt, who lives in Irish Hills, a community based around a lake, and where Libby spent all her holidays as a child. She decides to go for a few days to sort herself out, without really knowing what her Aunts offer really is!
I was captivated by this story from the first few pages, and I couldn't put the book down. I loved it and am eager to find out what happens next. I think this is a series I'm going to binge read!
Libby Quinn has thrown her embezzling, theiving her husband out, narrowly avoided being charged herself, and has to rebuild her life. A lifeline is thrown to her by her aged Aunt, who lives in Irish Hills, a community based around a lake, and where Libby spent all her holidays as a child. She decides to go for a few days to sort herself out, without really knowing what her Aunts offer really is!
I was captivated by this story from the first few pages, and I couldn't put the book down. I loved it and am eager to find out what happens next. I think this is a series I'm going to binge read!
April 4, 2022
The Sandbar Sisters is a new series by this author who has manly written midlife love paranormal books but this is still a great summer read and I'm glad I gave it a try.
Libby is in her 40s she had alot going for her or so she thought until her criminaly rotten ex-husband tanked it all so its back to a place were she had terrific friendships and her first real love but it's also painful dose she want to revisit everything and help her aunt and deal with a developer trying to change it all. Well it's just the beginning for the Sandbar sisters so im thinking Libby makes the write choice.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Libby is in her 40s she had alot going for her or so she thought until her criminaly rotten ex-husband tanked it all so its back to a place were she had terrific friendships and her first real love but it's also painful dose she want to revisit everything and help her aunt and deal with a developer trying to change it all. Well it's just the beginning for the Sandbar sisters so im thinking Libby makes the write choice.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
May 25, 2022
Libby Quinn was the highly respected head of a non-profit agency. Her ex-husband embezzled from the agency and although she was cleared of wrongdoing, she lost everything. Her 90-year-old aunt offers her the family summer home where she spent her childhood years but there is an ulterior motive. Libby has a major decision to make. Do what her aunt asks of her or go elsewhere toward an uncertain future. She hasn't been back in 30 years, so her childhood best friend and her first boyfriend make staying in town tempting. This was a great feel-good story and set up well for book 2. I'm looking forward to it.
January 3, 2024
A feel good summer read
Sandbar Sisters would be a perfect summer read. It is also a fine December read. I love that this book takes place in Irish Hills, Michigan. I'm very familiar with that area, and I enjoyed reading about it. I can't wait to start reading the second book in this series. Rebecca Regnier does a great job with all of the characters and brings them from teen years to adults.
Sandbar Sisters would be a perfect summer read. It is also a fine December read. I love that this book takes place in Irish Hills, Michigan. I'm very familiar with that area, and I enjoyed reading about it. I can't wait to start reading the second book in this series. Rebecca Regnier does a great job with all of the characters and brings them from teen years to adults.
April 1, 2022
Memories of the Past
As I read this book my mind did not know what to make of the story in the beginning. The longer I read the book pulls you into her past and brings back fond memories of my own summers.
By the time I got to the end of the book I was hooked. Now I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
As I read this book my mind did not know what to make of the story in the beginning. The longer I read the book pulls you into her past and brings back fond memories of my own summers.
By the time I got to the end of the book I was hooked. Now I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
August 27, 2023
Great beach read for the summer!
This first introduction to the Sandbar Sisters was a great read! I couldn't put it down. It was so much fun getting to know them. I can't wait to read the rest of the series to find out more about these characters, meet the rest of the Sisters, and find out how their project turns out!
This first introduction to the Sandbar Sisters was a great read! I couldn't put it down. It was so much fun getting to know them. I can't wait to read the rest of the series to find out more about these characters, meet the rest of the Sisters, and find out how their project turns out!
January 23, 2024
Great read about childhood friends on a beach that you never get tired of reading about.. Libby is betrayed by her husband and forced to resign from her beloved job... Heads back to her summer home when her Aunt Emma offers her Nora House to lick her words and get her life back on track.. Old loves and older friends help Libby turn things around.
February 12, 2024
Sad to say I didn’t love this. I know it was supposed to appeal to lovers of my girl Elin, but this was very much not on her level. It’s a really slow burn, extremely obvious plot, with very under developed characters. Overall just disappointed there weren’t more layers to make the book a bit more interesting.
August 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this story about Libby Quinn and why she returns to her hometown of Irish Hills. Delightful interaction of the characters. Libby becomes the focus of the story when she becomes the owner of Nora House where she grew up. She reconnects with some old friends who still live there. But then there is a big surprise when the townspeople are counting on her to bring back the past and restore the future.
December 23, 2024
best book I’ve read in a while!
With its well developed characters, inviting scenery, and real life challenges, Regnier paints a portrait of redemption that’ll keep you coming back for more. If you’ve been looking for a clean, heart pulling story, look no further. The protagonist is as real as they get with lows and highs like the rest of us, very relatable. I’m glad there’s a book two because I’m not ready to let these characters go.
With its well developed characters, inviting scenery, and real life challenges, Regnier paints a portrait of redemption that’ll keep you coming back for more. If you’ve been looking for a clean, heart pulling story, look no further. The protagonist is as real as they get with lows and highs like the rest of us, very relatable. I’m glad there’s a book two because I’m not ready to let these characters go.
July 27, 2025
I got about 1/3 of the way through it & it just couldn't hold my attention. Turns out I wasn't up for a Summer Read about the Midwest. The characters seemed well written & the references to era memories I found to be accurate. However, the writing didn't exactly grab me. I also have a Midwest Lake House, so this wasn't enough of an escape for me. Personal preference.
August 21, 2025
Great Read!
I really enjoyed book 1 in this series watching Libby travel their road to reconnect with old friends where she spent her summers as a young girl. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 to see who her next friend from those long ago summers re-enter the picture. I'll definitely recommend this book to everyone.
I really enjoyed book 1 in this series watching Libby travel their road to reconnect with old friends where she spent her summers as a young girl. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 to see who her next friend from those long ago summers re-enter the picture. I'll definitely recommend this book to everyone.
May 22, 2022
Excellent story
What a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book and can't wait to read the next book in this series! So we'll written, I felt like I was there with each character.
What a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book and can't wait to read the next book in this series! So we'll written, I felt like I was there with each character.
June 16, 2022
I'm a huge fan
Oh what a delightful strong and supportive characters . I enjoyed this contemporary romance unfolding an upbeat story that draws reader's in and wanting more . I highly recommend this book
Oh what a delightful strong and supportive characters . I enjoyed this contemporary romance unfolding an upbeat story that draws reader's in and wanting more . I highly recommend this book
July 21, 2022
You are amazing
Doing a job you are meant to do. You are the best in your field. After almost going to jail, losing her previous life and starting over.The best place to start over is where you came from. We all should check out our past.
Doing a job you are meant to do. You are the best in your field. After almost going to jail, losing her previous life and starting over.The best place to start over is where you came from. We all should check out our past.
August 22, 2022
I picked this book on a whim, and I was pleasantly surprised. All the characters are enjoyable to learn about and the story is intriguing. I wrote this review after reading the second book to give a better perspective on the series. Book two is even better so don't stop reading.
September 22, 2022
Good read
I love series. This is the first book in the Sandbar Sisters series. A story of an older woman at the end of her rope with no money, no job and no place to live. Her elderly aunt decides to change all that. And so the story begins.
I love series. This is the first book in the Sandbar Sisters series. A story of an older woman at the end of her rope with no money, no job and no place to live. Her elderly aunt decides to change all that. And so the story begins.
January 1, 2024
New old beginnings
After her crook of a husband destroys everything she worked for, Libby goes to her aunts in Michigan. Her 90 year old Auntie is not as frail and feeble minded as she leads some to believe. She reawaken Libby. I look forward to the rest of this series
After her crook of a husband destroys everything she worked for, Libby goes to her aunts in Michigan. Her 90 year old Auntie is not as frail and feeble minded as she leads some to believe. She reawaken Libby. I look forward to the rest of this series
January 8, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up. This is a cute book, I love the idea of Libby going back to her hometown to rebuild, but there was a lot of random filler and it made the end feel rushed. The end is super predictable, but overall a cute book. I’ll probably check out the rest of the series.
February 26, 2024
Sandbar sisters
Wow . You never really know someone ... was I really going to jail for embezzlement??? My ex skips town, and I have to step down from the company I started .. My aunt is giving me a place to recover. Does my aunt have other plans ? Can I remember the past ?
Wow . You never really know someone ... was I really going to jail for embezzlement??? My ex skips town, and I have to step down from the company I started .. My aunt is giving me a place to recover. Does my aunt have other plans ? Can I remember the past ?
April 28, 2024
This was a quick and enjoyable read:
I really liked the main character Libby. I liked the setting, the plot, the love story that is about to unfold with Libby and Keith. I also like that it is going to continue in the next book.
I really liked the main character Libby. I liked the setting, the plot, the love story that is about to unfold with Libby and Keith. I also like that it is going to continue in the next book.
June 22, 2024
Rounding up to 4 ⭐️ I feel like the plot doesn’t really start until 75% through. This is very much a hallmark movie in book form. Very cute. I would classify this as women’s literature with a subplot of romance.
June 27, 2024
Fun Book
I enjoyed the first book. It moves a little slow but I like reading clearing clean and fun novels. I am looking b forward to the next book. It the kind of book that you can imagine yourself in the place enjoying life.
I enjoyed the first book. It moves a little slow but I like reading clearing clean and fun novels. I am looking b forward to the next book. It the kind of book that you can imagine yourself in the place enjoying life.
July 3, 2024
I enjoyed it but then was discouraged by the abrupt interruption requiring me to buy the next book in the series so I know the resolutions. I haven’t done that yet…I had downloaded book 1 for free for a lake vacation read.
July 22, 2024
This is an easy read and very enjoyable book. A book a lot of us can imagine ourselves in. Bringing back childhood summers spent with our best friends and our 1st crushes. Can’t wait to finish the rest and see what happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews