Just Finished: Sand Castle Bay

If you’re looking for a sweet and easy to read romance, Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods is a great pick. This book is the first in the Ocean Breeze trilogy, a series that follows three sisters as they try to find love.

Here’s the synopsis:

In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved. For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?

I don’t typically read true romance novels (ie the ones you’d find in the romance section of your local bookstore) but every once and awhile a romance series will interest me. What caught my eye with this series was that it features a different sister in each book. I find that it’s more entertaining when all the males or females are related (as you’ll see in an upcoming review, I love the Inn Boonsboro series by Nora Roberts that features three brothers). There’s just an added tension and possibility for deeper conversations and connections when they’re siblings. Maybe that’s all in my head but I enjoy it so that’s all that matters, right?

The other thing about a series like this is that you can see the beginnings of the romances that will be featured in the following books. I have a feeling I know which guy each of the other sister's will end up with and I’m looking forward to seeing how that comes about. There are some obvious obstacles between the possible couples and it should make for some entertaining and emotional reading.

I have to say that I was expecting this series to be a little…well, spicier. I’m not sure why, exactly. The romance between Emily and Boone was sweet but there was a sexual tension that I expected to be described a little bit more. Instead, there wasn’t a single actual sex scene put into writing. Normally this kind of thing wouldn't bother me. I think because there were references to when they were younger and couldn’t keep their hands off each other that I was expecting a little bit...more. Not a deal breaker for me, just an observation. You could see this as a bonus if you’re not into reading sex scenes! 

Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods was an easy and enjoyable read. If you’re a romance reader looking for something to pick up, I’d recommend this one. I can’t wait to dive into book two, Wind Chime Point, which features another sister, Gabi (my review will be up May 2).  

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Harlequin, in exchange for an honest review*