Member Reviews
A story that gives you romance, intrigue and family secrets.
The characters are engaging and likeable.
The mysterious twist kept me reading on and on.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The description of Sand Dollar Cove is so lovely. I surely want to visit there.
This is my first read by this author. I loved the descriptions of the area, so warm and inviting, waves crashing against the cliffs, sandy beaches and rustic cabins.
The seaside setting will draw you into this story.
The characters are likable, and I enjoyed getting to know them as the story progressed. There are a lot of emotions at play in this story. Hannah is such a strong character; she does a top-of-the-line job at work and is there for her family every step of the way.
A mystery, family dynamics, a warm and hospitable setting along with realistic situations and characters I loved will have me diving right into the second and third books in this series right away.
Cozy and entertaining this will be the one you'll be recommending to your friends.
Pub Date: 15 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Sand Dollar Cove was never a place I expected to visit, but I was instantly swept away and I cant wait to go back. Beardsley doesn’t disappoint in this latest novel. Her signature style shines in the cove as we follow Hannah and her friends and family through their ups and downs. Best of all was the mysterious twist, a la Austen, that was both satisfying and unexpected. This is a sweet romance that slow burns into a dramatic end you won’t want to miss.
This is the first book in the Sand Dollar series. Hannah is a great main character, she’s suffered so much loss and works so hard for the ones she loves, she’s caring always looking out for others, often at a cost to her. Hannah is cleaning out one of the cottages in the resort when she comes across a box left behind by a guest, she sends it back to the guest and thinks nothing more of it. As Hannah fights to become manager and her growing feelings for new colleague Guy, plus trying to not be homeless, many secrets from the past start to come to the surface shocking Hannah and everyone close to her.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of Postcards From The Cove by Jennifer Bardsley, published by Bookouture
This book was great! Made me smile and laugh out loud at times, it was believable, well written, characters were great. I loved the plot, such a great story of misfortune, struggle, kindness and people getting what's due. Description of the area, characters were fantastic, you could see and feel what the author intended.
Hannah lives with her mom and sister in a town that they were born and grew up in, it used to be a booming town. Now it's paycheck to paycheck since Hannah's mom can't work and her sister is almost done her college courses. And then looking for a new place to live when their rental floods one night. Luckily Hannah is able to use one of the vacant cottages at Sandycove, where she works, while they look for new affordable housing
This was such an enjoyable read, very well written, great flow and storyline. I've got the 2nd book in this series also and can't wait to dive in! I've never read books by Jennifer Bardsley before but she on my TBR list now for sure
Publication date: February 15, 2024
Postcards from the Cove is the first book in the Sand Dollar Cove series by Jennifer Bardsley This is my first book by this author and I already have the 2nd book as an ARC to read.
Hannah Turner has experienced a lot of loss and plenty of stress even though she’s barely in her mid twenties. After losing her father to what was ruled suicide and her mother to drugs and alcohol not long after, Hannah and her younger sister were raised by their grandmother in Sand Dollar Cove.
Hannah is the assistant manager of the local resort, a place she was practically raised in. As the General Manager gets set to retired Hannah is promised a promotion. This promotion will go along way to securing a future for Hannah and hee family. After years of caring for them, Hannah and her sister Mary are taking care of their elderly grandmother.
Guy Barrett is the new health and wellness Director at the resort. After the previous Director abruptly left, Guy was a perfect fit. Guy seems to be hiding something though and although Hannah and him start to spend a ton of time together she realizes she still doesn’t know much about him.
As their relationship grows, Guy is called away when his father falls ill. While he’s gone, Hannah starts to realize what Guy has been hiding this whole time. Can Hannah forgive Guy for his deception and finally find her happy ending?
This books is promoted as a mystery romance. The plot was fairly predictable and I had a tough time feeling the connection between Guy and Hannah. It’s also an incredibly slow burn. The first 75% of the book is background story and build up, much of which was repetitive. I felt like the entire story happens in the last 25% of the book. I did love the setting though! This was a 2.75 star for me. I have started the second book so here’s hoping I’ll connect better with story in this instalment!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #jenniferbardsley #postcardsfromthecove
The little cottage sits atop the cove’s rugged cliffs, with its whitewashed walls and views of the deep blue sea. When Hannah discovers a jar of timeworn postcards hidden inside, will they lead to the fresh start she’s longing for?
I really liked this cosy romance book. I liked so many of the characters and seeing their personalities shine through, even if at times they annoyed me. I enjoyed the plot, although I do wish that things were revealed more gradually throughout the book especially towards the end as there seemed to be a lot happening in a short amount of time. Sand Dollar Cove sounds like such a beautiful place and I wish I could visit it to see it for myself!
I flew through this book in a day because I found it so hard to put down and I’m really glad that I have the second book in the series after the cliff hanger ending as I am so interested in seeing what happens next!
⚠️ CWs: death by suicide, cursing, ableism, derogatory language, alcohol use, mentions animal murder, blood, person with alcohol use disorder, mental health illness, car accident, spiders, sexual harassment, cheating ⚠️
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
Hannah has lived in Sand Dollar Cove all of her life. She works at the Seaside Resort as Assistant Manager and has worked there for years. Gorgeous Guy Barret is the new Wellness Director at the resort. Hannah has a bit of a crush on Guy but doesn't believe in employees seeing each other. She has also been looking after her elderly grandmother and sister for quite some time and it is taking a toll on her — both financially and mentally. This book was absolutely fantastic just like the other books I have read written by this author and I can't wait to read the next one in this new series.
This was pretty interesting but somewhat predictable, I felt like I knew the main twist way before the author let us in on it. The romance was ok, a lot of inner monologue to draw it out. It ended on a cliffhanger, which personality isn't something I prefer.
I felt so bad for Hannah. She struggled so hard and had so much responsibility. She just didn’t seem to be able to catch a break.
It took me most of the book to warm up to Guy, even after his secrets were spilled,
I wanted to send Herman and the maintenance crew down the Rhodie path.
I could picture exactly where Sand Dollar Cove is and I love sand dollars.
This series is off to a good start and I can’t wait to delve into Mary’s story.
Sand Dollar Cove is a beautiful seaside resort looking at the Pacific Ocean Hannah was born and raised on the Pacific Coast. She has worked for years to become the next manager of the Sand Dollar Cove only to met resistance from the management when a new physical therapist joins the company team and everyone is mesmerized by Guys good looks and easy mannerism including Hannah.
Hannah and her sister Mary were always lead to believe that their father died by suicide driving his truck off the cliff denying them of his life insurance policy and her mother taking what money they had buying a corvette and becoming a drunk and losing custody of the two girls.
Hannah found some postcards and a wooden box and mailed them to who she believed the owner to be but somehow they were in the desk Guy used - how did they reappear? Who is Guy?
A fabulous rags to riches book that I am thankful to have received ARC from NetGalley.
Postcards from the Cove by Jennifer Bardsley is a heartwarming and evocative tale that masterfully intertwines the beauty of a seaside setting with a poignant story of love, loss, and discovery. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Sand Dollar Cove, this novel is a touching exploration of the depths of family bonds and the courage it takes to embrace new beginnings, and I love the fun mystery surrounding the postcards Hannah finds!
Bardsley has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking, making Postcards from the Cove a must-read for anyone who loves a good story set in a scenic coastal town, brimming with love, secrets, and the promise of a fresh start.
Hannah and Mary have been living with their grandmother, Cheryl since they were little. Hannah works hard taking care of Mary and Cheryl financially and their well-being. Hannah's father lost his life in a car accident, and her mother became an alcoholic and almost killed the sisters while driving. Forgiving their mother has been a struggle for them ever since.
Hannah is passionate about working at the seaside resort. She takes care of almost everything and is looking to become the next general manager, so she can afford a better living condition for Cheryl and Mary.
Hannah came across a mysterious box containing a jar, dried sand dollars, vintage postcards and photos and she was curious as she had never seen a box like this in any of the cottages before. Hannah decided to send it back to the former guest who might have left it during the stay.
Then comes Guy Barret, who is a new physical trainer at the resort, six feet tall, with dark blond hair, blue eyes and is charming and handsome. Hannah was immediately attracted to him.
But Guy then became a competitor and a threat to Hannah's career. Hannah is not prepared to depart Sand Dollar Cove due to the many childhood memories she cherishes.
What is Guy's true identity? Why did he rather give up his life in the city and live in Sand Dollar Cove? What is the reason for his fascination with the history of Sand Dollar Cove, which has the potential to impact Hannah's life?
This book is the first book in the series. I am enjoying every bit. The characters are all likable and some parts make me laugh. Grandma Cheryl is really cute too.
Reading this book made me feel like watching a TV drama series. I want to continue watching the next episode. Immediately after finishing this book, I go straight to the second one and am eagerly anticipating reading the third one.
I think the little bit of romance, the love between sisters, the grieving of their father, and the love for Sand Dollar Cove perfectly blend in this book.
It's just a perfect read for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC. I really enjoy reading it.
Postcards from the Cove is a book that follows two sisters(this book follows the older sister, the second book follows the younger) and their Grandmother. Hannah has always loved working and living at the Seaside Resort. It gives her comfort while she’s grieving for her father. When a new guy, named Guy, starts working at the resort and is up for the same job.
What a beautiful story of love, loss, and family. If you love small towns, wonderful characters(I loved her grandmother) and romance this book is for you.
Please note that it does end in a cliff hanger and the second book takes off right where this one ends.
Postcards from the Cove is the first book in the Sand Dollar Cove series.
My first book I’ve read from Jennifer Bardsley and WOW! What a book. I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put it down.
When Hannah discovers a jar of timeworn postcards hidden inside one of the cottages at the resort, will they lead to the fresh start Hannah is looking for.
This book is beautifully written with great descriptions. I loved the cover too.
You can just picture Seaside Resort and all the brilliant characters as you read along.
All the character are well developed. I particularly loved Hannah’s character, she’s strong, driven, wise and is passionate about her family, the Cove and her job at the Resort. I enjoyed the characters and how they all came together.
I loved the storyline, I was totally hooked. It’s heartwarming, fast paced, intense, romantic and full of emotion. Just brilliant.
I really enjoyed the journey as life unfolded in Sand Dollar Cove.
I also loved the teaser from Book two-Photographs from the Cove included at the end. I’m excited about reading more books in this series.
Overall, an enjoyable, light hearted read full of romance, drama and family secrets.
Definitely recommend this beautiful small town romance fiction.
With thanks to #NetGallery @Bookouture for an eARC of #PostcardsFromTheCove in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
Book publishes 18 February 2024.
What a beautiful start to a series! The author writes with great description. I felt like I was not reading a book but that I was living the story. It wrapped around me like a warm, comforting blanket. I can not wait to read more.
Sand Dollar Cove was such enchanting setting. I could clearly picture Seaside Resort and the unique cast of characters. Hannah was such a wonderful character - - strong, driven and wise beyond her years. Her passion for her family, the cove and the resort were admirable and I was rooting for her personally and professionally throughout the book. I’m absolutely thrilled that this is the first in the series and look forward to seeing what’s next for Hannah, Guy and Seaside Resort!
A carved wooden box, a jar with old postcards and a few sand dollars discovered in an old cottage due for demolition at Sand Dollar Cover Resort, sparks a great sense of curiosity in Hannah Turner’s mind, as she wonders who the mysterious Joe was that penned such a heartbreaking messages on the postcards.
As she decides to send them on to the address on the postcards she hopes that they will find the original owner. Whether she will ever find out who they were meant for the story behind the message is simply a curiosity.
Struggle street was something Hannah and her small family had become used to over the years, as her Gran was eventually succumbing to a lifetime of hard work, her sister was completing a degree and she was working all hours at the Resort, to simply keep things moving along.
A fresh and very good looking face appears on the scene as the personal instructor in the Fitness Centre and Hannah finds she is drawn to his kindness towards the guests and his friendly nature. Guy seems to be a little bit over qualified to work at the aging resort but it is giving the place a much needed boost on the socials.
Still grieving for her father, killed in an accident many years before she has always believed he did not commit suicide, but had no answers for what happened; she realised that life always seemed to have far too many burning questions, too much sorrow and so few answers.
When the postcards do eventually reveal their story, she discovers the answers in the most heart-warming and gentle way possible – by falling in love; something she had ruled out of her life as almost impossible.
Postcards From the Cove is a gentle and comfortable read for a cold winters day or a lazy day on the couch. Book 2 Photographs from the Cove is Mary’s story with a tantalising teaser included at the end of Hannah’s story.
Enjoy the journey as life unfolds in Sand Dollar Cove.
Hannah and Guy work at Sand Dollar Cove, and we get to know them, along with the other people here. I really enjoyed the story because it brings the past into the present, and as I am reading, it is like life is unfolding, and they are discovering what their life is going to be.
There are secrets, discovering things they didn't know, and sometimes you can know someone your whole life and wonder if you really did know them. Life continues to unfold, and it was fascinating to see where they end up.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
I found this to be an enjoyable light hearted read. The book follows Hannah who is the assistant manager at a seaside holiday resort. The book has it all, romance, drama and family secrets. It finishes on a cliffhanger leading into book 2 in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.