I thought this was a nice read and a realistic one.

Brittany is a 45 year old woman who has been through the mill. Somehow, she picks the wrong men, time after time, and she is still mourning the loss of her brother, Paul, when he was 17 years old. She blames his best friend Ryan for it but she doesn't know the whole story and when Ryan moves back to her town, events quickly get out of hand.

This is a book about redemption, about friendships, about parenting teens, about love as well. Just life generally, when you are at a certain point in your life. It is NOT easy being a single parent of a teenager, I know the feeling very well there, and the author has done a good job of tackling some of the issues of the teen/parent dynamic. I like the idea that love is possible at any age and comes in so many forms :)

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

I said it before and I say it again, I’m in love with this setting and I wish I could visit a place like Sand Dollar Cove.
Notes from the Cove is a moving and uplifting story about second chances, loss and love. This is part of a series but can be read as a Standalone.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Bookouture for this tour invite.

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲 by Jennifer Bardsley Author released March 20, 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

Book 3 from this series. I definitely enjoyed. I loved the romance in the book. It was an easy and pleasant read, one that you follow easily.

This is the 3rd book in the series, and I think you can easily read it as a standalone. Loved the combination of the mystery and romance. Great characters and gorgeous setting.

I've loved this series from the beginning and I think I'll dub this one my favorite.
I was very happy to be back in Sand Dollar Cove and it's residents. They've become like family. It's like a vacation without leaving the comfort of my home.
Brittany is an amazing woman. I loved how she made things happen. She's just like me in wanting to be overprotective with our kids so that's why I feel connected to her.
The Senior citizens are what made me chuckle several times throughout this sweet novel.
I finished this book in one evening it was sooooo good.

"Notes from the Cove" is a sweet, second-chance romance.

Brittany lost her brother Paul in a tragic accident when they were teenagers. But she lost more that just her brother that day. She lost her crush, his best friend Ryan, too--not because he died, but because everyone, including himself, blamed him for Paul's death.

Almost thirty years later, they've run into each other again, and the sparks fly; not because they're happy to see each other, but because she still blames him for losing her brother.

As time passes though and they each come to learn the truth of that day, they have a decision to make... Can they trust each other enough to love again?

If you enjoy mid-life, second-chance romances, this is a good story to pick up. I didn't realize until the end that it was part of a series, so it works well as a standalone.

Thank you to Jennifer Bardsley, Bookoutre and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Another great read from Bardsley. This is a great series that is easy to read and I was entertained throughout.

I really enjoyed this series- the characters, setting and storylines are really brilliantly written, In this one Brittany meets the 'friend' that she's always blamed for her brothers death as a teen. I will definitely look out for more by this author.

Overall, Notes from the Cove is a delightful book that offers a perfect escape into a charming coastal town and a heartwarming story of love and forgiveness. It is the third instalment in the Sand Dollar Cove series. Despite not having read the previous two books, I found the characters and storyline easily accessible and well-developed.

While the novel contains an element of mystery, it primarily falls under the genre of romantic fiction. The plot centres around Brittany, who harbours resentment toward Ryan for her brother's death many years ago. However, the two characters' animosity gradually transforms into an intimate relationship as the story progresses. This classic literary trope is executed with finesse, lending a sense of credibility to the narrative.

What I appreciated most about this book is the nuanced characterisation. The characters are well-defined and relatable, and their interactions are organic and exciting. Furthermore, the novel's setting in the coastal town of Sand Dollar Cove is picturesque and evocative. The narrative's pacing is well-crafted, resulting in a comfortable and engaging read.

Overall, Notes from the Cove is a delightful work that provides an ideal escape into a charming coastal town and a heartwarming tale of love and redemption.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a great book. I enjoyed it a lot!

This is the fourth book I’ve read in the Sand Dollar Cover series and the third full length book. You get a novella length book in the series when you sign up for the author’s newsletter.

Sand Dollar Cove’s description sounds so peaceful and relaxing. Taking place in the Pacific Northwest, with the water lapping serenely against the shore and shells to be found while walking along the beach you’ll surely want to spend the day here.

The water isn’t always this calm though and one night a fierce storm caused lifelong resident Brittany Thompson‘s older brother to lose his life in a boating accident back when they were in high school. Brittany has always blamed his best friend Ryan Osborne as they were together that night.

I really enjoyed how the series continues right from the last book with the same characters, so we already know them and their personalities.

How will Brittany react when she sees Ryan inside of her new cafe, she’s opened that has been a long-time dream of hers? To make matters worse she realizes he has moved back to the area.

Brittany really has a lot to deal with, Ryan moves back to town, her teenaged son has been having some emotional struggles and then a secret is revealed that changes what she thought she knew about something so important.

As the two spend more time together she sees he’s struggling to readjust to live in the cove again and has a teenaged daughter that is going through her own struggles. Despite her struggles I liked his daughter’s character, and it shows her vulnerability. I was glad to see her persevere, standing up for herself and making friends. It’s not easy as a teenager moving to a new area and not knowing anyone.

Just like the other books in the series, there is a lot going on with parents, teens, adjusting to a move, relationships, learning to trust again comes into it. I fully recommend this series.

There are family dynamics, misunderstandings, reacquaintances, forgiveness, reconciliation and just plain compassion and at the end of the day after all they’ve been through, they are there for each other with family love.

A must read series!

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Notes From The Cove' by Jennifer Bardsley.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jennifer Bardsley, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 20th March 2024.

This novel consists of 36 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This is the first book I have read by this author but it most certainly won't be my last!!! It is also the third book in 'The Sand Dollar Cove series but can be read as a standalone.

This novel consists of 36 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

What an absolutely stunning read by the extremely talented Jennifer Bardsley!!! A perfectly gorgeous book!!! The vivid descriptions left me feeling the fresh air of the Sand Dollar Cove and feeling the sea breeze. This may be the first book I have read by this incredible author but it most certainly won't be my last!!!The title, synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly.

This book is absolutely rammed full of love, heartache, loss, happiness, friendship, community, forgiveness, scenery and everything you could ask for in a stunning page turner!! Its one of the most heart-warming and beautiful books I've read in a long time. It made me laugh, cry, smile and fall in love with Sand Dollar Cove. I absolutely loved the gorgeous atmosphere and surroundings and Jessica's stunning evocative writing talents ensures the reader is flown away on holiday where they feel the sand on their toes, hear the crashing of the waves, feel their hearts beating faster with Brittany's and will leave you tingling with warmth, smiling with happiness and light hearted!! It is one of those stunning books that it is impossible to say just one more chapter to. I gave up even trying to lie to myself saying just one more in the end as every time I came to the end of one chapter I just HAD to know what was going to happen next and this ended up happening so many times I ended up devouring the whole book in a several hour sitting!! I just could not put my kindle down and I was absolutely gutted when I came to the end of the book! It genuinely felt like I had escaped rainy Wales for a few hours and was soaking up the sun and sea air in the beautiful Sand Dollar Cove. In this gorgeous book we meet Brittany who lost her brother Paul when she was just a teenager. Paul and Brittany had been close with Paul constantly looking out for her and including her on days out and activities he went on with his best friend Ryan. It was during one of his adventures out on a boat with Ryan that he died after a storm and Brittany had always blamed Ryan for his death. Ryan moved away from Sand Dollar Cove but has now returned. Brittany is opening her dream cafe when Ryan shows up. When mysterious notes start appearing will she suspect Ryan or get his help? How will Brittany react to him? Will she find out what happened on that tragic night? You'll have to grab your copy of this stunning page turner to find out! The storyline was sweet, heartbreaking, romantic, uplifting and everything you want in a heart warming romance and I completely fell head over heels in love!!! This book is an uplifting breathe of fresh air!!! It ended absolutely perfectly!!! I cannot wait to get stuck in to the previous 2 books in this series while waiting for more books by this absolutely amazing author!!

Although this is the third book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

Clear your schedules and have your tissues at the ready before picking up this stunning page turner as you won't be able to put it down and will get lost on this gorgeous rollercoaster ride of emotions!!!

The characters were all strong, well defined and realistic. I absolutely fell in love with them and I am so pleased that this is part of a series as I need to meet them again and again. they very quickly became like friends to me and I was sad to have to say goodbye when it came to the end of the book. My heart absolutely went out to Brittany after losing her brother. the fact that she takes a bad situation to do an amazing thing really compels me to her. She allows the customers who come to her cafe to purchase a card that allows a person in need to have money for food and drink and also to write notes for the bulletin board. i thought this was an absolutely gorgeous idea and how amazing it would be if more places did the same. It goes to show that she has a lot of compassion in her. I also loved Ryan and my heart also broke for him as he lost his best friend. I love the fact that we get to know them so well as Jennifer tells both of their stories throughout the pages. This book is a gorgeous addition (for me) to what promises to be a stunning series and I cannot wait to meet most of the characters again. I became really invested in each of the characters, their histories and their lives and relationships and I was rooting for Brittany and Ryan from the very first time I met them all the way through.They are both definitely characters I cannot wait to meet over and over again. I'm not going to say anything about the other main characters as I don't want to give anything away but I loved how everything turned out. I really enjoyed learning about all the different members of the community and it reflected a small town community perfectly. There were so many other characters that I really enjoyed meeting and who I cannot wait to meet again.I could go on and on but I best stop there as I don't want to give anything away and potentially spoil it for future readers!. Grab your copy of this book or the previous two books in this series and meet them all for yourselves. I guarantee you will fall in love with Sand Dollar Cove and most of the characters like I have!!

Get wrapped up warm, put the fire on, make your self a hot chocolate or get your towel and book ready and relax on the beach and clear your schedule ready to get lost in this unputdownable heart warming, gorgeous page turner!

Well done Jessica on an absolutely stunning book. This is exactly why I would like you to my favourite romance authors list!!! I am thoroughly looking forward to reading more of your books past and future, especially the rest of the books in this stunning series. Congratulations on a stunning success!!

Overall an absolutely stunning page turning romance that will make you smile, laugh and keep you up all night absorbing the pages.

355 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with Kindle Unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Brittany Thompson loves Sand Dollar Cove which is why she has lived there all of her life. When she was just a teenager she lost her older brother Paul. . He was her best friend and confidant. She still misses him and she is still mourning his loss after all these years. But she finds solace and comfort in her café, Safe Harbor. It’s a lovely little café where customers feel at home and bless a stranger with a meal and notes of encouragement. Just when Brittany feels like things are going great and she may finally stop grieving she Ryan Osborne walks into her café. The memories of Ryan pour into her mind like a flood. She remembers how he left Sand Dollar Cove right after her brother Paul died. She also remembers how Ryan left her to grieve all by herself. As they begin to grow closer, Brittany starts receiving messages of encouragement and she realizes how strong of a person she is now, because of her past experiences. Brittany discovers a secret about the night she lost Paul and once again her life is turned upside down.

Notes From The Cove written by author Jennifer Bardsley is a lovely emotional story and I was so happy to return to Sand Dollar Cove. It is on a lovely little beach town that is locals and tourists love to be. Brittany was a wonderful character and her little café is a place I would love to visit. The idea of gifting meals accompanied by a note of encouragement really touched my heart. I loved the unexpected plot twist and I read faster and faster because I couldn’t wait to see how it would end. This is the third installment in the Sand Dollar Cove Series and all though it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the entire series. This story was a heartwarming and inspirational read and I highly recommend it.

In NOTES FROM THE COVE, Brittany lost her brother when she was a teenager. Paul has always looked out for Brittany and tried to include her in everything, including activities with his best friend, Ryan. After a tragedy during a storm, Paul who was on a boat with Ryan, passes away. Brittany blames Ryan for her brother’s death and wants nothing to do with him. Ryan moves away from Sand Dollar Cove and Brittany is glad not to have to see him anymore. Until Ryan moves back. Keep the tissues close by! You are going to need them!

Switching between the thoughts of a young woman and her brother’s best friend, across multiple years, there is a romance storyline you will be routing for, but I will definitely say NOTES FROM THE COVE is going to pull at your heart strings throughout the story! Be prepared for Jennifer Bardsley to rip your heart out! She will do a nice job of putting it back together as well! Although her brother Paul is gone, I love how the essence of Paul is still very much alive. In a way, NOTES FROM THE COVE is his story too.

I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away all of NOTES FROM THE COVE but once I started reading this beautiful and heart breaking story, I could not stop! Everyone should have this unforgettable book on their reading list if you don’t already. The dialogue between Brittany and Ryan is just hysterical. There is so much pain in this story and in Brittany’s heart that I was crying like a baby while reading but mostly when I was finished! I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters from page one and I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When Ryan Osbourne returns home after decades of being away, Brittany has to face the one person she has blamed for her brother’s death all those years ago. Will she ever be able to forgive him? I enjoyed reading this story about friendship, forgiveness, and healing. I loved how Ryan and Brittany helped each other heal by talking about Paul and what happened on the day of his death. I also liked watching Brittany grow as she reflected on her family relationships and realized there are many good men in the world. This was a refreshing concept for me because a lot of contemporary books focus on how terrible men are. I especially liked the ending of the book. It was a great way to bring closure to the characters. This was a charming romance without spicy love scenes! It is also FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

A little while ago I was approached by publisher Bookouture to write an honest review about Notes from the Cove by author Jennifer Bardsley. I liked its blurb:

The cozy café on the bustling beach welcomes tourists and locals for steaming coffees and delicious homemade cakes. But when Brittany receives mysterious notes from a customer will they lead her to the happy ending she’s always dreamed of?

So I said yes. A couple of days later I noticed that Notes from the Cove is actually part of a series about the fictional town of Sand Dollar Cove the stories are set in. I took it upon myself to read the other two books as well.

The book Postcards from the Cove first introduced me to Sand Dollar Cove and its lovely inhabitants. This book had Hannah as its main character and was about the local hotel Seaside Resort. The second book Photographs from the Cove told the story of Hannah's sister Mary and how her business as a interior designer brought the old cinema back to life.

Notes from the Cove is the third book in the series and is all about Brittany. It's a little less connected to the other books than Postcards and Photographs were, but both Mary and Hannah figure in Notes from the Cove. Which turned the book into a nice and familiar read for me.

So about Brittany, she is a 45 year old single mom. Her son Jeremy has just gone off to college and Brittany has only just opened her business, Safe Harbor. The place is quickly known for it's great sandwiches and friendly service. Brittany really wants her place to be a real safe harbor and puts up an Angel Board. Customers can choose to pay an additional fee, fill in an Angel Card, which then serves as a coupon for someone who is in need of support. A lovely concept!

But if that was all, this would have made for quite a boring book. Of course that is not all. In comes Ryan, her childhood crush, and his fantastic daughter Isabella. And it gets even better, because Ryan is single as well! But Brittany's feelings about Ryan are incredibly difficult, as she blames him for her brother's death. As teenagers, Ryan and Paul were caught at sea during a storm, and unfortunately Paul did not make it to shore.

Notes from the Cove is a story about forgiveness and coming to terms with feelings of guilt. It's a book about friendship and about love conquering all. Which makes it a heartwarming book, but also quite predictable from time to time.

If you are struggling with feelings of guilt, please read this book. It's an easy read and it might just help you on your way to forgiving yourself.

Last but not least, I do hope there will be a fourth book in this series!

The Sand Dollar Cove series continues with this third book.

Brittany Thompson, a divorcee, spent her entire life in the Sand Dollar Cove with her teenage son, Jeremy.

Following the break-up with her ex-boyfriend, she opened her dream cafe, Safe Harbor. Brittany always wanted an Angel board where customers can gift a $5 credit along with a handwritten note of encouragement to strangers who need it—feeling grief over losing her brother, Paul. The cause of Paul's death is something she cannot forget.

During the soft opening of the safe harbour, Brittany accidentally bumped into a familiar face, Ryan Osbourne. The person who she believes is responsible for Paul's death. Ryan was once Paul's closest friend. His return brought back painful memories of Paul.

The more Brittany learns about Ryan, the more she discovers what really happened the night Paul died.

I can't think of anything negative to say about this series. While reading, I am filled with feelings of warmth, love, honesty, respect, and independence. It's just such an enjoyable read.

This is a new author for me. I didn’t realise Notes from the Cove was part of a series. I haven’t read the other books. I don’t think this had an impact on my enjoyment. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the setting. The book does a great job turning Sand Dollar Cove into the kind of place I could picture myself hanging out. Brittany is a great character. I felt really connected to her as she struggles to forge a new life for herself after losing her job and her lover while still grieving the death of her much idolised brother several years before. I enjoyed the way the story develops as Brittany starts to heal and find out the truth about her brother’s death. I enjoyed this book a lot and found it well-written and engaging. I’d recommend this.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and author Jennifer Bardsley for this ARC to read and review!

Notes From The Cove is book three in the Sand Dollar Cove series! I’ve really enjoyed them all! Each book is a fun little seaside escape with great characters, sweet romance and a little mystery thrown in to keep things suspenseful. I love that this installment focuses on Brittany’s story … a middle age single mom with a college age son facing future life changes while dealing with the heartaches of the past! It’s second chance, forgiveness, self-discovery and hope all bundled into a nice little package! Light, easy and sweet … these books are the perfect comfort reads!

My Thoughts :
Notes from the Cove is the third book in the Sand Dollar Cove series. Although I have the other 2 books on my Kindle, I have not yet read them.
This didnt effect the story or Characters and can easily be read as a standalone book.
Here we meet Brittany Thompson, after losing her job, and her son off to college, Brittany decides to follow her dream of opening a cafe in Sand Dollar Cove.
She is still struggling from the death of her brother Paul a few years ago from a drowning accident and when Paul’s best friend Ryan arrives back in the Cove, Brittany is torn, not only was he her first love but at the same time she is angry with him and blames Ryan for the death of her brother.
Soon weird messages from a customer start to appear on the cafe notice board and it brings Brittany and Ryan closer together, more so than they anticipated.
Both Brittany and Ryan go on a path of rediscovery, we learn more about their journey and what brought them to where they are now. Will Brittany finally get some answers from that fateful night?!.
Jennifer Bardsley captures the Characters perfectly and draws you into their lives, this is a story about loss, love and forgiveness, and one you struggle to put down.
I am looking forward to reading the first 2 books from the series next.