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Seaside Seasons #5
Shadows on the Sand: A Seaside Mystery
She serves him breakfast at her café every morning … but he never seems to notice her.
Carrie Carter’s small café in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.
When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all to present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.
Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry?
Carrie Carter’s small café in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.
When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all to present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.
Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2011
31 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Roper
84 books90 followersGayle Roper rejoices every day that she gets to be a writer because she's in love with story. Even on the days that words rebel and have to be coerced onto the paper, there is nothing else she'd rather do. When readers like her work, it's like God says, "See? I knew what you were wired to do." When her books win awards like the Carol Award (Caught Redhanded) or the RITA Award (Autumn Dreams), the Holt Medallion (The Decision, Caught in a Bind, Autumn Dreams) or the Reviewer's Choice (The Decision), it's icing on the cake. And she gets to teach others how to write at conferences too. She spends a lot of time smiling. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and is the best-selling author of Hide & Seek and more than forty other books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 10, 2023
I was organizing my bookshelves (translation — trying to fit more books into an already crammed bookcase) and came upon this gem from twelve years ago. I started reading and couldn’t stop. My original review is below, but I just wanted to mention…or muse over…how much the mystery/suspense genre has changed over the years. This one is almost cozy — in the way we’re given a glimpse into the lives of the people who frequent Carrie’s cafe — as well as her own personal backstory. The mystery is there, gradually building as the story progresses, but sometimes it’s in the background in order to allow these characters to shine. I really enjoyed the different pacing and the way it all balances out so beautifully by the end. 🙂
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I completely and utterly adored this book! I mean how can you resist a heroine who describes her heart doing a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of the hero? And when things heat up she declares, “No way could Snoopy move his feet fast enough to keep up with my tap-dancing heart.” (pg 186) I could totally relate to Carrie on that point alone. But of course there is much more to this complex character, including a gnarly past that she hasn’t quite left behind.
Greg has his own issues too but he finds himself surprised by his sudden desire to enter the land of the living again. Carrie has a lot to do with his change of heart and that scares him. His emotional struggle is a strong thread in the story — achingly touching and I had a real wow factor once I’d finished the book and read the author’s note at the end.
The mystery/suspense is incredibly well developed — the kind where the reader is handed the clues at the same time as the hero and heroine. We try to solve the mystery together and it totally surprised me…multiple times. A really riveting read, which is what you want in a suspense.
Roper’s writing style is unique in that she mixes POV. Carrie’s is in first person, but all the other characters are written in third person. You’d think it would make for a disjointed read, but somehow Roper makes it work. The story flows into the page-turning kind that you want to devour in one sitting. Highly recommended for lovers of mystery/suspense.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/11/10/s...
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I completely and utterly adored this book! I mean how can you resist a heroine who describes her heart doing a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of the hero? And when things heat up she declares, “No way could Snoopy move his feet fast enough to keep up with my tap-dancing heart.” (pg 186) I could totally relate to Carrie on that point alone. But of course there is much more to this complex character, including a gnarly past that she hasn’t quite left behind.
Greg has his own issues too but he finds himself surprised by his sudden desire to enter the land of the living again. Carrie has a lot to do with his change of heart and that scares him. His emotional struggle is a strong thread in the story — achingly touching and I had a real wow factor once I’d finished the book and read the author’s note at the end.
The mystery/suspense is incredibly well developed — the kind where the reader is handed the clues at the same time as the hero and heroine. We try to solve the mystery together and it totally surprised me…multiple times. A really riveting read, which is what you want in a suspense.
Roper’s writing style is unique in that she mixes POV. Carrie’s is in first person, but all the other characters are written in third person. You’d think it would make for a disjointed read, but somehow Roper makes it work. The story flows into the page-turning kind that you want to devour in one sitting. Highly recommended for lovers of mystery/suspense.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/11/10/s...
October 11, 2011
I am not a religious person so I was a bit nervous when requesting a copy of Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper, a Christian writer. I don't like books that are loaded with bible verses. Some is ok but don't let it take up ALL of the story. I can honestly say this book had the correct balance of bible verses and story.
My Thoughts of the Book:
Like I said before, I am not religious but this book was able to have the right balance of story and bible verses and references. The only thing that was kind of distracting was that the book bounced from character to character a lot.
I was able to feel for the characters and wanted to help them figure out who the murderer was. Just when you think you have figured out who committed the crime, there is a twist and you find out you were wrong about who you thought it was. I love mystery and romance novels and this had both.
Would I recommend this book to others?
I would recommend this book to my readers as long as you don't mind bible verses or references. I understood why they were using them. The main character, Carrie, was a religious person and the story is told through her eyes.
My Thoughts of the Book:
Like I said before, I am not religious but this book was able to have the right balance of story and bible verses and references. The only thing that was kind of distracting was that the book bounced from character to character a lot.
I was able to feel for the characters and wanted to help them figure out who the murderer was. Just when you think you have figured out who committed the crime, there is a twist and you find out you were wrong about who you thought it was. I love mystery and romance novels and this had both.
Would I recommend this book to others?
I would recommend this book to my readers as long as you don't mind bible verses or references. I understood why they were using them. The main character, Carrie, was a religious person and the story is told through her eyes.
July 21, 2020
This was a great end to a great series. One thing I didn't like about this series, is once a book ended, the characters disappeared and made no appearances in the rest of the series. Greg Barnes was the exception, as he was in all 5 books.....and the female cop was in 2. This book had more happen, especially in the suspense/mystery part, and I found it harder to put down. As with the other books, Shadows in the Sand dealt with issues in addition to the suspense and mystery.
May 10, 2018
This is a story of 4 broken people and what God does to bring their lives to life. Their brokennesses may be different, but there is a common thread running through, love. Love lost, love never given, love waiting.
The main characters have their own chapters to tell their story, so the reader gets a better understanding of the undercurrents running through. We don't always know why someone makes the decisions they do, but Roper gives us good insight.
I look forward to reading more of her Seaside stories.
The main characters have their own chapters to tell their story, so the reader gets a better understanding of the undercurrents running through. We don't always know why someone makes the decisions they do, but Roper gives us good insight.
I look forward to reading more of her Seaside stories.
December 10, 2023
Read for book club. Not something I would have picked up on my own. I can't compare to other Christian Fiction Mystery novels, because this is the only one I've read (unless you count something like Chesterton's Father Brown stories), but it was better than I expected.
The plot was very predictable, and though the end felt contrived it was nonetheless satisfying and well pieced together.
It was interesting to compare this to "The Running Grave" (Robert Galbraith), because they had a lot of overlapping themes.
The plot was very predictable, and though the end felt contrived it was nonetheless satisfying and well pieced together.
It was interesting to compare this to "The Running Grave" (Robert Galbraith), because they had a lot of overlapping themes.
March 12, 2019
Good read. Unexpected plot twist with a cult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2020
Slow start but ended up being very enjoyable. Good lessons taught. Would read more of this author.
July 25, 2021
really good, i am not much for the god parts in books, but this one i could stand, loved the story line
January 12, 2024
I enjoyed this mystery. It held my interest and I liked the main characters.
June 6, 2024
I wish I had this entire series. Mystery and live story all in one and all mixed with Christian principles.
January 17, 2025
It was very good. There was some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting but overall a good book.
July 7, 2011
This is a
Reading Good Books
review.
* In compliance with FTC guidelines, it should be noted that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I must admit, I had my doubts when I found out that this was in the Christian fiction genre. I am not the most religious person and I tend to keep my distance from conversations about religion. I was raised Catholic, did very well in my Religion classes, and even participated in a couple of bible studies and rosary crusades. But do not totally subscribe to the whole religion thing. I have beliefs and I respect other people’s beliefs (as long as they do not shove theirs down my throat). I just want to get that out of the way.
Having said that, I did enjoy reading this book. The story is set in Seaside, New Jersey where locals frequent a quaint cafe owned by Carrie Carter. Carrie and her sister Lindsey have an unstable past which they eventually overcame. Carrie is not-so secretly in love with one of their regulars, Greg Barnes. Some years ago, he lost his wife and children and succumbed to alcoholism to dull his pain. But the former cop rose above all that.
The town is rocked by the murder of a local boy which happened to be Carrie’s dishwasher. Then one of her waitresses disappear. Greg realizes her feelings toward Carrie. Carrie’s past comes back to haunt her. With everything happening all at the same time, will anything be resolved?
Basically, the book is divided in to two stories. One about Carrie and Greg and the other is the actual “mystery” as referred to in the title. Point of view shifts from Carrie to 3rd person and in some chapters, the “killer”. I am guessing the Carrie/Greg plot is the B-story. It was cute, a nice distraction from the whole murder mystery storyline, sort of the fill out the book. A good balance between romance and suspense. The chapters where the killer was the one talking were in italics and it did keep me guessing who he was. The twist about his identity was a surprise.
The characters were great as well. Carrie, so vulnerable and unsure. It was easy to relate and sympathize with her. I really wanted her to be happy. I could relate to Greg’s grief over losing his family. Everybody grieves differently and no matter what they say, the pain never really goes away completely. The author did a good job of assembling the mishmash of characters in Carrie’s Cafe. She definitely covered all the bases from the geeky guy (Ricky) to the wise old timer (Mr. Perkins).
Although there is one part of the book that I did not appreciate. In fact, it kind of offended me a little bit. I did not agree with the way users of social networking were portrayed. Not all “avid” users of social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube are gullible individuals, harassing people we read about in those sites. I may be spoiling a bit here but I doubt if news spreads about something happening locally, especially in a small town, people will camp out in front of the scene of the crime or follow around a victim or a suspect asking him or her what happened. In real life. Talk about invasion of privacy. I know all about what being “Twitter famous” is all about but it is not at all how it was portrayed in this book. We “avid” social network patrons have a word for those overly invasive… creepers. And those of us who practice netiquette loathe to be bunched in with them. But I digress. This is another discussion altogether.
Having mentioned that this is a Christian Fiction story, there was not much quoting from the Bible as I first thought. It was not at all preachy. There were conversations with God and that did not bother me at all. Their internal struggles and conversations helped moved the story along and that’s what matters.
Rating: 3/5.
Recommendation: It is a good book club read. A nice book to accompany a pleasant afternoon.
* In compliance with FTC guidelines, it should be noted that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I must admit, I had my doubts when I found out that this was in the Christian fiction genre. I am not the most religious person and I tend to keep my distance from conversations about religion. I was raised Catholic, did very well in my Religion classes, and even participated in a couple of bible studies and rosary crusades. But do not totally subscribe to the whole religion thing. I have beliefs and I respect other people’s beliefs (as long as they do not shove theirs down my throat). I just want to get that out of the way.
Having said that, I did enjoy reading this book. The story is set in Seaside, New Jersey where locals frequent a quaint cafe owned by Carrie Carter. Carrie and her sister Lindsey have an unstable past which they eventually overcame. Carrie is not-so secretly in love with one of their regulars, Greg Barnes. Some years ago, he lost his wife and children and succumbed to alcoholism to dull his pain. But the former cop rose above all that.
The town is rocked by the murder of a local boy which happened to be Carrie’s dishwasher. Then one of her waitresses disappear. Greg realizes her feelings toward Carrie. Carrie’s past comes back to haunt her. With everything happening all at the same time, will anything be resolved?
Basically, the book is divided in to two stories. One about Carrie and Greg and the other is the actual “mystery” as referred to in the title. Point of view shifts from Carrie to 3rd person and in some chapters, the “killer”. I am guessing the Carrie/Greg plot is the B-story. It was cute, a nice distraction from the whole murder mystery storyline, sort of the fill out the book. A good balance between romance and suspense. The chapters where the killer was the one talking were in italics and it did keep me guessing who he was. The twist about his identity was a surprise.
The characters were great as well. Carrie, so vulnerable and unsure. It was easy to relate and sympathize with her. I really wanted her to be happy. I could relate to Greg’s grief over losing his family. Everybody grieves differently and no matter what they say, the pain never really goes away completely. The author did a good job of assembling the mishmash of characters in Carrie’s Cafe. She definitely covered all the bases from the geeky guy (Ricky) to the wise old timer (Mr. Perkins).
Although there is one part of the book that I did not appreciate. In fact, it kind of offended me a little bit. I did not agree with the way users of social networking were portrayed. Not all “avid” users of social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube are gullible individuals, harassing people we read about in those sites. I may be spoiling a bit here but I doubt if news spreads about something happening locally, especially in a small town, people will camp out in front of the scene of the crime or follow around a victim or a suspect asking him or her what happened. In real life. Talk about invasion of privacy. I know all about what being “Twitter famous” is all about but it is not at all how it was portrayed in this book. We “avid” social network patrons have a word for those overly invasive… creepers. And those of us who practice netiquette loathe to be bunched in with them. But I digress. This is another discussion altogether.
Having mentioned that this is a Christian Fiction story, there was not much quoting from the Bible as I first thought. It was not at all preachy. There were conversations with God and that did not bother me at all. Their internal struggles and conversations helped moved the story along and that’s what matters.
Rating: 3/5.
Recommendation: It is a good book club read. A nice book to accompany a pleasant afternoon.
February 2, 2014
Sometimes a story can catch you by surprise in it's quality. A book from a genre not known for it's serious tone can really catch your attention. This is the best way to describe my surprise upon reading *Shadows on the Sand* by Gayle Roper.
The story starts with a young restaurant owner, Carrie Carter (whose sister co-owns the restaurant), teasing one of her waitresses, Andi, about her boyfriend fighting with one of Andi's co-workers named Jase. As more customers hear about the boyfriend, more dislike him, and we in the audience are meant not to like him either.
It turns out that Jase is found murdered, with his body dumped in a lake, and Andi is suddenly terrified. No matter what Carrie does, the teen will not tell her what is wrong. Carrie and her friend, Greg, a former police detective whom she is dating, must race against time to discover Andi and Jase's secrets, as well as deal with their own.
This seems like a traditional set-up for a suspense romance, so I probably have plenty of rolled-eyes at this quick synopsis. In many ways, that would be a correct and expected reaction. I found myself becoming quite aggrieved at the over-used staples of the genre.
What made a difference is that the plot was actually *believable*. The author did not shy away from tough subjects, or gruesome details. That is not to say, of course, that Roper went overboard in any graphic ways, but just to say that she did not pull her punches either, as it were.
Besides the typical murder plot for a suspense romance, the book dealt with important real-world themes and problems. Adultery, cults, runaways, dysfunctional families, the need to forgive others, and the difference between cults and the truth of the Bible.
Instead of covering the reader's eyes, the author put on full display the depravity and wickedness of mankind, and how people can hurt themselves and others to such a brutal extent. She also, however, showed the amazing love of God, and what people who are in His image (Image-Bearers as author Randy Alcorn puts it) can do with His help.
This is much-needed in the realm of Christian fiction. Too many Christians do not know how to respond when people say that "religion is responsible" for "x" bad thing in the world. They don't know how to argue that just as the truth is different from a lie, so belief in Christ is different from a cult, radical Islam, Catholic pedophiles, pastors who rape their counselees, and other horrors.
I don't want to give readers the false hopes that Gayle Roper gives a guide to combating these slanders and misperceptions. She does not. She *does* however, mention the evils of these false teachers, and present a vivid case for how they must be battled in the field of ideas so that we may, if God wills it, win souls for Christ.
The other issue is one of forgiveness. At first it seemed like the typical Christian book of how the character is bad for not forgiving, but then the novel went in a unique direction. I won't spoil it, but it did raise some interesting points, and ones that I have thought on.
All in all, a good mystery, and one of the few suspense romance for me to be above-average happy with.
Highly Recommended.
-----
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I am obligated to read it and give a review on my blog and on a commercial web site such as Amazon.com. Waterbrook Multnomah emphasizes their desire for honest reviews, whether positive or negative, in order to help them create a better product. The opinions above are my honest viewpoint. I want to thank Waterbrook Multnomah for allowing me to review this book, and thank you all for reading this.
The story starts with a young restaurant owner, Carrie Carter (whose sister co-owns the restaurant), teasing one of her waitresses, Andi, about her boyfriend fighting with one of Andi's co-workers named Jase. As more customers hear about the boyfriend, more dislike him, and we in the audience are meant not to like him either.
It turns out that Jase is found murdered, with his body dumped in a lake, and Andi is suddenly terrified. No matter what Carrie does, the teen will not tell her what is wrong. Carrie and her friend, Greg, a former police detective whom she is dating, must race against time to discover Andi and Jase's secrets, as well as deal with their own.
This seems like a traditional set-up for a suspense romance, so I probably have plenty of rolled-eyes at this quick synopsis. In many ways, that would be a correct and expected reaction. I found myself becoming quite aggrieved at the over-used staples of the genre.
What made a difference is that the plot was actually *believable*. The author did not shy away from tough subjects, or gruesome details. That is not to say, of course, that Roper went overboard in any graphic ways, but just to say that she did not pull her punches either, as it were.
Besides the typical murder plot for a suspense romance, the book dealt with important real-world themes and problems. Adultery, cults, runaways, dysfunctional families, the need to forgive others, and the difference between cults and the truth of the Bible.
Instead of covering the reader's eyes, the author put on full display the depravity and wickedness of mankind, and how people can hurt themselves and others to such a brutal extent. She also, however, showed the amazing love of God, and what people who are in His image (Image-Bearers as author Randy Alcorn puts it) can do with His help.
This is much-needed in the realm of Christian fiction. Too many Christians do not know how to respond when people say that "religion is responsible" for "x" bad thing in the world. They don't know how to argue that just as the truth is different from a lie, so belief in Christ is different from a cult, radical Islam, Catholic pedophiles, pastors who rape their counselees, and other horrors.
I don't want to give readers the false hopes that Gayle Roper gives a guide to combating these slanders and misperceptions. She does not. She *does* however, mention the evils of these false teachers, and present a vivid case for how they must be battled in the field of ideas so that we may, if God wills it, win souls for Christ.
The other issue is one of forgiveness. At first it seemed like the typical Christian book of how the character is bad for not forgiving, but then the novel went in a unique direction. I won't spoil it, but it did raise some interesting points, and ones that I have thought on.
All in all, a good mystery, and one of the few suspense romance for me to be above-average happy with.
Highly Recommended.
-----
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I am obligated to read it and give a review on my blog and on a commercial web site such as Amazon.com. Waterbrook Multnomah emphasizes their desire for honest reviews, whether positive or negative, in order to help them create a better product. The opinions above are my honest viewpoint. I want to thank Waterbrook Multnomah for allowing me to review this book, and thank you all for reading this.
July 22, 2011
When I first began reading this book, I thought that perhaps it was written for teens because there was a good bit of boy/girl silliness, not just on the part of the teenage character but also the female lead character. I almost put it aside after the first chapter, but I'm glad I didn't. When I finished the book and went back and re-read the first chapter, I saw it in a whole new light.
Having escaped from a cult (one that is eerily similar to a group that a friend in my past once belonged to), teens Jase and Andi encounter the cult leader and his friend in the small town of Seaside where they had gone for safety. Both had found employment in a small cafe operated by a woman with her own past difficulties. One teen is killed and the other goes into hiding.
The owner of the cafe, Carrie, and her sister, Lindsay, found refuge in Seaside many years earlier when they escaped an abusive home situation and found parent-like love and care in the original owners of the cafe. Carrie has been attracted to Greg, a man who lost his family in a terrible way and could not continue in his job as a cop because of the tragedy, but Greg, who hasn't recovered from the pain of the past, is blind to her feelings. The cafe becomes the setting not just for Greg and Carrie's interactions, but also a regular gathering place for the folks in town.
Every small town has their share of characters who tend to know everything that is going on. Seaside is no exception. However, the busybodies aren't talking on the phone or over a fence or cup of coffee, they are on Twitter. Sweet Cilla, described as a gray-haired lady on a motorized scooter, witnesses an incident involving Greg and within minutes the tweets are flying back and forth. But Sweet Cilla's observations and tweets change a tragedy into a triumph by the end of the book.
Michael, the leader of the cult, and Harl, his sidekick, have appeared in town to do some real estate investing (a way to hide the money they have taken from members) and also to deal with the two young people who escaped the cult. Eventually their actions result in a hostage situation which resolves not just the issues of the cult but also some relationship issues, past and present.
Simple faith working together with grace and forgiveness changes the lives and hearts of the characters in this novel. Without ever being preachy, the theme of God's love and mercy and justice are threaded throughout these pages and will encourage the heart of the reader.
I saved this book for my trip to the beach as it seemed to be perfect sun, sand, and surf reading. The crash of the waves and call of the gulls were the just-right background for reading Shadows on the Sand. The author, Gayle Roper, has gotten my attention and I will definitely be looking for more books written by her, particularly in the Seaside series.
There was only one thing lacking in this book. Carrie's Cafe is known for the sticky buns served there, which reminded me of a warm cinnamon roll from my college years. I can just picture the cafe's sticky buns buttery fresh off the grill. However, if Mrs. Roper had included the recipe for those sticky buns, then I could do more than just picture them. Yes, a recipe for those buns would make this book complete.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
Having escaped from a cult (one that is eerily similar to a group that a friend in my past once belonged to), teens Jase and Andi encounter the cult leader and his friend in the small town of Seaside where they had gone for safety. Both had found employment in a small cafe operated by a woman with her own past difficulties. One teen is killed and the other goes into hiding.
The owner of the cafe, Carrie, and her sister, Lindsay, found refuge in Seaside many years earlier when they escaped an abusive home situation and found parent-like love and care in the original owners of the cafe. Carrie has been attracted to Greg, a man who lost his family in a terrible way and could not continue in his job as a cop because of the tragedy, but Greg, who hasn't recovered from the pain of the past, is blind to her feelings. The cafe becomes the setting not just for Greg and Carrie's interactions, but also a regular gathering place for the folks in town.
Every small town has their share of characters who tend to know everything that is going on. Seaside is no exception. However, the busybodies aren't talking on the phone or over a fence or cup of coffee, they are on Twitter. Sweet Cilla, described as a gray-haired lady on a motorized scooter, witnesses an incident involving Greg and within minutes the tweets are flying back and forth. But Sweet Cilla's observations and tweets change a tragedy into a triumph by the end of the book.
Michael, the leader of the cult, and Harl, his sidekick, have appeared in town to do some real estate investing (a way to hide the money they have taken from members) and also to deal with the two young people who escaped the cult. Eventually their actions result in a hostage situation which resolves not just the issues of the cult but also some relationship issues, past and present.
Simple faith working together with grace and forgiveness changes the lives and hearts of the characters in this novel. Without ever being preachy, the theme of God's love and mercy and justice are threaded throughout these pages and will encourage the heart of the reader.
I saved this book for my trip to the beach as it seemed to be perfect sun, sand, and surf reading. The crash of the waves and call of the gulls were the just-right background for reading Shadows on the Sand. The author, Gayle Roper, has gotten my attention and I will definitely be looking for more books written by her, particularly in the Seaside series.
There was only one thing lacking in this book. Carrie's Cafe is known for the sticky buns served there, which reminded me of a warm cinnamon roll from my college years. I can just picture the cafe's sticky buns buttery fresh off the grill. However, if Mrs. Roper had included the recipe for those sticky buns, then I could do more than just picture them. Yes, a recipe for those buns would make this book complete.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
October 18, 2011
I remember growing up and hearing the bell choir perform at my church. I have to say that I really enjoyed it, especially when they were all synchronized and hit their notes in perfect unison. It made for a beautiful sound and it’s what I think of whenever I hear the phrase “ringing true”, you know that moment when something hits you as pure and sincere. Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper is one of those books that “rings true” in my mind and really did touch me with regards to the storyline, characters and writing. It is told with sincerity and sensitivity.
Carrie Carter is a small café business owner in Seaside, New Jersey, having survived a tough upbringing with a deadbeat mother with no concern for Carrie or her younger sister Lindsay. But Carrie was a fighter and teenage runaway protecting her sister from her mother’s neglect and loser boyfriends who did not have the girl’s best interests in mind. Having survived all that and starting over in Seaside, Carrie made a life for herself and sister and comes to own Carrie’s café where her younger sister also works. Enter Greg Barnes, an ex-cop and wounded man who has lost his wife and children in tragic circumstances. Perhaps it’s his sad background that attracts Carrie to Greg, but Greg doesn’t seem to know that she is alive. Add in a pretty interesting twist with one of Carrie’s waitresses mysteriously disappearing after her dishwasher is found dead and you get a situation where Greg and Carrie are thrown together trying to figure out what is going on.
This story is well told, especially with regards to the complexity of the characters of Greg and Carrie. Both have experienced a whole lot of heartache before knowing the other and make mistakes along the way with regards to their relationship with each other and with God. I appreciated that these characters seemed very real. Carrie didn’t’ really want to face up to some of her past and reconcile a relationship. Greg has a hard time moving forward with all the fear that is holding him back. I love how the author weaved their journeys together with imperfect moments, it makes the characters come alive and gives them reality and depth.
I appreciate a book that has some suspense, little bit of humor, and a little soul searching thrown in as well. Gayle Roper is now on my radar screen as an author and just like I looked forward to hearing the bell choir play at my church with those perfectly hit notes, I will definitely look forward to reading more of Gayle Roper in the future. Keep on ringing true!
A free copy of this book was graciously provided fo me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Carrie Carter is a small café business owner in Seaside, New Jersey, having survived a tough upbringing with a deadbeat mother with no concern for Carrie or her younger sister Lindsay. But Carrie was a fighter and teenage runaway protecting her sister from her mother’s neglect and loser boyfriends who did not have the girl’s best interests in mind. Having survived all that and starting over in Seaside, Carrie made a life for herself and sister and comes to own Carrie’s café where her younger sister also works. Enter Greg Barnes, an ex-cop and wounded man who has lost his wife and children in tragic circumstances. Perhaps it’s his sad background that attracts Carrie to Greg, but Greg doesn’t seem to know that she is alive. Add in a pretty interesting twist with one of Carrie’s waitresses mysteriously disappearing after her dishwasher is found dead and you get a situation where Greg and Carrie are thrown together trying to figure out what is going on.
This story is well told, especially with regards to the complexity of the characters of Greg and Carrie. Both have experienced a whole lot of heartache before knowing the other and make mistakes along the way with regards to their relationship with each other and with God. I appreciated that these characters seemed very real. Carrie didn’t’ really want to face up to some of her past and reconcile a relationship. Greg has a hard time moving forward with all the fear that is holding him back. I love how the author weaved their journeys together with imperfect moments, it makes the characters come alive and gives them reality and depth.
I appreciate a book that has some suspense, little bit of humor, and a little soul searching thrown in as well. Gayle Roper is now on my radar screen as an author and just like I looked forward to hearing the bell choir play at my church with those perfectly hit notes, I will definitely look forward to reading more of Gayle Roper in the future. Keep on ringing true!
A free copy of this book was graciously provided fo me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 14, 2012
Roper delivers a romantic suspense that does more than just entertain you for a brief moment. Through her delightful, but baggage heavy characters, she opens a world that will leave you delving into your own faith.
Carrie Carter and her sister own a café in Seaside, New Jersey. Though you are first met with her witty and sometimes sarcastic personality, she is carrying around the weight of a tragic past. Her and her sister ran away from their alcoholic mother and her all too friendly boyfriends. When Carrie arrived in Seaside, then 16 year old Carrie found sanctuary at the Surfside, and in the care of Mary Prudence Hastings. Now in her 30’s, she adores caring for her own customers, especially Greg Barnes.
Greg is a former police detective who carries his own heavy baggage. His family was killed in a car bomb meant for him. Regret and forgiveness hang heavy around his heart. Numb to everything but the pain in his heart, he moves through life one miserable day at a time. Though it is obvious to all around him how much Carrie likes him, he barely says a word, or lifts his head.
However, Carrie’s dishwasher is killed, and the two find themselves wrapped up in a mystery…and unable to hide their blossoming attraction for each other. But the closer they get to each other, emotions from their past they thought they had conquered resurface. They both will find themselves examining their idea of faith and forgiveness.
My first reaction was skeptical. The narrative is first person, but only sometimes. It also travels through a spectrum of characters, including the killer’s. Usually this creates chaos, but Roper does a wonderful job as she offers you a glimpse into the darkness that hides in hearts. The overall effect leaves you searching your own life.
The romance isn’t a whirlwind, which I liked. There wasn’t a huge rift and then they came to like each other despite their obvious annoyance of each other. It was more like an awakening on their part, both for each other, and what God had in store for them. As they explore their feelings for each other, they must examine their hearts, digging up weeds that could tangle and choke the budding flower of their love.
Overall I have to give it four stars. It is well written and explores a myriad of topics. And though it isn’t an edge of your seat who-done-it, it still propels the story forward. This is a great addition to your bookshelf.
Carrie Carter and her sister own a café in Seaside, New Jersey. Though you are first met with her witty and sometimes sarcastic personality, she is carrying around the weight of a tragic past. Her and her sister ran away from their alcoholic mother and her all too friendly boyfriends. When Carrie arrived in Seaside, then 16 year old Carrie found sanctuary at the Surfside, and in the care of Mary Prudence Hastings. Now in her 30’s, she adores caring for her own customers, especially Greg Barnes.
Greg is a former police detective who carries his own heavy baggage. His family was killed in a car bomb meant for him. Regret and forgiveness hang heavy around his heart. Numb to everything but the pain in his heart, he moves through life one miserable day at a time. Though it is obvious to all around him how much Carrie likes him, he barely says a word, or lifts his head.
However, Carrie’s dishwasher is killed, and the two find themselves wrapped up in a mystery…and unable to hide their blossoming attraction for each other. But the closer they get to each other, emotions from their past they thought they had conquered resurface. They both will find themselves examining their idea of faith and forgiveness.
My first reaction was skeptical. The narrative is first person, but only sometimes. It also travels through a spectrum of characters, including the killer’s. Usually this creates chaos, but Roper does a wonderful job as she offers you a glimpse into the darkness that hides in hearts. The overall effect leaves you searching your own life.
The romance isn’t a whirlwind, which I liked. There wasn’t a huge rift and then they came to like each other despite their obvious annoyance of each other. It was more like an awakening on their part, both for each other, and what God had in store for them. As they explore their feelings for each other, they must examine their hearts, digging up weeds that could tangle and choke the budding flower of their love.
Overall I have to give it four stars. It is well written and explores a myriad of topics. And though it isn’t an edge of your seat who-done-it, it still propels the story forward. This is a great addition to your bookshelf.
January 14, 2012
Summary: Carrie Carter and her sister Lindsay run a small cafe in Seaside, a resort town on an island off the New Jersey coast. Things are just starting to wind down after the busy summer — the vacationing crowds are dissipating and the cafe is settling back into the company of their year-round regulars.
One of those regulars, Greg Barnes, makes Carrie’s heart do a happy dance every time he comes in. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to know she exists other than to serve his usual bacon and eggs in the morning (and he doesn’t even like eggs). That is until he starts to realize he has noticed her more than he planned.
When the body of Carrie’s murdered dishwasher turns up and her young waitress disappears, the peace of Seaside is turned upside-down. It seems everybody is hiding something, some secret demons from the past. While Greg’s demons threaten to destroy their new-found love, Carrie’s past comes back to haunt her as well, throwing her faith and life as she knows it into turmoil.
Review: Shadows on the Sand is a well-written mystery with lots of moving parts. The visual description of the setting paints the scene for the reader. The characters are well-developed, though sometimes their reactions to the circumstances are a little less intense than it seems would suit the situation. The story deals with several different human issues: murder, grief, abuse, faith, deception, guilt, anger, forgiveness, loss and love. The author brings all these strands of the story together at the end into a clear resolution without any loose ends, weaving in the tenants of faith and incorporating the theme of “for everything there is a season” from Ecclesiastes.
With that being said, I will add I could have lived without the Twitter sequences. They were inextricably entwined with the plot but felt awkward and a bit contrived to me — though they did make for great comic relief in the more intense moments. And they were the path through which rescue came several times, so I can’t say they are without merit.
As far as the climax of the story, I was white-knuckling the Kindle for a few minutes, but given the seriousness of the scene, the intensity could possibly have been knocked up a notch or two. Overall though, a satisfying ending.
Recommendation: I had a difficult time putting this one down. The suspense, the mystery and the love story came together to create a good reading experience. Readers who enjoy good mysteries will not be disappointed
One of those regulars, Greg Barnes, makes Carrie’s heart do a happy dance every time he comes in. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to know she exists other than to serve his usual bacon and eggs in the morning (and he doesn’t even like eggs). That is until he starts to realize he has noticed her more than he planned.
When the body of Carrie’s murdered dishwasher turns up and her young waitress disappears, the peace of Seaside is turned upside-down. It seems everybody is hiding something, some secret demons from the past. While Greg’s demons threaten to destroy their new-found love, Carrie’s past comes back to haunt her as well, throwing her faith and life as she knows it into turmoil.
Review: Shadows on the Sand is a well-written mystery with lots of moving parts. The visual description of the setting paints the scene for the reader. The characters are well-developed, though sometimes their reactions to the circumstances are a little less intense than it seems would suit the situation. The story deals with several different human issues: murder, grief, abuse, faith, deception, guilt, anger, forgiveness, loss and love. The author brings all these strands of the story together at the end into a clear resolution without any loose ends, weaving in the tenants of faith and incorporating the theme of “for everything there is a season” from Ecclesiastes.
With that being said, I will add I could have lived without the Twitter sequences. They were inextricably entwined with the plot but felt awkward and a bit contrived to me — though they did make for great comic relief in the more intense moments. And they were the path through which rescue came several times, so I can’t say they are without merit.
As far as the climax of the story, I was white-knuckling the Kindle for a few minutes, but given the seriousness of the scene, the intensity could possibly have been knocked up a notch or two. Overall though, a satisfying ending.
Recommendation: I had a difficult time putting this one down. The suspense, the mystery and the love story came together to create a good reading experience. Readers who enjoy good mysteries will not be disappointed
April 3, 2012
At the age of 16, Carrie Carter ran from an abusive home, taking her little sister Lindsay with her. Though underage, Carrie managed to provide for them both by working at a seaside cafe, which 17 years later she is now leasing from the owner. Though neither sister has heard from or spoken to their mother since they ran, Carrie still struggles to forgive and forget her tormented past.
Despite her distrust of men, Carrie can't stop her heart from doing the "Snoopy dance" every time she sees Greg Barnes walk into the cafe. But Greg lives in an emotional shell, having lost his family 3 years ago in a horrific tragedy. Carrie's crush may be evident to everyone around her, but Greg barely even notices her.
Carrie and Greg are about to find themselves drawn together by a multilayered mystery... but the past has a way of catching up with you. Can they overcome the baggage of their painful pasts and figure out the mystery before things spin out of control?
My thoughts:
I enjoyed Shadows on the Sand. While I can't relate to Carrie's past, she's written in a way that still allowed me to sympathize with her. The description of her heart doing the "Snoopy Dance" made me smile every time, I could picture Snoopy exactly! The regulars in the cafe are entertaining and always keep things hopping, and the supporting characters' obsessions with social networking was humorous. I'm not usually a fan of stories that spend time from the villains point of view, which is common in mysteries, so I was very glad it was kept to a minimum of just a page here and there.
I really liked how Carrie's point of view was written in first person, and everyone else was written in third-person. I very much enjoy first person writing, but it usually only allows a book to have one persons point of view. Switching back and forth was interesting and allowed the best of both worlds. I'd like to see this done more often in books.
While I did like the author's previous book (Fatal Deduction) better, Shadows on the Sand was still an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend. Gayle Roper has a voice that's just a bit different from the average author, her books aren't just "one of the crowd". If you're looking for a mystery with a bit of romance (and twitter!) thrown in, check this one out.
I received this book courtesy of Waterbrook Multonomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, a positive review was not required.
Despite her distrust of men, Carrie can't stop her heart from doing the "Snoopy dance" every time she sees Greg Barnes walk into the cafe. But Greg lives in an emotional shell, having lost his family 3 years ago in a horrific tragedy. Carrie's crush may be evident to everyone around her, but Greg barely even notices her.
Carrie and Greg are about to find themselves drawn together by a multilayered mystery... but the past has a way of catching up with you. Can they overcome the baggage of their painful pasts and figure out the mystery before things spin out of control?
My thoughts:
I enjoyed Shadows on the Sand. While I can't relate to Carrie's past, she's written in a way that still allowed me to sympathize with her. The description of her heart doing the "Snoopy Dance" made me smile every time, I could picture Snoopy exactly! The regulars in the cafe are entertaining and always keep things hopping, and the supporting characters' obsessions with social networking was humorous. I'm not usually a fan of stories that spend time from the villains point of view, which is common in mysteries, so I was very glad it was kept to a minimum of just a page here and there.
I really liked how Carrie's point of view was written in first person, and everyone else was written in third-person. I very much enjoy first person writing, but it usually only allows a book to have one persons point of view. Switching back and forth was interesting and allowed the best of both worlds. I'd like to see this done more often in books.
While I did like the author's previous book (Fatal Deduction) better, Shadows on the Sand was still an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend. Gayle Roper has a voice that's just a bit different from the average author, her books aren't just "one of the crowd". If you're looking for a mystery with a bit of romance (and twitter!) thrown in, check this one out.
I received this book courtesy of Waterbrook Multonomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, a positive review was not required.
September 29, 2011
I loved the first four books in Gayle Roper’s Seaside series. Although all five books are based in Seaside, New Jersey, they can be read in any order or as stand-alones, as the main characters in each book are different, with only a few references to recurring minor characters. If you want to know my absolute favourite, it’s always the one I read last – whichever one that was. Each has its own appeal. So when I found out that Roper had written another book in the series, I was keen to read it. So, does this measure up? Certainly. It is now my favourite – at least, until I re-read one of the other books (or the entire series).
Carrie Carter runs Carrie’s Café, helped by her sister, Lindsay, Ricky (their cook, who is in love with Lindsay), Adie, a teenage waitress, and Jace, her part-time dishwasher. Adie is madly in love with Bill, who apparently knocked Jace out at a party for spending too much time talking to Adie - but now Jace is missing again, having only recently returned to Seaside after several years with The Pathway, a cult in Arizona. Carrie is concerned for Adie and her relationship with Bill, as Adie reminds her of the motherless teenage runaway she once was.
Greg Barnes (the Police Chief in previous books) lost his wife and children three years ago in a car bomb attack. Having resigned from the police force, Greg now works as a property manager for some of the summer rentals around Seaside, eating at Carrie’s every day as he slowly recovers from his losses. Carrie has been secretly in love with Greg for ages, but he never notices her.
Meanwhile, Seaside has discovered Twitter, with all the happenings of the town promptly tweeted by an elderly café customer who manages to be wherever something of interest is happening. This provides both a unique plot device and some amusing moments.
Shadows in the Sand follows the same successful romantic suspense formula as the previous Seaside novels. The main story is told in the first person from Carrie’s point of view, and in the third person (which allows us to see the situation from the point of view of Greg and Adie), with both interspersed with brief insights into the mind of the (unnamed) villain. Underneath, Roper explores recovery from grief, cults and forgiveness in a novel that is amusing, suspenseful and romantic in turns.
Carrie Carter runs Carrie’s Café, helped by her sister, Lindsay, Ricky (their cook, who is in love with Lindsay), Adie, a teenage waitress, and Jace, her part-time dishwasher. Adie is madly in love with Bill, who apparently knocked Jace out at a party for spending too much time talking to Adie - but now Jace is missing again, having only recently returned to Seaside after several years with The Pathway, a cult in Arizona. Carrie is concerned for Adie and her relationship with Bill, as Adie reminds her of the motherless teenage runaway she once was.
Greg Barnes (the Police Chief in previous books) lost his wife and children three years ago in a car bomb attack. Having resigned from the police force, Greg now works as a property manager for some of the summer rentals around Seaside, eating at Carrie’s every day as he slowly recovers from his losses. Carrie has been secretly in love with Greg for ages, but he never notices her.
Meanwhile, Seaside has discovered Twitter, with all the happenings of the town promptly tweeted by an elderly café customer who manages to be wherever something of interest is happening. This provides both a unique plot device and some amusing moments.
Shadows in the Sand follows the same successful romantic suspense formula as the previous Seaside novels. The main story is told in the first person from Carrie’s point of view, and in the third person (which allows us to see the situation from the point of view of Greg and Adie), with both interspersed with brief insights into the mind of the (unnamed) villain. Underneath, Roper explores recovery from grief, cults and forgiveness in a novel that is amusing, suspenseful and romantic in turns.
May 9, 2012
I received this book for review last August and I don't know why I let it sit on my shelf so long, it ended up being a perfectly delightful little mystery read. Shadows on the Sand takes place in the town of Seaside, New Jersey where Carrie owns a little cafe, working alongside her sister and a motley crew of Seaside residents. Trouble strikes, however, when one of her dishwashers is murdered and her young server's boyfriend becomes a suspect. Soon a whole cast of characters is woven together in the mystery. Meanwhile, a much-wanted romance starts to bloom between Carrie and long-time customer Greg.
That's a lot going on in this book, but I loved it because it really kept the pace of the novel moving. I felt there was a perfect balance of mystery and romance. The mystery itself had me pondering all the way through the end and the climatic ending had my heart beating fast. I loved the way Gayle Roper weaved the lives of those involved together.
I thought the characters in Seaside were diverse and lovable, particularly Carrie and Greg, who find themselves in a long-awaited romance. Of course, one of my favorite characters was Twitter-loving Cilla; I loved the inclusion of social networking in the novel as a way of keeping the residents of Seaside informed. And I have to give a shout out to Oreo - I love when pets play a role in mystery novels!
The only thing I would have liked more of was Andi. As a YA reviewer, her character really intrigued me and I would have liked to have known more about her personal life and her roots. I think a sequel featuring Andi would be fantastic, but any sequel at all will be a welcome addition on my shelf. I would have also liked to have seen how Carrie's relationship with her mother progressed, but hopefully that's something we can see more of in future Seaside Mystery books!
Three stars - I liked this book! Seaside is an absolutely charming town and the residents will capture your heart. Given its location, I think it would be the perfect beach read this summer.
That's a lot going on in this book, but I loved it because it really kept the pace of the novel moving. I felt there was a perfect balance of mystery and romance. The mystery itself had me pondering all the way through the end and the climatic ending had my heart beating fast. I loved the way Gayle Roper weaved the lives of those involved together.
I thought the characters in Seaside were diverse and lovable, particularly Carrie and Greg, who find themselves in a long-awaited romance. Of course, one of my favorite characters was Twitter-loving Cilla; I loved the inclusion of social networking in the novel as a way of keeping the residents of Seaside informed. And I have to give a shout out to Oreo - I love when pets play a role in mystery novels!
The only thing I would have liked more of was Andi. As a YA reviewer, her character really intrigued me and I would have liked to have known more about her personal life and her roots. I think a sequel featuring Andi would be fantastic, but any sequel at all will be a welcome addition on my shelf. I would have also liked to have seen how Carrie's relationship with her mother progressed, but hopefully that's something we can see more of in future Seaside Mystery books!
Three stars - I liked this book! Seaside is an absolutely charming town and the residents will capture your heart. Given its location, I think it would be the perfect beach read this summer.
November 13, 2011
Carrie is the owner of Carrie's Cafe in Seaside, New Jersey. Greg is the ex-cop & widower who is trying to live with the demons of his past. Carrie's past isn't all roses either. But when her dishwasher goes missing and then later turns up dead, and her waitress's strange behavior starts raising eyebrows, Carrie and Greg work together to figure out what exactly is going on. In the course of doing so, both must come face to face with past fears and learn to trust God and each other.
What a delight to be able to return to Seaside, New Jersey. I remember first "meeting" Greg back in Spring Rain. The story is fast paced and filled with touches of humor and suspense. One of the things that I loved about this book is the fact that forgivenss is one of the biggest themes in the book. Carrie must forgive her mother if she hopes to have a future free of anger and resentment. Greg must forgive himself for allowing his late wife to drive his car which resulted in the deaths of her and their children otherwise his guilt will eat him away. Andi, Carrie's waitress, must forgive her parents for taking her into a cult called The Pathway. Another thing I loved about this book is the fact that the characters felt real to me. I'd met a few of them before in the other Seaside books, and it was good to catch up with them. I loved the way that Twitter and Facebook played such a role in helping the cops apprehend the killer and all the other little details. Used to be the case that in a small town, everyone knew everyone's business. Now, while that's still true, Twitter and Facebook made it so much easier for the officials to know what was happening.
I really enjoyed this book. It's been a long time since I read one of Gayle Roper's books, and I plan on soon dusting off the ones I own and reading them again. I received this book for free from Waterbrook/Multnomah's Blogging for Books program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a delight to be able to return to Seaside, New Jersey. I remember first "meeting" Greg back in Spring Rain. The story is fast paced and filled with touches of humor and suspense. One of the things that I loved about this book is the fact that forgivenss is one of the biggest themes in the book. Carrie must forgive her mother if she hopes to have a future free of anger and resentment. Greg must forgive himself for allowing his late wife to drive his car which resulted in the deaths of her and their children otherwise his guilt will eat him away. Andi, Carrie's waitress, must forgive her parents for taking her into a cult called The Pathway. Another thing I loved about this book is the fact that the characters felt real to me. I'd met a few of them before in the other Seaside books, and it was good to catch up with them. I loved the way that Twitter and Facebook played such a role in helping the cops apprehend the killer and all the other little details. Used to be the case that in a small town, everyone knew everyone's business. Now, while that's still true, Twitter and Facebook made it so much easier for the officials to know what was happening.
I really enjoyed this book. It's been a long time since I read one of Gayle Roper's books, and I plan on soon dusting off the ones I own and reading them again. I received this book for free from Waterbrook/Multnomah's Blogging for Books program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 17, 2012
Carrie ran away from home as a teenager. Carrie was a child but took on the responsibility of bringing her younger sister and raising her. Their mother was an alcoholic and her "boyfriends" were just a little too interested in Carrie. Fortunately, Carrie arrived at Seaside and was taken under the wing of some caring and loving people. She was given a job as a waitress in a local café and provided an apartment. Now Carrie owns the café and operates it with the help of her sister.
Greg used to be a police officer but quit after his family was killed. Now he manages a local Seaside apartment complex and is simply taking life day by day. He has become a regular at Carrie's café but he isn't involved in life until one of Carrie's employees is murdered. Carrie is persuasive and entreats him to help figure out what is going on in their little town, especially after her waitress disappears shortly after the murder.
If the drama of a murdered employee and a waitress that has vanished isn't enough to deal with, Carrie also has to deal with facing her mother for the first time in years. Greg is battling his own problems -- namely guilt over his family's deaths, but finds himself wanting to get closer to Carrie as they become more involved in the seemingly mysterious disappearance and murder.
Shadows on the Sand is a light suspense story with a hint of romance and an overabundance of the inspirational aspect found in Carrie's thoughts, prayers, and scripture inclusions. The romance isn't front-and-center in the story but seems to hover in the background. The action is believable for the most part, but I had difficulty swallowing the inclusion of a cult and twisted cult leader. The characters are reasonably well-developed and the dialogue is realistic. Sorry but this story just didn't do anything for me as there was very little mystery or suspense to be found and the action, although believable, was a bit clichéd.
Greg used to be a police officer but quit after his family was killed. Now he manages a local Seaside apartment complex and is simply taking life day by day. He has become a regular at Carrie's café but he isn't involved in life until one of Carrie's employees is murdered. Carrie is persuasive and entreats him to help figure out what is going on in their little town, especially after her waitress disappears shortly after the murder.
If the drama of a murdered employee and a waitress that has vanished isn't enough to deal with, Carrie also has to deal with facing her mother for the first time in years. Greg is battling his own problems -- namely guilt over his family's deaths, but finds himself wanting to get closer to Carrie as they become more involved in the seemingly mysterious disappearance and murder.
Shadows on the Sand is a light suspense story with a hint of romance and an overabundance of the inspirational aspect found in Carrie's thoughts, prayers, and scripture inclusions. The romance isn't front-and-center in the story but seems to hover in the background. The action is believable for the most part, but I had difficulty swallowing the inclusion of a cult and twisted cult leader. The characters are reasonably well-developed and the dialogue is realistic. Sorry but this story just didn't do anything for me as there was very little mystery or suspense to be found and the action, although believable, was a bit clichéd.
July 8, 2011
Exciting Romantic Suspense! There are two sad stories of two people who come together! Carrie and her sister are now running a small café after and are looking for happiness when danger comes lurking in to their lives. Greg is a regular at the café that is just struggling daily to live after the loss of his family! These two are struggling to survive the danger imposed on them as well as learning how to love and trust again.
I thought this book was really good!! There was quite a bit of suspense that kept me turning the pages as fast as I could as well as an ending that was unpredictable! The whole concept of the cult that was going on was fascinating and I thought the book was great at being original! You were guessing at whom the killer was the whole time and when I finally figured some of it out I was shocked!
The characters were engaging and lovable! I felt so awful for Greg and he pulled on my heart strings through the whole book. I wanted him to find love again and to move forward from the pain of his past. Carrie was just as lovable as Greg too! She is struggling with her past and when it comes back to smack her down she has to learn how to deal with the changes and challenges God throws her way! The emotion that was involved with these two characters was intense and I was so drawn in to this story it was hard to put down.
The romance was passionate and oh so sweet and very emotional!
There were some spiritual tones throughout but they were developed in to the story with ease and I loved the lessons that were learned about forgiving yourself and others and not hanging on to the guilt!
I highly recommend Shadows in the Sand to all Christian Romantic Suspense lovers, you will not be disappointed.
I thought this book was really good!! There was quite a bit of suspense that kept me turning the pages as fast as I could as well as an ending that was unpredictable! The whole concept of the cult that was going on was fascinating and I thought the book was great at being original! You were guessing at whom the killer was the whole time and when I finally figured some of it out I was shocked!
The characters were engaging and lovable! I felt so awful for Greg and he pulled on my heart strings through the whole book. I wanted him to find love again and to move forward from the pain of his past. Carrie was just as lovable as Greg too! She is struggling with her past and when it comes back to smack her down she has to learn how to deal with the changes and challenges God throws her way! The emotion that was involved with these two characters was intense and I was so drawn in to this story it was hard to put down.
The romance was passionate and oh so sweet and very emotional!
There were some spiritual tones throughout but they were developed in to the story with ease and I loved the lessons that were learned about forgiving yourself and others and not hanging on to the guilt!
I highly recommend Shadows in the Sand to all Christian Romantic Suspense lovers, you will not be disappointed.
July 20, 2011
Carrie Carter's crush on ex-cop Greg Barnes is no secret to anyone except the object of her affection. As she serves him coffee every day, she yearns for him to notice her. After the untimely death of his family, Greg quit his job and closed himself off from the world around him. Hence, Carrie is no stranger to his indifference. When Jase, the dishwasher at Carrie's café, goes missing, Greg and Carrie are drawn into the case and into each other's lives. As they grow closer, secrets buried in their pasts threaten their new found friendship. Will the emotional baggage of their lives prevent them from finding love? Can they both lay the past aside and step into a new time of life?
Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper combines sand, sun, and mystery as the backdrop for a contemporary love story. While I loved the small-town, homey feel of the story, the plot never really hooked me. I started reading and then put it down without returning to it for several days. This is unusual for me. I love to read and usually once a story hooks me, I return to it whenever I have a spare moment. In the beginning Carrie seemed kinda pathetic. However, I liked her more as she progressed and developed through the book. Supporting characters such as Mary P and Mr. Perkins added a wonderful depth. I recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers via FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper combines sand, sun, and mystery as the backdrop for a contemporary love story. While I loved the small-town, homey feel of the story, the plot never really hooked me. I started reading and then put it down without returning to it for several days. This is unusual for me. I love to read and usually once a story hooks me, I return to it whenever I have a spare moment. In the beginning Carrie seemed kinda pathetic. However, I liked her more as she progressed and developed through the book. Supporting characters such as Mary P and Mr. Perkins added a wonderful depth. I recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers via FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
September 10, 2011
Shadows on the Sand is a Christian mystery/romance story about Carrie Carter, a strong-willed independent woman who runs a small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey. Her sister Lindsay is her pastry chef. Carrie has an unrequited crush on Greg Barnes, a regular in the cafe. Greg is a former police office who lost his wife and children in a terrible crime just a few years before the story begins.
As the story unfolds, Carrie's dishwasher, Jase, is tragically murdered, and more and more mystery surrounds not only his murder, but the lives of other people who make up the round of characters who are regulars in the cafe. As Carrie and Greg are pulled more and more into the mystery, you learn more about Carrie and Lindsay's past, Greg's past, and watch how Carrie and Greg are both cursed and blessed by their past as they try to move forward in their lives in learning to love and trust.
Although I don't generally read romance, I did enjoy this book. I love a good mystery, and this one definitely did not disappoint. There were some incredibly touching moments in the book that showed a true example of Christian love, particularly Mary P, and those moments made the book even more memorable. The romance that develops between Carrie and Greg is a little heavy-handed and gushy at times, but believable and truly a story that speaks of forgiveness, trust, redemption and moving on.
The last page of the book is a letter to the reader from the author, Gayle Roper. In that letter she tells us that in the last year she lost her husband, Chuck. This is the first book she wrote as a widow. That touched my heart so much and made the story that much more special.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
As the story unfolds, Carrie's dishwasher, Jase, is tragically murdered, and more and more mystery surrounds not only his murder, but the lives of other people who make up the round of characters who are regulars in the cafe. As Carrie and Greg are pulled more and more into the mystery, you learn more about Carrie and Lindsay's past, Greg's past, and watch how Carrie and Greg are both cursed and blessed by their past as they try to move forward in their lives in learning to love and trust.
Although I don't generally read romance, I did enjoy this book. I love a good mystery, and this one definitely did not disappoint. There were some incredibly touching moments in the book that showed a true example of Christian love, particularly Mary P, and those moments made the book even more memorable. The romance that develops between Carrie and Greg is a little heavy-handed and gushy at times, but believable and truly a story that speaks of forgiveness, trust, redemption and moving on.
The last page of the book is a letter to the reader from the author, Gayle Roper. In that letter she tells us that in the last year she lost her husband, Chuck. This is the first book she wrote as a widow. That touched my heart so much and made the story that much more special.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
September 7, 2012
Synopsis: She serves him breakfast at her café every morning…but he never seems to notice her.
About: Carrie Carter, the owner of a hopping small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey, is in for more than just taking care of her amusing and yet hair brained cafe patrons, serving tons of coffee and watching out for her little sister Lindsay. Her story becomes entangled with Greg Barnes, a widower and ex cop, the one who makes her heart do a fierce snoopy dance at the sight of him in her cafe.
Alongside Carrie's pitter pattering heart, a very much so pieced together family, and an interesting past there is a deep mystery ready to be uncovered. When Carrie finds out that her dishwasher has been murdered and that her young waitress, named Andi, has disappeared she finds that Greg is ready and willing to be on-the-case alongside her. But Carrie will have to deal with her own past, with a little help from Greg and God of course, before they can solve anything, mystery or otherwise.
Final Thoughts: I might have just been converted to Suspense Literature by Ms. Roper. I've never been one who's enjoyed Suspense or Mystery novels all that much, but this book changed my mind about halfway through it's 320 pages. While the constant drum of the word Tweet/Twitter was sprinkled about throughout the story a little more often than I would have liked, and the snoopy dance analogy that was used to describe Carrie's fluttering feelings for Greg Barnes drove me a little batty at times, these things all ended up helping the story and aided in tying things up nicely in the very end, to my shock.
*I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Press in exchange for an honest review of my own words and freely expressed opinions.
About: Carrie Carter, the owner of a hopping small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey, is in for more than just taking care of her amusing and yet hair brained cafe patrons, serving tons of coffee and watching out for her little sister Lindsay. Her story becomes entangled with Greg Barnes, a widower and ex cop, the one who makes her heart do a fierce snoopy dance at the sight of him in her cafe.
Alongside Carrie's pitter pattering heart, a very much so pieced together family, and an interesting past there is a deep mystery ready to be uncovered. When Carrie finds out that her dishwasher has been murdered and that her young waitress, named Andi, has disappeared she finds that Greg is ready and willing to be on-the-case alongside her. But Carrie will have to deal with her own past, with a little help from Greg and God of course, before they can solve anything, mystery or otherwise.
Final Thoughts: I might have just been converted to Suspense Literature by Ms. Roper. I've never been one who's enjoyed Suspense or Mystery novels all that much, but this book changed my mind about halfway through it's 320 pages. While the constant drum of the word Tweet/Twitter was sprinkled about throughout the story a little more often than I would have liked, and the snoopy dance analogy that was used to describe Carrie's fluttering feelings for Greg Barnes drove me a little batty at times, these things all ended up helping the story and aided in tying things up nicely in the very end, to my shock.
*I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Press in exchange for an honest review of my own words and freely expressed opinions.
March 22, 2020
Book set in a favorite location of your
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2011
I had a bit of trouble getting into this book, I found there to be way too much dialog in the beginning. Talking and discussions in the café really brought the flow to a halt. Once the characters moved away from the café the conversations were less and the book flowed better and the story started to take shape.
I like the characters and the little seaside village they live in. The residence of the village are sweet and each have their own little quirks. The main characters are flawed and need help from each other to find their way and I think that is the way with everyone on the planet. We all need someone to help gets us through the day and love us for us. Greg had lost everything and Carrie had never had anything, the two were meant for each other.
The pacing improved after the first few chapter, and the book calls itself a Seaside Mystery, but it really is a Christian romance with scripture verses and loads of pray. I liked the story and I think the author went a bit over board in God portions. Yes he leads our lives and his time is his…but enoughs enough. I have read several Christian romances and this one pushed it a bit more than the others I have really enjoyed, not to mention it said it was a mystery and there was not much in the mystery department. A religious cult gone bad, really? Which ones are good? The mystery was pushed to the far side of the story and it is mainly a romance with Christian under tones.
The story was sweet and fast to read. The stuff about Twitter and other Social Media Sites was funny and I enjoyed that bit quite a lot. If you enjoy Christian romance then you will enjoy this book.
I like the characters and the little seaside village they live in. The residence of the village are sweet and each have their own little quirks. The main characters are flawed and need help from each other to find their way and I think that is the way with everyone on the planet. We all need someone to help gets us through the day and love us for us. Greg had lost everything and Carrie had never had anything, the two were meant for each other.
The pacing improved after the first few chapter, and the book calls itself a Seaside Mystery, but it really is a Christian romance with scripture verses and loads of pray. I liked the story and I think the author went a bit over board in God portions. Yes he leads our lives and his time is his…but enoughs enough. I have read several Christian romances and this one pushed it a bit more than the others I have really enjoyed, not to mention it said it was a mystery and there was not much in the mystery department. A religious cult gone bad, really? Which ones are good? The mystery was pushed to the far side of the story and it is mainly a romance with Christian under tones.
The story was sweet and fast to read. The stuff about Twitter and other Social Media Sites was funny and I enjoyed that bit quite a lot. If you enjoy Christian romance then you will enjoy this book.
October 14, 2011
Another author I haven’t read any of her books before. She is new to me and I really loved this book.
Right off I really liked/sympathized with one of the main characters Carrie. She is full of spunk, but also tender, but acts tough. It is hard for her to trust people after the way her mother brought her and her younger sister up.
It was very easy to get involved in this story and it was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to read it, but didn’t want it to end.
This book Shadows on the Sand is full of love, patience, suspense and forgiveness. Each of the main characters had something happen in their past that they need to let go of and move on in life. In each other they find how they can do that.
Also a cult is after two of Carrie’s employees, but she doesn’t know this. It’s sad how things like this happen and no one knows what is going on.
In this whole book people are dealing with love, loss and forgiveness. Each person deals with things differently.
I really love the setting of this book. It’s called Seaside, New Jersey and just sounds like a place you would love to live or vacation at. Carrie’s café sounds so very special, warm and inviting. Just a place you would love to visit and share with a friend.
I highly recommend Shadows on the Sand. You will love it.
Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Right off I really liked/sympathized with one of the main characters Carrie. She is full of spunk, but also tender, but acts tough. It is hard for her to trust people after the way her mother brought her and her younger sister up.
It was very easy to get involved in this story and it was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to read it, but didn’t want it to end.
This book Shadows on the Sand is full of love, patience, suspense and forgiveness. Each of the main characters had something happen in their past that they need to let go of and move on in life. In each other they find how they can do that.
Also a cult is after two of Carrie’s employees, but she doesn’t know this. It’s sad how things like this happen and no one knows what is going on.
In this whole book people are dealing with love, loss and forgiveness. Each person deals with things differently.
I really love the setting of this book. It’s called Seaside, New Jersey and just sounds like a place you would love to live or vacation at. Carrie’s café sounds so very special, warm and inviting. Just a place you would love to visit and share with a friend.
I highly recommend Shadows on the Sand. You will love it.
Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
January 23, 2016
SHADOWS ON THE SAND by Gayle Roper was an enjoyable read.
Carrie Carter owns a little café that Greg Barnes frequents every day. Carrie waits for him every morning, though he doesn’t seem to know she exists. Carrie sympathizes with the tragedy that’s darkened his world because of her own tragic upbringing. She just wishes he would look up from his breakfast one day and notice she is there.
Greg Barnes is intrigued by the upbeat Carrie Carter, but is afraid to feel again. He loved once and lost, and has no intentions of going through that pain a second time.
When a mysterious sequence of events draws Greg and Carrie together, neither of them can ignore the feelings they have for each other. But, Carrie feels if she shares her past life with Greg, he will see her as a person with too much baggage and run the other direction. As the danger that surrounds them thickens, they both realize their relationship will either strengthen or crumble.
This book exceeded my expectations. They I know Gayle is a great story teller, I thought this was going to be more of a cozy mystery, but it turned out to have more depth to it than that. Though at times the phrasing was a bit fluffy, I really enjoyed the twists, turns, secondary characters, and of course the hero and heroine. Good story, great setting. Sit back and enjoy the surf, sand, and romance.
Book provided for review purposes.
Carrie Carter owns a little café that Greg Barnes frequents every day. Carrie waits for him every morning, though he doesn’t seem to know she exists. Carrie sympathizes with the tragedy that’s darkened his world because of her own tragic upbringing. She just wishes he would look up from his breakfast one day and notice she is there.
Greg Barnes is intrigued by the upbeat Carrie Carter, but is afraid to feel again. He loved once and lost, and has no intentions of going through that pain a second time.
When a mysterious sequence of events draws Greg and Carrie together, neither of them can ignore the feelings they have for each other. But, Carrie feels if she shares her past life with Greg, he will see her as a person with too much baggage and run the other direction. As the danger that surrounds them thickens, they both realize their relationship will either strengthen or crumble.
This book exceeded my expectations. They I know Gayle is a great story teller, I thought this was going to be more of a cozy mystery, but it turned out to have more depth to it than that. Though at times the phrasing was a bit fluffy, I really enjoyed the twists, turns, secondary characters, and of course the hero and heroine. Good story, great setting. Sit back and enjoy the surf, sand, and romance.
Book provided for review purposes.
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