Sandover Beach Memories

Sandover Island #1

by Emma St. Clair

Sometimes the sea won't let you go. And the best thing to do is stop fighting and give in.

She never thought the island would be home again. But when Jenna returns to get her late mother’s house ready to sell, her past and future intersect in ways she couldn’t imagine.

She’s already dealing with her mother’s death and her own recent divorce. The last thing she needs is to face off with her high school nemesis. But she can’t seem to avoid Jackson Wells' smirking and frustratingly attractive face. She doesn’t know why he’s pulling the nice-guy act, but she isn’t buying.

Because if it isn’t an act, Jenna might really be in trouble.

Jackson has loved Jenna for half his life. Too bad she still sees him as the punk he was in high school.

He just wants a chance to show her that he has changed. But every kindness he tosses her way, she lobs back like a grenade. Jackson can see how high she’s built her walls to keep out the pain.

Good thing he’s prepared to scale them. No matter how long it takes.

On a small beach island like Sandover, you can’t ever escape your past. Can Jackson and Jenna forge a new future together?

Start reading today!

*** Sandover Beach Memories was previously titled The Sandover Beach Billionaire. ***

This is Book One in the Sandover Island Sweet Romance Series, a Christian beach romance. Books in the series can be read alone but work best read in order.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Chick Lit

270 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2020

About the author

Emma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)

Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante

You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandover Beach sounds like my kind of place, with it's small-town feel, beautiful setting, and great characters. Jenna returns home after her mother dies and finds herself in a slight love triangle. I honestly didn't know at first which guy to cheer on, but the answer became apparently pretty quickly.

Jenna has one of the heaviest bags of drama ever and she is gradually able to unburden herself as the story marches on. She really does have a lot to deal with it, but I love how those around her are able to help her, even if some do so unknowingly.

There are so many layers of feels in this story and it's not the light and fluffy book that it seems to be. It's poignant and sweet, heartbreaking and tender, and it's all wrapped up in a coating of hope.

Content: mild romance; talk of affairs, death, divorce, and some light innuendo; mild violence; mild+ references to religion.

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a setting as beautiful as a Nicholas Sparks movie, how could you not fall in love with Sandover Island and the people there. I want to visit this place, and I want to walk along the beach and see Jackson's home and eat the local produce from Bohn's. Okay, so this isn't a commercial for travel and real estate. But the setting in this book was a character in itself, one that I loved! And I loved the other characters as well. I'm a sucker for secondary characters. Often time they make the book. And I am hopeful that there will be a spin-off with Beau and Mercer. But also, I want this story to continue. (Which says a lot because I'm not the biggest fan of a series.) But I want to watch what happens with Megan. And I want more of Jackson. This was just a fun getaway book. Perfect poolside read that will make you want to fall in love all over again.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Emma St. Clair's books, but it was very obvious that this was an earlier work, as Emma's writing has matured.

Jenna was supposed to be this sweet character that you root for, but she was so mean with her interactions with Jackson, right off the bat. And, there was no good reason for it. She was still holding on to stuff from high school. The characters were immature, even though they were in their late thirties.

I liked Jackson and loved that he wanted to do right by his daughter, Megan.

I am not sure if I will continue this series or not. I did like the side characters, but I am not sure if I will connect better with them or not.

[Emily Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book on my kindle for a couple of years and forgot I even had it, but oh am I so glad I discovered I had it. This was a wholesome sweet story and I absolutely loved it! Not to mention, I always love a good beach setting.

[Taylor M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was nervous because I feel like this is a different vibe than all of the other books I’ve read by Emma but I really enjoyed it!

I really struggled with the narrator. Narrators don’t usually bother me but for some reason this one did.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.

Content: clean - mentions of adultery

[Deidra Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely more light weight of a book but I really enjoyed the characters and setting. I loved all the unexpected little moments, it was a fun read.

[Sandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Being non-religious I can usually skip over the 'holier than thou' parts and enjoy the overall story. I was enjoying this book, that has only a handful of typos, technical errors and awkwardly written sentences, until about page 185 when Steve, Jenna's married high school ex-boyfriend and a total jacka$$, delivers an entirely unwanted kiss that she rejects. She then starts spouting that she's 'the other woman' and a 'cheater'. Really? The notes I made in my Kindle were 'absurd' and 'ridiculous' because there is no other way to view the thoughts the author was creating for Jenna. Spurning someone's unwanted advance shouldn't have any negative reflection on the victim, but the author expounded on this to carry the weak storyline.

And then there's this line: "She was learning that Megan needed to be drawn out and engaged. People tended to be scared off by her sarcasm and the way she didn’t seem to fear adults." What!? Are children meant to fear adults? Not in any world that I've lived in. Is it even Christian to think so? There are too many un-Christian-like points in this book that push the 'Christian' label beyond credibility even for someone who is non-religious.

This was my first, and last, book by this author. She's earned a place on my author blacklist.

[Bookworman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. So glad I've discovered this new author! A sweet second-chance love story filled with my favorite things: romance, snarky dialogue, faith without preachiness, and a satisfying HEA.

No profanity or sex.

[Lila Diller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started, I couldn't stop. I stayed up until 3:30 am just finishing this book! I loved the characters, the tension of whether they would ever trust each other fully, and the snarkiness of the hero's daughter.

I started out not liking Jackson because of his past, since we found it out through Jenna's perspective. I wish we had started the story in Jackson's perspective because the first time we see inside his head, we know that he has changed because of His encounter with Jesus. I love how he still struggles not only with the consequences of his past but also the guilt of his past. And although I don't normally like stories about divorcees, this one was about how Jenna was the victim because she had been cheated on. Her trust issues were so reasonable; I felt for her.

I liked the faith thread, though there were a few comments thrown in that I didn't personally agree with, like not needing a “born-again” experience for salvation. I did like how Jenna not drinking wine wasn't a sin-thing or hammered down the reader's throat. It was a personal preference I personally agree with.

I loved the realness and rawness of Jenna's grief over losing her mother. The little things that trigger waves of grief were so relatable.

The romance was never sexual but did get a little bit steamier than I personally like. I can still recommend it, though.

Favorite quotes:
“He felt like he was constantly chasing his own shadow, trying to erase it, but finding it always right there behind him. Even after coming to believe that Jesus had taken his sin away, Jackson struggled to really feel that he was clean.” (chapter 2)

This is what real church is: “Their breakfast talks hit him harder than the sermons Sunday mornings.” (chapter 2)

“'You don't stop struggling when you become a Christian. You struggle more because you see the things you're doing differently.'” (chapter 2)

I'm so glad someone finally took this verse in context! “'When he [Paul] says he can do all things, he means, he can be content in any circumstance.'” (chapter 2)

“That's the thing about love: sometimes it makes you foolish. But if you aren't willing to put yourself out there, maybe it's not love.” (chapter 4)

“He seemed comfortable working in silence, though Jenna felt anything but comfortable. Guilty, yes. Nervous, yes. Strangely happy? Also yes.” (chapter 5)

“Who was he now? Could she trust in the image he was selling now, or was it just that—an image that he was selling? She couldn't afford to find out.” (chapter 5)

“She longed to be a kid again, when all the decisions fit into the easy boxes of whatever you were supposed to do...” (chapter 8)

“'You did not just say 'bae.' I thought we talked about this. Using terms that teens use doesn't make you cool. It just makes it seem like you're trying too hard.'” (chapter 9)

“Listening really was an active thing—making a conscious choice not to fill the silence with words, allowing room for people to say what they really needed to say.” (chapter 9)

“Jackson's kisses felt like he was making declarations and vows.” (chapter 10)

“...Rachel crying too, and they both sat weeping on the floor of their mother's closet until the crying turned to laughter about how much they both hated that sweater. And then they fought over who got to keep it. Finally, they decided it deserved joint custody. Rachel would start with it, then mail it to Jenna in a few months—a new tradition.” (chapter 11)

“Maybe the adage about doctors making the worst patients was true also of real estate agents making the worst clients.” (chapter 20)

[Sam Schey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the last few days, I read Sandover Beach Memories, by Emma St. Clair. It’s a perfect book to read at the beach or by the pool (which is where I read it). It’s a clean romance novel in the vein of a Hallmark movie, a heartwarming story with a nice, soft ending. You will fall in love with the characters, too, I promise.

It wasn’t love that brought Jenna back to Sandover Beach. It was her mother’s sudden death. Secondarily, it was her recent divorce and the tightly kept secret that she had narrowly escaped a cancer diagnosis. Her homecoming stirred up all kinds of emotions, as homecomings usually do. Ghosts from the past emerged. Most notably, her first love, Steve. And the jerk, Jackson.

As Jenna gets her mother’s house ready for sale, she slowly picks herself up. She comes to terms with the past while grieving the loss of her mother. She accepts change and finds love in the most unexpected place. You’ll have to read the story to find out where. Jenna didn’t have much hope for life or love returning to Sandover, but as the pages turn that all changes. Then, in the end, we get our happily ever after.

[Berly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains an audiobook review.

This is one of Emma St Clair's earliest books. I can tell that she has matured as an author since writing this.

The characters here are nearing 40, and yet I thought they acted like teenagers. Many of their issues actually stemmed from high school interactions. I had a hard time relating to that. I live in a small town and after more than 10 years, those issues just weren't relevant to my life anymore.

Also, I've seen where the author refers to these books as not Christian fiction but containing some references. I've read Christian fiction and I thought there were more Biblical/religious references in this book that in most of the ones I have read.

I am not in anyway bashing this book, but honestly, I was going to DNF the audio. Then I ran out of books to listen to and in a pinch, went back and finished it.

The narrator basically just reads the book. There aren't character voices used. It's a bit bland.
Honest opinion is 2.5 stars rounded up. I probably won't listen to any more from this series, but I will absolutely read any new book that Emma St Clair publishes.

[Linda Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a review because I believe this book is very good and I want people to know about it.
Jenna’s life has been torn apart by the death of both parents and the infidelity of her husband and their subsequent divorce. Throw in a bout of cancer which wrecks her ability to have children, and you will find a woman at the bottom of a deep well with no place to go but up. Needing a new start, Jenna heads for her family home. She is torn between keeping it and starting a new life on Sandover Island or selling her home with all its memories. Clouding the picture is Steve, her best friend and romantic interest from childhood; Anna, her arch enemy from day one on the island; and Jackson, the wild boy from school. Jenna must come to terms with her grief and misconceptions about old friends and find her way back to the faith of her childhood. This is an interesting story with glimpses into the past that affect Jenna’s future. Well done, Emma St. Clair.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma St. Clair knows how to write hot romantic tales that are also well plotted, well written and loads of fun. That was certainly the case with her latest, Sandover Beach Memories (Sandover Island Sweet Romance Book 1). This is loads of pure romantic fun. It had just what I wanted, was well written, and had a great plot full of perfectly heated romance. I simply adored its leads, Jewry-damaged Jenna and reformed Jackson, and their wonderful chemistry. They were a pleasure to watch as they developed their relationship over the course of the pages. The cast of supporting characters were also simply superb. What more I could one ask for? But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - this book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Aurélie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her divorce and mother’s death, Jenna moves back to Sandover Island to clear her childhood home and decide what to do next. While there, the past catches up with her, some memories are being relived, bad as well as good ones. But some changes bring her more happiness than she thought possible…
I found the story well written and the characters relatable. Especially how Jenna and Jackson view themselves. It is difficult to let the past go, accept that though we are not and never will be perfect, this past does not have to define our future. I think I am not the only person having to work on one’s self-image, to accept not only the bright sides of one’s character but the flaws as well. I enjoyed how God is described, waiting for the person to wake up and be willing to accept Him and His plan for us. The characters had strong friendships, the kind that anybody wishes to have.
Have fun reading about Jenna and Jackson, how they find peace with who they are.

[Gerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough review to write because I liked the book but did not like Jenna, who is the female lead.
She's a 38 year old woman who is still hanging on to stuff that happened in high school. Her first love broke up with her in high school and she still holds onto that.

Her mother passes away and she found out recently that her husband has cheated on her for years. This pain is all new however she is a mean bitter woman. She moves back to Sandover Beach and runs into Jackson, who she had a crush on in high school and was absolutely horrible to him time and time again.

Jenna was negative, mean to others and always complaining.

With all that said, what I did like was the other characters in this book. They were all great people.

I came across this author from Christmas Kisses & Holiday Wishes that had Sandover Beach Christmas which was very good. I plan to read the next book in this series.

[Playground of Randomness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenna returns home to Sandover Beach to wrap up loose ends after her mother's passing. Recovering from a divorce with a cheating husband and processing her grief about her mother, Jenna's plate is already pretty full.
But then there's the fact that her mother's neighbours are the parents of her high school sweetheart and her high school nemesis, Jackson runs the local store. Jenna hates Jackson due to a high school misunderstanding. (Personally I think her judgement is a little off but okay).
This was a good book but I feel like the characters got feelings way too soon. Nonetheless I loved this little island so I will definitely be returning to see the other characters.
I loved the depiction of faith here and it wasn’t something I’ve seen before. Some parts had me crying. I was here for the characters tbh and the romance, while cute, was only secondary to me.
This book has an accurate portrayal of grief and loss which I really liked seeing.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much more to this story than you can get from the blurb. Jenna has been plundered emotionally by the death of her mother, her divorce from her cheating spouse and struggling through cancer alone. She's back home to settle the estate and decide whether to sell or keep her old home. Steve, her best friend and childhood sweetheart, shows up almost as soon as she hits town. She also runs into Jackson, the wild boy from school. Jackson's daughter is a hoot! The characters are well written, the beautiful town is itself a character in the book. There are themes of redemption, forgiveness, and grace . Several of the secondary characters would make great main characters if this becomes a series. I could not put the book down and fervently hope there will be more stories from Sandover Beach.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this sweet second chances romance. Jackson and Jenna had quite the history together , but Jenna had moved on from the island, while Jackson had stayed put. He did not reveal how he had grown and changed, so she is definitely a bit condescending to him at the beginning. This story revolves around Jenna coming home to clear out her mother's house after she passes away. She is also trying to recover from divorcing her cheating husband. So there definitely could be some triggers. But I feel like that the author handled everything fairly well. I might read the rest of the series as my guess is that some of the minor characters will get their own books. There were definitely some cute moments in this one, and I did really appreciate how selflessly Jackson pursued Jenna.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna returns home to Sandover Beach, after her mother’s death, to decide if she’s going to sell the beach cottage or live in it. She has had a terrible year that she hasn’t told anyone about and she really feels at home back in Sandover. One of the first people she sees is Steve, her high school boyfriend. He continues to show up in the evenings, but he’s keeping secrets. We also meet Jackson, who used to be the schools’s biggest player, and Jenna still doesn’t like him. He’s keeping secrets too. Will Jenna find out each man’s secrets? How will they affect her decision or will they? No spoilers, so grab your copy and get ready to fall in love with Sandover Beach.

[Patty Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet romance from Emma St. Clair that made me not want to put the book down. Jenna and Jackson are the unlikeliest match. She has a grudge against him for dishonoring her sister. He has a past and doubts his capacity to win Jenna over despite his changed heart and success in business. I loved watching this romance unfold. The relationships, setting, and dynamics between Jackson and Jenna make this an engaging book. There are some scenes you won't anticipate that are so well written and play into the plot perfectly. How do they end up in one another's arms? Well, you'll have to read to find out ...

[Jamie Brinkley canter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Emma St. Clair books but I can tell this was an early book for her. The writing was good but I really didn’t like the main characters, especially Jenna. She was so mean to Jackson even when she saw she hurt him. And she kept doing this!! She was obviously going through a tough time but there weren’t many moments of her being nice or interesting. Plus there were so many misunderstandings! The two main characters acted like they were 19 not almost 40.

I enjoyed that the characters were not perfect and that we got to see evidence of their brokenness. There just wasn’t enough likability for me with Jenna.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story because it includes real life problems. Issues you can relate to as a reader. Nothing that is far of but could be your own life issues.
The characters are likeable and relatable. They are well described and develops nicely. The story flows well of the pages.
I like that the author has taken her time to give the sub characters a character too. They have a spot to fill in this story and that gives it more depth.
The mix of heartache, isolation, trust issues, doubt, hope, forgiveness, love and emotions makes it worth the read.
It is an easy read but with lots in it.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and related to Emily more than I have to any other book character. The author hits the nail on the head with the type of insecurities and the way that mental illness can affect the way a person views themselves. I really appreciated the way the author treated this story, and how it is relatable without being depressing or discouraging. There are Christian themes, which I did not find distracting but rather important to understanding the characters perspectives. There was humor, depth, tension, romance—all the things one could ask for in a book of this genre.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandover Beach Memories is a well-written Christian romance. I experienced a lot of emotions as I was reading it, which tells me that it’s a good book—I’ve been pulled into the story. I did not want to put it down before I finished it. The main characters are likable, but not perfect. There is a satisfying HEA. I recommend this book and plan to read more of Emma St. Clair’s work.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story by Emma St. Clair. It will touch your emotions in so many ways. There is sorrow, hurt, pain, grief, hope, and happiness. I really liked how two of the main characters turn to God and find each other. It makes you believe there is hope and love after an unfaithful marriage and cancer. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Barbara Seidle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a read in a single day book. I think what struck me the most about this book, was how much the author knew about the character of people. Having gone through several different types of grief experiences and cleaning out a house for an estate, I thought there was great authenticity in the various ways the characters dealt with their struggles. The depth of her characters made the story come to life. Great story line. Superb characters. Must read!

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up all night to finish

Omigosh I am so tired, but I just could not put this book down! What a wonderful story of true love, grace, conversion and redemption. And sweet romance.

Emma St Clair's writing is very much like one of my favorite authors, Jennifer Peel, & I am definitely going to be following her as a favorite as well now. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. After I get some sleep!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice start to a new series. Jenna has to learn & practice forgiveness. Jackson has to learn to not give up on who he has wanted for a long time. I did not read these books in order which I would highly recommend & wish I had done. There is no cliff-hanger to any book but reading them in order makes more sense since each book features different people.
I received a free copy from the author. This is my voluntary review.

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book!
I truly enjoyed reading it!
It's a engaging & moving romance.
In high school, Jax was in love with
Jenna. She didn't think he even knew
who she was. But after a horrible
rumor was said about her sister,
can Jenna ever forgive Jax?
Jenna & Jax, steal your heart
from the very first pages to the last.
Great characters & small town charm.
Can't wait to read more in series!
I loved everything about this must read
story!!