What do you think?
Rate this book
Sugar Sand Beach #5
Christmas at Sugar Sand Inn
Escape to Sugar Sand Beach with best friends Michelle, Reggie, Nina and Erin for a second chance at all life has to offer.
It’s Christmas at the Sugar Sand Inn, and Michelle and her friends have replaced the Welcome sign with one that reads Closed for the Holidays. The four women deserve a little break after spending the summer working non-stop to convert the house Michelle inherited from her birth mother into an inn. The past three months they’ve definitely been thrilled—and maybe a little overwhelmed—by the influx of guests who alternately charm and confound them. It’s no wonder the four friends need some time to kick back, open a nice bottle of Merlot and enjoy the warm winter breezes that blow off the Gulf.
But, no sooner does Michelle hang the No Occupancy sign out front than who should appear but her college-age twins who’ve opted to spend their winter break in sunny Florida. Next, Erin and Reggie’s parents fly in from West Virginia for a surprise, holiday visit. And when a burst pipe floods their handyman’s house, of course, they have to make room for him and his adorable little girl.
Soon every room is filled to overflowing, laughter rings throughout the halls, and good smells drift from the kitchen where Chef Nina and her team whip up holiday treats for one and all.
Join Nina, Michelle, Reggie and Erin as they enjoy the new lives they’ve built in Sugar Sand Beach, where fresh opportunities for life, love and happiness are as limitless as the blue Florida skies.
It’s Christmas at the Sugar Sand Inn, and Michelle and her friends have replaced the Welcome sign with one that reads Closed for the Holidays. The four women deserve a little break after spending the summer working non-stop to convert the house Michelle inherited from her birth mother into an inn. The past three months they’ve definitely been thrilled—and maybe a little overwhelmed—by the influx of guests who alternately charm and confound them. It’s no wonder the four friends need some time to kick back, open a nice bottle of Merlot and enjoy the warm winter breezes that blow off the Gulf.
But, no sooner does Michelle hang the No Occupancy sign out front than who should appear but her college-age twins who’ve opted to spend their winter break in sunny Florida. Next, Erin and Reggie’s parents fly in from West Virginia for a surprise, holiday visit. And when a burst pipe floods their handyman’s house, of course, they have to make room for him and his adorable little girl.
Soon every room is filled to overflowing, laughter rings throughout the halls, and good smells drift from the kitchen where Chef Nina and her team whip up holiday treats for one and all.
Join Nina, Michelle, Reggie and Erin as they enjoy the new lives they’ve built in Sugar Sand Beach, where fresh opportunities for life, love and happiness are as limitless as the blue Florida skies.
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2021
572 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Duncan
51 books244 followersLeigh Duncan is an Amazon best-selling author and a National Readers' Choice Award winner, the author of more than two dozen novels, novellas and short stories. However, the biggest thrill of her career--so far!--came when she saw her book, Journey Back to Christmas, featured on the Home and Family Show after Hallmark Publishing chose Journey to introduce its new line of romance novels. Her newest Hallmark Publishing release, A Simple Wedding, and her upcoming A Cottage Wedding (6/2/20) are the first of several books in Leigh's Heart's Landing series. These sweet, contemporary romances take place in a small town known as America's Top Wedding Destination, and each book centers on one couple who fall in love in Heart's Landing.
Leigh lives on Central Florida's East Coast where she loves to stay in touch with readers through social media. Find her at www.facebook.com/LeighDuncanBooks, or visit her website at www.leighduncan.com.
Leigh lives on Central Florida's East Coast where she loves to stay in touch with readers through social media. Find her at www.facebook.com/LeighDuncanBooks, or visit her website at www.leighduncan.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 9, 2023
This wonderful series ends with this story and many happy endings! I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy women’s fiction with older women characters.
December 16, 2021
I love all of Duncan's books, but this series was the best. I love the friendships and the Inn at the beach it was just a dream series. I am a little bit sad to see this series come to an end but I am guessing that Duncan has something just as fantastic and this series coming next.
You should grab this sweet series.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
You should grab this sweet series.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
November 14, 2021
Christmas at Sugar Sand Inn ~ Sugar Sands Beach #5 by Leigh Duncan.
They say all good things must come to an end, and as sad as this is true this is the last book in the series. (though I truly hope Leigh will add more, keeping my fingers crossed xx:))
I have been following the lives of Michelle, Erin, Nina, and Reggie from the very beginning and can truthfully say that I have found this whole series sensational.
Leigh goes above and beyond, with this series, and I'm always entertained and encouraged by her amazingly real characters facing real-life kinds of struggles. There's depth to her books and I always feel hope when I finish the story.
Christmas at Sugar Sand Inn follows the four friends who have now closed the Inn for the holidays. The friends are ready to step back and relax after a busy first three months at the Inn when their families arrive all in time for Erin and Rob's wedding.
Will the other friends finally get their happily ever afters? Not telling because ... you need to purchase the book to find out, as spoilers will not do justice to this book. You will, however, I believe, is to purchase them all and start from the beginning to get the background of the friends.
I loved this book and you will too!
Leigh's writing has made me smile, made me sigh, or made me happy and she’s entertained me. The main characters that are, Michelle, Erin, Nina, and Reggie were very well developed and very important to the telling of the story. I highly recommend this book, if you like a great story and a happy ending.
Thank you, Leigh, for this outstanding series, this deserves more than 5*
They say all good things must come to an end, and as sad as this is true this is the last book in the series. (though I truly hope Leigh will add more, keeping my fingers crossed xx:))
I have been following the lives of Michelle, Erin, Nina, and Reggie from the very beginning and can truthfully say that I have found this whole series sensational.
Leigh goes above and beyond, with this series, and I'm always entertained and encouraged by her amazingly real characters facing real-life kinds of struggles. There's depth to her books and I always feel hope when I finish the story.
Christmas at Sugar Sand Inn follows the four friends who have now closed the Inn for the holidays. The friends are ready to step back and relax after a busy first three months at the Inn when their families arrive all in time for Erin and Rob's wedding.
Will the other friends finally get their happily ever afters? Not telling because ... you need to purchase the book to find out, as spoilers will not do justice to this book. You will, however, I believe, is to purchase them all and start from the beginning to get the background of the friends.
I loved this book and you will too!
Leigh's writing has made me smile, made me sigh, or made me happy and she’s entertained me. The main characters that are, Michelle, Erin, Nina, and Reggie were very well developed and very important to the telling of the story. I highly recommend this book, if you like a great story and a happy ending.
Thank you, Leigh, for this outstanding series, this deserves more than 5*
November 15, 2021
This book was the absolute perfect ending to this fun and romantic series about four women, who started over in Florida and turned an old house into the Sugar Sand Inn. I liked that there were ups and downs through their journey. This book is one of my favorites in the series. It reflected the happiness each of the women had found. They are strong together. They are strong individually and they are strong as part of a couple. It was so nice to take part in Erin and Ron's second marriage to each other and to take part in the fun that led up to the wedding. I really enjoyed the surprises too. I am so glad there was an epilogue to perfectly tie everything together. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
November 17, 2021
I’m sorry to see this series come to an end, but it was such a satisfying ending to the Sugar Sand Inn characters. It was such fun to live Christmas through the eyes of Reggie, Nina, Michelle, and Erin. I feel like I know them and their families. The town has become real to me and the characters in the town are as friendly and giving as anyone would want at Christmas. Leigh outdid herself in this series. Even through Sugar Sand Inn is not real, I have plans to visit this winter. Who can stay away?
November 7, 2021
It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to Sugar Sand and my 4 new friends Erin, Reggie , Nina and Michelle. This is the final book in a 5 book series by Leigh Duncan. I am still holding out that she will announce a few more.
This series takes you through the lives of 4 friends who you will ride their highs and experience their lows and their whole coming of age in a new stage of life.
This series shows you that it is never to late and you can be happy. You will love these friends you will love their stories and you will mostly love their love, compassion care and mutual love and respect for each other.
This last book is focused on Erin and her upcoming Christmas wedding to Ron. You learned of their engagement in book 4.
I have to be honest I teared up in this book. I was touched at Duncan's nod to our beautiful military. Thank you.
Duncan ties this book up in a beautiful bow to finish out the series. You will not be disappointed. I wish Sugar Sand Inn was a real place because I would definitely go visit.
This is a wonderful book series I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series takes you through the lives of 4 friends who you will ride their highs and experience their lows and their whole coming of age in a new stage of life.
This series shows you that it is never to late and you can be happy. You will love these friends you will love their stories and you will mostly love their love, compassion care and mutual love and respect for each other.
This last book is focused on Erin and her upcoming Christmas wedding to Ron. You learned of their engagement in book 4.
I have to be honest I teared up in this book. I was touched at Duncan's nod to our beautiful military. Thank you.
Duncan ties this book up in a beautiful bow to finish out the series. You will not be disappointed. I wish Sugar Sand Inn was a real place because I would definitely go visit.
This is a wonderful book series I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2021
What a bitter sweet moment. This book the fifth and final book in the Sugar Sand Beach series.
This book covers Erin and Ron's wedding. Also, the relationship strengthens between the four ladies as their future starts to change. The one thing that doesn't change is their love for Sugar Sand Inn and the people in Sugar Sand Beach.
This book also has the same raw emotion that you have come to expect from this series. The Inn will provide one more unexpected surprise for the ladies.
As all the families come together to fill a closed inn you will see love, happiness and laughter and the true meaning of family and friendship.
I am sad that this series has come to and end but your heart will enjoy what happens to Michelle, Reggie, Nina and Erin and their extended family.
This book and the series is without doubt worth more than five stars.
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This book covers Erin and Ron's wedding. Also, the relationship strengthens between the four ladies as their future starts to change. The one thing that doesn't change is their love for Sugar Sand Inn and the people in Sugar Sand Beach.
This book also has the same raw emotion that you have come to expect from this series. The Inn will provide one more unexpected surprise for the ladies.
As all the families come together to fill a closed inn you will see love, happiness and laughter and the true meaning of family and friendship.
I am sad that this series has come to and end but your heart will enjoy what happens to Michelle, Reggie, Nina and Erin and their extended family.
This book and the series is without doubt worth more than five stars.
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.
November 5, 2021
This series is so good. I hate to see it end. This one revolves around Ron and Erin's wedding plans and the work around the inn. Lots happening and discoveries with a remodel. Each of the woman have someone in their lives and we get to know a little more of their stories too. Of course, some of the adult kids show up and Erin's parents so the inn is very full even though it was supposed to be down time. I loved the surprise the women had for Erin and Ron. It was so sweet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2021
Friends who came together to share life together, and the dreams of opening this Sugar Sand Inn. A different sign is out front. The season was full of excitement and memories. Now time to recharge and what is ahead for them. A delightful series, one to enjoy reading and sharing.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
December 3, 2021
Four friends - Michelle, Reggie, Erin and Nina - who'd reached crossroads in their respective lives band together and start Sugar Sand Inn and Cafe. The venture is a huge success and now, they are closed for Christmas. From Christmas surpises to a Christmas wedding - this book has it all. This books takes us a Christmas vacation with family reunions and second chance at love. The spirit of friendship shines through the entire book while hinting at the friends' romances and past lives. The book was a wonderful read and I enjoyed it very much.
It is an epilogue of sorts for the Sugar Sand Beach Series.
I received an ARC of this book before its official release.
It is an epilogue of sorts for the Sugar Sand Beach Series.
I received an ARC of this book before its official release.
October 30, 2021
This holiday treat wraps up all of the storylines from the previous 4 books. We learn the fate of all of our heroines as well as some secondary characters. I love that the epilogue gives us some final happy endings, although I would say it leaves open the possibility of books involving the older children :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2021
The friends don't get the time of they were planning on to regroup and make decisions... Well they still make the decisions that were up in the air, but the rest of their "time off" is spent with family and loved ones celebrating, clearing the air, and stepping into their futures.
November 18, 2021
Not goodbye, but until next time...
A glorious ending to an extraordinary series. I feel a kinship to the women of Sugar Sand Inn. From the first book in this amazing collection, Michelle, Reggie, Nina and Erin embraced me within the pages of these stories. I felt like part of their family.
The emotional changes these ladies experience tugged at my heart strings and never let me go. Christmas is the perfect occasion to experience the pride and joy they feel after their accomplishment of turning this Inn into something very special. I was thrilled to learn the outcome of all their relationships with the men that came into their lives and grew close. Having all their families gathered together at this magical time of year was a joy to read.
Thank you Leigh for sharing your vision with us. I am sorry to see this end, but I know you will probably have something marvelous waiting in the wings for us. This is definitely worth more than 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
A glorious ending to an extraordinary series. I feel a kinship to the women of Sugar Sand Inn. From the first book in this amazing collection, Michelle, Reggie, Nina and Erin embraced me within the pages of these stories. I felt like part of their family.
The emotional changes these ladies experience tugged at my heart strings and never let me go. Christmas is the perfect occasion to experience the pride and joy they feel after their accomplishment of turning this Inn into something very special. I was thrilled to learn the outcome of all their relationships with the men that came into their lives and grew close. Having all their families gathered together at this magical time of year was a joy to read.
Thank you Leigh for sharing your vision with us. I am sorry to see this end, but I know you will probably have something marvelous waiting in the wings for us. This is definitely worth more than 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
November 19, 2021
Christmas at Sugar Sand Inn is the final book in the Sugar Sand Inn series. This series focused on the lives of four friends who at at a crossroad in life due to various life situations. And they all join together to start an inn from a property one of them inherited. Along the course of their journey, they come across men who interest them and complete them. This book gives a wonderful conclusion to all their trials and tribulations and leaves the reader with a lovely, contented, warmth in the heart.
Reading this book was a heartwarming experience and just about put a big small in my face the whole time I was reading it. Don't miss the series if you are a fan of books which contain a little of female relationships, sweet romance, women getting together to do something, and a lot of warmth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reading this book was a heartwarming experience and just about put a big small in my face the whole time I was reading it. Don't miss the series if you are a fan of books which contain a little of female relationships, sweet romance, women getting together to do something, and a lot of warmth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2024
Great set of bookIs!
Some friendships last for a season, but the one between Michelle , Nina, Erin, and Reggie was one of those which lasted far longer. When Michelle's husband died leaving her with a big house and no way to pay for it, her life turned upside down. Her friends from childhood dropped everything to go to her side just when she needed them most. The surprise that her birth mother had left an inheritance to her only child opened a who!e new life for her, and her friends were there to encourage her to take a step out of her comfort zone when Michelle discovered her legacy included a huge home on the Florida panhandle. Who knew how she would blossom u see their love and guidance???
Great set of books, with everything from a hidden passageway to a hurricane in her future. Thanks for a delightfully goodread!
Some friendships last for a season, but the one between Michelle , Nina, Erin, and Reggie was one of those which lasted far longer. When Michelle's husband died leaving her with a big house and no way to pay for it, her life turned upside down. Her friends from childhood dropped everything to go to her side just when she needed them most. The surprise that her birth mother had left an inheritance to her only child opened a who!e new life for her, and her friends were there to encourage her to take a step out of her comfort zone when Michelle discovered her legacy included a huge home on the Florida panhandle. Who knew how she would blossom u see their love and guidance???
Great set of books, with everything from a hidden passageway to a hurricane in her future. Thanks for a delightfully goodread!
November 23, 2021
Loved it! Loved it! LooooVed it! I love all the ladies at Sugar Sand Inn and this was a great conclusion to the story line. They all get their happily ever after, a wedding at Christmas with all the family around, and a booming business. It all came together in a wonderful way that makes you think maybe you can change your life in middle age. The epilogue was my favorite part because it goes a few years down the road and you see that all the couples got together, and at least one had a child. The one person who wanted children but could not have them with her previous husband. I love all of Leigh’s books and will read them everyone as they come out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2021
'Christmas At Sugar Sand Inn' by Leigh Duncan is the final book in her Sugar Sand Beach series about four strong women who forged a friendship for the ages while making their inn and cafe a reality. Michelle, Erin, Nina, and Reggie have closed the Inn for the holidays in order to celebrate with their families when they arrive for Erin and Rob's wedding. The friends are ready to step back and relax after a busy first three months at the Inn.
Ms. Duncan has written a fabulous ending to her series wrapping everything up in a glittery bow just in time for Christmas. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms. Duncan has written a fabulous ending to her series wrapping everything up in a glittery bow just in time for Christmas. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2021
Like the books before, nothing reallz exciting is happening, but still, it is difficult to put the book down.
One simply wants to continue to be part of the little band of friends and see, how their lives continue, how finally everything comes together and there is a stability in their future that he women did not have when the adventure of starting the Sugar Sands Inn began.
In this book loose threads are tied together and leave a happy feeling all around.
An enjoyable read, a satisfying conclusion to one year in the life of a group of friends who started out on a new life-adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One simply wants to continue to be part of the little band of friends and see, how their lives continue, how finally everything comes together and there is a stability in their future that he women did not have when the adventure of starting the Sugar Sands Inn began.
In this book loose threads are tied together and leave a happy feeling all around.
An enjoyable read, a satisfying conclusion to one year in the life of a group of friends who started out on a new life-adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2021
The force of these four women together as they accomplish the task of getting the Inn ready and working, is terrific. The bond they have is strong and the support for each other is heartwarming. The end of the season is upon them so things are shutting down, but there is still a big wedding coming up quick and it is time to celebrate. This last book fills us in on all the relationships and statuses. Could not put the book down and now that the storyline is complete, I am going to go back and reread it all again. Great ending and much enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2021
Christmas At Sugar Sand Inn will captivate you from the first page and hold your interest until you turn the last page. It's well written and sweeps you up in the story and makes you feel like you're right there with the characters, interacting with them as they live their lives. You love getting to know the characters and they feel like long lost friends long before you read the last word.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2021
Book Five of this series concludes the story of Michelle, Erin, Reggie, and Nina. This has been such a great series I hate to see it over. I loved the endings for each of these superb characters. I recommend this fantastic series and book which explored the ups and downs in each of the remarkable characters as they start over in life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2022
Must Read This Series
Where do I begin?? I felt as if I had made 4 new friends as I read this series. Sharing in the hills and valleys with these characters was wonderful and you really get to know the gals as they navigate the changes and challenges life brings. Didn't hurt that I'm familiar with the area on the Gulf coast they relocated to. Hate to say goodbye to them but look forward to reading more of Leigh Duncan's writing. I wholeheartedly recommend this series.
Where do I begin?? I felt as if I had made 4 new friends as I read this series. Sharing in the hills and valleys with these characters was wonderful and you really get to know the gals as they navigate the changes and challenges life brings. Didn't hurt that I'm familiar with the area on the Gulf coast they relocated to. Hate to say goodbye to them but look forward to reading more of Leigh Duncan's writing. I wholeheartedly recommend this series.
March 25, 2023
Wedding
Everyone is getting ready for the wedding. Ashley and Aaron showed up for the wedding and Christmas to surprise their mom and Erin and Reggie's parents surprised them by showing up. Zeke discovers a surprise while renovating tower rooms. Chris and Hope have to move in also he has a broken water pipe.
Sorry to see the series end but I loved the characters and the story. To watch them grow and find their strengths.
Everyone is getting ready for the wedding. Ashley and Aaron showed up for the wedding and Christmas to surprise their mom and Erin and Reggie's parents surprised them by showing up. Zeke discovers a surprise while renovating tower rooms. Chris and Hope have to move in also he has a broken water pipe.
Sorry to see the series end but I loved the characters and the story. To watch them grow and find their strengths.
February 15, 2022
Great Series
Loved reading about this amazing group of friends and seeing what was in store for them as they worked together to create a home and business together. Seeing them take their time to fall in love and never lose sight of who they were and always remain in each others life.
Loved reading about this amazing group of friends and seeing what was in store for them as they worked together to create a home and business together. Seeing them take their time to fall in love and never lose sight of who they were and always remain in each others life.
March 31, 2022
A new family of favorites!
I live far from the beaches of Alabama, my home state, but love to read about them. This cast of characters stole my heart with the first book. Reading all of them and getting to know these courageous women was a treat.
I'll be looking forward to future reads by this writer.
I live far from the beaches of Alabama, my home state, but love to read about them. This cast of characters stole my heart with the first book. Reading all of them and getting to know these courageous women was a treat.
I'll be looking forward to future reads by this writer.
April 18, 2023
Christmas At Sugar Sand Inn (Sugar Sand Beach Book) by Leigh Duncan
I liked all of her books in the series. The characters and scenes were interesting and diverse. The places described seemed like you were there .
The stories within each book were page turners.
I would recommend this series to someone who wants to escape to a different place.
I liked all of her books in the series. The characters and scenes were interesting and diverse. The places described seemed like you were there .
The stories within each book were page turners.
I would recommend this series to someone who wants to escape to a different place.
May 14, 2023
Loved the Series
I have read the complete Sugar Sand Inn series by Leigh Duncan and can honestly say that I loved the books. The characters and their stories were very relatable and true to life. These books were hard to put down. I'm glad I took a chance and picked up a book by this author.
I have read the complete Sugar Sand Inn series by Leigh Duncan and can honestly say that I loved the books. The characters and their stories were very relatable and true to life. These books were hard to put down. I'm glad I took a chance and picked up a book by this author.
February 11, 2024
Shall I just admit to myself that series like this aren't really for me? I should wholeheartedly and remind myself to not read the rest if the author decides to write more about it.
Honestly, there wasn't much of a Christmassy feel to this book at all. So it was a disappointment on more than one level.
Honestly, there wasn't much of a Christmassy feel to this book at all. So it was a disappointment on more than one level.
November 24, 2021
awesome
What a beautiful story of friends with a wedding in between. Happy for Erin and Ron’s wedding. Simple and elegant. Then everything falls in line with everyone else to close out the series.
What a beautiful story of friends with a wedding in between. Happy for Erin and Ron’s wedding. Simple and elegant. Then everything falls in line with everyone else to close out the series.
December 19, 2021
Sugar Sand Inn Series
I absolutely loved this series! I especially love the final book and how all the women got their happily ever after. I could picture the Inn and the wonderful small town atmosphere. These books just made my heart smile!
I absolutely loved this series! I especially love the final book and how all the women got their happily ever after. I could picture the Inn and the wonderful small town atmosphere. These books just made my heart smile!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews