I loved this story from Holly Martin, I did not realise it was the second in a series but I will now be buying number 1 and I hope there is a number 3. It is a very funny light hearted read perfect for this time of year

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Melody is ready for some romance in her life.
Jaime seems like the perfect choice.
Jaime is attracted to Melody.
Why not give it a chance ? What could go wrong ?
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!

Holly Martin can do no wrong in my eyes, having read nearly all her books, yet again she delivers another brilliant, romantic, fun and delightful novel with the cottage on sunshine beach.
This book is a follow up to the holiday cottage by the sea. The books are set around the Jackson brothers and this book follows Jamie ( we’ve already had Aidan in book 1).
Jamie has always loved accident prone and slightly clumsy Melody but has never acted on it in fear of rejection. His past history with woman hasn’t exactly gone well. What he doesn’t realise is Melody has also always loved him. Will fate throw them together? Or will their past get in the way?
I loved this story and whilst it’s great to catch up with past characters from the first book you could also read this alone. It’s funny, romantic and a real page turner. I couldn’t put it down!
This definitely receives 5stars from me and I look forward to the 3rd story in the series. It can’t come quick enough.

Another great read from Holly Martin with The Cottage on Sunshine Beach!! This is a terrific beach or poolside read, but will also be a great curl up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate read! I loved watching Melody and Jamie find their way to each other...I'm a sucker for friends to lovers romances and this one did not disappoint. The second book in Martin's Sandcastle Bay series, it was lovely to revisit old friends we'd made in the first book. My favorite thing about Martin's books are her characters...they are richly drawn, interesting and flawed people....they seem like people you would know, and want to spend time with. I get very invested in them because they seem so real to me. And her locations are just as much a character in her books as the heroes and heroines...I always end up wishing I could go visit whatever place I've just spent a few hours in....they seem magical and amazing...and yet completely real. I loved that Melody and Jamie really struggled in their attempts to get together...it didn't flow easily or comfortably. There were some very funny moments...and again, it's those awkward, near misses, that feel the most "real". This is a standalone book, but if you love it as much as I did, you'll want to know more about the other characters and you'll want to find their stories, too.

Just a relaxing, feel good book. Holly Martin's books are such a great escape.

Melody moves to Sandcastle Bay to be near her sister, who is busy raising her nephew. Her best friend, Tori lives close by, having found love in the little village.

Melody is crushing hard on Jamie, the sculptor in the shop across fro hers, but they are both so shy around each other, it seems like they will never move forward.

I blame Holly Martin and Jill Mansell on my continued single state. I keep waiting for true love to just appear in front of me. They make it seem so easy! But even if it doesn't improve my love life, a Holly Martin book always improves my weekend!

The perfect light summer read, full of romance and likeable characters. I was rooting for Melody to break the curse of bad dates and disasters and have her happy ending and will be looking out for more titles by this author. Thanks NetGalley!

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, atmosphere, and characters. I would recommend the book to friends and family for their reading pleasure.

Melody came back to Sandcastle Bay when her twin Matthew died to help her sister Isla bring up Matthews son. She soon settles down with her own little shop selling her jewellery, which just happens to be right opposite Jamie's studio......... but will the gorgeous sculptor ever see her as anything other than a friend.... even after that amazing kiss at Matthew's funeral!

Great to be back in Sandcastle Bay and catch up with all the friends from the first book, it is such a lovely setting anyone would love to live there. Another warm feel good book perfect for the beach in true Holly Martin style..... looking forward to the next one

I'm sorry!! 2* - I know, that's not good and I feel terrible about that rating BUT I'm here to be honest! I normally love Holly Martin - I enjoy her writing style and I enjoy her stories... until this one! I liked the characters but I couldn't get a connection with them which I usually find easy with the way that she writes. The other thing I didn't like was the sex scenes - because I hadn't made a connection with the characters they just felt totally unnecessary and out of place for me. I liked the storyline but it didn't grab me and I really struggled to want to pick it up and read it. Hopefully I'll enjoy the next book of Holly's a bit more!

Melody moved back to Sandcastle Bay after her twin’s sudden death, helping her sister Isla raise his son Ethan. Having her own jewelry design business in London was vastly different from the small shop she has now, a shop that mixes her flair for design and fun with more traditional offerings and her own welcoming displays. Melody’s got her best friend Tori, her sister Isla, her nephew Ethan and plenty of friends in the Jackson family, as well as a new puppy, one of eleven born to a couple of strays in the village. Best of all, she’s got her friend (and major crush) Jamie, with his sculpture workshop across the way: available for a chat, a laugh and plenty of consideration.

Jamie is a sculptor and a collector of animals, he’s got 4 dogs all named after Harry Potter characters, and a turkey named Dobby who tends to wander. Jamie’s far different from others in his family: he’s not interested in relationships or commitments, and won’t allow anyone to get close enough to hurt him, again. But there’s this ‘thing’ with Melody, and that one kiss they shared the night of Mathew’s funeral, that he can’t get out of his head. That aside, he loves Melody’s heart, her caring and daring, her creativity and determination to make a go of her small shop, and just how well she fits into life at Sandcastle Bay.

This is a story of friendship and trust, taking chances and truly seeing, perhaps for the first time, just how others perceive you- lumps, bumps and all. Both Jamie and Melody have insecurities and issues: Melody’s mother and her lack of kind or encouraging words after her husband left that family wounded her daughter deeply, and while she claims to be over the hurt, it’s never far from the surface, convinced if she could only be ‘better, or more like everyone else, she’d find that unconditional love she longs for. And yet, Jamie sees all of her good, isn’t bothered by her mishaps (as more than one person said, he’s so laid back he’s horizontal) and, best of all, he loves her beyond reason, even if he can’t say it.

And, making this back and forth between them even more delicious, we see plenty of Tori and Aidan as their relationship moves on to the next level. Time with Ethan and his new fascination with the magic kit that Leo bought him, not to mention his ability to focus in n (as kids do) with the one item in a conversation you don’t want to discuss in public, and his conversations with adults and his best friend Marigold. Aunt Agatha with her advice, stories and nudges, all well-meant if exceedingly embarrassing to the focus of her attention, and lastly Leo and Isla: Leo who loves Isla but can’t say the words, despite proposing at regular intervals, and Isla who won’t marry JUST for security – oh everyone gets moment (or three) to shine, bringing characters and readers alike into a big, warm and welcoming hug. Sure, none of the moments are without their challenges, and the overarching presence of Matthew, who brought them all together posthumously adds a bittersweet note, but this little series is a go-to grab when you want to make new friends, join in their happiness, and enjoy time away at the beach.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at < a href=”https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9TF/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

It is only a few months since I was in Sandcastle Bay catching up with Tori who had arrived to see her friends Melody and Isla and nurse a broken heart. Little did she know she would be staying and as we obviously catch up with all that is happening to her this story is very much focused on Melody.

Melody is a jewellery maker with her own little shop. She loves being in Sandcastle Bay near her friend Tori and of course her sister Isla but it also has lovely but sad memories of their brother Matthew who was killed. 

Opposite Melody's shop is that of Jamie Jackson, a local artist and sculptor. Everyday he meets Melody and the both walk to their respective shops with their new bouncing puppies in tow.

As their friendship deepens, they start to date - well try. Trouble is Melody is a bit clumsy and accident prone, so knocking drinks over, ruining sand castles and giving your potential new beau food poisoning. Perhaps not the auspicious start that either of them wanted.

Carrying demons from the past means they seem to be treading on eggshells round each other. Whilst the dates are a bit of a disaster when the romance hots up Melody knows she has found the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. But has Jamie found that in Melody?

Of course being in a small town and a close-knit community means that everyone wants to know what is going on and has an opinion which doesn't always help. After a few misunderstandings.....

Well if you want to know you are going to have to read the book of course!

I loved Melody and her endearing clumsiness and I could relate to that feeling of not being good enough because you were not what everyone expected. Jamie's tenderness was lovely and left you with a warm fuzzy feeling that there is hope. 

It was of course lovely to catch up with Isla and Tori and they played in some cases starring roles within the plot! I hope there will be a book three because Isla needs to settle down and realise what she has is not going anywhere. If she doesn't then I am off to pack my bags to Sandcastle Bay and will happily step into her shoes - in fact Melody better watch out too!

The Cottage on Sunshine Beach was another great book by Holly.
Once I started this book I could not stop and read it in a day. The sequel to The Holiday Cottage by the Sea and just as good with many of the same characters making an appearance again.

THe Cottage on Sunshine Beach is the second standalone book in Holly Martin’s newest series set in the beach town of Sandcastle Bay. I love Holly Martin when she writes about small town romances usually set in the English coast or countryside. There is always an element that the town and its inhabitants are the third character in the story and this one is no exception. Jamie and Melody have become fast friends but Melody wants to pursue the relationship further however, and she knows this, Jamie doesn’t seem to be on the same footing. Pretty soon things take a turn in the relationship and even the townsfolk are invested in the outcome. This book may feel quaint, sweet and fluffy but it definitely navigates that odd moment when a friendly relationship turns romantic quite well. I loved this one and if you like romances that are sweet,quirky and quaint with charming characters then The Cottage on Sunshine Beach is worth your reading time.

I’m so excited to be back in Sandcastle Bay with some of my favourite characters in a book I’ve read this year. In this book we get Melody’s story who we first met in The Holiday Cottage by the Sea however you don’t need to have read the first book before you read this one. Although it’s brilliant so please do read it!

I’m a huge fan of Holly’s writing and every book I read by her I realise she is probably one of my favourite authors. There is an ease and friendliness to Holly’s books that I just adore and this one is no exception.

Melody has a new home in Sandcastle Bay which is near her friend Tori and life seems pretty good. Jamie works across the way from Melody and could they become an item? I have to say there are some absolutely hilarious moments in this book. I don’t just mean little chuckles to yourself, I mean full on laugh and throughout the book I just had a big grin on my face.

The Cottage on Sunshine Beach captured my heart and Holly has done a brilliant job with bringing some fabulous characters to life. I loved catching up with the characters from the first book and also can’t wait for the next installment in this gorgeous series.

It’s fun, heart-warming, romantic and just perfect. I felt safe and cosy while reading this book, Holly is definitely a fabulous storyteller. The setting was brilliant, I enjoyed my visit back to Sandcastle Bay and I can’t wait for the next trip!

I’m a fan of Holly Martin, but I struggled with this book, I felt as if I started reading th3 s5ory half way through, I kept thinking I had missed pages, I’m not sure if this is part of a series, but I found myself a bit confused and struggled to connect with the main characters

I liked this but i am not sure if this is part of a series because there were references to past events that i was made to feel as though i was supposed to of read in previous books. It certainly wasnt listed as book 2/3 of a series so i am a bit confused.

Melody is a jewellry maker and has been in love with Jamie Jackson who is a sculptor for a long time. They are friends but decide to start a friends with benefits relationship. They embark on a fun filled week, but to me it all felt rather rushed. Melody seemed very clingy and immature and Jamie was lovely but i had no idea what he saw in her. But like i said i had not read previous books so feel as though on the book it really needs to be made clear that it is part of a series.

Another good read by Holly Martin who never disappoints. A very funny story: romance, friendship, family - and puppies, lots of them. Perfect for a lazy sunny day.

I simply adored my first visit to Sandcastle Bay when I read The Holiday Cottage by the Sea back in April so I was glad the wait for book two, The Cottage on Sunshine Beach, in this planned trilogy wasn't that long at all. This was such an enjoyable read packed full of the traits of Holly Martin's writing that I have come to love and also to expect. Holly is a fantastic writer and I know I will always be guaranteed a brilliant storyline packed full of romance, with lots of surprises and laughs along the way. Holly also has this canny knack of creating the most vivid and memorable settings for each of her stories and also comes up with such ingenious place names to go with it. Sandcastle Bay is a special place, packed full of memorable characters and equally as memorable events occur that literally did have me laughing out loud.

I've said it before and probably will say it many more times in the future but with a book from this author you do know more or less from the beginning or even from previous books what the eventual outcome will be for all the characters involved. Some may say - what's the point in that? It takes away the element of surprise and reveal at the end and just gives too much away. Normally, I would have to agree with people who feel this way but not so in the case of this author's books. It really is more about the development of the characters, their indecision and the reasons for the reluctance to just take a leap into the unknown and go for it. The journey is more important than the big climax of acceptance and embracing love and relationships wholeheartedly. It's testament to the brilliant writing that the reader enjoys the storyline and cares more about the journey rather than reaching the final destination.

With it only being two months since my introduction to Sandcastle Bay, I felt the characters we had already met were very much fresh in my mind and I didn't feel the first few chapters were about familiarising myself with everyone and various events and who was connected to etc. Instead, I slipped easily back into the warm writing and was keen to see how the story of Melody Rosewood and Jamie Jackson would develop. I already knew the background to both Melody's family and her friend Tori and also the Jackson brothers. That's not to say new readers won't be able to follow the storyline as plenty of background information is slipped in subtly. I love how we get to see how the couple from book one are now getting on and in the most beautiful way we see a continuation of their story without taking away from Melody and Jamie. Also the couple who will feature in book three start to make themselves more prominent and the reader can take guesses as to how their relationship will develop. It's just all intertwined so well without distracting from the overall plot.

Melody lives close to Sunshine Beach in a snug little cottage and she is more or less happy with her life since she made the big move from London. The reason for her move being the death of her beloved brother Matthew leaving his son Elliott behind. Her sister Isla is now guardian of Elliott and Melody felt she needed support and back up. As Melody is a jewellery designer she can take her business anywhere and it has been reasonably successful since she set up her shop amongst the artisans that occupy Starfish Court. It also helps that the object of her affections Jamie, himself a sculptor, has a shop close by and a lovely friendship walking to work each morning has developed. We know from the beginning that both Melody and Jamie have feelings for each other but are desperately afraid to say it and see where romantic adventures could take them. Yes at times you'll want to bang their heads together but at the same time it's enjoyable to see just what ups and downs and problems await the pair on their path to finding true love if that is at all possible?

Jamie thinks he is crap at relationships as previously he fell head over heels for somebody who didn't return his feelings. He is wary of getting hurt and doesn't want to invest time in a relationship where the same could happen again. I felt Jamie was vulnerable and very much doubted what his heart was telling him. My view is that if you have feelings for someone you should explore them further and see where the path will lead. If you don't try you'll never know if you could succeed. I thought this quote really summed up the indecision both Jamie and Melody were feeling. ' Love is a crazy, wonderful thing, it's not something to run away from, it's something you run towards. Yes, it's painful if it doesn't turn out the way we want to, but you can't shy away from it for the rest of your life because it might hurt'. Very wise words it must be said and that's what I love about Holly's writing. Time and time again, I find myself nodding along in agreement at what is being said. I have to stop and reread passages several times to absorb how honest and true they are. It's almost like she is offering relationship and life advice for the readers, in a good way, as much as she is for her main characters.

Melody, herself, wants more than a friendship with Jamie but she feels she isn't good enough for him that her clumsiness and general awkwardness would turn any man off. But surely a relationship is about embracing all the faults each person has be they major or minor and working through and accepting them. That's my only minor quibble about this book, I felt at times there was too much emphasis on Melody's clumsiness be it spilling a drink or falling into something. I understand this trait was being used as a barrier for Melody and was pivotal to the overall storyline but it did begin to bug me she was so het up over something I would personally view as being minor. Saying that it did provide plenty of laughs along the way and that's what this book was all about. It was packed full of humour and laughter.

Normally when a book is classed as a laugh out loud romantic comedy I mightn’t even break into a smile but here oh my god I was laughing out loud and wanting to share such funny moments with fellow readers. Elliott in all his innocence was just hysterical when he talked about what he found whilst in his Granny's bedroom. The scene at the puppy training classes was just everyone's worst nightmare but all you could do was just laugh and get on with it. Not to mention the supermarket scene and the cave. There was just so much amusement, wit, wisecracks and hilarity throughout that it just made the story so good and a joy to read. Also, what I am calling the spot the puppy angle to the book was brilliant and so sweet a continuation from book one.

As the story continued I thought all viewpoints were presented equally. I felt every bit of the confusion and apprehension that existed for Melody and Jamie and hoped they could work through things. But when they say things like this it did make me wonder would a happy ending be forthcoming.'protecting you and what we have. I don't want to lose you and the very last thing I want is to do anything to hurt you. I want to do this right. I don't want to rush into this and ruin what we have'. Even with those few words the reader can sense the doubt and the reluctance to move from a friendship to a relationship.

The Cottage on Sunshine Beach was an excellent read. Usually, I find myself loving book one in a series and then the next two books don't live up to my expectations or recreate the same feelings I experienced but this was a first for me I adored this book and wanted the story to continue on and on. Holly Martin writes from the heart taking such care with every word poured onto the page to create such wonderful characters you root for from beginning to end. With such a romantic ending and just an overall brilliant, delightful read this book simply has to be on your summer reading list for 2018.

Holly Martin takes us back to Sandcastle bay in this second book (I do hope there is a third). This time the story revolves round Melody and Jamie who have been friends for a long time and who would both like to take the friendship further but past experiences make them wary. Melody has moved to Sandcastle Bay from London and has a jewellery shop opposite the talented artist Jamie. They meet to walk to work each morning with their puppies and when Melody finally plucks up the courage to invite Jamie to her cottage for a meal the evening does not go smoothly. Disaster seems to be Melody's middle name and there are lots of laugh out loud incidents in this book. My favourite is the sandcastle competition, closely folliwed by the dog training.

We get to meet again Tori, Aiden, Leo and Isla and my favourite interfering character, Agatha. Plus what's not to love about Elliott, the little magician. The characters are so realistic I feel,I could pop,into the cafe and enjoy a quick gossip with them.

I love the description of Sandcastle Bay and could happily browse in Melody's shop enjoying her beautiful creations. .i would also love to have seen the special mosaic exhibition. Thank you Holly Martin for letting me lose myself in this fantastic book.

This book is the perfect reason why sometimes it's okay to choose a book by it's cover. The sweet cover is why I was drawn to this novel and from start to finish this book was a sweet lovely read.

I didn't realize until partway through this book that it's part of a series (second after Holiday Cottage by the Sea) but I wasn't too lost outside of having a lot of character names thrown at me at once. They are pretty quick to sort out and I feel this is very easily a standalone novel.

This book follows the Melody and Jamie who are on the verge of risking a great friendship for a possible even better relationship. Is it worth the risk though? Not going to lie, I'd have hubby'd Jamie up based on his pet name choices alone (Harry Potter themed!). SIGH. As you can tell, I quickly fell in love with not only these characters but the world they are in as well. If you aren't giggling by the end of the puppy training session, then I think you must be the grinch.

This is the PERFECT summertime read! If you are looking for a sweet romance with a lot of laughs and some heartstring tugs (THE ENDING!) then pick this up immediately!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.