The Sandy Page Bookshop is a charming and heartwarming read set against the picturesque backdrop of Cape Cod. The cozy bookstore setting is a dream come true for any book lover, and the meaningful relationships that develop as the characters bring the shop to life make this a truly feel-good story.

I thought this was an enjoyable story with good character growth and depth to the storyline. The narration was enjoyable. Overall, it was a wothwhile read/listen, it just didn't quite capture me enough to make it 4 stars or higher. I would recommend this for readers who enjoy family dramas, sibling storylines, a bit of romance, and a hint of mystery/secrets. I enjoyed the bookshop setting for this one, it is a place of healing and reinventing oneself for the MFC.

A love letter to books, bookstores, and Cape Cod. The book opens as Leah returns home to the Cape following a career catastrophe and the dissolution of her 3-year engagement in Boston. After fumbling for a bit, she decides to open a bookstore in a large, rundown house in Chatham. This decision spirals out to create meaningful connections among a wide cast of characters. The POV stays primarily with Leah, but also shifts to 2 other women as well - Eudora, a retired guidance counselor with crippling anxiety and Lucy, a 15-year-old whose older sister has been hospitalized since early summer following a devastating car accident. There are definitely romantic elements, and a bit of mystery as well, but the theme of the story is really the possibilities that open up when you're willing to be a little vulnerable and take a chance - in a variety of situations. The audiobook is narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, who does an excellent job of distinguishing all the different characters without getting overly dramatic about it. Finally, Cape residents and longtime visitors will get a kick out of the mentions of local businesses and other landmarks - and the fact that the last name of Leah's love interest is Nickerson!

Audiobook/Book Review 🎧📚
Thank you so much partner @atriabooks + Brillance Publishing for the gifted copies and audiobook!

The Sandy Page Bookshop
by Hannah McKinnon
Narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw

About the book 👇🏽

After her publishing career and engagement fell apart in Boston, Leah Powell has no choice but to return to her hometown. Feeling lost and discouraged, she stumbles upon a once prominent sea captain’s historic home that now looks as dilapidated as she feels. Suddenly inspired, Leah decides to transform it into a bookstore and café she will call The Sandy Page.

Luke Nickerson, a life-long local and contractor, remembers Leah, even if she doesn’t remember him. Intrigued by her return and her project, he agrees to help her bring the old captain’s house back to life. As they work together, The Sandy Page slowly becomes the town’s go-to gathering spot for anyone who is feeling adrift during this long, sweet summer. It’s a home for second chances.

📚 My thoughts:

I love a book about second chances. Whether it is second chance romance or just a second chance at the life you want, I am here for it! This book is full of heart and resonance. We may not have gone through the hardships that Leah has but we have still experienced hardships and sometimes we are just looking for somewhere to land. When given the chance to go back to the life that she found comfort in, she chose a place that now feels more like home, and that’s something that personally warms my heart. It’s not always the easier choice but it’s the right one. I really enjoyed this story and the personal growth we get to see in this story making this a book I’d recommend! The narrator was also the perfect choice for this story as she kept me engrossed in the story from start to finish! If you’re looking for a warm read then look no further, The Sandy Page Bookshop is out TODAY 7/22/25!


Happy reading 📖🎧📚

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Rounded Up.

Thank you Atria and Brilliance Audio for the gifted copies.

The Sandy Page Bookshop
Hannah McKinnon
Publishing Date: July 22, 2025

🎧 Narrator: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw🎧

This small-town story really took me by surprise with how much depth it held. Set in Cape Cod, this is the perfect beach read if you’re looking for cozy heartwarming vibes wrapped around some heavier emotional themes and plot lines.

We get four main POV and at first it’s unclear how they will all weave together. We have Leah, who is returning to her childhood home on the cape after life took some tough turns. Luke, the dependable local who never left. Eudora, the widow and retired guidance counselor who struggles with anxiety. Lucy, the teen whose sister is in rehabilitation after a terrible car accident. And a cast of side characters who all add something special to the story.

What brings them all together? The opening of a The Sandy Page Bookshop.

This book had some really sensitive and emotional topics that the characters were living through, which took us on journeys of self discovery, recovery, and resilience. And yet despite this, it was also somehow cozy, sweet, and heartwarming at the same time. And who doesn’t love a story centered around books and a bookstore 🥰

🎧 Mia Hutchinson-Shaw’s narration was really great!

Highly recommend this heart warming read filled with lots of memorable characters! I absolutely loved the setting of a new bookstore in Cape Cod - I am a sucker for any small town bookstore story. Beyond the setting though, the characters were all so endearing, and you can't help fall in love with them. There is a wide range of characters who are all going through a difficult time, and they all find solace in the new bookstore in town. This is definitely not a tear-through-the-pages book, but I will remember these characters for awhile. I'm not sure if this is my first book by McKinnon, but I will definitely be checking out more of her writing in the future!

The Sandy Page Bookshop is a calm, easy read that left me smiling. Leah returns to Cape Cod after her life in Boston takes a turn, and she ends up restoring an old house and opening a bookshop and café. It has all the elements I love, books, beach-town charm, and a romance that’s sweet but not overdone.

The pacing is good, the writing is straightforward, and the characters feel real. It’s not a dramatic book, it’s more about healing, starting fresh, and finding comfort in small things. Luke, the love interest, is kind and gentle, and their story unfolds in a very natural way.

It’s the kind of book you read on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee. Nothing flashy, just a solid, feel-good story.

Favourite quote from the blurb: “Sometimes second chances happen in the places we’ve left behind.”

Recommended for anyone who loves women’s fiction with heart, especially if you’re in the mood for something soft and hopeful.

Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio ARC.

Settle in to a comfy chair and enjoy the story. The characters are real, flawed and lovable. This should be the first book you pack for your vacation.

Pub date 7/21/26
4.5⭐️

#TheSandyPageBookshop
#hannahMckinnon
#netgalley

Audiobook Review: The Sandy Page Bookshop by Hannah McKinnon
🎙️ Narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw

The Sandy Page Bookshop is the ultimate cozy, feel good escape. A heartwarming story that feels like a warm hug for any book lover. Hannah McKinnon has gifted us a beautiful tale of second chances, self discovery, and the magic that happens when books bring people together.

Our heroine Leah is exactly the kind of character you root for. After a painful breakup and the loss of her job, she returns to her coastal hometown and does what so many of us dream of. She opens a charming little bookshop. But this isn’t just a story about books and new beginnings. Leah’s bookstore becomes a haven, a place where people connect, heal, and grow. The way she touches the lives of those around her, both longtime friends and new faces, makes the whole story shine with warmth and kindness.

Enter Luke, our sweet, steady male lead. He’s been carrying a quiet, unrequited love for Leah for years, and when she returns, he sees a chance not only to help her rebuild her life but maybe finally step into the role he’s always longed for. Despite juggling a hectic construction schedule, Luke finds time to support Leah in creating the store of her dreams, one bookshelf, one coffee at a time. Their chemistry is gentle and genuine, and watching Leah slowly open her heart again after betrayal and heartbreak is deeply satisfying.

Mia Hutchinson-Shaw’s narration is simply perfect. She brings Leah’s voice to life with heart and nuance, making you feel every hope, hesitation, and triumph. The supporting characters are distinct and memorable, and the atmosphere she helps create makes it easy to picture the salty breeze, the cozy shop, and all the lives being quietly transformed by one woman’s dream.

This is the kind of story that deserves its own genre. Bookstore fiction for the soul. If you're a fan of stories about community, compassion, and the healing power of books, The Sandy Page Bookshop is a must listen. 💛📚

A sweet story about a bookshop in a small beach town got me intrigued with this story. Leah returns home after some major life changes and decides to open a bookshop at a local infamous building. With the opening of the bookstore, she hires and meets people that becomes found family for everyone.

I love all the side characters and how much each story added to the charm is the book. I was vested in each of their situations and what happens.

The small town vibe is always so fun and I love how supportive the town was in the success of the new bookstore.

Mia Hutchinson-Shaw did a great job in bringing the beach town vibes with her calming voice.

Thank you @brillanceaudio @atriabooks for a copy of the book.

A charming story about new beginnings, finding love and friendship while navigating new chapters in life. I enjoyed the lovely characters and coastal setting.
Each person faced their own private sorrow, yet they still managed to form connections with others which helped ease some of their grief.
I connected deeply with Eudora and
am really glad I read this.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

There’s something so comforting about a novel set in a bookshop—especially one nestled in a quaint coastal town—and The Sandy Page Bookshop delivers just that. I was drawn to this charming story for its seaside setting, community spirit, and of course, the promise of a fresh start built around books.

After losing both her publishing career and her fiancé in Boston, Leah Powell returns home to Cape Cod feeling defeated. When she comes across a crumbling historic sea captain’s house, she sees potential—not just in the building, but in herself. Channeling her passion for stories and fresh starts, she decides to open a bookshop and café she names The Sandy Page.

Luke Nicholson, a kind-hearted local contractor, remembers Leah from their youth—though she doesn’t recall him. He signs on to help restore the property, and the two slowly grow closer as they work side by side. While their romance had a gentle build, I found myself wanting a bit more spark between them. The chemistry felt somewhat subdued, and I would’ve loved to see more emotional depth to really root for them as a couple.

The novel is told from multiple points of view, and I really appreciated how the story extended beyond Leah and Luke. One of the standout storylines for me was Lucy’s—an employee at The Sandy Page whose sister was critically injured in a car crash. While the mystery surrounding the accident wasn’t entirely unexpected, the emotional layers of Lucy’s journey and her family dynamics felt authentic and moving. Her arc was a highlight for me.

Another storyline I enjoyed followed Eudora, an older woman quietly confronting ghosts from her past. Her reflections added depth and heart to the story, reminding us that it’s never too late to heal or begin anew.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook edition, narrated by Mia Hutchison-Shaw. Her gentle, expressive performance perfectly matched the tone of the novel. Her narration added to the cozy, feel-good atmosphere and made this a lovely listen.

Final Thoughts:

The Sandy Page Bookshop is a heartfelt, multi-layered story about second chances, community, and finding home in unexpected places. If you enjoy books set in small towns with a touch of romance and emotional resonance, this one is worth adding to your summer reading list.

I received an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoyed this women's fiction novel about books and new beginnings. I loved the main characters: Leah, the bookstore owner with no experience who must rely upon the kindness of an old flame (Luke) to get her business started, Lucy, the sister of a recently injured college-bound teen who can't communicate with anyone due to her injuries, but seems to have a secret, and Eudora, the widow whose anxiety flares up when she leaves the house, but who is determined to conquer her fear. This story has a very small-town feel, and there is a strong sense of community driving the story. It's definitely a feel-good novel, with everything wrapped up neatly, but that makes it the perfect beach read.

Mia Hutchinson-Shaw did a great job as the narrator of the audiobook. She had distinct voices for each character, and I never had any trouble remembering whose POV I was in. I don't often seek out titles to listen to based on the narrator, but I liked her so much that I'm going to do just that.

Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the advance listening copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc in exchange for my honest review.

This was an adorable and charming read. If you are a fan of Elin Hilderbrand (and are upset that she is no longer writing Nantucket novels), this is the perfect book for you! Hannah McKinnon (not to be confused with Hannah Mary McKinnon) is a fantastic writer. I loved the characters in this book and it was like being wrapped up in a big hug. This is the perfect beach read in 2025! Furthermore, Mia Hutchinson-Shaw is a fantastic audiobook narrator, and is quickly becoming one of my favorite voices to listen to!
I can't wait for Hannah's next book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Sandy Page Bookshop by Hannah McKinnon (audiobook)

Set in Chatham (aka one of my all-time favorite places) this one had me hooked from the start. I devoured it like a beachside lobster roll. The cozy bookshop setting, the coastal charm, and the layered POVs gave it all the makings of a perfect summer read. The narration was excellent, bringing each character to life beautifully. My only (small!) complaint? Some of the drama felt a bit unnecessarily drawn out. But if you’re a fan of Mary Kay Andrews or Beverly Jenkins, add this to your list ASAP. It’s heartfelt, warm, and the ideal companion for a lazy afternoon in the sun.

The Sandy Page Bookshop is a heartwarming beach read set in the charming and idyllic town of Chatham on Cape Cod.

The FMC, Leah, has to regroup and start over after she loses her publishing job in Boston and her fiancé subsequently ends their engagement. With nowhere else to go, she returns to her childhood home in Chatham. She quickly decides to rent a historic home and turn it into a bookstore. Along the way, we meet various other characters and the novel alternates POVs. These include the handsome contractor Leah hires to help her renovate the house, two staff she employs to help her run the store, and an elderly widow who becomes one of their primary customers. Each character has their own struggles and secrets they are navigating during the summer.

I grew up in Chatham and it was clear reading this that the author really knows the town and included several real businesses and locales in this novel. For the first time in several years, I won't be spending part of my summer in Chatham, so I enjoyed living vicariously through Leah! However, you don't have to be familiar with Chatham or the Cape in general to enjoy this quaint coastal setting and the complex characters created by McKinnon who become found family.

Regarding the audiobook specifically, the narrator was great at voicing several different characters, despite them being different genders and ages. Overall, if you're looking for something that is a step up from a cookie-cutter beach read, I can't recommend this heartwarming story enough!

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

What a refreshingly heartwarming read!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for early access.
I read/listened to this book in one sitting. It was 3am when I finished. I could not put it down!
I connected so much with the characters. I have a new favorite book character I do believe! I love them all but Eudora just might be my spirit character. :)
I appreciated the storyline and just how well written the bookshop aspect was done. It made me want to go find a building and run with it!
This truly was the cozy, heartwarming read I needed.
I can’t wait to read more books by this author, this was my first.

The Sandy Page Bookshop is a good and charming beach read.

Leah loses her dream job and her fiancé ends their engagement. Returning to her hometown in Cape Cod seems like the only option for her. Then on a whim, Leah decides to rent "the Captain's house" a building with lots of history, but also needs lots of work. Leah plans to fix it up and open a bookshop. As Leah is working hard to open the bookshop we meet different characters who are struggling with their battles and come to find refuge in the bookshop.

I enjoyed this heartwarming story. Has multiple POVs, a small town setting, and characters looking for a second chance at different stages of life. I love a book about books and I enjoyed the popular book titles mentioned here and there. I also loved how the bookshop becomes a main character in this story.

The narrator did an excellent job with different voices and adding a personal touch to each character to embrace their personalities (I could see Brad's sass and loved it).

I received an ALC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for this advanced copy.

Cozy beach read!

Leah loses her job and her fiancé dumps her. She moves back to her hometown. While there she decides to open a bookstore. The bookstore brings people from the community into her life. Everyone is going thru something and the bookstore brings them together and helps them get thru it all.

I enjoyed the beach setting and also
A bookstore. What could be better? I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this story. Brad is her first employee, who quickly becomes her friend. When his grandmother kicks him out for being gay, Leah becomes his found family. Luke is the love interest. He has had a crush on her since high school. Eudora is a widower, who has suffered major panic attacks since her husband’s death. She rarely leaves her house but the bookstore gives her a renewed sense of purpose. Lucy is a high school student, whose sister has been in a major car accident. She is looking for a job to get her out of the house and distract her. Each chapter is told from one of their points of view.i do wish that Brad had chapters with his point of view. We learn about him thru Leah. I really loved his character and think the story could have benefited greatly from having his prospective.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator does a great job.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brillance Publishing from providing me this audiobook for review in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed The Sandy Page Bookshop. The Cape Cod setting gave off such cozy coastal small-town vibes and I loved being immersed in this close-knit community. The story is told through multiple points of view and each character had a unique and heartfelt story to share. The audiobook was a highlight for me. There was only one narrator but she did an amazing job bringing each character to life with distinct voices and emotion. This is the perfect pick for a summer read. It’s warm, emotional, and full of charm.