Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper

Carrie Carter’s small café in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.

When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, leaving only cryptic clues in her Sudoku book, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all too present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.

Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry.

My thoughts...

This is the first book by Gayle Roper I've read and I loved it! I read it in one day, it was that good. Roper is an excellent writer, she weaves her powerful characters into the storyline with ease and mystery.

This book has the right amount of romance and mystery, including a bit of tragedy. There is forgiveness and trust mixed in as well. Just a perfectly wonderful story.

The story of a girl who has been abused and neglected and finally gains the strength and courage to escape from that world. With her is her little sister. Their story will hold your interest.

I certainly hope there is a sequel in the works! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.