REVIEW: Sandpiper Island by Donna Kaufman

In Sandpiper Island (Bachelors of Blueberry Cove #3) by Donna Kaufman, Ford is a loner who lives by the motto “No one gets close, no one gets hurt. Or dead.” Former army, first damaged by childhood then war, he now works on wildlife conservation projects on Sandpiper Island. The desire to be alone and responsible only for himself is not a new one. He has long believed his younger sister Grace is better off without him…even though she is determined to get closer to him and won’t give up. It is Grace who draws him farther into civilization than he intends to go, when she asks him to help Delia.

Delia is the owner of a diner in Blueberry Cove. It has been in her family for generations, and is her life. When her livelihood is threatened, she’s not sure what she really wants, or what to do next. She does know she does not want to rely on anyone, and finds it almost impossible to accept any help. When Ford shows up, it is like she has manifested him from the dreams of him she’s been having. Together they have a connection, and years ago gave each other strength and feeling during tragedy. She obviously felt the attraction to him then as well as now, but never made any demands.

Now he’s back in her life, determined to help her. Slowly they pull together, and gradually a relationship that neither of them can define grows. As they find their way together, Dee is still struggling with her future and what it might hold. Neither of them are really sure what they want, or are they just to scared to voice their needs?

Donna gives us a hero and heroine who are both scarred and scared. She made it really easy to feel for both of them and for what they’ve come from. Ford is very deep, and he holds his emotions in check so tightly it is as hard for the reader to know him as it is for Delia to know him. Delia is a caretaker, independent, and guards her heart. I loved watching these two grow in Sandpiper Island, and how Donna brings them together. Delia is so understanding, non demanding and patient, that I really wanted Ford to open his eyes (and heart) and see what was right in front of him! As I read deeper into Sandpiper Island, I really wanted them both to find happiness and love. I really enjoyed that Delia and Ford are a mature hero/heroine, with so much life experience that has shaped who they are today. This made me really enjoy reading Sandpiper Island so much more.

Grace, Ford’s sister, is the strongest secondary character, and I enjoyed catching up with her again (from book 2). There are a host of other secondary characters who help shape this small town romance, and Donna writes small towns so well! Her descriptions of everything are so realistic and vivid with great attention to detail. From the ocean to Ford’s tree house, the setting is easy to picture and feel.

Though a bit slow to start, the general flow of Sandpiper Island is smooth and easy to read. Sandpiper Island can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend the other books in this series as well.

It’s never too late to find love, and I’d recommend Sandpiper Island to all romance readers, especially if you enjoy small town romance.

Book Info:

Published August 26th 2014 by Kensington | (Bachelors of Blueberry Cove #3)

Ford Maddox was running from his past when he came back to Blueberry Cove, Maine, where he’d tasted both heartache and comfort. With feisty Delia O’Reilly there to cheer him on, he couldn’t have picked a better place to start over—even if he’s determined to do it alone in his island tree house, working to save endangered seabirds . . . and himself.

But when he finds Delia fighting to hold on to her local diner, and all that’s best about their little seaside town, Ford has to lend a hand. Suddenly two fiercely independent people are building something sweeter than they ever imagined . . . together.

DIY is so much better with two…

Includes an easy do-it-yourself restoration project!