I love how Sherryl Woods’s books are about family as much as they are about romance.  They are always filled with lively characters, heartfelt issues, and just that right amount of humor.  In Sand Castle Bay, she introduces readers to the Castle family –Emily, Gabriella and Samantha, plus their grandmother Cora Jane.  Each of the sisters will get her own story and this first one belongs to Emily.  She left town ten years ago to make a name for herself, leaving behind the man who held her heart, which he promptly breaks by marrying someone else.  But now he’s a widower and a single father.  When the two realize that their feelings are just as strong as ever, can they find a way to make a relationship work?

Full of a sweet Southern charm that just draws readers in, Woods’s books are populated with interesting people, and realistic issues, in a compelling style that keeps you coming back for more.  The conflict between Emily and Boone is complicated in so many ways – first they have to get past their hurt and pride, then once they agree to try again they have to figure out how to balance their separate lives while having to deal with the fallout from his mother-in-law’s grief.

I also enjoyed getting to know the supporting cast – Emily’s sisters who will have books of their own soon and the men that will impact their lives, as well as the assorted friends who make an appearance.  Woods does a fantastic job of giving everyone just enough page time to get your invested in them, leaving you with a hint of what future books will hold.  It’s a well-rounded group and one that I look forward to knowing better.

My only problem was that I’m not sure that all of Emily and Boone’s issues are completely resolved.  I think that there was maybe one more conversation that needed to be held to get everything wrapped up.  But hopefully that will be addressed in the coming books.

Sand Castle Bay is the perfect kick-off to what looks to be a wonderful new series.  If you are looking for books full of the sincerity, warmth, and allure of the Carolinas, start right here.