She broke her own rules… walls, the stronger they seem to be. She gives him an inch, then steps back a mile. He knows she’s worth the fight, if only she will give him her trust.
Mercer knows it’s only a matter of time until her past catches her. She isn’t safe, not even in Beau’s strong arms. She can’t escape what she left behind and he won’t want her if he knows her secret shame.
Can Beau and Mercer build a future or will the past tear it all down?
You’ll love this Christian romantic suspense! It’s the second in the Sandover Island Sweet Romance Series.
Start reading today!
Trigger warning: This book deals with the topic of past domestic abuse. I’ve handled the topic as carefully and realistically as possible, while keeping graphic details minor.
This is Book 2 in the Sandover Island Sweet Romance series, a Christian beach romance series. Books can be read alone but are best read in order.
Book 1 – Sandover Beach Memories
Book 2 – Sandover Beach Week
Book 3 – Sandover Beach Melodies
Book 4 – Sandover Beach Christmasmore
In this book by Emma St Clair, Mercer who is hiding her true identity due to an abusive former boyfriend, starts over in Sandover Beach. She and fireman turned Youth Pastor Beau become close, but until she is able to tell him the whole truth, their relationship stalls. This book explores the fallout of abusive relationships, issues of trust, and the meaning of true friendship. I would recommend reading this book.
So glad the book ended with Mercer getting help.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
he broke her own rules…
…you can’t fall in love when you’re on the run.
After rebuilding her life on Sandover Island, Mercer got comfortable. Too comfortable. She started to believe in fresh starts and second chances. And she made the biggest mistake of all: she fell in love.
Beau wants more. The harder he pushes at Mercer’s walls, the stronger they seem to be. She gives him an inch, then steps back a mile. He knows she’s worth the fight, if only she will give him her trust.
Mercer knows it’s only a matter of time until her past catches her. She isn’t safe, not even in Beau’s strong arms. She can’t escape what she left behind and he won’t want her if he knows her secret shame.
Can Beau and Mercer build a future or will the past tear it all down?
MY TAKE
Loved this book so much. It was on my mind while I was doing other things and couldn’t read. We met Beau and Mercer in the first book, and it was a delight to see them come together. Tough road though. Mercer’s life is a lie, and that’s a tough enough in a relationship but especially when you’re falling in love with someone who’s just been asked to fill in as an interim youth pastor. The story deals with the issue of psychological as well as physical abuse. Know the bad buy was bound to eventually show up added a lot of tension to the story.
I’ve already started reading the next book, The Sandover Beach Christmas.
Emma St Clair always produces interesting story lines and characters. In this one she has introduced a very tough subject, abuse, mental and physical. She has done an excellent job portraying the emotions mental abuse produces. If you or someone you know has suffered from abuse this might be a tough story to read but it is a necessary one for people to read and understand. Thank you, for tackling this very tough subject. The story line will keep you reading. You will find yourself just waiting for when Jeff will show up and begging Mercer/Lisa to tell her story before he does. I do recommend this book.
This is a book that covers a difficult topic-domestic abuse. The first part is easy to read, flows nicely but near the end there is a bomb shell of abuse that I found hard to read. I’ve never experienced abuse, know it is very real for a lot of women & have never read a book that gaves graphic details of it. The book is tastefully written but all too true. It is definately worth the read. I received a free copy from the author. This is my voluntary review.
Sandover Beach Melodies is the 2nd book in The Sandover Island Romance Series written by Emma St. Clair. In this book, Ms. St. Clair tackles the subject of abusive relationships and the effects that abuse has on the recipient. She handles the subject with sensitivity and grace. The instances of abuse are described without being overtly graphic. The story is well written and characters are well developed. As Christians, the characters show how faith can help you overcome some awful situations. The primary character in the story, Mercer, lives every day in fear and secrecy. We are introduced to Mercer in the 1st book of the series. She works as an assistant manager in Bohn’s Island Grocery. She’s been on Sandover Island for about 6 months. Unfortunately, no one knows the real Mercer; in fact, not even her real name. Although a Christian, she has lied to everyone she has met. Not out to deceive anyone, Mercer has to hide in plain sight so that her abuser doesn’t find her. The story unfolds as Mercer makes friends and finds a man who could be the “One”. Will Mercer finally find happiness on Sandover Island? How can she undo all her lies? You’ll need to read the book to find out.
Realistic characters that pulled me into the story immediately.
Inspirational & romantic.
Loved the story
This is another great story by Emma St. Clair. This one is written tastefully around domestic abuse with the character able to get away and start her life over on Sandover Beach, North Carolina. Mercer has scars mentally to show what she has gone through and how it effects her life and relationships. I really enjoyed seeing her realize how strong she was and how Sandover Beach gave her a place to start over, be herself, and to finally put roots down.
I also liked how religion and the power of prayer were interlaced throughout the story. The characters of Mercer and Beau are perfect for each other and this was the perfect story for them. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I really like Beau, his faith is strong and focused. I think the author does a good job of making this story relate-able to unhealthy relationships. Mercer and her situation is very sad. It was hard for me to relate to her though. To be on the worship team, she seemed to be drowning in negative thoughts and I wish her character would have displayed more faith in what she is singing about. Beau isn’t perfect but he is a great godly catch, he chose her and I am glad they are a happy couple and also glad that Mercer gets another chance to be in a relationship with someone who supports her musical aspirations. I received a copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
Mercer was such a strong character growing up in foster care and escaping from a physical and psychological abuser who controlled every aspect of her life. Beau was such a sweet guy who sensed that he had to approach Mercer and a relationship with her carefully. She had a lot in common with the dog she adopted Tony, who seemed like she had been abused previously too. I thought it was cool that she was a singer songwriter, who lent such emotion to her music because of all she had been through. I cried when I read about her relationship with Jeff and how evil he was, but I also cheered when she fought back. It was great to catch up with Emily and Jimmy and Jackson and Jenna from the previous stories. Cash stood up for Mercer in this book when her lies caught up with her and I would love for him to have his own story.
Sandover Beach Melodies is another awesome romance from Emma St. Clair. We finally get to learn Mercer’s story. (This book stands alone but Mercer was in the first two books.) I thoroughly enjoyed watching Beau court Mercer and watching Mercer begin to overcome her fears. Of course, the road to love is never smooth. I could not put this book down!