Author Sebastian Cole Book Signing at Only In Rhode Island
Posted on November 23, 2012
Please come visit me on Saturday, November 24th at Only In Rhode Island, 43 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, RI. I’ll be signing my debut novel, Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love, starting at noon. I hope to see you there!
Sebastian
🙂
Cole shares ‘incredible love story’ at Hall Library
Posted on November 18, 2012
An article in the Cranston Herald:
“With one book finished and ideas for dozens more bouncing around his head, Cranston resident Sebastian Cole has found his passion. He calls his debut novel, ‘Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love’, an ‘incredible love story.’
‘Sand Dollar’ follows Noah, a wealthy, self-absorbed Rhode Islander whose life takes on new meaning after meeting the love of his life, Robin. When Robin leaves Noah, his world is torn apart, his life now overshadowed by ‘the one that got away’ – a feeling that Cole believes many readers have experienced firsthand.
‘I think I really honed in on a topic that everyone can relate to. There’s a special place in your heart for somebody who’s no longer with you,’ he said.
The story ultimately comes into focus when two timelines collide: one that follows Robin and Noah’s love, and another that follows the aging Noah as he reflects on his life of love and loss.
‘Eventually, the two timelines intersect and there’s a huge plot twist that nobody expects,’ Cole said. ‘The ending is exactly how you would want a love story to end.’
Cole will discuss ‘Sand Dollar’ and be available to sign copies at the William Hall Library on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.
At his first book signing at the Big E, Cole brought only 160 books, unsure of how well he would fare as a first-time author with no name recognition. He sold out before the first day was over, and with positive reviews coming in, he felt validated.
‘That was the first time I knew I could sell my book,’ he said.
Some of his early readers have compared Cole to best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, which he says has been a humbling experience.
An economics graduate of Brown University, the 48-year-old Cole has tried his hand at several careers. He worked in corporate America for quite some time, but wasn’t happy. Real estate stuck for a while, until the housing market crashed. He tried acting, but came up empty.
When the idea for ‘Sand Dollar’ hit him, Cole was ready for a new challenge.
‘The way this started was I came up with the idea for a screenplay and I wrote a treatment for it. I kind of backed into this,’ he said.
Cole has always enjoyed writing, but it was the story that inspired him to take it to the next level.
‘I knew the story was amazing, but having never written a book before, I don’t have any benchmarks to go by. I didn’t know if I could just write a book and have the voice be good and have the style be good,’ he said.
He figured it was time to find out.
Cole wrote daily, from morning straight through dinnertime, and had the first draft finished in just five months. It took another year and a half of ‘endless’ rewrites to edit the novel, at which time Cole’s editor assured him it was ready to publish. Now, he’s on the road, promoting the book that he self-published in May, buoyed by the news of being named a finalist in the ForeWord First literary competition.
‘I honestly feel that people anywhere could benefit from reading my book. I want people to read my story,’ he said.
Rhode Islanders will recognize many of the landmarks featured in the story, from Del’s to Jamestown and the East Providence lighthouse. Like Cole, the character of Noah is a sailor, and the author’s love for Narragansett Bay is felt throughout the story.
While the novel is fiction, Cole says the experiences of his characters ring true to life.
‘It’s not a fairytale romance where everything is perfect between the hero and the heroine. In real life, the people we love the most are the ones who can hurt us the most. Things don’t go according to plan in real life,’ he said.
‘Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love’ is available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble online for $9.99, and is available for 99 cents as an eBook. It will soon be available in Cranston libraries, and will be for sale on the evening of Nov. 29. Cole will have another signing at Symposium Books in East Greenwich on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit SebastianColeAuthor.com.” — Cranston Herald
Lisa’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on September 16, 2012
★★★★★ Great read!
“Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love will make even the hardest hearts melt and believe in love once again. This is a fabulous read for men and women alike. One of the best books I have read in a long time!” — Lisa H.
A Very Touching Review of Sand Dollar, Remembering Her Father on Veterans Day
Posted on November 13, 2012
★★★★★ Amazing
“I think I have a new favorite book. I absolutely loved this book. I just finished it today and thought that it was amazing. I was at my Mom’s house reading the final chapters and crying, then I handed it to her and said, “You’ve got to read this!” She said she wasn’t sure as she had seen me crying. I told her that it is indeed a beautiful love story and it did have a fantastic ending. I don’t even usually like romance novels but I loved this one. My favorite part was when the protagonist, Noah, said to his brother, and I’m paraphrasing here, even though my life may be over, my love will never end. It is especially reassuring to read this today on Veteran’s Day as I’m missing my eternal hero, my dad. I believe that even though I didn’t get to see him and thank him for his service to our country this morning, that he still knows what is in my heart and mind and that he does indeed still continue to love me as much as I still love him. Thank you, Mr. Cole, for an incredible novel that moved me to tears in a very personal way. I will most definitely read this novel again, as I often do with my favorites, and recommend it to my friends. Congratulations on a superb book!” — Donna
“It was one of the greatest love stories ever told!”
Posted on November 13, 2012
★★★★★ A Must Read For Every Romantic!
“This is the story of Noah Hartman’s life and it begins with him narrating the story with him and how he found the love of his life Robin. He finally found Robin after searching and searching for Mrs. Right! They begin dating and of course his well to do parents do not agree as she is not what “they” want, she isnt well to do, she isnt jewish, she isnt right for their son etc. They are some of the worst parents esp. the mom they control every aspect of Noah’s life and u really want to just slap them. Even though they dont agree Noah dates Robin and is going to marry her. Without giving too much away the marriage doesnt happen and Noah is torn up more than u can ever imagine. Years and years go by and Noah finds another woman Sarah and knows she will never replace Robin but things happen and they decide to wed but guess who shows up on the wedding day? Oh well that is it you will have to read the book! It’s a great book and you wont be sorry you bought it. I won this book and Mr. Cole was so gracious he autographed it and wrote a note in it! I am going to give back by buying another copy for a Christmas gift! It was one of the greatest love stories ever told! I hope to see it in the movies bc i will definitely go see it! I give it 5 Sand dollars, i mean stars! Can’t wait for Mr. Cole’s 2nd novel! Way to go! I will recommend this to all my friends and family!” — Riau74
Terri’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on November 10, 2012
★★★★★
Great Read!!
“This book was a great book to read! I loved Noah and hearing his story tugged at my heart strings! This book will capture your attention and will not let go till the last page is turned. I will carry this one for a long time to come!!!” — Terri
Sand Dollar Fan on Facebook
Posted on November 8, 2012
Not only did Dawn post on her Facebook page that Sand Dollar was “the greatest love story I ever read”, but she also changed her background image to the cover of the book! Looking good, Dawn! Thanks for putting a smile on my face. 🙂
“The Greatest Love Story I Have Ever Read” – A Novel Review
Posted on November 7, 2012
“Noah Hartman meets his soul mate, Robin at a local club. When he loses her, he does not ever give up on their love, truly believing they belong together. Finally, Noah agrees to marry Sarah, a long time family friend. As Sarah is ready to walk down the aisle, Robin walks in and declares her love for Noah.
An old and sick Noah tells his love story to Josh, an orderly at Mount Sinai Hospital. As the story is told different family members arrive to tell him goodbye. The closer to the end of the story, the more the pieces of his life are put back together.
When I was told that this was the next great love story I was cynical, but it is totally true. Noah and Robin’s story is the greatest love story I have ever read.
Robin was a character I didn’t really like. The way she played with the good guy, Noah, broke my heart. The fact that she had a child from a previous relationship and kept uprooting her life made her the type of mother that I never understand or can relate to. I did like that she encouraged Noah to break free from the unreal hold his parents had on him letting him finally live his life his way. But this was really the only good thing I can say about Robin.
Noah was the prince of the story. Willing and wanting to worship Robin and put her on a pedestal giving her everything a woman could want. Every girls dream man. The fact that he allowed his parents to rule so many of his decisions and life was his biggest downfall. The control went beyond being a momma’s boy and was definitely the cause of most of his issues with Robin. Noah instantly won my heart when he included Robin’s daughter in many of their plans making her feel like part of the “family” he was trying to form.
I highly recommend Sand Dollar to everyone. This is a story that will touch you to the depth of your heart.” — A Novel Review
Sand Dollar Q & A
Posted on November 3, 2012
sebastiancoleauthor.com 