Afullbookshelf’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on July 25, 2012
Heartbreakingly beautiful
★★★★
“Sand Dollar is the story of Noah and Robin. Not only does it span their lives individually throughout the years, but also their relationship as well. Mr. Cole did a fantastic job of bringing Noah, Robin and all other characters to life. I was hooked from the beginning. I found Noah to be extremely likeable and could understand where he was coming from with his family background. Never did I get the impression that Noah was selfish or greedy like you would expect with his upbringing. Robin is a different character altogether. She is kind of a mystery. We don’t really get answers to Robin until closer to the end of the book, but it’s easy to guess which direction the story is going.
The story is told back and forth between present day Noah and his past. Sometimes I found it hard to know if we were in the present or past, but once I got a hang of how the story was written, it wasn’t difficult to follow.
I had an incredibly hard time putting this book down, because I needed to know what happened. It’s a heartbreaking story, even up to the end, but it’s beautifully heartbreaking.” — Afullbookshelf
Kristina Circelli’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on July 25, 2012
A Story of Love Across Time
★★★★
** spoiler alert ** “First of all, Sebastian Cole has the coolest freakin author name ever. I am jealous, and seriously considering stealing his name for a book character. Sebastian Cole. How can a name like that not produce an awesome book?
But I digress. Sand Dollar is not my usual read, and being the cynic I am, there were parts I had trouble getting through. Noah’s language, for one. Do men really talk like that? Do they really show such public displays of emotion? I don’t know.
I also felt like his love for Robin, at times, felt forced because I don’t really understand why he loved her. She was a pretty awful person for most of the book, and he wasted a lot of his life essentially being her stalker. Again, I’m a cynic, so this kind of fairy-tale love is a hard concept for me to grasp. But hey, it’s a story, so I went with it.
BUT, things changed at the end. In a good way. I was really interested in the revelation about Robin’s condition, and while I still think she was pretty crappy most of the time, I started to sympathize a bit more. I was also happy to see their reunion mainly because it pissed off Noah’s family so much (seriously, Miriam is a terrible person. I have no love for her at all).
One of the reasons I gave Sand Dollar a 4-star rating is because of the end. When a book makes me feel a range of emotions – even if one of those emotions is completely hating a character and then deciding maybe she’s not so bad after all, or that another is creepy and desperate but in the end simply an embodiment of true love – then that’s a good thing. I’m still not sure if I fully came around to liking Robin, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing because, like I said, I like the emotions that came from the book. I finished the book pleased with the way it ended and imagining Noah and Robin’s new life in heaven.
Speaking of heaven, I knew this book was about God going into it based on the reviews. I was a little hesitant because I’m not exactly a religious folk. I do love stories of epic battles between heaven and Hell, angels versus demons, but lighter love stories with God? Not really my thing. I am happy to say that the religious undertones are very slight, and that Cole tells the story with God in a way that isn’t preachy or corny. It’s simply a man’s first and last conversation with God, and it works well.” — Kristina Circelli
Sand Dollar Selected As Finalist In ForeWord Firsts Debut Fiction Competition
Posted on July 18, 2012
Great news! I just found out that Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love has been selected as a finalist in the ForeWord Firsts fiction competition for first-time authors, offered by ForeWord Reviews. Even if I don’t win, it’s a great feeling to be selected as a finalist. Wish me luck!
Sebastian Cole
🙂
Read the press release: ForeWord’s Best First-Fiction Shortlist
Karen Thaxton’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted July 18, 2012
Love we can’t forget
★★★★★
“Special thanks to Mr. Cole for offering this book as a Good Reads free book to me. I started reading this book and I could not put it down. I was so meserrized by Robin and Noah’s love for each other and all the hardships they had to endure during their relationship(s). Very, well written, love story that keeps you wanting more and more. We all need to find a love like this and cherish it. I can’t wait for Mr. Cole to write another novel! Loved this book!!!!!” — Karen Thaxton
Sand Dollar Chapter-a-Week
Posted on July 15, 2012
I’d like to thank everyone for following my Chapter-a-Week blog. However, I’m sorry to say that I will no longer be posting additional chapters of Sand Dollar to my website. So… if you have enjoyed what you’ve read so far, please buy the book. It’s only 99 cents as an eBook, $9.99 in paperback.
Click here to find out where to buy it.
Here’s what readers are saying about the SURPRISE ENDING:
“And despite the many twists of this heart-wrenching story for the reader to enjoy, the author gifted me with one more delectable twist that sent my heart-strings strumming!…And, when I finally surrendered and committed to these star-crossed lovers to watch the tale reach its fruition, Mr. Cole reveals one more gem of truth after all was said and done that warmed me to my toes.” — Bookideas.com
” Cole twists and turns this plot (which is why I couldn’t put it down) to where you can’t assume anything about the ending. You HAVE to read it.” — Kate Patrick
“Cole metes out important information at a good pace, keeping the reader as baffled as Noah by Robin’s strange changes of heart, and carefully manipulates details to lead to a real surprise ending.” — Feathered Quill
“You need to follow this and see how it turns out. This is a must read for anyone who loves pure romance.” — Let’s Talk Romance Reviews
“I was totally taken by surprise by the ending (sad in a way but ultimately it was a happy one), which I didn’t see coming at all, another plus!” — Johanna
“There were many times I wanted to reach into the book and honestly shake Robin, but luckily her character went on to be thoroughly explained, rectifying my need to smack her! The end was a slam dunk; totally unexpected.” — Pamela
“Sebastian Cole not only has one or two tricks waiting for you towards the end*** but many.” — Reesa
“It takes you on one hell of a rollercoaster ride, only to bring you to a very unexpected ending. That, to me, is what a well-written book is.” — Isabella
” It was a very emotional read for me, I spent time yelling at the characters, and then crying with them at the end.” — Bea
“The unexpected ending was perfect.” — Tina
“Wow I didn’t expect it to end the way it did. Very nice book with very vivid characters.” — Jalynn
Sand Dollar Book Giveaway Winners at Goodreads
Posted on July 14, 2012
Congratulations to all the winners of the July 14th Sand Dollar book giveaway at GoodReads:
Shannon Sharp Rutig
Rebecca Halford
Sarah Vestal
Graham Clarke
Brittany Hill
Kim Matlock
Sarah Bulman
Lauren A. Weaver
Lori Strait
Carolyn Cooper
Renée Thébeau
Maria Hatzitolios
Lucy Frohn
Jennifer Fraker
Kristina Circelli
Stephanie Sprinkle
Penny S.
Jan Beck
Haley Hill
Jennifer Metz
Thanks to the 1895 people who entered the drawing. If you’re not one of the winners, please check back again soon for another giveaway. If you’ve read the book, please let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you!
Sebastian
🙂
Twenty-Fifth Chapter: Testing The Waters
Check back every week for a new chapter!
Posted on July 9, 2012
“I wouldn’t listen to your parents if I were you. If your heart’s set on buying the lighthouse, then just do it,” Robin advised, stretched out in Noah’s arms on the teak deck of Noah’s boat, anchored out in front of the old lighthouse on a lazy summer day. “I can definitely picture us getting married there,” she continued. “It’s such a pretty spot. You know, it’s too bad they don’t make you wait a year to get divorced. Otherwise, we’d still be married right now, and we wouldn’t have to go through all that paperwork again just to get remarried. Speaking of paperwork, when are you planning on having me sign another one of your stupid prenups?”
“There’s not going to be a prenup this time. I guess I’ll just have to take my chances, that’s all.”
“But what about your parents?”
“What about them? You’re marrying me, not my parents.”
She smiled and continued with her list. “I want to have another child,” she announced.
“Of course, I’d love to have a child with you… but what kind of child exactly are we talking about?” he joked.
Robin laughed. “I’ve always loved the name Olivia — if it’s a girl, that is.”
“I think Olivia’s a beautiful name for a girl,” he said, eliciting a smile.
“Oh, and one more thing…” Noah looked at her closely. “I don’t want to be a social worker anymore. I’ve always wanted to be an X-Ray tech.”
“I think you should do whatever makes you happy, Robin.”
“Well, it would mean quitting my job and going back to school full time for a year until I get my certificate.”
“So when can you start?”
A big smile stretched across her face. “You’re the greatest. I love you, Noah Hartman,” she said, leaning in for a kiss, standing up and dipping her foot into the water, testing it.
Johanna’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on July 6, 2012
An excellent book…
★★★★★
“Sand Dollar is a love story reminiscent of “The Notebook”, as the author confesses, but still remains uniquely its own story. I won’t bother with a lengthy synopsis as other readers have done a fantastic job summarizing it.
There were several things I really enjoyed about this book, most important of which, I think, is that the story always felt “real”, and never forced. I also loved how the author chose to go back-and-forth between the past and the present, revealing layers of the story as they become relevent. I was totally taken by surprise by the ending (sad in a way but ultimately it was a happy one), which I didn’t see coming at all, another plus!
My one complaint? Not really with the story itself, but I couldn’t help but notice the absence of an author bio and picture, something which I compulsively seek out before I ever start a story. Its not really a big deal, but I like to be able to read about an author to sort of get to “know” them before I read their work so I have an idea of where they’re coming from. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see what such a hopeless romantic looks like?
Marvellous book, it brought a smile to my face, and I would certainly love to see Sand Dollar become a movie as the author wishes, I have a feeling it would do very well 🙂
I have received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads” — Johanna
Twenty-Fourth Chapter: The Three Reasons
Check back every week for a new chapter!
Posted on July 2, 2012
Wearing a navy robe with matching slippers, Noah headed out the front door to fetch the Providence Journal, which was on the front lawn resting up against the For Sale sign. Shuffling back inside, he sat down at the patio table with the newspaper folded under his arm and a cup of coffee in his hand. It was a dreamy summer morning. The air was dry, and there was a light breeze shooting off the bay. Seagulls squawked as they fought over a scrap of food on the beach below. Noah’s coffee was getting cold as he sat there, staring off in the direction of the old lighthouse in the middle of the bay.
Unfolding the Providence Journal and glancing at the date — June 10th, 1997, he tore off the corner with the date printed on it, crumpled it up, and tossed it on the ground before getting up and going inside. Upstairs in his closet, he climbed a wooden stepladder and reached for a box on the top shelf. As he grabbed it, a large manila envelope resting on top of the box fell on his head. Sitting on the bed with the box and the manila envelope, he removed the lid from the box and looked inside. Resting on top was his wedding invitation, the date reading June 10th, 1996.
“It would have been our first wedding anniversary. We never even made it a year. God, I missed her.”
Twenty-Third Chapter: The Educated Decision
Check back every week for a new chapter!
Posted on June 25, 2012
A line of Mercedes, Lexus, Range Rovers, BMWs, and Porsches waited in front of Capriccio restaurant, followed by a black Ford F150 pickup truck. Wearing a sport jacket and tie, Noah got out of his new pickup truck and tossed the keys to the valet. He walked into the dimly lit interior and passed a baby grand, where a man in a tuxedo was playing That’s Life by Frank Sinatra. He joined Scott, Sharon, Jerry, and Miriam at a candle-lit table.
“What on earth were you thinking?” Miriam exclaimed, angry. “How could you just quit like that? There isn’t another company around that will pay you half as much money as your dad’s been so generously paying you. And this is how you thank him?”
“I don’t care about the money,” Noah responded. “I care about being happy.”
“Don’t be a fool,” Jerry added. “You could be happy anywhere. It’s your responsibility in life to take whatever job pays you the most amount of money. Everyone else seems to enjoy making money. Besides, how do you plan on paying your bills without it?”
“I guess I’ll just have to downsize, that’s all… sell the house… whatever it takes. At this point in my life, it’s more important to me to have a career that I love.”
“And what career would that be?” Miriam asked.
“Well, I’ve got this new idea I’m working on. You know that lighthouse on an island in the bay across from my house? Well, guess what? It’s for sale ! I could buy it, fix it up, and turn it into a charming bed-and-breakfast.”
PamelaLA’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on June 23, 2012
Fabulous!
★★★★★
“Upon finishing the book last night, my husband asked me what I thought of it. The best response I could come up with was, “It was like a plate of spaghetti and meatballs on a crisp fall day.” (And this is coming from an Italian girl!) I love it when you start a book, and within the first few pages you have an immediate sense of the characters, what they look like, their environment, etc. Noah and Robin burst out of the pages- it was great! The story of Sand Dollar went on to tell the lives of these two main characters, past and present. There were many times I wanted to reach into the book and honestly shake Robin, but luckily her character went on to be thoroughly explained, rectifying my need to smack her! The end was a slam dunk; totally unexpected.
There were only 2 slight criticisms that I encountered: One was occasional confusion bouncing back between past and present. The other was how many times Noah’s Ferrari was mentioned. The author is however, a man… So I guess it’s understandable 😉
Beautiful cover, superb writing, completely enjoyable. GREAT READ!” —pamelaLA
Sand Dollar Book Giveaway Winners At GoodReads
Posted on June 22, 2012
Congratulations to all the winners of the June 22nd Sand Dollar book giveaway at GoodReads:
Ann Thaxton
Helen Brewer
Shannon Johnson
Tina Newcomb
Marquise Amyotte
Kelani Karnes
Audrey Grant
Thanks to the 939 people who entered the drawing. If you’re not one of the winners, please check back again soon for another giveaway. If you’ve read the book, please let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you!
Sebastian
🙂
Twenty-Second Chapter: The Perfect Storm
Check back every week for another chapter!
Posted on June 18, 2012
Even the sky was gloomy as Noah sailed by the old, abandoned lighthouse on this cold, raw, November day. He was heavily bundled in a thick wool sweater, down jacket, wool hat, and wool gloves. The cold air added a drab shade of blue to a face reddened by the unforgiving wind. With no other boats out on the white-capped bay, Noah was utterly alone.
“It was as if the life had been sucked out of my body, and there was no happiness in the part of me that was left behind. I thought perhaps I could find God out there on the water, but he was nowhere to be found. I determined he must not exist… because it was just me… all alone.”
Twenty-First Chapter: To Tell The Truth
Check back every week for a new chapter!
Posted on June 18, 2012
“Why did I have to push her into making a decision? Because I couldn’t wait to feel loved again? I should have been more patient — you know, wait out the storm until it blows over. I should have given her all the time in the world, whatever she needed. If only I hadn’t given up so easily… If only I had held on, never letting go…”
Looking like a Catholic schoolgirl with her hair in braids, a red plaid skirt, stockings, and a white cardigan, Robin was standing in the witness stand at the Newport County courthouse, her right hand in the air and her left hand on a Bible. Noah looked dazed, wearing a suit and sitting next to his lawyer, Ben.
“Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
“I do,” she replied.
Reesa’s review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on June 17, 2012
Awesome Read****
★★★★★
“I loved this book- This one pulls at your heart strings and if it does not pull at yours~ you should have been searching for a new heart instead of a new book to read. Sebastian Cole not only has one or two tricks waiting for you towards the end*** but many. The writing in this book is superb, and also makes you think. Sand Dollar is my second favorite read for 2012. I’m glad I was able to read & enjoy this story~ as I’m sure anyone would. I look forward to reading more from this author. The cover is beautiful~*~ I highly recommend adding Sand Dollar to your bookshelf.” — Reesa***
Bea’s review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on June 16, 2012
A Unique Twist to Undying Love
★★★★
“**Note that this book was given to me by the author; it does not influence my review. 🙂
This was such an unusual book from what I have been reading lately, but I was glad I got the chance to read it. It was a very emotional read for me, I spent time yelling at the characters, and then crying with them at the end.
It is a story about the love and life of Noah and Robin, two lovers who through their relationship are tossed apart. We see an old man, Noah, in the hospital, spending his time talking to an orderly, Josh about his love and his one true soul mate. We follow his memories, both high and low, as he describes his journey to finding, losing, and eventually regaining his true love.
This is a lovely book about one man’s emotional growth into being the man he should always have been, and about learning that love is always there and if you give it enough room, it will return to you.
I am very glad that I read the book. Keep in mind you might begin by cursing the characters, but by the end you will need your hankies!
A great read.” — Bea
Sand Dollar Book Giveaway Winners at Librarything
Posted on June 15, 2012
Congratulations to the ten winners of my June 7th Sand Dollar book giveaway at Librarything:
Theresa Robertson
Hannah Elizabeth Hummel
Paula Carlson
Melissa Head
Susan Maj
Elizabeth Miller
Patricia Pickett
Brenda E. Knight
Teresa Baker
Cynthia Nunez
I hope everybody enjoys it. Please let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you!
Sebastian
🙂
Sand Dollar Book Giveaway Winners at Goodreads
Posted on June 15, 2012
Congratulations to the ten winners of my June 10th Sand Dollar book giveaway at Goodreads:
Jalynn Patterson
Theresa Nowaczyk
Nancy Phillips
Ashlee Dockins
Lisa Barnes
Jenea Labat
Johanna Bouchard
Amanda Kirschner
Susan Glaser
Pamela Anderson
Thanks to the 1,041 people who entered the drawing. If you’re not one of the winners, please keep trying. I’ll continue to give away Sand Dollar over the next few months, so good luck!
If you’re reading the book, please let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you!
Sebastian
🙂
Isabella’s review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on June 12, 2012
The love we all dream of.
★★★★★
“I so enjoyed this book. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. I got completely caught up in the on-again off-again love between Noah and Robin. It takes you on one hell of a rollercoaster ride, only to bring you to a very unexpected ending. That, to me, is what a well-written book is. I think most women will totally relate to the undying love Noah has for Robin, because most women want to be loved like that, especially by someone like Noah, who is such a gentle, caring soul. At times I felt badly for both of the main characters. The combination of Noah being broken and lost, having no idea what it’s like to actually live your life, and Robin’s own insecurities sabotages this beautiful love unintentionally. I highly recommend this as one of your summer-reads.” — Isabella
Jon Land’s Amazing Review of Sand Dollar
Posted on June 12, 2012
“SAND DOLLAR is one of those rare books that makes you feel,
laugh and cry all at the same time. This smashing debut by Sebastian Cole
reads like the best of Nicholas Sparks with just enough schmaltz.
Moving and emotive, it’s every bit THE NOTEBOOK done up for summer.
SAND DOLLAR is as silky smooth as its beachfront setting.”
– Jon Land, bestselling author of STRONG AT THE BREAK
Twentieth Chapter: A Casualty Of Words
Check back every week for a new chapter!
Posted on June 11, 2012
Robin and Noah were dining alfresco at Trattoria Simpatico in Jamestown as a jazz trio played instrumental music under an old beech tree in the background. The waiter removed an empty bottle of Pinot Grigio from the table and walked away.
“What’s wrong?” Noah asked, watching Robin push the roasted potatoes around her plate. “You barely touched your food.”
“Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Like what?”
“It’s no big deal. I was just thinking about what my shrink said to me the other day, that’s all,” she said, looking away.
“And… what did he say?”
“Nothing really. Just talked about fairy tales.”
Noah took a sip of wine. “I just don’t understand you lately,” he said, setting the glass down. “Ever since we got back from our honeymoon, you seem distant for some reason. Did I do something wrong?”
“No, you didn’t do anything. I told you, I just have a lot on my mind.”
“You used to love going out on the boat, and you haven’t gone out on it with me once since we got back. For that matter, you won’t even hang out on it with me at the dock.”
“You spend too much time on that thing as it is.”
“The boat’s not a bad thing, you know. You treat it like it’s some kind of other woman.”
“Look, just because you named your expensive yacht after me doesn’t mean I have to like it, okay?”
Noah looked at her, puzzled. “And every time I walk up to you to show you the least bit of affectionate, you walk away. You’re never interested in making love anymore. It’s not so much about the sex as it is about expressing our love for each other in a way that only intimacy can achieve. So what’s bothering you? Is it me? Is there anything I can do to help?”
Robin hesitated, took a deep breath, and spoke. “Yeah, there is something you can do to help…”
Nineteenth Chapter: The Problem With Memories
Don’t forget to check back every week for a new chapter!
Posted on June 4, 2012
Tony had a kind of arrogance about him, gawking at Robin as she reclined in the chair in his office and straightened her blouse.
“So how was your honeymoon?” he asked, laying a picture frame on his desk face down.
“Perfect… like a fairy tale,” she replied. “Which reminds me, did you ever see Pretty Woman, the movie?”
Before he could answer, she continued, “Julia Roberts wanted the fairy tale, remember?”
Tony nodded.
“Well, that’s what I got — the fairy tale. The only problem is… it’s a frickin’ fairy tale. I mean… that stuff only happens in the movies, right?”
Tony opened his mouth, but Robin spoke first. “I keep thinking any minute the clock’s gonna strike twelve, and I’m gonna get tossed aside, sent back to where I came from, while Prince Charming over here rides off into the sunset with someone else on the back of his fancy white horse. I hate feeling insecure like this. It’s a terrible feeling…” she said, shaking her head, “expecting that someday everything is going to be taken away from me, ya know what I mean? And where does that leave me, huh?” she said, looking at Tony, waiting for an answer.
He paused to observe her body language, and figuring it was safe to speak, he started to talk.
“ABANDONED, that’s where !” she shouted. “I don’t know, what do you think? Is it really too good to be true?” she asked desperately.
Midwest Book Review Of Sand Dollar
Posted June 2, 2012
Sand Dollar
Sebastian Cole
Privately Published
9780985115609, $9.99, http://www.sebastiancoleauthor.com
“A love is not something people seek to release so easily. ‘Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love’ is a novel of love lost, following Noah Hartman as he tries to release the love of Robin, who cut him out of her life those years ago. When Noah finds another love once more, Robin reappears in his life, and shakes what Noah truly believes in his pursuits. ‘Sand Dollar’ is a strong pick for general fiction and romance collections, highly recommended.”
— Midwest Book Review
sebastiancoleauthor.com 