Posts tagged “Love stories”

Nancy Narna’s Review of SAND DOLLAR at Amazon

Posted on January 12, 2013

★★★★★  Romance, Remembrances and Revelations

“Sebastian Cole certainly has poured his heart and soul into this, his first title. We are introduced to hard-working but lonely, Noah Hartman, who has everything he could ever desire and then some–with the exception of a soulmate. He’s sure she’s out there somewhere and, in desperation, even resorts to online dating sites to find the girl of his dreams. After he suffers several disappointments, and has all but given up his quest, he accepts his brother’s invitation for a guy’s night out. Little did Noah know that this night would change his life forever, for up on the crowded dance floor was a flame-haired, spirited beauty named Robin. He knew at first glance that she was “The One” and as soon as she danced with him, she felt the connection as well.

She took his breath away and captured his heart and gave each other “Butterflies”. Robin shows how alive and wonderful life can be, much to the dismay of his parents who were hoping he would get his mind back on the business at Hartman Industries, forget this Robin foolishness and meet and settle down with a nice Jewish girl. However, this wasn’t to be, as Noah and Robin marry and settle in Noah’s house with Robin’s Daughter, Brittany, of whom Noah has become very fond. All seems dream-like and grand, until, without any rhyme, reason, or warning, Robin leaves him. Melancholy and heartsick, Noah tries to understand why she has left him. What has he done wrong? Many twists, turns, an unfortunate choice of action and ultimately a diagnosis keep them apart physically, but not within Noah’s heart. Will they be apart forever? Will Robin remember she loves him? What part does the Sand Dollar play in all of their drama? You’ll be agitated, in need of tissues, warmed by the presence and love of Josh, irritated, and ready to shake some sense into both Noah and Robin, as well as feel disgust at the cold, detached demeanor of Noah’s Parents. Author Cole has created characters that stir your mind and pluck your heartstrings, as you feel you have known them forever. Bravo to Mr. Cole on such an outstanding first work. I’m hoping we’ll hear a lot more in the near future. If someone doesn’t grab this tale to be made into a movie, they’re foolish–and, if you don’t add this to your TBR list, well…all I can say is you’ve really missed the boat!” — Nancy Narna

January 12, 2013 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Male Authors And Romance: Oxymoron or a Refreshingly New Perspective That Sheds Light on a Man’s Emotional World?

Posted on January 8, 2013

Sebastian Cole is on Mina’s Bookshelf to answer the question and give away an autographed copy of his debut novel SAND DOLLAR: A Story Of Undying Love. The giveaway is open to everyone, any country! Stop by the blog with a question/comment about the interview for a chance to win!

http://minadecaro.blogspot.com/2013/01/sand-dollar-story-of-undying-love-by.html

January 8, 2013 | Categories: Book Giveaways | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Masterful!

Posted on January 6, 2013

★★★★★

“I received a complimentary copy of Sand Dollar for read and review, but this did not affect my review.

I first wish to thank Mr. Cole for the opportunity to read this book. I feel privileged to even have the honor of sharing my thoughts on such a fantastic and masterful creation. I will not do what I normally do which is re-summarize the entire story, no…this is a story that you must read yourself. Then and only then will you have the incredible journey that Mr. Cole takes the reader on. I really do not have enough words in my arsenal to say how lovely, heart wrenchingly beautiful this book was, I am a sucker for romance, and moreso for the undying love element.
The pain, frustration and acceptance that the main character Noah experienced by loving Robin is I do not know…. soul wrenching….

But his perseverance was incredible, and how lucky and sad, I see the tragic figure Robin as, to have and not recognize, what many do not have, someone to love them wholeheartedly, undeserved and unconditionally…

Incredible….

Mr. Cole’s work is exceptional, well written and beautiful, to compare him to Nicholas Sparks is accurate, but I feel that Mr. Cole is and will continue to blaze his own path and leave his own mark as a writer.” — Michelle C. Jordan

January 6, 2013 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SAND DOLLAR Book Review in Miss A

Posted on January 3, 2013

Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook, Love Story, Love, Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Tear jerker, Heart wrenching

What a great way to start the year, with an amazing book review of SAND DOLLAR: A Story of Undying Love at an amazing website!! With over a million readers annually, Miss A is one of the largest and fastest growing online destinations for women.

Click here to check it out!

January 3, 2013 | Categories: Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

This story will keep you guessing…

Posted on December 29, 2012

★★★★★

“SAND DOLLAR is a wonderfully written story that managed to evoke a range of emotions as I read it. When reading I like to get emotionally connected through a story’s characters and events. By giving me the ability to make those connections, This book provided the escape I anticipate and expect from a really good book.

Sebastian Cole does a remarkably skillful job of developing the main characters of Noah and Robin. They are multidimensional, which I deem an essential component to any great story. The characters in general, are believable as the author reveals idiosyncrasies and flaws that are reasonable and realistic. I also think he captures the essence of what most readers would characterize as the idealized male-female “love” relationship. Something every great romance novel must have.

The messages that are intertwined throughout the book are both meaningful and important. Living a “true” life, feeling life as we experience it, facing and overcoming hardships (both in and out of our control…as well as others) are all personal issues readers know about intimately and deal with and contemplate continually, and this allows the reader to really connect to this work. I liked the writing technique the author incorporated which floats the story in and out of the past. Some authors have difficulty using it without disrupting the story’s flow. Mr. Cole’s writing style made those parts easy to follow. By using that approach in his writing, he added interest and forced me to consciously make connections and think ahead as I read. I also found the story itself to be fluid with a healthy dose of believable twists and just the right amount of fantasy to keep me engaged.

Although this book is labeled as a “romantic fantasy,” I am sure many readers will be able to make personal connections to the storyline. I’ll close by saying I originally looked into purchasing this book because I was made aware of a local connection and had no idea of the premise of the story. Now that I have read it I can say I was pleasantly surprised by the caliber of the writing and some of the “enlightening” information I gained by reading it. Pick up SAND DOLLAR. It’s a book that I had a hard time putting down. It is sure to hold your attention and keep you guessing as you read. Be sure to keep the Kleenex handy… and get ready for some big surprises.” — Lisa Ann

December 29, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

SAND DOLLAR Book Giveaway at The Romance Reviews

Posted on December 16, 2012

Win a signed copy of my debut novel, SAND DOLLAR: A Story of Undying Love at The Romance Reviews. The contest ends December 30th, so don’t miss out!

The Romance Reviews

December 16, 2012 | Categories: Book Giveaways, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Chat with Sebastian Cole at The Romance Reviews

Posted on December 12, 2012

The Romance ReviewsPlease join me at The Romance Reviews, where I’m hosting a chat on Wednesday, December 12th. To participate, first register with The Romance Reviews, and then click on Author Chat: Sebastian Cole. I’ll be checking in throughout the day to answer all of your questions. I look forward to seeing you there!

December 12, 2012 | Categories: Announcements | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Get it, read it, love it! I know I did!”

Posted on December 10, 2012

★★★★★  An Absolute Must Read! AMAZING LOVE STORY!

“This book is absolutely amazing. The best love story I think I have read in a long time. You will cry like a baby, I know that I did. This story is so incredibly well written, you will find yourself immersed in this one. The characters are so true to life, I felt like I was right beside them. This is truly a love story you will remember for years to come. I can’t wait to read more from Sebastian in the future. We all have a soul mate, I was lucky enough to find mine after many years of us going back and forth. To the real life Noah, never give up on your one true love. Please, please, please people , read this book, it is an extraordinary story of undying love. This is a read you can not miss out on. Get it, read it, love it! I know I did! AMAZING! THANK YOU TO SEBASTIAN COLE! I look forward to the next one. ABSOLUTELY COMPELLING!” — Deb B

December 10, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lisa’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon

Posted on December 10, 2012

★★★★★  Great book for the romantic

“Mr Cole wrote a lovely sad bittersweet love story that you will not want to put down!!!! For anyone who has been in love with their forever soul mate. You cannot go wrong with this story.” — Lisa

December 10, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nadine’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon

Posted on December 10, 2012

★★★★★  Excellent Book!!

“Very very nice Mr. Sebastian Cole……looking forward to reading your next book. I loved your writing and the feelings you evoked in me while reading your book.” — Nadine

December 10, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Author Sebastian Cole on Writing from the Heart

Posted on December 7, 2012

“I have never interviewed a writer–or anyone for that matter–who embodies the term “hopeless romantic” as much as Sebastian Cole. He is kind. He is self-deprecating, and yes, hopeless when it comes to talking about love. And I mean that in the most complimentary sense of the word. There is a genuine absence of cynicism, a love of life–and of love–that comes through when he discusses the journey of writing his first novel SAND DOLLAR: A Story of Undying Love.

SAND DOLLAR is an epic love story about “the one who got away.” A man on his deathbed describes his life of love and loss to a wise orderly, only to discover a far greater truth about the past, present, and future. The book has been nominated as finalist in the ForeWord Firsts debut literary competition for first-time authors. Reviewers have compared Cole’s writing to Nicholas Sparks, best-selling author of The Notebook, who also happens to be Cole’s favorite author.

I sat down with Mr. Cole, a native Rhode Islander and graduate of Brown University, for a chat about what it was like to pen his debut novel.” — Barrington Patch

Read the Q&A

December 7, 2012 | Categories: Interviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Awesome Romance Novels

Posted on December 4, 2012

I’d like to thank Awesome Romance Novels for featuring SAND DOLLAR on their website.

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December 4, 2012 | Categories: Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“I hope there will someday be a movie”

Posted on November 28, 2012

★★★★★

“I finally finished reading, “Sand Dollar”, and I really enjoyed it! There were so many unexpected turns in this story, and as I approached the end of the book, I found myself planning to read the book again from the beginning. There are revelations in in the later chapters which give a deeper meaning and understanding to it’s earlier chapters.

Although I’m familiar with many different psychological disorders, I had very little knowledge or understanding of ***** before reading this book. This book will be a huge encouragement, not only for those who suffer with the disorder, but also for friends and family members.

“I Will Be Here,” by Steven Curtis Chapman, is one of the most beautiful love songs ever written, and I’m so glad it was used as the theme song of this story. I hope there will some day be a movie, and that this will be the theme song! Sadly, I have only heard this song at Christian weddings, and I find it unfortunate that it has not become very well known in secular realms. I hope that this book will bring it to a new level of popularity. This concept of steadfast love, in the face of hardship, is a relatively unknown mindset in our self-centered world. This book is a great lesson in how to be steadfast in the face of adversity.

I especially loved the author’s notes at the end of the book. It made the book feel much more real to me. I found it difficult at first to related to such a perfect fairytale ending, but it was very easy for me to relate to Noah’s hopes and dreams for a fairytale ending. I also loved how the author made God such a constant and attainable companion to Noah. God was faithful, despite Noah’s lack of faith, and this is a beautiful revelation of how God desires relationship with each of us.

Although most readers will probably not agree with me, I absolutely LOVE Noah’s mom, Miriam!! She’s got tons of character flaws, but that’s what made her so genuine. Great character development there. I think, of all the characters in the book, she was the most real to me. I could really picture her, hear her voice.

I also loved how the author put his acknowledgements at the end of the book. So many writers put them at the beginning, but it’s usually only after reading a book that we are interested in hearing more about who it was that made such significant contributions to the author’s life and project. The artwork on both the front cover and the back is absolutely gorgeous, and it was THE selling feature that first hooked me. From there, the writing was all that the cover promised it to be. I look forward to reading more from Sebastian Cole.” — Marjorie Savoie

November 28, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Review of Sand Dollar From Across The Sea

Posted on November 18, 2012

Many thanks to Frank Burns for the following review:

“This is Sebastian Cole’s debut novel and a first foray into the world of becoming a published author. He is a native of New England in the USA, and it is clear that this narrative draws greatly on personal experience. It was my privilege to receive a signed courtesy copy of  SAND DOLLAR directly from the author, so it would be discourteous of me not to share a few thoughts about it.

Without giving a summary of the plot (an aspect of book reviewing I try to avoid), let me tell you some important areas of life that SAND DOLLAR elaborates. First of all, it roughly fits into the genre of Romantic Tragedy, with a heavy bias towards Fantasy. All of which means that, throughout its dénouement, especially during the emotionally charged scenes, you have to constantly do ‘reality checks’.  Nothing wrong with that; just remember that some of the events are unlikely to happen in the real world.

The narrative takes you into the world of a rich Jewish family, proud of its ancestry and covetous of its progeny and its legacy. It follows the age-old storyline of rich boy meets poor girl, falls hopelessly in love, which leads to much  pain, anguish, passion and suffering as the story progresses. The reader may be enlightened (as I was) about a little known syndrome which fundamentally underpins the broken relationships within the novel. And for those who have never encountered the phenomenon ‘out of body, near death experience’, there is an interesting twist on this in the context of the protagonist, Noah, whom we see as an eighty year old, lying on a hospital bed, recounting the story of his life.

Noah’s life is like a journey, indeed, almost like a pilgrimage. His love life has a definitive start when he meets Robin, but his relationship with her is a journey, a long tortuous journey of overcoming obstacles, climbing mountains of pain, descending into valleys of joy, only to eventually arrive at a destination that was all to familiar to him: that he loved Robin to the point that he couldn’t imagine life without her.

I would not choose to read romantic fiction as a matter of course, but I would recommend this narrative most heartily because it touches on the theme of life being a journey, the start and the end of which is not of our choosing, but the duration of which challenges us at every step to make the right the decisions for ourselves, and those around us. And at the end of the journey, we arrive at an all too familiar place.

Let me quote T.S.Eliot from his Quartet ‘Little Gidding’:

We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.”

— SERENDIPITIES OF LIFE by Frank Burns

November 18, 2012 | Categories: Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rachel’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon

Posted on November 14, 2012

★★★★★ Sand Dollar

“The Sand Dollar was the 1st book in many years that I finished from start to finish. It kept me intrigued until the very last page!! The book was very well written and so heartfelt. I experienced a range of emotions from crying to laughing. My only disappointment is that I finished the book and can longer be intertwined within Robin and Noah’s love story 🙂 I am looking forward to Sebastian’s next masterpiece! I definitely recommend this book to all the romantics out there!!!”
— Rachel

November 14, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pixie’s Review of Sand Dollar From The Ravaged Jersey Shore

Posted on November 11, 2012

★★★★★

A LightHouse In MY Storm

“Let me start by telling you I live in one of the Devastated Areas of The Jersey Shore. we were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy and with no power and destruction all around me imagine my sheer delight to look in my mailbox and see this book! I open it and read the First quote ” If Someday you should ever think of me and miss me, know in your heart that I’d want you to find me again, no matter how distant in time and space….. FIND ME”….. I cried…. People You NEED to FIND this book. Sebastian Cole writes a love story like no other, I felt every emotion with our ‘Soul Mates’ Noah and Robin, probably ten times more because of whats happening in our lives… I will not spoil the book for you just know these two very precious souls go through more unjust messing in their lives and grief by over controlling parents, unscrupulous professionals, evil people and just life itself, to be brought together and torn apart through a series of problems really caused by neither Noah or Robin, throw in Josh (I LOVE the twist with Josh) and you will have a love story that goes beyond time and space. Very well done Mr. Cole THANK YOU for giving me a light house in my storm… I give this book 5 sand dollars…” — Pixie

November 11, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Audrey Mageau’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon

Posted on November 7, 2012

★★★★★

Don’t take love for granted

“Just finished reading Sand Dollar, the book is amazing! It touched my heart like no other book has ever done. The undying love of Noah is a love that everyone searches for and few ever find. The author has written a wonderful love story, with the message ‘Don’t ever take love for granted’! Will be waiting for more stories from this author.” — Audrey Mageau

November 7, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Melanie Layton’s Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon

Posted on October 30, 2012

★★★★

A beautiful story

*I received this book for free through GoodReads First Reads!*

“This is the story of Noah Hartman and his quest to find his soulmate. The story is told by 80 year old Noah as a reflection of his life, starting back in his late 30s. Noah h it all–a gorgeous home, a job with a huge salary, good looks and a fit body, and a fabulous car. He has already had failed marriage, but is ready to find true love now. His parents are very controlling, and have very specific ideas about what kind of girl is right for their son. Noah is less concerned about their criteria, and has created an elaborate system for ranking the women he is interested in from the online dating website he joined. After months of unsuccessful dating, Noah decides to go back to the old-fashioned way of meeting women–he heads to dance clubs.

It is at a dance club that Noah finally has the moment he has been waiting for–time slows down as he sets eyes on a beautiful red-head dancing. He makes his way over to her, and when their eyes met their souls connect. She is the one he has been looking for, and she feels the same connection with him. This woman, Robin, hides some dark secrets that will affect their future in ways Noah can never prepare himself for.

This was a very beautiful, romantic, heartbreaking and inspiring story. It was a unique perspective and very engrossing to read. Noah’s story shows that fighting for love, and protecting love when you find it, should be more important than anything else.” — Melanie Layton

October 30, 2012 | Categories: Amazon Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Free Book

Congratulations! For a limited time only, you can download the PDF version of my debut novel, Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love, absolutely free! With the regular price of the paperback selling for $9.99, free happens to be 100% off. Please note that this offer will not last forever. All I ask in return is if you enjoy reading my book, please spread the word and tell all of your friends. Writing a review on Amazon and Goodreads would be helpful, too. In case you didn’t know, I’m an indie author looking to get my foot in the traditionally-published door, and as it stands right now, very few people have ever heard of me. With your help, we can change all of that. I honestly believe that people across the country and around the world would benefit from reading my book, if only more people knew about it. And if successful, I’ll be able to write more novels, the kind of novels you love to fall in love with. Thanks for your help and happy reading!

Sebastian Cole
SebastianColeAuthor.com

 

To download a free PDF copy of Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love, please click here.

 

Free Book, Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook, Love Story, Love, Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Tear jerker, Heart wrenching

October 27, 2012 | Categories: Free Book | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Bookworm2bookworm’s Review of Sand Dollar

Posted on October 24, 2012

“I’m trying to remember if there ever was a book like Sand Dollar that I read and as soon as I was done with it [I’m talking mere seconds after] that I just wanted to shout to the world and beg people to get it ASAP… come to think of it, it probably happened on one or two occasions, but right now I don’t have the time to ponder when or which book it was, BUT I do have the time to tell you why I think you should find the time to read this story.”

Click here to read the rest of bookworm2bookworm’s review

October 24, 2012 | Categories: Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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