The Blogging Book’s Review of Sand Dollar
Posted on October 30, 2012
“Wow! I definitely did not expect the book to end that way. It caught me off guard and I even teared up a little bit. It made the whole book that much more heart wrenching.
In the beginning it was a little confusing for me. The way it goes back and forth from past to present, sometimes with no warning. I had to backtrack and reread a couple times to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
I understand the whole ‘you love who you love thing’, but if I was Noah and Robin treated me like that, I would kick her to the curb. So many times I wanted to reach into the book and slap her. Then other times my heart broke for her because of all she went through.
Overall this is a great Romance. Any fan of Nicholas sparks will absolutely adore Sebastian Cole.”
— The Blogging Book
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.
Jeanne Miro’s Comments on Sand Dollar
Posted on October 24, 2012
“Most of all, books like both The Notebook and Sand Dollar help everyone to realize that time is passing and that we should always tell those we love how much joy they’ve brought us and that the difficult times made us stronger and the people we are today.” – Jeanne Miro
Stacey’s Book Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on October 20, 2012
★★★★
A Surprise!
“My friend passed this book on to me to read, and I shoved it aside, as it’s not typically my genre. BUT it was a really great read. I kept coming back to it because I just had to see what happened to poor Noah next. Great character development, wonderfully frustrating, page-turning events and an ending I definitely didn’t expect. Excellent read!” — Stacey
Similar to a Nicholas Sparks Novel, But Uniquely Different
Posted on October 16, 2012
With each new twist that’s woven into the plot comes a new revelation about the heroine’s past, an element of suspense that makes it difficult to put the book down. Similar to a Nicholas Sparks novel, but uniquely different, Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love is a thought-provoking, emotional read that, among other things, might even have you yelling at the main characters at times. Unlike your typical fairytale romance, the characters in Sand Dollar have real-life issues that must be dealt with. As in real life, things rarely go according to plan, and all too often it’s the ones we love the most who end up hurting us the most. A mixture of joy and heartache, this realistic portrayal of life is what sets Sand Dollar apart.
When the story opens, Noah, who is old and sick in a hospital bed, tells of his undying love for his soul mate, his one true love, Robin, who also happens to be the one who got away. The story is told from Noah’s point of view with two timelines: when he’s old and when he’s young. Eventually, these two timelines intersect with a surprising plot twist, and the story moves forward from there with the most beautiful of endings – an ending that you’ve just got to read for yourself.
Adrienne’s Book Review of Sand Dollar at Amazon
Posted on October 2, 2012
★★★★★
Spectacular Read
“This was probably the greatest love story I have ever read. Although at times I wanted to shake both Robin and Noah it truly was an amazing read with a spectacular ending. Want to share this book with friends but not willing to part with my copy. This will be a book I keep and read over and over again. (Oh yeah….make sure you have a box of kleeenex nearby!!)” — Adrienne
“If you like Nicholas Sparks, here’s a book for you!”
Posted on September 19, 2012
I am truly grateful for all of the wonderful reviews that SAND DOLLAR: A Story of Undying Love has received thus far; and I am humbled by the comparisons that have been made to an incredible author whom I greatly admire, Nicholas Sparks.
Here’s what people are saying:
“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.” — Jon Land, best selling author of STRONG AT THE BREAK
“In the vein of THE NOTEBOOK and numerous other classics, SAND DOLLAR proves once again that true love never dies.” — Marsha Oglesby, Hollywood producer
“If you LOVED The Notebook, you will, with no doubt, LOVE Sand Dollar!” — Sara at Amazon
“I enjoyed this book very much, and would recommend it to any Nicholas Sparks’ fans out there, like myself. If you are debating whether to read this book, DO IT.” — Kiersten at Amazon
“Sebastian Cole did an AMAZING job with this book. It is a great love story with real life characters and real life problems. He reminds me of Nicholas Sparks with his ability to play on your heart strings throughout the entire book.” — Kelani at Amazon
“Like THE NOTEBOOK. Really Great read, great love story!! I could not put the book down! I have definitely recomended to all my friends and book club to read.”
— Valerie at Amazon
“Excellent modern romance! It definitely was similar to Nicholas Sparks or Richard Paul Evans. Not only was it a great love story, but it was also suspenseful.”
— Amy Z Drew at Amazon
“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 at Amazon
“Recommend this book for any Nicholas Sparks fan! Great love story! Get tissues!” — Mary Levie at Amazon
“I have read every Nicholas Sparks book and I can tell you, this is right up there with them! I look forward to reading his future books!” — Lori at Amazon
“Being an avid Nicholas Sparks fan, I’m very particular about my romance novels, but Sebastian Cole did not disappoint!!” — iclimbedatreetoseetheworld at Amazon
“Sebastian Cole says on his website that his story is a cross between THE NOTEBOOK and THE SIXTH SENSE, and that is a perfect description. If you are going into this story thinking it will be another cookie cutter story of undying love, you will not get that with this one. 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
“I highly recommend this to all avid readers of Modern Romance. If you like Nicholas Sparks, here’s a book for you!” — Book Addict
“This tale is not just for all you Nicholas Spark’s fans, but for all of us that at one time or another have let that ‘one, true and pure’ love get away.”
— bookworm2bookworm
“SAND DOLLAR is a love story reminiscent of THE NOTEBOOK, as the author confesses, but still remains uniquely its own story.” — Epic Book Quest
“Overall this is a great Romance. Any fan of Nicholas Sparks will absolutely adore Sebastian Cole.” — The Blogging Book
“It is a heartbreaking love story that will stay with you even after you put it down. If you are a fan of The Notebook, then this is the book for you.”
— Shut Up & Read
“In the tradition of Nicholas Sparks, whom Cole cites as his favorite author, SAND DOLLAR is a sentimental love story about finding and losing one’s soul mate. 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 Book Reviews
“Most of all, books like both THE NOTEBOOK and SAND DOLLAR help everyone to realize that time is passing and that we should always tell those we love how much joy they’ve brought us and that the difficult times made us stronger and the people we are today.” – Jeanne Miro
“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. This is a story that will touch you to the depth of your heart.” — A Novel Review
“It was one of the greatest love stories ever told! I hope to see it in the movies because I will definitely go see it!” — Riau
“A beautiful love story reminiscent of Mr. Sparks’ THE NOTEBOOK, SAND DOLLAR plays upon the notion of the road not taken. Readers will be enchanted by the deep abiding love between two characters that seem peppered with insurmountable odds.” — Coffee Time Romance
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.”
Eighteenth Chapter: The Curse Of Jean Pierre
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Posted on May 28, 2012
A small island-hopper plane took off from the Saint Maarten airport. It offered one seat on each side of the aisle, a cabin not tall enough to stand up in, and no flight attendant. A white Igloo cooler filled with soft drinks was secured in the cabin for those thirsty enough to dare unbuckle in flight.
As the plane approached the neighboring island, it began its descent. Without a cockpit door, Noah and Robin held onto each other tightly as they watched the pilots fly the small aircraft downward at a steep 45-degree angle just above the treetops of the mountainous terrain. Noah wondered where the horizon had gone as the runway — growing ever so large by the second — filled the entire forward view through the front windshield. At the last possible moment, the plane leveled off and touched down. As the plane raced down the short runway, the brakes were applied, and the plane started slowing down, coming to a stop at the very end, where two topless women walked in front of the plane on a white sand beach.
“Bienvenue à Saint-Barth,” the pilot announced proudly as the plane veered right, heading toward the small terminal. “Welcome to Saint Barts !”
Sixteenth Chapter: A Shack In The Woods
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Posted on May 21, 2012
Forty-nine-year-old Brittany walks into my hospital room and joins Scott, Sharon, and Josh around my bed.
“Thanks for coming, Britt,” I say appreciatively.
“This is little Brittany?” Josh exclaims, surprised. “Wow, she sure turned into a beautiful woman, didn’t she?”
Brittany places her hand gently on my face and looks deep into my eyes with her warm, loving eyes. I return the sentiment.
“How’s your mom doing?” Scott asks her.
“I just left her room,” she says, looking over at Scott. “Olivia’s still there with her now. When she and Noah arrived in the ambulance, she was hysterical. The doctor had to sedate her twice just to calm her down.”
“Is Robin okay? What happened?” I ask, concerned.
“She’s okay now,” Brittany says, moving my hair away from my eyes and mouthing the words I love you to me. “She’s resting comfortably. Besides, she’s much better off not knowing what’s about to happen to Noah,” she says, looking back at Scott.
“Britt, what are you talking about? What’s about to happen to me? Can’t I just go home?”
Twelfth Chapter: The Marriage Proposal
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Posted on April 30, 2012
My seventy-seven-year-old sister-in-law enters my hospital room and walks over to my brother standing beside my bed. “Hi, honey,” she says, kissing him. “Hi, Noah,” she says softly, looking down at me.
“Hi, Sharon. Thanks for coming,” I say, happy to see her. “I’d like you to meet my new friend Josh over here. I was just telling him the story about Robin and me.”
She looks into my eyes, smiles, and kisses my head, making me blush.
“You know, Noah, you’re a man after my own heart,” Josh admits. “I had no idea you were such a romantic. ‘And on that day you and I will simply sail away into heaven together’ — now that’s good stuff. Did you think of that all by yourself? Anyway, go on, go on; I love a good love story.”
They were all looking at me with pleasant eyes that encouraged me to continue. “So, like I was saying… it was a wonderful summer that I’ll never forget. But all good things must eventually come to an end. The air was getting colder and the leaves were starting to fall. And like the song says, ‘Seasons were made for change’, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Nothing could have prepared me for what would happen next…”
Ninth Chapter: Meet The Parents
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Posted on April, 23, 2012
A valet driver opened the door to Noah’s Ferrari convertible as it pulled up in front of Capriccio restaurant in downtown Providence. Inside the elegant Italian restaurant, the ambiance was warm and charming, with a cobblestoned floor, columns with decorative moldings, and tables glowing under candlelight. The pianist at the baby grand was playing The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra as Noah, holding a small gift bag, walked over to the alcove where Scott, Sharon, Miriam, and Jerry were sitting.
“Happy birthday, Mom,” Noah said, kissing his mother’s cheek.
“Come here for a second,” she said, motioning for him to duck down.
Noah grimaced, lowering his head as Miriam proceeded to lick her hand and pat his hair down. As a tuxedoed waiter approached, Noah pulled away and sat down at the empty seat beside his brother. As the waiter made his way around the table with a bottle of Dom Pérignon, he poured Champagne into everyone’s glasses.
Seventh Chapter: Great Expectations
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Posted on April 14, 2012
With a fresh coat of polish, Noah’s immaculate 1966 Ferrari pulled into Hartman Enterprises behind a beat-up, blue Mustang convertible, also a 1966 model. Noah followed the Mustang to the back corner of the lot and parked next to it. The driver, wearing a navy maintenance uniform, got out of the car and opened the trunk.
“Hey, Mike, I didn’t know you drove a classic,” Noah said, shutting his door.
“Hey, Noah,” the man replied, closing his trunk and putting a tool belt around his waist. “Yeah, that’s because I almost never drive it. I only take it out a couple times a year, just to air it out.”
“Sweet ride,” Noah said, peeking inside the Mustang. “I like the Pony seats.”
“The chassis is kind of beat up — not refurbished like yours.”
“What are you talking about? She’s a beaut,” Noah exclaimed, walking around the car, checking it out. “Besides, I don’t look at the outside so much as I do the inside. That’s where the real beauty is,” he said, stopping at the front of the car. “Do you mind?” he said, pointing at the hood.
Fifth Chapter: Life At First Sight
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Posted on April 5, 2012
While Y-M-C-A by The Village People was playing at the main dance floor inside the Mardi Gras complex in Cranston, people were lined up outside, waiting to pile into the club. Noah and Scott were handed bottles of Heineken by the pretty, young ponytailed bartender as they stood watching the DJ spin records inside the mirrored booth. Scott resembled his brother, only with glasses, a slightly receding hairline, and an extra fifteen pounds from all the years of his wife’s good home cooking. Scott looked tailored, lawyer-like as a matter of fact, with a navy pinstriped suit, white shirt with gold cufflinks, and blue tie. Noah, on the other hand, was dressed more casually, wearing a blue sport shirt and tan pants.
“Thanks for coming,” Noah said as they stepped away from the bar. “The last time I came to a place like this, it didn’t go so well. At least this time I have good moral support and a shoulder to cry on,” he said, laughing.
“Anything to help, Little Brother, but I can’t stay too long, or I’ll turn into a pumpkin. I promised Sharon I’d be back by midnight. I figure if she can have Girls’ Night Out once a week, I can have Brothers’ Night Out once in a blue moon, right?”
“Sounds good to me,” Noah agreed, clanking his Heineken to his brother’s.
Second Chapter: FRAGILE: Handle With Care
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Posted on March 16, 2012
Look at me. Not too shabby for an eighty-year-old man, huh? I’m feeling pretty good, although I can’t seem to remember how I got here or how this bandage ended up on my forehead. I hope I get out of here soon; I’d like to go home. After all, today’s our anniversary.
I lean closer to the mirror, turning my head to the side and touching the edge of the white medical tape holding the square gauze to my forehead. Let me just pull the tape up a little bit over here and see what this looks like. I hear a knock at the door. Better get back in bed.
I scurry out of the bathroom and run back to my hospital bed, jumping in with relative ease. There’s a second knock, this time louder. “Come on in,” I say, pulling the white cotton sheet up over my hospital gown.
First Chapter: Prologue
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Posted on March 16, 2012
Of all the guests congregated inside Touro Synagogue, no one was more delighted than Miriam Hartman, mother of the groom. She was sitting in the front row with tissues in hand, her husband to her right, the bride’s mother — a close friend — to her left. If only Noah had married a nice Jewish girl like Sarah all those years ago, Miriam thought, his life would have turned out perfect, just the way she had planned. Instead, his life was ruined by that shicksa Robin he had insisted on marrying against her wishes. She and Jerry tried to nip it in the bud before it was too late, but Noah was stubborn, some nonsense about butterflies and the way she looked at him. For the life of her, Miriam could not understand why Noah never listened to his mother, because after all, she only wanted what was best for him. And at this point in Noah’s middle-aged life, Miriam concluded, Sarah was best for him. With all the bad decisions he had made throughout his life, proposing to Sarah appeared to be the only redeeming one.
Relishing in subdued victory, there was no need for Miriam to ever take credit for the role she had played in getting the two of them together. For all Noah knew, running into Sarah at the premiere of Sand Dollar happened by chance, or perhaps even divine intervention — if you believe in that sort of thing. However, there was nothing divine about it — not that time anyway — because Miriam had secretly planted her there.
Book Cover
Posted on March 15, 2012
The paintings on the cover of Sand Dollar and this website are not actually paintings…
They’re pastel drawings!
And they were drawn by a wonderful artist in Oregon, named Deborah DeWit. Thanks Deb, for doing such a great job!
Her website is www.deborahdewit.com.
Click on images for a larger view.
sebastiancoleauthor.com 