Gayle Roper

The plot was excellent but the style of writing didn't match it - I read about these horrible things that had happened to the main characters but I didn't feel anything for them. This is the first book by Roper I've read and judging from this one, I won't seek out anymore.

I didn't like the fact that the author used her characters to speak disparagingly about social network sites, especially Twitter. I couldn't find her on Twitter, so if she is not using the site, how can she pass judgement show more on it like that?

I think Christian authors can get lazy in their writing - as long as they have a plot that includes crazy cults, they will continue to have readers that share their point of view. I wish they would work harder to write something that's emotionally satisfying.

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing this review. show less

This was a story that took me by surprise. There was romance, intrigue, danger, suspense and a town full of "twitter" people that made me laugh. It started up as a story of a cafe owner, Carrie, who sees Greg Barnes every day in her cafe, but who never gives her the time of day, even though Carrie would love to be the object of his affection. Then the author takes the story to another level I wasn't expecting. You meet so many characters in this cafe and they all seem to have a story to tell show more and it is somehow all intertwined together throughout this story. You learn the backgrounds of these people and it makes you appreciate them all the more having seen what they have come through and that they are survivors. This story made me laugh, it made me sad and mad at times. It was very well written with a tender love story taking place in the midst of alot of mystery and danger. show less

As someone who doesn’t usually read mystery stories, I’ve got to say, I enjoyed this thoroughly! It has just the right mix of mystery, romance, tragedy and recovery. The Christian characteristics are powerful, yet meld into the story very nicely. I’ve no doubt non-Christians could enjoy this book as much as I did.

I enjoyed getting to know the primary characters, and the secondary characters were introduced just enough to keep things rolling smoothly. I cared about what happened and was show more satisfied with how the story closed.

At a very young age, Carrie Carter had seen enough abuse, neglect, and ugliness in the world to last a lifetime. She finally gains the courage (and means) to escape, taking her little sister, Lindsay, in tow. They start a new life in Seaside, New Jersey, working at, and eventually owning, a successful café.

The regular café patrons are both charming and flawed, many of them reminding me of people I know. Whether willing participants or not – their lives become entangled by mystery, murder, loss, and love.

I can’t really say if the romance or the mystery played the biggest part of this story, but they were both equally developed and kept me interested to the very last page. If there was a sequel to this book I’d certainly read it. I’d label this book as an easy read, a compelling storyline, and a satisfying end! show less

Carrie Carter's crush on ex-cop Greg Barnes is no secret to anyone except the object of her affection. As she serves him coffee every day, she yearns for him to notice her. After the untimely death of his family, Greg quit his job and closed himself off from the world around him. Hence, Carrie is no stranger to his indifference. When Jase, the dishwasher at Carrie's café, goes missing, Greg and Carrie are drawn into the case and into each other's lives. As they grow closer, secrets buried show more in their pasts threaten their new found friendship. Will the emotional baggage of their lives prevent them from finding love? Can they both lay the past aside and step into a new time of life?

Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper combines sand, sun, and mystery as the backdrop for a contemporary love story. While I loved the small-town, homey feel of the story, the plot never really hooked me. I started reading and then put it down without returning to it for several days. This is unusual for me. I love to read and usually once a story hooks me, I return to it whenever I have a spare moment. In the beginning Carrie seemed kinda pathetic. However, I liked her more as she progressed and developed through the book. Supporting characters such as Mary P and Mr. Perkins added a wonderful depth. I recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers via FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." show less