3.5 Stars! With this novel, I did something I never do, start a series mid-way. I’m a stickler for starting series from Book 1 and this is Book 2 in the Sanctuary Sound series and I loved it. Whilst I can see how the experience might have been enriched by understanding all the heroine’s best friend had been through in Book 1, I don’t think it’s necessary to have read it to understand Claire and Logan’s story.

This somewhat weighty romance novel covers such themes as fear, PTSD, random acts of violence, cancer, guilt, dealing with betrayal and forgiveness, but all done in the least melodramatic way that is a pleasure to read. Sanctuary Sound is a placid sort of setting that frames these somewhat heavy themes very nicely. This reminds me a lot of the work of Robin Carr or even of a soothing, emotional, but not heartbreaking romance.

I think sometimes the themes of forgiveness was dealt with a little ham-fistedly in the hands of the characters (especially Logan and the old book club ladies) and that’s why this doesn’t get the full four stars from me, but overall, I enjoyed reading this- my first (but hopefully not my last) from this author.

I received an advance reading copy from the publisher, Montlake Romance, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would never praise a book I didn’t like just because I got it for free.