Coastal Charm and Second Chances – The Sandy Page Bookshop by Hannah McKinnon Review

The Sandy Page Bookshop is a sweet, seaside escape where a historic home becomes a beacon of hope, connection, and new beginnings.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Brilliance Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

After her publishing career and engagement collapse in Boston, Leah Powell returns to her quiet Cape Cod hometown feeling lost and discouraged. There, she discovers a neglected historic sea captain’s house and is inspired to renovate it into a bookstore and café called The Sandy Page. Local contractor Luke Nicholson, who remembers Leah though she doesn’t recall him, offers to help restore the house, and together they create a warm gathering place for locals and visitors alike during a long summer of second chances. As the community embraces The Sandy Page, Leah and Luke must decide if this fresh start is enough to heal their own hearts.

My Thoughts:

There’s something so comforting about a novel set in a bookshop—especially one nestled in a quaint coastal town—and The Sandy Page Bookshop delivers just that. I was drawn to this charming story for its seaside setting, community spirit, and of course, the promise of a fresh start built around books.

After losing both her publishing career and her fiancé in Boston, Leah Powell returns home to Cape Cod feeling defeated. When she comes across a crumbling historic sea captain’s house, she sees potential—not just in the building, but in herself. Channeling her passion for stories and fresh starts, she decides to open a bookshop and café she names The Sandy Page.

Luke Nicholson, a kind-hearted local contractor, remembers Leah from their youth—though she doesn’t recall him. He signs on to help restore the property, and the two slowly grow closer as they work side by side. While their romance had a gentle build, I found myself wanting a bit more spark between them. The chemistry felt somewhat subdued, and I would’ve loved to see more emotional depth to really root for them as a couple.

The novel is told from multiple points of view, and I really appreciated how the story extended beyond Leah and Luke. One of the standout storylines for me was Lucy’s—an employee at The Sandy Page whose sister was critically injured in a car crash. While the mystery surrounding the accident wasn’t entirely unexpected, the emotional layers of Lucy’s journey and her family dynamics felt authentic and moving. Her arc was a highlight for me.

Another storyline I enjoyed followed Eudora, an older woman quietly confronting ghosts from her past. Her reflections added depth and heart to the story, reminding us that it’s never too late to heal or begin anew.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook edition, narrated by Mia Hutchison-Shaw. Her gentle, expressive performance perfectly matched the tone of the novel. Her narration added to the cozy, feel-good atmosphere and made this a lovely listen.

Final Thoughts:

The Sandy Page Bookshop is a heartfelt, multi-layered story about second chances, community, and finding home in unexpected places. If you enjoy books set in small towns with a touch of romance and emotional resonance, this one is worth adding to your summer reading list.

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Summer Light on Nantucket by Nancy Thayer