"After so much heartbreak can two lonely people find love with each other?"
Reviewed by Kathyrn Little
Posted January 14, 2012
Romance Romantic
Deborah and Asa have both lost people very important to
them. When they meet in Sanctuary Cove, the two wonder if
there just might be hope for a happier life. Deborah's
husband died at a young age, leaving Deborah lonely and
willing to pack up and move to Sanctuary Cove, a familiar
place. Dr. Asa lost his family and travels from place to
place, hoping to find meaning in his life. When the two
meets, they know that they could potentially turn into to
something more than just acquaintances. However, it is up to
Deborah and Asa to decide whether or not they wish to follow
that route and expose their still raw hearts again. Deborah's a sweet character. Even through her loss, she
remains mostly optimistic and cheerful. Dr. Asa took his
loss hard and more or less wears it on his shoulder. He
isn't so optimistic, he can be gloomy but still maintain his
charisma. Their relationship is sweet and will remind the
reader of fresh starts, the development from acquaintances
to friends to lovers, is fun to watch. SANCTUARY COVE isn't a long read, but the author writes in
such a fluid way that it captures the readers' attention
from the word go. The ending is surprising and satisfying.
There is an epilogue the reader will love at the end. A
sweet, charming romance, SANCTUARY COVE is a quick read you
will remember.
SUMMARY
Sometimes love is the simplest choice of all. Still reeling from her husband's untimely death, Deborah
Robinson needs a fresh start. So she decides to pack up her
family, box up her bookstore, and return to her
grandmother's ancestral home on Cavanaugh Island. The
charming town of Sanctuary Cove holds happy memories for
Deborah. And, after she spies a gorgeous stranger in the
local bakery, it promises the possibility for a bright, new
future. Dr. Asa Monroe is at a crossroads. Ever since the loss of
his family, he has been on a quest for faith and meaning,
traveling from one town to another. When he meets Deborah,
the beautiful bookstore owner with the warm eyes and sunny
smile, Asa believes he has finally found a reason to stay in
one place. As friendship blossoms into romance, Deborah and Asa
discover they may have a second chance at love. But small
towns have big secrets. Before they can begin their new life
together, the couple must confront a challenge they never
expected . . .
ExcerptLowering his leg, Asa settled back in his chair and crossed
his arms over his chest, while cursing Mabel Kelly's
timing. Just when his attempt to engage Deborah Robinson in
conversation had begun, it was thwarted by the owner of the
Muffin Corner. He'd been in Sanctuary Cove for a little
more than two months, and Deborah Robinson was the first
woman who'd made him sit up and take notice. Her face was
flawless, with a light sprinkling of freckles over the
bridge of her nose, high cheekbones, and a lush mouth. When
she smiled it just wasn't with her mouth, but also her
eyes. And they'd sparkled with laughter during the brief
seconds they'd stared at each other in the Muffin Corner
and again at Jack's. He glanced at her bare fingers.
Deborah had introduced herself as Ms. Robinson, which
probably meant she was either unmarried and/or divorced,
and what he hadn't realized during those seconds in the
little pastry shop was that she was someone he'd like to
get to know better.... Before we start our official meeting I'd like to
acknowledge a few new faces. Those who are here for the
first time should know you're always welcome." He stared
directly at Deborah. "Mrs. Robinson, on behalf of those on
the town council and all who live in the Cove I would like
to offer my condolences for your husband's accidental
drowning as he tried to rescue a young man. He truly was a
hero, and if there is anything you or your children need,
please do not hesitate to call my office."
Deborah swallowed to relieve the constriction in her throat
as a swell of emotion made it difficult for her to draw a
normal breath, because she hadn't expected Spencer to put
her on the spot. But she should have known he would
acknowledge everyone in town, new and old. His tone and
words, along with his cropped hair, tailored suit, flawless
brown skin, and even features, made him the consummate
politician. She wondered if he would be content to remain
mayor of Sanctuary Cove, or whether he might set his sights
on a position with more visibility— something
loftier.
"Thank you, Mayor White."
Spencer nodded. "For those who are unfamiliar with
Deborah Robinson, she is the granddaughter of our own
Sallie Ann and James Williams." He paused when there was a
spatter of applause. "My office also has received official
notification that the Robinsons will now make Sanctuary
Cove their legal residence." He flashed a toothpaste-ad
smile. "Welcome home, Deborah."
Eyelids fluttering to stem the flow of tears pricking
the backs of her lids, Deborah flashed a demure smile.
"Thank you again."
Spencer's eyebrows lifted a fraction as he returned her
smile. "Isn't there something else you'd like to tell your
fellow residents?"
All eyes were trained on Deborah as she stared straight
ahead. What was he talking about? Did the mayor know
something she should have known? A pregnant silence ensued
until it finally came to her. "Yes, there is. I'll be
opening a bookstore at the corner of Main and Moss Alley."
Her announcement was followed by rousing applause. "If any
of you know someone looking for a part- time position,
please tell them to stop by the old gift shop off Moss
Alley."
"When do you expect your grand opening?" Spencer asked,
flashing a practiced smile.
"I'll call your office and let you know so we can have a
ribbon- cutting ceremony." Deborah almost burst out
laughing when she saw his smile fade, as if someone had
stuck Spencer with a sharp object. She'd usurped him,
because she knew he'd wanted to mention the ribboncutting
that had become an important component of his
administration.
"Let's hope it's soon." Shifting his attention from
Deborah to another, Spencer nodded to an elderly couple
sitting in the front row. "Sir, madam, do you mind telling
us why you've come to Sanctuary Cove?"
"I'm Shelly Miner and this is my husband Ralph. We're
from Edina, Minnesota," the wife announced proudly, "and as
snowbirds we usually winter in a different place every
year. This year it's Sanctuary Cove." She held up a
hand. "And before you ask, Mayor White, I know I speak for
Ralph as well when I say your town is wonderful." Shifting
on her chair, she wagged a finger at Deborah. "And, young
lady, I'll be waiting for you to open that bookstore."
Spencer laughed with the others. He gestured to
Asa. "Sir, do you mind telling us what brought you to
Sanctuary Cove?"
"I'm Asa Monroe. I'm a first- time snowbird, and this is
my first visit to the Carolina Lowcountry and hopefully it
won't be my last."
"Are you enjoying your stay, Mr. Monroe?" Spencer asked.
Asa smiled. "Most definitely."
Spencer smiled like a Cheshire cat. "Perhaps we can get
you and Mr. and Mrs. Miner to consider living here year-
round."
"It is something to think about," Asa said.
"Try not to think too hard, Mr. Monroe." Again, there
was laughter.
There were more introductions before Spencer White
rapped his gavel, officially opening the meeting. There
were reports from Sheriff Jeffrey Hamilton; the
commissioner of roads and transportation, who informed the
assembly that Sanctuary Cove had been awarded a grant from
the state to repair the sidewalks and parking lots in the
business district; and a very lengthy report from the
town's treasurer. Then Spencer rapped his gavel again,
announcing a fifteen- minute recess.
Asa checked his watch. It was eight-fifteen. He'd come
to the library to look for something to read, but when he
checked the community bulletin board in the lobby and found
the announcement for the open town council meeting he'd
decided to stay and observe some of the proceedings.
What he hadn't expected to find was the woman who'd
occupied his thoughts since the first time he saw her. Now
that he knew her name and that she was opening a bookstore,
there was no reason for him to stay for the remainder of
the meeting.
Asa saw Deborah talking with the sheriff, the lawman
tucking a curl that had escaped the elastic band on the
nape of her neck behind Deborah's ear. The scene was so
tender and intimate that he felt like a voyeur. Mixed
feelings surged through Asa. He found himself lusting after
a woman he knew nothing about, other than her name, that
she was going to open a bookstore, and that she had a
teenage son. He knew Jeffrey Hamilton wasn't married, so
there was the remote possibility that he and Deborah were
seeing each other. However, in a town as small as Sanctuary
Cove it would be easy enough to find out.
He left the library and began walking back to the Cove
Inn. The library was a twenty- minute brisk walk to the
boardinghouse, and now he wished he'd driven. Walking
allowed him time to think— something he hadn't wanted
to do. At least inside his Range Rover he could turn on the
radio or listen to a CD. Shoving his hands into the pockets
of his jeans, Asa stared straight ahead as he made his way
back to what he thought of as his temporary home.
Once he closed the door to his room, he could grieve
without having to explain to anyone why he didn't want to
talk. Asa knew he had to do something to keep himself busy.
He was forty- six, much too young to retire, although
financially he could maintain a very comfortable lifestyle
well into old age. He'd closed his practice, referred his
patients to another physician, put his house on the market,
and submitted an application to Doctors Without Borders.
...
"Mr. Monroe."
Asa turned when he heard someone call his name. Sitting
on a stone bench near the fountain in the town square was
Rachel Dukes's brother-in law and the boardinghouse's
handyman. It was nearly impossible to pinpoint his age
despite the lines and creases in his lean jaw and forehead.
The man's coloring and features reminded Asa of ebony
African masks he'd seen at craft shows and museums. He wore
a short- sleeved white shirt with a pair of sharply creased
khakis.
Asa extended his hand. "Good evening, Mr. Walker."
"That it is," Jake Walker replied. Asa shook the
proffered well- groomed hand. "Nice night for walking or
sitting outside." Jake gestured to several couples sitting
across the square. "They think so, too."
Since he'd moved into the boardinghouse, Asa couldn't
remember hearing the taciturn man say any more than morning
or evening . "That it is," he said. The square was brightly
lit and nighttime temperatures were in the low seventies.
"Sit down and rest yourself, Mr. Monroe." Waiting until
Asa sat facing him, Jake smiled as a network of fine lines
fanned out around his raven- black eyes. "You came from the
meeting?"
Asa nodded, smiling. "Yes."
"How did you like it?"
"It was interesting."
"Interesting how?"
"I would have never anticipated the mayor would ask
tourists to introduce themselves."
Crossing his feet at the ankles, Jake stared at the toes
of his scuffed work boots. "We do things different 'round
here, 'specially now with Spencer White as the new mayor.
He is a little bit of a blowhard, but we think he really
wants the best for the Cove."
Asa wanted to tell Jake that the man was more pompous
than a blowhard, and was probably using his position as
mayor as a stepping stone to advance his political
career. "What about the mayors in Haven Creek and Angels
Landing?"
The seconds ticked by and Jake stared at his hands
sandwiched between his knees. "Folks in the Cove don't have
much to do with folks in the Creek or Landing, and vice
versa."
"Are you saying you don't visit the other parts of the
island?"
"That's not what I'm saying. I go to Angels Landing to
visit my kin, but they don't like coming here." He smiled
when Asa told him about his attempt to drive to Angels
Landing. "You can't drive there from here. You've got to go
on foot, because it's too swampy to drive. Even with four-
wheel drive you still can get stuck."
Asa gave the older man an incredulous look. "I'm not
about to go walking in a swamp."
Jake grunted. "There's nothing to it, son. You just put
on a pair of boots that come to the knee and head due
northwest. The boots are to protect your ankles from them
moccasins and copperheads. It would also help if you bring
a rifle 'cause you never know what else might jump out at
you."
"That's okay. The next time I'll take the causeway." Asa
glanced at his watch. He wanted to return to the
boardinghouse and check his e-mail on his laptop. "Are you
ready to go back?"
Jake had revealed that he and his wife moved into the
bungalow behind the boardinghouse after their children
married and moved away. He'd wanted to ask the older man
about Deborah and Jeffrey, but changed his mind. That was
something he would uncover himself— tomorrow.
"Yeah, I guess so." Jake rose slowly to his feet,
swaying slightly until he regained his balance. "I sit out
here most nights because I can't stand the chatter of the
folks setting in the parlor. When you get to my age, son,
you need a little peace and quiet." Smiling, Asa slowed his
stride to accommodate the much shorter man. "I know what
you mean." After the evening meal, the boarders gathered in
the parlor to either play cards or board games. An open bar
with cordials was available for those who wanted some
liquid libation. Those who imbibed too much usually fell
asleep where they sat, while others became more animated.
It was only when Rachel dimmed the lights at ten that they
put away their games and retreated to their suites. Both
men turned when they heard two short taps from a car's horn.
Jake stopped, waving to Deborah when she maneuvered over
to the curb. "Hey, Missy."
Deborah lowered the passenger- side window, leaning to
her right. "Mr. Walker. Asa. Can I give you a ride back to
the boardinghouse?"
"I don't mind if it won't put you out," Jake said.
"Please get in. You, too, Asa."
Asa rested a hand on Jake's shoulder. "You go. I'll
walk."
The older man took a step, moving closer to Asa so
Deborah couldn't overhear him. "Look, son, around here when
someone offers to do you a favor you accept it. Not to is
an insult. Now, please get in the car."
Knowing he'd just been chastised, Asa opened the
passenger- side door, waiting until Jake was comfortably
seated and belted in before he slipped onto the backseat.
The subtle scent of perfume wafted in his nostrils. It
was the same fragrance Deborah Robinson wore the day he saw
her in the Muffin Corner.
What had shocked him was Mayor White offering his
condolences on the drowning of her husband, which meant she
was recently widowed. The mayor had also welcomed her home,
leading Asa to surmise that she'd left Sanctuary Cove but
had come back to live.
She'd lost her husband and he his wife. There were
similarities yet one profound difference. He'd also lost
his child, while she still had hers. Staring out the side
window, Asa watched the slowly passing landscape. The
bright lights from the town square disappeared, replaced by
an occasional streetlight, then complete darkness as they
left the downtown area.
The in-ground miniature solar lights lining the driveway
led to the sprawling two- story structure that once had
been the winter residence of a Charleston- based cotton
planter before the Civil War. They reminded Asa of those on
an airport runway. Rachel Dukes told each of her new
boarders that she'd invested her blood, sweat, and tears in
restoring the mansion to its original magnificence, and
prided herself on offering services comparable to those
found at the finest mainland-based hotels.
He could attest to that because the décor was
quintessential antebellum and the cuisine classic
lowcountry.
At times, the charming southern hospitality generated by
Rachel left Asa feeling slightly overwhelmed. The
housekeeping staff moved about the eight–thousand
squarefoot, twenty-two room house silently and efficiently.
At any given time a white- glove examination would not pick
up a speck of dust anywhere.
He was out of the car as soon as it stopped, to assist
Jake who was slower exiting. Bending lower, Asa smiled at
Deborah. He extended his hand. Her bare face shimmered
under the lights from the dashboard. "Thank you very much
for the ride."
She returned his smile and took his hand. "It was my
pleasure. Good night, Asa."
He closed the door, took a step back, and stared at the
red taillights of the silver-gray sedan. Waiting until she
disappeared from view, Asa turned and mounted the steps to
the porch, walking around to a side door. He wanted to
avoid the small crowd that had gathered in the parlor.
Every time they'd asked him to join them he'd turned them
down. It had reached a point where the other guests had
begun avoiding him at breakfast and dinner, leaving him to
sit alone while he ate in the formal dining room; he knew
they thought him strange or maybe even a little crazy. He
didn't want to answer their endless questions, while at the
same time regurgitating his life story to strangers.
Taking a back staircase, he made it to his room without
encountering anyone. He unlocked the door, reached for the
Do Not Disturb placard and slipped it on the doorknob,
closing and locking the door.
Walking over to the casement windows, he opened them and
stepped out onto the veranda. The chaises positioned
outside the other rooms were unoccupied. It wasn't often he
had the veranda to himself, but tonight had to be his lucky
night. Flopping down on the thick cushion, Asa ran his hand
over his face, then went completely still. The lingering
scent of Deborah's perfume clung to his palm.
He inhaled deeply, trying to identify what made up the
notes to the fragrance. He recognized musk and vanilla but
there was another component that made it distinctive,
memorable like its wearer.
There was something about Deborah that stirred emotions
Asa did not want to feel— at least not consciously.
Her beauty, smile, and feminine smell made him feel desire,
something he'd sworn off after his wife was killed.
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