This lively modern lifestyle story is mostly set in San Diego, with surfer dudes, barbecues and balmy air. A brother and sister and two lady friends have been close for twenty years, and they share troubles and some - but not all - of their secrets. Circle in the Sand is not a typical romance but has romantic aspects and will appeal to people who like reading depth of characterisation. The tensions are emotional rather than arising from action. I found that the switching between characters for each new chapter can be hard to keep up with as the people from similar backgrounds have similar voices. To be honest I did not get all that attached to any character although I did hope that matters would work out well for them.I'd previously read 'Emma Vs The Tech Guy' by Lia Fairchild and noticed common themes, with some characters stuck in grooves that they need to leave in order to grow. Clearly the author does a lot of thinking about modern life and the expectations we have, plus the expectations others have of us. I'll look forward to her next well-considered novel. ARC Was Given To Blog For Honest ReviewCircle In The Sand is a nostalgic, tug-at-your-heart-strings, feel-good type of read. It’s nostalgic in the sense that while reading this amazing life journey amongst four lifelong friends, you can’t help but reminisce and think back to your closest lifelong friends. The similarities the characters have to your life, the experiences, etc… Circle In The Sand makes you feel. It’s real life. Every situation in this book is relatable, something either ourselves personally have struggled with or helped someone close to us struggle with and try to help them get through.Sage, Jax, Emily, and Ned were childhood friends trying to maintain their strong tight bond as they have grown up, gone separate ways, and are starting to grow apart. I loved how each chapter was told in a different character’s point of view. You were able to truly develop a connection with each of them and really get to know them personally. Each of the four friends has their own story, their own secret that they are hiding, struggling to make the most out of their life and be the best person they can be, all while holding on to the past in hopes that that will be the key that keeps them together. Trying to come full circle. I felt connected to each character in this story in different ways and couldn’t help but relate them to people that are closest to me in my personal life. That I loved the most. Being able to relate and fully understand and grasp what they were all personally going through.Lia did a great job with this novel. It tugged on all my emotions and kept my attention from beginning to end, starting and ending with a smile. I look forward to reading her future works.
What do You think about Circle In The Sand (2014)?
Great read...loved the characters and the story line. I will probably read it again in a few months.
—Cherrybloom
very interesting read I like how the characters had their own chapters.
—fgfg
Good book about good friendships. Enjoyed the casual read
—maame
