Let me start by saying this: if you're craving a book that feels like a warm hug from a Hallmark movie, Saving Sandcastles delivers. The seaside town of Lobster Bay is so vividly described, I could practically smell the saltwater and taste Claire's sandcastle-shaped cupcakes (which, by the way, sound *divine*).

But here's the thing—Claire, our main character, drove me nuts. Her mistrust of Rob, the new bread-shop owner across the street, felt over-the-top. Girl, he’s just selling sourdough, not plotting world domination! The tension dragged on way too long, though I’ll admit their childhood-kiss backstory added a cute layer.

The real stars? The friendship trio of Claire, Jane, and Maxi. Their bond—tested by empty nests, loss, and family drama—felt authentic and heartwarming. Jane’s struggle with her mom’s dementia was handled with surprising tenderness for such a 'light' read.

Plot-wise, it’s predictable (yes, the bakeries eventually coexist peacefully), but sometimes that’s exactly what you need. The ex-husband subplot? A tad ridiculous. But Rob’s bread shop vs. Claire’s cupcakes? Adorable chaos.

Final verdict: Perfect for beach bags or when you need low-stakes escapism. Just brace yourself for Claire’s stubbornness—and maybe bake some cupcakes while reading to fully immerse yourself.