Let’s talk about Saving Sandcastles—a book that feels like a warm hug but occasionally makes you side-eye the characters. The seaside town of Lobster Bay is charming, and Claire’s bakery? I could practically smell the cupcakes. But oh boy, her mistrust of Rob (the hot bread-shop owner) dragged on like a bad Wi-Fi connection.

The friendships here are the real stars. Jane, Maxi, and Claire’s bond? Heartwarming. They’ve survived life’s gut-punches together, and their loyalty made me wish I had a trio like that. But Claire’s stubbornness? Exhausting. Girl, just admit you remember that childhood kiss already!

The plot’s predictability is both a pro and con. It’s comforting—like knowing your coffee order will always be right—but the ‘evil rival bakery’ trope felt overbaked (pun intended). Still, if you want a low-stakes, Hallmark-esque escape with a side of frosting drama, this delivers. Just don’t expect Shakespeare.