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Holly Martin
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The Holiday Cottage by the Sea: An utterly gorgeous feel good romantic comedy (Sandcastle Bay Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Holly Martin (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,878 ratings
The new book from the bestselling author of Summer at Buttercup Beach. Escape to Sandcastle Bay, where you’ll discover a charming little seaside village brimming with heart-warming friendships, quirky characters and plenty of sunshine.

The perfect place to fall in love this summer…

Tori Graham is in need of a holiday. Trying to piece her heart back together after losing the love of her life, she escapes to Blossom Cottage, with its picturesque views of the sea. And plans to spend the summer in gorgeous Sandcastle Bay, where her best friend Melody Rosewood lives.

Tori’s not expecting her summer by the beach to be eventful, until she meets handsome and mysterious Aidan Jackson…

Aidan looks after the holiday cottage Tori is staying in. Healing from past hurts, he wants to avoid any further chance of heartache. But could this newcomer be the breath of fresh air he needs?

Finding herself embracing life in the coastal community, Tori starts to fall in love with Sandcastle Bay and its welcoming cast of residents. But that’s not all she begins to fall for, as Tori is swept away by Aidan’s genuine heart and mischievous sense of humour. The attraction between them is undeniable, but will a simple holiday romance be enough?

As Tori’s stay in Sandcastle Bay comes to an end she has a tough decision to make…. Has her heart found a new place to call home?

A joyously romantic summer read that will make you laugh, cry and fall in love. If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Jenny Oliver and Lucy Diamond this book is for you.

Read what everyone’s saying about The Holiday Cottage by the Sea:

‘I honestly could not have loved this book more… I loved every single page… gripping… absolutely hooked from the first page… you never want to put the book down!... stunningly written… Another brilliant novel by Holly Martin… go and pick up a copy now!!’ The Cosiest Corner, 5 stars

‘I was taken on a rollercoaster of emotions… Holly’s writing is just absolute pure genius! I could not tear myself away from this book!... I was literally stuck to the story like glue!... Her books leave me feeling all warm and happy inside… I would 100% recommend this book!... this book deserves a 10 star review!! If you buy any book this year, make it this one!!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘Holly has done it yet again… another outstanding story… wonderful, funny and so very heartfelt… My heart has well and truly melted with this delightful story… truly magical… I fell in love with the whole story’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Amazing… full of warmth, humour, love and friendship… a joy to read… The Holiday Cottage by the Sea is a smashing read leaving you crying with laughter.’ Chells and Books, 5 stars

‘Utterly enchanted by this incredibly romantic story... I devoured this book… utterly hilarious… I was laughing my head off... incredibly amusing…. this book captured my heart, and I read it in one sitting, completely absorbed… I am astounded… I would without a doubt highly recommend The Holiday Cottage by the Sea.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I do a little happy dance every time Holly has a new book out… this is a massive hug in book form. I absolutely adored this book… Holly has weaved her magic once again… You will simply fall in love with this book… you will not be able to put it down… I absolutely loved it. Fabulous.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Magical… ‬‬Holly always writes the most mesmerising and amazing love stories… so many heartwarming scenes.' Goodreads reviewer
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Sandcastle Bay Series
  2. Print length
    286 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 12, 2018
  5. File size
    1.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079HZ2F52
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (April 12, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 12, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 286 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,878 ratings

About the author

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Holly Martin

Holly Martin

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Holly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.

Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.

Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,878 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a perfect summer read, with a heartwarming story that's incredibly funny. The characters are relatable, and one customer particularly enjoys the flirting between Aiden and Tori. Customers describe the book as warm and easy to love.

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8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and perfect for summer reading, with one customer noting it's well written.

"...It is the perfect escapism I needed right now and I would submit to anyone who needs a mental vacation to pick up this book...." Read more

"An ok read." Read more

"The book is such a refreshing summer read. I plan to read more of the books in the series. Great job." Read more

"I enjoyed reading this book. Very well written." Read more

7 customers mention "Heartwarming"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, describing it as wonderful and cute, with one customer particularly noting its stunning setting in a rustic English village.

"...A lovely story about a wonderful town and it's people. The story between Tori and Aiden is a great one...." Read more

"...I had seen one of Holly's books in an Instagram post and the cover was cheerful and looked like the perfect thing I was looking for...." Read more

"...I kept thinking about these characters and the wonderful Sandcastle Bay, until I just gave up, dropped everything and continued reading...." Read more

"...threaded through the storyline and the characters are relatable and endearing...." Read more

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of Aiden and Tori, with one mentioning the hilarious flirting between them from the start.

"...A lovely story about a wonderful town and it's people. The story between Tori and Aiden is a great one...." Read more

"...The flirting between her and Aiden is hilarious from the start and their witty banter is as sexy as their physical chemistry...." Read more

"...dreams on my own little beach at our lake, inspired by Holly’s lovely stories! Thank you!!" Read more

"...Thank you for giving the world your incredible stories." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book incredibly funny, with one mentioning they laughed out loud at certain parts.

"...shocked to find myself utterly weeping at points, and then laughing out loud at others...." Read more

"...She is passionate about her job and hobbies, she is incredibly funny and a wonderfully loyal friend...." Read more

"...Her sense of humour is threaded through the storyline and the characters are relatable and endearing...." Read more

"I have read all the books and they are wonderful! Funny and lovable characters in wonderful settings that make you really want to be a part of the..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are relatable.

"It was a book to get lost in. Enjoyed the story and the characters. Would recommend you read and enjoy." Read more

"...Her sense of humour is threaded through the storyline and the characters are relatable and endearing...." Read more

"I have read all the books and they are wonderful! Funny and lovable characters in wonderful settings that make you really want to be a part of the..." Read more

3 customers mention "Ease of reading"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning it's a feel-good read for Holly fans.

"...As always, the characters in this latest page-turner are incredibly easy to love...." Read more

"...Definitely a feel-good read for Holly fans." Read more

"I loved this easy, sweet story of Aiden & Tori...." Read more

3 customers mention "Warmth"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book warm.

"...This book is not that but it has plenty of heat and sexiness to be satisfying and ticks all the passion boxes for me in a novel...." Read more

"I couldn't put this book down either. It was beautiful and it makes me feel warm and happy inside. Thank you to the author, Holly Martin!..." Read more

"Loved this book. Warm and cozy read." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • jenjen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is the first Holly Martin book I've read and I love this book! A lovely story about a wonderful town and it's people. The story between Tori and Aiden is a great one. Two people who have built walls around their hearts find each other with the help of family, friends, and the town! Fun story.
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  • Charlotte B.
    4.0 out of 5 stars The perfect summer read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I was looking for something I could casually read this summer after horrible quarantine and social unrest here in America. I had seen one of Holly's books in an Instagram post and the cover was cheerful and looked like the perfect thing I was looking for. I was surprised to see how many titles there were to choose from and I chose this one first. I have not read a rom com novel in probably 15 years so at first I wasn't sure if this was going to be something I'd stick with. I have to admit, the first several pages were slow for me but once Aiden and Tori met and their banter started, I was invested. I was shocked to find myself utterly weeping at points, and then laughing out loud at others. And the romantic plots of the friends and brothers, not to mention the dogs, were heartwarming and hopeful. As a teenager I read "bodice rippers" that were pornographically explicit (and unfortunately unintentionally hilarious). This book is not that but it has plenty of heat and sexiness to be satisfying and ticks all the passion boxes for me in a novel. I am writing this review on the heels of a global pandemic and a personal crisis of my own. If you're reading this here in summer of 2020 and you just can't bear more tragedy and heartbreak - then READ THIS BOOK! It has drama, it has some pain. But it is handled well and doesn't cause more than some momentary dramatic stress to get through. It elevates the 2020 reader over this terrible time in the world and into an idyllic haven where people care about each other, care about their futures and for their neighbors. It is the perfect escapism I needed right now and I would submit to anyone who needs a mental vacation to pick up this book. I've already ordered the book about Jamie and Melody so there's more merriment to be had!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Maryline
    5.0 out of 5 stars BRILLIANT
    Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This review was first published at M's Bookshelf

    I am in love with Holly Martin's version of the world. I would move there in a heartbeat. Yet another cute, rustic English village full of wonderful people... and very gorgeous men.
    As always, the characters in this latest page-turner are incredibly easy to love. Holly knows how to get her readers invested almost immediately, and leave them wanting - needing - more until way past closing that final chapter. I kept thinking about these characters and the wonderful Sandcastle Bay, until I just gave up, dropped everything and continued reading. True to Holly Martin's writing, she pulls those heartstrings mercilessly. Avoid reading this book in public, where there's no hiding behind big sunglasses or blaming those tears on hay fever ;-) I laughed out loud and fell in love with yet another gorgeous book boyfriend. Warning though for the real men in our lives: Aiden (and his brothers) set the bar (way) high. Swoon alert!
    I loved Tori as the main (female) character. She has her doubts and reservations when it comes to romance, but she's confident and unapologetic about who she is. She is passionate about her job and hobbies, she is incredibly funny and a wonderfully loyal friend. The flirting between her and Aiden is hilarious from the start and their witty banter is as sexy as their physical chemistry. The interesting careers and quirky hobbies, the wonderful friendships and family bonds add extra colour and flavour to this already 'joyously romantic' read in this stunning setting.
    Absolutely loved everything about this book. Bring on the next one, Holly!
    One person found this helpful
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  • charles niemi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It was a book to get lost in. Enjoyed the story and the characters. Would recommend you read and enjoy.
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  • Caryn Maxie
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm a huge Holly Martin fan- and I loved this book as much as her others
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a huge Holly Martin fan- and I loved this book as much as her others. Her sense of humour is threaded through the storyline and the characters are relatable and endearing. I also love the fact that the 'supporting actors' get to share their own stories in future books, so that one can get fully immersed in the uplifting world Holly has created. Definitely a feel-good read for Holly fans.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully creative and fun to read!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I have read all the books and they are wonderful! Funny and lovable characters in wonderful settings that make you really want to be a part of the story. They make your heart happy!
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  • misslyn
    4.0 out of 5 stars ok
    Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    An ok read.
    Helpful
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  • GAP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Happy thoughts...
    Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this easy, sweet story of Aiden & Tori. On my way to purchase Isla & Leo’s story... I’ve already thoroughly enjoyed Melody & Jamie’s romance although I got the sequence wrong and started with the second book in the series...which mattered naught! Summer dreams on my own little beach at our lake, inspired by Holly’s lovely stories! Thank you!!
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Lynne, Australia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best romance ever!!!
    Reviewed in Australia on June 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I completely fell in love with this story & its characters. Tori & Aidan are simply delightful, as is their fun filled & passionate romance. Their family and friends are equally likeable ... and the romantic air in the village is very cute. Please tell us more of Tori & Aidans life together, Holly. Why not do a series? They are such gorgeous characters.... please ...
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  • Harish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another beautiful book from holly martin
    Reviewed in India on July 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I don't know how holly martin's words create this imaginary world that she creates with her stories and we travel and stay with the characters day in day out being with them in their highs and lows and get really happy when they get their happily ever afters. This one is surely recommended to all who wants to feel happy for a few hours
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  • Clare Perry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Romantic Comedy- Please I need more of Tori & Aidan to finish the story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is an amazing 5***** Book, I was totally engrossed with time flying before my very eyes. The story centres around Isla, Melody and Tori, they have been friends forever the book starts with Tori travelling to an idealist amazing seaside setting, her friends have moved here back from London she is joining them for 2 weeks, a break from her work and in return for free accommodation she will be helping with fruit picking each day while topping up her tan. There is also mixed in lots of secrets and shared history which is slowly revealed.

    Holly has an excellent quality in describing her characters so well, which I like to picture in my head. On arrival she comes to a halt with sheep in the road and being chased by a turkey. The crux of the story is central to Tori, where the person she is helping is Aidan sparks fly when they first meet and there mad aunt who has a gift for telling fortunes and predicting who will fall in love, get married etc. This person starts to kindly interfere and soon certain scenarios pan out which is totally hilarious. The fruit which is being picked is associated to traditions where , it needs to be picked at certain times and is linked After arriving in the village Tori finds out she will be picking at night rather than daytime as first thought and is told she will marry Aidan within the year and have 5 children which must be complete rubbish.

    There is so much natural chemistry between Tori and Aidan, both trying not to fall in love due to past relationship issues causing them to be cautious. Luckily this does not last long, it is an amazing book and I wish it didn’t have to end. It really takes you back to that feeling of first love and the little things which are so important within a relationship this one really hit a chord with me and rooting to see more of this couple.
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  • Moumita Debnath
    4.0 out of 5 stars Review
    Reviewed in India on September 19, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Thank you so much for delivering the product in a good condition. I'll write more after I read the story. I have bought it when the price was low enough as to my convinience. Thanks for the offer!
    This a vacation feel good story for sure. I read first a sample on Google PlayBooks, then decided to read it further.
    :)

    I am looking for free bookmarks with books that I order Amazon. Please could you fulfill my request to place bookmarks on my next book orders?
    Previously I used to receive them, but now it has stopped.
    Customer image
    Moumita Debnath
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Review

    Reviewed in India on September 19, 2020
    Thank you so much for delivering the product in a good condition. I'll write more after I read the story. I have bought it when the price was low enough as to my convinience. Thanks for the offer!
    This a vacation feel good story for sure. I read first a sample on Google PlayBooks, then decided to read it further.
    :)

    I am looking for free bookmarks with books that I order Amazon. Please could you fulfill my request to place bookmarks on my next book orders?
    Previously I used to receive them, but now it has stopped.
    Images in this review
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    Report
  • Lowanna
    2.0 out of 5 stars Repetitive, same old same old
    Reviewed in Germany on May 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I used to love Holly's books. The White Cliff Bay books for instance were very sweet and the characters had a little bit of depth. This time though.. The dialogues (and trail of thoughts) were veeery repetitive and unrealistic ("can I really trust him? Should I really fall in love again? Oh no but I can't! But I want to! He doesn't love me, does he? But he says he does...)
    And the characters seemingly change their minds every three seconds..
    So I am really hoping this is not the new quality that can be expected from Holly in the future..
    Report

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