Sandpiper Island

By Donna Kauffman

"Charming characters, emotion galore, a small town--you're going to love Donna Kauffman!" --Lori Foster

Ford Maddox was running from his past when he came back to Blueberry Cove, Maine, where he'd tasted both heartache and comfort. With feisty Delia O'Reilly there to cheer him on, he couldn't have picked a better place to start over--even if he's determined to do it alone in his island tree house, working to save endangered seabirds... and himself.  But when he finds Delia fighting to hold on to her local diner, and all that's best about their little seaside town, Ford has to lend a hand. Suddenly two fiercely independent people are building something sweeter than they ever imagined... together.

DIY is so much better with two...

Includes an easy do-it-yourself restoration project!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781420137071

Donna Kauffman

Donna was first published with Bantam's Loveswept line in 1993. After 14 books, she moved on to write contemporary single titles for Bantam. In 2001, she returned to her category roots and had her first release from Harlequin's Temptation line. Walk on the Wild Side was the number one selling Temptation on Amazon the week of its release. Donna is also writing for Harlequin's Blaze line. She enjoys creating characters that like to push the edge a little. Donna lives in Virginia with her husband and rapidly growing sons. She also has a rapidly growing menagerie of pets. Her two Australian terrors, er, terriers, were recently joined by a baby cockatoo named Cha Cha. Donna's husband is fairly sure it won't end there. Donna's fairly sure he's right.

Reviews for Sandpiper Island

[arlenadean · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: Sandpiper IslandAuthor: Donna KauffmanPublisher: KensingtonSeries: Bachelors of Blueberry Cove # 3Reviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: 4.5Review:"Sandpiper Island" by Donna KauffmanBook Description....Ford Maddox was running from his past when he came back to Blueberry Cove, Maine, where he'd tasted both heartache and comfort. With feisty Delia O'Reilly there to cheer him on, he couldn't have picked a better place to start over—even if he's determined to do it alone in his island tree house, working to save endangered seabirds . . . and himself. But when he finds Delia fighting to hold on to her local diner, and all that's best about their little seaside town, Ford has to lend a hand. Suddenly two fiercely independent people are building something sweeter than they ever imagined . . . together.DIY is so much better with two...Includes an easy do-it-yourself restoration project!What I liked about this novel....This novel may have started out somewhat slow but it does pick up here in Blueberry Clove where you will not want to put it down until the end. Ford and Delia were in their 40's and I liked the couples being of a older bunch of folks for this romantic read setting in the small town of Maine called Sandpiper Island. Ford had met earlier while in the military and he had the 'unenviable task of bringing back Delia's brother after he was killed in service to his country. It was then when after one night of passion they had shared then Ford returns to the military service. After much time as passed Ford (ex -Military) is now working for a conservation projected in Sandpiper Island which really brought out to this island regarding the study of the species of birds in this contemporary romance read. All of this was brought out so well by this author in the read and especially with Ford being so 'stoic and self contained' living in a 'tree house' on this island. Would Ford and Delia be able to get passed what had happened in the past that it was only one night when they were just helping each other during such a trying time in their lives? Will Ford live his hibernation on this island to help his sister and Delia's diner from this developed who was after Delia's land even though she didn't want his help? This storyline will keep you reading as this author gives us such well developed, defined, colorful and believable characters as many twist and turns come forth. I loved how these two main characters were finally able to 'rediscover things about themselves while experiencing the magic that was in Sandpiper Island.' "Sandpiper Island" was definitely one of those 'Bachelors of Blueberry Cove' series that I wasn't able to put down due to the fact I wanted to find out what had happened and I am so glad I did. In the end one of my favorite parts was the 'Atlantic Puffin' rescue scene which proved to be quite a interesting read giving the reader a real breathtaking scenes along with some wonderful people with some realistic issues and yes, even struggles lived with from day to day. It was very interesting seeing Ford and Delia become friends again, then lovers and in the end true love was showed...wow what a read! After the novel this author has put at her ...how to "Create Your Own Indoor Miniature Water Garden" that I found most fascinating!

[bette_hansen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderfully heartwarming story that I didn't want to end. After years of hiding away on Sandpiper Island, Ford Maddox is back in the Cove to help the one person who has ever touched his heart. Delia is about to lose her diner but Ford is determined to stop it. When these to extremely independent people finally see how working together can be so much better their live are changed forever. This is a fantastic book that everyone should read. I highly recommend it!

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After reading Half Moon Harbor, the story of Ford's sister Grace, I couldn't wait to delve into Ford's book. Ford made his first visit to Blueberry Cove many years earlier when he accompanied the body of his friend and battle-buddy home after Tommy was killed. He and Tommy's sister, Delia, shared a night of passion fueled by their mutual grief. Then Ford returned to duty. When Ford left the military, he was looking for someplace where he could be alone and at peace. He was drawn back to Blueberry Cove and specifically to Sandpiper Island. He earned his doctorate and became a bird biologist, working with endangered seabirds. Haunted by the memories of his past, Ford keeps his emotions locked down, refusing to care for anyone to protect his heart. Ford spends most of his time on the island, where he lives in an awesome treehouse complex and devotes his time to the birds. Then Grace calls to tell him that Delia's diner is in trouble and asks him to help her. Try as he might to ignore the request, telling himself that it's none of his business, Ford's protective instincts kick in, and he heads for the Cove. Delia has lived in Blueberry Cove all her life. She spent hours at the diner with her grandmother while growing up and worked there as she grew older. Over the years, Delia has lost everyone she ever loved and has walled her heart away in fear of losing someone else she loves. The diner and her customers are the closest things she has to family. Now a local millionaire wants the land her diner occupies for his yacht club, and she is in danger of losing everything. She doesn't know what she'll do without the diner, but she doesn't know what she can or should do about it. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Ford and Delia develop. They've been friends of a sort for thirteen years, ever since Ford's return. They never speak of that night and ignore the attraction that still exists between them, though Delia can't claim she never thinks about it. In fact, it pops into her mind at inconvenient times. When Ford shows up unexpectedly, offering to help, her pride kicks in, and she sends him away. She brought the problem on herself and will deal with it, whatever she decides to do. Ford has trouble accepting that and goes looking for help on how to help her. I loved his visit to Eula and her shop. Her advice to Ford is spot-on, as are her eye-opening comments about his attitude. I laughed out loud at her remarks about him and her tree. I loved the interactions between Ford and Delia, as he fought to help her, and she fought to keep him at a distance. I loved how Ford eventually accepted her refusal of help but still managed to be there when she needed him. He comforted and cared for her when she needed it and stood behind her when that was all she would allow. My favorite part is when Delia goes with Ford to rescue a baby puffin. Not only did I love their teamwork and seeing their walls begin to dissolve, but I also learned a few things about the Atlantic Puffin. Dropping their walls also gave the sparks between them the opportunity to ignite and their hearts to open. I liked how those few hours away from her troubles helped Delia identify her needs. Their stay on the island ended abruptly with distressing news from the diner. Delia has been at a disadvantage because millionaire Brooks Winstock has more money and an in with the town council. Though the initial problem with the lease is Delia's fault, Winstock shows no care for town traditions. I still don't like him and his daughter and son-in-law, who are all entitled creeps. When the mayor and council pull an incredibly sneaky move, one of Delia's employees rallies the troops. I liked the ending scene, as Delia does some rallying of her own to force accountability. Fortunately, Grace comes up with the perfect solution to Delia's problem.