Cory is but 4 years old playing on a warm, sandy beach when he is confronted by the unacceptable news of his daddy's death. Tormented by grief multiplied by her son's tears and rage, Cory's mother is unable to comfort her angry and emotional son. Her own tears are endless. Then, Ol' Joe appears on the beach and begins playing in the sands, building castles with Cory. Ol' Joe builds castles that are "just right." Cory is caught up in the process of this new, well planned method of building fortresses. Life's lessons are taught as the sands become the castles. The pain of loss and its resulting anger ebb away as the waves and sunsets move the castles back into the sands and the days become years. The repetition of life cycles - day / night, laughter / tears, love / heartache, tides in / tides out - a rhythm to life is found in Sand Castles and Sunsets. Readers will find this natural rhythm comforting, full of emotion and purpose. In spite of the rhythm - or because of it - there is a natural flow. Peace comes. Cory finds hope and promise for a new joy-filled day.