Review: Sea Glass Island

I had been looking forward to the final novel in Sherryl Woods' Ocean Breeze trilogy because I had enjoyed the first two books so much. Sea Glass Island was a great wrap up to the series and I loved reading it.

Here's the synopsis:

With her two younger sisters heading for the altar, will Samantha Castle exchange old dreams for new ones? Lately she'd rather be on the North Carolina coast with family than in New York with agents and actors. Though she vows not to let her teenage crush on Ethan Cole influence her decision, it's hard to ignore her feelings for the local war hero.
Ethan lost more than his leg in Afghanistan. He lost his belief in love. Even being surrounded by couples intent on capturing happily-ever-after won't open this jaded doctor's heart. It's going to take a sexy, determined woman—one who won't take no for an answer.

I was really interested in seeing how Samantha's story would play out. Ethan was her teenage crush and up to this point, she hasn't had any interaction with him. I didn't find that odd though. They hadn't had any reason to cross paths, even though he was best friends with her younger sister's fiance. The only thing that seemed strange was that the meddling didn't start until now. Of course, that wouldn't make sense in terms of the trilogy so it's easy to overlook! Anyway, I had no idea how Samantha and Ethan would interact and I liked that. All too often there aren't any surprises in a final book in a series like this. I loved reading along and watching as Samantha and Ethan tried to ignore their growing attraction for each other.

This wasn't just a romance novel. Like the other two novels, there was some soul searching required on behalf of the main character. Each sister had to truly think about what she wanted in life, and in love, before she was able to be happy at the end of the novel. In Samantha's case, she had to decide if she wanted to give up her whole actress-in-New-York lifestyle. It was nice to have something else going on other than just the romance - even though this one was a really fun love story to read about!

There's not much else I can say about this series that I haven't already said in my reviews of Sand Castle Bay and Wind Chime Point (links lead to my reviews), though I do think Samantha was my favourite! I definitely recommend Sherryl Woods' Ocean Breeze Trilogy to anyone looking for a sweet and enjoyable romantic read this summer. All three books are now published so no need to wait for another to be released! Go check them out and enjoy.

Happy reading :)

Review: Wind Chime Point

Last month I reviewed the first novel in Sherryl Woods' new series (you can catch up here.) Wind Chime Point is the second novel in the Ocean Breeze trilogy and, once again, Woods provided a sweet and entertaining romance.

Here's the synopsis:

Facing a personal crisis, ambitious and driven Gabriella Castle retreats to the welcoming arms of her family. Everything she's worked for has been yanked out from under her, and she seeks the serenity of her grandmother's home on the North Carolina coast. With difficult decisions to make about her future, the last thing she wants is an unexpected love.
Wade Johnson fell for Gabi the first time he saw her. It's not the only time he's found himself in the role of knight in shining armor, but Gabi isn't looking for a rescuer. To get her to stay, Wade will need a whole lot of patience and gentle persuasion… and maybe the soothing sound of wind chimes on a summer breeze.

I was a little hesitant about this one because I wasn't a huge fan of Gabi in the first book. I didn't dislike her, I just wondered if I'd want to read a whole book about her. She was so closed off and secretive and I didn't know how I could deal with her personality. Happily, I ended up really liking her, and her story, in book two. A bunch of life changes force her to reevaluate everything she's ever worked for and I think it changes her personality for the better.

I liked that we got to know more about Samantha, the sister who will be the focus of the final book. I think that's what my issue was going into this one - I didn't feel like I knew enough about Gabi. I knew who she'd end up with (and I know who Samantha will end up with) but I had no idea what her story would involve. There were more details given for everyone and everything, really, so I think that's what made me like this one a little bit more than book one. I finished Wind Chime Point being really excited for book three (which I just downloaded this week and will probably read this weekend because I just can't wait!) which I think is a sign of a good series.

I love the setting of these books. There's something about a beach town that I just love - maybe because I grew up surrounded by fabulous beaches. The quaint town complements the wonderful family ties that are so strong in this series. I love reading about the relationship between the sisters, they're so close but they bicker as siblings do, as well as the relationship they have with their grandmother. Cora Jane is one sassy lady and I think she's fabulous.

Overall, I think Wind Chime Point was a great addition to the Ocean Breeze series by Sherryl Woods. As I mentioned, I'm so excited to read Sea Glass Island to see how the story will end. Romance lovers should definitely check out this sweet and enjoyable series.

*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

Just Finished: Sand Castle Bay

If you’re looking for a sweet and easy to read romance, Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods is a great pick. This book is the first in the Ocean Breeze trilogy, a series that follows three sisters as they try to find love.

Here’s the synopsis:

In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved. For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.
Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?

I don’t typically read true romance novels (ie the ones you’d find in the romance section of your local bookstore) but every once and awhile a romance series will interest me. What caught my eye with this series was that it features a different sister in each book. I find that it’s more entertaining when all the males or females are related (as you’ll see in an upcoming review, I love the Inn Boonsboro series by Nora Roberts that features three brothers). There’s just an added tension and possibility for deeper conversations and connections when they’re siblings. Maybe that’s all in my head but I enjoy it so that’s all that matters, right?

The other thing about a series like this is that you can see the beginnings of the romances that will be featured in the following books. I have a feeling I know which guy each of the other sister's will end up with and I’m looking forward to seeing how that comes about. There are some obvious obstacles between the possible couples and it should make for some entertaining and emotional reading.

I have to say that I was expecting this series to be a little…well, spicier. I’m not sure why, exactly. The romance between Emily and Boone was sweet but there was a sexual tension that I expected to be described a little bit more. Instead, there wasn’t a single actual sex scene put into writing. Normally this kind of thing wouldn't bother me. I think because there were references to when they were younger and couldn’t keep their hands off each other that I was expecting a little bit...more. Not a deal breaker for me, just an observation. You could see this as a bonus if you’re not into reading sex scenes! 

Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods was an easy and enjoyable read. If you’re a romance reader looking for something to pick up, I’d recommend this one. I can’t wait to dive into book two, Wind Chime Point, which features another sister, Gabi (my review will be up May 2).  

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Harlequin, in exchange for an honest review*