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Ocean Breeze #3
Sea Glass Island
Under summer skies, New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods evokes family, friendship and heartfelt emotion
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.
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.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2013
932 people are currently reading
2901 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
555 books4,523 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
January 11, 2014
no plot or depth. boring. Will never pick up another book by this author. could not even get through it.
November 2, 2019
Very good conclusion to the series. Samantha is an actress who lives in New York and is headed home for her sister Emily's wedding. In the previous book, Wind Chime Point, her career was slowing down, so her sister Gabi, a PR specialist, helped give it a boost. That boost didn't last, and now Samantha realizes that she's lost the passion that drove her early career. Going home will give her the chance to look at her options and come up with a plan. Getting involved with her teenage crush was not in the plan.
Ethan came home from the war after losing part of his leg and opened a clinic in his hometown. After being dumped by his fiancée because he wasn't "whole," Ethan became jaded and cynical about love. As the best man for Emily and Boone's wedding, he's surrounded by people that do believe. This puts him at a disadvantage when the bride's family seems determined to push him into Samantha's arms.
I liked both Samantha and Ethan. Samantha is independent and focused, even when she's having a career crisis. Her family means everything to her, which shows in her determination to do whatever her sister needs. She is also very observant, a side effect of her work as an actress. Ethan is a good man whose heart was stomped on by his ex. It did a number on his confidence in his appeal to women, and as a result, he built up some pretty solid walls around his heart. The only ones who get through them are the kids he works with. I loved seeing him use his experiences to help children adapt to injuries like his.
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Samantha and Ethan. As maid of honor and best man, they need to be able to work together. Because her family is well aware of that teenage crush, they are determined to push Samantha and Ethan together whenever possible. Though the sparks fly whenever they are together, Ethan is particularly resistant. It doesn't take long for Samantha to be ready to see where those sparks take them. She knows that she is risking heartbreak, but if she can break through his walls, it will be worth it. I loved seeing how well she understood Ethan and his fears and knew when to push and when to back off. Ethan knew he was fighting a losing battle, but his fears went very deep. Just when things looked very promising, they found themselves in the middle of a minor scandal. I wanted to shake Ethan because he used what happened as an excuse to push Samantha away, convincing himself that she would leave anyway. I was also mad at him for failing to support her when she needed him. He did finally redeem himself in a very satisfying manner, but he still let his pride hold him back. I loved Samantha's strength as she stood up for herself and her needs. I liked his big moment at the end as he finally let go of his fears and his pride. The epilogue was a great wrap-up for the book.
A good part of the story was spent on Samantha's career crisis and what she was going to do about it. I loved watching her at the high school and how the drama kids inspired her. I especially liked her connection with Cass. I ached for Samantha when she had to deal with Ethan's attitude and lack of belief in her plans. It was hard to see Samantha's insecurities over her chances to make those plans work, especially when she hit that bump in the road. It was great to see the support she got from her family. When they talked about bringing in guest actors, etc., I immediately thought of Bree from Flowerson Main. It would have been fun to see her provide some advice to Samantha.
Ethan came home from the war after losing part of his leg and opened a clinic in his hometown. After being dumped by his fiancée because he wasn't "whole," Ethan became jaded and cynical about love. As the best man for Emily and Boone's wedding, he's surrounded by people that do believe. This puts him at a disadvantage when the bride's family seems determined to push him into Samantha's arms.
I liked both Samantha and Ethan. Samantha is independent and focused, even when she's having a career crisis. Her family means everything to her, which shows in her determination to do whatever her sister needs. She is also very observant, a side effect of her work as an actress. Ethan is a good man whose heart was stomped on by his ex. It did a number on his confidence in his appeal to women, and as a result, he built up some pretty solid walls around his heart. The only ones who get through them are the kids he works with. I loved seeing him use his experiences to help children adapt to injuries like his.
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Samantha and Ethan. As maid of honor and best man, they need to be able to work together. Because her family is well aware of that teenage crush, they are determined to push Samantha and Ethan together whenever possible. Though the sparks fly whenever they are together, Ethan is particularly resistant. It doesn't take long for Samantha to be ready to see where those sparks take them. She knows that she is risking heartbreak, but if she can break through his walls, it will be worth it. I loved seeing how well she understood Ethan and his fears and knew when to push and when to back off. Ethan knew he was fighting a losing battle, but his fears went very deep. Just when things looked very promising, they found themselves in the middle of a minor scandal. I wanted to shake Ethan because he used what happened as an excuse to push Samantha away, convincing himself that she would leave anyway. I was also mad at him for failing to support her when she needed him. He did finally redeem himself in a very satisfying manner, but he still let his pride hold him back. I loved Samantha's strength as she stood up for herself and her needs. I liked his big moment at the end as he finally let go of his fears and his pride. The epilogue was a great wrap-up for the book.
A good part of the story was spent on Samantha's career crisis and what she was going to do about it. I loved watching her at the high school and how the drama kids inspired her. I especially liked her connection with Cass. I ached for Samantha when she had to deal with Ethan's attitude and lack of belief in her plans. It was hard to see Samantha's insecurities over her chances to make those plans work, especially when she hit that bump in the road. It was great to see the support she got from her family. When they talked about bringing in guest actors, etc., I immediately thought of Bree from Flowerson Main. It would have been fun to see her provide some advice to Samantha.
June 7, 2013
Two-haiku review:
She had crush on him
Can she make him notice her?
Can he love again?
Third of trilogy
Nicely wraps up all loose ends
Well written romance
She had crush on him
Can she make him notice her?
Can he love again?
Third of trilogy
Nicely wraps up all loose ends
Well written romance
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June 16, 2013
Sea Glass Island was awarded to me as an ARC. First, I am a sucker for a pretty cover and this book most definitely has that. All my best vacation memories involve the beach so this appealed to me right away. This is the story of Samantha Castle, whose acting career has pretty much died out in New York. She is coming home to Sand Castle Bay, North Carolina, for her sister's wedding. She used to spend her summers there as a child with her Grandmother. She had always had a crush on Ethan Cole who was a couple of years older than her in high school but he didn't know she existed at the time. Ethan was a war hero who lost his leg in an explosion in Afghanistan four years prior. When he came home, his fiance ended their relationship because she couldn't see her future with someone that wasn't "whole." So, Ethan has lost his beliefs in love. When he and Samantha are thrown together with all the wedding festivities, and some meddling from Samantha's family, she slowly starts to break through his hardened heart. This is a very sweet story of how a war veteran has suffered and a very strong woman's perseverance to show him that he can open his heart to love again. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that time and time again, Samantha breaks through his barriers but at the very first kink in things, he bails, convincing himself that he is doing it for the best of everyone involved. This is the third book in a trilogy but I had not read the first two books and it was still fine so it can easily be read as a stand alone. All in all, I enjoyed this book.
April 23, 2013
This is the third book in the Ocean Breeze series and it features Samantha and Ethan. In the last book Samantha was trying to jump start her acting career in New York City and now she's realizing that everything is cooling off despite all the PR work her sister Gabbi did for her. She is returning to Sand Castle Bay for her other sister Emily's marriage and decides to use that time to think more about what she wants to do with her life. Enter Ethan Cole, ex military who returned home with an injury. He is also the town doctor and a self described forever bachelor. Ethan is the best man in Emily and Boone's wedding and Samantha is maid of honor so the two are inevitably going to be pushed together. What's also influencing their relationship is that Samantha used to have a crush on Ethan when they were younger and her whole family knows it. Since they are all in a marriage frenzy they want Samantha to be happy as well and decide to try to get the two together.
I enjoyed seeing everyone (although I really DISLIKED Emily in this book. She was acting like a spoiled princess and was driving me crazy with all her fighting with Boone and Samantha) and I liked the plot line but I thought things ended up rushed in the end. Samantha and Ethan took over half the book to figure out what they wanted so I felt like the end everything just got shoved into the remaining pages despite needing some more time to be fleshed out.
Samantha was a great character and I loved how she stood up for herself when she needed to and made sure Ethan knew he was being an idiot. Ethan was a little boring for me. He was so concerned about not falling in love and maintaining order that really there was not much to him. He just wasn't appealing to me. And here I thought he was going to be a good alpha macho man. But no, kind of wussy in the end. Especially after that whole newspaper article where he could have helped Samantha and instead just let her deal with it and used that as an excuse for his lack of interest.
This was definitely not my favorite book in the series but overall I enjoyed the series and I'm wondering which book will be next since there was a mention of newer releases coming out. I guess we'll see.
I enjoyed seeing everyone (although I really DISLIKED Emily in this book. She was acting like a spoiled princess and was driving me crazy with all her fighting with Boone and Samantha) and I liked the plot line but I thought things ended up rushed in the end. Samantha and Ethan took over half the book to figure out what they wanted so I felt like the end everything just got shoved into the remaining pages despite needing some more time to be fleshed out.
Samantha was a great character and I loved how she stood up for herself when she needed to and made sure Ethan knew he was being an idiot. Ethan was a little boring for me. He was so concerned about not falling in love and maintaining order that really there was not much to him. He just wasn't appealing to me. And here I thought he was going to be a good alpha macho man. But no, kind of wussy in the end. Especially after that whole newspaper article where he could have helped Samantha and instead just let her deal with it and used that as an excuse for his lack of interest.
This was definitely not my favorite book in the series but overall I enjoyed the series and I'm wondering which book will be next since there was a mention of newer releases coming out. I guess we'll see.
June 27, 2018
The title and the picture on the cover made me think this was a good summer read. Unfortunately, it was only an ok summer read. 2.5 stars
November 24, 2014
Ce tome est le troisième et dernier de la série le souffle de l'océan.
Contrairement au tome 2 dont l'histoire faisait directement suite au premier, ce tome-ci se déroule un an après le tome 1. Il y a donc une ellipse de quelques mois entre la fin du tome 2 et ce tome 3.
Ce tome est un cran en dessous des deux autres, pourtant le passé d'Ethan semblait annoncer une romance tout en émotion ce qui n'est pas particulièrement le cas. En effet, on se concentre plus sur son précédent échec sentimental plus que sur les conséquences de son passé de soldat. En fait, cet aspect d'ancien soldat est davantage abordé avec le personnage secondaire qu'est Greg.
Ainsi, les deux héros se résignent très vite aux manigances des uns et des autres pour les réunir. Cependant bien qu'ils semblent avoir très envie de concrétiser, l'intrigue amoureuse ne progresse pas vraiment sans qu'on en connaisse réellement la raison. Par conséquent on éprouve quelques difficultés à adhérer à leur romance.
Par ailleurs, du point de vue de l'héroïne, on retrouve sensiblement les mêmes ingrédients que le tome 2 : c'est-à-dire, une jeune femme qui se rend compte qu'elle n'est plus vraiment épanouie dans son métier et qui envisage une reconversion professionnelle. De même, elle songe à s'établir chez sa grand-mère et à fonder un famille. Bref un situation dans laquelle on retrouve beaucoup d’ingrédient de celle de Gabi.
En outre, en plus de retrouver la quasi totalité des personnages des deux tomes précédents, de nouveaux personnages font également leur apparition. Le tout ne laissant donc pas beaucoup de place pour l'intrigue amoureuse.
Il s'agit surtout dans ce tome de voir l'évolution des différents personnages des tomes précédents et d’apporter une conclusion à la trilogie au détriment de l'intrigue du roman. Aussi, on assiste à l’achèvement de la transformation du père des trois soeurs, au mariage de Boone et Emilie...
En conclusion, il est très appréciable de découvrir ce qu'adviennent les personnages des tomes précédents mais il est dommage que cela se fasse au détriment de l'intrigue principale.
Contrairement au tome 2 dont l'histoire faisait directement suite au premier, ce tome-ci se déroule un an après le tome 1. Il y a donc une ellipse de quelques mois entre la fin du tome 2 et ce tome 3.
Ce tome est un cran en dessous des deux autres, pourtant le passé d'Ethan semblait annoncer une romance tout en émotion ce qui n'est pas particulièrement le cas. En effet, on se concentre plus sur son précédent échec sentimental plus que sur les conséquences de son passé de soldat. En fait, cet aspect d'ancien soldat est davantage abordé avec le personnage secondaire qu'est Greg.
Ainsi, les deux héros se résignent très vite aux manigances des uns et des autres pour les réunir. Cependant bien qu'ils semblent avoir très envie de concrétiser, l'intrigue amoureuse ne progresse pas vraiment sans qu'on en connaisse réellement la raison. Par conséquent on éprouve quelques difficultés à adhérer à leur romance.
Par ailleurs, du point de vue de l'héroïne, on retrouve sensiblement les mêmes ingrédients que le tome 2 : c'est-à-dire, une jeune femme qui se rend compte qu'elle n'est plus vraiment épanouie dans son métier et qui envisage une reconversion professionnelle. De même, elle songe à s'établir chez sa grand-mère et à fonder un famille. Bref un situation dans laquelle on retrouve beaucoup d’ingrédient de celle de Gabi.
En outre, en plus de retrouver la quasi totalité des personnages des deux tomes précédents, de nouveaux personnages font également leur apparition. Le tout ne laissant donc pas beaucoup de place pour l'intrigue amoureuse.
Il s'agit surtout dans ce tome de voir l'évolution des différents personnages des tomes précédents et d’apporter une conclusion à la trilogie au détriment de l'intrigue du roman. Aussi, on assiste à l’achèvement de la transformation du père des trois soeurs, au mariage de Boone et Emilie...
En conclusion, il est très appréciable de découvrir ce qu'adviennent les personnages des tomes précédents mais il est dommage que cela se fasse au détriment de l'intrigue principale.
July 31, 2013
I was so happy to be a lucky recipient of free copy of "Sea Glass Island" through Goodreads. This was my first book by Sheryl Woods and I was impressed with the strong writing that highlighted the realistic characters. I instantly liked Samantha and Ethan- the main characters who are initially forced together through their mutual friends. Their budding romance was the focus of the book and was enjoyable. Ethan was a strong character and I appreciated that he had many layers i him beyond just being a vet returning from Afghanistan. The subplot involved Samantha's sister's impending wedding, which was on again off again. I liked the dialogue between the characters because it was informative but natural. One thing that bugged me was the emotionally focused conversations between the male characters. I just don't think guys think or talk the way they were portrayed. I would also liked to have seen the setting have more of a role in the book. The cover and title evoked a place that seemed so relaxing and magical, yet this wasn't highlighted enough for me. This book really focused on the emotional dynamics between friends and family. In this way, it was a great mature adult love story. This was a perfect summer read!
April 4, 2019
BK 3 of Ocean Breeze trilogy follows oldest Castle sister Samantha, a NYC actress whose career is slowing to a halt, and Ethan Cole, who staffs a small medical clinic with fellow Afghanistan PTSD hero. Ethan’s blockaded his heart since losing a leg and his fiancée who declared she couldn’t marry someone who wasn’t whole. With youngest sister Emily and Boone’s over the top wedding just weeks away, Samantha as maid of honor and Ethan as Best Man are going to be thrown together a lot, especially by the congenitally meddling sisters and their beloved grandmother Cora Jane. Three weddings, no funeral but a slander that threatens to derail Samantha’s hard won future plans to offer acting lessons, and perhaps open a playhouse, and two more Castle weddings in the offings, amid the older generations.
A romantic beach read, very predictable, money’s no object, just feelings, temperaments, second chances, love and family will triumph.
A romantic beach read, very predictable, money’s no object, just feelings, temperaments, second chances, love and family will triumph.
May 17, 2014
This was my least favorite in the series for the romance but I loved that so much of the family and past relationships were involved. This definitely needs to be read as a series in order.
Ethan's character had so much potential and I was really looking forward to this romance. He was a bit too much of a jerk for me, some of the things he did and said I don't think should have been forgiven as easily as Samantha did. Her character was flawed in being too determined in the relationship that she adjusted for more than her share.
I did like how much of the other sisters' stories were included. I would have liked the epilogue to contain something on the romance of the grandmother and father down the road.
Ethan's character had so much potential and I was really looking forward to this romance. He was a bit too much of a jerk for me, some of the things he did and said I don't think should have been forgiven as easily as Samantha did. Her character was flawed in being too determined in the relationship that she adjusted for more than her share.
I did like how much of the other sisters' stories were included. I would have liked the epilogue to contain something on the romance of the grandmother and father down the road.
July 31, 2019
Nota 2.5/5 ⭐ "Más de lo mismo" que con las otras dos novelas pero con la última de las hermanas Castle... Cómo las anteriores la novela está bien escrita y la historia no está mal pero se hace repetitiva y más cuando no hay nada que te sorprenda en ella. Es totalmente lineal, predecible, perfecta y excesivamente dulce/empalagosa.
Algo positivo es que en las 3 tocan siempre el tema de la evolución, readaptación de la vida a las circunstancias etc. y bueno, no está mal pero llega un momento que se hace "agotadoramente aburrida" (sin duda haber leído la saga de seguido no ha ayudado 😅).
Aunque no ha estado mal, no creo que lea nada más de la autora (por ahora, quizáas adelante le de otra oportunidad con otra novela (que no saga 🤦🏼♀️))
Algo positivo es que en las 3 tocan siempre el tema de la evolución, readaptación de la vida a las circunstancias etc. y bueno, no está mal pero llega un momento que se hace "agotadoramente aburrida" (sin duda haber leído la saga de seguido no ha ayudado 😅).
Aunque no ha estado mal, no creo que lea nada más de la autora (por ahora, quizáas adelante le de otra oportunidad con otra novela (que no saga 🤦🏼♀️))
February 5, 2019
Pretty average finale. I did like Ethan a lot. He seemed the most "real" character in this trilogy. Samantha was okay but she didn't blow me away. The rest of the characters were as annoying as ever. I did think the title was misleading since Sea Glass Island was mentioned once and only seen in the epilogue. I do also feel like there are too many unanswered questions that could be explored in further books or even novellas (I can't believe I just wrote that because said other characters (like Cora Jane) are just TOO annoying!) but since this trilogy is 6 years old now, I don't see that happening. Unless it has and I don't know it.
Overall an average end to an average series.
Overall an average end to an average series.
April 4, 2018
While I really love the Chesapeake series and enjoy the Sweet Magnolias, this is not nearly as good, or at least for me. The male dialogue was just not believable . Guys just don't talk to each other about romance the way Ethan, Wade and Boone do. But then this is a romance novel, so......The last installment was ALMOST the perfect wrap up I kept thinking Lisa might show up so Samantha could deck her! I would have liked for Cora Jane and Jerry to have gotten hitched after all the waiting. AND it would have been great if Jodie Farmer had been put I'm her place once and for all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2019
This was a sweet read in a series of books about sisters. I preferred "Sand Castle Bay" but liked this one well enough. It is light and fun beach reading and perfect for something sweet and romantic to read or as a stop gap in between more dark books.
I did like this one but LOVED Sand Castle. Have not read the third one as of yet but it is on my list.
I did like this one but LOVED Sand Castle. Have not read the third one as of yet but it is on my list.
June 14, 2013
I loved the last adventure of the Castle sister's. Samantha and Ethan really had an adventure with all of their ups and downs. They both had a lot of insecurities they had to overcome. I hated to see this series come to an end. I wish there were more.
July 19, 2016
El susurro de las olas en general me ha gustado. Es una novela que sin ser una obra maestra me ha parecido una lectura amena e ideal para estas fechas.
Reseña; http://novelasqueapasionan.blogspot.c...
Reseña; http://novelasqueapasionan.blogspot.c...
February 27, 2018
Probably my least favorite in this series, but still entertaining to listen to on my drive to and from work.
When listening to this, I found that I imagined the oldest sister Samantha to remind me of Samantha from Sex & the City. Only this Samantha is the eldest Castle sister, an actress of commercials and soap operas, although of late, her career is tanking at the ripe old age of 35. So she's been in Sand Castle Beach a lot more often, helping her sister out w/ wedding plans, helping her Grandmother with her restaurant, and her other sister w/ her new baby.
Two weeks before the wedding and she finds out she is paired in the wedding with Ethan Cole. He's the local Dr. who had a stint in Iraq/Afghanistan and lost the lower part of one of his legs. She had a huge crush on him in high school when he was a football player. In fact, she still has and wears his jersey, (never explained how she actually got it). Anyway, the Castles and their spouses are doing everything they can to get these two together, and they're not even subtle about it. The worst part of it is, Ethan's fiancee left him 3 yrs. ago because she couldn't be w/ a man who wasn't "whole." So he's sour on relationships and love.
This is why this book is my least favorite. We spend a huge part of this story having Samantha literally throw herself at Ethan, and he's always trying to "do the right thing" and "not take advantage of her" and using about every excuse known to man to not even have a fling with her, even though she was all for whatever he wanted whether it was a one night stand, relationship, friends with benefits, whatever. She came off as pathetic and he came off as a wuss.
But being a Sherryl Woods book alls well that ends well. Right? I'm surprised this is just a 3 book series because the author did bring other supporting characters into these three stories and it seemed like they could eventually have their own, including the Castle sister's father and a couple of women in town Gabby befriended in book 2. Who knows, maybe in a year or so she'll expand on this series.
When listening to this, I found that I imagined the oldest sister Samantha to remind me of Samantha from Sex & the City. Only this Samantha is the eldest Castle sister, an actress of commercials and soap operas, although of late, her career is tanking at the ripe old age of 35. So she's been in Sand Castle Beach a lot more often, helping her sister out w/ wedding plans, helping her Grandmother with her restaurant, and her other sister w/ her new baby.
Two weeks before the wedding and she finds out she is paired in the wedding with Ethan Cole. He's the local Dr. who had a stint in Iraq/Afghanistan and lost the lower part of one of his legs. She had a huge crush on him in high school when he was a football player. In fact, she still has and wears his jersey, (never explained how she actually got it). Anyway, the Castles and their spouses are doing everything they can to get these two together, and they're not even subtle about it. The worst part of it is, Ethan's fiancee left him 3 yrs. ago because she couldn't be w/ a man who wasn't "whole." So he's sour on relationships and love.
This is why this book is my least favorite. We spend a huge part of this story having Samantha literally throw herself at Ethan, and he's always trying to "do the right thing" and "not take advantage of her" and using about every excuse known to man to not even have a fling with her, even though she was all for whatever he wanted whether it was a one night stand, relationship, friends with benefits, whatever. She came off as pathetic and he came off as a wuss.
But being a Sherryl Woods book alls well that ends well. Right? I'm surprised this is just a 3 book series because the author did bring other supporting characters into these three stories and it seemed like they could eventually have their own, including the Castle sister's father and a couple of women in town Gabby befriended in book 2. Who knows, maybe in a year or so she'll expand on this series.
July 18, 2019
This is book #3 of the Ocean Breeze series.
It is the story of Samantha Castle and Ethan Cole.
Samantha is the oldest of the Castle sisters. Her two younger sisters, Emily & Gabi, are heading for the alter. Samantha lives in New York as an actress. Lately she has had a problem getting roles, and her heart has been yearning for life along the North Carolina coast with her family.
Samantha makes herself a promise not to let her teenage crush on Ethan influence her decision to come home for good. Only thing is, it is hard for her to ignore her feelings for him.
Ethan is a local war hero. Unfortunately lost his leg in Afghanistan, so he comes home and opens a clinic. He has lost his belief in love after being shunned and dumped by his fiancee years earlier. He feels surrounded by couples who have found their future. Even with the Castle sisters and their grandmother's meddling, he won't open his heart to a new possibility.
Samantha finally gives into her feelings for Ethan, and she is determined to make Ethan hers. She won't take no for an answer, and tries to show him that she loves him for exactly who he is.
I loved the way this story was written. I like how the chemistry is already there, but it takes longer for Ethan to realize it. Even when he lays eyes on Samantha in his old football jersey in the kitchen in her grandmother's house, he tries to ignore what is already there.
Great final book in the series. Now to find the 2nd book, so i can read Gabi's story.
It is the story of Samantha Castle and Ethan Cole.
Samantha is the oldest of the Castle sisters. Her two younger sisters, Emily & Gabi, are heading for the alter. Samantha lives in New York as an actress. Lately she has had a problem getting roles, and her heart has been yearning for life along the North Carolina coast with her family.
Samantha makes herself a promise not to let her teenage crush on Ethan influence her decision to come home for good. Only thing is, it is hard for her to ignore her feelings for him.
Ethan is a local war hero. Unfortunately lost his leg in Afghanistan, so he comes home and opens a clinic. He has lost his belief in love after being shunned and dumped by his fiancee years earlier. He feels surrounded by couples who have found their future. Even with the Castle sisters and their grandmother's meddling, he won't open his heart to a new possibility.
Samantha finally gives into her feelings for Ethan, and she is determined to make Ethan hers. She won't take no for an answer, and tries to show him that she loves him for exactly who he is.
I loved the way this story was written. I like how the chemistry is already there, but it takes longer for Ethan to realize it. Even when he lays eyes on Samantha in his old football jersey in the kitchen in her grandmother's house, he tries to ignore what is already there.
Great final book in the series. Now to find the 2nd book, so i can read Gabi's story.
July 26, 2024
This is the third book in the Sea Glass Island trilogy. The series follows the three Castle sisters and their journey's on finding what's next in their lives and Love is not on the menu. But if their meddling Grandmother has anything to do with it, all three will find the loves of their lives and find a new path for their careers.
When I read a book it is for pure enjoyment. This series and this book is just that. These are the perfect Beach Reads for your summer TBR.
This book follows Samantha the oldest of the three sisters and a semi-successful actress. She lives her life in New York. She comes back to Sea Glass Island first to help her Grandmother clean up from a hurricane (book 1), but now she's back to be the maid of honor in her sisters wedding. Unbeknownst to her the best man is her long time high school crush, Ethan Cole, an Iraqi war veteran and local hero. The family works their hardest at making sure these two have multiple opportunities to be in the same atmosphere. But neither of them are willing to comply. Thus begins their journey.
Love the characters, because at the heart of what they do, is family. And for them that is the most important thing.
When I read a book it is for pure enjoyment. This series and this book is just that. These are the perfect Beach Reads for your summer TBR.
This book follows Samantha the oldest of the three sisters and a semi-successful actress. She lives her life in New York. She comes back to Sea Glass Island first to help her Grandmother clean up from a hurricane (book 1), but now she's back to be the maid of honor in her sisters wedding. Unbeknownst to her the best man is her long time high school crush, Ethan Cole, an Iraqi war veteran and local hero. The family works their hardest at making sure these two have multiple opportunities to be in the same atmosphere. But neither of them are willing to comply. Thus begins their journey.
Love the characters, because at the heart of what they do, is family. And for them that is the most important thing.
September 12, 2025
Rounding up for 2.5. I needed something light in between book delivery and thought this would the trick. It did to a degree, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I’ve read a few of this author now and always have to remind myself how conservative it is. Samantha is an actress who worked on soap operas and broadway and is viewed as very scandalous. Samantha’s story had a lot of opportunity, but Ethan’s was even bigger to me. I wish we would have seen them together more with more displays of depth and growth. In the first of this series, I enjoyed the bond between the Castle sisters and their grandmother. That did not come through as much in this one. I haven’t read #2 yet, but did like seeing more of Gabi this time. Emily was very unlikable in this one. One nice family surprise, their Dad! I’d be remiss to not mention Cass and even Sue Ellen, I liked that storyline!
Format: print
Recommend to others: nah
Potential for reread: no
Format: print
Recommend to others: nah
Potential for reread: no
March 18, 2023
I absolutely loved this engaging romance tale. One sister is getting her second chance at forever. Her husband's best man so happens to the guy that her little sister has always crushed on...it isn’t long before the whole family and friends are in on the matchmaking. Both the maid of honor and best man will have their hands full, trying to avoid the matching schemes and not falling in love. However, that's easier said than done. For Afghanistan solider now, small-town doctor, Ethan, does not believe in happily-ever-afters. But since meeting the gorgeous woman he has to help, he can't seem to not think about her. He went from not wanting a romance to wanting one badly. Overall, Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods was full of humor, heart, and spice.
February 22, 2018
A cute little fun read. I liked this series. The 3 sisters are a hoot in many ways. And I simply love Cora Jane! I wish she were my grandma! (I loved my grandmothers - but they are gone now and I'd be overjoyed if Cora Jane would "adopt" me!) It was nice to see their father developed a little more in this book as well. In a time when we have many veterans coming home with injuries, I loved the character of Ethan. He fought for life, as so many soldiers have done, and was able integrate back into his community. The news is so full of those who struggle, and yet there are many who come home and do just fine. Both groups deserve our respect and to be high lighted.
May 2, 2020
I enjoy this book very much! It was about Samatha and Ethan. Samatha was in New York working as an actress and Ethan was a veteran with a clinic he had opened. Ethan had been injured while on duty and his girlfriend couldn’t deal with a man that wasn’t whole anymore. Therefore Ethan pretty much gave up on relationships until Samatha comes home for her sister Emily’s wedding. Samatha’s whole family was throwing Ethan and her together. I especially liked Cora Jane the grandmother to the sisters. I did feel they came together a little quick but some say love at first sight. Enjoyable read.
June 29, 2017
Once again Sherryl Woods drags out the tension and back peddling in the main characters' (Samantha and Ethan) romance so far that I'm ready to throw the book across the room. Only in the final three pages of the book do they reconcile AND decide to marry that very weekend. Please. . .
Ethan's character is unbelievable and Samantha often come across as pathetic.
The Ocean Breeze series concludes, nicely tied up with wedding bells for all three sisters, all returning Sand Castle Bay, NC to live happily ever after.
Ethan's character is unbelievable and Samantha often come across as pathetic.
The Ocean Breeze series concludes, nicely tied up with wedding bells for all three sisters, all returning Sand Castle Bay, NC to live happily ever after.
April 25, 2020
This story is about Samantha Castle, the oldest of the Castle girls. She is an actress an sometimes waitress when jobs are scarce. She has returned home to Seaglass Island to be the maid of honor for her sister Emily's wedding. Enter Ethan Cole, local doctor and a returning soldier with one leg missing. Samantha has had a crush on Ethan since she was a young girl. Now her meddling sisters and mother are sure she is suppose to love Ethan they are not above tricking her into running into him at every turn. I won't tell you the story but to say I really love happy endings. A good read!!
February 19, 2021
Oldest of the three Castle sisters of Sand Castle Bay, Samantha has spent years being an actress in New York. The career leaves a lot to be desired lately, and Samantha is questioning her commitment to trying any longer. Her schoolgirl crush, Dr. Ethan Cole, came home from Afghanistan minus part of one leg, with an antipathy to love and romance. The family meddlers, including Sam Castle along with the usual suspects, has decided that Samantha Ethan belong together. They have a long way to go, conquering small town morals and family feuds before they reach their happy ending.
October 6, 2023
This is the last book in the Ocean Breeze series. I feel that the second book in the series was the best. I enjoyed reading about each character and learning their outcomes, but this story seemed to drag on a little. I knew the ending for the main characters early on in the story. The author added in a couple problems here and there that may make a reader question what would happen in the end, but by the third book in this series I found it predictable. Overall, the series is worth reading as all the stories have that happy ending.
March 2, 2024
What a fantastic ending to this series. I tried to savor the book but couldn't put it down as I has to see what happened next.
Samantha and Ethan are the center of this story.
Sam comes home as she doesn't feel like there is anything left to do in new York. Ethan is small town doctor guarding his heart from women.
The first meet up in this book was Sam in one of his jerseys and nothing else.
Ethan tries with his might to ignore Sam and her families matchmaking.
Some really great stuff goes on in this book. You have to read to see.
Samantha and Ethan are the center of this story.
Sam comes home as she doesn't feel like there is anything left to do in new York. Ethan is small town doctor guarding his heart from women.
The first meet up in this book was Sam in one of his jerseys and nothing else.
Ethan tries with his might to ignore Sam and her families matchmaking.
Some really great stuff goes on in this book. You have to read to see.
January 30, 2021
Samantha is in transition, rethinking her acting career as parts are just not coming her way. She is home for her sister's wedding. Ethan is a veteran and has opened a practice in town. Neither are looking for a relationship, but their matchmaking family keeps scheming to get them together. Will they resist or find that they can work through their issues together for a chance at love? A nice conclusion to the trilogy.
May 19, 2018
Samantha Castle left home to become a famous actress. Things are just not working out for her and now she has a chance to come home for her sister's wedding and think about her future. However little does she know but her sisters and grandmother are going to push her and one of the town doctors together hoping for romance. It was a fun book that I enjoyed.
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