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Carolina Heirlooms #0.5
The Sea Glass Sisters
Elizabeth Gallagher has been balancing on the ragged edge for a while now. Then a rough case on the boards of her 911 operator’s job collides with a family conflict at home, and Elizabeth finds herself finally coming apart at the seams. A four-state road trip—trapped in a car with her mother—is the last thing she needs. Their destination may be beautiful Hatteras Island, but the reason for going is anything by pleasant. After one disastrous hurricane, and with a second one working its way up the coast, it’s time to convince Aunt Sandy to abandon her little seaside store on North Carolina’s Outer Banks and return to the family fold in Michigan. But when the storm sweeps through, the three women will discover that sisterhood and the sea can change hearts, lives, and futures . . . often in the most unpredictable of ways.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2013
2259 people are currently reading
6581 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Wingate
57 books13.5k followersLisa Wingate is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Before We Were Yours, which remained on the bestseller list for over two years. Her award-winning works have been selected for state and community One Book reads, have been published in over forty languages, and have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide. The group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa and six others as recipients of the National Civics Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She lives in Texas and Colorado with her family and her deceptively cute little teddy bear of a dog, Huckleberry. Find her at www.lisawingate.com, on Facebook at LisaWingateAuthorPage, or on Instagram @author_lisa_wingate
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
November 30, 2015
I just can't help but feel that it would have been so much better if it had been a full-length book instead despite the lovely story. I feel that that the characters and the story could have been more fully developed if the story had had at least 100-200 pages more. But I have to admit that this could because I just like Lisa Wingate's stories so much that I don't want them to end.
I liked The Sea Glass Sisters because it gave the reader an insight into Sandy's life through Elizabeth Gallagher, her niece. It tells how Sandy, the owner of Sandy's Sea Shell Shop from The Prayer Box, ended up at North Carolina's Outer Banks. Sandys sister Sharon isn't at all happy that Sandy wants to sell the land she inherited since the land has been part of their family for generations and now she and her daughter Elizabeth is traveling to see Sandy to talk some sense into her.
Alas, all we get is a glimpse into Sandy and Sharon's life through Elizabeth's eyes, but as with the rest of the books in this series that I have read was this story beautiful written. It's a sweet and also sad story. It was lovely to meet Iola Anne Poole since the story in The Prayer Box takes place after she had died. I liked the characters and I the ending was good.
I liked The Sea Glass Sisters because it gave the reader an insight into Sandy's life through Elizabeth Gallagher, her niece. It tells how Sandy, the owner of Sandy's Sea Shell Shop from The Prayer Box, ended up at North Carolina's Outer Banks. Sandys sister Sharon isn't at all happy that Sandy wants to sell the land she inherited since the land has been part of their family for generations and now she and her daughter Elizabeth is traveling to see Sandy to talk some sense into her.
Alas, all we get is a glimpse into Sandy and Sharon's life through Elizabeth's eyes, but as with the rest of the books in this series that I have read was this story beautiful written. It's a sweet and also sad story. It was lovely to meet Iola Anne Poole since the story in The Prayer Box takes place after she had died. I liked the characters and I the ending was good.
January 11, 2018
Novellas are so difficult to create depth of character and complexity of story line, but Lisa Wingate accomplishes both in this book as well as can be done in 89 pages. Living through a hurricane definitely makes people look at their priorities in life and what is important. Elizabeth and her mother head for the Outer Islands of North Carolina expecting to force Aunt Sandy to keep the farmland she wants to sell in their huge acreage. As they learn about Aunt Sandy's life and the shop she has poured her heart and soul into, they both discovered that contentment means different things to different people and perhaps they aren't as content and peace-filled as they thought.
This was an enjoyable introduction to the Sea Glass Sisters, but I have to admit I was hoping to find out more about how the sea glass sisters group came into being. Once again, Wingate included a warm, flowing thread of faith throughout the story.
FAVORITE QUOTES: (Oh so many again.)
"Pride is a steamroller. It'll clear the path for a while, but sooner or later it'll shift into reverse and then...look out."
"Life's too short to be walking around with one foot in the ditch."
"..storms are part of living on an island. Every decision you make in life has benefits and consequences. Sometimes you just have to go on faith, and even that comes at a price. It means you have to give up the idea that you're the one in charge of the universe."
"Perhaps this rebirth from one thing to another happens repeatedly in a lifetime. Maybe life is a series of little deaths and rebirths, of passages and rites of passage, of God teaching you to stop clinging to one thing so you can reach for another."
This was an enjoyable introduction to the Sea Glass Sisters, but I have to admit I was hoping to find out more about how the sea glass sisters group came into being. Once again, Wingate included a warm, flowing thread of faith throughout the story.
FAVORITE QUOTES: (Oh so many again.)
"Pride is a steamroller. It'll clear the path for a while, but sooner or later it'll shift into reverse and then...look out."
"Life's too short to be walking around with one foot in the ditch."
"..storms are part of living on an island. Every decision you make in life has benefits and consequences. Sometimes you just have to go on faith, and even that comes at a price. It means you have to give up the idea that you're the one in charge of the universe."
"Perhaps this rebirth from one thing to another happens repeatedly in a lifetime. Maybe life is a series of little deaths and rebirths, of passages and rites of passage, of God teaching you to stop clinging to one thing so you can reach for another."
October 18, 2017
THE SEA GLASS SISTERS, my second book by Lisa Wingate-definitely will be reading more from this talented author! The first book was “The Prayer Box” which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I should have read the novella first; however, at the time was unaware of the short story. Both can be standalone; however, would encourage you to read this sweet novella first, to get a better understanding of Aunt Sandy and her quaint shop, and what this dream meant to her --as well as a backstory for some of the other characters.
The novella also includes a preview of The Prayer Box -- you will most definitely want to continue to learn more about this town and the lives of those from past and present.
Set in the beautiful coastal Hatteras Island of Outer Banks, NC, a story of connecting with family and learning the meaning of prayer and leaning on others in time of need.
Lisa was very descriptive in her way of putting you into the setting of this lovely shop and its surrounding in the village. (I was very drawn by the front cover and could image walking in to shop) Reminds me of a quaint shop in Islamorada, FL which is always a treat.
From 911 calls in Michigan, a little girl kidnapped, to a road trip of mother/daughter to the Outer Banks, a hurricane, and family ties – it is packed with smiles, tears, and life lessons, and good friends.
It is about living your life, your passion, and new adventures. In addition, this charming novella is full of wisdom and courage and loved the many quotes and verses: These are just a few, which I treasured:
“A decision you make in life has benefits and consequences. Sometimes you just have to go on faith, and even that comes at a price. It means you have to give up the idea that you’re the one in charge of the universe.”
“You know how it is. The storms come and it’s water and wind as far as the eye can see for a bit. But winds calm and the waters drain. We find our feet again, and the ground under us sprouts a new crop of seed. That is always the way of it. I don’t suppose this storm will be any different.”
“The shadow of the highest evil intermingled with the light of the highest good. Maybe all lives are filled with this. Maybe it is always a choice between embracing the darkness of one or the saving grace of the other.”
“Perhaps this rebirth from one thing to another happens repeatedly in a lifetime. Maybe life is a series of little deaths and rebirths, of passages and rites of passage, of God, teaching you to stop clinging to one thing so you can reach for another.” ― Lisa Wingate, The Sea Glass Sisters: Prelude to The Prayer Box
I should have read the novella first; however, at the time was unaware of the short story. Both can be standalone; however, would encourage you to read this sweet novella first, to get a better understanding of Aunt Sandy and her quaint shop, and what this dream meant to her --as well as a backstory for some of the other characters.
The novella also includes a preview of The Prayer Box -- you will most definitely want to continue to learn more about this town and the lives of those from past and present.
Set in the beautiful coastal Hatteras Island of Outer Banks, NC, a story of connecting with family and learning the meaning of prayer and leaning on others in time of need.
Lisa was very descriptive in her way of putting you into the setting of this lovely shop and its surrounding in the village. (I was very drawn by the front cover and could image walking in to shop) Reminds me of a quaint shop in Islamorada, FL which is always a treat.
From 911 calls in Michigan, a little girl kidnapped, to a road trip of mother/daughter to the Outer Banks, a hurricane, and family ties – it is packed with smiles, tears, and life lessons, and good friends.
It is about living your life, your passion, and new adventures. In addition, this charming novella is full of wisdom and courage and loved the many quotes and verses: These are just a few, which I treasured:
“A decision you make in life has benefits and consequences. Sometimes you just have to go on faith, and even that comes at a price. It means you have to give up the idea that you’re the one in charge of the universe.”
“You know how it is. The storms come and it’s water and wind as far as the eye can see for a bit. But winds calm and the waters drain. We find our feet again, and the ground under us sprouts a new crop of seed. That is always the way of it. I don’t suppose this storm will be any different.”
“The shadow of the highest evil intermingled with the light of the highest good. Maybe all lives are filled with this. Maybe it is always a choice between embracing the darkness of one or the saving grace of the other.”
“Perhaps this rebirth from one thing to another happens repeatedly in a lifetime. Maybe life is a series of little deaths and rebirths, of passages and rites of passage, of God, teaching you to stop clinging to one thing so you can reach for another.” ― Lisa Wingate, The Sea Glass Sisters: Prelude to The Prayer Box
July 20, 2016
I'm a little puzzled as to why the author wrote this book. It's supposed to be a prelude to The Prayer Box, which I have started reading, but so far I'm thinking The Prayer Box doesn't need a prelude...that one has grabbed my interest and held it so far.
The Sea Glass Sisters grabbed my interest from the beginning but then just kind of fizzled out. I think this author is good enough that she could have fleshed it out very well and it could have been a good book. As it is, it felt rushed and left me with the question: "What's the point?" Other than the location of the story and one character in The Prayer Box, I don't see anything else these two books have in common... I don't see any reason why this would be considered a prelude. Maybe this will become clear when I finish The Prayer Box.
The Sea Glass Sisters grabbed my interest from the beginning but then just kind of fizzled out. I think this author is good enough that she could have fleshed it out very well and it could have been a good book. As it is, it felt rushed and left me with the question: "What's the point?" Other than the location of the story and one character in The Prayer Box, I don't see anything else these two books have in common... I don't see any reason why this would be considered a prelude. Maybe this will become clear when I finish The Prayer Box.
February 13, 2026
Lovely introduction to the Carolina Heirlooms series. Life, family, faith, and a hurricane... what more could a person want in a novella? The heartache and hope both had me weeping in various chapters, and I loved that there were some witty lines and funny circumstances to break up the heavier emotions. Great balance and pacing, immersive writing, and fantastic characters. I loved it!
September 14, 2013
Sea Glass Sisters was the first book I have read by Lisa Wingate. And I can say it will definitely not be the last. This was a novella that I didn't want to end!
I loved that the setting was in the Outer Banks of North Carolina during a hurricane. No casual walks on the beach in this book. But they weren't missed, there was more excitement than that would have been. The author was so descriptive in describing the shops and houses I felt as if I had been there. Actually it made me want to go there!
Lisa Wingate has a way with words and I am sure a lot of women will connect with the situations of the characters in this story. I know I did. You really get to know the characters and feel as if you are there with them. When the book ends, you feel as if you are saying goodbye to friends. But this is a prequel, so we will get to meet again.
I highly recommend this well written, very enjoyable novella dealing with the changes we go through in life.
* I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved that the setting was in the Outer Banks of North Carolina during a hurricane. No casual walks on the beach in this book. But they weren't missed, there was more excitement than that would have been. The author was so descriptive in describing the shops and houses I felt as if I had been there. Actually it made me want to go there!
Lisa Wingate has a way with words and I am sure a lot of women will connect with the situations of the characters in this story. I know I did. You really get to know the characters and feel as if you are there with them. When the book ends, you feel as if you are saying goodbye to friends. But this is a prequel, so we will get to meet again.
I highly recommend this well written, very enjoyable novella dealing with the changes we go through in life.
* I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2015
Sweet novella about slowing down enough to smell the roses along life's journey...
August 13, 2021
5 stars
June 12, 2018
The Sea Glass Sisters is a prelude to The Prayer Box, Book #1 of A Carolina Chronicle trilogy. I had read Before We Were Yours, also by Lisa Wingate, and was looking forward to reading more of her work. However, I was very disappointed in this introductory short novel. Wingate didn’t develop the characters well enough to entice me to find out more about them. There was no plot development to lead into the next book.
June 28, 2022
There's nothing like a nice hurricane to bring a family closer together. And where better to experience one than an extremely narrow strip of land just off the coast of North Carolina? If one is seeking plenty of water and wind, plus shifting sands, this is the place. It makes all the sense in the world for relatives from Michigan to travel to Hatteras Island for the first time ever, knowing a hurricane is on the way. We all need a little excitement in life.
Apparently it is very pleasant to be there on a calm and sunny day, so lots of people choose to make their permanent homes on what's known as the Outer Banks. They probably are shaking their heads at the people who live in earthquake central, California. Well, I've lived in California most of my life and have never experienced a large earthquake, but the Outer Banks has had many encounters with hurricanes.
My mother explained the hurricane phenomena to me. In her senior years she lived in Rockport, Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico near Corpus Christi. Several times she had to evacuate because of an incoming hurricane. She told me it was better than earthquakes because she got advance warning and was able to evacuate before the disaster hit. Well, that makes sense. But per this book about Hatteras Island residents (Outer Bank, North Carolina) apparently a lot of people there choose not to evacuate. Much better to ride it out in a house built on stilts near the beach. Well, to each their own.
This is a short book - a novella - and it is part of the Carolina Heirlooms series. I've already read the next book in the series (The Prayer Box) and I want to read them all. I like the setting and the writing and the characters and all the inspirational messages. I love the ocean (on calm and sunny days) and I love reading good Christian novels, like these.
Apparently it is very pleasant to be there on a calm and sunny day, so lots of people choose to make their permanent homes on what's known as the Outer Banks. They probably are shaking their heads at the people who live in earthquake central, California. Well, I've lived in California most of my life and have never experienced a large earthquake, but the Outer Banks has had many encounters with hurricanes.
My mother explained the hurricane phenomena to me. In her senior years she lived in Rockport, Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico near Corpus Christi. Several times she had to evacuate because of an incoming hurricane. She told me it was better than earthquakes because she got advance warning and was able to evacuate before the disaster hit. Well, that makes sense. But per this book about Hatteras Island residents (Outer Bank, North Carolina) apparently a lot of people there choose not to evacuate. Much better to ride it out in a house built on stilts near the beach. Well, to each their own.
This is a short book - a novella - and it is part of the Carolina Heirlooms series. I've already read the next book in the series (The Prayer Box) and I want to read them all. I like the setting and the writing and the characters and all the inspirational messages. I love the ocean (on calm and sunny days) and I love reading good Christian novels, like these.
August 19, 2020
This book was surprisingly short! I liked the theme of new beginnings.
December 4, 2022
A lovely short story about family....beautiful!
July 19, 2025
Beautiful story from a new to me author. I look forward to exploring more of her stories.
July 8, 2024
I enjoyed the setting and the character development for such a quick read. 🙂
June 4, 2025
A quick 3 hr listen. The main character is facing empty nesting and troubled by the change. The story line seemed weak as the characters felt under developed.
September 27, 2020
I listened to this short novella, which is a prequel to The Prayer Box. It had an uncomplicated plot and was a bit too sappy for me. Elizabeth and her mom, Sharon, drive from Michigan to Cape Hatteras, NC to see Aunt Sandy, Sharon's sister. While there, a fierce hurricane batters the area. From there, the story is fairly predictable.
I did enjoy the descriptions of the area as I had been there many times as a young girl. It brought back memories of visiting my grandmother and seeing places like Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Roanoke Island, and the Outer Banks area. My grandmother would mail pictures to the family of the terrible damage the numerous hurricanes caused. So for me, the place made this book interesting enough to hold my attention, but the story was weak.
I did enjoy the descriptions of the area as I had been there many times as a young girl. It brought back memories of visiting my grandmother and seeing places like Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Roanoke Island, and the Outer Banks area. My grandmother would mail pictures to the family of the terrible damage the numerous hurricanes caused. So for me, the place made this book interesting enough to hold my attention, but the story was weak.
August 17, 2022
Clean? Yes. Faith based? Not really.
Really good book though! Heavier than The Prayer Box. I enjoyed all of the characters and story lines involved. I grew up in Florida and preparing for hurricanes and "riding them out" was a part of my life for a long time, so I connected with and had my interest sparked in this story right away. I also appreciated how the author touched on the difficulty of transition from busy motherhood to preparing to become an empty-nester. As with Sandy and her Sea Glass sister ways, I just couldn't help but love how she bring everyone in to her fold and nurtures and supports and encourages them. I really love her character.
Really good book though! Heavier than The Prayer Box. I enjoyed all of the characters and story lines involved. I grew up in Florida and preparing for hurricanes and "riding them out" was a part of my life for a long time, so I connected with and had my interest sparked in this story right away. I also appreciated how the author touched on the difficulty of transition from busy motherhood to preparing to become an empty-nester. As with Sandy and her Sea Glass sister ways, I just couldn't help but love how she bring everyone in to her fold and nurtures and supports and encourages them. I really love her character.
January 9, 2017
This short book was a great intro to this new-to-me Christian author. Unlike most Christian fiction 1) it was not preachy, 2) the writing was good, and 3) the characters were interesting and likable.
Real people in real-life struggles that are not solved instantaneously by "magic" prayers.
I look forward to exploring more titles in the series.
This title is free for Kindle for the month of January (2017).
Real people in real-life struggles that are not solved instantaneously by "magic" prayers.
I look forward to exploring more titles in the series.
This title is free for Kindle for the month of January (2017).
January 27, 2020
3.5 stars
I always wonder about the “why” of a novella. Was it a portion (maybe the beginning?) of a novel that was cut by the editor? Was the author working through the backstory of one of the characters? Or was it supposed to be a novel but didn’t have enough oomph to fully form? Or was it purely meant to be what it turned out to be? As a reader, I’m always curious about each novella’s origin story, and I think it detracts me from the story at hand as I try to figure it out.
Elizabeth, after a rough call as a 911 dispatcher, and her mother take a road trip to the Outer Banks to convince Aunt Sandy not to sell her Michigan property. While there, a vicious hurricane pounds the area, and these women learn what really matters first hand.
I always wonder about the “why” of a novella. Was it a portion (maybe the beginning?) of a novel that was cut by the editor? Was the author working through the backstory of one of the characters? Or was it supposed to be a novel but didn’t have enough oomph to fully form? Or was it purely meant to be what it turned out to be? As a reader, I’m always curious about each novella’s origin story, and I think it detracts me from the story at hand as I try to figure it out.
Elizabeth, after a rough call as a 911 dispatcher, and her mother take a road trip to the Outer Banks to convince Aunt Sandy not to sell her Michigan property. While there, a vicious hurricane pounds the area, and these women learn what really matters first hand.
March 27, 2018
After feeling like she blew a 911 call, Elizabeth Gallagher heads to Hatteras, with a hurricane on the way in an effort to bring Aunt Sandy home to Michigan.
Everything is not how it seems
Elizabeth feels like her family life is falling apart and in Hatteras the three women brave a storm. The day after the storm, while out, they come upon a woman with a child who may have drowned. Elizabeth's training kicks in. Aunt Sandy rescues a dog in a red wagon, but is it the dog that saves her?
Can Elizabeth's mother leave her sister?
4 stars
Everything is not how it seems
Elizabeth feels like her family life is falling apart and in Hatteras the three women brave a storm. The day after the storm, while out, they come upon a woman with a child who may have drowned. Elizabeth's training kicks in. Aunt Sandy rescues a dog in a red wagon, but is it the dog that saves her?
Can Elizabeth's mother leave her sister?
4 stars
March 23, 2021
This was a great novella that I wish I would have found before I read the book. :D The story line was well written and not rushed for being a shorter book.
My only con is that the POV took me a bit to get used to.
My only con is that the POV took me a bit to get used to.
August 8, 2022
I wanted to love this as much as the other Lisa Wingate novels I've read, but it falls flat in the capturing your emotions and stepping into the characters shoes like her other novels are so good at doing. That being said, it's a good book and a very fast read.
August 2, 2024
A heavy-hearted story that has a sweet ending. It probably would be more enjoyable if I had read the book it's a prequel to first.
Content notes: Child abduction, a wife fearing her husband might be doing something behind her back (unfounded)
Content notes: Child abduction, a wife fearing her husband might be doing something behind her back (unfounded)
December 5, 2017
This sweet short story was in the collection called Sisters.
See review here
See review here
May 7, 2019
Very brief uncomplicated plot. Characters peaked my interest enough to continue reading the series.
August 29, 2020
Perfect quick Summer time book!
Read
January 16, 2021Loved the weaving of sister relationships. Tender to me.
June 11, 2021
A good, quick "set up" read for the first full-length novel in this series. I'm definitely planning to keep reading. Up next: The Prayer Box.
June 26, 2021
Good beach read. Mid life crisis, spends time with family in a hurricane and comes to find life truths and what really matters. As a mid life woman, feels good to read a book about all those doubts and dealing with unfulfilled dreams/change.
July 15, 2021
I listened to all three of the sisters books together and loved how they tied up some of the other stories
Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews