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Ocean of Sun
Beau Augustin isn’t running away; he’s just not going home. He likes his life the way it is, his job at Jenny’s bakery, his old black lab, and the blissful lack of reminders of his rocky upbringing. That is until a familiar red envelope shows up, dragging Beau’s complicated past right into his carefully balanced present.
Manon Reed needs to get out of her small town, and away from the pitying looks and prying questions. This internship in London is exactly what she needs – if only she weren’t bringing the anxiety, the nightmares, and the voice of Tyler Callahan along with her.
When Beau crashes into Manon’s world with his own baggage and a smile that takes her breath away, she isn’t sure she’s ready to give love a second try. But after several chance meetings, she can’t help but be pulled into his orbit. Can they find the courage to let love in? With each sunrise comes the promise of a new beginning, but what happens when the waves of their pasts threaten to consume them?
Manon Reed needs to get out of her small town, and away from the pitying looks and prying questions. This internship in London is exactly what she needs – if only she weren’t bringing the anxiety, the nightmares, and the voice of Tyler Callahan along with her.
When Beau crashes into Manon’s world with his own baggage and a smile that takes her breath away, she isn’t sure she’s ready to give love a second try. But after several chance meetings, she can’t help but be pulled into his orbit. Can they find the courage to let love in? With each sunrise comes the promise of a new beginning, but what happens when the waves of their pasts threaten to consume them?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2024
About the author
Halli M. Castro
3 books17 followersHalli M. Castro is a contemporary romance author, known for titles "Ocean of Sun" and upcoming "Love Is for the Birds."
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 1, 2026
A light and fun Romance with no spice.
A mix of adventure, ambition, previous heartbreak, and overcoming family drama, all while doing it with a so called friend. 😏
A mix of adventure, ambition, previous heartbreak, and overcoming family drama, all while doing it with a so called friend. 😏
December 21, 2025
Beau is so smitten and it is adorable! Manon moved to London to escape an abusive ex and start a new job. Beau is immediately taken with her when they meet on the tube. Thankfully they have friends/colleagues in common, which forces them into each other’s company. They become friends and slowly start to open up to each other. This was strangers to lovers perfection. Beau was so careful with Manon and so kind to her. He liked her and wanted more, but was respectful and took their friendship at her pace even when it wasn’t easy for him. I really enjoyed watching their story unfold and rooting for them. It’s a story about love, family, trauma, forgiveness and healing.
April 6, 2026
I think I’ve just discovered one of my all-time favourite books… and I’m not even sure I have the words to fully explain what it means to me. How do you even begin to describe a story that feels this beautiful, this special? I want to say everything, yet somehow say nothing at all—because I wouldn’t dare spoil the magic.
From the very beginning, I fell completely in love with Manon and Beau. Maybe it’s because I’m always drawn to characters who have been through so much, yet keep going, one step at a time. There’s something so powerful about that kind of quiet resilience. Every interaction between them had me smiling, swooning, and completely invested.
What I appreciated most was the pacing of their relationship. Nothing felt rushed. We were given the space to truly know them—to watch them learn each other, grow comfortable together, and gently fall in love. It was soft, intentional, and honestly… perfection.
This book is proof that clean Christian romance can be deeply moving, tender, and utterly captivating. And the writing? Absolutely stunning. The poetic touches, the French lines—everything about it had me internally screaming and jumping🙃😅
I also deeply valued the heavier, more real topics woven into the story. It’s a reminder that even after everything someone may go through, love is still possible. Love that is kind, patient, and gentle. To all the girlies who sees themselves in Manon’s story—I pray you find the kind of love that is kind, patient and gentle, and when you do, that you embrace it and know you deserve it.
At this point, it’s no surprise that I completely devoured this book… and I’m already ready for a reread. Honestly, I want to shout from the rooftops for everyone to pick it up.
For a debut novel, this was nothing short of phenomenal. I’m officially a fan, and I will be reading anything Hallie M. Castro writes next.
From the very beginning, I fell completely in love with Manon and Beau. Maybe it’s because I’m always drawn to characters who have been through so much, yet keep going, one step at a time. There’s something so powerful about that kind of quiet resilience. Every interaction between them had me smiling, swooning, and completely invested.
What I appreciated most was the pacing of their relationship. Nothing felt rushed. We were given the space to truly know them—to watch them learn each other, grow comfortable together, and gently fall in love. It was soft, intentional, and honestly… perfection.
This book is proof that clean Christian romance can be deeply moving, tender, and utterly captivating. And the writing? Absolutely stunning. The poetic touches, the French lines—everything about it had me internally screaming and jumping🙃😅
I also deeply valued the heavier, more real topics woven into the story. It’s a reminder that even after everything someone may go through, love is still possible. Love that is kind, patient, and gentle. To all the girlies who sees themselves in Manon’s story—I pray you find the kind of love that is kind, patient and gentle, and when you do, that you embrace it and know you deserve it.
At this point, it’s no surprise that I completely devoured this book… and I’m already ready for a reread. Honestly, I want to shout from the rooftops for everyone to pick it up.
For a debut novel, this was nothing short of phenomenal. I’m officially a fan, and I will be reading anything Hallie M. Castro writes next.
July 10, 2025
Hope and Second Chances...
If you love sweet romance, broken characters searching for healing, and romantic warmth with a hope of ever after, check out Ocean of Sun by Halli Castro.
Manon takes a new job in London, far from her abusive Texas ex, in the hope of putting a painful past behind her. But when a stranger on the Tube gives her a drawing—of herself!—the stage is set for a connection down the road.
Beau, the young French baker and aspiring artist who sketched Manon on the Tube and gifted her with the drawing, battles his own demons. An unopened envelope from France is a haunting reminder of the father who turned to drink after his mother died and abandoned him to raise his sisters on his own. Just when Beau is getting his life together, here comes this letter, calling him back to the past...
When Manon interviews Beau at the bakery where he works, recognition dawns, leading to a friendship that wants to become something more—if only there weren’t so many pitfalls in the way.
Told from a dual perspective, Ocean of Sun is a story of hope and love with a dash of faith, light-hearted moments mingled with the challenges of picking up the pieces and starting over.
Facing the past is easier when you aren’t alone…
If you love sweet romance, broken characters searching for healing, and romantic warmth with a hope of ever after, check out Ocean of Sun by Halli Castro.
Manon takes a new job in London, far from her abusive Texas ex, in the hope of putting a painful past behind her. But when a stranger on the Tube gives her a drawing—of herself!—the stage is set for a connection down the road.
Beau, the young French baker and aspiring artist who sketched Manon on the Tube and gifted her with the drawing, battles his own demons. An unopened envelope from France is a haunting reminder of the father who turned to drink after his mother died and abandoned him to raise his sisters on his own. Just when Beau is getting his life together, here comes this letter, calling him back to the past...
When Manon interviews Beau at the bakery where he works, recognition dawns, leading to a friendship that wants to become something more—if only there weren’t so many pitfalls in the way.
Told from a dual perspective, Ocean of Sun is a story of hope and love with a dash of faith, light-hearted moments mingled with the challenges of picking up the pieces and starting over.
Facing the past is easier when you aren’t alone…
November 11, 2024
Such a sweet read!
As someone who has always loved and fantasized British culture, reading from the perspective of a Texas girl who moves to London was EVERYTHING!
AND a foreign tall, dark and handsome love interest?!
Literally say less.
On a more serious note, this book also talks about some heavy real-world themes but handles them in a very loving and compassionate way that made me take note of how I can better support those who go through similar situations in my life, and what kind of respect I should demand from a future boyfriend/husband.
I am a hopeless romantic and loooove a fun love story, and “Ocean of Sun” was so refreshing where self love and self acceptance was more if not just as important as the romance.
Very fun, thoughtful, and empowering read! Definitely telling my inner circle to give it a read.
As someone who has always loved and fantasized British culture, reading from the perspective of a Texas girl who moves to London was EVERYTHING!
AND a foreign tall, dark and handsome love interest?!
Literally say less.
On a more serious note, this book also talks about some heavy real-world themes but handles them in a very loving and compassionate way that made me take note of how I can better support those who go through similar situations in my life, and what kind of respect I should demand from a future boyfriend/husband.
I am a hopeless romantic and loooove a fun love story, and “Ocean of Sun” was so refreshing where self love and self acceptance was more if not just as important as the romance.
Very fun, thoughtful, and empowering read! Definitely telling my inner circle to give it a read.
October 17, 2024
Ocean of Sun is a deeply moving novel that surrounds a blossoming relationship between two people that are both healing from wounded pasts.
Beau and Manon are nuanced characters that you are drawn to almost immediately. As you uncover the truths within their backgrounds, not only do you begin to sympathize with them as though they were real people, but you are also able to relate to their struggles and behavior through their individual journeys.
Castro's writing is nothing short of breathtaking as she guides you through Beau and Manon's remarkable story that makes it impossible to put the book down. Easily a five out of five star rating!
Beau and Manon are nuanced characters that you are drawn to almost immediately. As you uncover the truths within their backgrounds, not only do you begin to sympathize with them as though they were real people, but you are also able to relate to their struggles and behavior through their individual journeys.
Castro's writing is nothing short of breathtaking as she guides you through Beau and Manon's remarkable story that makes it impossible to put the book down. Easily a five out of five star rating!
October 20, 2025
This is such a cute and fun read! I definitely recommend Ocean of Sun to anyone looking for a wholesome rom-com!
Here are some things I loved and didn’t.
Loved:
-Found/Chosen Family
-Sibling Interactions
-Focus on faith, healing
and forgiveness
-Beau’s POV
(really identified with his ADHD coding and family issues.)
-Beau and Manon become friends first (felt like a natural progression)
-No love triangle or true break up scenes.
Didn’t Love:
-Could have been longer so we had more small scenes with the main pairing and side friendships to build on the relationships. Felt like some of that happened “off camera”
-Personal nitpick, but I hate long speeches/love declarations and there were a few near the end.
-The London setting to be more present aside from a few mentions/accents
Here are some things I loved and didn’t.
Loved:
-Found/Chosen Family
-Sibling Interactions
-Focus on faith, healing
and forgiveness
-Beau’s POV
(really identified with his ADHD coding and family issues.)
-Beau and Manon become friends first (felt like a natural progression)
-No love triangle or true break up scenes.
Didn’t Love:
-Could have been longer so we had more small scenes with the main pairing and side friendships to build on the relationships. Felt like some of that happened “off camera”
-Personal nitpick, but I hate long speeches/love declarations and there were a few near the end.
-The London setting to be more present aside from a few mentions/accents
December 16, 2025
I picked this book up while in Corpus Christi a few months ago. Local author and a signed copy? Yes, please! This story covers some heavy topics, such as domestic violence, death of a loved one, and strained parental relationship. but it’s not going to beat you down. I loved the character growth that could be seen with the first person dual POV. Also, I related with Beau soooo much and felt it deep in my soul when he second guessed every action he made. Anxiety is fun like that! 🙃 If you’re looking for a light-ish read that portrays characters with real, raw emotions, I recommend it!
July 20, 2024
This is the sweetest wholesome romance I’ve ever read! Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down!
The characters come alive on the page with unique personalities and histories that make them feel like real people. Castro masterfully weaves together the alternating viewpoints while taking the reader on a journey that will make you laugh, cry, and forever believe in the healing power of love.
The characters come alive on the page with unique personalities and histories that make them feel like real people. Castro masterfully weaves together the alternating viewpoints while taking the reader on a journey that will make you laugh, cry, and forever believe in the healing power of love.
July 7, 2024
Ocean of Sun is a combination of strong relatable emotions and also a comforting love story. Castro successfully conveyed the possibilities of two people from different worlds falling in love despite their differences.
This book kept me guessing how things would turn out after every chapter. I hung onto every word only to be completely satisfied with the ending.
This book kept me guessing how things would turn out after every chapter. I hung onto every word only to be completely satisfied with the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
i went into this book not knowing what to expect and i came out so in love with this story. truly so amazing and i cant wait for it to become popular because it absolutely deserves it. the writing is beautiful and the story of healing on both sides is perfectly not perfect. fair to say i am obsessed!
October 1, 2025
Beau & Manon ❤️ This was a cute read that surprised me. It’s romance but the focus is actually on their friendship leading up to the relationship. These two imperfect people come together in London not in search of being saved or saving one another, they’re in search of themselves after enduring different traumas. The way they love on each other was so heartwarming.
March 24, 2026
There were a lot of really sweet moments in this book. I loved the patience and care these main characters show each other. So beautiful and understanding. There were moments when this book felt like it dragged on for me, but also this relationship needed so much time and care that it was probably appropriate for the couple.
July 27, 2025
3.5⭐️ A super-sweet read. I really enjoyed the personalities that the author gave the main characters.
November 13, 2025
this was so beautifully written, beau can have my heart forever!!!
November 26, 2025
Im in love with this novel 🫶!
And please if a book doesn’t has a grand gesture like that one Beau did to Manon , Thats not a romance book 😍
It was so cinematic✨✨✨✨
I like how clean it is. 🩷
And please if a book doesn’t has a grand gesture like that one Beau did to Manon , Thats not a romance book 😍
It was so cinematic✨✨✨✨
I like how clean it is. 🩷
December 13, 2025
4.5 stars! So cute and so so so real… a lot of emotions in this one
January 31, 2026
freaking adorable. I love the dynamic between Manon and Beau. Such a sweet and quick read!
February 19, 2026
Truly 10/10. Simply splendid
April 20, 2026
4.5 stars! I so so enjoyed this book! What a sweet ending!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews