A Thousand Distant Shores

The Keeper of Stars #2

by Buck Turner

Before Ellie Spencer came to Sims Chapel and caught Jack Bennett’s eye, Sara Coffee had been the brightest star in his universe. Having grown up together, Sara and Jack were best friends, their bond as deep as the river that formed the lake where they spent countless summer days fishing and sharing dreams. But then Ellie Spencer happened, and everything changed.

Desperate to keep Jack’s attention, Sara takes matters into her own hands, ending the blossoming romance before it has a chance to fully bloom. Twelve years later, Sara appears to have it all—including Jack. But when Ellie returns after her Aunt Clara’s passing, Sara is once again on the outside looking in. And when the secret of her betrayal finally comes to light, Jack ends their relationship, leaving Sara to pick up the pieces of her broken heart.

In search of a new beginning, Sara flees her home and settles in the quiet beach town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. She lands a job as a paralegal for Andrew Hastings, a successful lawyer who left the big city after a painful breakup of his own. From the start, there is an undeniable chemistry between them that only intensifies as they collaborate on their first case. But can Sara open her heart to someone new or is she forever chained to her past, to the memories of Jack Bennett and the love they once shared?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Relationships

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Buck is a beloved storyteller, best known for his diverse writing style and subject matter. Author of the bestselling romance novels The Long Road Back To You and I'll Wait, Buck explores both the pleasure and the pain that come with finding that once-in-a-lifetime love, and the lengths we'll go to keep it.

As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds a Fine Arts degree as well as an MBA. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck focuses on what he knows best-the south, including its rich traditions, diverse characters, and religion. When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.

Reviews

[Shannon Mayhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, I just finished this and had to come straight here to write a review. This was AMAZING! The Keeper of Stars is one of my favorite books and this book tells the other side of the story. It was so beautifully written and my heart hurt so much for Sara. It was so easy for us to paint her as the villain (not that she was a bad person, but for something she did) in the first book. Hearing her story shed so much of it in a different light.

She went on the lead an amazing life and I’m so happy to have been able to hear her side of the story and how things went for her. It was an incredible read. I love Buck’s books because I can share and recommend them to anyone. Just beautiful, pure, and heartfelt stories. This duo is a MUST read

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is EVERYTHING I hoped it would be! I absolutely loved Sara in the first novel, and was ready to hear her story. This novel is told beautifully and in a creative way. I had so many emotions while reading this. There are so many beautiful quotes that can apply to one’s life, and those moments that teach us the hard lessons in life. I cannot wait to reread this novel in addition to the first. This will stay with me for a long while.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to @buckturner_official @luvbooksclub and @pageandvine for the generously gifted book!

This captivating novel is the second installment in The Keeper of Stars series, yet it stands strong as a standalone read.

The writing is exquisite, pulling the reader into an intricate tapestry of emotions and experiences.

Told from Sara's perspective, the narrative unfolds as Diane, an aspiring writer and investigative journalist, arrives to interview her. As Sara recounts her life, love, and career, readers are transported back to 1949, where her heartfelt romance with Jack begins. However, Sara's questionable choice sends her life spiraling in an unexpected direction, forever altering her path.

This beautifully crafted story immerses readers in a rich setting, and immerses readers with heartfelt emotion. It’s not merely a love story; it’s a exploration of second chances, not just in love, but in life itself. At its core, this tale emphasizes true friendships, the beauty of found family, and the journey of self-discovery.

If you appreciate stories of redemption, deep camaraderie, and enduring love, then this book is a must-read. Available now—don't let this gem pass you by!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book we’ve been waiting for. I loved Jack and Ellie’s story, but always felt awful for Sara. This novel showcases her POV. The story is intricately written that when you sit down all of a sudden you’re 50% through the book and can’t get enough. Love, loss, mystery, and even a murder this beautiful story leaves your heart whole again. My only wish is that Sarah would’ve been spelled correctly! 😳🤣

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Wow! I'm typing this while crying. Buck Turner does it again!

The way we get to read from the viewpoint and story of the "villain" (Sara) from the first book, "The Keeper of Stars," is absolutely stunning!

Here's just a couple of thoughts that I have to get out:

1. I went from despising Sara to absolutely adoring her.
2. I went from adoring Jack to realizing he is just a normal man who was dealt turmoil from all directions of his life.
3. Life is beautiful even through the pain and bad choices we make.
4. I've never read a book so quickly and then been so sad to see it end. Truly! When's the book about Diane or Judy coming out? lol

That's just to name a few. I know I'll want to come back and update this as I think about this beautiful book for years to come. This is one that sticks with you.

Buck, this is absolutely beautiful! Please never stop writing. I'm a kindle reader and don't buy shelf trophies often, but here I go...

[Elise Shetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’ve officially found a new favorite author in Buck Turner. His writing feels like if Fredrik Backman and Nicholas Sparks somehow created a story together. It’s emotional, poetic, nostalgic, heartbreaking, hopeful…all at once. Truly impressive honestly how he captures love stories in a way that feels so deeply human.

Thousand Distant Shores is the sequel to Keeper of the Stars, and in my opinion this is absolutely NOT a standalone. You really need the first book before diving into this one because so much of the emotional impact comes from already knowing these characters and their history.

What makes this book even more incredible is that it centers around the character I genuinely could not stand in book one… and somehow Buck Turner completely changed my heart. Getting her perspective before, during, and after everything that happened turned this into such a beautiful story about strength, courage, resilience, forgiveness, and second chances. It reminded me that sometimes people are carrying storms we never fully see.

At its core, this book feels like a reminder that we really do end up where we’re meant to be, even when the path feels heavy, messy, or completely wrong while we’re walking through it. There were so many quotes in this book that I immediately wrote down in my new quote journal because they hit that deeply. So much about trusting your path, surviving the hard seasons, and allowing life to eventually lead you back toward happiness.

If you love poetic romances that feel bigger than just romance… the kind that make you reflect on life, grief, love, timing, and destiny… please read this series. I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time.

[Ryan Coffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wholesome book and honestly a great sequel.

[Lisa Garry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Sara’s story. I honestly didn’t like her very much after the first book in the series. But I enjoyed reading her set of the story. Perfect ending yo wrap up the series.

[Brooke Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Promise me something," Andrew said as he shouted over the storm. "Promise me you'll be mine forever."

This story is for Sara Coffee. This is Sara's chance at starting over and finding love again. This story is a story about loss, finding friendship, forgiveness, family and second chances.

In the Keeper of Stars, book one, loving Sara was tough for me, but also a part of me understood her. A Thousand Distant Shores, is redemptive to me in understanding Sara and the pain she endures and finding love again after feeling like it was lost on her with Jack.

This isn't just a love story, it's a story of true friendships, and found family, and friends who become family. A story of that one summer filled with your friends, and starting over. Just thinking about it gives me chills.

This story is amazing. Literally was an easy, beautiful story that gave me chills throughout the story. BEAUTIFUL.

I knew from the very beginning of this book that it was going to be full of pain. This POV hurt and I knew it was going to. It was a sad story, full of healing with a beautiful ending. This book broke my heart, and glued the broken pieces back together, but you could still feel the cracked edges even with a happy ending.

[amandareadsforfun · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thousand Distant Shores is a beautifully written, emotionally charged story about first love, heartbreak, and finding the courage to start again. Sara, Jack, and Ellie are layered and flawed in a way that feels heartbreakingly real. I was especially drawn to Sara’s journey. Watching her struggle with the weight of her past and slowly open herself up to something new had me rooting for her every step of the way.

The writing is beautiful and the emotion in these pages is palpable. If you’ve ever been haunted by the “what ifs” of a lost love or fought to reclaim your sense of self, this one will hit home.

It’s a story about second chances - not just in love, but in life. And it reminded me that healing is never linear, but it’s always possible.

Thank you to Page and Vine and Buck Turner for the gifted physical arc! 🫶🏻

[it.sgottabethebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is masterfully crafted. The depth of emotions Buck Turner has pulled from me is nothing short of amazing. He shed light to a character in which I wasn’t a fan of. He allows you to see beyond the surface and have more of an understanding of Sarah and her perspective. He redeemed a character that had flaws, that was misunderstood, that deserved her second chance. This characters journey is love personified in all aspects of life. It is heartfelt and truly a captivating story.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author! I rarely keep books, but I can’t seem to part with any of these ones!!! I return them to my book shelf to keep! 🩵 There’s just something about the way he writes. I’m captured by his storytelling. I’m a fan! I’ll be buying more of his books!!! A 4🌟

[Janae McGinnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, pulling me in with its raw honesty and heartfelt moments. We follow Sara's journey as a young adult navigating mistakes, growth, and the complicated ties of friendship and love. The story begins with Sara and her best friend Jack during the summer before college—a time filled with promise yet tinged with tension. My heart went out to Sara when Jack coldly shut her down on the boat, and again when Ellie arrived the following summer. Though Ellie was a minor character, her impact was undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on both Sara and the story. I hadn't read the first book, which centers on Jack and Ellie, but wow—these relationships are intense. The fact that Ellie wrote Jack a breakup letter while he was at war, and he's still hung up on her, is mind-boggling.

Jack emerges as the main antagonist—aware of Sara's feelings for him yet still pursuing Ellie, and from the sound of reviews of the first book he eventually cheats on Sara with her. His reaction to Sara calling Ellie's mom was revealing; yes, she was 19 and impulsive, but Jack’s response showed he viewed Sara as dispensable, a mere placeholder for Ellie. The love letter he sent Sara felt fake, like it was meant for Ellie but repurposed after Ellie dumped him. I wish Sara had stood up for herself more and called Jack out on how much she grew because of his dismissal.

The plot twists and relationships are a bit predictable, reminiscent of "Where the Crawdads Sing" and "The Notebook." Still, I enjoyed the small murder mystery woven into the story—it added an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating read.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading, A Thousand Distant Shores. This was about Sara, a character we met in the first book, The Keeper of Stars. In that book she was kind of painted as the villain of Jack and Ellie's love story, but this book is from her point of view. Sara and Jack have been best friends all their lives, and as they got older Sara wanted to be more than friends with Jack, but that was when Ellie came along. While Jack was the center of Sara's world, Ellie was the center of Jack's. Sara isn't willing to give up Jack without a fight, so she takes matters into her own hands. Years later when she finally gets all she's ever wanted, Jack's love and attention, Ellie shows up back in town.
I really enjoyed getting Sara's side of the story with this book. Getting her point of view made my heart hurt for her, but I loved the sisterhood she found with Judy and Rosie, her finding her voice and confidence, watching her fall in love, going after the career she wanted, and living a life that made her happy. I enjoyed the way she told her story, looking back on the life she lived, the mistakes she made, and the happiness she found along the way. I loved that this story had twists I wasn't expecting, even some suspense with a murder mystery, and a happy ending for Sara. This was really beautifully written! 🤍📚

[Tiffani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars!

A Thousand Distant Shores is written as Sara telling her life story to Diane who will help write her biography. It was interesting seeing Sara’s point of view of her relationship with Jack and Ellie and all that happened in the early years leading up to her leaving Sims Chapel. I struggled with giving Sara a second chance after she become such a villain in The Keeper of Stars. But after she moved to Kitty Hawk and started a new life I felt like I was reading about an entirely different character! Throw in a murder mystery and the book takes a completely different path and leads Sara into finding what she truly wants in life and going for it!
The surprise discovery at the end was a fun twist. However, I had somewhat predicted it. I am excited to read The Rain Catcher in April 2026 to hear Diane’s story.

[Ellen Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Keeper of Stars series, and I also give this book 4 and a half stars. The story of Sara, who was a bit of a villain in the first book (only because of something she did), this tells her story and you end up just loving her. I can’t recommend both of these books highly enough for a beautiful, warm, fuzzy feel read.

[Bucky Galloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting seeing story from KoS from Sara’s POV & her story afterwards.

[Blake Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. No notes

[Kaycee Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good book!!!! can't wait to read the 3rd book!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thousand Distant Shores is Book 2 of The Keeper of Stars Series. You don’t need to read Book 1 to read Book 2. Lovely read - a bit predictable — need a few tissues at the end. Quick and easy… worth the read.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like his first book in this series… this was is almost 4⭐️s. The story is cute and built nicely on the first book. It’s an easy read that I could get lost in. The main reason for not 4 ⭐️s is that it is a little bit predictable. Don’t worry… I’m still going to read the next book when it comes out in a few weeks.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one will transport you to the beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A story of redemption, starting over and finding yourself. This story is Sara’s chance to tell her side of the story. We meet her in the first book, The Keeper of the Stars. I recommend reading that one first to get the backstory of the characters Jack, Ellie and Sara. These two books are beautifully written and I find myself loving all the characters and learning their side of the story.

“He was my confidant, my anchor in the stormy sea of my past.”

[Lynette · Rating 1 out of 5]

inconsistent/ overly sweet like sweet tea!

Some aspects of the love story were inconsistent….she does all she can to destroy Jacks relationship and then she rejects him? He is all in and then shifts in a moment? also in the end they Sarah and Judy observe that Diane has Rubies smile….then when they are showing her the picture of her parents the say “look you have your Dad’s smile!” Ok thats all ……it was a bit overly sweet.

[Bonnie Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story until it turned too predictable and trite.

The story line and environment

was very inviting and held interest until very near the end. Then it became trite, and for me, took the story down with it.

[Susan Ratliff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read and highly rated the first book in this short series, I felt sure I would feel the same in the second installment. What I found was a book of too many extreme actions and coincidences that don’t feel probable in any one life. I would NOT recommend this book to my equally fanatical reading friends and family.

[Dawnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love it, but I certainly enjoyed it...although Keeper of Stars (book 1) was so much better. Hearing the other side of what was written in book 1 was awesome. I enjoyed that part very much.

This was about an interview (with author Diane) so that the very successful Sara could tell her life story of being young and in love, the secrets, the betrayal... Again, sorry Buck, but it gave me another book feel, as did #1. This one, The Seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

I didn't necessarily consider Sara an awful person in book 1 (although her betrayal certainly hit me in the feels), I was happy to "understand" her more in this story. I mean, any girl who has had a childhood crush could somehow relate to the disparity. Right? 🤷‍♀️ I would have never settled for being Jack's 2nd choice though, so while she was ok it for a period of time, I wanted to shake her. He loved Ellie and made no secret of it.

I was sad when Sara felt it was necessary to leave her ailing mother to move on with her life and find closure elsewhere, but loved her quick friendships with Judy and Rosie in Kitty Hawk.

But when tragedy struck for Rosie, I was heartbroken... It helped pave the way for Sara's future career as a lawyer/judge and to find love again in Rosie's lawyer (soon to be Sara's business partner/husband) Andrew Hastings...which I found funny because I had a coworker once named Andrew Hastings...

Sara helps crack Rosie's case, Rosie's freed, finds love again and moves on with her life. Sara and Judy do the same, although they're all still so very close...

Then tragedy strikes again... Rosie dies after childbirth, and without any close relatives (her husband died at war...this POOR GIRL) Sara and Judy want the baby girl Rosie has named Faith. But nope! The state yanked her away and she was put up for adoption. Without much luck searching, Judy and Sara couldn't find what happened to Faith.

Sara eventually heads back to her hometown of Sims Chapel for what I thought was to reconcile with Jack. Although she sees him in the distance, she avoids contact. Instead, she goes to the house that was gifted to him by Ellie's aunt Clara and approaches ELLIE. They reconcile, Sara heads back home to live out her successful life with her husband Andrew. Near a lighthouse, nonetheless (one of my faves).

And it should come as no surprise who Diane was, right? The young girl who never knew who her mother was. 🤷‍♀️❤️

[Jeanette "Josie" Cook M.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the end drew closer, I couldn't put it down. I was drawn in by what was taking place via the many changes in these characters' lives. There are three parts to this story. It is a past and present combined as it unfolds, revealing Ellie getting what she wants and Jack losing love for another.

As the book moves from Part One to Part Two, things get a bit dicey. Sims Chapel is behind Sara. She finds another place to live and grow up. Judy hires her, and she also gives her space to live in. Rosie, Judy, and Sara become good friends who spend a lot of time together. They enjoy movies. Their interests are mostly connected to each other.

Rosie starts to fall in love, and she also starts spending time with this guy. Leaving Judy and Sara to wonder about the relationship. Things become cloudy and turn in a different direction for Rosie. This brings a new love interest to town for Sara. It starts as a close working relationship, and takes off into a deeper relationship as Andrew becomes attached to Sara. He talks her into changing careers. Kitty Hawk is where Sara feels at home now. She struggles to leave this unique place.

Jack becomes a distant memory for Sara. She accepts Andrew's proposal. They agree to continue to grow with one another. This is after Rosie has found some closure. She moves on to another man, only to lose him, too. Judy and Sara are kept in the dark about where Faith is and how she is growing up.

As I read on and I am almost finished, I find myself knowing things before they are completely revealed. Diane is this lost child. I know that Sara has lost her husband before it is revealed. Judy is the key to so much. Rosie will always be remembered. Sara is alone like the lighthouse. She is a survivor. She looks for closure. Sara goes back to confront Ellie and to also tell her she is sorry. Ellie seems to have matured, and she accepts Sara's apology. Sara sees Jack on the dock. She never talks to Jack before returning home. At home, Sara finds Diane. They discuss the book. The lighthouse remains a symbol of what Sara stands for as she continues her life. The illness that her mom had is present in her now. Judy is there to support her.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buck Turner has done it again with his delicately beautiful words. His writing attracts you like a magnet; you read his words, you are glued to the pages, and never want to let go. A Thousand Distant Shores is a moving story about love, heartbreak, found family, and opening your heart to experience the beauty we call life.

I read the first book in this series, 'The Keeper of Stars', and most readers like myself will have viewed Sara as a 'villain'. This book flips and turns those preconceived notions all around and gives you perspective. It was a joy to get to see the real Sara. She was simply a girl who fell in love with a guy. It didn't turn out the way she wanted, and sure, she made some mistakes, but love makes us do crazy things. We get to see how her friendship began with Jack and how she developed real feelings for him. Sara put her fears aside and was brave enough to admit her feelings and continue a friendship with Jack even when those feelings weren't reciprocated. But you saw her inner struggle and how this tug-of-war of emotions was affected her personal growth.

I think Sara getting her own book and understanding her perspective was the best decision. I learned about her determination, loyalty, and bravery. It's funny how I went from disliking her to wanting the best for her. Buck's signature POVs of the past, present, and future solidified the story's heart. Getting to know her at different points in her life helped me understand where she came from and how hard it was for her to let go of Jack. But she pushed on because that's what had to be done. Her place in Kitty Hawk guided her future. It's where she met her best friends, her future husband, and where her passion for law was reignited.

There's one thing you can always expect with Buck Turner, and that's feeling the emotions on the pages. I swear I had chills close to the end of the story when we find out a long-lost secret. Another top read of the year for me!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters read beautifully and I enjoyed the writing. Then I started to see repetition. Danced was used freely, as in the wind danced, curtains danced, maybe not these exact words, but you get the idea? All told, I think it was used at least 10 times which took away from the story. First time it was pretty, but by the last time it was like Ding! Using that again instead of finding a different word. It broke my concentration and annoyed me. Am I weird to notice that or do others get annoyed when an author couldn't be bothered to find different words?

Anyway..... boy Jack and girl Sara, in the late 40's are best of friends, not romantic, just friends, at least on his part. Their relationship seems naive to say the least that nothing sexual had crossed their minds. She develops feelings for him and it rebuffs him. She sees him fall for someone else Ellis, and is consumed with rage over the new girl, but what about him? No blame attaches to him- why?

Time passes, friends fall out and then fall back together. All this is told as the narrator tells her story to the woman who will write her bio. It seemed like the narrator, a retired judge, came from pretty much nothing and became a noted jurist, but if so, why was there basically a recap every too often, like the author thought we had forgotten? That was also annoying.

Major annoyance here, but STOP READING if you haven't read the story yet as it reveals an issue central to the story. Why doesn't Diane say anything or even react to the date given out in one of the last chapters? that should have been like a cattle prod and absolutely nothing by Diane???

Started off better than it became, sadly.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy. Honest opinions expressed here are my own and are freely given.