The Boy With the Heart of Sea Glass

by Laura Livingstone

When the end of a relationship brings eighteen-year-old Sam back to the Cornish Island where he was born, he’s forced to face dark family secrets lurking just below the surface.

Meeting Tryste, a fisherman with eyes like thunderstorms, provides Sam with a distraction from the truth about his father, but Sam’s wounds run deep, and he’s worried about having his heart broken again. While fighting his feelings, he’s haunted by eerie visions of a pale woman who lures him beneath the waves.

Soon, it becomes hard to tell dreams from reality, and when he wakes drenched in saltwater, Sam realizes he inherited more than just his father’s face.

Embracing the truth may mean losing the life he’s built, but when Tryste’s boat goes missing, Sam has no choice. To save the boy he loves, he must follow his heart to the bottom of the ocean, even if it means blurring the line between reality and fairytale forever.

Fans of “The Wicked Deep” by Shea Earnshaw and “Out of the Blue” by Jason June will enjoy “The Boy With the Heart of Sea Glass” by Laura Livingstone.

Genres: Young Adult, Magic, Fantasy

ebook

Expected publication June 9, 2026

About the author

Laura Livingstone lives in Devon with her family and three cats. She taught History for twelve years before changing her career and moving to the seaside. When she’s not writing, she's on a beach collecting sea glass, trying to get through her ever increasing TBR pile, or embroidering elaborate scenes from The Simpsons. She's a ball of anxiety and enjoys using her writing to explore this. She is massively into happily-ever-afters...and cats.

Reviews

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender. Sweet. Introspective. A little mystical. Heartwarming at times. That’s how I’d describe The Boy With the Heart of Sea Glass. The title is beautifully fitting too. Sam finds pieces of glass on the beach in gorgeous colors and shapes. Glass that had been broken before. Just like Sam’s heart.

This story is full of inner monologues. Like Sam says himself:
I’m so jealous of people who don’t have a constant inner monologue shouting at them about every mistake they make. There’s something really dark about the fact that no one can make you feel worse than your own brain.

That line touched me deeply, since I’ve always had a very loud inner monologue myself, full of criticism. Over the last couple of years, it has grown quieter, or maybe I should say that my inner voice has become more proud of me.

Sam should be proud of himself too. By coming to the island, he begins to heal, even though some demons still haunt him. Mac, his ex-boyfriend, is one of them. His dad, who died when Sam was young, is another. And his relationship with his mom is tough.

I adored Tryste, the book-reading fisherman. He’s just like the story itself, so sweet and gentle. He even lightens Sam’s panic by calling his bursts of angst ‘trigger warnings. I also loved the setting on an island off the Cornish coast, with its gentle coves and raw edges. The descriptions were beautiful.

I would have loved the mystical elements to appear earlier, and the editing could have been tighter. But given that this is an indie release, I’m inclined to overlook those things, because overall, it’s a great debut.

Thank you, Laura Livingstone, for this wonderful ARC.

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[Ilana Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

18-year-old Sam is heart-broken and fleeing a relationship gone bad and a mother who isn't there for him the way needs her to be. Fortunately, he finds a welcoming home in Cornwall with his aunt, who lives on the island where Sam was born, but which he hasn't visited since he was a small child. The island provides welcome distractions in new friends—particularly in a very attractive young fisherman named Tryste. As Sam settles into his new life, however, the past beckons, becoming more and more demanding, and he's challenged to face secrets both dark and astonishing, and become the person he was always meant to be.

The Boy with the Heart of Sea Glass is a beautiful, grounded YA fantasy/romance that explores how our pasts impact our identities—whether we like it or not—and how our the relationships we choose steer our paths in life. It's about self-discovery and learning to open ourselves up to love again after trauma. It's about more than romantic love, though: it's about friendship and family and community.

The stakes get high, but the story always feel gentle and nurturing. I loved Sam and enjoyed going along with him on his journey. The secondary characters are wonderful too. And Cornwall itself is brought vividly and gorgeously to life as a character, impacting the story through myth and beauty. It made me long to visit and swim in the sea.

I loved everything about this book. It made me feel warm and happy. A wonderful story for teens and adults as well.

[Chelsei Worley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiii, this is my first ever ARC review. Let me start by saying that this was not like anything I’ve ever read before. It was a lot calmer, less spicey, but more of a character development. I actually really liked that there was always some twist happening, I never guessed anything straight up, it wasn’t predictable at all and it even had me tearing up in the end. I loved the ending, I kind of wish there was more. If you’re looking for a short, good read, I say go for it!!

[To Read Toad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender, queer coming-of-age story full of heartbreak, healing, and the slow rediscovery of self. Sam’s quiet, self-deprecating humour and anxious inner monologue make him such a relatable, beautifully human character — flawed, funny, and full of feeling.

I absolutely loved the thread of Cornish folklore woven through the story — it adds such a magical, melancholic depth, so different to the usual mermaid tale. The way the history and myth are revealed chapter by chapter feels like the sea itself, slowly drawing back to uncover what’s been buried beneath.

And honestly? I just want more. I want to know more about Nix and Sam’s father, to see if Sam and Nessa’s relationship can heal, and to spend more time with Sam and Tryste (their love story had my whole heart). Can we have a sequel, please?

Big thank you to Laura for providing me an ARC to read and review!

[Angel Tartaglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received an copy from the Authour for an honest review.

The book starts very emotionally with Sam in a vulnerable position from his last traumatic relationship. His emotions sound like regrets returning to his birthplace (he can barely remember) and he is grieving everything he lost back on the mainland. Over time he sorts through his feelings and learn about his family history that his mother kept hidden.

I do like how the author handles the topic of generational family trauma between Nessa’s (Sam’s mother) grief which ended up falling onto Sam as he grew up. Thus, subconsciously neglecting Sam's mental health when growing up. The relationship between them is complicated cause of lies and hidden truths. The mum is a bit frustrating at times because she doesn’t actually listen to Sam. She glosses over what he says and undermines his emotions when he tries to open up. Then his mum’s actions came to light, which is what hunts her.

The character development for Sam was very engaging, and it felt relatable in many parts of the novel. It is refreshing to see him pick up all the missing pieces in his life, as he tries to put the pieces together of what he doesn’t remember. In doing so, he unknowingly heals from his past traumas. I absolutely love that he finally stood up against that jerk ex of his towards the end, and set boundaries. When I found out what that lad did, I wanted to jump through the screen to tackle that ex.

I love how energetic Eowyn is in getting Sam to hang out, she’s like an extroverted golden retriever. She is the hero who helps him open up to other people on the island and socialise more, while also giving him swimming lessons.

Honestly, the slow-burn relationship between Tryste and Sam is nicely paced, allowing Sam actually to sort through his thoughts. There is very minimal “spice”, which is just lots of kissing and cuddling. There are no actual spicy scenes which is refreshing. I am loving the plot twist about who Sam and his father are though. That ending was chef kiss. I did not see that coming and I’m so happy it has a HEA.

[Thebookwitches_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boy With A Heart of Seaglass by Laura Livingston

4/5 Stars 🌟

Thank you so much Laura for sending us an eARC of the book

First things first I personally felt like we are missing some trigger warnings with the sensitive topics covered.

Sam has just left his boyfriend and feels lost in the world, so he takes off to the island where his ancestors began, Sam lost his father when he was a baby and his Mother Nessa took him away and kept him hidden from the sea and his families past.

We meet a few lovely characters on the way like his Aunt Alva who’s amazing, the love interest Tryste (this is 100% slow burn I got half way through the book and was still waiting for something to happen) we have Ewoyn (Lord of the Rings fans you’ll love the Easter eggs) who is lovely and really gives off fun new bestie energy.

This is at the half way point and so far the book is interesting but feels confusing- we have a lot of unanswered questions about the previous relationship, feels like we are gonna get some real clues when going places then get them knocked down instantly like visiting the old house and the church.

There’s a lot of build up to possible supernatural or psychological things happening, the comic effects are funny and there’s a lot of laughs throughout the book too with snide comments or sarcastic jabs.

On the romance - I didn’t expect smut but it was extremely extremely slow and kind of dragged out the should I kiss him or should I not scenario

This book is definitely about finding yourself after having an awful time and it’s been amazing to see who Sam’s became with the help of getting away and being in somewhere he can call home.

There are little dream sequences at the start of chapters that are so descriptive that you actually feel like you’ve entered his dreams.

[BookwyrmBri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

This is a beautiful story about learning how to open yourself up to the people around you after suffering from trusting the wrong person, and about how to move on and find yourself as well.

I did think the pacing was a little too slow for most of the book, and then too whiplash fast for the final ~20%. However, the more I think about the portions I found slow, the more I actually believe that it was important for them to be. We meet the main character as someone who is lost, and hurting, and who feels like his whole life has been aimless. The fact that the story lingers in his feelings and really takes the time to show how hard it is for him to try moving forward greatly added to my attachment to the character. I do still think the ending was too much of a complete switch into everything happening/being revealed all at once, though.

I adored all of the major characters. I think they were very well fleshed out, and they felt like real people with lives separate from the main character’s. Sam, the main character, is also great - though there were definitely times I was screaming in my head about why won’t you just talk to someone about this, you idiot?! But again, I think it was a believable response/reaction from someone in as low of a mental place as Sam was through a lot of the book.

There are still several loose ends that I’m kind of disappointed weren’t resolved by the end of the story. However, I’m hopeful that that means the author plans to write a sequel, and so they were left intentionally unresolved.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book, but no review was required in order to be eligible for the ARC. All opinions expressed above are my own.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review 🖤

Sam has escaped to his Aunt’s on a small island to lick his wounds. Once there, he begins a journey into his past. He also meets Tryste - a man who makes him want to think of a future he isn’t sure he’s capable of.

Tryste - fisherman, patient, kind, intriguing - orbits Sam without pressuring him. There’s no spice in this book but I didn’t miss it at all. There are very intimate moments for the MCs and a gentle tension and longing.

It’s peaceful and beautiful in a strange way despite all the turmoil the MC has gone through in his past and his attempts to heal in the present. I credit the author with handling touchy subject matter very well.

While the fantasy whirls around this story, it’s really about finding where you belong but still being open to possibilities.

This story also captures the longing and love for the ocean. The sense of belonging for those of us who are drawn to island life is visceral in this story. I believed Sam belonged on the island long before he did. I could “Feel” it. What a remarkable skill for an author to be able to convey that message.

I don’t want to spoil the twists and turns in this lovely yarn - I absolutely recommend this story if you have a romantic heart and believe in mysterious yearnings and the power of the heart.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a nutshell, this book is about a boy with a broken heart who returns to the Cornish island where he was born. He then meets a dreamy, muscular young man who helps him heal, learn about who he really is and teaches him to love again. It’s a book full of mystery, romance and captivating, yet relatable characters.

I was lucky enough to be sent an early ARC of this a little while ago, and I loved it! It’s a fascinating story of love, family secrets and self discovery all intertwined with Cornish folklore. I thought it was beautifully written and you can tell so much love went into it. The author has created characters you can truly empathise with. I cried with them, laughed at their silliness and spent a good bit of time wanting to shake some sense into them!

I’ve always felt that a good book is one that leaves you feeling just a wee bit sad that it’s over. “The Boy With the Heart of Sea Glass” definitely did that for me. It left me wanting to continue living in this magical corner of Cornwall and to see how the characters lives panned out… With that in mind, I guess I’ll be here waiting and hoping that we get a sequel 😂

[Tom Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No one tells you that sometimes, you break your own heart.”

I loved this book!

The Boy With the Heart of Sea Glass by Laura Livingstone is one of those rare YA romances that feels real despite its fantastical elements and that’s entirely thanks to its incredible characters and strikingly real dialogue.

From the very first chapter, the characters feel like people you might actually know. Messy, vulnerable, funny, and emotionally honest. Their flaws are tangible, their reactions believable, and their development is earned rather than rushed.

The writing is exceptional but what I loved the most was the dialogue. Every conversation feels natural, unforced, and authentic—like overhearing real teenagers navigating feelings they don’t yet have the language for. The banter is sharp, and the literary references were also a nice touch.

The romance is tender and heartfelt and you find yourself rooting for Sam and Tryste. The Boy With the Heart of Sea Glass is a beautifully written YA romance that was an easy five stars for me.

[Tasha]

There’s a whole world of secrets in the things we don’t say to one another….


Sam is lost, broken and he flees to a Cornish island so he can heal and connect with his family roots. Among the waves and washed up sea glass Sam learns about the past, meets a charismatic fisherman Tryste and goes on a journey of self discovery.

This is a heartwarming queer coming of age story with a folklore twist. Slow burn that is healing and the characters, the story swept me away. I couldn’t put it down. I received this as an eArc but will definitely need a physical copy so that I can tab it in a sea of blue!

[Jordy Reads24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this book was a breath of fresh air. Calmer and less spicy than expected, but packed with character development. The twists kept me hooked, and I didn't see anything coming. It left me tear-jerking at the end, and I wish there was more. If you're looking for a good short read then this book is for you.

[Adams Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of this book is really compelling. I’m intrigued by the mix of real-world struggles and mystical elements, especially the visions of the pale woman and the connection to the ocean. From the summary alone, it seems like a story about love, self-discovery, and facing your fears. Definitely on my reading list!