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Sea Glass Made with Second Chances
In the small beach town of Serenity by the Sea, Kassidy Russo tells a lie. Not a big lie that would harm other people. The kind of lie that causes a small inconvenience no larger than dripping ice cream on a hot day. At least that’s how she sees it.
She’ll come clean to her estranged sisters soon enough, but first she must convince them to stay in Serenity, keep their late father’s failing tavern, and clear out his neglected home filled with years of trash and junk. Before she does any of that, she should ask herself; when everything begins with a lie, how can it end with the truth?
Grant Hawkins arrives in Serenity by the Sea under a falsehood. His brother deceived him. But Grant agrees to stay a few weeks because his secret hides well in a quaint town with interesting residents. He also owes his brother this one last try to save what Grant has broken. And maybe he stays because the pretty woman in the tavern needs his help.
But for two people who must learn that secrets only hurt those you care about, life seldom turns out the way you plan, and not everyone gets a second chance to start over, finding love in the midst of a storm will be as difficult as discovering the rarest sea glass in the sand.
She’ll come clean to her estranged sisters soon enough, but first she must convince them to stay in Serenity, keep their late father’s failing tavern, and clear out his neglected home filled with years of trash and junk. Before she does any of that, she should ask herself; when everything begins with a lie, how can it end with the truth?
Grant Hawkins arrives in Serenity by the Sea under a falsehood. His brother deceived him. But Grant agrees to stay a few weeks because his secret hides well in a quaint town with interesting residents. He also owes his brother this one last try to save what Grant has broken. And maybe he stays because the pretty woman in the tavern needs his help.
But for two people who must learn that secrets only hurt those you care about, life seldom turns out the way you plan, and not everyone gets a second chance to start over, finding love in the midst of a storm will be as difficult as discovering the rarest sea glass in the sand.
300 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2025
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Wilk
38 books59 followersFrom an early age, Stacey Wilk told tales as a way to escape. At six she wrote short stories in composition notebooks, at twelve she wrote a novel on a typewriter, in high school biology she wrote rock star romances in her binder instead of paying attention.
But it wasn’t until many years later, inspired by her children and a looming birthday, that she finally took her story-telling seriously. And published her first novel in 2013. Since then, she’s gone on to publish fourteen more so women everywhere could fall in love and find an escape of their own.
She isn’t done telling stories. Not by a long shot. If you want to read her emotional and honest books about family, romance, and second chances, visit her at www.staceywilk.com
To see what she writes next, follow her Facebook group for her amazing readers – Stacey’s Novel Family https://bit.ly/2FK8Lae
Or join her newsletter - https://bit.ly/2A0jEFk
But it wasn’t until many years later, inspired by her children and a looming birthday, that she finally took her story-telling seriously. And published her first novel in 2013. Since then, she’s gone on to publish fourteen more so women everywhere could fall in love and find an escape of their own.
She isn’t done telling stories. Not by a long shot. If you want to read her emotional and honest books about family, romance, and second chances, visit her at www.staceywilk.com
To see what she writes next, follow her Facebook group for her amazing readers – Stacey’s Novel Family https://bit.ly/2FK8Lae
Or join her newsletter - https://bit.ly/2A0jEFk
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 2, 2025
This book is filled with second chances, but they’re not the conventional kind of second chances you usually think about when someone uses that term. There are second chances with family relationships, with career choices, heck, even with themselves. There are even the second chances we take for granted. The relationship between Kassidy and Grant is such a quiet thing. But then, their family dramas are so loud and boisterous, it’s maybe not a surprise that their budding friendship growing into something more is almost a serendipitous surprise once they start to get the rest of their lives sorted out. I got sucked into this book pretty much from the beginning, and I didn’t realize how much time was flying by outside until I closed the covers and looked up to discover just how many hours had passed me by. I love knowing that this is the start of a new series, because I’m not at all ready to let go of any of these characters just yet.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
June 19, 2025
Sea Glass Made with Second Chances is a sweet romance between two people who have been hurt by love finding their way to happiness, all while figuring out what it is they actually want in life. Filled with family complications, guilt, secrets and lies, and plenty of time on the Jersey Shore, this might not have the sharpest writing, but the story it tells is lovely and soft, and really shines when it comes to the characters.
Kassidy’s father has just passed and she’s called her sisters, Maren and Bailey, back home to Serenity by the Sea for the reading of his will, and to help her clean out his house. Except, she tells a lie to keep them with her for the summer, because it’s been far too long since she’s been with her sisters. At the same time, she’s hurt her father left his tavern, The Blue Dot, to all three of them instead of her like he’d promised, and now they’re arguing between selling and keeping the one place Kass really loves and has found a purpose in. Grant hasn’t performed on stage in two years, not since a bus accident claimed the lives of his wife and youngest brother. But he has a contract to fulfill and his brother, Levi, who also serves as his manager, is determined to ensure he completes the songs he’s contracted to do. So Levi lures him to Serenity, right next door to the captivating Kassidy.
A delightful blend of romance and women’s fiction, it really leans into both Kass and Grant working out what’s really important to them and getting past the hurts they endured at the hands of loved ones, as well as Grant’s guilt for his own hand in his life’s tragedy. The romance was more subtle in comparison, but, when it went full romance, it really nailed the heartfelt scenes. There were hiccups along the way, and I liked that their reactions felt natural and completely in line with their characterizations.
Kass and Grant really are the stars here. I loved that they’re both older and have had some serious life experience. Love hasn’t been easy for either of them, and they definitely felt a little shy of committing their hearts again. Watching them break down their own barriers to let the other in was lovely. There were times when they didn’t really feel like they acted their ages, instead coming off more like they were maybe in their twenties, but I liked that it showed that even those closer to middle age go through struggles and drama.
I really loved how much Kass loves sea glass; I just wish the story had given the same kind of love to her and her sisters. It’s stated more than felt that she wants time with Maren and Bailey and Maren’s teen daughter Peyton, but I struggled to connect with that part of the story. If Kass hadn’t told me how much she wanted that sisterly bond, it would have taken me a while to guess it. This part of the story felt a little unmoored, and I had to work to dig and piece together what kind of relationship was missing between the three of them and what it was Kass wanted and why. I did love Maren, Bailey, and Peyton, and the drama between them was interesting. I just found it difficult to really understand the distance between them, and not much about their discussed childhoods really told me any of them wanted to be close.
Grant and Levi have a much different relationship. They’ve been stuck together since Levi is Grant’s manager, but I found myself missing the brotherly bond as it’s not really there. Theirs felt more like a business arrangement. Grant is really hurting from what happened two years ago, and I did like how it really painted him as a rambling loner. Levi has been patient with him, but he has a contract bearing down on him. Their relationship is clearly strained, and Levi lying to Grant to get him to Serenity by the Sea definitely didn’t help matters. But we really don’t see a whole lot of Levi, so it was difficult to get a sense of him and the relationship between these brothers. Though it might have also been challenging because, while Grant does get to tell his story, most of the book is given over to Kass, so most of what I got from Grant was that he was wallowing in his guilt.
But I loved the shore. I loved this little town with the beach right there. I loved The Blue Dot. I even loved Kass’s cozy little cottage. There’s something very sweet and cozy about the setting, and I felt like I was there with them. The weather really reminded me of summers on the East Coast, and I felt the storms and humidity. The sense of place was spot on, and I would have loved to put my own feet in the sand and on the boardwalk. That ice cream place sounds like it must have some delicious treats. The Blue Dot definitely felt run down and a little neglected, but also definitely loved. I loved the glimpse of its future, but I just really loved how homey and unpretentious it felt. It’s not glittery like the places on the boardwalk, but sometimes those are the best places to be.
Sea Glass Made with Second Chances is a really lovely story. The writing sometimes made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in it, but, when the storytelling became really compelling, I was swept away. There are some really delightful and sweet scenes between Kass and Grant, and Kass and her sisters. This really shone when it came to the characterizations, down to the accents that felt absolutely perfect. There are some really fantastic nuggets in this book, and it has a very sweet way of telling its story.
Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Kassidy’s father has just passed and she’s called her sisters, Maren and Bailey, back home to Serenity by the Sea for the reading of his will, and to help her clean out his house. Except, she tells a lie to keep them with her for the summer, because it’s been far too long since she’s been with her sisters. At the same time, she’s hurt her father left his tavern, The Blue Dot, to all three of them instead of her like he’d promised, and now they’re arguing between selling and keeping the one place Kass really loves and has found a purpose in. Grant hasn’t performed on stage in two years, not since a bus accident claimed the lives of his wife and youngest brother. But he has a contract to fulfill and his brother, Levi, who also serves as his manager, is determined to ensure he completes the songs he’s contracted to do. So Levi lures him to Serenity, right next door to the captivating Kassidy.
A delightful blend of romance and women’s fiction, it really leans into both Kass and Grant working out what’s really important to them and getting past the hurts they endured at the hands of loved ones, as well as Grant’s guilt for his own hand in his life’s tragedy. The romance was more subtle in comparison, but, when it went full romance, it really nailed the heartfelt scenes. There were hiccups along the way, and I liked that their reactions felt natural and completely in line with their characterizations.
Kass and Grant really are the stars here. I loved that they’re both older and have had some serious life experience. Love hasn’t been easy for either of them, and they definitely felt a little shy of committing their hearts again. Watching them break down their own barriers to let the other in was lovely. There were times when they didn’t really feel like they acted their ages, instead coming off more like they were maybe in their twenties, but I liked that it showed that even those closer to middle age go through struggles and drama.
I really loved how much Kass loves sea glass; I just wish the story had given the same kind of love to her and her sisters. It’s stated more than felt that she wants time with Maren and Bailey and Maren’s teen daughter Peyton, but I struggled to connect with that part of the story. If Kass hadn’t told me how much she wanted that sisterly bond, it would have taken me a while to guess it. This part of the story felt a little unmoored, and I had to work to dig and piece together what kind of relationship was missing between the three of them and what it was Kass wanted and why. I did love Maren, Bailey, and Peyton, and the drama between them was interesting. I just found it difficult to really understand the distance between them, and not much about their discussed childhoods really told me any of them wanted to be close.
Grant and Levi have a much different relationship. They’ve been stuck together since Levi is Grant’s manager, but I found myself missing the brotherly bond as it’s not really there. Theirs felt more like a business arrangement. Grant is really hurting from what happened two years ago, and I did like how it really painted him as a rambling loner. Levi has been patient with him, but he has a contract bearing down on him. Their relationship is clearly strained, and Levi lying to Grant to get him to Serenity by the Sea definitely didn’t help matters. But we really don’t see a whole lot of Levi, so it was difficult to get a sense of him and the relationship between these brothers. Though it might have also been challenging because, while Grant does get to tell his story, most of the book is given over to Kass, so most of what I got from Grant was that he was wallowing in his guilt.
But I loved the shore. I loved this little town with the beach right there. I loved The Blue Dot. I even loved Kass’s cozy little cottage. There’s something very sweet and cozy about the setting, and I felt like I was there with them. The weather really reminded me of summers on the East Coast, and I felt the storms and humidity. The sense of place was spot on, and I would have loved to put my own feet in the sand and on the boardwalk. That ice cream place sounds like it must have some delicious treats. The Blue Dot definitely felt run down and a little neglected, but also definitely loved. I loved the glimpse of its future, but I just really loved how homey and unpretentious it felt. It’s not glittery like the places on the boardwalk, but sometimes those are the best places to be.
Sea Glass Made with Second Chances is a really lovely story. The writing sometimes made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in it, but, when the storytelling became really compelling, I was swept away. There are some really delightful and sweet scenes between Kass and Grant, and Kass and her sisters. This really shone when it came to the characterizations, down to the accents that felt absolutely perfect. There are some really fantastic nuggets in this book, and it has a very sweet way of telling its story.
Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 13, 2025
This was a bland romance that, once again, expected the reader to buy into an off the charts connection (on the part of both scarred and flawed characters) in just a short time. While time is a bit fluid in this book, it essentially takes part over one summer. So, the hurt feelings and implied deep connections taking place initially over two weeks (that included days in which the love bugs don't see each other, let alone communicate) was a bit too much. I also found the characters a bit too contrived. For example, Kass references how she can be too loose with her words yet she can't be honest with her sisters. If Kass feels she said so many inappropriate things to Grant and resorts to apologies, why keep doing that? I did enjoy the locale moments and it seems that Serenity is channeling Ocean Grove tent houses in NJ--a bit of nostalgia for me. As far as the writing, I would recommend a review of the pronoun use of she so often. Many times when four females were part of the story at the same time, the use of "she" was so confusing--which 'she'??? Overall, it was okay. Not great, not terrible. It would be a decent beach read--maybe on the sandy beaches of Ocean Grove, NJ. Even better--LBI!
April 3, 2025
I received this book as an ARC through Hidden Gems. I was all in with this beautiful story written about 3 sisters, 2 brothers and so many trials and tribulations that life, (and death) bring us. That was... until the end. I loved seeing so many characters grow and evolve as life put up barriers and heartbreak. I felt involved, as everyone looks differently at the options and temptations of 2nd chances (due to love, loss, family idiosyncrasies and misunderstandings). This story is not so predictable as many plot lines are, but this continues to give the reader hope from so many aspects. However, where the author lost me, was the life altering, long-term relationship turn marriage proposal in less than three weeks, most of that time, the key characters weren't even together. It felt too rushed and a usual "expected" ending that was forced. The relationship couldn't have been written better at the end, without such a weird commitment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
From the very first page, Stacey Wilk proves once again that she has a true gift for storytelling. Sea Glass made with Second Chances pulls you in instantly, making you feel as if you’re right there beside the characters—feeling what they feel, seeing what they see. Her ability to create such vivid, relatable worlds is nothing short of amazing.
What makes Stacey’s writing stand out is the balance she strikes so beautifully—offering just the right amount of emotional highs and lows, all wrapped up in a satisfying, heartfelt ending. This book is both an escape and a reflection, filled with realism, heart, and hope. Whether you're new to her work or a longtime fan, Sea Glass made with Second Chances is a must-read that stays with you long after the final page.
What makes Stacey’s writing stand out is the balance she strikes so beautifully—offering just the right amount of emotional highs and lows, all wrapped up in a satisfying, heartfelt ending. This book is both an escape and a reflection, filled with realism, heart, and hope. Whether you're new to her work or a longtime fan, Sea Glass made with Second Chances is a must-read that stays with you long after the final page.
May 6, 2025
This was a page turner for me. I fell in love with the characters and their stories. Small town romance with relatable characters.
This book was about second chances in life. Kassidy and her two sisters and Grant and his one brother. Each have their own reasons for needing a second chance in life.
I laughed, I cried, and I loved throughout this book.
The book flowed nicely, , it was easy reading. I highly recommend this book and author.
This is book 1 in a series and I am sure the rest of the books will be just as good.
This book was about second chances in life. Kassidy and her two sisters and Grant and his one brother. Each have their own reasons for needing a second chance in life.
I laughed, I cried, and I loved throughout this book.
The book flowed nicely, , it was easy reading. I highly recommend this book and author.
This is book 1 in a series and I am sure the rest of the books will be just as good.
September 28, 2025
Secrets and Second Chances
Grant is running from a past that still hurts, and Kassidy is determined to save her family’s diner while keeping her sisters close with a small, well-intentioned lie. When their paths cross in Serenity by the Sea, sparks fly—but so do secrets. Can honesty and courage give them both the second chance for which they’ve been hoping?
With the town’s cozy charm, heartfelt moments, and two people learning to trust again, this story is a warm, small-town romance about love, hope, and the unexpected magic of second chances.
Grant is running from a past that still hurts, and Kassidy is determined to save her family’s diner while keeping her sisters close with a small, well-intentioned lie. When their paths cross in Serenity by the Sea, sparks fly—but so do secrets. Can honesty and courage give them both the second chance for which they’ve been hoping?
With the town’s cozy charm, heartfelt moments, and two people learning to trust again, this story is a warm, small-town romance about love, hope, and the unexpected magic of second chances.
April 10, 2025
Really enjoy this romance especialy because of the sisters dinamic. The romance betteween Kassiy and Grant was a little cliché, I did see many movies/tv shows with girl falls in love with the hidden singer or that the men is afraid of falling because of his past. But did like that in this book did not have other potencial romantic intrest and both try really heart to not hurt each other.
I just did not like Levi. He did not seem to really care that his brother was in grief. He only did care that he writes songs to get the money. So different of Kassiy sisters that even too that they did not want the tavern, they seem to love and care about her. And in the end they understant, that Kassiy really need her sisters by herside because she was feeling alone.
I just did not like Levi. He did not seem to really care that his brother was in grief. He only did care that he writes songs to get the money. So different of Kassiy sisters that even too that they did not want the tavern, they seem to love and care about her. And in the end they understant, that Kassiy really need her sisters by herside because she was feeling alone.
May 30, 2025
After Kassidys father passes her estranged sisters come to Serenty and Kassidy wants them to stay to convince them to keep her father's tavern open The Dot but they want to sell to get their share of the money and Kassidy can't afford to buy them out plus she wants their help to clean out her father's house since he was a hoarder.Then she meets Grant and they become friends and it turns into more but Grant has alot of secrets and he is a celebrity.Loved this book
March 5, 2025
Oh wow... this is going to be an awesome series!!
I absolutely loved Kassidy and Grant's wonderful chance of finding true love.....
Unwilling to give up on her dreams, Kassidy needs to convince her sister's to come home and help sort out the mess their father left behind!
Brilliant storyline with fantastic characters and a wonderful HEA.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series......
I absolutely loved Kassidy and Grant's wonderful chance of finding true love.....
Unwilling to give up on her dreams, Kassidy needs to convince her sister's to come home and help sort out the mess their father left behind!
Brilliant storyline with fantastic characters and a wonderful HEA.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series......
March 10, 2025
This is going to be a great series because of the dynamic between the three sisters. This is Kassidy and Grant’s story. I really enjoyed the development of Kassidy’s character and back story. I would have liked more of Grant’s story - his brother Emmet and the bus accident. Felt like loose ends a bit. Maybe it will be revealed in the coming books.
June 25, 2025
A great summer read! You're pulled into the pages with captivating characters that you can't help but love long before you read the last page. A story of family, love and life that you can't put down.
I received an advance copy of this book from Hidden Gem Books and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an advance copy of this book from Hidden Gem Books and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
April 3, 2025
Lies will lead to trouble, her lie was not meant to harm but it may do just that. He is there after a lie lead him there and he may just fall for her. Can life go well when it started with a lie? See just where it will lead
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I wanted it to end well
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I wanted it to end well
May 21, 2025
Surprisingly good romance set in a nearby shore town I recognized, which made it even more fun. I read this at a busy time and it was just what I needed. Heartwarming, interesting plot about a strong woman bartender who brings her family together and finds love of her own. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2025
Received from Hidden Gems as a gift, super sweet read.
April 4, 2025
A great book really liked it. It was interesting also. I was given an arc and I chose to give a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews