The Magic of Sea Glass: A dazzlingly heartwarming summer romance Paperback – May 3, 2023

This story takes place in one of my favorite spots -- the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and I felt as though I was transported there with Jenny Hale's evocative descriptions. The metaphor of the sea glass is very nicely woven into the story. Hale captures the frame of mind of someone grieving so accurately in the opening chapters of this novel and it is satisfying to see the main character, Lauren, gradually reawaken from her grief to reconnect with the natural world, make new friends, and fall in love again.

Lauren is grieving after the loss of her whole world tragically. She is in the business of planning the happiest day of people's lives, but it is taking a toll on her while she is still battling her own loss. She gets away to the beach of Rodanthe, North Carolina, but on a working trip vacation as she can't sit still. She worked as an assistant to a small boutique bed and breakfast. In Chapter 2, we jump to a different person and timeline. I'm unsure what Penelope and Phillip have to do with this story and jumping back so long ago.Finally, we glimpse something in a flashback that makes more sense and ties the storyline with them. The bracelet is the catalyst between the here and now and back then. This book has a lot of dealing with grief over the unexpected loss of a loved one. Lauren is battling her own inner issues. We do get a little bit of closed-door romance between Lauren and Brody, but I like that they keep it casual. I also like the Going Family in the Beach summary read. Her family finds her in more ways than one in this book. This story is full of surprises, from grief recovery to newfound family and friends and, of course, a few riptides as well to pull you back to the time jumps. But they make so much more sense now. This book ends wonderfully and so much more than I expected. It was a slow burn with a friends-to-lovers storyline, but I adored the setting and the sea glass.

This was a cute, easy read! The characters are engaging and there is a lovely twist that made me so happy! Perfect summer read.

Fresh story line. Good characters, not cliche . Hopeful ending. It wasinteresting and me laugh and cry. I enjoyed this book.

There is a higher power who controls destiny. Things happen for a reason you just have to be open to the plan of life.

A very sweet story of loss and love. It has the magic ingredients of a little luck and a willingness to move beyond the pain.

Sometimes a fairytale can be a wonderful read. This one surely was. Unexpected twists and turns made interesting by the author. Highly recommend.

I was excited to read a new author other than the Lauren K. Denton, and was really overall disappointed at this Hallmark-movie feel of a story.I find it hard to believe that a woman who was engaged to a man she's known for 4 years can so quickly move into another relationship after only ONE year of mourning. I was kinda urked me when I was literally in the first 20 pages of the book that she's getting all hot and bothered by Brody.Maybe I'm too old fashioned, but really didn't feel any real love between these two main characters.