Some places never leave you . . .
Two days before his 21st birthday, Brody Reames left the Outer Banks to fulfill his dream of sailing. For years, it’s been a liberating wayfarer’s life, crewing on ocean-bound vessels and joining cross-Atlantic races. He knew leaving his hometown wouldn’t be forever, but to mend a disillusioned heart in Fortunate Harbor, it was for the best. Still, he never expected that a family upheaval and his loving mother’s plea would call him back. With Christmas nearing, Brody is coming home again—to a crisp chill in the air and a warm former flame . . .
Some goodbyes aren’t meant to be forever . . .
Attorney for the Outer Banks’ 5-star ocean-front resort and resident treasure hunter, Rae Alden has a life that is adventurous, rewarding . . . and lonely. Still struggling with recent romances gone wrong, Rae directs all her energy into her career and caring for her ailing aunt, taking respite in dawn runs along the beach. But now, after eight years, she sees Brody again. They share more than a passion for the island realm. There are memories of a lovely once-upon-a-time fling. It lasted until a fateful change of seasons—and heart.
Like waves along the Crystal Coast, emotions thought long-gone come rushing back. But with both of them facing family turmoil and secrets yet to be revealed, how promising is a new chance at happiness, no matter how powerful the yearning? For Brody and Rae, this Christmas is all about making wishes come true.
Titles in the Outer Banks series include: Fortunate Harbor ~ A Sea Glass Christmas ~ The Sapphire Sea ~
This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
Title: A Sea Glass Christmas
Series: Outer Banks #2
Author: Davis Bunn
Published: September 30, 2025
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 4 stars
A Sea Glass Christmas is the second title in the Outer Banks series. While it’s perhaps not “necessary” to have read the first story in the series, I believe you’d have a better understanding of the background of this small, coastal town if you can possibly read them in order. In my opinion, you do what works for you.
Brody is coming home after years of sailing the world, his passion for sailing and the solitude involved come from a deep place, and years of dealing with his father’s unreasonable expectations… even his bullying personality, at times. He doesn’t really “want” to come home, but for his mother, he’ll face old demons once again.
Rae is a brilliant lawyer with a side passion for treasure-hunting. She’s probably settled, is the best word. Settled in her job, settled with her life, and no longer yearning for that special something that’s eluded her. Until Brody returns. The man she’s never forgotten, the man she might have found that “special something” with… if he hadn’t up and left her behind while he sailed the ocean alone.
Although centered around the week before Christmas, A Sea Glass Christmas isn’t a cute sipping cocoa by the roaring fireplace while carols play in the background kind of story. It’s gritty, the characters face their past decisions and choices in a hard-hitting manner. It is a romance as Brody and Rae deal with their past, and perhaps, move forward to a future together. It’s also a story of redemption, in a way, of accepting that life isn’t always kind, but to make the most of it because it’s the only life you’ve got. There are layers here that attract and reveal uncomfortable things in life. It will, perhaps, make you think and come away from the experience satisfied.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
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