Escape to the sun-kissed shores of coastal North Carolina with Sherryl Woods’ Ocean Breeze series, a heartwarming trilogy that weaves romance, family, and self-discovery into a tapestry of small-town charm. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, this series follows the Castle sisters as they return home to Sand Castle Bay, finding love and rediscovering their roots amidst salty breezes and sandy beaches.
With its vivid coastal setting and emotionally rich storytelling, Ocean Breeze captures the magic of second chances and the pull of home. Whether you’re a longtime Sherryl Woods fan or new to her work, this trilogy promises a cozy, romantic journey that’s hard to resist!
How Ocean Breeze Began
Sherryl Woods, a New York Times bestselling author known for her heartfelt Southern romances, launched the Ocean Breeze series in 2013 with Harlequin MIRA. Inspired by her love for small-town settings and coastal landscapes, Woods crafted a trilogy centered on the Castle sisters—Emily, Gabriella, and Samantha. Her goal was to explore the ties that bind families and the transformative power of love, set against the picturesque backdrop of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Woods’ signature blend of warmth and emotional depth shines through, making Ocean Breeze a standout in her extensive catalog.
The Heart of Ocean Breeze
The trilogy kicks off with Sand Castle Bay (March 2013), where Emily Castle, an ambitious interior designer, returns to help her grandmother rebuild after a hurricane. Rekindling her romance with widower Boone Dorsett, Emily grapples with balancing career and love. Wind Chime Point (May 2013) follows Gabriella (Gabi), who seeks serenity at her grandmother’s home after a personal crisis, only to find unexpected love with patient Wade Johnson. The series wraps with Sea Glass Island (May 2013), where actress Samantha Castle confronts her teenage crush on war hero Ethan Cole, navigating family matchmaking and her own dreams.
Woods masterfully blends themes of family, resilience, and second chances, with the coastal setting acting as a vibrant character. The North Carolina shoreline, with its stormy skies and tranquil beaches, mirrors the sisters’ emotional journeys. Each book delivers a self-contained romance while building a cohesive family saga, enriched by grandmother Cora Jane’s matchmaking antics and the tight-knit Sand Castle Bay community. Woods’ warm, conversational style makes every page feel like a chat with an old friend.
Why Ocean Breeze Resonates
Ocean Breeze has carved a special place in the hearts of romance readers, thanks to its relatable characters and universal themes. Fans praise Woods’ ability to craft stories that feel both intimate and expansive, blending personal growth with swoon-worthy love stories. The series’ focus on family bonds and the lure of home strikes a chord with those craving stories of connection and renewal. Its coastal setting also taps into the timeless appeal of beachside escapes, making it a go-to read for cozy evenings or summer getaways.
While not as widely adapted as Woods’ Sweet Magnolias or Chesapeake Shores, Ocean Breeze holds its own as a beloved trilogy, with readers on Goodreads and Amazon lauding its emotional depth and satisfying conclusions. Its legacy lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where love and family always find a way.
- Publication Years: 2013
- Number of Books: 3
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
- Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Dive into Sand Castle Bay and let the Ocean Breeze trilogy sweep you away to a world of romance, family, and coastal charm!