What do you think?
Rate this book
Brunswick Bay Harbor Gems #2
Shining Pearls
He moved on from heartbreak in the only way he knew how.
She trusted him with her heart, mind, body, and soul.
When secrets from the past resurface, life as they know it will be destroyed.
Josie Michaels loves single-father Alex and his adorable daughter, Hannah. She completes their family in ways the heartbroken duo could never have imagined.
Alex Biggs needs solace from the torturous pain of his wife, Claire's, disappearance. He finds sweet relief in the arms of kindhearted, beautiful Josie.
When the truth about Claire's disappearance surfaces, the secluded bubble of happiness Josie and Alex have forged implodes.
Will these lovable characters find a way to heal and move on from tragedy, or has their path to happiness been crushed beyond repair? Find out now in Shining Pearls.
While this book can be listened to as a stand-alone novel, the author suggests listening to Shattered Diamonds (book one) first for the ultimate listener experience.
These exciting contemporary romance novels have been known to make listeners desperate to binge the next book in this addictive series. You've been warned!
She trusted him with her heart, mind, body, and soul.
When secrets from the past resurface, life as they know it will be destroyed.
Josie Michaels loves single-father Alex and his adorable daughter, Hannah. She completes their family in ways the heartbroken duo could never have imagined.
Alex Biggs needs solace from the torturous pain of his wife, Claire's, disappearance. He finds sweet relief in the arms of kindhearted, beautiful Josie.
When the truth about Claire's disappearance surfaces, the secluded bubble of happiness Josie and Alex have forged implodes.
Will these lovable characters find a way to heal and move on from tragedy, or has their path to happiness been crushed beyond repair? Find out now in Shining Pearls.
While this book can be listened to as a stand-alone novel, the author suggests listening to Shattered Diamonds (book one) first for the ultimate listener experience.
These exciting contemporary romance novels have been known to make listeners desperate to binge the next book in this addictive series. You've been warned!
200 pages, ebook
First published August 21, 2019
95 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Ann Omasta
188 books1,138 followersAnn Omasta is a USA Today bestselling author.
Subscribe to her YouTube channel for FREE audiobooks! https://www.youtube.com/@annomastaauthor
Here is a Top 10 list from Ann about her likes, dislikes, and oddities:
1. I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin.
2. Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle.
3. If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea––I love it all.
4. There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a couple of big dogs who are overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return.
5. Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dogs referenced above.
6. Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word.
7. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home.
8. All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie 'Sleeping with the Enemy,' but I can't seem to control this particular quirk.
9. I love, love, love finding a great bargain.
10. Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it, or even think about it. Great––now I'm thinking about it. Ick!
** Ann would LOVE to send you a free novella ~ Aloha, Baby! Visit annomasta.com to let her know where to send it.
Subscribe to her YouTube channel for FREE audiobooks! https://www.youtube.com/@annomastaauthor
Here is a Top 10 list from Ann about her likes, dislikes, and oddities:
1. I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin.
2. Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle.
3. If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea––I love it all.
4. There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a couple of big dogs who are overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return.
5. Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dogs referenced above.
6. Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word.
7. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home.
8. All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie 'Sleeping with the Enemy,' but I can't seem to control this particular quirk.
9. I love, love, love finding a great bargain.
10. Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it, or even think about it. Great––now I'm thinking about it. Ick!
** Ann would LOVE to send you a free novella ~ Aloha, Baby! Visit annomasta.com to let her know where to send it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 17, 2019
Shining Pearls is the second book in the Brunswick Harbor Gems series, these book most definitely should be read in order. Clair has returned after everyone has assumed she was dead for the past year, and that certainly puts a damper on the budding relationship between Alex and Josie. Josie is heartbroken and then finds herself pregnant how can this situation work out best for all those involved. I would certainly recommend this series to others.
January 4, 2021
(audiobook) As I hadn’t read the first book, I was quite surprised by the beginning of the story, but not in a bad way. It was actually interesting to start the story with Claire coming back home after her ordeal.
At first, I didn’t know who to root for–poor Claire who was away for a year, or poor Josie who finds herself in the position of a homewrecker. It isn’t exactly a love triangle, but some may think it is. For a long time I wasn’t sure who had Alex’s love. That’s how good the book is written. Characters are neither good nor bad, they all have their flaws and most of them come from circumstances they have no control on.
There’s a suspense element with Claire’s kidnapper being free. But it’s clearly not the focus of the story. But the ending brings it back full force and makes me want to read the next book.
As for the narration, it was interesting that the author herself narrated it. Though her skills aren’t great, she also knows the story deeply and brings a little bit of her soul in the audiobook.
Quickie
- Series: Brunswick Bay Harbor gems #2 (can be read as a standalone, though it directly follows book 1 and ends on a slight cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: small town romance #established couple #mistress #pregnancy
- Triggers: serious cheating, mention of kidnapping and sequestration with associated trauma
- Main couple: (Claire or Josie) & Alex Biggs
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + a very original and interesting take on the betrayal that is cheating
- – hard to see the romance when it starts like that, still not sure of Alex’s feelings
At first, I didn’t know who to root for–poor Claire who was away for a year, or poor Josie who finds herself in the position of a homewrecker. It isn’t exactly a love triangle, but some may think it is. For a long time I wasn’t sure who had Alex’s love. That’s how good the book is written. Characters are neither good nor bad, they all have their flaws and most of them come from circumstances they have no control on.
There’s a suspense element with Claire’s kidnapper being free. But it’s clearly not the focus of the story. But the ending brings it back full force and makes me want to read the next book.
As for the narration, it was interesting that the author herself narrated it. Though her skills aren’t great, she also knows the story deeply and brings a little bit of her soul in the audiobook.
Quickie
- Series: Brunswick Bay Harbor gems #2 (can be read as a standalone, though it directly follows book 1 and ends on a slight cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: small town romance #established couple #mistress #pregnancy
- Triggers: serious cheating, mention of kidnapping and sequestration with associated trauma
- Main couple: (Claire or Josie) & Alex Biggs
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + a very original and interesting take on the betrayal that is cheating
- – hard to see the romance when it starts like that, still not sure of Alex’s feelings
August 24, 2019
This is a beautifully written love triangle romance set in small-town
This is an easy read with a bit of heat.
I had previously read Shattered Diamonds (which also ended on a cliff hanger) and was taken with the story, fraught with heartache, loss, but also hope for a brighter future.
Can't wait to find out what happens next in Brunswick Bay Harbor.
A great read. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an easy read with a bit of heat.
I had previously read Shattered Diamonds (which also ended on a cliff hanger) and was taken with the story, fraught with heartache, loss, but also hope for a brighter future.
Can't wait to find out what happens next in Brunswick Bay Harbor.
A great read. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2022
Shining Pearls has Alex dealing with the return of his wife leaving poor Josie devastated because now she has lost the man she was beginning to love and the little Hannah as well. If that isn't enough, as Alex and Claire rediscover their feelings and unite, Josie finds herself expecting as does Claire. There is a lot of drama in the air and a lot of jealous feelings. Will they be able to get along?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2019
NEVER GIVE UP ON LOVE
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Not knowing in the beginning that this was a continuation book, I was thrown off as to why it started the way it did. Getting into the book, I was really upset with Alex as to why he had given up so easily on his missing wife and how Josie had just moved in and had an affair with him before his wife was declared dead. I did like Dean’s unwavering devotion and love of Josie. This book is a cliffhanger also.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Not knowing in the beginning that this was a continuation book, I was thrown off as to why it started the way it did. Getting into the book, I was really upset with Alex as to why he had given up so easily on his missing wife and how Josie had just moved in and had an affair with him before his wife was declared dead. I did like Dean’s unwavering devotion and love of Josie. This book is a cliffhanger also.
September 1, 2019
This is the continuation of the first book Shattered Diamonds that ends in a cliffhanger. I listened to the audio, and it didn't add much to the book. I gave this 3 stars because the book caused some type of emotion, even if it wasn't positive.
In book one, I felt sorry for Alex because people thought he had murdered his wife and treated him like a pariah. I was kind of glad he was able to find comfort with Josie.
In this book, Claire returns and we find out what happened to her. Claire immediately sees that there is something going on between Alex and Josie, but she expects everything to immediately return to normal. Her daughter has not seen it heard from her in over a year, but she gives no thought to how she will react? Claire's sister was childish and completely unlikable in both of these books.
Also in this book, I did a complete about face regarding Alex. His wife returns and he treats Josie like crap throughout the book. He seemed to completely forget that she supported him and his daughter while his wife was missing and presumed dead while the rest of the town dismissed him and have her the side eye.
I felt sorry for Dean in the last book, because he loved Josie and she only saw him as her best friend. I was glad Dean was there to support her through everything she went through in this book. At least Josie did keep reminding Dean that they were just beat friends. Even when she realized she felt something when he started dating Holly, I never got the sense that she was using him.
On top of everything else happening, the situation became even more complicated by involving children. It provides Alex with even more opportunities to be completely selfish and insensitive. Plus, they still haven't caught the person who kidnapped Claire. Then the book ended with another cliffhanger!
There is only so much drama and angst I can take. My journey with these couples and this town ends here. I was so turned off by Claire and Alex, I don't even care what happens next.
I voluntarily listened and reviewed this audio book received from the author.
In book one, I felt sorry for Alex because people thought he had murdered his wife and treated him like a pariah. I was kind of glad he was able to find comfort with Josie.
In this book, Claire returns and we find out what happened to her. Claire immediately sees that there is something going on between Alex and Josie, but she expects everything to immediately return to normal. Her daughter has not seen it heard from her in over a year, but she gives no thought to how she will react? Claire's sister was childish and completely unlikable in both of these books.
Also in this book, I did a complete about face regarding Alex. His wife returns and he treats Josie like crap throughout the book. He seemed to completely forget that she supported him and his daughter while his wife was missing and presumed dead while the rest of the town dismissed him and have her the side eye.
I felt sorry for Dean in the last book, because he loved Josie and she only saw him as her best friend. I was glad Dean was there to support her through everything she went through in this book. At least Josie did keep reminding Dean that they were just beat friends. Even when she realized she felt something when he started dating Holly, I never got the sense that she was using him.
On top of everything else happening, the situation became even more complicated by involving children. It provides Alex with even more opportunities to be completely selfish and insensitive. Plus, they still haven't caught the person who kidnapped Claire. Then the book ended with another cliffhanger!
There is only so much drama and angst I can take. My journey with these couples and this town ends here. I was so turned off by Claire and Alex, I don't even care what happens next.
I voluntarily listened and reviewed this audio book received from the author.
August 12, 2019
I had previously read Shattered Diamonds and was taken with the story, fraught with heartache, loss, but also hope for a brighter future . The story ended with a cliffhanger so I was anxious to read the next in the series to find out what would happen to Josie, Alex, Hannah, Claire, Dean... not going to give anything away but WOW! That was my reaction to the first book as well. Once I started reading I didn't want to put the book down. There were parts that left me wanting to be angry with Alex for his behavior, but given the incredibly difficult circumstances, it's hard to blame him. This story definitely pulled at the heartstrings. I was a little surprised that it completely ignored how the town had previously mistreated Alex and how Claire's return changed things (or didn't), but that wasn't the focus of the book and probably would have detracted from the meat of the story. Fair warning. This ends with a cliffhanger...again. Can't wait to find out what happens next in Brunswick Bay Harbor.
August 24, 2019
Clair is back in the life of her family and Josie is heartbroken and suffering. While I expected their marriage to be more bumpy after Clair found out about Alex' mistress, I got quite angry at Alex for not even giving Josie another thought! However Clair is one hell of a strong woman who's willing to overcome her hurt and let Hannah continue her swimming lessons with Josie. Of course their life isn't all shiny now, even though Clair agrees to have a second child and falls pregnant soon... you'll be excited about the twist Ann created there and boy did this book need to end on a cliffhanger again?! Just kidding. I couldn't stop reading.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2020
Wonderfully fantastic... The book was amazing... It had a lot of details and juicy scenes to it... The characters and their personalities match them perfectly... The plot and the storyline was very descriptive and amazing...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2020
This is the second book in the Brunswick Bay Harbor series. This is one story that will definitely pull at your heartstrings. First let me say, I think it best if this series is read in order so that you don't miss anything. Alex finds himself in an impossibly difficult situation. After his wife Claire 's disappearance, he has found comfort and love with Josie. In turn, Josie has also come to care for Alex and his daughter Hannah. After nearly a year of being gone, Claire is now back and Josie 's happiness is in jeopardy. The three of them definitely have some complications to deal with. This was such a captivating story that had me completely immersed and invested in each of the characters. Such a great storyline, and well-developed characters that were so endearing. This is a series you do not want to miss!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2020
Small town gossip at its best. Josie is getting the looks from the townspeople for having worked for and then fallen for Alex, the presumed spouse killer. And now that the towns theory has been disproven, and Claire has returned, where does that leave Josie.
Josie’s surprise pregnancy and Alex’s reunion with his previously kidnapped wife, Claire cause a lot of stress on many people within the town.
I never thought I would be so caught up in the small town drama, but the writing and character development in this series has totally pulled me in and I am moving from one book in the series t9 the next, biting my nails waiting for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Josie’s surprise pregnancy and Alex’s reunion with his previously kidnapped wife, Claire cause a lot of stress on many people within the town.
I never thought I would be so caught up in the small town drama, but the writing and character development in this series has totally pulled me in and I am moving from one book in the series t9 the next, biting my nails waiting for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2021
Read as a 3 book set Brunswick Bay Harbor Gems: Shattered Diamonds / Shining Pearls / Shimmering Emeralds (Brunswick Bay Harbor Gems #1-3).
Book 2 is ABSOLUTELY NOT a standalone, so if you don't want cliffhangers, don't read. You have to read the first book (Shattered Diamonds), or nothing in this book really makes much sense. I can absolutely tell you I wouldn't have even picked the first book up if it hadn't been bundled with the other two books.
Shining Pearls takes up where Shattered Diamonds ends (with a cliffhanger), and there's a lot of conflict, some resolution, more conflict, and more relationship issues. Not as much of a fan of Alex; I felt for him in book 1, but he's kind of checked out in book 2. This is mostly Josie's story, until the CLIFFHANGER that leads to book 3.
Book 2 is ABSOLUTELY NOT a standalone, so if you don't want cliffhangers, don't read. You have to read the first book (Shattered Diamonds), or nothing in this book really makes much sense. I can absolutely tell you I wouldn't have even picked the first book up if it hadn't been bundled with the other two books.
Shining Pearls takes up where Shattered Diamonds ends (with a cliffhanger), and there's a lot of conflict, some resolution, more conflict, and more relationship issues. Not as much of a fan of Alex; I felt for him in book 1, but he's kind of checked out in book 2. This is mostly Josie's story, until the CLIFFHANGER that leads to book 3.
August 31, 2020
i happened to read this Book 2 before reading book 1,but still thoroughly enjoyed it. His wife had disappeared almost a year ago and left him and his young daughter. He finally meets up with another woman and they are together when his wife suddenly reappears. There are a lot of complications, but they work them out. I look forward to reading the 3rd book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
4.5 stars - A heartbreaking story with a heart stopping cliffhanger. Things go from uncomfortably awkward to absurdly awkward for Josie. I commend how Claire handled everything but I was dismayed by Alex's response. While not ideal circumstances, he pretty much treated Josie worse than gum on the bottom of his shoe. I expected better especially since, upon entering his life, she had quickly become one of only a few people who openly supported and defended him.
May 29, 2021
Short read
I read the first book which is designed to make you buy the next one i.e. this one. It isn’t a cheap buy for the size of the book and again the ending means you need to buy the next one. Well I’m going to leave it there as I prefer authors who write books as a series but each book is still a stand alone. This series is effectively one book split up which ends up a rip off for readers.
I read the first book which is designed to make you buy the next one i.e. this one. It isn’t a cheap buy for the size of the book and again the ending means you need to buy the next one. Well I’m going to leave it there as I prefer authors who write books as a series but each book is still a stand alone. This series is effectively one book split up which ends up a rip off for readers.
January 1, 2020
Aw, how sweet. The babies (yes, plural) are two shining pearls in the strand of their lives.
I thought Claire would not be able to forgive Alex and end up with someone else. But I’m glad their marriage withstood this test/trial.
And that Josie seems to get her HEA too. But a different one than I would have expected from the previous installment in the series.
I thought Claire would not be able to forgive Alex and end up with someone else. But I’m glad their marriage withstood this test/trial.
And that Josie seems to get her HEA too. But a different one than I would have expected from the previous installment in the series.
September 2, 2020
Alex is stunned and happy that his wife has come back after being missing for a year. Josie feels like she doesn't even matter to him at all. Alex and Claire are trying to move forward and make a new start. Josie finds out something and is reluctant to share it. How will everything work out when the truth is revealed? Will Claire and Alex be able to move forward or will they move apart?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2020
The story continues as Josie and Alex are finding happiness being together and taking care of his daughter. Will it all change when Claire reappears again after a year of being held captive? There are more surprises about to be dropped. How will they all handle things going forward? I enjoyed this romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2020
Love small town romance! Entertaining and charming story with witty dialogue. Great characters you will love to follow. Fun following the journey full of twists and turns. Imaginative and fun to read. Good read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2020
After finishing the first book, I dove into this one head first. While I don't think it was as interesting as the first, it was really well written and kept my attention. With the twist ending, I started the third book immediately.
August 31, 2020
A true roller-coaster of emotions, love, friendship and life. Each character makes the story so interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2020
This is the 2nd book of Brunswick bay harbor gems series. Alex and Josie are happy until the truth of his wifes disappearance surfaces. Will it tear them apart or can their love survive?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
After starting to rebuild his life with Josie, Alex learns what really happened to Claire. The consequences are life changing. I was drawn into this storyline and will continue with this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
Sweetly thrilling, fun and emotional journey filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists, memorable moments and exciting turns. Really enjoyed this highly entertaining and heartwarming journey
September 5, 2020
I enjoyed revisiting this wonderful couple and to see where they have been. The reveal is shocking but very effective. The story was better than the first one in my opinion because I knew the characters and as able to get into the story.
September 5, 2020
This book hooked me from the get go I just couldn’t put it down I fell in love with these characters and omg what a story just a perfect read.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Read
April 20, 2022I liked the story which travels through books 1,2 & 3. I listened via Chirp. The author is the narrator. She really should have hired a professional. The story is solid so if you read the series, do it with your eye not your ears.
October 29, 2020
wow
what a book
I really hated Alex
he was just so insensitive
my heart bled for Josie and Claire
what a book
I really hated Alex
he was just so insensitive
my heart bled for Josie and Claire
April 26, 2022
Chick romance read
Would be a great easy beach read. Characters are easy to follow and easy to like. Really like this author.
Would be a great easy beach read. Characters are easy to follow and easy to like. Really like this author.
January 3, 2024
Loved it
Oh goodness this was filled with drama and heartache. I am pleased with how things turned out but that cliffhanger. Oh my gosh I can't wait to read book 3.
Oh goodness this was filled with drama and heartache. I am pleased with how things turned out but that cliffhanger. Oh my gosh I can't wait to read book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews