One summer can change everything, and in “The Seaside Sisters,” Pamela Kelley captures this transformative magic beautifully. Set against the charming backdrop of Chatham, Cape Cod, the novel follows two sisters, Hannah and Sara, as they navigate personal challenges and rediscover their passions.

Hannah, a bestselling author, is struggling to write her second book after enduring significant personal losses. Her retreat to their aunt Maddie’s oceanfront house in Chatham is both a creative escape and a chance to reconnect with her older sister, Sara. Sara, once a dedicated librarian, is now a mother of four in a faltering marriage, yearning to revive her love for literature and find fulfilling work outside the home.

What drew me to “The Seaside Sisters” was the captivating blend of an author’s journey and a beachside setting—two elements that Kelley intertwines seamlessly. The bond between Hannah and Sara, despite the physical distance and differing life paths, adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to the narrative.

The novel’s core theme revolves around pursuing joy and personal fulfillment. Sara’s struggle with a self-centered husband, who is oblivious to her desires to re-enter the workforce, resonates deeply. Her journey towards asserting her needs and making her husband recognize her contributions to the family is both inspiring and empowering.

Hannah’s creative block and her quest for inspiration back in Cape Cod are equally compelling. The shared grief over their mother’s recent death adds a poignant touch, making their summer retreat not just a physical journey but an emotional healing process.

Aunt Maddie, who is also grappling with marriage troubles of her own, adds another layer of depth to the story. Her struggles mirror those of her nieces, creating a multi-generational perspective on love and commitment. Maddie’s presence in the novel is crucial as it highlights the importance of family support during tough times and the different ways women of various ages deal with marital issues. Her journey towards resolving her problems provides a sense of solidarity and shared wisdom, enriching the overall narrative.

Kelley’s characters are wonderfully relatable and endearing. The romance, particularly Hannah’s rekindling of an old flame with Spencer—a high school acquaintance turned attractive grump—adds a delightful spark to the story. The sense of community in Chatham is vividly portrayed, making it a place I’d love to revisit in future books.

The discussions on marriage within the story are insightful, emphasizing the importance of communication, equitable division of household responsibilities, and the necessity of nurturing the relationship through date nights. These themes are handled with sensitivity and realism, making them resonate with readers.

The Audiobook Narration:

I opted for the audiobook version of “The Seaside Sisters,” narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. Her pleasant tone and distinct character voices enhanced my experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend this format for those who enjoy audiobooks.

Final Thoughts:

“The Seaside Sisters” is a heartwarming, beautifully crafted story about family, love, and the pursuit of one’s true self. Pamela Kelley has created a memorable and touching narrative that was a joy to read.

I received an ARC of the audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

This was my first book by Pamela Kelley. I was drawn to the Cape Cod backdrop and a story of sisters spending a summer at the beach with books a bit of romance. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this book wasn't a hit for me. The strong female roles and the bookstore setting on Cape Cod was nice, but not much else held my attention. The multiple story lines became a bit hard to follow and I feel they could have tied together better. 

Stephanie Németh-Parker was enjoyable to listen to as she narrated this audiobook Her voice was soothing and went along with the laid back Cape Cod feel of the story.  

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion.

his is another amazing novel by Pamela. This was definitely a very light, beach friendly read. I read this novel courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher Macmillan Audio.

This novel focuses on Hannah, her sister Sara and their aunt Maddie. Hannah and Sara have recently lost their mother and Hannah is dealing with writers block and stress. After a scare of her health she goes to visit her aunt Maddie in Chatham, a beautiful beach town.

Sara, a mother of boys and a wife to a husband who’s not the most appreciative or present is stressed and feels as if her marriage is crumbling. She decides after hitting a breaking point to take a small week vacation to Chatham.

Over the course of this summer Hannah and Sara learn what they want for themselves, how to choose putting their happiness first and ultimately Hannah realizes where she wants to call home.

I highly recommend this novel for anyone who is a fan of Women’s lit, and those who like a good easy read with a HEA!

The Seaside Sisters was a nice, cozy romance. It wasn't a big adventure or filled with intrigue. Instead, it was more of a slow paced story that followed the lives of sisters in an East Coast backdrop for the summer. If you're looking for a clean, cozy story, then this one is for you. Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio, to the ALC and opportunity to provide an honest review

Sarah and Hannah are sisters whose lives are both in mini ruts. Sarah is married with 4 boys, snd feels taken for granted in her marriage. Hannah is an author who is suffering from writers block in Brooklyn. Her aunts suggestion? Come back home to their cozy, costal town, and stay with her, and see if the words come. Not surprisingly, there’s a love interest for Hannah, and Sarah takes a stand for herself.

While the characters were well developed and very likable, I think I expected a little more fireworks in The Seaside Sisters. While the ending was absolutely heartwarming, it was very romcom predictable. The sisters did interact, but a lot of the time wasn’t spent on the beach together - so I guess I was thrown off by the name a bit.

Overall, this was a cute summer love story that would be an easy poolside read this summer!

I received an ARC via #NetGalley for review!

The story wasn’t what I was expecting. I was expecting it to be an easy Summer romance novel. While there was a romantic interest throughout the story for Hannah, it didn’t feel right. Like the way Hannah narrated her feelings about the love interest just wasn’t much to root for. I didn’t really care either way if she ended up with him.

I did, however, enjoy reading the different perspectives of each woman. I could especially relate to Sara’s character as a SAHM. I also really loved the Cape Cod backdrop. Makes me want to pack and move to a beachside town. Not to mention my dream is to own my own bookstore but own/work in one in a beach town? Yes please.

Thank you to @macmillian.audio for the advance audiobook of The Seaside Sisters which comes out June 4. It is a nice beach read to get ready for the summer. It takes place on Cape Cod where Hannah comes back to visit her Aunt and sister after the death of her mother. She is looking for a place to relax and hopefully get back into a writing routine. Her sister Sara is also going through some transition as well. She dreams of working with literature in some capacity but her husband just wants her to stay at home and take care of the kids.

As the two sisters spend time together they support each other and encourage each other to work towards their dreams. They also meet new friends and in Hannah’s case a new love interest.

If you enjoy reading about small towns, coffee shops, book stores and friendships then you will enjoy this book.

If you’re looking for a fluffy light romance, this is a good one to read at the beach. However I never got very invested in the story. I feel like there was more than one storyline and they didn’t quite connect. I enjoy a happy ending, but I wish there was more drama…maybe.

The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley is a sweet story about finding the true meaning of home. Hannah is an author who can’t find her words. When she goes home to Chatham on Cape Cod for the summer, she meets new people and finds new inspiration. Her sister Sarah is a mom of four and is trying to find herself in the midst of motherhood. The two will find just what they both need during the summer on the beach!

The Seaside Sisters is a charming, feel-good, comforting summer read. With all of the charm of the small New England town of Chatham on island of Cape Cod, this story brims with joy, festivities, familial ties, friendship and personal growth.

Hannah is a New Yorker and best-selling author struggling with her new novel after a year of loss and heartbreak. Sara is Hannah’s married sister and a mother of four boys who is still living on the island where they grew up. Sara is trying to find a job for a little something of her own. Hannah decides that a summer in the relaxing setting of Chatham is the perfect way to refresh and spark new ideas. The perk is that she gets to spend time with her sister and her adored aunt whom she will be staying with.

Seaside Sisters is a story full of feel-good summer vibes, a touch of romance, complicated, but realistic relationship dynamics, friendships and summer-fun. The sweet, endearing relationship between the sisters is enviable and each has a unique and interesting backstory. Though the transition from friendship to romance was surprisingly fast, and one problematic relationship resolved quite quickly, the story was lovely anyway. The audio-version is courtesy of MacMillan Audio and the story is narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. Her voice is clear and articulate, and her voice-acting is spot-on for the characters, bringing them to life. The Seaside Sisters is an easy-to-read, delightful story, perfect for long, lazy days of summer.

I love this town and all the people in it.
There is something so cozy about coming back to a coastal town and checking in with past friends and making new ones. Great sister story with some heartbreaking, laughter, and the reminder of being brave.

This is a slow burn with a lot of sweet layers. I would definitely read The Bookshop at the Bay First.

The Narrator (Stephanie Németh-Parker) does a great job of bringing the story to life.

Big thanks to Net Galley, MacMillian Audio, and Pamela Kelley for the opportunity to review this audiobook recording.

This book would be a great beach read/listen for the summer. It's set on Cape Cod and focuses on two sisters and their aunt. Hannah is a single author, while Sarah is a stay-at-home mom who's looking for a diversion from those duties. Their aunt is a literary agent who's separated from her husband. There's a nice mix of family relationships and romance, making for easy reading/listening. The characters are realistic and the narration is very well done. I'd highly recommend it for a fun read this summer. Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

The Seaside Sisters by Pamela M. Kelley is a beach read set in Cape Cod where sisters Hannah and Sara are both struggling with their own lives. Hannah, an author, is finding inspiration for her next book difficult to come by. Sara, a mom of four, is beginning to feel that she needs something more in her life to feel balanced again. When Hannah decides to stay with her aunt in nearby Chatham for the summer, the sisters are able to lean on one another as they try to find the missing pieces to their happiness.

This was my first novel by Kelley, and I think it was a quick beach read for fans of Susan Mallery, Nancy Thayer, and Jenny Hale, to name a few. I honestly found the writing to be a bit dry, however, and felt there was not enough plot to hold my interest. It’s a cozy beach read with not a lot going on. It was difficult to be invested in the characters. The audio of the novel was fine, nothing outstanding, but that could have been due to the lack of excitement in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for allowing me to read this audiobook ARC ahead of the summer. I will definitely suggest this title as a read alike for library patrons when other books are checked out.

Cute story. Predictable but sometimes you just need a feel good story. I liked the characters and how it all wraps up in the end. 3.5 stars

I enjoyed the story , love , loss and new beginnings . The characters were amazing with their own stories to tell. Kept me intrigued and engaged

A sweet, easy, perfect, light beach read with a happily ever after and a mix of family drama.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my audiobook ARC. The narrator was fabulous!

Pamela Kelley’s newest novel, The Seaside Sisters, invites readers to spend a transformative summer with sisters Sarah and Hannah in the idyllic town of Chatham, Massachusetts. This heartfelt story of family, personal growth, and romance is a delightful addition to Kelley's repertoire and perfect for fans of warm, character-driven narratives.

Hannah, an up-and-coming author based in New York City, is grappling with a debilitating case of writer's block. After the recent loss of her mother, she finds herself grieving and unable to complete her next book, which is due soon to her editor. In search of solace and inspiration, Hannah decides to spend the summer in her hometown of Chatham. She stays at her aunt's spacious oceanfront house, which is conveniently empty as her aunt is currently separated from her husband.

In contrast, Sarah, Hannah’s sister, has a full house, which includes her husband and four young boys. With her youngest child now in school, Sarah seizes the opportunity to seek part-time employment and finds joy working at a local bookstore. However, her newfound independence creates tension at home, as her husband resents having to share household responsibilities. This tension forces Sarah to consider whether she might need to follow her aunt's path and contemplate a separation.

The bookstore, a familiar setting for fans of Kelley’s Bookshop by the Bay, serves as a pivotal place for both sisters. While Sarah thrives in her new job, Hannah discovers the attached coffee shop to be a perfect writing haven. Immersed in the supportive environment of a local creative writing group, Hannah begins to receive the feedback she needs to refine her legal romance manuscript. Additionally, her observational stint at a nearby law office provides both inspiration and two new friends for the summer, including Spencer, a grumpy yet handsome lawyer who was her high school crush.

As the story unfolds, Hannah meets a charming and popular author who is also visiting for the summer as she continues to become better friends with Spencer. This romantic tension adds a delightful layer to the narrative, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to see where Hannah’s heart will lead her.

Pamela Kelley masterfully weaves together the personal and professional struggles of her protagonists, painting a vivid picture of life in a quaint seaside town. The supportive community, the enchanting coastal setting, and the evolving dynamics of the sisters' relationship make this novel a deeply engaging read.

As the summer draws to a close, both Sarah and Hannah face pivotal decisions about their futures. Will Sarah confront the growing rift in her marriage, and will Hannah's summer romance endure beyond the warm, lazy days of Chatham?

The Seaside Sisters is a beautifully written novel. Pamela Kelley’s skillful storytelling and rich character development ensure that readers will be captivated from start to finish. For those who choose the audio version, Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration vividly brings the Cape to life, enhancing the immersive experience of escaping to Chatham with Hannah and Sarah.

Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this enchanting novel.

When I read the description of this book I was really intrigued especially since I don't typically read this genre. I felt like it started off strong with Hannah returning home after dealing with panic attacks from stress and grief hoping to find her writing mojo again. Then her sister Sarah comes into the picture hoping to spend more time with Hannah while finding fulfillment outside of being a wife and SAHM. With those points I was really hoping this would be an incredible journey of discovery and happiness after loss. Honestly it fell a little flat for me.

I feel like the title is a bit deceiving being called The Seaside Sisters but there's hardly any interaction between the two. Then you also have the third POV of their aunt which I didn't understand why it was included. Nor was there much interaction between them as well.

Also, it's mentioned that there is romance. I found the romance department lacking. All the characters go on dates that just don't seem to end well. Sarah and Aunt Maggie's marriages are lacking. I felt like there was something off about the male characters like you don't really get much of their personalities or why the relationships happen. Hannah's happily ever after just didn't make sense there was no connection or moments where I was like YES.

However, I will say it was a very easy to listen too. The narration was good. There were funny moments and some emotional ones.

Thank you MacMillian Audio for the advanced listener's copy. All thoughts are my own.

Narrator Stephanie Nemeth-Parker did a great job of narrating the novel. I listened at 1.75x.

This is my first book by author Pamela Kelly and overall it was an entertaining book, a perfect accompaniment for the beach or pool. If you enjoy books by Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Mallery and Brenda Novak, then you will enjoy this one!

Likes:
Family Drama
Books about books
Satisfying ending
Likeable characters

Dislikes: Story dragged at times

This book is filled with likable characters. It starts out with Hannah who is a ROMCOM debut author with a case of writers block. She decides to take up the offer from her Aunt Maddie to get away from the city and stay with her for the summer in Chatham, Cape Cod to help end her writers block.

This story makes you feel like you’re part of the story. Makes you think of your past experiences and all your own fond memories. It’s has a light and cheery feeling and is a very enjoyable read! It’s not easy to stop listening to it! You get to know the characters and relate to them throughout the book. This deals with friendships, relationships and family. First novel by this author for me and I will definitely be listening to more of hers! A must read!

The narrator was fabulous! She was easy to listen to and had a pleasant voice. She brought it to life with her voice! Excellent!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me listen to this audiobook and allowing me to leave an honest review.