Member Reviews

I was super happy to read something by this author again after enjoying "The Bookshop by the Bay". I didn't know that we would get to glimpse the MCs from the mentioned book in this one, and that was great.

Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of this book's plot seeing how the story went in unexpected directions (not in a nice way) and was very confusing to me as the reader. Some characters gave me mixed signals, which in a way contradicted each other. I read one of the character's very differently, so I was shocked at the later outcome. While Kelley has an engaging writing style, I didn't find her characters as captivating, and felt they were rather dull and 2D.

The narrator did a great job of giving every character their own voice and I loved her sweet, pleasant voice. It definitely added a lot to my listening experience, and I'm keeping an eye out for more by this author for sure!

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The Seaside Sisters is a wonderful and cozy story about family and the struggles we go through in life while trying to find happiness and contentment.

What appealed to you the most in this story?

This is an emotional yet also heartwarming story that will keep you turning the pages (or in my case listening), and a story that makes you feel like you are living the experiences of each character.

How was the audiobook:

The narrator of this audiobook had a lovely voice and reads the story like she's sitting on a chaise lounge in the sun, having a glass of wine and wants to tell me all about it. Her voice was so relaxed. It's a clean, sweet read and a nice listening experience.

Read if you like:

Sisterhood
Family
A bit of romance
Strong female characters
Multiple POV

Do you recommend this book:

This was a quaint little story and fulfilled the need I had for an easy audiobook listen. The story was low-stakes with likeable characters, and I could listen without any stress. Kind of a palette cleanser between weightier books.

Thank you, SMP Romance for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I love Pamela Kelley and this is the perfect beach read. Months after losing her Mother to cancer Hannah decides to go back to her beachy childhood town to spend the summer. This is the story of new friends, family, neighbors, and finding yourself.

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This enjoyable beach read takes place in Cape Cod’s Chatham. Two sisters are finding their way after losing their mother. One, a published romance author has returned home from New York where she wax struggling to finish her second book. She reconnects with a local she was acquainted with as a girl. Her literature-loving sister, a former librarian, wants to be more than a wife and mother to 4 boys. The girls’ aunt is struggling in her marriage. The heartwarming story draws you in as they each find their HEA.

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Super great book! Cozy summer beach read. The story was so cute and the narrator fits perfectly to what I pictured the main character as.

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Narrated by the talented Stephanie Németh-Parker, 'The Seaside Sisters' by Pamela M. Kelley unfolds against the backdrop of the picturesque shores of Chatham, Cape Cod, offering listeners a heartwarming tale of sisterhood and self-discovery. Brooklyn-based bestselling author Hannah grapples with personal tribulations, while her steadfast older sister Sara yearns to reignite her passion for literature amidst the hustle and bustle of family life. Through Németh-Parker's engaging narration, Kelley's vivid prose effortlessly transports listeners to sun-drenched beaches and quaint bookstores, infusing each setting with warmth and nostalgia.

What truly sets 'The Seaside Sisters' apart is its cast of relatable characters and the transformative power of literature, expertly conveyed by Németh-Parker's skillful delivery. As Hannah and Sara navigate life's twists with courage and grace, their journey resonates deeply with listeners, inviting them to immerse themselves in the bonds of sisterhood and the magic of books. Amidst the sandy shores, romance blossoms, adding a layer of sweetness to a narrative that celebrates the enduring connections that shape our lives. With its visually descriptive narrative and authentic portrayal, 'The Seaside Sisters' captivates listeners with its irresistible charm, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking an escape to the enchanting world of Chatham's shores.

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The Seaside Sisters has all the elements that comprise a good summer read: an idyllic coastal setting, the right amount of angst to create tension without wrecking your soul, likable characters whose issues are relatable, and paced to allow a midday nap in the sun without losing focus. Pamela and Kelley’s book is worthy of a spot in your beach bag.

Ms. Kelley tackles emotional topics such as grief, marital struggles, and career issues with a gentle hand and light touch. Her book has an overwhelming sense of hopefulness and a satisfying conclusion. Stephanie Nèmeth-Parker’s narration is exquisite. Her voice is soothing and perfectly matched to this tender story.

Grab a cold beverage and some sunscreen and settle in for a solid summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audio copy.

Sometimes you just need a simple, sweet, cozy, little beach escape type romance and this one is definitely that. I got the audio version so it made a good companion on my daily drives to and from work. It would make for a great vacation read or when you want something simple that you don't have to overthink, you can just read and forget everything else for a little while. It was a light, easy read. It felt, comfortable. So sit back, feel that sun on your face, listen to the waves and escape or just curl up, relax and enjoy.

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A light hearted beach read that is a fun little escape! Hannah returns to her beach side family home to spend the summer with her aunt while writing her second novel. She just can’t bring herself to move into her recently departed mother’s home there so her aunt is the next best place. Her sister Sara is also negotiating that passing while raising her 4 boys. The summer opens both of their eyes to new possibilities - one finding love and the other resurrecting love. The setting and prose make this a delight. My one big drawback would be that sometimes the writing is overly explanatory- for example the description of the movie Top Gun was unnecessary. Thanks to NetGalley for this wonderful read. I loved the narrator for this one as well!

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Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my review. This book was cute, a light listen scratching the tough topics of life.

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Sweet story of two sisters and their aunt, set in Chatham, Cape Cod. Hannah returns home hoping that a change of scenery will help her writer’s block. She stays with her aunt and discovers that she and her husband have temporarily separated. Her sister Sara is super mom and now takes on a part time job. Plus Hannah is reconnecting with old friends and making new.
Very slow burn in the romance department, seemed to ramble on and very predictable in my opinion. I did listen to the audiobook book and the narrator was good, which did keep the story interesting. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley. #TheSeasideSisters

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Hannah, an author, is struggling to write her next book and she takes refuge at her aunts house in Chatham, Cape Cod, for the summer. Her sister, Sara, lives in Chatham still with her husband and their four kids. She used to be a librarian and has been feeling kinda stuck in her household responsibilities and decides to get a job at the local book store. Sara and Hannah are able to spend more time together! There was also a love interest for Hannah that was a blast form her past!

I loved this easy, beach read and really felt like I got to know Hannah and Sara. The multiple POV's were done well and I liked how different their situations were and how they were able to support each other through them. The narration was great! The love story with Spencer was a great addition and I liked how he came back into Hannah's life from high school. This story reminded me of Mary Kay Andrews, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Elin Hilderbrand books which are all some of my favs!

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This is a cute little summer read. The writing was easy to get through and enjoyable. I listened to the audio version and the production was great. I did find myself getting a little lost between characters initially, but would assume it’d be easier to follow if reading the text.

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The Seaside Sisters is a novel about two sisters, Hannah and Sara, as they navigate life’s ups and downs. Hannah is a struggling author who is having difficulty writing her second novel after the death of her mother. Her sister, Sara, is raising 4 children with a pre occupied and selfish husband. She’s still living in their hometown, Chatham, Cape Cod. The setting is one of my favorite aspects of the book. The town is charming, the beach is magical, and the townspeople are perfect for the story arc.

This is a clean, solid romance that many patrons will enjoy. It will be an easy recommendation!

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Ok...this story was the sweetest!!

I loved the pace of the book, the character development, and the background information at just the right time. I felt as though I could feel Hannah's struggles and thoughts as she considers life's next steps, and I wanted to sit on that back porch with them for ALL the cookouts! Each character had their place, their own struggles/solutions, and I found that that multiple POV's kept me intrigued without drawing out one storyline too long.

The narrator also did a fantastic job at drawing me in, making me feel as though I was there with them.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC of this sweet story!

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Fans of Hallmark movies will enjoy The Seaside Sisters which follows two sisters and their aunt following the death of their mother/sister. I enjoyed the multiple points of view and how the story tied everyone together, along with the picturesque setting. The ending was pretty predictable, but overall this was a cute read.
3.5 stars if I could give a half.

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I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Another fun beachy read by Pamela Kelley. I found this to be a good read, but very similar to a Denise Hunter book that I just finished too. I enjoyed the stories about the sisters and the aunt to be interesting and easy to follow.

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This was a great summer read! I started this on vacation, and it was fabulous to read on the beach. I loved the multiple viewpoints and the characters. The setting was fun and I loved the food descriptions. They were vivid and made me feel like I was there with them. This was a great beach read with a lot of heart!

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Although I received this copy of The Seaside Sisters from NetGalley- thank you- it did not alter my opinion in any way. I liked author's previous beachy reads, so I selected her new audiobook The Seaside Sisters based on the synopsis of the sisters Sara and Hannah, and Hannah's going between two of my favorite places: Brooklyn, NY and Cape Cod’s Chatham, being intriguing to me. Unfortunately, the characters did not resonate with me. I was hoping the sisters would have more of a connection and their bond would be palpable. struggled with this under developed storyline, especially the relationship jump with Spencer. When I finally got to the end to write a review, all that came to mind, even with great geography in the mix, was bland. The plot was extremely lackluster and I personally did not enjoy this audiobook’s narrator. 2/5.

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Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review, The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley. This review is purely my thoughts and opinions based on this book.

A novel about a struggling author and a mother who seems stuck in a consistent routine. Ironically enough, they’re sisters! The characters were great, very lovable and easy to follow. I love how people from
the last re-surface too and how romances rekindle after years. It offers hope, and joy.

I enjoyed the beach theme, romance, and a bit of mystery. It’s truly amazing how one summer can change everything!

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