A story of tough if not impulsive and sometimes stupid decisions, love, hurt and betrayal. A woman torn about what to do for her future whilst being conflicted by her past.

I am not sure if I’d have preferred a happy ending or a heart wrenching ending but the story flowed well, it had me feeling all the emotions and I’d recommend it to fellow readers.

Unfortunately i made the decision to DNF this book after multiple failed attempts to consume. I hope to pick it up again at a later time.

Loved the duel time lines. Seeing flash backs of characters really helps me to get to know them and understand them during their present time. I call SC home and it made me homesick but in the best way.

Boy do I love a good angsty and emotional love story, and this one fit the bill. Amnesia tropes aren’t for every reader, but when done right I will absolutely devour it!!!

Thanks to Booked with the Emily’s and Kelsey Whitney for a #gifted copy of this book

In the midst of transitioning to summer, buying a house, and preparing to move, IN THE END was a sweet escape.

Told through multiple POVs and timelines, this timeless love story is sure to capture hearts. The story follows Mitch as he finds an old Polaroid after his dad’s passing. The photo depicts his dad, mom, and another mystery man with his arm draped around his mother. Mitch sets out to find the truth in this second chance romance.

This closed-door love story by debut author Kelsey Whitney draws out plenty of emotions with a side of 80s nostalgia.

Pick up IN THE END for a summer southern beach setting, and stay for the instalove to last a lifetime.

RATING: 4/5

I was so caught up in Jack and Alice that it was a jolt being brought back to Mitch's story. Then another jolt when I realised how many years had gone by. Ouch, that hurt. But the story was great.

Yes Please! The story flips back and forth between the past and present, leaving you wondering exactly what led to the events going on today. Everything connects in the most satisfying of ways! This story is fast paced and told from three POVs over two timelines, which i really liked. we start in the present, then get transported to 35 years ago where everything began. I loved these characters so much and I felt so invested in their lives, rooting for their happiness. Jack and Alice are adorable together but had to go through so many hurdles to finally be together and doesn't that just make for the perfect love story? When, against all odds, two people inevitably make their way back to one another. If you enjoy romance, this is a must-read for a quick, engaging beach escape.

This book was a perfect flashback story. I loved the saving grace at the end. There was so much heartbreak in the story mixed with beautiful moments. It really gives you a look into how trapped a woman can feel in a distinctions marriage. She gave up all her dreams for her spouse and was left fully dependent on him. When true love finds her she does everything to make it work. Life isn’t kind to her and her son learns the hard way.

Beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming. I love everything Kelsey writes!!

THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!!! Jack and Alice have my whole heart, and I loved the then and now plot. I can’t wait to see what Kelsey Whitney comes up with next!

this was such a sweet, heart warming beach read. the way my heart ached the entire time is unreal! this is the kind of love story that will make you believe that true love is everlasting.

this story is fast paced and told from three POVs over two timelines, which i really liked. we start in the present, then get transported to 35 years ago where everything began.

this is a quick read so if you’re looking for in depth detail and a drawn out, slow burn love story with a lot of spice, this might not be for you. i wish the love story was a little more slow paced, but i really loved the ending.

if you’re looking for a heart wrenching love story with a beautiful south carolina setting, this is perfect summer read for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

If you’re looking for a heartwarming summer romance, then this one is for you! It has vintage vibes on the coast of South Carolina. I adored Alice and Jack. Throughout the dual timeline, we get a glimpse of the obstacles they’ve both been through. The entire time I was rooting for them to both find their happiness. Blurb: Mitch wasn’t ever able to fully connect with his dad. It always bothered him, and once his dad passed away, he decided to go through his belonging in search of an answer. When he finds a certain picture, it brings up more questions for his mom. Alice has held onto one secret for three decades. But she knows it’s time for the truth to come out for her son. Even if that means bringing up the summer that changed everything. Jack moves to a new home on the South Carolina coast for a fresh start. When he goes to meet his new neighbor, he realizes she isn’t a stranger at all. It’s the beautiful Alice from thirty years ago. It’s almost as if fate wanted them to meet again. But what happens when a secret that’s been between two families for three decades comes out?
In The End has:
💖 love letters
✨ Dual timeline
💜 Swoony closed door romance
✨ Summer vibes
💖 Dual POV

I highly recommend this book!

Mitch Beckman never felt that his father and he had anything in common. When going through his father’s possessions after his death, Mitch comes across a photo that might explain it all. Realizing his mother is the only person who might have some answers, he confronts her with the photo, only to discover a secret that has been kept for thirty years.
In 1989, after a broken engagement, Jack Wells leaves his West Virginia home in search of a better life on the South Carolina coast. When he meets the couple next door, he knows that all is not well between Alice Beckman and her husband. Thirty years later, Alice decides it is finally time tell her son her secrets, knowing that she may not be forgiven by either Mitch or Jack.
An enjoyable read, that held my attention. I found that all the characters were quite believable but thought that the ending was wrapped up a bit too conveniently, given the thirty years that had passed for both Alice and Jack.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In The End by Kelsey Whitney is beautiful and well-written. The characters and their story was an emotional roller coaster, and I loved every second of it.
Their relationship felt real, raw, and authentic. I felt so deeply connected to the characters and was rooting for them.
Kelsey Whitney did not disappoint! Her writing was captivating and I was hanging onto her every word.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

What a nice little read! This story is full of sweet moments, heartbreak, angst and more. There is a lot to love, and also some parts that drove me insane. I did like that this was pretty fast paced and generally quick to read.

You’ll love:
Summer vibes
Second chance
Small town
Then & now
Dual pov

“In The End” by Kelsey Whitney is a poignant and beautifully crafted novel that resonated with me deeply. The story’s exploration of family secrets and the complexities of love across decades was both compelling and emotionally rich. I was particularly moved by the character of Mitch Beckman, whose quest to understand his father’s past and its impact on their relationship added a layer of introspection that is often missing in contemporary fiction.

The dual timeline narrative was skillfully handled, seamlessly intertwining the past and present in a way that kept me guessing and eager to uncover the truth. Whitney’s portrayal of the South Carolina coast was so vivid that I could almost feel the warm breeze and hear the waves crashing against the shore. The romance between Jack and Alice was tender and bittersweet, a testament to the enduring power of love.

What I loved most about this book was its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while also delivering a fresh and engaging story. It’s a novel that celebrates the beauty of second chances and the courage it takes to reveal one’s true self. “In The End” is a memorable read that left a lasting impression on me, and I’m sure it will touch the hearts of all who dive into its pages.

“I now know what love truly is, and I think that’s what matters in the end.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

A sweet & heartbreaking love story. One that pulls on your heart strings but also makes you sit with a grin on your face.

You get a few different points of view throughout this story, as well as telling us a story in the past and present. Both Jack and Alice are loveable and their love is something absolutely special. Their summer romance had me in my feels.

Ray made me want to run him over with a car. And Alice’s decision to go against her gut had me furious, frustrated and internally begging her to make the right choice.

I did feel the character development was a little lacking overall, I just didn’t feel I knew them as well as I wished I did. But for a short novel, Kelsey did a lovely job making you fall in love with the main characters.

3.5/5 stars

Trigger warnings: infidelity

When I started this book, I had no idea where it was going and then it shifted to the 1980's for the majority of the book. I was so invested a few chapters in, and I had to know how it ended. I really enjoyed the story but the reason I can't rate it higher is because of the infidelity and the unanswered questions at the end. I liked the story itself and see the reason for their actions but have a hard time when that happens in a book. I loved the setting and the pace of the book. It is an emotional story that leaves you questioning why things happen the way they do and generational cycles on parenting.

I will definitely read more by this author based off the characters and how easily I was invested in this book!

SPOILERS AHEAD




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Ohk so heres the thing, I enjoyed the way this book was written & the settings & characters. However about 1/3 of the way in I could see the writing on the wall for my least fav trope & honestly a big no for me in reading books: cheating. I probably should have seen it coming sooner (which I kind of did but wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt) but I ended up skimming the last 2/3 of the book so basically DNFing this one due to the cheating. It seems like a good story & well written but that's just a huge non starter for me. 3 stars for the writing.

"I now know what love truly is, and I think that's what matters in the end."

In the End is a beautiful, wistful and sweet novel. I adored it and could not put it down - also, I still find myself thinking about the story and the characters days after reading the book. A wonderful summer read!