Oh my heart. This emotional book pulled at every heart string I had. And I loved it. Jess hands downsized all the “stuff” right out of her life, even her relationships. But when a job pulls her back to a place of pain and a place where her sister is, the guilt almost overtakes her. Jess ran from this place and her sister Rachel. Will coming back repair not only their relationship but maybe even repair her own heart?

I loved the story between these two girls. When bad things happen people respond differently, even in families. I can understand that. But my family is so very important to me and I’m glad Jess realized how important hers is. Fantastic read and this is completely women’s fiction with relationships in the front and center.

‘The Path to Sunshine Cove’ is the third book in RaeAnne Thayne’s ‘Cape Sanctuary’ series, and though I didn’t read the first two books, ‘The Cliff House’ and ‘The Sea Glass Cottage,’ I didn’t feel like I needed to do so in order to know what was going on in ‘The Path to Sunshine Cove.’ So this book can definitely be read as a standalone.

If there ever was a book that defined the word ‘bittersweet,’ ‘The Path to Sunshine Cove’ is it, in the best way. This book made my heart happy but also ache. so. much. I think I felt every range of emotion it’s possible to feel when reading this, lol.

The setting of Cape Sanctuary was gorgeous (can I please go visit?!), and the romance was lovely. I loved watching guarded but resilient loner Jess and swoony single dad Nate find each other. Loved seeing them work through all the things that haunted them and held them back, together and separately. I honestly adored them. And Nate’s mom, Eleanor, might have been the best character in the whole book.

Rachel, an influencer, also had a moving story once you got a look at her real life behind her idyllic Insta image. Her struggles with her marriage and her son’s recent diagnosis were so raw and poignant. There were just so many feels with all of these character’s stories, past and present. I think what made me the most emotional, though, was the journey sisters Rachel and Jess took, trying to find their way back to each other after an extremely fraught history.

Repairing relationships, healing old wounds, letting down walls, finding peace, and the work all of that takes was a big part of ‘The Path to Sunshine Cove,’ and it was a remarkable journey. Very much recommend.

*I was provided an eARC copy of this book by Harlequin (thank-you!). All opinions expressed are voluntary and my own.*

THE PATH TO SUNSHINE COVE (Cape Sanctuary Book #2) by RaeAnne Thayne is a wonderful Women’s fiction story featuring two sisters who have dealt emotionally with their shared tragic past differently. This story also includes a budding romance and a HEA. Even though this is the second book in the Cape Sanctuary series, it stands completely on its own.

Jessica Clayton has made a career out of helping people downsize. She feels comfortable in her own downsized, nomadic life with no permanent relationships other than her best friend and co-owner of their company.

Jess has accepted a job in Cape Sanctuary for a few weeks to be able to visit her little sister, Rachel and her family. Their relationship has been strained and she wants to get back to their close childhood friendship, but since the tragic event that changed their lives, she is afraid to open herself up possibly being hurt again.

Rachel put down roots in Cape Sanctuary with a loving foster family and has been happily married with children, or so it seems. With her youngest diagnosed with autism and her wanting to have everything in control and perfect, her happy life and marriage is disintegrating. She needs Jess’ help, but Jess does not do permanent.

Both sisters need each other more than ever. Can Jess and Rachel come together and move on from the past which has overshadowed the decisions in their lives?

I loved the characters in this story. I had so much empathy for Jess and when I found out why she joined the Army, I was in tears and then completely understood why she was so blocked off from attachments. I was annoyed at first with Rachel and her perfection, but as the story progresses you realize why and it completely changed my first feelings. Nate, who is the son of the owner of the home Jess is decluttering, is the perfect romantic interest for her. He is understanding of Jess’ background and feelings and does not push, but is always there to listen and Jess does offer comfort when he needs it even as she fights it. There are no sex scenes in this story, just a budding romance which is elaborated on in the epilogue. All the characters in this story are written with a realism that jumps off the page and into your heart. The descriptions of Cape Sanctuary make me want to visit and just watch the sun set over the ocean.

I highly recommend this story full of love, understanding, forgiveness and family.

The Review

This was a perfect read for those who enjoy feel-good, emotionally driven women’s fiction with a touch of romance. The relationship between Jess and Nate evolves at a great pace, and the progression of Jess’s relationship with her sister Rachel makes the character growth between these characters shine brightly.

The story itself has an air of relatability to it, speaking to the trauma children can endure throughout their childhood and how it can influence the behavior of us all as adults. The walls we put up in the aftermath of trauma can affect relationships, and Jess showcases the painful but rewarding journey to overcome those walls.

The Verdict

A heartwarming, connective, and engaging read, author RaeAnne Thayne’s “The Path to Sunshine” is a must-read women’s fiction novel. The balance of family and romance within the narrative makes for a gripping tale, and readers won’t want to miss the emotional final chapters of this story. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Though I'm relatively new to RaeAnne Thayne's writing, I have been enjoying the titles I've picked up from her so far. Even though this book is within a series, it was nice to find that you really don't need to have read the previous installment. I would definitely classify this one in women's lit as the romance isn't the main focus. Here we really focus on the relationship between the sisters as well as dealing with their personal struggles. It was very touching at points, but there were definitely sections of the book where the pacing felt like it slowed down a bit - not to the point of really being detrimental - but it was noticeable to me. All in all I really enjoyed this story and am glad that I got the chance to read it.

~I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review~

I really enjoyed this book. The Path to Sunshine Cove is the 2nd in the Cape Sanctuary series and I liked it a lot better than the 1st one. This is a clean women's fiction romance book set in Northern California along the Pacific coast. RaeAnne Thayne has created a group of relatable characters in this book that I really connected with. Jess and Rachel had a traumatic childhood and have gone separate ways, but they need each other more than they think. This book follows their stories as they reconnect and develop romantic relationships with some awesome guys as well. This is a story of healing, forgiveness, family, and love. I would highly recommend it, this would be a great vacation read! I am looking forward to the release of the next book in the series.

In this emotive second instalment in RaeAnne Thayne's Cape Sanctuary series, the reader is afforded the delightful story of Jessica Clayton who finds out how important her home is to her. Jessica has her own very successful business; she runs Transitions, along with her business partner, a company that helps people to declutter their homes as they prepare to downsize. When a resident of Sanctuary Cove enlists her help she returns to her hometown where her younger sister, Rachel still lives. Jess and Rachel have not spoken for many years but now, Jess would maybe like to reconnect with Rachel and spend her free time with her and her family - husband Cody and Rachel and Cody's three children, one of whom, Silas has recently been diagnosed with a life-changing condition.

This beautiful, romantic story is set in a small town by the sea, a place vividly brought to life, so gorgeously described by RaeAnne Thayne. I could feel the sea breezes and easily picture the magnificent views. The author's characterisation is first-class and I really liked Jess's recently widowed client, Eleanor Whitaker who came across as kind and honest. Jess herself showed resilience and toughness of spirit.

I enjoyed the sub-plot of social media influencer Rachel and her struggling marriage to Cody. With empathy and heartfelt compassion, the author presented this tale of broken relationships and challenges repaired with hard work, effort and determination. The Path to Sunshine Cove can be fully appreciated as a standalone and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary romance.

Thanks to NetGalley, HQN Books and the author, RaeAnne Thayne for the complimentary copy. This is my honest and totally voluntary review.

This is one of those books that takes you through some emotional valleys but overall leaves you feeling good. It has elements that I love in a story: sisters, a dark past, romance, and a beautiful setting.

Jess Clayton has a unique job of helping others declutter or downsize. Her latest client, Eleanor Whitaker, lives in Cape Sanctuary, a place Jess used to call home, a place full of violent memories. Rachel, Jess’s younger sister has made a life for herself here. With a loving husband and three kids, Rachel works hard to pull off an Instagram-perfect life. Although Jess is looking forward to their visit, she still harbors guilt for not being able to shelter Rachel from the trauma of their youth.

While Jess is helping the always delightful Eleanor with clearing out her late husband’s things, it’s her son Nate that takes Jess by surprise. Jess has never let anyone get too close, fearful of relationships and the pain they can cause. But Nate and this beautiful cove seem to be having a strange effect on her.

This story is full of charm and family devotion, with moments of tension, memories of trauma, and blooms of romance. It will leave you longing to return to Sunshine Cove.


I joined the @letstalkbookspromo buddy read for this one and I loved chatting with RaeAnne Thayne!

Thank you to @getredprbooks @raeannethayne and @harlequinbooks for this #gifted copy.

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Path to Sunshine Cove” by RaeAnne Thayne. On tour with Suzy Approved Book Tours

RaeAnne Thayne, the author of “The Path to Sunshine Cove” have written an entertaining, captivating and enthralling novel. The genres for this novel are fiction, women’s fiction, sister’s fiction and romance. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated.

Jessica Clayton is intent on visiting her sister Rachel and family, as she is on her way to do her job of decluttering, organizing, and downsizing a client’s home. Jessica is retired from the military and likes to do her job and move on, having few attachments. Both Jessica and Rachel were once very close, but after a family tragedy, it is more difficult for both of them to have a healthy relationship. The sisters don’t realize that they really need each other.

Rachel has a successful blog and a wonderful family. Her marriage is strained because her young son is on the spectrum, and Rachel has problems asking for help. Jessica seems very tough and independent.

On Jessica’s job, she becomes involved with the family that she is working with. Jessica is determined to do her job, keep her feelings in check and move on. Is it possible?

I appreciate that the author vividly describes the characters and events. She discusses such important topics, as military families, autism and the spectrum, emotional and psychological abuse, and the importance of a support system. Also very important are family, friends, love, and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.

This was such a heartwarming, feel-good read. It had a little family drama, some romance, and a whole lot of that small town feel. I enjoyed the multiple POV’s and how all the characters were likeable. Every single character had good development and I loved watching the different relationships between the group evolve. As much as I loved Jessica and Nate together, I think Jessica and Eleanor’s conversations were the best. They felt like family even though they just met and that theme was carried to the end. The challenges that Jessica, Nate, and Rachel faced are situations that I think a lot of people can relate to. While it was a slower paced novel, I couldn't put it down, something about it just pulled me in and gave me all the feels. This is my first from Thayne and I can't wait to read more of her work.

This is an absorbing character study of two sisters who grow up in a dysfunctional family. The author illustrates how much family life affects children’s ability to live a normal life when they grow up.

Jess Clayton owns a business in which people hire her to clean out their houses and help them get rid of clutter that has accumulated over the years. Her job takes her all over the country while living out of her Airstream. Thus, enables her to remain uninvolved with anyone. Jess has no plans to marry because she doesn’t want to depend on anyone but herself.

Eleanor Whitaker hires Jess to clean out her home in Sunshine Cove six months after husband dies. Whitaker House has been in her husband’s family for generations and contains items that date back many years.

Jess chooses this particular job because her sister, Rachel, lives in the area. She has not seen or spoken to Rachel in years even though they used to be very close.

Rachel is married to her high school sweetheart and has three children under the age of five. She is a perfectionist who writes blogs on how to be a perfect wife and mother. Unfortunately, Silas, her youngest child, is autistic. He constantly disrupts her perfect life with his messiness and his temper tantrums. Cody, her husband, is a wonderful man who, even though he works long hours, is always willing to help Rachel with Silas and the other children. Unfortunately, Rachel refuses his help because she feels it is important to remain independent from her husband. This causes great stress between Rachel and Cody.

Rachel and Jess were very close when they were young and living in their dysfunctional family. When their parents die, Rachel is adopted, and Jess remains in foster care. Jess joins the Army when she graduates from high school, and Rachel gets married. Due to a major disagreement, the sisters rarely talk to or see each other.

Jess’s reason for taking this job in Sunshine Cove is because she hopes to reconnect with the sister she has always loved. She also wants to get to know Rachel’s family.

In this story Jess makes a connection with Eleanor and her granddaughter. She also discovers love with Eleanor’s son.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Title: The Path to Sunshine Cove
Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

With a past like hers, Jessica Clayton feels safer in a life spent on the road. She’s made a career out of helping others downsize—because she’s learned the hard way that the less “stuff,” the better, a policy she applies equally to her relationships. But a new client is taking Jess back to Cape Sanctuary, a town she once called home…and that her little sister, Rachel, still does. The years apart haven’t made a dent in the guilt Jess still carries after a handgun took the lives of both their parents and changed everything between them.

While Jess couldn’t wait to put the miles between her and Cape Sanctuary, Rachel put down roots, content for the world—and her sister—to think she has a picture-perfect life. But with the demands of her youngest child’s disability, Rachel’s marriage has begun to fray at the seams. She needs her sister now more than ever, yet she’s learned from painful experience that Jessica doesn’t do family, and she shouldn’t count on her now.

Against her judgment, Jess finds herself becoming attached—to her sister and her family, even to her client’s interfering son, Nate—and it’s time to put everything on the line. Does she continue running from her painful past, or stay put and make room for the love and joy that come along with it?

This was a solid read. I’d really love to live in a house right by the ocean like this! I actually enjoyed reading about Rachel and her struggles more than Jess, although I can’t totally relate to her struggle to control everything. A solid read, but not a standout. Perfect for an easy weekend read.

RaeAnne Thayne is a bestselling and award-winning author. The Path to Sunshine Cove is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/HQN in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 4/3.)

A gorgeous feel good story filled with emotion and charm. RaeAnne Thayne’s engaging storytelling put a big smile on my face. It is SO nice to read a book filled with characters that you truly like. Jess lives a rambling life as the co-owner of a business that helps people especially the elderly declutter and downsize. Her latest job is in Cape Sanctuary a small town on the Northern Californian coast and the home of her younger sister Rachel. Jess is hoping while in town she will be able to reconnect with her sister as well as her nieces and nephew. Rachel is a stay at home mom raising her three young children one who is autistic. Rachel is also an influencer and constantly battling the need to be perfect and reality.

This Book had some sweet romance in it but the romance really took backseat to the other fabulous storylines. I really enjoyed the Sister relationship between Jess and Rachel and was curious as to how things got so strained between them. I also really enjoyed Nate(The love interest) navigating the relationship with his teenage daughter. Also thought the story did a wonderful and realistic job with the marriage relationship between Rachel and Cody. The additional stress on the couple dealing with an autistic child seemed extremely authentic. And I haven’t even mentioned Eleanor the character who brought all these characters together, loved her. Wow there was a lot packed into this little gem of a book that is a CAN’T MISS!

This book in emojis 🏖 🐚 🐶 🏄🏻‍♀️ 🚲

*** Big thank you to HQN for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

This was a lot more than a simple love story. The relationship between the sisters and the father/daughter relationships were more interesting and deeper than the romance. Of course there is a grandmother who was my favorite character!

Jess Clayton is back in Sunshine Cove for the first time in a very long time. Her latest job has brought her here, and she’s hoping to use some of her free time to reconnect with her sister Rachel, if that’s possible. Jess’ company helps others downsize their houses, to get ready for a move, or just to declutter, and she’s there to help a woman who lost her husband not that long ago. She’s in town for just a couple of weeks before she moves on again. The life of a vagabond, never putting roots down anywhere, something she’s never truly done.
Rachel on the other hand, she’s stayed in Sunshine Cove, married her high school sweetheart, had three kids, and a seemingly picture perfect life, at least Instagram-worthy. Now that Jess’ is in town though, Rachel lets the cracks show through. Her youngest is on the Autism spectrum and she’s having a tough time dealing with everything that goes along with his disability. On top of that, her marriage isn’t in the best of condition, they’re both tired, stressed, and taking it out on each other, especially Rachel. She doesn’t know how to ask for help, she tries to do everything herself, and she hasn’t realized she can’t. She needs her big sister Jess, but Jess doesn’t do family very well.
While reading, you find out the reason Jess doesn’t do family, and it’s the exact reason that Rachel tries to do everything. The catalyst for their behavior now is the horror they witnessed as teens.
Let me tell you, when I reached that part of the book, Ms. Thayne’s writing made me cry. I blubbered. I grew up a child of abuse, my family didn’t go as far as this fictional family, but the feelings she wrung from me as I cried for these poor girls. You know that’s when you’ve hit a great book. Yes, sometimes you want to take a hardcover and hit them upside the head a couple of times to get them to wake up, but you know what they’ve gone through. You see what Rachel is going through. These characters are far from perfect. They’re broken, gritty, raw, and in need of healing. That’s what eventually happens. To all of them.
Great writing, wonderful characters, amazing story.
**I received an ARC of this story from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest and voluntary review.

WOW I love this book. First off, the setting was such a great mental escape. I also loved learning about the different characters and their struggles in addition to how they overcome them. I know this is a second book in the series, but it can totally be read as a stand alone. I actually really want to read book one now. I am so pleased with the book and highly recommend it!

I am a big fan of Thayne’s! When I sit down to open her books, I know that I will be taken to the heart of a fabulously written novel. One that will completely pull me into it, making me a part of the amazing, page turning novel. Reading this one did that and more! I loved every minute of this roller coaster ride!

Sisters Jess and Rachel are beautifully chiseled. They pull on your heartstrings with their ups & downs of their sisterhood. And, Nate! Let’s not leave him out. I absolutely fell hard for him! I loved his character so much. Their story lines blend beautifully together and really captured my soul. These characters bring the emotions and keeps the pages turning late into the night.

Once again, Thayne has taken family relationships, trials, self discovery, attraction and mending the broken pieces that life throws at you and created a movie-esque story. Each character found a place in my heart to stay! This 4 star story is one you want to pre-order today. It will take you on one wild roller coaster ride!

Well done, Thayne! Well done! I absolutely can not wait for another incredibly written novel.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

The Path to Sunshine Cove by RaeAnne Thayne is the 2nd book in her Cape Sanctuary series. Jessica Clayton, our heroine, is on her way to do a job in Cape Sanctuary, and also looking forward to see her sister and her children. Jess partners with another woman, who run a successful business, Transitions, which helps people declutter/downsize their homes. Jess’s new client is Eleanor Whitaker, who lost her husband about 6 months ago, and hired Jess to help her clean up everything in her house.
We learn a bit more about Jess and her younger sister, Rachel, as they lost both parents by gunshots. They became separated, as Rachel was sent to live with a wonderful family, and Jess was sent to a foster care home; when she was old enough to get Rachel to live with her, she is upset that her sister wanted to stay with the family she had. Jess then joined the Military, and now with her friend, together they built this business as partners. Over the years, she sees Rachel very little, as she is married with children, and looks forward to see them all again.
Jess parks her trailer by Eleanor’s place, and gets off on the wrong foot, when she is approached by an arrogant man. Turns out he is Eleanor’s son, Nate, and he was not happy about her parking where she was, and more so since he did not know his mother hired someone. In a short time, Nate will apologize and find himself attracted to Jess, who plans to be in town only for two weeks. Jess also finds Nate to be hot, but is determined to not get involved, since all she cares about is her work and no relationships.
Jess begins to see that Rachel seems to be falling apart, which is putting a strain on her marriage. Rachel’s young son has autism, and Jess pushes her and her husband to take him to be tested, and she would watch over the two nieces. This also gives Jess a chance to spend some fun time with them, as well as with Nate and his daughter, Sophie. We could tell that Nate has fallen hard for Jess, and even Sophie loves her. Will Jess allow herself to open her heart and let love in?
I loved the time Jess spent with Eleanor to help her declutter all the old stuff in her home, as well as her deceased husband’s belongings; which turns out to be an amazing business concept. I got a kick out of the Airstream Trailer that everyone loved. Over time, it was wonderful to see the sisters relationship change into an inseparable bond, which was very emotional. Will Jess continue to run from a permanent relationship or will she stay?
The Path to Sunshine Cove was a heartwarming, poignant story that was very well written by RaeAnne Thayne. Cape Sanctuary was a beautiful setting for this story, and makes me want to go there. I really enjoyed this story, and suggest you read The Path to Sunshine Cove. If you have not read RaeAnne Thayne, you need to start.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the arc of this book!

The Path to Sunshine Cove by RaeAnne Thayne is the kind of small town romance I love. The book tells the story of two sisters with a shared tragic past who have taken two very divergent paths. As the older sister Jessica, takes a job in town to have time to spend with her sister and her family, the two struggle to find some common ground to reconnect.

TW: both girls grew up in an abusive home that is outlined over the course of the book

What I loved about the book:

- The author does a masterful job of creating complex characters and allowing you to see into their heads and manages to capture the complex emotions involved
- I loved the way the author outlined the multiple complex family issues going on between the main players in the book.
- A wonderful seaside location that has me wanting to visit the Northern California coast
- Two complex romances occurring between mature adults

I highly recommend this book to fans of small town romances with lots of complex family dynamics. This book is actually the third book in a series. It is the first book I've read and honestly I wouldn't have known it was a part of a series if someone hadn't told me. I can tell you that I cannot wait to catch up with the other books in this series.

This was the perfect springtime read!

I have been gobbling up stories with a focus on family + especially sisterhood, so I was thrilled to be able to read and review this one thanks to Let's Talk Books and Get Red PR.

What I got from this adorable book was so much more than just a simple beach read, it was an emotional & heartfelt story that I just really loved! The multi POV made the pacing perfect, and gave us a great grasp of each of the characters in a way that made them more endearing as the story went on. I hadn't read the first book in this series, but I definitely wouldn't hesitate to pick up another RaeAnne Thayne book after reading this one!