The Seaside Sisters
By: Pamela M. Kelley

With family responsibilities’ and a troubled marriage Sara is struggling. Her sister Hannah is an author trying to get her mojo back so she can write again. She get a chance to stay at her aunts ocean house is Chatham, Cape Cod. She jumps as the opportunity so she will be able to see her sister Sara again.

A novel about love, loss and the joy of summer. Adored this novel. It was my first by this author. It’s the perfect book for the beach. I highly recommend it.


Thank you Macmillian Audio and your program for this gifted audio.

This was a really light, feel good, perfect for summer read. The story line dealt a lot with family dynamics and relationships of all kinds. With the exception of dealing with past grief from the death of parent I didn’t feel like there was a lot of heavy topics involved. I appreciated to easy, happy read. Some romance was mixed in, but it wasn’t the heart of the book. It was just enough to add a little spark to a few characters.

THE SEASIDE SISTERS by Pamela M. Kelly is a solid contemporary romance and a decent beach read. The story centers around Hannah, a writer, her sister Sara, a former librarian now caring for her children, and their Aunt Maddie, who is dealing with career decisions after a successful stint in publishing.

Set in Chatham on Cape Cod, the book provides a pleasant, if predictable, summer setting. The narrative follows Hannah as she spends the summer there, processing her mother's death. The detailed descriptions of food, clothing, and everyday life add texture, though at times they felt a bit much.

I listened to the audiobook version, and it was well-narrated, which made the experience more enjoyable. While not particularly groundbreaking, the book is a light, cozy read that's easy to get through. If you're looking for something straightforward and sweet for a beach day, this might fit the bill.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"The Seaside Sisters” transports readers to the picturesque Chatham Cape Cod, where Brooklyn - based Hannah reunites with her older sister, Sara. Sara is mom to four boys and once a dedicated librarian is dreaming of reviving her love affair with literature. Each sister carries her own regrets and dreams as they navigate family dynamics, love, and unexpected twists.

Kelley’s writing captures the essence of seaside life—the crashing waves, sweet coastal air, and cozy cottages. The characters come alive on the pages and I appreciated how both Hannah and Sara's personalities came through their characters.

While some plot points are predictable, the emotional depth keeps you engaged. Moments of laughter, heartache, and healing are beautifully woven into the narrative. The pacing is gentle and it allowed me the pleasure of savoring the small moments and the healing power of sisterhood.

Stephanie Nemeth-Parker's narration was smooth, delightful, and charming. It truly added to my listening pleasure.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

“The Seaside Sisters” is a delightful read for fans of family sagas, coastal settings, and heartfelt connections. It reminds us that sometimes, the most precious treasures are the bonds we share with those we love. This truly a fun and fulfilling beach read for the Summer season.

The Seaside Sisters is a lovely standalone story by Pamela M. Kelley although it does have significant ties in location and secondary characters as her earlier novel The Bookshop by the Bay.

Sisters Sarah Brewster Ellis and Hannah Brewster have been close despite their five year age difference and their distance in location with Hannah in Brooklyn and Sarah still living in their hometown of Chatham on Cape Cod. Sarah is a busy stay at home mother of four active sons and Hannah is a romance author currently experiencing writer’s block. They recently suffered the loss of their mother and each is coming to terms with the loss in different ways. With Hannah’s block, her Aunt Maddie suggests coming to the cape for the summer and staying with her at her ocean front home. Needing a change of scenery and looking forward to spending time with her sister and aunt, it is an easy decision to make.

As each of the three ladies are undergoing their own difficulties the story unfolds. With a cast of lovely characters in a beautiful beachfront setting, this was a satisfying read. I did enjoy this story and I do recommend it.

If you’re looking for an audiobook filled with Summer and Hallmark vibes, this one is for you. I loved that this focuses on not only author Hannah, but her sister and Aunt as well, and the trials and tribulations of each of their personal and professional lives. Shortly after losing her mother, Hannah decides to spend the summer in her hometown of Chatham, to work on her next book and spend time with her family. Books that talk about books are always so fun. Pamela Kelley can definitely set a scene, and with this you get a real sense of Cape Cod and the places and delicious cuisine that you will find there. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Hannah and Spencer. I was rooting for all three of these women and could relate to each of them in certain ways.

The narration by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker was so good, I really enjoyed it. It was easy to follow along, and I definitely recommend listening! 👏🏼

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for this ALC!!

This was a nice quick read. It was just okay. I wouldn't read it again, but I spent a nice afternoon listening to it.

This story is told in third person and follows multiple characters spending the summer in the community of Chatham on Cape Cod. Some are residents and others are just visiting for the summer. It was a light summer read, something you might like for the beach, covering relatable themes including grief over losing a parent, returning to the workforce after a prolonged period raising small children and the ensuing marital conflict, changes in relationships over time, the conundrum of small town versus big city, just to name a few.

There were a lot of characters to follow, and I had difficulty distinguishing them in the first part of the book. However, as it progressed and I came to know the characters, the narrative shifts became recognizable. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. This was my first audiobook with this narrator, and she did a great job with all the character voices. Still, I think it might have benefited by a larger cast rather than just one narrator.

I think this novel will appeal to many readers for the relatable themes listed above, but I found that it really wasn’t for me. I found the character of Hannah to be a little too inconsistent, decisive about some of her decisions in the beginning then suddenly about facing with little to no explanation that worked for me. I did enjoy the parts of Hannah’s story that dealt with writer’s block as well as her shadowing the lawyers in Spencer’s law offices for ideas for her new book even if I’m unsure of the plausibility of that scenario.

I also had issues with the ways that Sara and Maddie handled their marital conflict. Sara silently seething while essentially letting Tom walk all over her and Maddie so caught up in her own dilemma that she didn’t realize Richie clearly didn’t agree. There was also a prevailing theme that opposites attract and too similar people don’t make for good relationships that honestly rubbed me the wrong way. However, I enjoyed Sara’s enthusiasm for her new job in the bookstore and finding fulfillment outside of the home as well as the ins and outs of Maddie’s job as an author rep.

Recommended for a light beach read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.

This was a cozy summer read, following Hannah, her sister Sara, and their aunt for the summer in Chatham, Cape Cod, as they navigate their relationships. It’s only lightly romantic, but very cozy and slow paced.
I received and ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Big thanks to both NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC copy of this cute summer romance!

I really enjoyed how the characters stuck to their decisions & chose what made them happiest. This was of course predicatble as most love stories are, but it was still a very fun listen!

Hannah has writer’s block since writing her first book and the loss of her mother. So she heads back to her hometown in Chatham, Cape Cod to stay at her aunt’s house to try to get her writing mojo back. Hannah’s aunt introduces her to the next door neighbor so she has someone to look to if she needs some thing while Aunt Maddie is in NY doing business but also catching up with her husband who they have taken a trial separation after the loss of her sister Hannah’s mother.
The neighbors just happen to have a very eligible grandson….. Spencer is eligible attorney and grandma has a gleam in her eye when she introduces Spencer and Hannah who did go to school together but weren’t really friends.
Nice summer easy read.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin press for this ARC.

The Seaside Sisters will delight and charm you as easily as an ocean breeze.

If you need a perfectly feel-good, clean, sweet romance novel, this is it. In between the many thrillers I read, crime and true crime shows I watch, I sometimes need a balance. The Seaside Sisters filled me with a dose of happiness. It’s full of feel-good characters that you love and root for. Pamela M. Kelley provides the right amount of cozy in her latest. I was left with a happy heart when I finished it.

I enjoyed Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration of the audiobook!

Thank you so much, Pamela M. Kelley, Macmillan Audio, St Martin’s Press & NetGalley, for my copy & audiobook to give my honest review! All opinions are my own.

A Heartwarming Escape to Cape Cod

In The Seaside Sisters, Brooklyn-based Hannah, a bestselling author, seeks solace in her aunt’s oceanfront house in Chatham. There, she reconnects with her older sister, Sara, who dreams of reigniting her love for literature. Amid family responsibilities and fizzling marriages, the sisters find friendship, romance, and the magic of books.

Kelley’s storytelling captures the essence of summer—warm, inviting, and filled with sisterly bonds. The Chatham setting is as charming as a sun-soaked beach, and the characters feel like friends you’d want to share a sunset with. If you’re a fan of Mary Kay Andrews or Susan Mallery, this delightful read awaits you.

The Seaside Sisters is a sweet, cozy, beachy read. I really loved the main characters, sisters Hannah and Sara. They are both struggling with different things in their everyday life, most of which are relatable, and they spend the summer with each other trying to work through their struggles. I really enjoyed the setting and the small town feel. The book store and little coffee shop was one of the best parts of the setting, second to the beach! There was a bit of romance, family connections, and it checks all the summer reading boxes! This book really focuses on these characters figuring out what truly makes them happy. Overall I really enjoyed The Seaside Sisters and would definitely recommend you add it to your summer beach read TBR!

Pamela M. Kelley has written an amazing book about a family and the things their lives go through.

Hannah and Sarah are sisters and their mom died a few months ago. Sarah is a mother of four boys ranging in age from 6 to 12. She is married to a man named Tom who takes her for granted. He doesn't really pay her much attention and doesn't help her with anything.

Hannah is is an author and she lives in Brooklyn. She and her sister grew up in Cape Cod, Chatham. Her mothers house is still there and they agreed to keep it for at least a year before they decided what to do with it. Hannah wasn't doing well with her writing or her health. She has been having a hard time with the fact that her mom a has died. So she has decided to go back to Chatham and is going to stay with her aunt Maddie.

Maddie has had a separation from her husband Richie. Maddie is at home in Chatham and Richie seems to be at home in New York. Maddie is having a hard time at the loss of her sister.

Joy and Ben are Maddies' neighbors. Spencer is their grandson and Hannah remembered him from when she was in high school.
He is a lawyer and Hannah has been invited to shadow him and his team for her book.

Sarah gets a job at the book store in town and Tom doesn't take to well to it as he thinks she is wasting her time. He, again doesn't help her. When they go on a date night Tom doesn't pay her much attention. He stays on his phone for the most part.

There really is so much to this book to unwrap it all here would be wrong to the you the reader. It is an amazing read and I highly recommend this book. Fun family and love!
Happy Reading!!!

This story follows three women: Hannah, her sister Sara, and their aunt Maddie. Hannah is a best-selling author that is struggling with her second book. Having lost her mother just weeks prior, Hannah decides to move back to her childhood home in Cape Cod for the summer. The story focuses on Hannah and Sara’s grief, in addition to Sara’s marriage struggles. I really enjoyed watching their stories unfold.

This was the quintessential beach read. The pace felt slow, there was not much drama, and the Cape Cod backdrop was delightful. Personally, I need a little more action than this one provided, but I still really enjoyed these characters and their stories!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this one!

The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley
Contemporary chick lit, women’s fiction with romance. Multiple POV.
After a personal loss and now suffering from panic attacks, Hannah Brewster is struggling to write her second book. She accepts an invite to return home to Chatham, Cape Cod for the summer. She’s hoping that being back in her home town will help her reconnect with life, family and hope. Plus, she’ll be able to spend time with her sister Sara.
Sara is married with four children and feels stuck in her life. So many family responsibilities and no time for herself. Sara gets a job at a local bookstore which puts pressure on other needed changes in her life.
Aunt Maddie is having her own marriage issues. Having Hannah and Sara back in her life for the summer helps her make some of her own changes.
It’s a summer of family.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook which was narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. There are distinct voices for the main three women in the story bit for me they did tend to blend together. I had to listen closely to the beginning of each section or chapter to make sure I knew who I was following. Of course, they lead very different lives with different issues so the content was easily allocated. There were no drastic emotions so the audiobook was smooth and well modulated with no discernible subsequent editing. It was a wonderful performance overall. I listened to this at 1.5 which is my preferred speed.

Choosing between an ebook and audiobook is really choosing between two different experiences. For this book, I would recommend the ebook simply because of the multiple POV’s and inconsistencies of when the POV changes occur.

Family and personal connections, self respect, confidence and most importantly, happiness in the one life we get to lead.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.

Seaside Sisters is one of those books that will put you right in the middle of a cute little beach town as you read.

Hannah a write who is struggling with her latest book, travels to her aunts home in Chatham on Cape Cod to get a change of scenery hoping this will help. Hannah's stay at home sister also lives there. She is trying to break into the workforce with little help from her husband, who I thought was a selfish uninterested partner. Her aunt Maddie has separated from her long time husband, and trying to decided if she still wants to be married.

I enjoyed the setting of Chatham, the author did a fantastic job of describing the town, along with the quaint bookshop and coffee shop that is next door, and of course I enjoy any book that has a setting on a beach or in a beach town.

The characters for the most part were enjoyable, as I said above, I did not like the sisters husband at all. The characters were just everyday people with everyday problems. There was a slight romance with Hannah, but it was not anything steamy, as I mentioned, it was slight.

Maybe all this is the reason I found the story a bit slow. Maybe it was suppose to be. Mimic the feeling of a slow summer days you'd have in a small beach town, but it was just a bit to slow for me.

This was the perfect start-to-summer read. I enjoyed the characters and see where a couple of side-stories could happen! It was poignant, heart-felt and with just enough laughter and romance to keep things lively. I greatly enjoyed it!

Hannah is struggling writing her new novel, her mother just passed away and her 2 year relationship ended.  Since her sister and aunt still live on Cape Cod she decides that the best thing to do is to spend her summer there rather than alone in her Brooklyn apartment and try to heal and write her book.  Once there she realizes her aunt's marriage is on a break and her sister's is struggling.  The three women spend the summer supporting each other while Hannah begins a friendship with Spencer, a man with whom she went to high school, and is much more interesting to her now than he was then.

I listened to this one entirely.  Unfortunately while I thought it would be a nice sweet summer read, the story just didn't have enough complexity for me.  Everything was a bit too simple from the plot to the characters - nothing stood out or held my interest.  I also wonder if the author was on a diet when she wrote it (no judgement, we've all been there) because she described every meal (especially every dessert) the characters ate in detail (and they ate a lot of brownies).  The audio narrator read the novel in the breezy way that it was presented and she was great.  If you want a quick uncomplicated beach read this is for you, but I like a little more, even for my romance beach reads, to hold my interest.

3.25 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ARC to review