Thank you SMP Romance for my #gifted ARC and thank you Macmillan Audio for my #gifted ALC of The Seaside Sisters! #MacAudio2024

Title: The Seaside Sisters
Author: Pamela Kelley
Narrator: Stephanie Németh-Parker
Pub Date: June 4, 2024

The Seaside Sisters was my first book by Pamela Kelley and I enjoyed this charming book with its beach vibes. I love books that talk about other books and enjoyed how Hannah was a bestselling author in this book. On top of that, this book took place in Chatham, and I was able to spend time in Chatham last summer on a girls trip and visit many of the places mentioned in this book. It was so fun to hear mention of the Chatham Bars Inn and the Impudent Oyster. Overall, I found this to be a sweet read with a touch a romance. This would be perfect for the beach this summer. Add this one to your summer reading list!

🎧I really enjoyed my time listening to Stephanie Németh-Parker narrate this audiobook! I felt like she was perfectly cast for this audiobook and did a great job bring the characters to life. I felt like the story flowed so well with Németh-Parker narrating and I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook if that option is available to you!

🩷Books about Books
🩷Sisterhood
🩷Loss and Grief
🩷Perfect Summer Read
🩷A Touch of Romance
🩷Cape Cod - Chatham

Posted on Goodreads on May 28, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around May 29, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on June 4, 2024
**-will post on designated date

This is such a good read about three women and life. It covers two sisters, Sarah and Hannah, and their aunt, Maddie. They’re all in different stages of their lives, going through different struggles. While also supporting each other. I most relate to Sarah, who is a stay-at-home mom trying to find herself again. Her husband, Tom, was a real jerk, but Maddie had the best advice. They were also transitioning after losing their mom. It was a good show of how grief and coming to terms with the new stage of life can lead to good changes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Seaside Sisters
By: Pamela M. Kelley
Narrated by: Stephanie Nemeth-Parker
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Pub Date: 6/04/24
What a great beach read for summer! Hannah is a bestselling author who has been through it in the last few months. Her Mom passed, her cat died and she broke up with her boyfriend of two years. Dealing with writer's block she’s craving a change of scenery from her home in Brooklyn. Her sister talks her into returning to her hometown Chatham, Cape Cod. Her sister and nephews are there as well as her Aunt Maddie. She sinks herself back in to live there. She joins a local writers group. Starts a new book that she had been struggling with in the city but it seems to flow better in Chatham. In an effort to get the new book right she shadows Spencer, a local boy who became a lawyer and was a year of her in high school. She still intends to return to the city at the end of summer but her friendship with Spenser has grown and she starts to question that decision. Will their friendship develop into more?
Thanks to Macmillan, NetGalley and Pamela M Kelley! Happy reading!

Hannah is an author struggling with writer's block. She recently lost her mother and ended a long term relationship. The stress triggered a panic attack and she decided to leave Brooklyn for the summer and go home to Cape Cod. Her sister, Sarah, is a stay at home mom of four boys. She is in a rut because her life solely exists for her family and her husband takes her for granted. Their aunt, Maddie, is newly separated from her husband. They are all at a crossroads this summer.

I hate when books like this get shoved into the romance category. It isn't romance. If you want romance, look elsewhere.

I enjoyed this light read. I typically enjoy this author's books, but I never quite love them. It is overly descriptive of irrelevant things (a lot of food talk in this one). When the author went into a lengthy explanation about cornhole, I wanted to throw the book out the window. I think cornhole is pretty universally known. And when I come across things I don't know or are confused about, I look them up. It just makes things drag to me.

Stephanie Németh-Parker narrates the audiobook and always does a good job.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Pamela M. Kelley book, but it won't be my last! I so enjoyed this light and quick beach read. Also, the narration was really good. Set on Cape Cod with the main characters being sisters, Hannah a writer and older sister Sara, housewife. In the story, Hannah hit a writers block and Sara feels unappreciated by her husband. They both are also trying to get over the recent loss of their mother. The story is a heartwarming feel good light romance without any bad language or sex.

Thank you #NetGalley, #MacMillanAudio, #PamelaM.Kelly and #TheSeasideSisters for the advance audiobook for my honest review.

I am sad to say that The Seaside Sisters disappointed me. I was looking forward to enjoy a fun beach read but this one never really took off. I know that Kelley is known for adding foodie content to her works, and I have read books that have made be famished by the time I was done, but I am afraid the constant insert of food descriptions here did not have that effect. Rather, the story felt very flat, the characters were not well developed and I didn't really feel invested about the sisters or their relationships. The marital stories were interesting. I was most invested in the aunt and her husband finding there way to reconciling, but even that felt like the story was still just going through the motions. There really wasn't much here to make me recommend it.

Usually a good performance by a narrator for an audio book can help pull me out of feeling this way, but this audio book felt flat as well and the narrator seemed to just be reading without much expression. Granted the writing didn't give her much to work with, but I was hoping it would help.

The two things that are good about the book is the cover and the length. It is short and could be easily read or listened to in an afternoon. If you are looking for a book to get you hungry without much emotional investment- this may be the choice.

Thanks to Netgally and Macmillian Audio for an Advanced listening copy for review purposes.

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