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*3.5 Stars*

The Seaside Sisters is a fun, heartwarming story about the lives of Sara, Hannah and their aunt Maddie. During the summer in Chatham, Cape Cod, the story follows the different point-of-views for each character as they navigate changes in their relationships, while also dealing with the loss of Sara and Hannah's mother.

I did enjoy this story, but I wasn't overly invested in what happened to the characters. Although Hannah seems to be the main character, I found her story to be kind of bland and resonated more with her sister Sara as she deals with juggling her new job and still being a full-time mother and wife. I also wish that there was more about the woman dealing with the loss of Hannah and Sara's mother, but it seemed to be a side note to the story and only talked about at the end. However, the descriptions of Chatham, Cape Cod are gorgeous, and the food always made me hungry while listening.

The Seaside Sisters would be a good summer vacation read and I would recommend the audiobook. The narrator was great for the characters, and I enjoyed listening. I am hoping that they fix the long pauses between chapters before publishing. I often had to check my phone to make sure it wasn't paused while waiting for the next chapter to start.  

The Seaside Sisters comes out June 4th.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review The Seaside Sisters. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Pamela Kelley does not disappoint! This is another great addition to her wonderful book collection. I love how her books can be read as stand alone but there are also some characters from other books that appear in these new stories. I love how Pamela Kelley introduces you to new characters while letting you catch up with the old ones that you have grown to love and become invested in.
The Seaside Sisters is Pamela Kelleyś latest novel coming out just in time for those lazy summer days. I had the pleasure of listening to the audio book which is narrated beautifully by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. The Seaside Sisters Sara and Hannah are both struggling with their careers based on troubles in their personal lives. Sara is the older married sister of 4 children and is searching for a job now that her children have gotten older. Hannah is a new author with a well liked first novel and is struggling to get her second one finished by her deadline
They are both dealing with the loss of their mother as is their Aunt Maggie who invites Hannah to come home to Chatham for the summer to escape the city and enjoy the summer with her and Sara. Hannah agrees hoping the ocean air will help her creativity start to flow.
I highly recommend this audio book as an escape while you walk the dog or fold the laundry

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The Seaside Sisters is told from the point of view of both sisters, Sara and Hannah, and also their aunt. Hannah, an author who lives in New York, is experiencing writer’s block. So, when she is invited by her aunt, Maddie, a literary agent, to spend the summer with her, Hannah thinks a change of scenery in her hometown in Cape Cod might do the trick. Her sister, Sara, is a stay-at-home mom, whose kids are finally all school age and can take a part time job at a local book shop. The professional lives of all 3 of these women really appeal to me personally, and I liked living vicariously through their career footsteps.

Hannah is newly single and ready to mingle with both Spencer, a lawyer and high-school crush, and Nihal, and author just in town for a visit. I was instantly a fan of Spencer’s compassionate and hard-working personality, but when he mentions that he is a big fan of the band Pearl Jam, that sealed the deal for me.

I think the author must be a foodie with a keen fashion sense because all of the meals and drinks and outfit choices are described in great detail. The writing is wholesome and light-hearted and I found it an easy, enjoyable read, and the narrator was pleasant to listen to.

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This was a super cute read. At first I wasn’t too into the story but it got better as it developed. Hannah and Spencer were pretty likable characters. I liked that they knew they had feelings for each other and didn’t blow up in jealousy when they dated other people.

Tom was the least likable character. He was so self-centered and didn’t seem to care for or love Sarah. Their aunt and her husband were a cute couple.

The only thing that I still don’t know of I liked or didn’t were all the detailed food descriptions. Like was that really necessary? They sounded all delicious but I don’t think they were necessary to the story. And how many times can a person eat a bagel without gaining weight? These women seemed to eat bagels like they were kale chips or something. LOL

All in all this was an entertaining clean romance.

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Great Summer read. Hannah grew up on Cape Cod, but she's lived in Brooklyn for 10 years and she loves it. Her mother died a few months before and her house was still sitting there, as she left it. Hannah is an author, but she's been stuck with her writing so she decides to go back to the Cape to visit with her sister, her sister's family, and her aunt and uncle. Her aunt has a large enough home and Hannah is welcomed for as long as she wants to stay.

Almost as soon as Hannah arrives, she starts making new acquaintances and friends. She decides to write in a coffee shop and her writer's block disappears. Her sister is bored being a full time homemaker and mother and she gets a job at a bookstore. And the aunt and uncle have separated. So all is not easy and happy, but Hannah still is enjoying herself.

As is the author's style, the books contains references to real locations, real wines and local specialties at restaurants. The story is easy to read and the relationships have some conflict, but nothing really angsty. It's a fun read, perfect for light summer reading.

I listened to the audio book and the narrator is great.

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Another great beach read by Pamela Kelley!!! Yet again Pamela has done an amazing job immersing you in the book setting. A summer story love story with a few small stories set in Cape Cod is sure to make you feel close to the ocean. Pamela did a fantastic job adding small details of specialty foods and local shops to bring this book to life (Can I say I want to try the lobster pot pie, please!!). Overall if you are looking for a cute story to take your mind away to the beach, then this book is definitely for you!

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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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