Three sisters, each at her own crossroads in life, inherit a Nantucket restaurant and must work together for one year before they can move on. Each sister must navigate their own path to happiness in this was a quick, cozy read. Loveable characters, small beach town charm, and gorgeous food descriptions. Perfect for those looking for a read with hope, healing and second chances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by Pamela Kelley, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Nantucket Restaurant is a heartfelt story centered around three sisters who unexpectedly inherit a restaurant on Nantucket. Their journey brings them back to the island for a year, rekindling family bonds and uncovering old emotions. At the heart of the story is Mimi’s Place, the beloved restaurant they now co-own, left to them by their late grandmother. It's a touching tale of love, loss, heartbreak, and fresh starts—a perfect beach read set against the charming backdrop of Nantucket.

Pamela Kelley has long been one of my go-to authors when I want to be whisked away to charming seaside towns filled with heart, hope, and home-cooked meals—and The Nantucket Restaurant delivers all that and more. This story is a cozy, character-driven tale of three sisters thrown together under surprising circumstances, and it’s exactly the kind of beach read I crave when I want a feel-good story with emotional depth.

The plot kicks off when Mandy, Jill, and Emma O’Toole return to their childhood island of Nantucket following the death of their beloved grandmother. Grief brings them home—but it’s not the only thing waiting for them. To their shock, they discover that their grandmother was the silent owner of Mimi’s Place, a beloved local restaurant they had no idea she even owned. Her final wish? That the sisters—along with longtime executive chef Paul—run the restaurant together for one full year before making any decisions about its future.

And so begins a heartfelt journey of grief, rediscovery, and reinvention.

Each sister arrives at Mimi’s with her own emotional baggage: Mandy, the only one still living on the island, is restless and searching for more. Jill, career-driven and successful in New York, finds herself torn between obligation and identity. And Emma, newly separated, sees this as a fresh start she didn’t know she needed. Kelley’s strength is in how she makes these women feel real—flawed, hopeful, and trying their best even when life feels uncertain.

As they fumble their way through learning the ropes of restaurant ownership (spoiler: it’s harder than it looks), the story unfolds with gentle humor, touching moments, and the kind of vivid, sensory-rich writing that makes Nantucket come alive on the page. Kelley captures the rhythms of a coastal town beautifully—from early morning deliveries to lunch rushes, from town gossip to romantic sparks—while also exploring deeper themes of grief, family obligation, and finding one’s place in the world.

Paul, the head chef, is also a standout character—gruff but loyal, protective of Mimi’s Place, and not too keen on the sudden co-ownership dynamic. Watching the sisters and Paul figure each other out while preserving their grandmother’s legacy adds heart and humor to the story.

What I loved most about this book is its underlying optimism. Yes, there are challenges—financial setbacks, sibling tension, self-doubt—but there’s also so much hope and warmth. Kelley doesn’t rush her characters’ arcs; instead, she gives them room to breathe, stumble, and grow. By the end, you’ve watched each of these women transform—not into perfect versions of themselves, but into more honest, grounded, and connected individuals.

⸻

Final Thoughts:
The Nantucket Restaurant is a celebration of family in all its messy, meaningful glory. It’s about the power of starting over at any age, the strength that comes from working through the hard stuff, and the joy of discovering that maybe—just maybe—what you thought you wanted wasn’t what you needed after all.

This novel is perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Jenny Hale, or anyone looking for a comfort read that still delivers emotional growth and satisfying resolution. Pour yourself an iced coffee (or a glass of wine), curl up somewhere sunny, and prepare to fall in love with Mimi’s Place.

Recommended if you love:
• Sister stories
• Foodie fiction with cozy details
• Beach-town settings
• Second chances & fresh starts
• Stories about legacy, love, and letting go

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC for my honest review. I love her books. This story is about three sisters, Emma, Jill and Mandy. Their grandmother passes away and leaves them and the head chef, her restaurant, MiMi’s Place which they had no idea she owned. However her stipulation is that they all agree to honor her wishes and work there for the next year and see how things go. There is a lot going on in this story but I really enjoyed following their journeys through all their changes. This book has sadness, romance, and Joy. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend.

Pamela Kelley’s The Nantucket Restaurant is a charming novel that offers an easy, feel-good escape into the world of family, food, and second chances. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket, the book serves up a comforting blend of coastal charm, familial drama, and a dash of romance.. but it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth or tension that could have elevated it beyond a cozy read.

The story follows sisters navigating the challenges of running a family-owned restaurant. Kelley’s "warmth" is present throughout, and her descriptions of the food and scenery are cozy and inviting. You can practically smell the seafood and feel the sea breeze on your face.

Character wise, the cast is likable, if somewhat predictable - which isn't a bad thing.. it's comforting. Each family member has their own subplot..from rekindling old flames to grappling with personal identity. Some of the emotional moments, particularly around family dynamics and past regrets, give us hints at possibly deeper stories to explore.

The pacing is steady and the stakes remain relatively low, which it makes for a relaxing read. There’s a sense that more could have been explored, especially when it comes to character growth and the complexities of running a business with loved ones, but the hint of it is there.

Fans of coastal cozy stories will enjoy familiar settings and themes, and readers looking for a gentle, heartwarming story will find plenty to enjoy.

The Nantucket Restaurant is a satisfying cozy read (that I enjoyed laying in my yard).. its the perfect read for a lazy afternoon when you're craving a literary comfort and food fix.

Thank you to Pamela Kelley for this coastal tale and to Sourcebooks & Netgalley for this mini vacation!

I received a free copy of, The Nantucket Restaurant, by Pamela Kelley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jill, Emma, and Mandy are sisters. They inherited a restaurant on Nantucket, after their grandmother passed away, along with the sisters the Paul the chef of the restaurant has inherited the restaurant as well. This was a nice read,nothing better than sisters, in a beautiful, location with great food.

📚✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨📚
The Nantucket Restaurant by Pamela Kelley

🏷️ Women's Fiction • Family Drama • Second Chances • Coastal Charm

“Three sisters. One restaurant. A year to change everything.”

Pamela Kelley delivers another perfect beach read in The Nantucket Restaurant, a heartwarming and uplifting story about family, legacy, and the power of starting over—at any age.

After the death of their beloved grandmother, three sisters—Mandy, Jill, and Emma—inherit Mimi’s Place, a beloved but outdated Nantucket restaurant. There’s a catch: they must run it for a year before they can make any decisions about selling. Oh—and they share ownership with Paul, the longtime head chef who isn’t exactly thrilled about the change in management.

What follows is a feel-good, slice-of-life journey as the sisters confront personal crossroads, rekindle their bond, and breathe new life into Mimi’s Place. There’s romance, career shifts, and emotional growth woven into a cozy Nantucket setting that’ll make you want to pack your bags and move there.

💛 Perfect for readers who enjoy:
🍴 Restaurants & foodie vibes
🏠 Small-town charm
👭 Sisterhood & found family
💔 Healing from heartbreak
🛠️ Reinvention and self-discovery
📍 Set in beautiful Nantucket

This book is for the Elin Hilderbrand fans and anyone who loves a story about women finding their strength and purpose—together.

#TheNantucketRestaurant #PamelaKelley #WomensFiction #NetGalley #SummerReads #CoastalReads #Bookstagram #BeachRead #SistersStory #SecondChances #NantucketVibes #BookRec #BookLover #BooksOfInstagram #FictionFavorites #SourcebooksLandmark #ARCReview

Beloved grandma is in the hospital, (3) granddaughters rush to her side. She leaves them a restaurant, but they have to work together at the restaurant for a year.

This is the first book in the series. Typically I shy away from series, as there are always so many books to be read. Typically I'm always looking for an Elin Hilderbrand book for the summer beach read; but Elin seems to have ended her Nantucket novels ... so this seems to be something that might fill that void.

There are a lot of characters, but if you are going to provide a book series ... that is probably a requirement. Occasionally I was a little lost, but not for too long. I did like the characters and there was some delicious sounding food, especially with the restaurant setting.

Very enjoyable. I'm likely to try another book in the series. Very beachy!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark (publisher) for approving my request to read The Nantucket Restaurant in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is June 10, 2025. Approx 350 pages. Between 4 & 5 stars.

Pamela Kelley’s "Nantucket Restaurant is a heartwarming tale of family, resilience, and fresh starts. Originally published in 2020, this updated edition features about a third of new material, adding depth to the story and introducing an additional story line that seamlessly blends with the original.

The novel centers around three sisters—Jill, Mandy, and Emma—who, along with head chef Paul, inherit Mimi's Place from their late aunt. However, there’s one condition: they must all work at the restaurant for a year. What begins as a challenge quickly transforms into an opportunity for growth, strengthening their bond as they navigate their new roles and work together to enhance an already beloved establishment.

Having read the book five years ago, I didn’t recall every detail, but revisiting it was an absolute delight. Kelley’s storytelling is effortlessly engaging, and her characters are so compelling that I found myself drawn back into their world. In fact, I loved it so much that I immediately reread Christmas at the Restaurant just to continue following their journey.

Nantucket Restaurant beautifully explores themes of family relationships and new beginnings, reminding readers that sometimes, unexpected turns in life lead to the most fulfilling experiences. Pamela Kelley’s books never fail to leave a lasting impression, and this one was no exception.

A delightful summer read, The Nantucket Restaurant whisks readers away to the picturesque island of Nantucket, where three sisters are unexpectedly thrust into the world of restaurant ownership. Following the passing of their beloved grandmother, Mandy, Jill, and Emma are stunned to discover that she was the secret owner of Mimi’s Place, a cherished local eatery. Even more surprising is her final wish: she leaves 75% of the restaurant to her granddaughters—on the condition that they work there for a year before deciding its fate.

For Mandy, the only full-time Nantucket resident, this transition feels natural. But for Jill, who co-owns a headhunting firm in New York, the idea is a tough sell. Emma, recently separated from her husband, embraces the opportunity as a fresh start. Together, the sisters uproot their lives, learning the ropes of restaurant management, balancing personal growth, and finding ways to modernize the business—while staying true to their grandmother’s legacy.

The Nantucket Restaurant is an easygoing, heartwarming novel perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand. It’s a story of sisterhood, second chances, and the magic of coastal charm.

Mandy, Emma and Jill's grandmother passes away and leaves them her house on Nantucket, and they discover she is the owner of Mimi's Place, a restaurant that they all love, which she also left them, along with the head chef, that has worked there a long time. There is a stipulation that they must stay one year and run it together, after one year, they can sell, move on, or do what ever they want.
They decide they have to honor their Gram's last wish and agree to come live there one year and see what happens. A lot of things happen, they learn a lot they had missed previously on what was going on in their lives.
As they learn the restaurant business, and learn what their strength is, to update the restaurant, things come together. One year after they agreed, we see all that has happened, both personally and business wise. A year can sure make a difference, and it was amazing seeing how they grew, saw things different, and in some ways, they became more confident. It is a story of sadness, hope, and finding out what you can actually do when put to the test.
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Landmark from NetGalley.

The Nantucket Restaurant is the perfect feel-good beach read. I found myself thinking, "just one more chapter," multiple times before I realized I had almost finished the book. I love the premise of the grandmother leaving the restaurant to her granddaughters under one condition. The book reminded me a bit of the Netflix show Virgin River, without the overly dramatic storylines. I would rate it a 4.5, but as some of the other reviewers have mentioned, I felt the last few chapters rushed the ending for each of the main characters, and I wish there had been just a little more time spent on those storylines. Overall, a heart-warming read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy!

This was an easy, gentler read and enjoyable over all. Thank you Net Galley for the advance ecopy.

I received The Nantucket Restaurant as an ARC. As per usual, every time I read a book from this author, I can't put it down. I read this book when it was first released and it was just as good this time but with quite a bit of new material. Yay! Also, my stomach was growling reading about all the yummy dishes that were being cooked. Thanks for another good read Pamela Kelley!

I enjoy Pamela Kelley books. This one did not rate as big for me as others. It took me a bit to get into it. I didn’t like a few storylines with the sisters and the characters seemed a bit flat compared to her other books. It is a predictable, but still a quick read and good one for the summer.

Three sisters get quite a surprise when their beloved grandmother passes away. She was the silent owner of Mimi's Place, the most popular year round restaurant on Nantucket. In her will she leaves the restaurant to the three of them with one stipulation, they must run it a year before they can sell or their shares will go to the chef, Paul. Only one of the three sisters lives on Nantucket. The other two are living far away. Things get interesting as they try to get the hang of it. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I absolutely loved The Nantucket Restaurant. The vivid descriptions made it easy to imagine the charming town, and I found myself wishing I could visit the restaurant in real life. I adored the premise of the grandmother bringing her three granddaughters together—it was heartwarming and such a clever way to explore their relationships. It was also convenient (and lucky!) that each of them happened to be in a position to commit to working at the restaurant for a year. Reading this felt like watching a feel-good TV show. I would have rated it 4.5 stars, but I was a bit let down by how quickly the author rushed to wrap up each character's storyline at the end.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC.

Poorly written,, flat characters, sickly sweet endings and zero complexity. I love food and thought the premise of the story sounded interesting. There is nothing in the book that has any texture, or any complexity at all, with the possible exception of the descriptions of the food. Boring characters, meaningless and predictable dialog, pointless descriptions, even a divorce situation that strains that reality past any reasonable breaking point.

This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed this. Three sisters, Mandy, Emma and Jill found out that their grandmother had won a restaurant in Nantucket and when she died she left it to them and the head chief, Paul. The only stipulation was they all had to run it together for a year. After a year they could sell it. They all lead an interesting life and it was fun to see what happens in that year. I highly recommend. Thank You Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I love how the three sisters dropped everything to run to their beloved grandmother’s bedside. Jill, Mandy and Emma grew up on Nantucket, but only one, Mandy, still lives on the island in her big house, with a perfect life, or was it? Emma returns home after a devastating revelation changes her life forever, and Jill agrees to spend the weekends on Nantucket while still running her highly successful NYC business. The love they all had for their grandmother knew no boundaries and they didn’t think twice about heeding her wishes. Family is everything and Grandma Ethel was a big influence on them while growing up on Nantucket and they would do anything for her. Running a restaurant was not on their bucket list but Jill, Emma and Mandy were looking forward to being together again. They vowed to work hard so that Mimi’s Place would always be a gathering spot for Nantucket residents and vacationers. To me, Nantucket is a magical place where anything can happen. Of course, the sisters certainly didn’t have time for romance or drama, but all of them were in for surprises, both big and small. The community was excited about the new changes at the restaurant and the addition of social media into the mix brought visitors from far and wide. Ms. Kelley’s heartfelt storyline made me feel as if I was right there, waiting in line for a table at Mimi’s Place where friends gather and memories are made!