Book Review: The Seaside Sisters by Pamela Kelley – A Tale of Family, Love, and Marriage @PamelaMKelley @StMartinsPress @MacmillanAudio

“The Seaside Sisters” is a heartwarming novel set in Cape Cod, exploring themes of family, love, and personal fulfillment through the intertwined lives of two sisters and their aunt.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to St.Martin’s Griffin, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARCs of the ebook and audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

One summer can change everything.

Brooklyn-based Hannah is a bestselling author struggling to write her second book after personal losses. Her older sister, Sara, still lives in Chatham, Cape Cod, where they grew up, and is married with four children. Once a dedicated librarian, Sara dreams of reviving her love affair with literature, but instead, she is stuck with too many family responsibilities and a fizzling marriage.

When Hannah gets the chance to retreat to her aunt’s oceanfront house in Chatham for the summer, it seems like just the thing to get her creative juices flowing. And she’ll be able to spend more time with Sara, who is eager to find her way back into the workforce, to do something rewarding and book-related. The pair will spend the summer making friends, rekindling romance—especially Spencer, an old acquaintance from high school -turned very hot grump—and opening themselves up to the magic of books and the beach.

My Thoughts:

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.

Some Of The Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written By Pamela Kelley:

The Fifth Avenue Apartment

The Bookshop By The Bay

Nantucket News