THE SEASIDE SISTERS – Pamela Kelley
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-1-250-86162-7
June 4, 2024
Contemporary Fiction

Chatham, Massachusetts – Present Day

Hannah is a bestselling romance author, but after the death of her mother, she is suffering from writer’s block and has a deadline to meet for her next book. Deciding that a change of scenery is in order, she decides to spend a few months in her hometown of Chatham, on the Cape Cod peninsula. She will stay with her Aunt Maddie and spend time with her only sister, Sara, who is married and living in Chatham. Hannah learns shortly after she arrives that her aunt is now separated from her husband and that her sister is feeling restless raising her four boys. Sara is currently looking for a part-time job even though her husband, Tom, isn’t happy about the idea. 

Hannah soon settles in and meets a few people. Her aunt’s next-door neighbors are grandparents to Spencer, a lawyer in town. Hannah faintly remembers Spencer from their time in school together (he is a year older) and the two become friends. She also becomes friends with some local women that she ends up spending time with. The writing starts going well. She even meets a local author who writes bestselling mysteries. 

Sara finds a job working at a bookstore. Tom still isn’t happy, and he doesn’t lift a finger to help her when needed. So, Sara is working from 9 to 2:30 and still has to pick up the kids and do all the cleaning and cooking. No wonder that she’s soon tired. But she loves her new job. Will something happen to tear her marriage apart? Hannah starts seeing the author she met but he makes it clear he hasn’t ever been in a long-term relationship. That seems perfectly fine to Hannah since she just got over a two-year relationship. But what about Spencer? He’s a nice guy and Hannah has a lot in common with him. However, is he over the woman who cheated on him? Meanwhile, Aunt Maddie starts to wonder if her separation from her husband is going to be permanent. She is beginning to miss him.

THE SEASIDE SISTERS is a beachy read that is perfect for readers looking for a good book to dig into. The characters are well-written and pull you into the story. Hannah is the main protagonist. Readers will wonder if Hannah gets together with Spencer eventually. They seem perfect for each other. As it happens, the ex-girlfriend pops up. How does she affect Hannah’s relationship with Spencer? Sara and Tom have to work on their marriage but what if only one sees there is a problem? Sara loves having Hannah back in town as she provides support. As the time grows for Hannah to have to return to her apartment in Brooklyn, will she find it harder to leave? By the end of THE SEASIDE SISTERS, where does her relationship with Spencer stand? Is Aunt Maddie back with Uncle Richie?

Readers will find it hard to put down THE SEASIDE SISTERS as we want to know what happens next with the sisters and their aunt. If you love a feel-good read, then this tale is one you won’t want to miss because a happily ever after is written in the stars. 

Patti Fischer