The Seaside House

by Sophie Kenna

A shattered family. A long-lost love. And devastating secrets that could tear her life apart.

Decades ago, Charlotte suddenly left her home on the sun-kissed island of Marina Cove. She abandoned her family, her friends, and the boy she was supposed to marry. And no one knows why.

Now, she has it all. Three wonderful children, a gorgeous husband, and a glamorous life among the Manhattan elite. But not everything is as it seems. And the perfect life she’s made for herself hangs by the thinnest of threads.

After a chance discovery rips her world in two, she returns to Marina Cove, broken, only to find the family she deserted on the brink of collapse…and her resentful sister with secrets of her own. And when she comes face to face with the boy she used to love, the past she’s been running from starts to catch up with her…

Genres: Fiction, Ebooks, Amazon

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2023

About the author

Sophie Kenna is the author of clean, heartfelt women’s fiction and small-town romance set in gorgeous, sun-kissed coastal settings. She draws from real-life joys and struggles to whisk you away on unforgettable journeys of love, loss, and the hope of second chances. Unexpected twists, surprise revelations, and characters you’ll fall in love with promise to keep the pages turning until the very end.

She met her husband many years ago, when he sat down across from her in study hall one afternoon while she was finishing her Spanish homework. They now live in Pennsylvania with their three children and a furry best friend.

When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, relaxing with a book and a good cup of coffee, or trying to remember how to converse with other adults after being with her tiny humans all day.

To learn more about new releases, to sign up for her newsletter, or just to say hello, visit her site at sophiekenna.com.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Disposable Fiction book. It was ok… 3.5 stars. I do find it irritating when perfectly smart women let a man run rough shot all over them. Quick and easy. This is a series. I might find myself reading book 2 if I want something mindless. The main character, Charlotte, smartened up by the end, at least.

[Kimberley O'Reilly · Rating 1 out of 5]

IMO this was an awful book! I can’t believe it’s actually a series! women let their lives fall apart for 26 YEARS because the man of the house left is just ridiculous & then to know you have to continue with the series to find out why he left! The plot was so silly & unbelievable with the so called ‘heroine’ having the most hare brained ideas & plans! Clearly I won’t be continuing with the series! 😂

[Maya Gandhi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this at all! I struggled to finish it… the storyline did not make sense and the writing was bad

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

REALLY???

I have decided to read 75 books this year and this was #2. Since it had received great reviews I thought I would try it. Unfortunately, I never warmed to these characters. Charlotte is totally out of the realm of reality and Sebastian is an idiot. In real life, even if she divorced Sebastian, she would be taking a big hit legally with his financial issues. She seems pretty cozy considering that loan sharks were probably going to be calling her real soon. While Ramona and Ella were so far in debt, who had been paying taxes on the Inn? Are Mariah and Charlotte moving into Christian’s house and becoming one big happy family? I just found this book so convoluted that I found myself rolling my eyes. I don’t think I will be continuing the series.

[Deb F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Good

This is my first book by Sophia Kenna, I was pleasantly surprised it moved right along and I read it practically through in one sitting.

Reading stories about families that for many different reasons have had a family split.. Many years later whether it is for a funeral or just the yearning to go home again, they try to rush putting their family members back together. It never works out quite the way the fairy tale that your mind has been playing over & over throughout the years will really happen in real life. The gap between sisters Charlotte and Ramona was fraught with such deep resentments that it would take real work and learning to trust again to make it work. Ramona didn't know the reason that Charlotte in her rich fancy clothes was returning home for. When Charlotte just appeared as if it hadn't been over twenty years
since she ran away leaving Ramona to pick up the pieces, all Ramona knew was she had gotten along without her sister for too many years, Charlotte couldn't just expect a warm homecoming.

What Charlotte was hiding was of major proportion s and she only new of one place to be able to think it through was back in Marina Cove.

This was a very well put together story. All the characters were written in a way that you could see and feel their emotions. Sophie Kenna has a new follower, I am anxious to get the next story in the series to see where this very interesting story leads me. Why don't you check it out too?? You will be glad you did!

[Angie Baer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I pick up a book on a hunch, just sensing it's going to be something special-and The Seaside House by Sophie Kenna absolutely delivered. From the moment I read the description, 1 had a good feeling, and it did not disappoint. This book is a beautiful example of how you don't need an over-the-top plot to create a truly engaging, emotionally compelling story.

At its heart, this is a story about a woman piecing her life back together after everything seems to fall apart.
It's told in such a grounded, honest way that it feels deeply human and relatable. I especially appreciated that it wasn't a long book, yet it managed to tell such a rich, satisfying story-that's a huge plus for me. Not every good book needs to be hundreds of pages long; sometimes less truly is more.

The characters were likable and real (with a few exceptions that added to the drama), and the seaside setting was absolutely perfect-calming, picturesque, and fitting for the tone of the story. There's something so soothing about the way this book was written, and I found myself completely immersed in it.

What I loved most is that the ending sets things up beautifully for the next book. I already can't wait to read more from Sophie Kenna!

[Cynthia L. Hartson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick romance read. The storyline was pretty typical, but there were some twists that went on in Charlotte's marriage to Sebastian. The story of reuniting with family after some hardships was covered well. There were some points where the details were specific and then others were vague. Example: when Sebastion was going through money problems, it mentioned that the two older kids were still on the "bankroll", but then no reference for the younger one who they just dropped off at college. What happened to her semester and need for financial help (which is typical of a college freshman). Charlotte found out about the money situations at a time when she needed finances from her marriage, yet she still continued to survive, out of the home without money...this did not make sense. How did she go from a NYC stay at home wife with a nice wardrobe to fixing up her family's Inn...definitely needed some more reasonable clothes.

[Juliet Inforzato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but felt that it dragged on a lot. There was a lot of exposition and description instead of heavy dialogue, which made the story drag on.

There is so much going on in this book and so many characters, but I liked Charlotte for the most part and came to understand why she did what she did. Ramona was justified and realistic in her reaction, and I was surprised Sylvie wasn't more upset.

I think the plot twists and truth reveals were well suspensed and brought up throughout the book, so that when they came, they packed the punch they should've.

I also like how each character is complex and has their own story and internal conflict and own voice. I don't feel like the characters mix into one at all.

[Teri Easterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte has SO MUCH emotional and family baggage she hauls around for YEARS. People leaving, betrayal, financial difficulties all interwoven in a complex story that does not reveal all until nearly the very end. Sebastian, Charlotte's husband, is a jerk. Charlotte's mother and sister have many issues. In so many ways this is a very sad, angry story. Perseverance, despite poor decisions, brings some joy and hope in the end.

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[Lynn DeSimone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seaside House book 1

Very good story with many twists. It's about a family who own a fantastic home on cove Island. The home is also an inn where people can rent rooms when they come to the cove for a vacation. The family falls apart when the father leaves them with no indication of where he is going. This is the story of how each one handles the loss and lose touch with each other , and the work it takes to try and find each other again.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

(Spoiler) I wasn’t even two chapters in when I realized the first book in this series is nearly IDENTICAL to Mia Kent’s “Dolphin Bay” series which was published two years earlier. The parallels are too close to not notice- the main female character is cheated on by her rich husband and returns to Maine to fix up a family Inn. Even the best friend character is nearly the same. I stopped reading half way through as I felt like I was reading Mia’s story all over again (and had just finished).

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets

Charlotte had many secrets she thought she had to keep from those people closest to her. There were many twists and turns in this book, but also a lot of going from back to the past and to the present time. I don't usually like a book going back and forth so much like that so it was a bit confusing for me but all in all it was a good book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one. Charlotte has not been to her home island in years and has lost connection with her younger sister and Mom. Now all of her kids are grown and she is having issues with her husband so why not go to her hometown and see her family. She remembers the great things about the island until that time when her father left and things changed. Very well done.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters in this book sweat a lot. Several plot twists, but the story did not explore why the father left. It seemed as if he loved his family. Charlotte was very naive. Thought she could just will something into being. Great that she always had ideas, but she never thought them through. I will read the next book in the series because I want to know why the father left.

[Kathleen Abeel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

An enthralling masterpiece woven with breathtaking literary prowess, this narrative transports readers into an immersive realm of profound imagination and emotional depth. The storytelling is so mesmerizing that one eagerly anticipates the next installment with unbridled excitement and anticipation.

[Heather Dapkus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give 3.5 stars if it let me do half stars, but I definitely couldn't make myself give it 4. :P It was an okay read and one of those you don't have to think about a lot, which was good because I read half of it either in an airport or on a plane. It just didn't really leave me excited about Marina Cove Book 2.

[Teresa Bergstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a easy read with not too much emotional attachment. I'd describe it as rather predictable, yet enjoyable. I could relate to some of Charlotte's heartbreak and found myself rooting for her to find her strength. I always enjoy when women find their power especially when fear could get in the way. this is one of those stories!

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free on Amazon, and I'm thoroughly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The Seaside House was different from the books I typically read, but I found myself very engrossed with Charlotte's story. Some parts of the story had me anxious to know what happened next while other parts had me tearing up. Definitely worth a read!

[Vicki Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lived Up to the Description!

As described, this was a clean romance with a lot of characters displaying a wide range of emotions. The deeply felt traumatic events had long-term effects. The author did a wonderful job of weaving the complex story together to allow the reader to become immersed in the book. I didn't want to put it down! On to Book 2 in this series!

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

I would of loved to give this story 5 stars but I feel like it ran on every now and again . I am looking forward to read the second book.
I hope you enjoy reading this book also.
MARY C

[Joanne C. David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

I lived this book from the beginning to the end in one day & can't wait to read the next book. The characters came alive & the twists & turns are what this a wonderful story.

[Ruth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

Wow so much emotion I loved it, I just hate though how people can be to disposable to people they claim to love. Karma will get them eventually. Can't wait for the rest of the series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a good enough book to call for a 5 star but it does show the personality of the women who get together each year to share a vacation and to get up to date with their friends. An easy comfortable read. Great for reading in the evening or when you can't sleep. The women are all different and want different things from their get together.

[Megan Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the cover fool you - This is not a feel good summer story. To be fair, the summary doesn’t lead you to believe it is. It is an interesting story and the ending made me want to read the next book in the series

[Joyce Lively · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallmark movie

It was very predictable. What I would expect if I watched the Hallmark Channel. The characters have no depth. The story line resolves ridiculously simply and happy. But it just may be meant a light fluffy beach book. I have no interest in following the series.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot and premise are great. The problem is I don't like any of the MC's. Also, little things like why does a woman sleep on a wooden floor for months when she is in an inn full of beds? Finished it to see how it ended.

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Pleasant enough escapism but really Insipid - all the unrealistic tropes. Really, ladies - 26! Years???!! And sure, I can support the total rehab of an ancient seaside inn with my only income from baking scones and pastries!! And way too much repetition.

[Brooke Pinzka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

3 stars. The Seaside House is entertaining and an easy beach or summertime read, but it’s not one that’s enthralling and impossible to put down. It’s good, but not great. Undecided on if I’ll continue the Marina Cove series.

[Anne Turcotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Wrenching—Heart Warming

Valuable life lessons in this realistic story of an after-separation life. The fear of the unknown; the realization of future hope and discovering your true friends in time of need.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice easy story

Easy read…family saga…guessing future books will tell the story left out by this introductory first book of the series. A few eye roll situations in this book but didn’t read like a typical romance novel, Had substance and I cared about the characters!