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Secrets in the Surf: Driftwood Key Beach Reads #1
Sometimes the only way forward is to go back home…
Jessica Steele just received the worst early birthday present ever—her husband of almost thirty years has left her without a word.
Now adrift and running out of options, Jess takes her teenage daughter, Glory, back to the Florida Keys. Jess hopes that fixing up her uncle’s rambling beach house will be the fresh start they both need.
But she doesn’t expect that her older daughters will join them—Liberty, the pediatric nurse with the seemingly perfect marriage, Anthem, the lighthearted musician who seems to be holding a surprising secret, and even one of Jess’s nieces, who is looking for help only Jess can provide.
One by one, they arrive at her door, filling the old beach house with mysteries, laughter and tears, and standing behind Jess as she moves forward in her new life.
The Steele women are so much stronger together, but under the crystal waters lie secrets about why Jess’s husband left her, as well as the truth about her own past. And if Jess and her family can’t face them, everything she’s built might vanish with the tide…
The Driftwood Key Beach Reads series is a family saga featuring determined women finding happiness in the pale sands and crystal blue surf of the Florida Keys. Read them all in Secrets in the Surf, Memories in Sea Glass, and Promises in the Sand
Jessica Steele just received the worst early birthday present ever—her husband of almost thirty years has left her without a word.
Now adrift and running out of options, Jess takes her teenage daughter, Glory, back to the Florida Keys. Jess hopes that fixing up her uncle’s rambling beach house will be the fresh start they both need.
But she doesn’t expect that her older daughters will join them—Liberty, the pediatric nurse with the seemingly perfect marriage, Anthem, the lighthearted musician who seems to be holding a surprising secret, and even one of Jess’s nieces, who is looking for help only Jess can provide.
One by one, they arrive at her door, filling the old beach house with mysteries, laughter and tears, and standing behind Jess as she moves forward in her new life.
The Steele women are so much stronger together, but under the crystal waters lie secrets about why Jess’s husband left her, as well as the truth about her own past. And if Jess and her family can’t face them, everything she’s built might vanish with the tide…
The Driftwood Key Beach Reads series is a family saga featuring determined women finding happiness in the pale sands and crystal blue surf of the Florida Keys. Read them all in Secrets in the Surf, Memories in Sea Glass, and Promises in the Sand
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 18, 2024
Secret in the Surf, DRIFTWOOD KEY BEACH READS #1
First of all I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the second book to come out!♥️ Second, it is a clean romance story.
Jessica Steele is trying to figure out her life as her husband of thirty years has left her without a word to help her figure out what went wrong in the marriage she thought of as a solid forever marriage. Her three daughters are angry at their father who seems to have abandoned them also. The oldest daughter, Liberty, has graduated from college and is a pediatric nurse. Anthem, the middle daughter is finishing college and is a musician. The youngest , Glory, is a junior in a private high school. Jess inherited a beach house from her uncle sometime ago and has decided to take Glory out of school early as she was being bullied at school. They pack up for the summer to drive to fix up the cottage to sell. When Jess was young she had spent some time with a wonderful foster family when her mom past away. Upon returning to her early childhood hometown she is reunited with her foster family who are thrilled to have her in their midst again. The two older daughters show up one by one with both joys and sorrows. Romance comes into Jess’s life unexpectedly.
This story has many real issues in families. Despite the problems there is genuine love and caring that seems to help them to resolve their problems.
This is the first book in Clara Palms’ newest series. It is the first of three in the series and the story will continue on to book 2 (Memories in Sea Glass) in the series followed by book 3, Promises in the Sand.
First of all I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the second book to come out!♥️ Second, it is a clean romance story.
Jessica Steele is trying to figure out her life as her husband of thirty years has left her without a word to help her figure out what went wrong in the marriage she thought of as a solid forever marriage. Her three daughters are angry at their father who seems to have abandoned them also. The oldest daughter, Liberty, has graduated from college and is a pediatric nurse. Anthem, the middle daughter is finishing college and is a musician. The youngest , Glory, is a junior in a private high school. Jess inherited a beach house from her uncle sometime ago and has decided to take Glory out of school early as she was being bullied at school. They pack up for the summer to drive to fix up the cottage to sell. When Jess was young she had spent some time with a wonderful foster family when her mom past away. Upon returning to her early childhood hometown she is reunited with her foster family who are thrilled to have her in their midst again. The two older daughters show up one by one with both joys and sorrows. Romance comes into Jess’s life unexpectedly.
This story has many real issues in families. Despite the problems there is genuine love and caring that seems to help them to resolve their problems.
This is the first book in Clara Palms’ newest series. It is the first of three in the series and the story will continue on to book 2 (Memories in Sea Glass) in the series followed by book 3, Promises in the Sand.
April 18, 2024
What an absolutely delightful start to the series. Ms. Palms has given us a well written book with a very heartfelt storyline. The characters are well defined and will have you rooting for them from start to finish. The main character in book 1 is a woman, Jessica, who is fixing to turn 50. What is worse is that her husband of 30 years, who she has relied on all her adult life, has left her with no explanation as to why. So needless to say Jessica is trying to keep up appearances but inside she is floundering. So when her youngest daughter gets in a spot of trouble at her high school, Jessica decides to take her to her family’s home in the Florida Keys and see about selling it to help her with expenses in the upcoming years. But returning to her childhood town brings up old memories and family secrets come to light
Will Jessica find her answers and the comfort needed to move forward or will life throw her another curveball she has no clue how to solve?
This is a very emotional and heartwarming read. I fell in love with all the characters, main and secondary, and can’t wait to see what happens next in Jessica and her girl’s lives.
I highly recommend Secrets in the Surf.
2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars
Will Jessica find her answers and the comfort needed to move forward or will life throw her another curveball she has no clue how to solve?
This is a very emotional and heartwarming read. I fell in love with all the characters, main and secondary, and can’t wait to see what happens next in Jessica and her girl’s lives.
I highly recommend Secrets in the Surf.
2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars
April 28, 2024
I loved everything about Secrets in the Surf...the realistic characters, the mystery concerning Jess' husband, the relationships between the characters, and the tranquil beachy setting. The mystery was NOT resolved in the way I thought it would be, but I think it was perfect for the book. I loved the relationship between Jess & her daughters. It wasn't perfect, but she loved them and wanted the best for them. I can't wait to read the next book in the series & find out what happens next in their lives.
April 17, 2024
I absolutely love this book! I wasn’t sure about this book when I started but, wow I couldn’t put it down! Jess and her girls were wonderful! The made the perfect family. This story was packed with wonderful characters! The story is a sweet and emotional read. Jess goes back to her childhood home of Driftwood Key. Meeting people from her past was wonderful. I hope they stay in Driftwood Key. It seems to be a better place for them. I can’t wait for the next book to see how the story develops.
April 30, 2024
Clara Palms (aka Clara Pines) has done it again! This was a great story with love and unbelievable characters. It couldn't put it down!
Amazon synopsis:
Jessica Steele just received the worst early birthday present ever—her husband of almost thirty years has left her without a word.
Now adrift and running out of options, Jess takes her teenage daughter, Glory, back to the Florida Keys. Jess hopes that fixing up her uncle’s rambling beach house will be the fresh start they both need.
But she doesn’t expect that her older daughters will join them—Liberty, the pediatric nurse with the seemingly perfect marriage, Anthem, the lighthearted musician who seems to be holding a surprising secret, and even one of Jess’s nieces, who is looking for help only Jess can provide.
One by one, they arrive at her door, filling the old beach house with mysteries, laughter and tears, and standing behind Jess as she moves forward in her new life.
The Steele women are so much stronger together, but under the crystal waters lie secrets about why Jess’s husband left her, as well as the truth about her own past. And if Jess and her family can’t face them, everything she’s built might vanish with the tide…
Amazon synopsis:
Jessica Steele just received the worst early birthday present ever—her husband of almost thirty years has left her without a word.
Now adrift and running out of options, Jess takes her teenage daughter, Glory, back to the Florida Keys. Jess hopes that fixing up her uncle’s rambling beach house will be the fresh start they both need.
But she doesn’t expect that her older daughters will join them—Liberty, the pediatric nurse with the seemingly perfect marriage, Anthem, the lighthearted musician who seems to be holding a surprising secret, and even one of Jess’s nieces, who is looking for help only Jess can provide.
One by one, they arrive at her door, filling the old beach house with mysteries, laughter and tears, and standing behind Jess as she moves forward in her new life.
The Steele women are so much stronger together, but under the crystal waters lie secrets about why Jess’s husband left her, as well as the truth about her own past. And if Jess and her family can’t face them, everything she’s built might vanish with the tide…
April 24, 2024
I love this beautiful story by Clara Palms. The MCs and other characters are three dimensional, likeable and relatable. Jessica's husband Silas really shortchanged his wife and daughters when he left them without an explanation. It's lovely to see Jess bounce back and exhibit such strength afterwards. She pulls her daughters along with her, giving them the strength they need to solve their own problems. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters' stories and eagerly await the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2024
I read Secret of the Surf by Clara Palms through the Kindle Unlimited program. This was abook and family that grabbed me from the very beginning. It made me feel all the feelings. Such a emotional read. I cried so many times through out this book. The death of the girl's father was so emotional because it almost mirrored what happen with my daughter's Dad. A powerful book by an amazing writer who can not only write cute, light hearted romances, but powerful and emotional women fictions. Well done Ms Palms, well done!
April 24, 2024
Great family romance story
I really enjoyed this captivating story. The characters were so realistic and showed emotions you could really relate to. Jess is the perfect mother and her daughters are amazing while making mistakes that we all have. You will not want to put this book down😇
I really enjoyed this captivating story. The characters were so realistic and showed emotions you could really relate to. Jess is the perfect mother and her daughters are amazing while making mistakes that we all have. You will not want to put this book down😇
April 25, 2024
What an amazing book! I enjoyed getting to know Jess, her girls and her extended family and Driftwood Key. This book brings all your emotions into play. You will feel Jess’s anger, laughter, tears and her strength. This story is heartfelt and leaves you wanting more! I felt I was right there with Jess. I can’t wait for more in this series! 5+ stars.
April 24, 2024
Jessica is trying to get over the fact that her husband just left her and their daughters. She can’t have closure if she doesn’t know why. Why did he leave? Now she realizes that her youngest daughter is bitter and is struggling with bullies, who are supposed to be her friends. Since Jessica’s uncle left her a beach house, she packs up her teenager daughter, Glory and heads to the Florida Keys to Driftwood Key. The closer they get the more relaxed they are. Jessica can’t believe it feels like home. She stayed there with a foster family when her mother passed away. Finally after a year of jumping hoops, Jessica’s uncle was able to take her home. She had a wonderful life with him but still missed her foster family. Even though she lost touch, hopefully she can find them there. Will she find her foster family? Will she get answers to her questions from her ex-husband? Will her daughters finally accept their father’s absence? Twist and turns. The characters are wonderful. The end of a marriage, the lost, finding a reason to be strong for her daughters and standing on her own two feet is what this story is about. It’s tragic but a feel good story. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
May 9, 2024
Love, love, LOVE!!!!
A native Floridian, and I devour anything that's set in Fl, and this one didn't miss a thing. I've been to the Keys once, with my mom, sister and niece and my favorite was Islamorada..that's what Driftwood Key reminds me of.
Not many books make me cry, but this one did. I felt like I was with Jess and her girls. Can't wait for book #2!
A native Floridian, and I devour anything that's set in Fl, and this one didn't miss a thing. I've been to the Keys once, with my mom, sister and niece and my favorite was Islamorada..that's what Driftwood Key reminds me of.
Not many books make me cry, but this one did. I felt like I was with Jess and her girls. Can't wait for book #2!
April 15, 2024
Oh my goodness..there is absolutely nothing I do not love about this first book in the new series! Except maybe that I wanted to keep reading...it's sweet, emotional and beautiful! Jess and her girls are delightful and I found myself rooting for their happiness 😊
April 23, 2024
Wow
I love this book. The story is perfect and I love the family, as for the cliff handed I need the next book asap! A fantastic read. I highly recommend this book.
I love this book. The story is perfect and I love the family, as for the cliff handed I need the next book asap! A fantastic read. I highly recommend this book.
April 26, 2024
Wonderful!
A really great beginning to this series! I can't wait to read on. Didn't see how Clara Pines could move to the beach from Christmas, but what a success!
A really great beginning to this series! I can't wait to read on. Didn't see how Clara Pines could move to the beach from Christmas, but what a success!
May 14, 2024
another great book from Clara
While this book ends with an intruder in her home in Driftwood Keys, you will love getting to know the Steele family and will root for them to all get happy endings including the mother!
While this book ends with an intruder in her home in Driftwood Keys, you will love getting to know the Steele family and will root for them to all get happy endings including the mother!
June 2, 2024
I loved it
July 2, 2024
Excellent Book
There was a mistake in my kindle the top stars should be five stars but I feel this book should be ten stars Dorothy Schaefer
There was a mistake in my kindle the top stars should be five stars but I feel this book should be ten stars Dorothy Schaefer
June 7, 2024
easy and enjoyable read
You’ll enjoy this, quick and easy. Makes me want to live at the beach! Can’t wait to start the next one.
You’ll enjoy this, quick and easy. Makes me want to live at the beach! Can’t wait to start the next one.
May 7, 2024
Awesome!
Absolutely one of the best books I have read. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Would highly recommend.
Absolutely one of the best books I have read. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Would highly recommend.
May 4, 2024
Wonderful book!
I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. The characters and the scenery are so real that I feel like I'm actually there. Beautifully written.
I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. The characters and the scenery are so real that I feel like I'm actually there. Beautifully written.
August 30, 2025
Well-worth the time.
If you like beach reads that have heart, this is for you. I laughed, I cried, I figured out the reason behind Silas' disappearance early in, but no spoilers here. Read about Jess and her girls. Enjoy a trip to the Florida Keys.
If you like beach reads that have heart, this is for you. I laughed, I cried, I figured out the reason behind Silas' disappearance early in, but no spoilers here. Read about Jess and her girls. Enjoy a trip to the Florida Keys.
August 31, 2025
sweet story
This is a really sweet down to earth read. It has heartache, sadness but filter with a lot of love, sunshine and happiness.
This is a really sweet down to earth read. It has heartache, sadness but filter with a lot of love, sunshine and happiness.
August 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this story about strong women, strong family ties, and a place that feels like home. There are definately some twists and turns, some warm, happy times, and some tears, but I liked the way things were worked out by the end. Happy to know a Part Two exists.
August 30, 2025
A Return to Home and Family
A family finds their way home as they struggle with the difficulties they face by focusing upon trust in each other.
A family finds their way home as they struggle with the difficulties they face by focusing upon trust in each other.
May 2, 2024
10/10 would read again. What a lovely story of finding your strength and coming home 😍
August 25, 2025
Secrets
I really enjoyed reading this story, it drew me in so much I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the close relationships between mother and daughters. There were some surprising twists and turns and a cliff hanger that makes me want to get the next book. I hope you give this story a try and enjoy it a lot.
I really enjoyed reading this story, it drew me in so much I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the close relationships between mother and daughters. There were some surprising twists and turns and a cliff hanger that makes me want to get the next book. I hope you give this story a try and enjoy it a lot.
August 27, 2025
lovely
This was a lovely book and I really enjoyed it. I recommend it to everyone. Thank you so much for making it free
This was a lovely book and I really enjoyed it. I recommend it to everyone. Thank you so much for making it free
August 26, 2025
Secrets in the Surf
This was a great story. It was well written and storyline was great and characters were well matched. It's a page turner until the end. I would recommend that this story should be read by all.
This was a great story. It was well written and storyline was great and characters were well matched. It's a page turner until the end. I would recommend that this story should be read by all.
August 26, 2025
Great characters,good story line. Recommend to all
Readers that like a nice clean family story. Description of the sea and the homes were easy to picture in my mind
Readers that like a nice clean family story. Description of the sea and the homes were easy to picture in my mind
September 18, 2024
A story about strong women
Jess husband left her without a word. She and her youngest daughter go to the Florida Keys to get away. Slowly one by one all her daughters show up on her doorstep. All working through their own issues. Such a great story.
Jess husband left her without a word. She and her youngest daughter go to the Florida Keys to get away. Slowly one by one all her daughters show up on her doorstep. All working through their own issues. Such a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews