Beach House Confessions

by Kara Gorski

From the wreckage of a national scandal to the heartbreak of a widow’s hidden secrets, two best friends discover that some confessions lead to love—and others cost too much.

Meaghan Jones is America’s sweetheart—until a Hollywood scandal sends her seeking refuge in a small coastal town at her best friend’s charming beach house on the Delaware shore. She’s sworn off romance, but the magnetic local restaurateur she’s never forgotten keeps testing her resolve—stirring feelings she thought she’d buried forever.

Palmer Harding has the perfect life—until her husband drops dead. No one knows they haven’t spoken in weeks. No one knows she kissed another man just days before. And no one can know the secret she’s carrying now.

As summer unfolds under salt air and starlit skies, friendship, love, and long-buried truths collide. For one unforgettable season, two women will discover that second chances—in love and in life—are worth every risk.

Beach House Confessions blends the passion of a summer romance novel with the emotional depth of women’s fiction—perfect for readers who crave love stories set in small towns, with sandy beaches, salty breezes, and the promise of fresh starts.

Genres: Romance

341 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2025

About the author

A CFO and economist, Kara trades spreadsheets for stories in her fringe hours, embracing slower, more creative approach when away from the office. A mom to busy teenagers, she understands the chaos of everyday life—making her escapes to the Delaware and Virginia coasts all the more precious.

Her debut novel, Beach House Confessions, is filled with the drama, romance, and second chances she loves in women’s fiction—plus a few favorite recipes, because good food makes every story richer. Her writing has been featured in The Huffington Post, Medium, and other publications, where she encourages women to rediscover their passions.

When she’s not writing or managing finances, Kara can be found experimenting in the kitchen, planning her next beach getaway, or working on the next book in The Seaside Secrets Beach Read Series.

🏖️ BEACH HOUSE CONFESSIONS Bonus Deleted Scene + Book Club Kit with snacks, sips and playlists!

Want to find out what happened to Palmer the night before she arrived at the beach house? Grab this deleted scene to find out! https://mailchi.mp/d785e1bfe561/beach...

BOOK CLUB KIT! Perfect for book clubs! Host a beach book club night! Download the free Beach House Confessions book club kit for free—including snacks, tunes, and juicy questions.--> https://mailchi.mp/2cbc28720424/beach...

Reviews

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach House Confessions by Kara Gorski (2025)
Seaside Secrets Beach Read #1
10h 8m narrated by Erin Bennett, 341 pages
+330-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-326

Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance

Rating as a movie: R

Featuring: April, Los Angeles, California; Actress, Affluence, Adult Children, Marital Issues, Scandals, Alexandria, Virginia; Sex, Best Friends, Cape Henlopen, Lewes, Delaware; Lawyer, Recipes, Summer People, Medical Content, Abandonment, Infidelity, Media, June, Starting Over, Restaurantour, Second Chance, Quadragenarians, Rumors/Gossip, July, Investigation, Fourth of July, Christmas in July, Cape May, New Jersey; Hollywood, August, Family Dynamics, Self-Actualization, Link to Deleted Bonus Scene and Book Club Kit, Author's Links

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎬⚖️🏝⛵️

My thoughts: 📘 What a difference a day makes. I purchased this book on Audible a couple weeks ago because I couldn't find it anywhere, and now it's on Kindle Unlimited. 🙄 At least I'll get to hear Erin Bennett.
🔖Page 101 of 330 Chapter 8 - It's okay. The cover is giving Elin Hilderbrand but the story is more like a Susan Mallery, Jan Moran, and Fern Michael's collaboration. I do appreciate the food descriptions. The slips between contemporary and cozy frequently, but it lean more the the contemporary side. I don't like the children.
🔖188 - If Meaghan was a big star before years before she married Duncan Jones why is she going by Meaghan Jones, and why is the guy she was with in her youth flirtatiously calling her Meaghan Jones? wouldn't she have a maiden name and/or stage name, or are assuming her maiden name is also Jones?
🔖191 - Answered, sort of. 😆

I picked this book up because the cover reminded me of The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand. It doesn't have much in common with that story, although it's tagline works for both books, but it certainly had all of the messy drama you'd find in a Elin Hilderbrand or Susan Mallery novel, so if that's your go-to you definitely want to pick this one up. Although this story contains all of the elements you'd typically find in stories about affluent summer people Kara Gorski already has her own style and voice. I really enjoyed the menus with recipes throughout the story and even though I didn't love the characters or their choices, they were well-written and entertaining. Even though it was late, and by chance I'm glad I discovered this on Kindle Unlimited as the audiobook doesn't contain the final 3 recipes. Erin Bennett was fantastic as usual and she didn't use her Nantucket voice, that's pure talent. I will be on the lookout out for the next book.

Recommend to others: Sure. If you like messy drama and sex, set on the beach this cover matches the vibe.

Seaside Secrets Beach Read Series
1. Beach House Confessions (2025)


Songs for the soundtrack: One Kiss" by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa, "God's Plan" by Drake, "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran, "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison, "Have I Told You Lately" by Van Morrison, "Firework" by Katy Perry

Books and Authors mentioned: Spider-Man: Brand New Day by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers [based on] Spider-Man by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko; Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Memorable Quotes: The screen, far too bright for dawn, fills with fake friends tagging her in their posts, each one exquisitely documenting her party success. Her Hollywood acquaintances pretend to be her friends, but their relationships are empty. Will TMZ cover the highlights? Of course they will. Last night’s success will be retold countless times today by national headlines and local gossips alike.

[William J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Goodreads for sending me a copy of Beach House Confessions by Kara Gorski that you'll want to make sure and read. The book is a wonderful second chance romance that is full of a lifetime of secrets, sandy beaches, the promise of fresh starts and so much more. Meaghan Jones and Palmer Harding have been best friends for years when Meaghan left town suddenly to pursue her acting career and Palmer is also a successful PhD who is married to a very successful architect and they have children. Meaghan finds herself involved with her husband in a Sinful Admissions Scandal and Palmer has an unexpected heartbreak in her life. Both are trying to escape the pain and loneliness, guilt, paparazzi and more. They decide to spend the summer together at Palmer's beach cottage. They both have secrets they have never shared with each other and they are not sure if sharing these secrets will lead to understanding and love or cost too much. Meaghan runs into a past romance who runs an Oyster House and Palmer has concerns about a health scare. You'll read that second chances in love and life are worth taking and it is one unforgettable season. I love the recipes from the characters themselves beginning with Blissed Out Chocolate Cake. I loved the additional notes that included for this recipe that it is perfect for apologies of any kind and often induces make-up sex. I highly recommend that you buy, gift but most importantly read this fantastic book for those who love swoony romance, beachfront settings, strong successful women, later in life romance and so much more. I know you won't be disappointed.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meaghan is an actress married to Duncan, a director. Decades ago, she fell in love with Bradley, but Hollywood called and when she got pregnant with Bella, she married Duncan so Bella would have a dad in her life. When the FBI come to arrest Duncan, she flees to the beach house with her best friend, Palmer. Meaghan is suspected of trying to bribe a college for Bella, it looks like she will also be arrested. Palmer's husband dropped dead of a heart attack, so the women are left to mourn for Miles, and Meaghan's career. Meaghan is shunned by her fans. Bradley lives in this beach town and avoiding him is impossible, she still has feelings for him. I loved how Meaghan could finally admit her shortcomings. When Meaghan and Palmer have hurtful words, Meaghan is asked to leave. I like the relationship she has with Palmer and how they resolve their differences. Both women's families are torn apart and grieving. Great book with wonderful characters. Two important lessons are shared: you can't have it all, and no one is perfect.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the setup of this book was unique and am surprised there haven't been others like it - there are a ton of Bernie Madoff set ups where wives deal with the fall out of their husbands financial scandals, but this is the first I have read that takes the college admissions scandal and creates a story.

Although I liked the set up, the story fell flat to me. Even though (I think) the point was to highlight two strong women in Palmer and Meaghan, they both bugged me and felt weak willed...Palmer beating herself up for one mistake and Meaghan living her life to please others to her own detriment. And I can't even mention the kids - who were all awful in their own way. Bella I could sort of get, but the other two boys - ugh, they were the worst.

Bradley was the shining star and should have moved on and had the happy life he deserved long before this book took place.

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with a copy of this book for an honest review.

[A Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach House Confessions is a poignant and uplifting story of two women and how their years long friendship weathers the ups and downs of life's unpredictability.

Meaghan and Palmer have been friends for many years. Though their friendship has been tested, they always find a way to forgive. When a scandal rocks Meaghan's world, and Palmer's husband dies, they flee to their magical safe spot, a beach house on Cape May, to heal and share past secrets that have been weighing them down for years.

I really enjoyed this book. Kara Gorski really brought the characters and location to life through her vivid descriptions. The book even included recipes from the character's meals adding to the appeal. This is my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Thanks to Netgalley and Second Chapter Press for the advanced copy

[Tayler · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beach House Confessions by Kara Gorski

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I went into Beach House Confessions with higher expectations, and while it had its moments, it ultimately took me longer to get through than I anticipated. The story is packed with drama and heavy emotions, which will definitely appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally charged, character-driven reads.

At times, the pacing felt slow and the abundance of conflict made it hard for me to fully stay engaged. That said, I appreciated how everything wrapped up—ending on a hopeful, happy note for everyone involved was a satisfying conclusion after all the turmoil.

Overall, this was a decent read, but not quite the beachy escape I was hoping for. Readers who enjoy lots of emotional depth and family drama may connect with it more than I did.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a surprise. As I sat down to read it, I started out thinking this is why I read, to relax and it was so nice. I kept reading, and the pace picked up, and I thought this is my life, start out slow, then picks up. Well it continued, it got my heart pumping, with all that is going on. This continued as I read this story, right to the end, How I like to end my day is listening to the ocean waves, even though they are on videos I took throughout the years. Yep the story ends with them standing at the edge of the ocean. This story flows like the ocean, with the ebb and flow, then the waves of storms, and all it brings. But then there is a time when we walk on the beach and the calmness and peace just engulfs me all the way through to the soul. Kara Gorski writing is so unique.
I received an ARC from Second Chapter Press through NetGalley.

[Marit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kind of book you start “just for a chapter” and suddenly you’re halfway in.

I received an advance copy of Beach House Confession by Kara Gorski from NetGalley.

The story pulled me in immediately and turned out to be a very enjoyable, easy read.

This is very much a beach-read type of book: engaging, well paced, and effortless to sink into. While it may not be a story that stays with me long after finishing, I truly enjoyed the journey and the time spent with the characters.

Recommended for: readers looking for a relaxed, absorbing read that combines personal reflection with an easy, summery vibe.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read this author. I really loved this story about Megan and Palmer who have been friends for a long time. Megan is an actress and Palmer is into helping people in investments. Between a scandal involving Megan and Palmer's husband dying , they decide to spend the summer at Palmer's beach House. See all the secrets that come out and can they keep being
friends and gets their families back together. Then there is Megan and Bradley. A GREAT READ.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started Beach House Confessions with high hopes of finding a book I could get lost in and enjoy my time between the pages.
It was instead a beach read with not much to keep my attention. I was looking for more I could connect to and that was accomplished just Ok but not great for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Kara Gorski and Second Chapter Press for the copy of Beach House Confessions. This is my personal review.

[Megan Toofan]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I made it 38% into this book before deciding to stop. The premise is interesting and had the potential for a heartfelt story about friendship, second chances, and personal growth. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters and found their decisions difficult to follow, which made it harder for me to stay invested in the story.

This one ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me.

[Ashley Scherbenske · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meagan & her good friend Palmer are each going through their own issues. One is dealing with the loss of her husband & the other one is dealing with a Hollywood scandal. Both women try to navigate their current situations while also sharing secrets with each other that they have held onto for years. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. Will check out more from this author! #booksbyashleynicole

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea — a college admissions scandal story is fresh compared to all the Bernie Madoff–style wife dramas. But the story fell flat for me. Palmer and Meaghan both annoyed me, and the kids… yikes, the worst. Bradley was the only bright spot — he deserved better long before this.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

[Chris O'neill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel seems like a good start to a beach series. I was able to read it thru NetGalley and though it is an intriguing story it had a few too many ups and downs for me. Conflicts arose often and then were pretty easily resolved while others lingered a little too long. The main premise of the college admissions scandal made this an interesting read.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

A straightforward, easy to read summer story about friendship with emotional stakes. Beach House Confessions is enjoyable while reading, but parts of the story are a bit slow and some characters don’t leave a lasting impression. A solid, interesting choice for a casual read.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

[Jim H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

An emotional mine field. I cried , I laughed, and then i wondered about the way each character would deal with their emotions. Love I families, love in marriage and love across time. Wonderful!

[Victoria Hand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for advanced copy - Great book, very well written. I found the Characters interesting and was invested in wanting to see how they developed and was rooting for their wellbeing and happiness. Interesting take on parental relationships and complexities of life.

[Paul McBride · Rating 3 out of 5]

A typical beach read. The story is very over the top, but if you need a light book about women and their kids and lots of emotions while still being shallow, this will work.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author made the characters come to life on these pages!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This book was full of intrigue romance decit. You need to read it I could not but the book done I needed to know what was going go happen

[MagBW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 stars exploring lives of two women facing challenges. Local Delaware beaches and Cape May featured.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was different than your regular romance. More about women and their relationships with others. I enjoyed it. Easy read.

[Marcia Seybold · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay read....didn't like ending , wanted to know what the baby was...

[LiA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too shallow and predictable for my taste, but entertaining. Summer or beach reas.

[Carol Perreault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two women share a beach house after each has to deal with life changing issues. Can they really help one another?

[suzanne tencellent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit of drama, scandal, love and friendship.

[Leslie Piver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach house Confessions

Keeps you on your toes and reading. Lots of twist and turn. True drama. Love how it all came together together.

[susieqlaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beach read! Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader copy.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series?

I enjoyed this book and LOVED the narrator on audible. This is supposed to be a series but I can’t find any information on the next book!