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The Secret of Sunrises
From award-winning author Ellie Block comes a heartwarming novel to remind us that forgiveness, like the sea, has tides—and it’s never too late to sail toward the sunset.
When Catherine Moran’s long-lost brother bequeaths her a boat in Key West, she’s not sure what hurts more: his death or the decades they’ve been estranged.
The fifty-seven-year-old thinks this could be the answer to her financial strain since putting their mother in a memory care facility, but when she arrives on the island, her bonanza is a bust. The boat is a dilapidated trawler supposedly once owned by Ernest Hemingway, and a handsome buddy of her brother is living onboard but refuses to jump ship.
Because both Catherine and her brother were named after Hemingway characters, she can’t shake the author’s shadow. Instead of unwinding, Catherine ends up crisscrossing the island trying to drum up interest in the barely operable vessel. Key West is south of her normal. However, if she wants to unravel the mystery of the boat and her brother, that’s exactly the direction Catherine needs to go.
When Catherine Moran’s long-lost brother bequeaths her a boat in Key West, she’s not sure what hurts more: his death or the decades they’ve been estranged.
The fifty-seven-year-old thinks this could be the answer to her financial strain since putting their mother in a memory care facility, but when she arrives on the island, her bonanza is a bust. The boat is a dilapidated trawler supposedly once owned by Ernest Hemingway, and a handsome buddy of her brother is living onboard but refuses to jump ship.
Because both Catherine and her brother were named after Hemingway characters, she can’t shake the author’s shadow. Instead of unwinding, Catherine ends up crisscrossing the island trying to drum up interest in the barely operable vessel. Key West is south of her normal. However, if she wants to unravel the mystery of the boat and her brother, that’s exactly the direction Catherine needs to go.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 27, 2026
Sweet and sad too.
Catherine mourns the loss of her brother daily. He left when she was just a kid… not long after their father abandoned them. But he was her best friend. And he never came back. And she’s not sure she can ever forgive him for that…
She has her work, but feels like she’s in a dead-end job where she keeps getting passed up for promotions…
Her Mom is in a care facility as her memory is not at all good, and she needs help.
So, when she gets word that her brother has died, well she’s upset! And mad. And sad…
And then she realizes that he left her a boat. She’s thinking that maybe she can sell it and use the money towards her Mom’s care… she’ll have to take a trip down to Key West to check it out, and try to sell it!
But when she tries to book a room? Well, all the prices are sky high!
She finally settles on a B&B. But when she gets there, it’s not all that she thought it would be. BUT, the owners are sweet, and kind… and downright wonderful!
And so she sets off to see the boat… only to realize that a man is LIVING on it… and he was a friend of her brothers.
This one really loops around all over the place, and kind of takes you on a wild goose chase… but in the end, you also learn a lot…. About friendships. About people helping people. About kindness. And, how the smallest things can sometimes lead to the biggest changes…
4 solid, beach-y, sunset, sunrise, margarita and movies and popcorn and so much more… stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheSecretOfSunrises by @EllieBlock and narrated nicely by @NicolZanzarella.
This one releases today! So look 👀 for it on shelves now!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Catherine mourns the loss of her brother daily. He left when she was just a kid… not long after their father abandoned them. But he was her best friend. And he never came back. And she’s not sure she can ever forgive him for that…
She has her work, but feels like she’s in a dead-end job where she keeps getting passed up for promotions…
Her Mom is in a care facility as her memory is not at all good, and she needs help.
So, when she gets word that her brother has died, well she’s upset! And mad. And sad…
And then she realizes that he left her a boat. She’s thinking that maybe she can sell it and use the money towards her Mom’s care… she’ll have to take a trip down to Key West to check it out, and try to sell it!
But when she tries to book a room? Well, all the prices are sky high!
She finally settles on a B&B. But when she gets there, it’s not all that she thought it would be. BUT, the owners are sweet, and kind… and downright wonderful!
And so she sets off to see the boat… only to realize that a man is LIVING on it… and he was a friend of her brothers.
This one really loops around all over the place, and kind of takes you on a wild goose chase… but in the end, you also learn a lot…. About friendships. About people helping people. About kindness. And, how the smallest things can sometimes lead to the biggest changes…
4 solid, beach-y, sunset, sunrise, margarita and movies and popcorn and so much more… stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheSecretOfSunrises by @EllieBlock and narrated nicely by @NicolZanzarella.
This one releases today! So look 👀 for it on shelves now!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
March 21, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I will start with the positives: beautiful descriptions of Key West, and lively characters such as the bed and breakfast owners, the sisters from Wisconsin and even the cabbie Kenny.
The story itself was just a tad dull, if I'm honest. Catherine is an uptight and stressed rule-follower who manages to orchestrate the fake sale of her boat, which just happens to be inhabited by the only character in the entire book who is in her age range. I expect predictability, but this seemed a little far-fetched.
It is a quick read that won't make you think too much, with a great setting and some enjoyable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I will start with the positives: beautiful descriptions of Key West, and lively characters such as the bed and breakfast owners, the sisters from Wisconsin and even the cabbie Kenny.
The story itself was just a tad dull, if I'm honest. Catherine is an uptight and stressed rule-follower who manages to orchestrate the fake sale of her boat, which just happens to be inhabited by the only character in the entire book who is in her age range. I expect predictability, but this seemed a little far-fetched.
It is a quick read that won't make you think too much, with a great setting and some enjoyable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the book where your find yourself pausing to look online at weekly/daily rates at resorts, maybe comparing airfare to Florida's Key West (KW) & questioning when & if that hurricane will hit this year? Once there though? There pages hold sunrises (& sunsets) that seem more memorable than the last, you get lost staring at the turquoise waters with fish jumping, & experience the local flavor full of quirky characters with plentiful history dating back hundreds of years.
Consider yourself invited by the main character, Catherine, to the US’s southernmost point of destination without a passport required. Wheels up & welcome to KW where a situation with settling the estate of her long-lost, older Brother in KW arises. Most of the book takes place there with mystery & opportunities & the estate matter requires her immediate travel.
Catherine will need her patience, courage & she probably should have brought more money which she is short of to start. New Jersey receives honorable mention here in addition to Long Beach Island (NJ) which was about where I was sold/purchasing an advanced copy myself.
You can’t help but admire the daily strife of the unattached 50-something Catherine who is solely responsible for an ailing mother in a pricey memory care facility & working in the corporate world of the Northeast where she is unappreciated 5 days a week/no make that 7 days a week. Toss in an inept boss who expects her to be on-call at his pleasure for the additional stress that comes with her role as a senior researcher for a credit card company.
Like Catherine, the author’s name derives from an Ernest Hemingway novel. Hemingway is an enormous draw to The Florida Keys in any story/on any day & plays a supporting role here, but any literary awareness of his writing/life isn’t required to enjoy these pages.
I think this is a suitable book for gifting or a book club (besides owning yourself) because it is generally a “G” rated book. A majority of it takes place in Key West so the innkeepers are a male gay couple that I felt perform award-winning roles. You gotta’ love Fred & Arnie’s hospitality, puns & wordplay. If you are reading about Key West though…A heterosexual male is a rarity on this 2 by 4-mile oasis. Still …if “gay” is a deal-breaker – you were warned & you can untighten your tush. I added that & not the author!
I subscribe to the saying that "The Happiest Place On Earth isn’t Disney World" (like the ads claim), but it is Key West & The Secret Of Sunrises is a welcome addition to this magical spot. I thank NetGalley, the delightful author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Consider yourself invited by the main character, Catherine, to the US’s southernmost point of destination without a passport required. Wheels up & welcome to KW where a situation with settling the estate of her long-lost, older Brother in KW arises. Most of the book takes place there with mystery & opportunities & the estate matter requires her immediate travel.
Catherine will need her patience, courage & she probably should have brought more money which she is short of to start. New Jersey receives honorable mention here in addition to Long Beach Island (NJ) which was about where I was sold/purchasing an advanced copy myself.
You can’t help but admire the daily strife of the unattached 50-something Catherine who is solely responsible for an ailing mother in a pricey memory care facility & working in the corporate world of the Northeast where she is unappreciated 5 days a week/no make that 7 days a week. Toss in an inept boss who expects her to be on-call at his pleasure for the additional stress that comes with her role as a senior researcher for a credit card company.
Like Catherine, the author’s name derives from an Ernest Hemingway novel. Hemingway is an enormous draw to The Florida Keys in any story/on any day & plays a supporting role here, but any literary awareness of his writing/life isn’t required to enjoy these pages.
I think this is a suitable book for gifting or a book club (besides owning yourself) because it is generally a “G” rated book. A majority of it takes place in Key West so the innkeepers are a male gay couple that I felt perform award-winning roles. You gotta’ love Fred & Arnie’s hospitality, puns & wordplay. If you are reading about Key West though…A heterosexual male is a rarity on this 2 by 4-mile oasis. Still …if “gay” is a deal-breaker – you were warned & you can untighten your tush. I added that & not the author!
I subscribe to the saying that "The Happiest Place On Earth isn’t Disney World" (like the ads claim), but it is Key West & The Secret Of Sunrises is a welcome addition to this magical spot. I thank NetGalley, the delightful author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Secret of Sunrises is one of those novels that feels like stepping onto a dock at first light—quiet, reflective, and edged with the promise of something new. When Catherine Moran learns that her long‑estranged brother has left her a boat in Key West, she’s pulled into a tide of grief, regret, and unfinished business. The inheritance is hardly the windfall she hoped for: a dilapidated trawler with a dubious Hemingway connection and a handsome, stubborn man living aboard who refuses to leave. It’s a setup ripe for both friction and tenderness, and the novel leans into both beautifully.
Catherine is a wonderfully relatable heroine—fifty‑seven, stretched thin by financial strain and her mother’s care, and carrying the weight of a sibling relationship that fractured long before death made reconciliation impossible. Her arrival in Key West is meant to be practical, but the island has other plans. The heat, the colour, the eccentric locals, and the lingering presence of her brother all begin to soften her edges, nudging her toward truths she’s avoided for decades.
The Hemingway thread adds a lovely shimmer of myth and mischief. With both siblings named after his characters, Catherine can’t help feeling the author’s shadow everywhere she turns. Yet the novel uses this playfully, weaving literary echoes into a story that is ultimately about carving out your own narrative—no matter how late in life it feels.
As Catherine digs into the mystery of the boat and the man her brother became, the story becomes a gentle meditation on forgiveness: how it ebbs and flows, how it can surprise you, and how it can set you free. The island setting is vivid and restorative, a place where Catherine slowly relearns joy, curiosity, and the possibility of connection.
A heartwarming, quietly wise novel about loss, renewal, and the courage it takes to sail toward a future you never expected. It lingers like a warm breeze long after the final page.
With thanks to Ellie Block, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Catherine is a wonderfully relatable heroine—fifty‑seven, stretched thin by financial strain and her mother’s care, and carrying the weight of a sibling relationship that fractured long before death made reconciliation impossible. Her arrival in Key West is meant to be practical, but the island has other plans. The heat, the colour, the eccentric locals, and the lingering presence of her brother all begin to soften her edges, nudging her toward truths she’s avoided for decades.
The Hemingway thread adds a lovely shimmer of myth and mischief. With both siblings named after his characters, Catherine can’t help feeling the author’s shadow everywhere she turns. Yet the novel uses this playfully, weaving literary echoes into a story that is ultimately about carving out your own narrative—no matter how late in life it feels.
As Catherine digs into the mystery of the boat and the man her brother became, the story becomes a gentle meditation on forgiveness: how it ebbs and flows, how it can surprise you, and how it can set you free. The island setting is vivid and restorative, a place where Catherine slowly relearns joy, curiosity, and the possibility of connection.
A heartwarming, quietly wise novel about loss, renewal, and the courage it takes to sail toward a future you never expected. It lingers like a warm breeze long after the final page.
With thanks to Ellie Block, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
May 26, 2026
A beautiful cross between current day and Ernest Hemingway's works.
I went almost blind into this one. All I know is that I loved the cover and wanted to see what the story was all about. And the story did not disappoint.
It follows Catherine, an uptight 57-year-old from NYC. She is a good daughter, good employee, and a good friend, mostly because she rarely steps out of line. She dots all her i's and crosses her t's. She is underappreciated at her job and is trying to do her best for her mother, who has dementia.
When she gets a visit from a lawyer reading a will from her long-estranged brother Robert, Catherine is in two minds. Should she visit Key West to get the boat Robert has willed to her or forget the whole thing altogether? But she is in dire straits and decides that a visit may be to her benefit.
What transpires in Key West forms the rest of the story.
4.5 stars out of 5!
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.
I went almost blind into this one. All I know is that I loved the cover and wanted to see what the story was all about. And the story did not disappoint.
It follows Catherine, an uptight 57-year-old from NYC. She is a good daughter, good employee, and a good friend, mostly because she rarely steps out of line. She dots all her i's and crosses her t's. She is underappreciated at her job and is trying to do her best for her mother, who has dementia.
When she gets a visit from a lawyer reading a will from her long-estranged brother Robert, Catherine is in two minds. Should she visit Key West to get the boat Robert has willed to her or forget the whole thing altogether? But she is in dire straits and decides that a visit may be to her benefit.
What transpires in Key West forms the rest of the story.
4.5 stars out of 5!
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.
May 28, 2026
Thank you to Ellie Block, NetGalley, and the publisher for the early listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a lovely and wholesome listen. From the very beginning I was pulled into Catherine’s story and found myself really invested in both her grief and her journey of rediscovering herself.
I loved the Key West setting and the small-town coastal atmosphere. The story had such a warm and comforting feel to it, while still exploring heavier themes like family estrangement, aging parents, grief, forgiveness, and finding purpose later in life. It balanced emotional moments with hope really beautifully.
One of my favourite parts was how character-driven the story felt. Catherine’s relationship with her brother, even after his death, was at the centre of everything, and slowly uncovering the mystery surrounding the boat and his life in Key West kept me engaged throughout. The supporting characters also added so much heart and charm to the story.
The audiobook narration made this an especially enjoyable experience. The narrator really captured the emotional depth of the story and made it feel cozy, heartfelt, and easy to sink into.
Overall, this was a touching and uplifting read about second chances, healing, and the people who come into our lives when we need them most. Definitely a book I’d recommend if you enjoy heartfelt contemporary fiction with strong emotional themes and a beautiful setting.
This was such a lovely and wholesome listen. From the very beginning I was pulled into Catherine’s story and found myself really invested in both her grief and her journey of rediscovering herself.
I loved the Key West setting and the small-town coastal atmosphere. The story had such a warm and comforting feel to it, while still exploring heavier themes like family estrangement, aging parents, grief, forgiveness, and finding purpose later in life. It balanced emotional moments with hope really beautifully.
One of my favourite parts was how character-driven the story felt. Catherine’s relationship with her brother, even after his death, was at the centre of everything, and slowly uncovering the mystery surrounding the boat and his life in Key West kept me engaged throughout. The supporting characters also added so much heart and charm to the story.
The audiobook narration made this an especially enjoyable experience. The narrator really captured the emotional depth of the story and made it feel cozy, heartfelt, and easy to sink into.
Overall, this was a touching and uplifting read about second chances, healing, and the people who come into our lives when we need them most. Definitely a book I’d recommend if you enjoy heartfelt contemporary fiction with strong emotional themes and a beautiful setting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Catherine Moran learns that with each sunrise, there’s an opportunity to forgive and seek refreshment from the tides. I’m always drawn to books with middle-aged characters facing a new chapter and loved that this 57-year-old reached beyond her comfort zone to forge ahead. I was impressed with the uniqueness and fresh approach this author took to fiction aimed at middle-aged readers.
Initially, I was worried that this was going to be a depressing novel about a sister dealing with grief after losing a loved one to cancer and caring for one with dementia. However, once I saw how flummoxed Catherine was at discovering her inheritance, a boat, was “older than Noah’s ark” and that “there’s some guy living on it” and that all the papers to prove her ownership “blew into the ocean,” I knew I had to see what she’d do next!
This new-to-me author surprised me and I appreciated all the Hemingway references. As her brother alluded…when I got it, I got it. Life is unpredictable and grabbing an opportunity to forgive and move forward is one we should all take.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Initially, I was worried that this was going to be a depressing novel about a sister dealing with grief after losing a loved one to cancer and caring for one with dementia. However, once I saw how flummoxed Catherine was at discovering her inheritance, a boat, was “older than Noah’s ark” and that “there’s some guy living on it” and that all the papers to prove her ownership “blew into the ocean,” I knew I had to see what she’d do next!
This new-to-me author surprised me and I appreciated all the Hemingway references. As her brother alluded…when I got it, I got it. Life is unpredictable and grabbing an opportunity to forgive and move forward is one we should all take.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This audiobook was pure sunshine in story form ☀️ and easily one of my favorite feel-good reads of the summer!
Set in the dreamy backdrop of Key West, this story follows a FMC who returns to claim her inheritance after the passing of her brother—and what unfolds is equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and healing. The quirky hotel, unforgettable “hosts with the most,” and delightfully nosey guests had me smiling (and laughing out loud) the entire time.
Beneath the charm and humor is a beautiful story about grief, family, friendship, and finding the courage to start over. It strikes that perfect balance between light and meaningful, making it an ideal beach listen.
And the narration? Absolute chef’s kiss. The narrator brought every character to life so vividly that I felt like I was right there in the middle of all the chaos and charm.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming escape filled with sunshine, sass, and second chances—this one is a must-listen! 🎧🌴Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the early audible arc!
This audiobook was pure sunshine in story form ☀️ and easily one of my favorite feel-good reads of the summer!
Set in the dreamy backdrop of Key West, this story follows a FMC who returns to claim her inheritance after the passing of her brother—and what unfolds is equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and healing. The quirky hotel, unforgettable “hosts with the most,” and delightfully nosey guests had me smiling (and laughing out loud) the entire time.
Beneath the charm and humor is a beautiful story about grief, family, friendship, and finding the courage to start over. It strikes that perfect balance between light and meaningful, making it an ideal beach listen.
And the narration? Absolute chef’s kiss. The narrator brought every character to life so vividly that I felt like I was right there in the middle of all the chaos and charm.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming escape filled with sunshine, sass, and second chances—this one is a must-listen! 🎧🌴Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the early audible arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This estranged family drama brought the drama. I fell in love with the cast of characters. Bringing all our outside family together.
When Catherine Moran’s long-lost brother bequeaths her a boat in Key West, she’s not sure what hurts more: his death or the decades they’ve been estranged.
The fifty-seven-year-old thinks this could be the answer to her financial strain since putting their mother in a memory care facility, but when she arrives on the island, her bonanza is a bust. The boat is a dilapidated trawler supposedly once owned by Ernest Hemingway, and a handsome buddy of her brother is living onboard but refuses to jump ship.
Because both Catherine and her brother were named after Hemingway characters, she can’t shake the author’s shadow. Instead of unwinding, Catherine ends up crisscrossing the island trying to drum up interest in the barely operable vessel. Key West is south of her normal. However, if she wants to unravel the mystery of the boat and her brother, that’s exactly the direction Catherine needs to go.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
When Catherine Moran’s long-lost brother bequeaths her a boat in Key West, she’s not sure what hurts more: his death or the decades they’ve been estranged.
The fifty-seven-year-old thinks this could be the answer to her financial strain since putting their mother in a memory care facility, but when she arrives on the island, her bonanza is a bust. The boat is a dilapidated trawler supposedly once owned by Ernest Hemingway, and a handsome buddy of her brother is living onboard but refuses to jump ship.
Because both Catherine and her brother were named after Hemingway characters, she can’t shake the author’s shadow. Instead of unwinding, Catherine ends up crisscrossing the island trying to drum up interest in the barely operable vessel. Key West is south of her normal. However, if she wants to unravel the mystery of the boat and her brother, that’s exactly the direction Catherine needs to go.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
May 29, 2026
I think Catherine is meant to be endearingly quirky, but she's actually a deranged idiot with abandoned issues, and it's tedious, not heart warming to read. For example - she borrows a bike to get around on, but it doesn't have a lock. Annoying. And she keeps borrowing the bike, and she keeps not borrowing a lock, and I keep having to read about it. Tedious.
She's paying a lot of money to a 'memory care facility' to look after her aged mother, but doesn't consult anyone there about how to discuss her brother's death.
She is using an ice-pack and doesn't want to damage the floor or bedside table with moisture, so she puts it in her handbag. (What?)
This deranged barely functioning human being then tries to do a scam to sell her dead brother's boat for more than it's worth. She doesn't seem to think of it as a scam. The scam itself doesn't make any sense to me. Certainly, by this point I don't care what happens. At All.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the audio book in exchange for an honest review.
She's paying a lot of money to a 'memory care facility' to look after her aged mother, but doesn't consult anyone there about how to discuss her brother's death.
She is using an ice-pack and doesn't want to damage the floor or bedside table with moisture, so she puts it in her handbag. (What?)
This deranged barely functioning human being then tries to do a scam to sell her dead brother's boat for more than it's worth. She doesn't seem to think of it as a scam. The scam itself doesn't make any sense to me. Certainly, by this point I don't care what happens. At All.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the audio book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2026
Catherine inherits a dilapidated boat from her late brother and heads to Key West hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she finds Travis living on the boat and a past full of questions she can’t ignore. On top of that, her mother is in a memory care facility and calls her constantly—sometimes so confused she even calls the CIA. I connected with Catherine—her grief, her stubbornness, and her hope for a new beginning. The story moves slowly, letting you feel the island, the sea, and the memories that haunt her. Family, forgiveness, and finding yourself later in life are explored with honesty and warmth.
The characters feel real, the setting is vivid, and the story lingers long after you finish. If you love character-driven novels with a reflective, emotional core, this is a book to savor. Just a cute cozy book to curl up with.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon publishing for the ARC
The characters feel real, the setting is vivid, and the story lingers long after you finish. If you love character-driven novels with a reflective, emotional core, this is a book to savor. Just a cute cozy book to curl up with.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon publishing for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Catherine Moran hasn’t seen her brother for half a century. He left when she was just 7 years old, leaving her alone with their mother. Now, at 57, she has the sole responsibility of caring for their aging mother who has dementia. So when a lawyer turns up telling Catherine that her brother has died and willed her his boat in Key West, she feels more frustration than sadness.
What unfolds is a captivating story of Catherine trying to understand the missing decades of her brother’s life through his beloved, if dilapidated, boat, and an unlikely cast of characters that support her during her stay in Key West. Life hasn’t been easy for Catherine, but with the help of her newfound friends, the magic of Key West, and of course Ernest Hemingway, maybe things will begin to improve.
This is a lovely story about family, grief, and belonging.
What unfolds is a captivating story of Catherine trying to understand the missing decades of her brother’s life through his beloved, if dilapidated, boat, and an unlikely cast of characters that support her during her stay in Key West. Life hasn’t been easy for Catherine, but with the help of her newfound friends, the magic of Key West, and of course Ernest Hemingway, maybe things will begin to improve.
This is a lovely story about family, grief, and belonging.
May 25, 2026
Great book! It transports you to Key West. Catherine is a middle aged lady struggling to keep up with expenses for herself and her mom, that she recently had to put in a memory facility.
Growing up she looked up to her older brother. One day her father walked out on them. Then once her brother turned 18, he left never to be heard from again until today. Her brother has died and left her his boat in Key West. Catherine head’s there with hopes of selling and have money to take care of her mom.
On her arrival in Key West, everything is not what it expected. She meets a wide variety of characters that mostly warms your heart with their personalities. There are a few unsavory characters too. Perfect summer read. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for this advance read. Get your copy May 26.
Growing up she looked up to her older brother. One day her father walked out on them. Then once her brother turned 18, he left never to be heard from again until today. Her brother has died and left her his boat in Key West. Catherine head’s there with hopes of selling and have money to take care of her mom.
On her arrival in Key West, everything is not what it expected. She meets a wide variety of characters that mostly warms your heart with their personalities. There are a few unsavory characters too. Perfect summer read. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for this advance read. Get your copy May 26.
May 26, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book didn't wow me. I felt that none of the characters were outstanding, and the story itself was pretty mediocre. I always find it odd that so many authors (not just this one) will write a story where the main character simply finds people who will assist them with whatever they need, at the very moment they need it. Taxi drivers, B&B owners... It's just too unrealistic to be believable.
The 'mystery' of the boat was a huge letdown as well. While I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, if you need a book to pass the time that takes place in a sunny locale, this would fit the bill.
This book didn't wow me. I felt that none of the characters were outstanding, and the story itself was pretty mediocre. I always find it odd that so many authors (not just this one) will write a story where the main character simply finds people who will assist them with whatever they need, at the very moment they need it. Taxi drivers, B&B owners... It's just too unrealistic to be believable.
The 'mystery' of the boat was a huge letdown as well. While I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, if you need a book to pass the time that takes place in a sunny locale, this would fit the bill.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Secrets of Sunrises had a lot of potential, but it ended up being just an okay read for me. I kept waiting for something to fully pull me in emotionally, and it never quite happened. The story wasn’t bad by any means, but I struggled to connect with the characters and found parts of it dragging a bit.
There were definitely some thoughtful moments and themes throughout the book, and I think readers who enjoy slower, more reflective stories may appreciate it more than I did. Unfortunately, this one didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this book.
There were definitely some thoughtful moments and themes throughout the book, and I think readers who enjoy slower, more reflective stories may appreciate it more than I did. Unfortunately, this one didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Catherine Moran knows at 57 that she is in a rut, facing increasing irrelevance - or at least, lack of appreciation - at work, and a fairly barren private life, when she is suddenly informed of an odd legacy from her long disappeared brother.
But when she travels out to the Florida keys, nothing is what she expect it to be. Not least the complications of the bequest that she has travelled to receive...
This one will be a hit with Hemingway fans and gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But when she travels out to the Florida keys, nothing is what she expect it to be. Not least the complications of the bequest that she has travelled to receive...
This one will be a hit with Hemingway fans and gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 20, 2026
It took me a little while to fully get into this audiobook, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Once the story picked up, I found myself really enjoying the characters and the overall atmosphere. The narration felt natural and easy to listen to, and I kept reaching for it more than I expected. I was surprised by how quickly the listening time flew by. Overall, this ended up being a really enjoyable audiobook for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy of this audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy of this audiobook.
May 22, 2026
ARC Review:
The strongest part of the book for me was Catherine, she felt incredibly real and relatable, and I found myself connecting to her thoughts, emotions, and the way she handled everything throughout the story.
That said, the plot itself didn’t fully capture my interest the way I hoped it would. I kept waiting to become completely invested in the story, but it never quite pulled me in emotionally or kept me fully engaged. Even so, Catherine as a character made the experience worthwhile.
The strongest part of the book for me was Catherine, she felt incredibly real and relatable, and I found myself connecting to her thoughts, emotions, and the way she handled everything throughout the story.
That said, the plot itself didn’t fully capture my interest the way I hoped it would. I kept waiting to become completely invested in the story, but it never quite pulled me in emotionally or kept me fully engaged. Even so, Catherine as a character made the experience worthwhile.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC: This book covered a lot of ground, yet read very quickly. The story of a 57 year old woman who is at an inflection point. She inherits a boat from her long estranged brother and travels to Key West to resolve her inheritance. In her travels, she deals with her stagnant career, her estrangement from her brother, her care for her mother with dementia. A quick read, but not a shallow read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is about an estranged family. Who sadly find out that the brother has died. It then unfolds the reasons they were estranged and it also uncovers more about him then they ever knew. I felt hope, sadness , grief, laughter, and awareness while reading this. I binged it all in one sitting, it kept me engaged and feeling a full range of emotions. Thank you for the privilege of reading this Arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy
I enjoyed this book and it was a lovely story of family, forgiveness, growing, etc.
However, it just didn't really grab me the way I thought it would.
I am not a seasonal reader at all, but I can imagine that this would make a great beach read or something to that effect, but it was just very average to me.
The writing was good and easy to read, I just wish there was a little more substance to the story.
I enjoyed this book and it was a lovely story of family, forgiveness, growing, etc.
However, it just didn't really grab me the way I thought it would.
I am not a seasonal reader at all, but I can imagine that this would make a great beach read or something to that effect, but it was just very average to me.
The writing was good and easy to read, I just wish there was a little more substance to the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75/5 - Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Catherine Moran is a 57-year-old woman who travels to Key West after learning that her estranged brother has left her a boat in his will. Hoping the inheritance might help ease the financial strain of caring for their mother, Catherine quickly realizes the situation is much more complicated than she expected. The boat is falling apart, a mysterious friend of her brother’s is living onboard, and the trip forces her to confront years of family hurt and unanswered questions. Set against the backdrop of Key West, the story explores grief, forgiveness, family relationships, and the possibility of starting over... even when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Started off slow, but finished strong. I really loved how this book ended. Catherine went through a lot and ended up learning a lot about herself along the way. Came for the story, stayed for the character development.
Catherine Moran is a 57-year-old woman who travels to Key West after learning that her estranged brother has left her a boat in his will. Hoping the inheritance might help ease the financial strain of caring for their mother, Catherine quickly realizes the situation is much more complicated than she expected. The boat is falling apart, a mysterious friend of her brother’s is living onboard, and the trip forces her to confront years of family hurt and unanswered questions. Set against the backdrop of Key West, the story explores grief, forgiveness, family relationships, and the possibility of starting over... even when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Started off slow, but finished strong. I really loved how this book ended. Catherine went through a lot and ended up learning a lot about herself along the way. Came for the story, stayed for the character development.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions:
This started off well enough, but about 25% in, it became annoyingly predictable, and I figured out the entire plot, which was disappointing.
This started off well enough, but about 25% in, it became annoyingly predictable, and I figured out the entire plot, which was disappointing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fun summer read with quirky characters. It’s set in Key West as Catherine learns about her estranged brother’s life and reflects on her own life. She’s learning to forgive, move forward and enjoy the sunrises.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced audiobook.
May 22, 2026
This was such a feel good story. It is very character driven and the cast of background characters are all so likeable. A hug in a book.
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