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Salt Sisters
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Expected 14 Jul 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
3 days and 03:34:36
100 copies available
U.S. only
Against the stunning backdrop of Cape Cod, two sisters reunite and confront their painful past in a powerful novel about family expectations and life’s unforeseen turns.
Twin sisters Jocelyn and Maddy Marx grew up in a tight-knit family on Cape Cod, but they couldn’t be more different. Jocelyn, laid-back and dreamy, still lives in their hometown as a Realtor. Maddy, intense and ambitious, left for New York after college and never looked back. Until the summer they turn thirty-one.
After a dramatic fall from grace in her career, a pregnant Maddy returns to the Cape with her husband and announces she’s back for good. For Jocelyn, it’s less a reconciliation than a reminder of a life that was ripped away from her and the deep grief she’s carried ever since. Back in each other’s orbit, the sisters reopen old wounds and are forced to confront what it will take to heal.
Salt Sisters is a moving exploration of sisterhood and motherhood, and the courage it takes to face the past, forgive, and finally let go.
Twin sisters Jocelyn and Maddy Marx grew up in a tight-knit family on Cape Cod, but they couldn’t be more different. Jocelyn, laid-back and dreamy, still lives in their hometown as a Realtor. Maddy, intense and ambitious, left for New York after college and never looked back. Until the summer they turn thirty-one.
After a dramatic fall from grace in her career, a pregnant Maddy returns to the Cape with her husband and announces she’s back for good. For Jocelyn, it’s less a reconciliation than a reminder of a life that was ripped away from her and the deep grief she’s carried ever since. Back in each other’s orbit, the sisters reopen old wounds and are forced to confront what it will take to heal.
Salt Sisters is a moving exploration of sisterhood and motherhood, and the courage it takes to face the past, forgive, and finally let go.
- GenresFiction
255 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
Lindsey J. Palmer
5 books124 followersLindsey J. Palmer is a writer, editor, and educator. She is the author of the novels Salt Sisters (coming July 2026!), Reservations for Six, Otherwise Engaged, If We Lived Here, and Pretty in Ink. She worked in the magazine industry for many years, most recently as Features Editor at Self, and previously at Redbook and Glamour. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she earned a Master of Arts in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and taught English at a Manhattan public high school. She is currently the deputy editor of BrainPOP, an animated educational site for kids. Lindsey and her family live on Cape Cod. Visit her at lindseyjpalmer.com, https://www.instagram.com/lindseyjpal... and www.facebook.com/lindseyjpalmerauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lindsey J. Palmer unravels the twisted psychology behind the bonds of motherhood, sisterhood, and siblinghood, revealing (1) how we are all shaped by loss and (2) how these bonds influence future relationships.
It was good to take a break from an exhausting week and read this therapeutic novel about the cost of healing and the courage it takes to face the past. I enjoyed the reminder that not all wounds bleed.
Twins Jocelyn and Maddy Marx have navigated bumpy roads in life and learn to set expectations aside and face their challenges so that healing can truly begin. I was hooked with the opening and had to keep reading to find out what precipitated the risky move!
This is great book club fiction!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
It was good to take a break from an exhausting week and read this therapeutic novel about the cost of healing and the courage it takes to face the past. I enjoyed the reminder that not all wounds bleed.
Twins Jocelyn and Maddy Marx have navigated bumpy roads in life and learn to set expectations aside and face their challenges so that healing can truly begin. I was hooked with the opening and had to keep reading to find out what precipitated the risky move!
This is great book club fiction!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 20, 2026
This book has my heart and it is one of the best books I have read this year.
I got it as an ARC, but I was not sure if I will like it. Oh, I was so lucky to request this particular book, as I’m not sure I would have stumbled upon it otherwise.
This is a story about sisterhood, grief and family. As someone that never experienced what these two sisters did I was very moved by their story and related so much. Especially with Maddy.
The story is raw, emotional and unapologetic. It portraits these women in the most authentic way possible. I had some parts where I liked one more than the other, but this is the dual pov’s charm.
I loved the descriptions of Cape Cod and the ocean it brought me serenity and I wanted to be there.
As someone that gets easily distracted while reading I was not able to put Salt Sisters down until I finished it.
I got it as an ARC, but I was not sure if I will like it. Oh, I was so lucky to request this particular book, as I’m not sure I would have stumbled upon it otherwise.
This is a story about sisterhood, grief and family. As someone that never experienced what these two sisters did I was very moved by their story and related so much. Especially with Maddy.
The story is raw, emotional and unapologetic. It portraits these women in the most authentic way possible. I had some parts where I liked one more than the other, but this is the dual pov’s charm.
I loved the descriptions of Cape Cod and the ocean it brought me serenity and I wanted to be there.
As someone that gets easily distracted while reading I was not able to put Salt Sisters down until I finished it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review to come.
July 9, 2026
Salt Sister by Lindsey J. Palmer is an emotional story about twin sisters that had me invested from the very first chapter. The complicated relationship, years of hurt, and family drama felt incredibly real. Both sisters were written so well that I found myself constantly changing how I felt about each of them as the story unfolded.
The surprising realizations throughout the book kept me hooked, and as someone who has a strained relationship with my own sister at times because we’re so different, I saw pieces of us in these characters. That made this story even more meaningful.
This was such a great read, enjoyed every minute of it and highly recommend it to anyone who loves emotional family dramas with complex relationships.
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.
The surprising realizations throughout the book kept me hooked, and as someone who has a strained relationship with my own sister at times because we’re so different, I saw pieces of us in these characters. That made this story even more meaningful.
This was such a great read, enjoyed every minute of it and highly recommend it to anyone who loves emotional family dramas with complex relationships.
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Salt Sisters is an intriguing novel about not only relationship drama and petty arguments but also about what women have to go through following a pregnancy. It follows twins Maddy (strong, go-getter and independent) and Jocelyn (bright, content and bubbly) who grew up to develop animosity and an unhealthy level of sibling competition. Because both girls always felt like they were growing up in each other’s shadows, they ended up blaming their grievances on each other, leading to a buildup of unresolved tension. This only intensifies when Maddy (who had been living in New York for a decade) announces her and her husband will be moving back to their hometown, Cape Cod, to raise their new baby, Rose.
Throughout the novel, the twins will navigate their new life paths as they work around their crumbling relationship and their only personal setbacks. Maddy is a new mom and struggles with post-partum depression, accelerated by her ‘all or nothing’ mentality and her feeling lonely and isolated; all the while, Jocelyn struggles with having lost her baby Junie in a tragic accident a decade prior to the story’s events.
My main struggle with this book was how everyone is so incredibly dismissive of Maddy. Maddy is clearly suffering from post-partum disorder for most of the book. She had just quit her job (which she was really good at), upended her life and moved back home to where she had no friends, no stable relationship with her sister, where her husband was working for most of the day, and she was left all alone with a baby that never seemed to give her a minute's rest. You might think that maybe she is just hiding it really well, and her close ones don’t notice this, but they do! Her family suggests she get a therapist, and that is it. No one ever really helps her through this besides her neighbour and her secret babysitter; there is never really any mention of Maddy’s parents being worried for her. When Maddy eventually tries to open up to Jocelyn about how miserable she’s been since giving birth, Jocelyn is quick to snap at Maddy and call her ungrateful. I understand that sometimes characters are not written to be liked, but I could not root for anyone in this story except for Maddy (and maybe the babysitter, too; she was okay). I also felt like the dialogue was weirdly formatted, almost like it was never written to be read aloud. It doesn’t flow in the same manner that an actual conversation does, especially the dialogue between Jocelyn and her love interest. There is also an excessive use of conversations that are trying to pass a life lesson; every few chapters will give another piece of advice in a way that almost seemed like it was trying to be too deep.
The story is mostly set in Cape Cod, and although I’ve never been, I did enjoy the beach environment in which it took place. I also liked the way the prose flowed and how it wasn’t filled with unnecessary filler.
Overall, it is an easy and cosy read that touches on a lot of important topics and has an interesting plot line, as long as you’re okay with finding some of the characters annoying.
Throughout the novel, the twins will navigate their new life paths as they work around their crumbling relationship and their only personal setbacks. Maddy is a new mom and struggles with post-partum depression, accelerated by her ‘all or nothing’ mentality and her feeling lonely and isolated; all the while, Jocelyn struggles with having lost her baby Junie in a tragic accident a decade prior to the story’s events.
My main struggle with this book was how everyone is so incredibly dismissive of Maddy. Maddy is clearly suffering from post-partum disorder for most of the book. She had just quit her job (which she was really good at), upended her life and moved back home to where she had no friends, no stable relationship with her sister, where her husband was working for most of the day, and she was left all alone with a baby that never seemed to give her a minute's rest. You might think that maybe she is just hiding it really well, and her close ones don’t notice this, but they do! Her family suggests she get a therapist, and that is it. No one ever really helps her through this besides her neighbour and her secret babysitter; there is never really any mention of Maddy’s parents being worried for her. When Maddy eventually tries to open up to Jocelyn about how miserable she’s been since giving birth, Jocelyn is quick to snap at Maddy and call her ungrateful. I understand that sometimes characters are not written to be liked, but I could not root for anyone in this story except for Maddy (and maybe the babysitter, too; she was okay). I also felt like the dialogue was weirdly formatted, almost like it was never written to be read aloud. It doesn’t flow in the same manner that an actual conversation does, especially the dialogue between Jocelyn and her love interest. There is also an excessive use of conversations that are trying to pass a life lesson; every few chapters will give another piece of advice in a way that almost seemed like it was trying to be too deep.
The story is mostly set in Cape Cod, and although I’ve never been, I did enjoy the beach environment in which it took place. I also liked the way the prose flowed and how it wasn’t filled with unnecessary filler.
Overall, it is an easy and cosy read that touches on a lot of important topics and has an interesting plot line, as long as you’re okay with finding some of the characters annoying.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Salt Sisters unfolds on the windswept shores of Cape Cod, where Jocelyn and Maddy Marx—twin sisters who once felt inseparable—find themselves circling each other again after years of distance. The novel captures that complicated sibling gravity beautifully: the way love and resentment can coexist, the way shared history can bind and bruise in equal measure.
Jocelyn, dreamy and rooted, has stayed close to home, building a life shaped by the rhythms of the Cape. Maddy, sharp‑edged and ambitious, fled to New York and never looked back—until a spectacular career collapse and an unexpected pregnancy send her home at thirty‑one, husband in tow. Her return isn’t the balm she hopes for; instead, it stirs up everything Jocelyn has tried to bury, including a grief that still sits like a stone in her chest.
The novel shines in the way it handles these emotional fault lines. Their reunion is tender, raw, and often painful, full of unspoken apologies and old wounds that ache in the light. The Cape Cod setting adds a gorgeous sense of atmosphere—salt air, shifting tides, and the quiet pull of a place that remembers everything, even when you’d rather forget.
As the sisters navigate their fractured bond, the story becomes a thoughtful exploration of motherhood, identity, and the expectations families place on us—spoken and unspoken. The writing is warm and intimate, with a softness that allows the harder truths to land gently. By the time the final pages arrive, the novel has traced a path toward forgiveness that feels earned, honest, and deeply human.
A moving, beautifully observed story about the ties that shape us, the hurts that linger, and the healing that becomes possible when we finally stop running. It’s the kind of book that leaves a quiet ache—and a quiet hope—long after you close it.
With thanks to Lindsey J Palmer, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Jocelyn, dreamy and rooted, has stayed close to home, building a life shaped by the rhythms of the Cape. Maddy, sharp‑edged and ambitious, fled to New York and never looked back—until a spectacular career collapse and an unexpected pregnancy send her home at thirty‑one, husband in tow. Her return isn’t the balm she hopes for; instead, it stirs up everything Jocelyn has tried to bury, including a grief that still sits like a stone in her chest.
The novel shines in the way it handles these emotional fault lines. Their reunion is tender, raw, and often painful, full of unspoken apologies and old wounds that ache in the light. The Cape Cod setting adds a gorgeous sense of atmosphere—salt air, shifting tides, and the quiet pull of a place that remembers everything, even when you’d rather forget.
As the sisters navigate their fractured bond, the story becomes a thoughtful exploration of motherhood, identity, and the expectations families place on us—spoken and unspoken. The writing is warm and intimate, with a softness that allows the harder truths to land gently. By the time the final pages arrive, the novel has traced a path toward forgiveness that feels earned, honest, and deeply human.
A moving, beautifully observed story about the ties that shape us, the hurts that linger, and the healing that becomes possible when we finally stop running. It’s the kind of book that leaves a quiet ache—and a quiet hope—long after you close it.
With thanks to Lindsey J Palmer, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to the ALC of Salt Sisters before its release.
Salt Sisters is an emotional, character-driven novel about family, forgiveness, and the complicated bond between twin sisters. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Cape Cod, the story explores how grief, jealousy, motherhood, and difficult life experiences can shape relationships and the people we become.
The setting was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. The descriptions of Cape Cod, from clamming to lobster rolls and the quiet beach atmosphere, made the location feel vivid and immersive. It provided the perfect contrast to the emotional weight of the story.
I also appreciated the realistic exploration of family dynamics. The sisters are deeply flawed and not always easy to like, but their struggles felt authentic. While I found some of their choices frustrating—particularly Maddy's secrecy surrounding her postpartum struggles and Jocelyn's reckless decision involving her baby—I remained invested in their journeys. I also found it refreshing that both women had supportive partners and parents, a welcome change from the more common dysfunctional family dynamics often found in similar novels.
The pacing slowed in the middle, but the emotional depth kept me engaged. My biggest criticism is that the ending felt a bit rushed. After spending so much time with these characters, I would have loved a longer epilogue that offered a clearer glimpse into their futures.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, emotionally grounded story that thoughtfully examines sisterhood, motherhood, loss, and healing. I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven family dramas.
Content warnings: child loss, miscarriage, and postpartum anxiety.
Salt Sisters is an emotional, character-driven novel about family, forgiveness, and the complicated bond between twin sisters. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Cape Cod, the story explores how grief, jealousy, motherhood, and difficult life experiences can shape relationships and the people we become.
The setting was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. The descriptions of Cape Cod, from clamming to lobster rolls and the quiet beach atmosphere, made the location feel vivid and immersive. It provided the perfect contrast to the emotional weight of the story.
I also appreciated the realistic exploration of family dynamics. The sisters are deeply flawed and not always easy to like, but their struggles felt authentic. While I found some of their choices frustrating—particularly Maddy's secrecy surrounding her postpartum struggles and Jocelyn's reckless decision involving her baby—I remained invested in their journeys. I also found it refreshing that both women had supportive partners and parents, a welcome change from the more common dysfunctional family dynamics often found in similar novels.
The pacing slowed in the middle, but the emotional depth kept me engaged. My biggest criticism is that the ending felt a bit rushed. After spending so much time with these characters, I would have loved a longer epilogue that offered a clearer glimpse into their futures.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, emotionally grounded story that thoughtfully examines sisterhood, motherhood, loss, and healing. I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven family dramas.
Content warnings: child loss, miscarriage, and postpartum anxiety.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jocelyn and Maddy may be twins, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Jocelyn has stayed in their small hometown, valuing its slower pace and close-knit community, while Maddy has built a fast-moving life in New York City. When Maddy and her husband return home expecting their first child, the sisters find themselves back in each other’s daily orbit in ways neither quite anticipated.
As Maddy struggles with new motherhood and the loss of her career, she begins making choices that create tension—not only with Jocelyn, but within the entire family. Jocelyn, still living with their parents and working as a realtor, tries to navigate the growing strain while holding on to the bond they’ve shared since childhood.
I typically enjoy stories centered around family dynamics, but this one didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. The novel leans heavily into conflict—arguments, misunderstandings, and emotional upheaval—which at times overshadowed the moments of connection between the sisters. There is also a significant amount of profanity and interpersonal drama, which may appeal to some readers but felt overwhelming to me.
That said, the author captures the complexities of sibling relationships and the pressures of adulthood with authenticity, and readers who enjoy intense, emotionally charged family stories may find much to appreciate here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
As Maddy struggles with new motherhood and the loss of her career, she begins making choices that create tension—not only with Jocelyn, but within the entire family. Jocelyn, still living with their parents and working as a realtor, tries to navigate the growing strain while holding on to the bond they’ve shared since childhood.
I typically enjoy stories centered around family dynamics, but this one didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. The novel leans heavily into conflict—arguments, misunderstandings, and emotional upheaval—which at times overshadowed the moments of connection between the sisters. There is also a significant amount of profanity and interpersonal drama, which may appeal to some readers but felt overwhelming to me.
That said, the author captures the complexities of sibling relationships and the pressures of adulthood with authenticity, and readers who enjoy intense, emotionally charged family stories may find much to appreciate here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Salt Sisters is a story about child loss, grief, motherhood and sisterhood where we follow Maddy and Jocelyn at a time in their lives where they come crashing together again after a decade spent at arm’s length not addressing their underlying issues. The dynamic between the two sisters is fraught and their arguments were definitely uncomfortable to read but also really well written. I felt the depiction of their relationship, built on unresolved trauma and characterised by snippy comments, competition and envy was refreshing to see as sisterhood isn’t always perfect and the journey to it is not always linear.
I think this novel has a lot of interesting things to say about different ways of being a mother and it presents these perspectives in a non-judgemental way. The setting is perfect for this type of story as the descriptions of Cape Cod evoke a sense of healing which the sisters desperately need.
This novel deals with some heavy topics and if I were to offer any criticism, there is mention of one particular topic that isn’t really explored like the topic of child bereavement is. We don’t get to really explore how this event impacted the character and shaped their decision-making so it feels like an unnecessary addition.
Other than that, I think this is a solid novel that tackles complex themes in a nuanced and compassionate way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
I think this novel has a lot of interesting things to say about different ways of being a mother and it presents these perspectives in a non-judgemental way. The setting is perfect for this type of story as the descriptions of Cape Cod evoke a sense of healing which the sisters desperately need.
This novel deals with some heavy topics and if I were to offer any criticism, there is mention of one particular topic that isn’t really explored like the topic of child bereavement is. We don’t get to really explore how this event impacted the character and shaped their decision-making so it feels like an unnecessary addition.
Other than that, I think this is a solid novel that tackles complex themes in a nuanced and compassionate way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I picked up *Salt Sisters* by Lindsey J. Palmer, I was expecting a fun, lighthearted summer beach read about twin sisters. Instead, I found a surprisingly emotional and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of sisterhood, grief, motherhood, and the lasting impact of loss.
The twins have always been at odds with one another, and neither is afraid to deliver a painful low blow. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both sisters are carrying deep heartbreak, which shapes their relationship in ways that are both frustrating and understandable.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is its honest portrayal of motherhood, capturing both its greatest joys and its deepest struggles. The story tackles difficult topics with sensitivity while still keeping you emotionally invested in each character's journey. I especially enjoyed getting both sisters' perspectives, as it made it nearly impossible to take sides. Just when I found myself sympathizing with one twin, the other would share her side, leaving me torn all over again.
While this wasn't the breezy beach read I initially expected, it ended up being a much more meaningful and emotionally layered novel. If you're looking for a character-driven story that explores family relationships with depth and heart, *Salt Sisters* is well worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
The twins have always been at odds with one another, and neither is afraid to deliver a painful low blow. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both sisters are carrying deep heartbreak, which shapes their relationship in ways that are both frustrating and understandable.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is its honest portrayal of motherhood, capturing both its greatest joys and its deepest struggles. The story tackles difficult topics with sensitivity while still keeping you emotionally invested in each character's journey. I especially enjoyed getting both sisters' perspectives, as it made it nearly impossible to take sides. Just when I found myself sympathizing with one twin, the other would share her side, leaving me torn all over again.
While this wasn't the breezy beach read I initially expected, it ended up being a much more meaningful and emotionally layered novel. If you're looking for a character-driven story that explores family relationships with depth and heart, *Salt Sisters* is well worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The emotional state of grief is complex – often blending profound sadness, guilt, anger, denial, loneliness, regret, and even envy. These are all on display in the relationship between twin sisters who have a rocky relationship at best.
Jocelyn and Maddy (Madeline), now 31 years old, have been estranged since their college days. Despite their twin status, they are polar opposites in personalities and lifestyle. Jocelyn remained in her hometown on Cape Cod becoming a single mother and a realtor. In contrast, Maddy followed her dream of living in New York City with a high-powered career. Both suffered significant losses as they reunite and work to heal their respective wounds and their relationship.
I found it easy to engage with Jocelyn, while Maddy was more challenging because of her pricky persona and her resentment toward any evidence of her sister’s happiness. The storyline is driven by the past and present conflict between siblings as well as the challenges of motherhood. The overall tone is intense and realistically explores the emotional landscape of grief.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Jocelyn and Maddy (Madeline), now 31 years old, have been estranged since their college days. Despite their twin status, they are polar opposites in personalities and lifestyle. Jocelyn remained in her hometown on Cape Cod becoming a single mother and a realtor. In contrast, Maddy followed her dream of living in New York City with a high-powered career. Both suffered significant losses as they reunite and work to heal their respective wounds and their relationship.
I found it easy to engage with Jocelyn, while Maddy was more challenging because of her pricky persona and her resentment toward any evidence of her sister’s happiness. The storyline is driven by the past and present conflict between siblings as well as the challenges of motherhood. The overall tone is intense and realistically explores the emotional landscape of grief.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A snapshot of heartbreak, growth, and hope. Salt Sisters is a quick, dual POV, following the adult lives of twins Jocelyn and Maddy. Set in Cape Cod, in the midst of major life transitions, this story will sweep you up, pit you against a character or two, and leave you teary with relief.
Life sucks, especially for women. Grab a glass of wine, a snack, and a tissue box, then fall into this novel with the best of expectations knowing they will be broken along the way. Maddy, aptly named, might drive you mad like she did me. She might resonate with your disconnected soul and past traumas. I am staunchly Team Jocelyn- I don't know how she had the strength to crawl out of that pit. Brava to them for learning how to communicate and having the hard conversations that result in beautiful connection.
"Congratulations, your xxxxxxx" straight to jail, Lindsey Palmer 😂 No (redacted) would say that in that manner.
Troupes: Sisters women's fiction, dual POV, return home, family trauma, cozy setting, postpartum woes, single father romance, redemption arc, forgiveness, HEA
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: family trauma and division, Postpartum disassociation, loss of a child, lost child
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!
Life sucks, especially for women. Grab a glass of wine, a snack, and a tissue box, then fall into this novel with the best of expectations knowing they will be broken along the way. Maddy, aptly named, might drive you mad like she did me. She might resonate with your disconnected soul and past traumas. I am staunchly Team Jocelyn- I don't know how she had the strength to crawl out of that pit. Brava to them for learning how to communicate and having the hard conversations that result in beautiful connection.
"Congratulations, your xxxxxxx" straight to jail, Lindsey Palmer 😂 No (redacted) would say that in that manner.
Troupes: Sisters women's fiction, dual POV, return home, family trauma, cozy setting, postpartum woes, single father romance, redemption arc, forgiveness, HEA
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: family trauma and division, Postpartum disassociation, loss of a child, lost child
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun audiobook to listen to while I was home on Cape Cod.
I actually grew up on the Cape, so I can be a little picky about books set here, but Lindsey J. Palmer absolutely got it right. The setting felt authentic, and there were so many little details that made me smile. It really made me appreciate home all over again.
I will say, don't go into this expecting a light beach read. It's much heavier than the cover might suggest, diving into grief, sisterhood, motherhood, forgiveness, and the complicated ways family can hurt each other while still loving each other.
What really stayed with me was the portrayal of postpartum. As a mom, I thought those chapters were handled with so much honesty and compassion. They were heartbreaking at times, but they also felt incredibly real.
The audiobook narrator also did a great job. She really brought both sisters to life, and I found myself completely invested in their journey.
Overall, this was a touching, emotional story that felt very authentic from start to finish. If you're looking for a character driven family drama, especially one with a beautifully written Cape Cod setting, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a listen.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Lindsey J. Palmer for the ALC!
I actually grew up on the Cape, so I can be a little picky about books set here, but Lindsey J. Palmer absolutely got it right. The setting felt authentic, and there were so many little details that made me smile. It really made me appreciate home all over again.
I will say, don't go into this expecting a light beach read. It's much heavier than the cover might suggest, diving into grief, sisterhood, motherhood, forgiveness, and the complicated ways family can hurt each other while still loving each other.
What really stayed with me was the portrayal of postpartum. As a mom, I thought those chapters were handled with so much honesty and compassion. They were heartbreaking at times, but they also felt incredibly real.
The audiobook narrator also did a great job. She really brought both sisters to life, and I found myself completely invested in their journey.
Overall, this was a touching, emotional story that felt very authentic from start to finish. If you're looking for a character driven family drama, especially one with a beautifully written Cape Cod setting, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a listen.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Lindsey J. Palmer for the ALC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐️ rolled up
I didn’t set out to read “sisterhood” books so close together but there is something about that female connection that makes for emotional and sometimes hard reads.
This story is about twin adult sisters who have fought for the spotlight and their separate voices since their teen years.
The core of the novel takes place when Maddy returns to the Cape with a new baby girl and hopes for a new start. But when she arrives, she finds herself failing in new motherhood. She struggles to be present, to find that “instant” love and just feels like she’s lost herself completely. On the opposite flip of the coin is her sister Jocelyn who is grieving the loss of her 15 month old daughter almost a decade later.
The sisters have a lot of baggage which felt realistic. At parts both sisters needed to wake up and close their mouths before hurting each other worse. But that’s the reality of many family relationships and even more so for a twin connection.
Emotional at times. Sad at times. And really just a relatable story of siblings who don’t realize how lucky they are until they hit rock bottom
I didn’t set out to read “sisterhood” books so close together but there is something about that female connection that makes for emotional and sometimes hard reads.
This story is about twin adult sisters who have fought for the spotlight and their separate voices since their teen years.
The core of the novel takes place when Maddy returns to the Cape with a new baby girl and hopes for a new start. But when she arrives, she finds herself failing in new motherhood. She struggles to be present, to find that “instant” love and just feels like she’s lost herself completely. On the opposite flip of the coin is her sister Jocelyn who is grieving the loss of her 15 month old daughter almost a decade later.
The sisters have a lot of baggage which felt realistic. At parts both sisters needed to wake up and close their mouths before hurting each other worse. But that’s the reality of many family relationships and even more so for a twin connection.
Emotional at times. Sad at times. And really just a relatable story of siblings who don’t realize how lucky they are until they hit rock bottom
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a story about twin sisters that do not have a lot of empathy for each other but the author portrays both of them with considerable kindness. Maddie and Jocelyn both grew up on Cape Cod and have both suffered significant loss. Maddie just recently moved back home with her husband and new daughter. The twins have a lot of buried emotions and are at each other's throats. I am not close friends with any twins, but the book made me realize how easy it would be to project your own negative emotions onto a twin. It could be more intense than a regular sibling relationship. I loved how each of Maddie and Jocelyn had supportive men in their lives that never looked down on them or tried to shirk their own emotional responsibilities. I also appreciated how the author treated pregnancy and motherhood generally, with a full understanding that no one is successful at it all the time. All in all, a great summer read that made me think deeper about family dynamics. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have never been to Cape Cod, I don't have any siblings, and I've never been in the situations the twins find themselves in, but I felt like I was there in the thick of it with them.
Every single character is written beautifully and realistically, especially the two main characters twins Maddy and Jocelyn. This is a dual POV story so you get to see their minds and how different their personalities are. I was rooting for both of them at different points as problems between them came and went.
The other side characters feel equally as deep, although we don't get to see in their heads. Their personalities and thoughts are shown well through the eyes of whoever's POV we're with at the time.
The plot ranges from mundane everyday to high stakes and both were enjoyable to read.
I should probably visit Cape Cod.
Every single character is written beautifully and realistically, especially the two main characters twins Maddy and Jocelyn. This is a dual POV story so you get to see their minds and how different their personalities are. I was rooting for both of them at different points as problems between them came and went.
The other side characters feel equally as deep, although we don't get to see in their heads. Their personalities and thoughts are shown well through the eyes of whoever's POV we're with at the time.
The plot ranges from mundane everyday to high stakes and both were enjoyable to read.
I should probably visit Cape Cod.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Salt Sisters is the literary equivalent of a brisk coastal walk followed by a warm cup of coffee. Lindsey J. Palmer masterfully balances a fast-paced, engaging plot with a sense of comfort that feels as soft as my favorite knit blanket from childhood.
The story dives into the complex, messy layers of sisterhood and family secrets, moving with a rhythmic energy that keeps the pages turning. Yet, despite the tension and the "dynamic" shifts in the characters' lives, Palmer maintains an underlying warmth. It’s a thoughtful exploration of homecoming and healing that manages to be both emotionally stirring and deeply soothing.
Salt Sisters is the literary equivalent of a brisk coastal walk followed by a warm cup of coffee. Lindsey J. Palmer masterfully balances a fast-paced, engaging plot with a sense of comfort that feels as soft as my favorite knit blanket from childhood.
The story dives into the complex, messy layers of sisterhood and family secrets, moving with a rhythmic energy that keeps the pages turning. Yet, despite the tension and the "dynamic" shifts in the characters' lives, Palmer maintains an underlying warmth. It’s a thoughtful exploration of homecoming and healing that manages to be both emotionally stirring and deeply soothing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and it was just as engrossing as the first two! I felt that the grieving process was captured perfectly, and understandably, from the perspectives of twin sisters who view the same tragic events in vastly different ways. For Jocelyn, it hit the hardest, while Maddy is more of a bystander. It creates a large divide between the two women, further complicating a relationship that has always been difficult.
Giving outlooks from both women in the past, then returning the reader to the present time, really helped me to better understand where each one is coming from. Jocelyn views Maddy as selfish and uncaring, while Maddy sees Jocelyn as rigid and unforgiving. Really, neither can really grasp the full extent of what the other is going through, allowing for the opportunity to give both characters more grace within their experiences. There is some honesty to both suppositions; Jocelyn finds it hard to give anyone some slack, while Maddy seems to view the world from a more internal perspective. But with time and experience, maybe they can see things from the other’s viewpoint.
When a triggering event occurs between the two sisters, it sends ripples through families and their town. I don’t think Jocelyn nor Maddy could have imagined the fallout, and while I understood that it wasn’t meant to be so upending, I can’t blame either sister for their reaction. I questioned if they could come back from the fallout, and what would happen moving forward. If they could rebuild the trust. With so many years of discord already, it was hard to imagine there could be any coming back from the event.
I appreciated that both women change and grow through their experiences, the ones they face together, and the ones they have apart from one another. Having twins be the main character was really clever, too, because it’s assumed that twins have an internal connection to one another, but for Maddy and Jocelyn, it’s anything but. There were some moving, touching moments that brought me to tears, still others that made me angry, first siding with one twin, then the other, realizing no matter who you believe the most in, they both deserve a secon
This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and it was just as engrossing as the first two! I felt that the grieving process was captured perfectly, and understandably, from the perspectives of twin sisters who view the same tragic events in vastly different ways. For Jocelyn, it hit the hardest, while Maddy is more of a bystander. It creates a large divide between the two women, further complicating a relationship that has always been difficult.
Giving outlooks from both women in the past, then returning the reader to the present time, really helped me to better understand where each one is coming from. Jocelyn views Maddy as selfish and uncaring, while Maddy sees Jocelyn as rigid and unforgiving. Really, neither can really grasp the full extent of what the other is going through, allowing for the opportunity to give both characters more grace within their experiences. There is some honesty to both suppositions; Jocelyn finds it hard to give anyone some slack, while Maddy seems to view the world from a more internal perspective. But with time and experience, maybe they can see things from the other’s viewpoint.
When a triggering event occurs between the two sisters, it sends ripples through families and their town. I don’t think Jocelyn nor Maddy could have imagined the fallout, and while I understood that it wasn’t meant to be so upending, I can’t blame either sister for their reaction. I questioned if they could come back from the fallout, and what would happen moving forward. If they could rebuild the trust. With so many years of discord already, it was hard to imagine there could be any coming back from the event.
I appreciated that both women change and grow through their experiences, the ones they face together, and the ones they have apart from one another. Having twins be the main character was really clever, too, because it’s assumed that twins have an internal connection to one another, but for Maddy and Jocelyn, it’s anything but. There were some moving, touching moments that brought me to tears, still others that made me angry, first siding with one twin, then the other, realizing no matter who you believe the most in, they both deserve a secon
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Advance copy provided by the publisher-thank you!
The tale of two twin sisters, Jocelyn drew me from the start and Maddy made me want to scream. The story pulled and twisted along-always drawing me into its development, mimicking the winding path to the shore. Really enjoyed the story telling and the parallels of the two sisters.
As a Cape Codder, thank you to the author for getting the details right. I giggled at some of the fictional parallel places and appreciated the accuracy of the real ones she included.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley & brilliance audio for the early listeners copy of Salt Sisters.
An emotional journey for 2 sisters Maddie and Jocelyn on Cape Cod. These twin sisters have had to navigating a world of struggles, love, loss and second chances while maintaining their individuality and juggling their sibling rivalries. It’s amazing how with improved communication can take jealousy and envy and turn it into support and understanding. Can they find their way to communicate and repair what was broken?
An emotional journey for 2 sisters Maddie and Jocelyn on Cape Cod. These twin sisters have had to navigating a world of struggles, love, loss and second chances while maintaining their individuality and juggling their sibling rivalries. It’s amazing how with improved communication can take jealousy and envy and turn it into support and understanding. Can they find their way to communicate and repair what was broken?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much Netgalley for this arc!
I received this book in the form of an audiobook and it was only around 6.5 hours long so it may for a really quick read!
I was super excited to read this based off the synopsis and just how pretty the cover was!
I really enjoyed the dual pov and the relationship between Jocelyn, Kyle and his daughter.
Moving through Jocelyn’s grief will simultaneously
moving through Maddy’s first time with motherhood was so raw and real.
I also think the cape cod setting was amazing for summer time!
I received this book in the form of an audiobook and it was only around 6.5 hours long so it may for a really quick read!
I was super excited to read this based off the synopsis and just how pretty the cover was!
I really enjoyed the dual pov and the relationship between Jocelyn, Kyle and his daughter.
Moving through Jocelyn’s grief will simultaneously
moving through Maddy’s first time with motherhood was so raw and real.
I also think the cape cod setting was amazing for summer time!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author Lindsey J. Palmer for chance to read this novel coming out this summer. I was expecting a light beach read and was impressed with the depth of the story and the characters. There is some intrigue about their lives and it is slowly revealed in the book. It is well written and entertaining along with being based in my small Cape Cod town of Eastham ! Thrilled to realize the author is local too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion:
Overall, the book was enjoyable. This is one of those where the title doesn’t really match the story, though, and that was slightly annoying. Also, I feel like the prologue gave off an implied tone of the book that was not matched at all. Honestly, I think the prologue could have been cut without the story losing anything.
Overall, the book was enjoyable. This is one of those where the title doesn’t really match the story, though, and that was slightly annoying. Also, I feel like the prologue gave off an implied tone of the book that was not matched at all. Honestly, I think the prologue could have been cut without the story losing anything.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is about twin sisters, Jocelyn and Maddie. It follows the story of their relationship with each other as well as the relationships they have with motherhood. The audiobook was narrated well. The writing was also decent.
I liked this book. It was a bit slow, but definitely felt real, how sisterhood and motherhood often is. A great option to the throw in your beach bag.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. It was a bit slow, but definitely felt real, how sisterhood and motherhood often is. A great option to the throw in your beach bag.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was immediately drawn into the story of Jocelyn and Maddy—twin sisters whose journeys through motherhood drive them apart and, ultimately, bring them back together with grace and understanding. Authentic, heartfelt, and deeply relatable, Salt Sisters is book club fiction at its best.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A story of twin sisters with a history of seeing and approaching life challenges very differently. Being a twin, I was anxious to read this. Motherhood, family and past events in their lives make this is a fascinating read. Being set on Cape Cod just adds to the storyline. Highly recommended.
April 21, 2026
3.5⭐️ I was really hoping to love this one but something was off. I enjoyed the cape/summer setting, but Maddy and Jocelyn’s relationship kind of annoyed me. There felt like too much family drama for everything to wrap up as quickly as it did in the end. Thank you Netgalley for my ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I did not know what to expect when I got this early release, but I absolutely LOVED it! The cape / Boston setting was so fun and I loved both Maddy and Jocelyn’s development throughout the book. I liked the pace of revealing big moments from the characters pasts and I liked the authentic family dynamics. I highly recommend this quick and easy read!
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