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Lakeland #2
The Post Office by the Sea
For as long as she can remember, Rachel Campbell has had to dedicate her life to taking care of her family: her two younger sisters, her disabled mother, and her three-year-old nephew. When Rachel's not struggling to look after all of them, she makes her living cleaning the houses of wealthy families—including the Wests, the home of her old childhood friend Claire....
A lifetime of drifting in other people's currents has finally left Claire West high and dry. First it was her parents, then the popular crowd in school, and finally her fiancé. Now she's returned to Hartley-by-the-Sea to figure out her next steps as best as she can. But running into her old friend Rachel brings back memories of past mistakes, and Claire wonders if she now has the courage to make them right, especially when no one seems to think she has the strength… except maybe Dan, the surly post office master who becomes an unexpected friend.
When Claire's brother, Andrew, asks Rachel to keep an eye on Claire, it is the last thing either woman wants. But as their lives threaten to fall apart, both Claire and Rachel begin to realize what they need most is a friend. The kind of friend they once were to each other long ago and perhaps can be again…. if they can find the courage.
Previously published as Now and Then Friends by Berkley.
A lifetime of drifting in other people's currents has finally left Claire West high and dry. First it was her parents, then the popular crowd in school, and finally her fiancé. Now she's returned to Hartley-by-the-Sea to figure out her next steps as best as she can. But running into her old friend Rachel brings back memories of past mistakes, and Claire wonders if she now has the courage to make them right, especially when no one seems to think she has the strength… except maybe Dan, the surly post office master who becomes an unexpected friend.
When Claire's brother, Andrew, asks Rachel to keep an eye on Claire, it is the last thing either woman wants. But as their lives threaten to fall apart, both Claire and Rachel begin to realize what they need most is a friend. The kind of friend they once were to each other long ago and perhaps can be again…. if they can find the courage.
Previously published as Now and Then Friends by Berkley.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
About the author
Kate Hewitt
935 books1,781 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 10, 2026
The Post Office by the Sea
A beautiful story. Loved the characters and all their issues, and how their lives are woven in this small community. If you're looking for an feel good uplifting story, this is it. A must read, enjoy
A beautiful story. Loved the characters and all their issues, and how their lives are woven in this small community. If you're looking for an feel good uplifting story, this is it. A must read, enjoy
July 7, 2026
great sequel
The Lakeland Novels are heartwarming! I have read the first two so far. They are beautiful stories, each can stand on its own, so you can read them separately. Kate Hewitt is a great author!
The Lakeland Novels are heartwarming! I have read the first two so far. They are beautiful stories, each can stand on its own, so you can read them separately. Kate Hewitt is a great author!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews