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The Passions of Chelsea Kane: A Classic Romantic Suspense of Love, Danger, and One Woman's Search for Her Birth Parents
An enthralling and unforgettable story of a woman’s search for her past, The Passions of Chelsea Kane is a beloved classic from New York Times bestselling author Barbara Delinsky.
After the death of her beloved adoptive mother, thirty-six-year-old Chelsea Kane is consumed by the need to learn the truth about her birth parents. Taking a break from her successful architecture career, she arrives in the New Hampshire town where she was born, determined to find answers, her only clue a tarnished silver key that was bequeathed to her after her mother’s passing.
One of her first discoveries, however, is something quite unexpected: the irresistible Judd Street. Buoyed by love and resolution, Chelsea slowly begins to uncover the dark mystery of her past. But as she inches closer to the truth, she realizes that someone is trying to stop her, and will go to any lengths to prevent her from finding answers. The danger escalates until one terrifying night when all secrets are laid bare.
Full of danger, intrigue, and love, The Passions of Chelsea Kane is a riveting and heartfelt story that can only be told by master storyteller Barbara Delinsky.
After the death of her beloved adoptive mother, thirty-six-year-old Chelsea Kane is consumed by the need to learn the truth about her birth parents. Taking a break from her successful architecture career, she arrives in the New Hampshire town where she was born, determined to find answers, her only clue a tarnished silver key that was bequeathed to her after her mother’s passing.
One of her first discoveries, however, is something quite unexpected: the irresistible Judd Street. Buoyed by love and resolution, Chelsea slowly begins to uncover the dark mystery of her past. But as she inches closer to the truth, she realizes that someone is trying to stop her, and will go to any lengths to prevent her from finding answers. The danger escalates until one terrifying night when all secrets are laid bare.
Full of danger, intrigue, and love, The Passions of Chelsea Kane is a riveting and heartfelt story that can only be told by master storyteller Barbara Delinsky.
576 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2000
1158 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Delinsky
308 books4,357 followersI was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
July 1, 2009
This book is classic Barbara Delinsky book! It had a bit of mystery mixed in with human relationships and the complications of family. This was really a page turner for me and I was able to finish it really quickly. It is a romance fiction book with sexual situations and would not be suitable for teen readers. If you liked Suddenly and Together Alone I think you will really like this book.
October 18, 2012
I read this when it first came out and just re-read it. I find that I really like books that are old enough that the characters aren't using cell phones or computers. I think it means the author has to focus more on the content of the character's communicating with others, rather than how it is done. It seems to add depth to the story.
April 26, 2014
I loved this book. It is one of those i couldnt put down. Barbara Delinsky is on the top of my list as best authors right now.
March 8, 2012
This was a good book. Couln't put it down wondering what was going to happen next. Mystery with romance.
July 29, 2020
I tried, Sorry do not like to give a negative review but Just could not get into this book.
March 20, 2020
Enthrawling
I love the spunk of Chelsea. There is always something to hold ones interest. And what a fun surprise ending.
I love the spunk of Chelsea. There is always something to hold ones interest. And what a fun surprise ending.
January 4, 2022
This was my first book .I fell in love with it.it reminded me of my life at the end of the book. Absolutely love it.
July 17, 2018
When her adoptive mother dies Chelsea goes on a search for her birth mother. The search takes architect Chelsea to a small New Hampshire town where they mine granite. Through a series of adventures and misadventures she discovers many things about herself. A delightful story.
April 30, 2022
I loved this book! Love the mystery and everything about it!
February 7, 2022
Barbara Delinsky has come a long way since this early romance. Chelsea's relationship with Carl was just too unbelievable and, in the end, unnecessary. For two 37-year-old people who have known each other since they were toddlers to, finally, NOW, decide to see if they are sexually compatible, would just not happen. And why would Abby's death encourage this? Chelsea could have decided she wanted a baby, gotten pregnant by a current boyfriend, and still had a friend relationship with Carl that frustrated Kevin. The rest of the novel is also unbelievable in parts, but that's to be expected in a romance. But sex with Carl? Nope.
September 24, 2019
This book needed more editing. It was a good story that would have been so much better with a lot of editing. We were led down paths that were never finished, incidents introduced briefly then never resolved, and descriptive paragraphs that went on and on for no real reason. It was frustrating.
July 21, 2010
I read this last year and remember loving it but I forget the plot.....hmmm guess i will have to read it again.
September 30, 2011
I generally like her books and fell in love with some of the secondary characters. That's a good sign. This was an engaging read.
July 8, 2018
A successful architect raised by well off adoptive parents seeks her biological parents in a small town. However, there are those who don't want this secret to come to light.
August 13, 2019
This is one of my all time favorite books. I think I read this 3 times and still have it on my shelf so I can read again.
January 10, 2020
A bit predictable, but sometimes you need one of those to offset the uncertainty in this world.
November 24, 2025
This was a reread for me. I read "The Passions of Chelsea Kane" when my now 37 year old first child was in kindergarten. I remember another mom I had just met telling me how much she loved it when a group of us were in the parking lot, awaiting pick up of our little munchkins one day after school. A group of us became friends and shared books, because--of course-- my friendships often begin with finding out someone else loves to read as much as I do. Anyway, this woman and I discovered a mutual love of the works of Barbara Delinsky. I recall loving the book, raving about it, telling another friend it was a must read, but all these years later, I did not remember the plot. A lot has happened since 1993, and a large number of books have been read, but how I felt about book always stays with me, even if the storyline does not.
Most of the time, when I reread a book (which is a rare thing for me to do), I love it just as much as I did originally. Once in a while, though, not so much. "Crossing to Safety," by Wallace Stegnor is an example of the later. I am not sure about "The Passions of Chelsea Kane" because while listening to the Afterward--I did the audiobook this time, which was not an option in 1993, it was revealed that the audiobook was abridged. I was furious about that. I have never read an abridged book. I have read excerpts of books, back when I was reading magazines, and would then read the actual book if I liked what I had read, but an abridged version? Horrors! Never. Knowing this, though, helps me understand why I felt something was missing, that not all the plotting seemed right. At times, I felt lost, as if I had missed something, but now I know I had not...but the abridged version had left out important things which would have made the book feel full and finished. I was disappointed. It is well written. I cared about Chelsea Kane and her quest to find out the truth about the birthmother she never knew. I was confused about the men she knew and loved and how things turned out. I was confused about why someone was trying to prevent her from learning the truth that was hers to know. There is an underlying and tragic mystery t the book. If you are going to read it, and remember, I loved it as an actual unabridged book, I suggest you read the original and do not be mislead that an audiobook might be the complete story. I think that had I done that, I would be giving it 5 stars again, but I am so annoyed by what happened, and by the fact that I knew something seemed off, that I lowered my rating to 4 stars. I wish I still had my original copy of the book. I can picture its cover and how it felt in my hands, but it is long, LONG, gone, thus I turned to the audiobook I saw was available on Hoopla. I feel strongly that it should have been labeled abridged. I would not have spent a day listening to it. It was not shorter than many other NON-abridged books, so there was no hint to me that it was not the entire text. Other apps do state, upfront, if a book is abridged, and I do not give them a 2nd glance. Good book, but read it as written!
Most of the time, when I reread a book (which is a rare thing for me to do), I love it just as much as I did originally. Once in a while, though, not so much. "Crossing to Safety," by Wallace Stegnor is an example of the later. I am not sure about "The Passions of Chelsea Kane" because while listening to the Afterward--I did the audiobook this time, which was not an option in 1993, it was revealed that the audiobook was abridged. I was furious about that. I have never read an abridged book. I have read excerpts of books, back when I was reading magazines, and would then read the actual book if I liked what I had read, but an abridged version? Horrors! Never. Knowing this, though, helps me understand why I felt something was missing, that not all the plotting seemed right. At times, I felt lost, as if I had missed something, but now I know I had not...but the abridged version had left out important things which would have made the book feel full and finished. I was disappointed. It is well written. I cared about Chelsea Kane and her quest to find out the truth about the birthmother she never knew. I was confused about the men she knew and loved and how things turned out. I was confused about why someone was trying to prevent her from learning the truth that was hers to know. There is an underlying and tragic mystery t the book. If you are going to read it, and remember, I loved it as an actual unabridged book, I suggest you read the original and do not be mislead that an audiobook might be the complete story. I think that had I done that, I would be giving it 5 stars again, but I am so annoyed by what happened, and by the fact that I knew something seemed off, that I lowered my rating to 4 stars. I wish I still had my original copy of the book. I can picture its cover and how it felt in my hands, but it is long, LONG, gone, thus I turned to the audiobook I saw was available on Hoopla. I feel strongly that it should have been labeled abridged. I would not have spent a day listening to it. It was not shorter than many other NON-abridged books, so there was no hint to me that it was not the entire text. Other apps do state, upfront, if a book is abridged, and I do not give them a 2nd glance. Good book, but read it as written!
March 28, 2023
An incidental pickup at my local library, this book nearly became a DNF several times during my reading of it. I hadn’t read anything by this author in 20 yrs or more and I soon discovered why. A cliched love story based on sexual attraction between two “perfect” bodies followed by explicit descriptions of their “ simultaneous orgasms” just isn’t my jam. The story line aside from that was just okay, but compelling enough that I wanted to see how it ended, but after all that, there was a big eye roll and” why the heck did I waste my time on THAT?” A super inflated and LONG harlequin-esque junk novel. Why 2 ⭐️ instead of none? The descriptions of the New Hampshire countryside and the small town and the granite quarry where the novel was set was appealing to me in a Norman Rockwell sort of way, so likely that kept me ( speed) reading . Or “skimming”as it were.
July 27, 2022
Unlike most books, this one lent itself to being read a little at a time. Most of the characters were so unlikable, I had no problem reading a few pages and putting it down.
I did want Chelsea to be happy, but even she was kind of a strangely stubborn pain in the ass. And most of the characters in the small town were so petty and small-minded, they were almost cartoon villains.
It feels like this author went on a massive Days of Our Lives binge before writing this, with the over-the-top dramatic events. I kept expecting Stephano to pop up or something. It got a little ridiculous.
Still, it was a fun read. As long as the library has more books by this author, you’ll find me reading more books by this author.
I did want Chelsea to be happy, but even she was kind of a strangely stubborn pain in the ass. And most of the characters in the small town were so petty and small-minded, they were almost cartoon villains.
It feels like this author went on a massive Days of Our Lives binge before writing this, with the over-the-top dramatic events. I kept expecting Stephano to pop up or something. It got a little ridiculous.
Still, it was a fun read. As long as the library has more books by this author, you’ll find me reading more books by this author.
January 14, 2026
I read this book pretty quickly, not because it was riveting, but because I wanted to get it over with. I figured out who Chelsea‘s biological family was the minute she got to Norwich North; predictable the whole way through. I have enjoyed previous Barbara Delinsky books and hoped this would have a less formulaic ending. I also think the title is cringe.😬 I will be taking it to the Goodwill instead of our books swap at work, because I’m embarrassed about that title.🫣
I will say, in this technology driven world, it’s nice to read a book that doesn’t rely on cell phones, GPS, and DNA. This is back in the good old days when villains cut phone wires.
I will say, in this technology driven world, it’s nice to read a book that doesn’t rely on cell phones, GPS, and DNA. This is back in the good old days when villains cut phone wires.
July 21, 2018
I listened to this on audio. The narrator did a pretty good job, but nothing outstanding. Unfortunately, I didn't realized this was an abridged version. Even though the story is there, I felt I missed a few details that would have made the story better. Plus there were a few long pulses in the audio at times. This was originally published in 1992 and it shows. Chelsea is strong willed and I liked her determination. I liked Judd also, but didn't feel the connection with any of the characters. Make sure you read the unabridged version.
September 28, 2019
Wow!
This is the best book I have read in a long time. I LOVED the story. The longing for your birth parents, the mystery of your family. The strange things happening to Chelsea and her home. The desire to have her adopted fathers approval. Trying to make a great friendship into a romantic relationship. Keeping quite about a baby, not wanting hurt others. But keeping the baby safe, LOVED and wanted. I enjoyed the Judd, Hunter, Leo story too. It is a wonderful love story too.
This is the best book I have read in a long time. I LOVED the story. The longing for your birth parents, the mystery of your family. The strange things happening to Chelsea and her home. The desire to have her adopted fathers approval. Trying to make a great friendship into a romantic relationship. Keeping quite about a baby, not wanting hurt others. But keeping the baby safe, LOVED and wanted. I enjoyed the Judd, Hunter, Leo story too. It is a wonderful love story too.
May 2, 2024
This is the 2nd book by Barbara Delinsky that I've read, and much like the 1st, there was so much unimportant fluff. With Chelsea's first meeting with Oliver, I knew he was her father. With her inexplicably drawn to Hunter, I knew he was her brother. 564 pages for the big action to happen within the last 15.
It was a good story, don't get me wrong, but it could have been half the length, and still been just as good.
It was a good story, don't get me wrong, but it could have been half the length, and still been just as good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
When I saw a recommendation for this book I didn’t realize it was over 30 years old. I got the hard copy of the book and good thing I’m not far sighted because the font is very small. I didn’t know if I was actually going to finish this book but it started to pick up momentum and I really enjoyed the character of Chelsea Kane. A lot of the story was predictable but I still enjoyed it and liked the ending as well.
February 28, 2025
What a delightful surprise this turned out to be! Unable to sleep, I decided to search for an audiobook to help me drift off. Fast forward to 2 AM, and I’ve just finished listening. This is truly the best romantic suspense novel I’ve encountered in a long while. The characters are incredibly well-crafted and relatable, the plot unfolds seamlessly and at an engaging pace, and the writing is exceptionally refined.
April 3, 2019
One word: Predictable
One reminder: Never. Ever. Listen to an abridged book. That wasn't the overarching problem, just a side annoyance.
Predictable characters, plots, and subplots. I had the whole thing mapped out within the first 30 minutes. At least it kept me entertained in the car, as I rolled my eyes at the tired plot twists.
One reminder: Never. Ever. Listen to an abridged book. That wasn't the overarching problem, just a side annoyance.
Predictable characters, plots, and subplots. I had the whole thing mapped out within the first 30 minutes. At least it kept me entertained in the car, as I rolled my eyes at the tired plot twists.
June 15, 2019
A decent Beach Read, and would prefer to give it 3.5 Stars.
A bit slow to get going, and the reader easily can figure out the secrets long before the main character does.
Still, a fairly interesting plot, lots of romance, and lots of possibilities as to who the true "bad guy" is to keep one guessing!
A bit slow to get going, and the reader easily can figure out the secrets long before the main character does.
Still, a fairly interesting plot, lots of romance, and lots of possibilities as to who the true "bad guy" is to keep one guessing!
October 2, 2019
Delightful
I have been binge reading Barbara Delinsky’s books but didn’t expect to love this as much. It kept me up until 2am last night and I couldn’t wait until I had time to finish it this evening. I think you will catch the spark as well and thoroughly enjoy this wonderful story every bit as much as I.
I have been binge reading Barbara Delinsky’s books but didn’t expect to love this as much. It kept me up until 2am last night and I couldn’t wait until I had time to finish it this evening. I think you will catch the spark as well and thoroughly enjoy this wonderful story every bit as much as I.
January 31, 2020
This is the best Romantic Suspense novel I have read in quite some time. The characters are exceptionally well-developed and sympathetic; the plot flows smoothly and at a good pace; and the writing is polished to a shine. I highlighted a number of passages just for the beauty/preciseness of the wording.
March 5, 2020
Great combination of good (and bad) people, intrigue and romance.
This is a story you can escape into. You will be transported to a place you can imagine, meet people you will care about, and you will want to know how it all ends. I just sent a copy to a sister that needs distraction right now. Not too heavy, not too light, just right.
This is a story you can escape into. You will be transported to a place you can imagine, meet people you will care about, and you will want to know how it all ends. I just sent a copy to a sister that needs distraction right now. Not too heavy, not too light, just right.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews