What do you think?
Rate this book
Hideaway Isle #1
The Sisters of Kestrel Cay
A terrible accident, a sister's betrayal, and the bonds that keep families together against all odds.
***COMPLETED SERIES***
The last time Margot Callaway saw her sister, Lottie, the girl was twelve and clinging to their blood-covered mother over the asphalt in a gas station parking lot.
Reeling and in shock, Margot fled her home state of Florida, choosing a path that would take her far away from the pain. She left everything behind, including Lottie. Now, seven years later, mysterious happenings on the island lead Margot to the realization that she must return home and face the ghosts of their shared past.
Will Margot and Lottie have what it takes to protect each other? Can Lottie forgive Margot for running away?
The Sisters of Kestrel Cay is a gorgeously gripping, deep and suspense-filled novel that explores the bonds of sisterhood, the bounds of duty, and the power of forgiveness. It’s the first book in the Hideaway Isle series and the perfect beach read.
***COMPLETED SERIES***
The last time Margot Callaway saw her sister, Lottie, the girl was twelve and clinging to their blood-covered mother over the asphalt in a gas station parking lot.
Reeling and in shock, Margot fled her home state of Florida, choosing a path that would take her far away from the pain. She left everything behind, including Lottie. Now, seven years later, mysterious happenings on the island lead Margot to the realization that she must return home and face the ghosts of their shared past.
Will Margot and Lottie have what it takes to protect each other? Can Lottie forgive Margot for running away?
The Sisters of Kestrel Cay is a gorgeously gripping, deep and suspense-filled novel that explores the bonds of sisterhood, the bounds of duty, and the power of forgiveness. It’s the first book in the Hideaway Isle series and the perfect beach read.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
693 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Utt
40 books152 followersKelly Utt writes novels about life, love, and the choices that shape our destinies. The stakes are high. The emotions run deep.
Kelly was raised by a dad who would read a book, ask her to read it, too, and then insist they discuss it together, igniting her passion for life's big questions. That passion is often reflected in her novels, giving them a depth which leaves readers wanting more and thinking about her stories long after the last lines are read.
Her earlier works—like the Rosemary Run, Hideaway Isle, and Appleman's Gap series—focus on family secrets, suspense, and psychological twists. Her newest novels, including Sierra Oscar Sierra and What’s Left to Burn, delve into cosmic love stories with high-stakes romance.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys travel, great books, and good food, along with movies, music, and social media. She is a founding author of My Book Friends, a vibrant reader community dedicated to connecting authors and book lovers. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and sons.
For free books, updates, and other bonuses, sign up for her newsletter at kellyutt.com.
Kelly was raised by a dad who would read a book, ask her to read it, too, and then insist they discuss it together, igniting her passion for life's big questions. That passion is often reflected in her novels, giving them a depth which leaves readers wanting more and thinking about her stories long after the last lines are read.
Her earlier works—like the Rosemary Run, Hideaway Isle, and Appleman's Gap series—focus on family secrets, suspense, and psychological twists. Her newest novels, including Sierra Oscar Sierra and What’s Left to Burn, delve into cosmic love stories with high-stakes romance.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys travel, great books, and good food, along with movies, music, and social media. She is a founding author of My Book Friends, a vibrant reader community dedicated to connecting authors and book lovers. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and sons.
For free books, updates, and other bonuses, sign up for her newsletter at kellyutt.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Read
November 6, 2020I give this book no stars. The only reason I kept reading was to see if it would improve.
I like books where the lead character is female and strong, independent, smart.
Margot has been in the Navy for seven years. She is a pilot. You don’t get that far without being smart, practically fearless, decisive. She showed so much weakness, and all of a sudden, at the end, she becomes this big hero! Really?
Don’t waste your time on this book, or the sequels. I can’t imagine they would be any better.
I like books where the lead character is female and strong, independent, smart.
Margot has been in the Navy for seven years. She is a pilot. You don’t get that far without being smart, practically fearless, decisive. She showed so much weakness, and all of a sudden, at the end, she becomes this big hero! Really?
Don’t waste your time on this book, or the sequels. I can’t imagine they would be any better.
April 4, 2021
I hate to give 1 star but I couldn’t get through this book. It was just too hokey for me.
Too much coincidence and the “love at first sight” story line was nauseating.
Too much coincidence and the “love at first sight” story line was nauseating.
August 2, 2020
The Sisters of Kestrel Cay by Kelly Utt is a wonderful story that I have read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about suspense and thrillers in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2021
Fast-paced. Riveting. Emotional. Suspenseful. This book brings it ALL! It was an artful melding of heart-pounding thrills and nail-biting suspense.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
August 2, 2020
This is a great book that seemed to go by too quickly. It packs a powerful lot of action and emotion between its covers. Margot and Lottie are the sisters, and the book covers how they reconnect after the shocking death of their mother causes Margot to run away. Kestrel Cay is a little slice of paradise off the coast of Florida. The author manages to create good mental images of the island with very few words. The story is great, the interactions between the characters are very realistic, and the book is emotional grabbing. I was really enjoying the reading when the book came to an end. I will look forward to reading more about the sisters in the next book.
July 6, 2022
I usually procrastinate on starting a new book because it means lost sleep and reading until the sun comes up until I finish. Not the case with this book. Quite the opposite I had to force myself to make time to read it. I found the main character dull and unlikable. The plot full of too many eye roll moments and basically zero development of anything. I downloaded the free book expecting to be enticed to pay for the rest of the series but after this one I have no desire to read any. Maybe this is better suited for YA?
March 13, 2022
Much of this book was engaging. Some of it was unbelievable. The premise of the story was sometimes difficult to understand. The main character, Margot, was easy to like. Her story was both sad and encouraging. The violence in the story was surprising. The romance was great to witness. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
October 14, 2021
Nice quick paced action, romance story
A emergency flight home after years away, plunges Margot into a soap opera. A surprise brother, murdered grandfather estranged sister, an instant attractive lover, and fighting to keep everyone alive. While trying to figure out why someone is after them, and who it is.
A emergency flight home after years away, plunges Margot into a soap opera. A surprise brother, murdered grandfather estranged sister, an instant attractive lover, and fighting to keep everyone alive. While trying to figure out why someone is after them, and who it is.
July 26, 2021
The Sisters of Kestrel Cay - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Margot Callaway is a Naval Flight Officer located in Whidbey Island Naval Base, 3,000 miles away from her former Hideaway Isle home, left 7 years earlier.
Summoned home by a phone call from her 'Pop', what happens back in Kestrel Cay?
Where's Margot's estranged younger sister, Lottie?
Who is Rags Bertram?
What do he and Margot have in common?
A series of tragic, dangerous and terrifying events sees one family member and two police officers murdered, home invasions, the discovery of a brother, another grandfather and a reconciliation between family members, their lovers and much more, take place at breakneck speed, in Kelly Utt's The Sisters of Kestrel Cay, Hideaway Isle #3.
Prepare to read all night as it's a non-stop action thriller you won't be able to put down.
Highly recommended to fans of psychological- thrillers, or family sagas of loved ones, given a second chance at reuniting, after wasted years apart following a tragedy!
Margot Callaway is a Naval Flight Officer located in Whidbey Island Naval Base, 3,000 miles away from her former Hideaway Isle home, left 7 years earlier.
Summoned home by a phone call from her 'Pop', what happens back in Kestrel Cay?
Where's Margot's estranged younger sister, Lottie?
Who is Rags Bertram?
What do he and Margot have in common?
A series of tragic, dangerous and terrifying events sees one family member and two police officers murdered, home invasions, the discovery of a brother, another grandfather and a reconciliation between family members, their lovers and much more, take place at breakneck speed, in Kelly Utt's The Sisters of Kestrel Cay, Hideaway Isle #3.
Prepare to read all night as it's a non-stop action thriller you won't be able to put down.
Highly recommended to fans of psychological- thrillers, or family sagas of loved ones, given a second chance at reuniting, after wasted years apart following a tragedy!
April 29, 2021
Even though I enjoyed this Mystery, and fast paced action, I found the new family relationships and romance a bit hard to believe. Everything happened sooo quickly. Having said that, I am still looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I have received this book free of charge and give my review freely. Thanks Kelly.
I have received this book free of charge and give my review freely. Thanks Kelly.
April 24, 2021
Very intense -
I love how you described the island and the mystery of all the things that the sisters,had know ideal of.Full of excitement, murder and spontaneous romance. I couldn't put it down,until I finished the book. Can't wait to see how everyone gets on with their lives and their new family members.
I love how you described the island and the mystery of all the things that the sisters,had know ideal of.Full of excitement, murder and spontaneous romance. I couldn't put it down,until I finished the book. Can't wait to see how everyone gets on with their lives and their new family members.
April 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, I can’t wait for the rest of the series to be released!
February 27, 2021
This was a very interesting, entertaining book. There was a lot going on with a lot of unknowns and secrets. The characters were well written and very life like. You could easily relate to each of them. In this book #1, it starts with Margot Callaway and her life in the Navy living in Washington state. She receives a call from her grandfather that makes her go back to Florida where she left years ago and not looking forward to returning. Her grandfather said that Margot’s sister, Lottie, has gotten herself in trouble and Margot might be the one to help her. Little did Margot realize all that would happen with her returning. She has her friend pick her up at the airport with a man named Puck, who says he’s her brother she never knew she had. Then she meets a man, Rags, who is a dream come true. He treats her like gold (sometimes seems a little far fetch) and makes her very happy even with all the other things going on around her. Going back home brings back all the memories of losing her parents. Then her grandfather is killed right in front of them and they have no idea who or why. Now it’s time for Rags to protect Margot from the unknown, and for her to find her sister, deal with someone who claims to be her brother and be happy with the new man, Rags. Great story and I look forward to reading nore by the author.
September 6, 2021
Troubled
Margo has a troubled mind. She has to come to terms with her little sister. Enter a good looking stranger, murders and more family than she knew about. Enjoyed this book can’t wait to read the next in the series. Oh and the hint of sex but, not all the details yeah.
Margo has a troubled mind. She has to come to terms with her little sister. Enter a good looking stranger, murders and more family than she knew about. Enjoyed this book can’t wait to read the next in the series. Oh and the hint of sex but, not all the details yeah.
April 2, 2021
Wow
Brilliant, Awesome, very very interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Sisters of Kestrel Cay is simply irresistible. Margot is a Naval Flight Officer in Washington. She receives a call from her grandfather when is at work. It has been several years since she moved out from Hideaway Isle in South Florida and gets estranged from her kid sister Lottie. She promises to call him later and contacts her friend Chevelle Mooney. The latter asks her to go through Lottie's Facebook. Margot is shocked to learn that her sister is a tour boat owner and responsible for a tragedy killing fifteen onboard. When she flies back home, her friend Chevelle has another surprise for her. She meets Punk Reed who reveals that he is her half-brother and that they were born to the same mother. She has more shocking revelations after witnessing her grandfather's death. Someone is out to wipe out her family. Who is the culprit? Margot's new boyfriend, Rags, leaves no stone unturned to protect her and her sister who reunite under awkward circumstances. I would certainly recommend this book for reading. Great job!
Brilliant, Awesome, very very interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Sisters of Kestrel Cay is simply irresistible. Margot is a Naval Flight Officer in Washington. She receives a call from her grandfather when is at work. It has been several years since she moved out from Hideaway Isle in South Florida and gets estranged from her kid sister Lottie. She promises to call him later and contacts her friend Chevelle Mooney. The latter asks her to go through Lottie's Facebook. Margot is shocked to learn that her sister is a tour boat owner and responsible for a tragedy killing fifteen onboard. When she flies back home, her friend Chevelle has another surprise for her. She meets Punk Reed who reveals that he is her half-brother and that they were born to the same mother. She has more shocking revelations after witnessing her grandfather's death. Someone is out to wipe out her family. Who is the culprit? Margot's new boyfriend, Rags, leaves no stone unturned to protect her and her sister who reunite under awkward circumstances. I would certainly recommend this book for reading. Great job!
February 26, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story. When Margot & Lottie's mother was killed, Margot felt like she had to leave the island. She couldn't help herself and didn't know how to help her sister.
She left Lottie in the care of Granpa Vern and joined the Navy.
The first part of the book introduces the characters. After that Margot receives a call from Grandpa Vern to come home, he needs her help. She hasn't been home in 7 years. It seems Lottie is in a lot of trouble because something really bad has happened. He doesn't go into detail. She packs and is on the red eye flight home.
This story is filled with emotion, suspense, murder, romance, mystery, something that happened in the past is affecting the present day family. What could it be?
Can Lottie get over the hurt she felt when Margot ran off?
Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well thought out and well constructed. The story is well written. Great start to a new series.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review.
My opinion is entirely my own.
She left Lottie in the care of Granpa Vern and joined the Navy.
The first part of the book introduces the characters. After that Margot receives a call from Grandpa Vern to come home, he needs her help. She hasn't been home in 7 years. It seems Lottie is in a lot of trouble because something really bad has happened. He doesn't go into detail. She packs and is on the red eye flight home.
This story is filled with emotion, suspense, murder, romance, mystery, something that happened in the past is affecting the present day family. What could it be?
Can Lottie get over the hurt she felt when Margot ran off?
Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well thought out and well constructed. The story is well written. Great start to a new series.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review.
My opinion is entirely my own.
August 15, 2020
SISTERS OF KESTREL CAY by Kelly Utt is an excellent start to the new Summer Isle series. There is a well written storyline and well developed characters. You'll non-stop action, murder, suspense, mystery and romance.
The Callaway family seems to have a lot of bad luck. Margot and Lotte's father died when they were very young. Then seven years later their mother was killed in front of them, leaving Margot 19 and Lottie 12 years old and both deeply traumatised. Margo left Lottie with their grandfather and eventually joined the Navy. Now seven years later she's returned home for another family emergency and finds more than she expected - someone wants something from her family and they are more than willing to kill for it. A great storyline with a heart pounding conclusion.
Received a copy from the author. The above is my honest and voluntary review.
The Callaway family seems to have a lot of bad luck. Margot and Lotte's father died when they were very young. Then seven years later their mother was killed in front of them, leaving Margot 19 and Lottie 12 years old and both deeply traumatised. Margo left Lottie with their grandfather and eventually joined the Navy. Now seven years later she's returned home for another family emergency and finds more than she expected - someone wants something from her family and they are more than willing to kill for it. A great storyline with a heart pounding conclusion.
Received a copy from the author. The above is my honest and voluntary review.
August 3, 2020
A well written romantic suspense story that explores family relationships and the secrets they keep from each other. It also explores how those secrets impact different generations.
Margot left the island in Florida that was her home, when her mother was killed in a car accident. She has never gone back, until now. Her sister Lottie is in trouble because of a business she owns and Grandpa Vern needs her help. On the morning of her arrival Grandpa Vern is shot and killed for no explicable reason. Margot is on the run with a sexy former Navy seal assuming the shooting was tied to the trouble at Lotties company. But is it?
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Margot left the island in Florida that was her home, when her mother was killed in a car accident. She has never gone back, until now. Her sister Lottie is in trouble because of a business she owns and Grandpa Vern needs her help. On the morning of her arrival Grandpa Vern is shot and killed for no explicable reason. Margot is on the run with a sexy former Navy seal assuming the shooting was tied to the trouble at Lotties company. But is it?
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Read
February 26, 2021The Sisters of Kestrel Cay (Hideaway Isle, #1), my second read from author Kelly Utt, an author I'd wanted to read for some time now. After reading The Boy on Sunset and Main (Hideaway Isle #0.5, I had to read this book. )December seemed to be my month for new authors, January continued the trend, and now February. A well-written, pulse-pounding, entertaining romantic suspense read, with intriguing, well-developed characters that leaves you panting for more. As in my first read a bit slow to start but when it took off I couldn't turn pages fast enough. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I look forward to reading more from this author and in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 1, 2021
Author, Kelly Utt’s prequel, The Boy on Sunset and Main left me wanting to know more about this interesting character with a strange name, Puck.
Book 1, Sisters of Kestrel Cay, had to answer my many questions. It definitely did!
Slow start, but Ms. Utt’s descriptive writing style kept pages turning as the past, a mother’s way of life, a father’s tragic accident, sisters torn apart and the present, an unexpected murder, sisters reunited and more collide.
Puck is a part of the past and present in this great goodread. Entertaining new series, must start with the prequel. Received this for an honest review.
Book 1, Sisters of Kestrel Cay, had to answer my many questions. It definitely did!
Slow start, but Ms. Utt’s descriptive writing style kept pages turning as the past, a mother’s way of life, a father’s tragic accident, sisters torn apart and the present, an unexpected murder, sisters reunited and more collide.
Puck is a part of the past and present in this great goodread. Entertaining new series, must start with the prequel. Received this for an honest review.
March 11, 2021
I received a copy of the book in return for my honest review. Margot is living her life as she has planned on the west coast, when she gets a call from her grandfather. Her little sister Lottie is in trouble and Margot needs to come back to town. Margot left due to all the heartache there and going back brings it all back up. This story seems to have a little too much going on and I found the main character hard to connect with. There is definitely action and adventure in the book so if you like those types of books, keep reading. This story continues in future books.
July 29, 2020
The Sisters of Kestrel Cay is the first book in The Summer Isle series and is a great start to this new series.
This book is intriguing and kept my interest from beginning to end with estranged sisters reunited, danger, family, suspense, love, murder, mystery, and romance. I am looking forward to reading more books in this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is intriguing and kept my interest from beginning to end with estranged sisters reunited, danger, family, suspense, love, murder, mystery, and romance. I am looking forward to reading more books in this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2020
It’s Summer Time
You think summer’s over? Not yet it isn’t! Not until you’ve read The Sisters of Kestrel Cay. It’s the beach read you’ve been waiting for. Dip your toes in the sand and come along for the ride. Join Margot on her quest for peace in the family and peace with her past. It’s an exciting, page-turning adventure that reconnects a family separated by time and distance. As the sun dips below the water in a beautiful setting, you won’t be sorry you read this one!
You think summer’s over? Not yet it isn’t! Not until you’ve read The Sisters of Kestrel Cay. It’s the beach read you’ve been waiting for. Dip your toes in the sand and come along for the ride. Join Margot on her quest for peace in the family and peace with her past. It’s an exciting, page-turning adventure that reconnects a family separated by time and distance. As the sun dips below the water in a beautiful setting, you won’t be sorry you read this one!
August 21, 2020
An invigorating action packed detailed tale of how a family come back together in an hour of need, after such a terrible tragedy giving the book itself a sense of the realistic events that happen everyday.
A must read
My full review is on my blog https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A must read
My full review is on my blog https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
January 15, 2025This book includes a life touching on feelings of abandonment by more than one parent, living with the confusion of one’s sexuality and the bullying of others and yet full acceptance by many. Thrown into the mix is mystery, suspense, psychic abilities and predictions. Kelly Utt leaves no time for boredom to set in. I love a good recipe, and I’m not talking about food. It takes an excellent recipe for a book to be good enough to read. This book was made from an great recipe!
July 26, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Kelly Utt; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2020
Great start to a new series. Thoroughly enjoyed this story of two sisters, estranged and now the older sister goes back home to help. This story has it all; family, love, intrigue, good guys and bad guys, murder, mystery and a Navy Seal named Rags who is awesome. I'm looking forward to more stories with these characters in The Summer Isle series.
August 2, 2020
An excellent start to the new Summer Isle series. Well written with a good storyline and well developed realistic characters. Contains non-stop action, murder, suspense, mystery, and some romance. A very enjoyable book that turned into a one day read. Highly recommended.
Received and ARC from the author for this voluntary review.
Received and ARC from the author for this voluntary review.
August 3, 2020
A mother's death tears two sisters apart. Margot moves from Florida to Washington. When she hears of a tour boat accident and the owner is her sister Lottie. Margot returns to Florida to help her grandfather. A murder and someone is after the family. A really good story line and a heart pounding conclusion.
Read
February 25, 2021This is a great book for a weekend read! It is a fast moving book that still manages to creat empathy between the readers and the characters in it. It kept me interested from beginning to the end. The story ends with an interesting slide right into the next book in the series. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews