How do you brave the shore when what's beyond it holds more questions than the deepest ocean?
Chelsea Beckett thinks she's finally got her life together. Officially divorced for months, she's settling into being a single mom to her adorable five-year-old and balancing running The Salty Cupcake Mermaid Bakery Café, her other pride and joy.
Despite looking like a mirror image, Jocelyn Bloom couldn't be more different than her twin Chelsea. Her popular travel blog turned into her own TV show, and she spends her days planning her next adventure. India, France, Chile, Germany . . . she's touched the earth in many parts of the world, constantly running from one city to another, but always staying close with her sister.
When these two women reunite for their much anticipated celebration of their 35th birthday, though, an accident upends their worlds. Afterward, Chelsea must navigate memory loss as she struggles to regain her footing, while watching Jocelyn go through her own tough recovery. But Chelsea soon discovers that her life is more complicated than she thought, especially when unexpected sparks fly in the relationship department.
As her past surrounds her-and a mysterious friend shows up to give advice-she must determine how to continue on her life path . . . if she even wants to. Will Chelsea attempt to reignite an old flame? Or does she need to brave another shore to discover where she belongs?
Working with the themes of returning home, self-discovery, relationships, and love, this novel features a female protagonist and has a tone similar to Barbara O'Neal's When we Believed in Mermaids.
"Cori Wamsley writes an intriguing story, one she has artfully woven with the unbreakable bonds of sisterly love and the infinite connection to the spiritual realm." J.D. Wylde, Author
"Chelsea's journey of perseverance at all costs was inspiring. As a mom to two young girls, seeing the strength of her relationship with Jocelyn struck a personal chord. Braving the Shore demonstrates how overcoming great challenges and discovering your life's path is all the more meaningful when it's done alongside those you love." Kimber Wood, Book Blogger
"Cori Wamsley sparks intrigue in her newest novel Braving the Shore by bringing reality and the ethereal together to find balance in the chaos for the lives of twins Chelsea and Jocelyn. She is a brilliant and colorfully descriptive author." Sue E. Fattibene, Life Coach, Author, Inspirational Speaker
"Braving the Shore is a delightful story that shows us how important it is to listen, remember who we are, and make brave choices. It will be a great book for anyone needing a sweet, little nudge to be courageous, receive support, and claim who they are." Gabrielle Smith Noye
Cori Wamsley is a sweet romance author, writing coach, and publishing consultant who specializes in emotional arc storytelling and character driven fiction. Her novels explore identity, healing, and the courage it takes to begin again, blending heartfelt relationships with themes of personal transformation.
As the founder of Aurora Corialis Publishing, she helps authors develop clear, compelling narratives and build sustainable writing careers. With a background in editing, coaching, and small press publishing, Cori brings a holistic understanding of both craft and industry to her work. She is the author of Ashes and Other Inheritances, the upcoming Exactly What It Looks Like, and several earlier titles.
Cori lives in Pennsylvania with her family, where she continues to write stories that invite readers into emotional clarity, hope, and connection.
Connect with Cori at www.coriwamsley.com or on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
I picked up Braving the Shore at a book event, and I’m so glad I did! This women’s fiction title was the perfect novel to read by the pool this summer.
The story drew me in like a puzzle with a winding series of questions and unknowns. The answers unfolded one by one. A conundrum raised by the book: without memory, what is identity, and what are relationships?
For anyone who has had a life altering injury, you’ll find the themes well represented here. The Universe sure shakes things up!
Lots of symbolism, a love triangle, and baked goods sweeten the deal. Book club questions at the end are a great bonus!
Braving the Shore by Cori Wamsley is an emotionally rich and beautifully written novel that explores the unbreakable bond between twin sisters Chelsea Beckett and Jocelyn Bloom. While Chelsea is a single mom managing a bakery, Jocelyn lives a life of adventure as a travel blogger. When an accident shakes their world, both women must navigate unexpected challenges, from memory loss to personal revelations, all while discovering what truly matters in life.
Wamsley masterfully blends reality with the ethereal, creating a story that is both grounded and spiritually intriguing. The dynamic between the sisters, filled with love, conflict, and growth, is at the heart of this captivating tale. As Chelsea and Jocelyn face their struggles, they embark on journeys of self-discovery, with surprising twists and emotional depth that keep you turning the pages.
With vivid descriptions and relatable characters, Braving the Shore is a heartfelt exploration of life, love, and the paths we choose. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about family, personal growth, and finding balance in life. Highly recommended!