Review of 'Falling For You at Kelsea Sands' by Sharon Booth
Release date: June 20th, 2026
Publisher: Boldwood Books
REVIEW
I would never want to miss out on a Sharon Booth novel as her stories always give me lots to think about, make me laugh, cry and smile. They are sometimes whimsical and magical, other times intense and moving—especially when it comes to human behaviour. But they are always warm and wonderful. And Falling For You at Kelsea Sands is a strong relationship story of personal growth and revelation. It caught me from page one and I became deeply immersed in Jenna’s life story: a story about self-discovery, of eyes being opened, habits unveiling— so the light of reality can slip in and expose destructive patterns.
We get to revisit some of the fabulous characters from the first book of the series. Although you can read this novel by itself, it is helpful to have a knowledge of what happened in the previous book with Jenna, since we delve deeper into her relationship with her husband. We learn more about what she has had to contend with, so her previous actions become understandable. If there ever was a worst husband and father of the year award, Joel would win hands down. We see how self-centred and immature he is. And how incapable he is in these roles. His background and insecurities may have shaped him into the person he is but even so, if he could have grown and learned from his experiences, we might have felt a bit of sympathy for him. But it seems it is beyond his reach.
Now Sam is the complete opposite. He is warm, kind, considerate, dedicated and trustworthy. Everyone loves him and he puts others’ needs ahead of his own. When he meets Jenna, he is taken with her from the start. His protective instincts kick in and he is stirred in a way he has never experienced before. These two start as friends but could they be more? Jenna is still dealing with her emotional connection to her husband Joel and the hurt he has caused her. He has just walked out on her again. She has tried to be patient and forgiving but this time may be the last straw. I appreciated the dilemma she was facing for she wanted her twin daughters to have their father. But she is also confused about her own feelings for this man who keeps betraying her trust. Well, Joel will prove himself and the shallow person he is and this merry go round existence for Jenna will be resolved.
I must say I enjoyed seeing Jenna receive so much support from Alison, her mom. We all want to go home to be loved, protected, nourished and healed—especially after having bad experiences. Home should be a place of recovery, safety and acceptance. And Alison offers her daughter everything she needs along with her partner Mac who is a lovely guy, too. Jenna is fortunate to be surrounded by the love of her family while she needs time to think and make tough decisions on the events forced upon her. But this opens other doors and a chance to see the truth of her situation. Plus a realisation that her own patterns must change to render a different result.
I was impressed with the caring heart of the community and how its residents look after their own. The North Star pub is a good meeting and social place and where much of the novel takes place. Here we see the support of its members, their actions and reactions. The value and purpose of this venue is clear in how much it offers the community. It is also a place of safety, security and the long-time home of Sam and his father. But the loss of Sam’s mother has affected his father deeply. Will he ever be able to crawl out of his chamber of grief? Sam has tried hard to help his Dad who has become quite withdrawn and removed himself from his pub and interests. And Sam has given up his own dreams to keep the family business going the past few years. But how long can he continue to carry his father? I am happy to report that Seb gets jumpstarted in the most unexpected way.
This is a story about many life altering events filled with grief, loss, betrayal and fear. But all is not lost! For out of those unfortunate trials, healing, new love and fresh starts spring forth. This novel ends on a high note. Though it is obvious there is much more to this story that needs to unfold and hopefully it will in the next book! Because I look forward to revisiting peaceful Kelsea Sands and its beloved characters. They have all left a lasting impression on my heart. 5 Stars for another Sharon Booth treasure! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.
