“Thayne is a master at creating richly dimensional and kind characters from different generations who find themselves facing difficult challenges.”–Booklist With the emotional pull of Debbie Macomber, Barbara Delinsky and Susan Wiggs, RaeAnne Thayne brings readers an uplifting, brand new story told with her trademark charm and heart. She knows what’s best for everyone but herself… … for everyone but herself…
With a past like hers, Jessica Clayton feels safer in a life spent on the road. She’s made a career out of helping others downsize–because she’s learned the hard way that the less “stuff,” the better, a policy she applies equally to her relationships. But a new client is taking Jess back to Cape Sanctuary, a town she once called home…and that her little sister, Rachel, still does. The years apart haven’t made a dent in the guilt Jess still carries after a handgun took the lives of both their parents and changed everything between them.
While Jess couldn’t wait to put the miles between her and Cape Sanctuary, Rachel put down roots, content for the world–and her sister–to think she has a picture-perfect life. But with the demands of her youngest child’s disability, Rachel’s marriage has begun to fray at the seams. She needs her sister now more than ever, yet she’s learned from painful experience that Jessica doesn’t do family, and she shouldn’t count on her now.
Against her judgment, Jess finds herself becoming attached–to her sister and her family, even to her client’s interfering son, Nate–and it’s time to put everything on the line. Does she continue running from her painful past, or stay put and make room for the love and joy that come along with it?
For more RaeAnne Thayne, don’t miss Summer at the Cape! A poignant and uplifting novel about forgiveness, family and all the complications–and joy–that come with it. Order your copy today!
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Good story plot and charavters
Excellent story! Two sisters placed in the foster system-one is adopted, the other is not. This turn of events has them leading totally different lives that has created distance between the once close sisters.
Always a good story from Thayne. Loved these characters and the plot of this book. So looking forward to reading the tale from this author.
How could you not love Jess and all the characters. Jess is so tough and hasn’t let anyone in her life for many years. She and her sister, Rachel, didn’t have the best childhood and their parents died a violent death that left a mark on both of them. They handled the tragedy in different ways, but it still shaped their lives. When Jess comes to town to visit Rachel, she meets a family that gets under her skin. She tries to remember that she is only there temporarily, but it is hard to do. She is trying to repair her relationship with Rachel and Rachel is dealing with her own family problems. Will Jess be able to put the past behind her and build a life with her sister and other in it?
I know I probably say this a lot about Thayne’s books but this new story is surely a keeper. Two sisters, both with tragic pasts, come together and learn, along with friends, how to care for one another again. Great story.
I couldn’t put it down. I think this is RaeAnne’s best novel ever! She been a favorite author of mine for years! The story line and characters were so real and is a very enjoyable read!
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Path to Sunshine Cove” by RaeAnne Thayne. On tour with Suzy Approved Book Tours
RaeAnne Thayne, the author of “The Path to Sunshine Cove” has written an entertaining, captivating, and enthralling novel. The genres for this novel are fiction, women’s fiction, sister’s fiction, and romance. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated.
Jessica Clayton is intent on visiting her sister Rachel and family, as she is on her way to do her job of decluttering, organizing, and downsizing a client’s home. Jessica is retired from the military and likes to do her job and move on, having few attachments. Both Jessica and Rachel were once very close, but after a family tragedy, it is more difficult for both of them to have a healthy relationship. The sisters don’t realize that they really need each other.
Rachel has a successful blog and a wonderful family. Her marriage is strained because her young son is on the spectrum, and Rachel has problems asking for help. Jessica seems very tough and independent.
On Jessica’s job, she becomes involved with the family that she is working with. Jessica is determined to do her job, keep her feelings in check and move on. Is it possible?
I appreciate that the author vividly describes the characters and events. She discusses such important topics, as military families, autism and the spectrum, emotional and psychological abuse, and the importance of a support system. Also very important are family, friends, love, and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.
Jess is fiercely independent. She has created a life where she takes the jobs she wants and moves her little Airstream all over the country. She is in Sanctuary Cove to do a job, but also to spend time with her sister and her family. Nate and his daughter Sophie live in a cottage on the property where Jess was hired to declutter the main house that overlooks Sunshine Cove, the place where old hurts are exposed and new love surfaces. Author RaeAnne Thayne has built a world full of strong, well-developed characters that will pull on your heart strings and show you that even when bad or hard things happen, human connections can help in so many ways. The people of Sanctuary Cove could be from almost any small town, but Whitaker House, Sunshine Cove, Eleanor and the others make this story come alive. Issues are dealt with, people grow, and love endures. Enjoy this visit to Sanctuary Cove – the people care and the scenery is spectacular.
This was my first RaeAnne Thayne book and was so impressed with her writing. Her characters were well-developed, the story flowed smoothly, and she managed to bring out so many emotions in me. I ached, I laughed, I worried, I loved, I cried, and I triumphed along with them. I wasn’t expecting to feel that much, and I was delighted there was so much depth to the story. This isn’t just a romantic tale between two people, this is a family love story and I loved every minute of it!
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jess Clayton is back in Sunshine Cove for the first time in a very long time. Her latest job has brought her here, and she’s hoping to use some of her free time to reconnect with her sister Rachel, if that’s possible. Jess’ company helps others downsize their houses, to get ready for a move, or just to declutter, and she’s there to help a woman who lost her husband not that long ago. She’s in town for just a couple of weeks before she moves on again. The life of a vagabond, never putting roots down anywhere, something she’s never truly done.
Rachel on the other hand, she’s stayed in Sunshine Cove, married her high school sweetheart, had three kids, and a seemingly picture perfect life, at least Instagram-worthy. Now that Jess’ is in town though, Rachel lets the cracks show through. Her youngest is on the Autism spectrum and she’s having a tough time dealing with everything that goes along with his disability. On top of that, her marriage isn’t in the best of condition, they’re both tired, stressed, and taking it out on each other, especially Rachel. She doesn’t know how to ask for help, she tries to do everything herself, and she hasn’t realized she can’t. She needs her big sister Jess, but Jess doesn’t do family very well.
While reading, you find out the reason Jess doesn’t do family, and it’s the exact reason that Rachel tries to do everything. The catalyst for their behavior now is the horror they witnessed as teens.
Let me tell you, when I reached that part of the book, Ms. Thayne’s writing made me cry. I blubbered. I grew up a child of abuse, my family didn’t go as far as this fictional family, but the feelings she wrung from me as I cried from these poor girls. You know that’s when you’ve hit a great book. Yes, sometimes you want to take a hardcover and hit them upside the head a couple of times to get them to wake up, but you know what they’ve gone through. You see what Rachel is going through. These characters are far from perfect. They’re broken, gritty, raw, and in need of healing. That’s what eventually happens. To all of them.
Great writing, wonderful characters, amazing story.
**I received an ARC of this story from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest and voluntary review.
RaeAnne Thayne never fails to charm with her lovely small-town stories and colorful, multi-layered characters. The Path to Sunshine Cove is so inviting and easy to get absorbed in. I loved revisiting Cape Sanctuary, an enticing beach town in northern California and meeting the fascinating people who live there. Jess and Rachel, with their complicated and tragic background, are sisters who are trying to have a closer relationship. Nate is an endearing, protective, and caring hero, and I enjoyed his relationship with Jess. A superb cast of supporting characters added to my enjoyment of the tale.
I liked seeing the story from the three different points of view of Jessica, Rachel, and Nate. The chapters had headings labeled with the person whose perspective I was seeing, so it was easy to know what was going on. If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying, and romantic read, grab this book and enjoy some sand and surf at Sunshine Cove.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The anticipated addition to the Cape Sanctuary series by RaeAnne Thayne is well worth the wait. Thayne delivers a captivating story of sisters, family, and second-chance relationships. Jess, whose career is decluttering homes and Nate, a single Dad raising a child alone (my favorite genre) meet and are highly suspicious of each other. Jess’s perfectionistic sister Rachel lives in Cape Sanctuary and is struggling with a special needs child. Thayne weaves a story that hooks readers with this soul-searching novel of the struggle within relationships.
The Path to Sunshine Cove
By RaeAnne Thayne
Published: March 30, 2021
Jessica and Rachel are sisters who couldn’t be more different. They were close once upon a time, but life threw them a curve ball early on that sent them on different paths and very different lives. Now as adults, Rachel is settled down with a family but facing unspoken struggles, while Jess doesn’t let anyone get too close and has a job takes her somewhere new every few weeks. When she accepts a temporary job that will bring her closer to Rachel, she hopes this will be their chance to reconnect and mend their relationship. But does Sunshine Cove have more in store for her? Seeing her sister again and meeting Eleanor and Nate makes her longs for the family she never had.
Review
This was my first RaeAnne Thayne book and definitely won’t be my last! I adored everything about this one-the small town, the close relationships, and all the real life challenges that gave give these characters depth. I loved them all, but Eleanor warmed my heart the most. She was full of wisdom and love, and the epitome of class. The setting immediately drew me in and gave me that feeling of coming home. If you’re looking for a relaxing summer read, you’ve come to the right place.
Thank you for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
It was so nice to return to Cape Sanctuary and Sunshine Cove as author RaeAnne Thayne weaves another beautiful story about family, relationships, heartache, communication, and love. The book contains every kind of drama you can think of and the author masterfully works through it all. The baggage that the two sisters, Jess and Rachel have from their difficult childhood is just one of the issues tackled. There is also the grief and love of family that is seen between widowed grandmother, Eleanor, her widowed son Nate and his difficult teenage daughter, Sophie. Then there is the complexity of life and marriage for Rachel and Cody, who have three children, one with special needs. And of course, Nate and Jessica grow very close as their sweet romance develops. All of these well-built characters learn and grow, they pull at our heartstrings throughout this wonderful inspiring story.
The perfect RaeAnne Thayne book. Every time I pick up one of her books I know that I will meet some amazing characters in a beautiful setting with a wonderful story to tell. Nate is an amazing character raising his teenage daughter while working hard and living on the property he grew up on to be near his widowed mother. Jess arrives on the property to help Eleanor, Nate’s mother, clean out the house that has been in the family for many generations. The catch is that Jess’ sister lives close by and while they use to be close things have not been easy. Jess wants a relationship with her sister again and puts herself out there to get it.
I love learning about Jess and Rachel. There is no doubt that as younger sisters their bond was unbreakable but then things changed, their lives ended up on different paths, and their relationship was tested. Rachel is dealing with her own struggles in her “perfect” family and has put so much stress on herself that her life is not as perfect as she pretends it to be. Jess has never let herself settle down and be close to anyone, so the quick visits are perfect for her. I hoped for them to become the sisters they each needed but knew that it would not be easy.
Everything about The Path to Sunshine Cove is wonderful. I read it on a cold winter day but could feel the sun shining, the waves crashing on the beach, and the love between the characters.
This story is another very lovely and enjoyable read by this author. She writes such beautiful stories that draw you in on page 1 making the reader engaged in such a way that you can’t wait to get to “the end” to see how it all comes together. The suspense of the H&H figuring out how to get to HEA makes the reader keep turning pages way into the night. I love the small town feel of this story making the town become a character all its own with people being ones you wouldn’t mind living next door to. My emotions were all over the place as I read this book. The relationship between Jess and her sister will absolutely bring you to tears as well as Nate struggling with his teenage daughter. Eleanor, Nate’s mom, is a sweet woman who just wanted her son and granddaughter to be happy but she wasn’t beyond a little matchmaking for Jess and Nate. There are tears, laughs, anguish, tenderness, forgiveness and a wonderful HEA. The Path to Sunshine Cover is such a beautiful and well-written story and I highly recommend it.
A cast of characters that keep the reader fully engaged. Real world issues come up throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this drama.
Who we become, what life gives us both good and trying. Love.
This story is thoughtful and well told.
RaeAnne Thayne has many fantastic books that I love but this one top the list because no matter how one life turns out RaeAnne can write about it. I love going back to Cape Sanctuary it is a peaceful place that RaeAnne makes you feel like your at home when you start with the first page and keeps you going. It kept me going till the last page and it was a fantastic book.
This visit back to Cape Sanctuary was one that brought memories back to the two sister that where close and grew apart. They grew apart because of the childhood they had and how there childhood ended for them.
Jessica Clayton the oldest and still single and never getting married.
Rachel McBride the youngest and married with 2 girls and 1 boy who has Autism.
Jess shows up at Cape Sanctuary to do a job and visit her sister and nieces and nephew.
Jess has a rule do the job and move on to the next job.
Rachel was showing Jess her life a married woman who raises her children and does social media and is a social butterfly in town.
These are two girls who are totally different. Rachel is the family type and Jess is the closed off not a family type.
As Jess is doing this Transition with Mrs. Whitaker the Whitaker start getting close to Jess and she just wants to get the job done and leave. But that doesn’t happen this time and she learns more about the family as she is packing the stuff to go to goodwill or to some place that will use it. Nate and Jess start to show feelings with just a kiss and then more. Nate can’t stop thinking of her and she is the same.
Jess and Rachel start to come to get more and Rachel give Jess a 30th birthday party. Jess spends a lot of time at the beach looking at the sunset and the sunrise.
A lot happens in the two weeks she is there.
This a book that is very emotional in many ways. It was emotional for me because of the two sisters who lost the connection. I recommend this book and if I could give more stars because this my favorite family story book.
RaeAnne Thayne has a way of immersing you in her stories. You feel the trauma, the healing and the love as two sisters navigate their broken relationship. Jess and Rachel are both overwhelmed by their past, but reconnecting with each other leads to a new love for Jess and a stronger marriage for Rachel.
I read an advanced copy of this book
The PERFECT Escape!
RaeAnne Thayne delivers a story full of charm and smiles!
The Path to Sunshine Cove is such a warm, feel good read. With lovable characters, you get drawn in immediately. I felt like I needed to devour this book, so I totally did. It was such a delightful escape, I just couldn’t stop. I was completely smitten and enjoyed every single second.
RaeAnne Thayne ALWAYS leaves you with a heart full of love. Her words are able to wrap you in a warm embrace. What a special author. I completely adore ALL her books. RaeAnne Thayne will ALWAYS be on my MUST READ list. I absolutely recommend you add her to yours too.