Every time I pick up a Phillipa Nefri Clark story, I have been thrilled with the story even as it touches my heart and brings me to tears. The Lost Girl of Seahaven was no exception to this experience. Angie's perspective is the one we follow for the majority of the book, and as she processes her grief over losing her Grandma she finds unexpected treasures hidden in Nan's office. Gramps isn't ready to face what Angie has found so she is able to work with a new friend and solve the mystery of what Nan was working on before her death. I had a couple of wrong solutions before the true ending was revealed, but I didn't mind. Clark's storytelling is just that good.

It was a pleasure to watch Angie rediscover her voice over the course of the book, given where she'd come from relationally. Very relatable and engaging tale.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

Angie Fairlie returns to her hometown and grandfather's home following a disastrous marriage that ended with her ex-husband in jail. She is eager to resume her teaching career soon and to help her grandfather make the transition to living in a senior community. While going through her late grandmother's office, she finds a mysterious box, along with a poignant book written by a young girl who may have been raised by a family not her own. As Angie vows to finish the research that her grandmother began into the girl's identity, she creates an unexpected rift with her grandfather.

I loved everything about this book. There are examples of the worst kind of people and the best, both described so clearly as to seem like someone the reader knows. And, a tear or two may be shed at the satisfying conclusion of Angie's research, the relationship with her grandfather, the identity of the missing girl, and Angie's own healing from her marriage trauma.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Angie Fairlie finally returned to her Victorian coastal home from Perth in WA, after a divorce from a brutal and abusive man who messed badly with Angie's mind. Joining her Gramps in Seahaven, the family home for decades, Angie was over the moon to be with her grandfather again. He'd lost his beloved wife, Opal, fifteen years prior, and Angie still missed her dreadfully. With Gramps moving to an assisted living community not far from Seahaven, Angie helped him go through the house, boxing memories, clearing out the rooms. But Gramps wouldn't go near Nan's office and delegated that to Angie. Plus each time she spoke to him about anything in there, he shut down...

Needing help after discovering mysterious papers pointing to secrets from the long ago past, Angie asked Jack, Gramps' neighbour, if he'd like to help. Jack was an ex-policeman so he was the right person to ask. Angie kept digging, day by day, not mentioning anything to Gramps, but soon she knew she needed his help. Would he talk to her about the past? Or would he shut her out? She didn't want to lose her Gramps' love.

The Lost Girl of Seahaven is the 5th in the Temple River series by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and oh my goodness! What a cracker of a novel!! Suspenseful, mysterious, poignant and nail-biting, I can't believe how Ms Clark's novels keep getting better! Fabulous characters, an outstanding (fictional) setting (I'd love to go there!) and a compelling story. What more could I ask for? Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

Angie moves back to Seahaven to help her grandfather and for a fresh start for herself. It gives then a chance to re-establish their once close relationship. Angie soon gets involved in solving a mystery.
Loved this book from start to finish. The plot was easy to follow and it was just the right pace for me.

This was a wee departure from the type of books I usually read, in that there was no gratuitous violence, no serial killers, not even any swearing.
There was a mystery though, the mystery of a missing child. This is a story of child abduction, of one family's heartbreak and another family's life living by the strict rules of their church. Mainly, it is the story of a young woman's quest to solve a decades old mystery, as she comes to terms with the direction her life has taken.
The story is told across two timelines, the 1960's and present day, with the 1960's timeline being in the form of excerpts from a book.
With one or two exceptions, the characters are likeable, and the descriptions of the locations made me wish I lived there.
The Lost Girl of Seahaven is a moving, poignant story, that had me in tears at the end.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

Loved catching up with the Temple River series in this most recent book The Lost Girl of Seahaven. It’s the mystery of a lost child, secrets and love of a family. Angie comes home to her Grandparents home after a terrible marriage ends, her author grandmother Opel passed away some years before but her strength and presence live on in the home. After discovering some of her grandmothers notes and letters she starts to uncover an old mystery and all with the help of her lovely neighbour.
Really good read.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Publisher Storm Publishing for the early read

A compelling book of loss, sorrow despair and missed chances. Only through the persistence of a young woman following in her grandmother’s footsteps is closure of a decades old mystery solved. Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an eARC of this book. The depth of writing from this delightful author brings these endearing characters and wonderful book to life. I voluntarily read this book and these comments are my own opinion.

Having read the first 4 books in the Temple River series I was so excited to read book 5, and it totally lived up to expectations.

The story sees Angie returning to help her grandfather pack his house ready to move and to take on a teaching position after a bad divorce. While packing her Nan’s office up she comes across a box of memorabilia to do with a local lost girl that leads her, along with her handsome, single neighbour Jack, to try and find answers.

As with the first 4 books the reader is taken right back in as part of the community, reuniting with the locals as their stories are woven in to book 5. I loved this story and the mix of romance, drama, suspense, and would highly recommend it. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review it.

A really beautiful story with dual timeliness and lovely characters, it makes me think of 'what if we never took chances' it really is special.

This is a beautiful story, told with really emotion and enough realism to bring taste to my eyes as I read. The book bounces between the late 60s and the present day weaving to realities together.. Angie is heartbroken and has moved back with her aging father as she saw through her late grandmother’s belongings she starts to unpack a tragedy her grandmother was researching. The book is ultimately a romance, but it is mostly an exploration of relationships. Be they familial, friendship and all ultimately based in love and care. The book is one of Hope with fresh skies, gorgeous wildlife and water..

The Lost Girl of Seahaven is a well-crafted mystery that clearly resonates with many readers—but for me, it was a bit of a struggle to get into. Despite a compelling premise and a richly atmospheric setting, I found myself having to push through rather than being pulled in.

That said, I can see why others have connected with it. I have read other books by Phillipa Nefri Clark and she weaves a thoughtful story of secrets, small-town dynamics, and the shadows of the past. The writing is solid, and the emotional undercurrents are evident. While this one didn’t fully click with me, it’s a book that seems to have found its audience—and I always appreciate when a story speaks deeply to others, even if it’s not quite the right fit for me.

Another heart-shaking, tender and moving story from Phillipa Nefri Clark filled with family secrets, mystery and drama. The Lost Girl of Seahaven took me on a reading journey I won’t forget! This mesmerising mystery is haunting due to the nature of the plot. A lost child is everyone’s worst nightmare and this story shows the effects of such an event on family and friends. But it also demonstrates the unyielding love between grandparent and child and between siblings—especially those who have been torn apart by dire circumstances. Romantic love is in the mix, too, and it is a delightful coming together of two deserving souls who find each other on the road to uncovering a family truth.

This is a story of courage, too. Angie Fairlie had a tough marriage and has experienced a difficult divorce. She heads home to her coastal hometown for a fresh start. While spending time with her grandfather, she stumbles across a box that holds a book and newspaper clippings that belonged to her grandmother. The Loneliest Girl by The Sea contains a tragedy that tugs on Angie’s heart. Little does she know of what’s ahead once she embarks on this journey of discovery. She eventually learns that fiction is closer to real life than imagined. There are incredible parallels in the book to a girl that went missing in 1952. And as Angie delves deeper into the mysterious case that her late grandmother started with her own exploration, she comes to some shocking conclusions.

Jack is a likeable character, who moved next door to Emmett’s place a year earlier. He’s the next door neighbour you’d like to have: kind, helpful and mannerly. He gets along well with Angie’s grandfather who has plans for these two. Jack appreciates the fact Emmett made him feel welcome when he moved in and helps out wherever he can. Jack has his own story to tell that involves an injury he received in the line of duty. Angie cannot make up her mind at first what she thinks of him but in time she sees the man he is and his desire to help her solve the lost child mystery, puts him in her good books. It is the exact opportunity they need to get to know each other and, yes, there is an attraction that blossoms, once Angie gets over her fear of relationships. Jack is important to the plot and adds another layer of emotional charm to the story as we follow the clues to solve the lost child mystery. I really enjoyed his part and dealings with Angie and her Gramps. And he is a worthy partner for Angie.

Book 5 is another winner of the Temple River series! And once you read one, you want to read them all! The Lost Girl of Seahaven is a well composed, intriguing mystery with lots to keep you interested. And the setting descriptions are breathtakingly beautiful. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

THE LOST GIRL OF SEAHAVEN - This is the fifth book in a series, which does not matter. Except for one mention of the past with a mother and her daughter this book is strictly in the present. Well-written with interesting characters, intriguing story lines and an immersing pace made for a one sitting read. I cannot believe I have missed reading more by this author previously. Source: Netgalley. 5*

What a terrific book that kept me captivated to the last page. (Spoiler Alert, I did see the ending coming). A woman returns to her home town after a disasterous marriage to help clean out her grandmother's belongings. Among her things, she finds some writings and letters that leads her on the search for the missing person that her grandmother was researching. Kidnapping, a tragic childhood, and family discoveries all lead to a fascinating read! I will strongly recommend this book.

The Lost Girl of Seahaven, authored by Phillipa Nefri Clark, is a poignant exploration of familial secrets, personal healing, and suspense. The narrative follows Angie Fairlie, a 38-year-old woman grappling with life post-divorce. In an effort to regain her sense of purpose, Angie returns to her hometown to assist her grandfather in sorting through the belongings of her late grandmother. This journey leads her to discover a mysterious box containing archival newspaper clippings and a novel about a missing girl from 1952. Angie reveals deeply buried family secrets.

Clark's emotionally resonant prose enriches the characters, allowing you to intimately experience Angie’s profound journey of grief and self-discovery. The pacing of the narrative deftly balances suspenseful moments with emotional resonance, making it impossible to put this book down. The interplay between past and present enriches the narrative, offering deeper insights into the characters and their respective circumstances. This synthesis of mystery, familial drama, and emotional growth renders the story both compelling and relatable.

In summary, The Lost Girl of Seahaven is an engaging read that captivates through its combination of heartwarming moments and emotional trials. It is well-suited for book clubs and individual readers, leaving a lasting impression and fostering discussions on healing and the significance of confronting one’s past.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my review.

Both heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal measure! Angie returns to her grandfather's house, Seahaven, in River's End after an abusive marriage and a devastating divorce, to try and get her life back on track. Her grandfather is busy packing up his belongings so he can move into an assissted living community. Angie is going through her late grandmother's office when she stumbles across a mystery in a box. With the help of Jack, the neighbour, she's determined to solve the mystery her grandmother had almost solved just before her death. A sad tale about a lost and lonely girl coupled with Angie's determination, and an incredible ending. Beautiful.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Phillipa Nefri Clark for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

“The Lost Girl of Seahaven” by Phillipa Nefri Clark is a captivating novel that explores family secrets, healing, and bonds. Angie returns to Seahaven after her marriage ends to help her grandfather. While searching her grandmother’s things, she finds newspaper clippings and a book about a missing girl from the 1950s. Angie investigates, making this a great read for mystery lovers with a touch of romance and emotional depth.

Angela Fairlie arrives back at Rivers End following her divorce from her controlling husband and his imprisonment for fraud. With her confidence shattered and having to make a new start, Angela is helping her grandfather Emmet move from the family home to an assisted care facility close by. Though she has a teaching job to look forward to, Angela is sad to be clearing her grandfather's house ready for sale, which means she will also be looking for a new home. While clearing the house, it is Angela's responsibility to clear out her grandmother Opal's writing room. While doing so, she stumbles upon a mysterious box and an anonymous book written from newspaper clippings about a child who went missing in 1952. When her grandfather is unwilling to hear anything about his late wife's writing, Angela determines to discover what happened to the child and solve a longtime mystery. When she meets next door neighbour Jack, who has scars of his own, she discovers he is also fascinated by the mysterious Mary mentioned in the book and together they investigate the mystery.
This is Book #5 in the Temple River series and if I had to pick a favourite out of the five stories, it would be a very difficult choice. I loved this story as I have loved all of them.
Thank you Phillipa Nefri Clark and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story prior to publication.

I enjoyed The Lost Girl of Seahaven. The mystery was intriguing, and although I did figure it out fairly early on I still enjoyed seeing the characters solve the puzzle. I was a bit confused as to the point of the subplot with Xavier, but that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. Overall a nice cozy read.

Angie is recovering from years of a coercive husband, now safely divorced and him behind bars. She returns to her home town to help her grandfather move into sheltered accommodation and discovers a lot of diaries, letters, newspaper clippings, research of her grandmother dating back to the 1950s. All revolves around Mary and some chapters are in her voice. A child lost back then. There is, of course, a handsome neighbour who is recovering from his life changing accident therefore there is a gentle romance going on too. The story of Mary is detailed and emotional and ends far closer to home than Angie had imagined. Well written emotional read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.