
Member Reviews

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.

Angie has been through a bad marriage. Once divorced, she returns home to her grandfather Emmett and Seahaven (Australia).
Angie and Emmett's relationship has been strained due to Emmett's disapproval of her husband.
Things were not helped by the unexpected death of Angie's grandmother Opal...or were they???
Once Angie returns home, Emmett decides to simplify and move to a retirement community in town.
While sorting through Opal's things, Angie uncovers a mysterious box containing newspaper articles and a book written by an anonymous author. Opal, a published author, may have been studying this information for a new novel.
Angie and her handsome neighbor Jack begin uncovering the truth about a child abduction in the late 1950's. Their discoveries hit WAY closer to home than anyone could have anticipated!
This is a tear-jerker and love story.
Angie and Emmett learn to live in the present. Angie learns to love and trust again. Emmett learns to forgive and move forward.

This was a great and intriguing read on SOOOO many levels. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me the privilege to read an advanced copy of this work.
Reading this was like peeling off layers of an onion. The characters were well developed and their own personal histories entwined with each other.
This would make a great book club choice - would love to direct this with others!

Angie returns to her small hometown after a difficult divorce to start fresh. She lives with her grandfather whom she had a distant relationship during her marriage with her ex. Hoping to rekindle the relationship between them and start anew she discovers an unsolved mystery. Angie’s deceased grandmother was a writer and when Angie went through her office she found mysterious letters and information that uncovered a decades long mystery. Will Angie be able to solve this mystery and help bring a family back together? The lost girl of Seahaven was an excellent, well written novel. I was very immersed in the book and didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery along with Angie and Jack. On top of the mystery I really enjoyed the budding romance between her and Jack. The twists throughout kept me guessing and I was shocked at the ending. I liked the way the story was written and the switch between now and then. It really helped understand the characters and situation better. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy mysteries with a little romance and an emotional read.

This novel is a comforting read, Angie Fairlie has moved back to her childhood home to help her beloved gramps move into assisted living. Helping to clear her Nans study she encounters a letter that may help clear up the mystery of a missing girl from the past.
While I found this a fairly predictable novel I did think it was an enjoyable read. I felt for Mary's situation.

The first sentence captured my attention and the beautifully poignant, emotionally driven mystery had me devouring this in one sitting. Driven to solve a puzzle started by her Nan to find a little girl who was lost years ago puts Angie on a path to find the parts of herself that she lost in an abusive relationship. The story moves along at a fast pace as each piece falls into place and coalesces into a happy ending for both lost girls.

The lost girl of seahaven is a very fast paced novel that features the themes of healing, solving family secrets, and overall family fellowship. This is a great work of women's fiction and I am glad that I took the time I read it. I was very impressed with the writing and the message the author wanted to get across to the readers.
Our main focus is on Angie who is trying to recover from a divorce. She decides a trip to her hometown to visit her grandfather will do the trick for her. When she is cleaning through the attic she finda newspaper clippings about a young girl who went missing in the 1950's. Intrigued by this event Angie decides to do some investigating of her own.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

Having enjoyed previous books by this author, I was looking forward to reading this book, and it came up to expectations. Angie returns to Seahaven after the breakdown of her marriage, to help her grandfather move into a care unit. While going through her grandmother’s office, she finds a book about a lost girl, who is brought up in a secluded community and is sure that she has another identity. The stories come together beautifully, and this is a touching story of loss, love and finding your true place. Phillipa Nefri Clark has a knack for creating credible characters that you can readily come to care for. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this book.