Publication Date: June 9, 2026
Claire Shipman never imagined she’d be the single mom of a teenager, going through a contentious divorce, and unexpectedly pregnant. On the bright side, at least she’s on Nantucket, where she grew up, and where her mother and grandmother welcome her home with open arms.
For years, Claire lived an enviable Manhattan lifestyle. Until her ex had a marriage-ending affair and also lost his job and all their money. Claire’s high school friends invite her to their book club and an off-hand joke that she could sell one of her Hermes bags sparks a business idea.
Her friend’s brother, Cody, is a furniture builder with a spare storefront. He’s initially skeptical about the prospects of a “used handbag shop”.
But Claire is determined. With the support of Lily, her mother, grandmother, old friends and new, she begins to build a true second chance at a new life.
When her marriage of 17 years collapses, Claire Shipman knows where to seek refuge.
Author Pamela Kelley delivers a beautiful story about starting over in Nantucket Second Chances. For Claire, that means navigating an unexpected pregnancy with her cheating soon-to-be ex-husband, a seemingly precarious financial situation, and a teen daughter caught in the middle.
From the beginning, Nantucket resonates with family and friendship. It serves as a welcome retreat where Claire can determine next steps. Her idea to create an upscale resale shop proves to be just the distraction she needs.
Along the way, both Claire and her daughter find love and laughter as they settle into a community offering a perfect setting for a new baby to be born.
Nantucket Second Chances provides a vibrant story about relationships and second chances set against a picturesque background.
Pamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women’s fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you’d want as friends.
She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There’s also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two.
