Friday, May 11, 2018

Book Review: The Summer of New Beginnings

By Sara Steven

Aspiring journalist Meghan Briggs has always been the responsible one in the family. So when her father passes away unexpectedly, leaving behind his at-risk business, she steps up to save his legacy—even if that means putting her own dreams on hold.

Tracy couldn’t be more different from her sister. She’s always been the rebellious type, without much direction in life. But in the wake of her latest romantic disaster, she finds herself moving back home as a single mother.

As Tracy experiences the difficulties of new motherhood, Meghan faces her own struggle: trying not to fall for the stray puppy she rescued. This is no time for attachments—not to the adorable “Sox,” whose owner is bound to turn up any day, and certainly not to the handsome new vet in town. But as the summer unfolds, she discovers that, like Sox, she may need rescuing, too.

As both sisters navigate unexpected challenges and exciting new relationships, they’ll find that putting the past to rest can make way for beautiful new beginnings. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

The sisterly dynamic between Meghan and Tracy reminded me of my own relationship with my sister. Two different personalities, with two different opinions on how they feel life should go, and while they both take very different paths, they’re both dealing with their ideals not realized. But through it all, they rely on one another and are one another’s biggest supporters.

I could really feel the struggle for Meghan, in not being able to live out her dreams. I could also feel the struggle Tracy faces as a single parent, not only in handling parenthood all alone, but in trying to move on from an unhealthy relationship. The fears they both face pair well with the type of relationship they have with their mother, as well as the other characters who are in Summer. It was realistic and honest.

There are spiritual elements within this story, moments that made me feel connected to Meghan and her relationship with her father. And it was hard not to fall in love with Sox, given the way he enters her world. While she’s hoping and praying that no one will claim him, I was hoping and praying right along with her.

There were a lot of surprises that turned up not to be coincidental, and when one event happened, it blended into the outcome of all the others. A well-written representation of the relationship between sisters, families, and how love can endure, no matter what.

Thanks to SparkPoint Studio for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase the book here.

More by Bette Lee Crosby:


2 comments:

Janine said...

This book sounds really good.

Suburban prep said...

This looks like a book I am going to have to read.