The Summer of New Beginnings. Bette Lee Crosby

Published: Lake Union Publishing
Date: 27th March 2018
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 284
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Author via NetGalley
Rating:
                   

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.

The Summer of New Beginnings is a sweet, gentle story of the loss three women experience when there is an unexpected death in the family.  This event leads to change and some re arranging of plans and hopes.

Meghan to me seemed the most affected of the two girls, she was close to her father and had a good relationship with him.  As the days go by it feels like her Dad is watching over her and leading her along in ways that will refill her sorrowing heart. When she was young she lost a very beloved pet, now a new dog comes into her life and with him comes both the fear of losing him and the excitement of new possibilities.

Tracy has always felt a little "less" than Meghan and has tended to rush into things that just aren't that good for her. When she returns home with a son who doesn't talk, she is a little prickly about it. However as she re finds her feet at home, she begins a deeper relationship with her sister and she can see that Meghan has a heart that cares deeply about her and little Lucas. Megan will go to great lengths to help them.

Lila their mother is a more in the shadows figure, she began the family off with their father years ago and has established a home that is caring and compassionate. And of course she is at first thrown by the loss of her husband. She is an accomplished cook and keen to be  a grandma.

The family face real life situations, experience a range of conflicting emotions and are able to face together the challenges thrown at them.  This is a heart warming and enjoyable story.  A good read for a cosy read by the fire or beach.  And a perfect cover to go with it.  And the touch of romance just was the icing on the cake!