The Summer Sisters by Sara Richardson | Book Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Three sisters search to reunite their family and find love along the way in this heartwarming, multi-generational novel—fans of Lori Foster and Maisey Yates won't be able to resist this author's "unputdownable, unforgettable stories from the heart" (Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author). 

The Buchanan sisters share everything—including their inherited Juniper Inn. But when their mother won’t let go of a decades-long feud with their Aunt Sassy to attend the inn’s grand re-opening, the sisters decide a family reunion is long overdue.

Youngest sister Rose is determined to put together an extravagant celebration. Only she needs to convince a certain surly hardware store owner to help finish the inn’s renovations.

After a heartbreaking end to her marriage, Dahlia and her kids are just starting to rebuild their lives. Dahlia’s even considering opening herself up to love again, but will that upset the stability she’s worked so hard to give her children?

Sassy McGrath has never stopped missing her sister, Lillian, and though they’ve both been too stubborn to reconcile, some shocking news might finally change everything. As family bonds are tested, will these two very different generations of women find the strength to believe in themselves and each other?

You ever get excited about an upcoming book because it is sequel to a book you really enjoyed only to find yourself slightly disappointed? That was me with The Summer Sisters by Sara Richardson. This book continues the story from Home For The Holidays, so I had assumed I would have a fantastic time reading it. Turns out my expectations were not met. Also, come to think of it, maybe I let more things slide when I am reading a Christmas book versus a normal season book. This same thing happened when I read Summer By The Sea.

The Summer Sisters follows Rose and Dahlia — the oldest and the youngest of the Buchanan sisters. Magnolia is in Florida enjoying life as a new mom. So the third point of view perspective is now from Sassy’s POV. Sassy is the aunt – by the way. Both Rose and Dahlia are navigating early romances while trying to renovate the Juniper Inn and make it a success. Meanwhile Sassy has been thrust into the position of town mayor and is navigating a romance of her own as well as some health issues. At this point, Sassy is considering how to reconcile with her sister Lilian.

I never felt an overwhelming desire to pick this book up when I sat it down between reading sessions. Turns out I didn’t really care about any of the women featured. Rather than feeling authentic like the first book, the tension felt artificial and dragged out. There’s no grit at all to this book — which is fine when you are in the mood for that. I was not. I didn’t feel any real connection while reading. So, I had devoured Home For The Holidays in about 24 hours, this book took me DAYS to get through. I think this book is a fit for people looking for a gentle read with minimal drama — think a non-Christmas themed Hallmark movie.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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