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One More Summer
Grace has taken care of her widowed father her entire adult life and the ornery old goat has finally died. She has no job, no skills and very little money, and has heard her father's prediction that no decent man would ever want her so often she accepts it as fact.
But she does have a big old house on Lawyers Row in Peacock, Tennessee. She opens a rooming house and quickly gathers a motley crew of tenants: Promise, Grace's best friend since kindergarten, who's fighting cancer; Maxie, an aging soap opera actress who hasn't lost her flair for the dramatic; Jonah, a sweet, gullible old man with a crush on Maxie.
And Dillon, Grace's brother's best friend, who stood her up on the night of her senior prom and has regretted it ever since. Dillon rents Grace's guest house for the summer and hopes to make up for lost time and past hurts—but first, he'll have to convince Grace that she's worth loving...
But she does have a big old house on Lawyers Row in Peacock, Tennessee. She opens a rooming house and quickly gathers a motley crew of tenants: Promise, Grace's best friend since kindergarten, who's fighting cancer; Maxie, an aging soap opera actress who hasn't lost her flair for the dramatic; Jonah, a sweet, gullible old man with a crush on Maxie.
And Dillon, Grace's brother's best friend, who stood her up on the night of her senior prom and has regretted it ever since. Dillon rents Grace's guest house for the summer and hopes to make up for lost time and past hurts—but first, he'll have to convince Grace that she's worth loving...
Paperback
First published September 16, 2010
About the author
Liz Flaherty
80 books352 followersRetired from the post office, Liz Flaherty spends non-writing time sewing, quilting, and doing whatever else she wants to. She and her husband Duane live in the old farmhouse in North Central Indiana they moved to in 1977. They’ve talked about moving, but really…40-plus years’ worth of stuff? It’s not happening. It would require removing old baseball trophies from the attic and dusting the pictures of the Magnificent Seven, their grandchildren.
Liz thinks one of the things that keeps you young when you quite obviously aren’t anymore is the constant chances you have to reinvent yourself.
Liz thinks one of the things that keeps you young when you quite obviously aren’t anymore is the constant chances you have to reinvent yourself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 19, 2013
Review also on my blog: The Book Barbies
Could a cover, summary, and title be more misleading? I picked this up while I was in NYC for vacation thinking it will be a quick fun read to pass the time but oh wow, NOT! This was one emotional, heartbreaking and moving read.
I really can't do this book justice but I will try my best. One More Summer is not the perfect book, it started slow for me, I didn't like how it jumped around at the beginning and a few other things. But why does all of that NOT matter? Because when you have a book with such a powerful story like One More Summer does, who gives a damn about grammar and spelling? (not that there are any grammar or spelling mistakes!) that's petty stuff! What matters is the STORY.
I want to know these characters in real life. My heart fluttered when there were sweet actions, I cried at the ugliness and unfairness some of theses characters had to go through and most of all I just I fell in love with these characters. They're completely realistic, not perfect in looks or personality (some might argue Faith is, but hello tattoo;D) the situations they go through are also realistic and I say that AFTER I thought a certain event that is mentioned in the book was a bit over dramatic BUT it hit me how my aunt and mom were talking about a very very similar ugly event happened to a distant cousin of theirs and I Googled a couple of statistics and oh wow, definitely realistic! (I will not mention the even because I don't want to spoil it for you!) I'm always asking for books about the other people, those people who we don't get to read their stories since MC's are always plain janes or written out destinies and I got my wish with Grace.
I loved to see the relationship grew between characters and how each one of them developed. I was just cheering for Grace when she accomplished something or got over a fear and the same goes for Dillon. The romance at first for me was too... weird. It happened too fast but I got over it because I saw it develop properly. Grace and Dillon have become some of my favorite couples even!
This review is so hard for me to write because I cannot put into words how good this book is. I look forward to rereading it even though it was hard at parts and I had to put it down for a little while to wipe away the tears but also, along with the tears I laughed and fell in love and it was a damn great ride. If you're a contemporary fan, this is one realistic read you don't want to miss. It's full of emotion, heartache and love and I'm so happy to have read this book. It's a great way to start off the year!
Rating: 5 hearts~ one of my new favorite reads!
*thanks to the publisher for providing a copy to review*
-thank you&come again.
Could a cover, summary, and title be more misleading? I picked this up while I was in NYC for vacation thinking it will be a quick fun read to pass the time but oh wow, NOT! This was one emotional, heartbreaking and moving read.
I really can't do this book justice but I will try my best. One More Summer is not the perfect book, it started slow for me, I didn't like how it jumped around at the beginning and a few other things. But why does all of that NOT matter? Because when you have a book with such a powerful story like One More Summer does, who gives a damn about grammar and spelling? (not that there are any grammar or spelling mistakes!) that's petty stuff! What matters is the STORY.
I want to know these characters in real life. My heart fluttered when there were sweet actions, I cried at the ugliness and unfairness some of theses characters had to go through and most of all I just I fell in love with these characters. They're completely realistic, not perfect in looks or personality (some might argue Faith is, but hello tattoo;D) the situations they go through are also realistic and I say that AFTER I thought a certain event that is mentioned in the book was a bit over dramatic BUT it hit me how my aunt and mom were talking about a very very similar ugly event happened to a distant cousin of theirs and I Googled a couple of statistics and oh wow, definitely realistic! (I will not mention the even because I don't want to spoil it for you!) I'm always asking for books about the other people, those people who we don't get to read their stories since MC's are always plain janes or written out destinies and I got my wish with Grace.
I loved to see the relationship grew between characters and how each one of them developed. I was just cheering for Grace when she accomplished something or got over a fear and the same goes for Dillon. The romance at first for me was too... weird. It happened too fast but I got over it because I saw it develop properly. Grace and Dillon have become some of my favorite couples even!
This review is so hard for me to write because I cannot put into words how good this book is. I look forward to rereading it even though it was hard at parts and I had to put it down for a little while to wipe away the tears but also, along with the tears I laughed and fell in love and it was a damn great ride. If you're a contemporary fan, this is one realistic read you don't want to miss. It's full of emotion, heartache and love and I'm so happy to have read this book. It's a great way to start off the year!
Rating: 5 hearts~ one of my new favorite reads!
*thanks to the publisher for providing a copy to review*
-thank you&come again.
January 1, 2012
Sometimes a Really Good book that makes you cry is necessary. This is that book. I loved it, even though I had tears in my eyes for most of the book. The characters were wonderful and there were trust and commitment issues, but also this book has a sweetness to it that I haven't read in a long time. This is a book I will remember!
December 15, 2011
I made the mistake of reading this at work. I thought, from the blurb and the cover, it was going to be a humorous Southern romance. It wasn't. It was Southern, but it wasn't funny and it wasn't a romance. I define a romance as a book that is focused on the relationship between two people with the obligatory happy ending. One More Summer wasn't about Grace and Dillon. It was about life and loss and all the messy things in between. This is not a happy book. There is death. The ending isn't 'happy' so much as it is hopeful. Everything is going to be okay, it says, you just have to keep moving forward.
I don't read a lot of fiction, so I'm not the best judge, but this felt quintessentially Southern to me. From the pace of the dialogue, the emphasis on community and food, the weather, it felt like I was there, observing these characters.
A lot of angst happens, but it's not angst for the sake of angst if that makes any sense. This story is told over the course of months, not days, and the characters react naturally to the events. Their emotions, their decisions, their relationships with each other, it all made sense to me. It felt logical, it felt real.
To be quite frank, I find myself a bit at a loss for words. One More Summer is not for everyone and, if someone had told me what it was really about, I probably would have never read it. However, if you don't mind books that will leave you in tears and frantically trying not to smudge your eyeliner, read this. Read this and be comforted that someone else understands what you are going through or be grateful for a life free from this kind of pain.
I'm going to conclude this with a quote from the last chapter because it's representative of the book as a whole and demonstrates the author's gift with words. I'll tuck it behind a cut for the pure at heart, but it shouldn't ruin anything for anyone.
I don't read a lot of fiction, so I'm not the best judge, but this felt quintessentially Southern to me. From the pace of the dialogue, the emphasis on community and food, the weather, it felt like I was there, observing these characters.
A lot of angst happens, but it's not angst for the sake of angst if that makes any sense. This story is told over the course of months, not days, and the characters react naturally to the events. Their emotions, their decisions, their relationships with each other, it all made sense to me. It felt logical, it felt real.
To be quite frank, I find myself a bit at a loss for words. One More Summer is not for everyone and, if someone had told me what it was really about, I probably would have never read it. However, if you don't mind books that will leave you in tears and frantically trying not to smudge your eyeliner, read this. Read this and be comforted that someone else understands what you are going through or be grateful for a life free from this kind of pain.
I'm going to conclude this with a quote from the last chapter because it's representative of the book as a whole and demonstrates the author's gift with words. I'll tuck it behind a cut for the pure at heart, but it shouldn't ruin anything for anyone.
April 14, 2013
This book had to be one of the most 'healing' books in my life. I related to it extremely, on a personal level. I had a lot of cleansing cries from it - that's for sure...
I remember reading this and stopping to share my feelings as the book progressed. Here's some of them...
Feb. 27
Reading only the first chapter and crying my eyes out!!!! ...One More Summer by Liz Flaherty... Check it out!
Reading "One More Summer" by Liz Flaherty... It's really hitting home, . I know it's just a book but reality is sitting in my bones while reading... I almost want to stop reading! :'(
Feb 28
@LizFlaherty1 I'm reading One more summer. I haven't cried this much since losing my Sister to Cancer in 2010. Healing book - thank u! [@....me I'm sorry for the pain but glad for the healing Thank you so much!]
Needless to say, I was completely honoured when Liz Flaherty actually responded to this twitter update...
Mar 1
I hate this book, I hate this book!
Just finished #OneMoreSummer @LizFlaherty1 I related to it intimately, tragically. Cried? ...man did I! #ReadIt U Must! pic.twitter.com/xKgHWdcK9c
Broken families, love stories, heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, Family coming together are some of the things you will run into in this book. You will also laugh a lot, if you're like me CRY A LOT, a lot of different mixed emotions. The writer was able to open up wombs I didn't remember having, and heal them pretty well - not completely but pretty well!
I hope you take the time to read this. I think everyone should. Anyone who has dealt with cancer in their lives will relate easily especially if they were close.. I wouldn't normally read a book again but this one, definitely if I need a healing cleanse this will be my go to book for sure! I'm in absolute awh that Liz was able to open these emotions in me throughout this book... You totally have to read this!!!
10+ Stars
I remember reading this and stopping to share my feelings as the book progressed. Here's some of them...
Feb. 27
Reading only the first chapter and crying my eyes out!!!! ...One More Summer by Liz Flaherty... Check it out!
Reading "One More Summer" by Liz Flaherty... It's really hitting home, . I know it's just a book but reality is sitting in my bones while reading... I almost want to stop reading! :'(
Feb 28
@LizFlaherty1 I'm reading One more summer. I haven't cried this much since losing my Sister to Cancer in 2010. Healing book - thank u! [@....me I'm sorry for the pain but glad for the healing Thank you so much!]
Needless to say, I was completely honoured when Liz Flaherty actually responded to this twitter update...
Mar 1
I hate this book, I hate this book!
Just finished #OneMoreSummer @LizFlaherty1 I related to it intimately, tragically. Cried? ...man did I! #ReadIt U Must! pic.twitter.com/xKgHWdcK9c
Broken families, love stories, heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, Family coming together are some of the things you will run into in this book. You will also laugh a lot, if you're like me CRY A LOT, a lot of different mixed emotions. The writer was able to open up wombs I didn't remember having, and heal them pretty well - not completely but pretty well!
I hope you take the time to read this. I think everyone should. Anyone who has dealt with cancer in their lives will relate easily especially if they were close.. I wouldn't normally read a book again but this one, definitely if I need a healing cleanse this will be my go to book for sure! I'm in absolute awh that Liz was able to open these emotions in me throughout this book... You totally have to read this!!!
10+ Stars
May 1, 2012
This is a lovely story about ... life. People die before this book begins, and who they were and how they lived and died affect the people who are in this book. People come close to dying in the book, and one of them does die, and it's about how those who love them deal with the dying and with the living, and heal from the grief past and present.
Grace is the main character, and her brother Steven and sister Faith, and the people Grace and Steven and Faith love are also main characters. Grace's best friend Promise, who has loved and been loved by Steven for the past 20 years or so comes to stay with Grace for the summer. Steven's best friend Dillon comes to stay too, to deal with a bad case of writer's block. And they joke with each other and learn from each other and love each other, and it's a lovely, lovely story. I really loved these characters. I laughed out loud. I cried. What more is there to say?
Grace is the main character, and her brother Steven and sister Faith, and the people Grace and Steven and Faith love are also main characters. Grace's best friend Promise, who has loved and been loved by Steven for the past 20 years or so comes to stay with Grace for the summer. Steven's best friend Dillon comes to stay too, to deal with a bad case of writer's block. And they joke with each other and learn from each other and love each other, and it's a lovely, lovely story. I really loved these characters. I laughed out loud. I cried. What more is there to say?
February 8, 2012
This was NOT the book to read before I went to bed last night, as I cried so hard I have puffy eyes this morning. I was expecting a bit of fluff romance, about a slightly kooky woman whose high school crush returns home for the summer; what I was NOT expecting was that it would deal with serious life issues. But once I started, I couldn’t put it down, even knowing that I’d end up that way (i.e. sobbing). I LOVED the friendships in this story, maybe even more so than the romance aspect. Everything about their interaction rang true and felt so real it could have been people that I would know. This is a great story for when you want more of a uplifting (yet sad) romance NOVEL, rather than a romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2012
I listened to this book on audio and WOW, this is one incredible story. I am still trying to compile my emotions and thoughts and will post a full review soon. But for now, know that this is a great story...so much more than a romance. This is a story about the power of friends. Just incredible!!! Tears rolling down my face for much of the last of the book and I still get choked up thinking about it now.
My Review:
When I started this audiobook, I was expecting a light contemporary romance, but what it is...is so much more than that! At the center of this book is Grace. She is the youngest of three siblings and has always been inexplicably hated by her father. He was mean, spiteful, and abusive. The odd thing about this was his horrible actions only applied to Grace, not her older brother Steven, or her older sister, Faith. Nevertheless, Grace was the one that stood by him and took care of him until he finally died. Now Grace is trying to start a new life by turning the family home into a bed & breakfast. And despite it all, Grace is a wonderful giving and thoughtful person who takes care of everyone else in her life.
There is a whole cast of characters to this book who serve as Grace's support system. She is an incredible person, despite her difficulties growing up and her friends realize what a special gift she is.
*Dillon- Steven's best friend and best-selling writer. He moves into the guest cottage on the property as a favor to Steven who knows that Grace needs the money. He stood her up for the prom, but his reason (that she isn't aware of) is so heartbreaking. He also has a secret in his past that shattered him emotionally.
*Promise- Grace's best friend. She moves into the house when she finds out that she has cancer so that Grace can help her through the chemo. Promise has been dating Grace's older brother Steven for 20 years.
*Steven- Grace's older brother and Promise's boyfriend since high school. Also a doctor who lives several hours away.
*Faith- Grace's perfect older sister. Kind-hearted to the point where no one can dislike her.
*Grant- Faith's husband who is a banker.
*Maxie- a friend of Grace's mother and father who simply never left after the funeral. She has moments where her age is showing and she becomes confused.
*Jonah- he loves Maxie and is helping Grace handle some of the handyman type issues on the property.
There is a love story to this book between Dillon & Grace. There are also gorgeous love stories between Promise & Steven and between Maxie & Jonah, but at the heart, this story is not about romantic love. This book is about love of friendship. At the heart is Grace, Dillon, Promise, and Steven and their road through this book IS NOT an easy one. It was incredibly moving and emotional. Even thinking about it now, 24 hours after I finished it, the power of the emotions are so strong that I still well-up with tears.
The wonderful thing about audiobooks is that you have the time to soak in all of the nuances of the story. The narrator on this one, Rebecca Gibel, was just wonderful. She handled the emotions through her voices so incredibly well. There is a huge cast of characters to this book and she managed to give them ALL their own distinct sound through all the ups and downs of the book. It was really well-done and I think completely added to my enjoyment of this book. While I think that I would have enjoyed reading it, I KNOW that the audio version enhanced my emotional reaction to the book to the point where I absolutely fell in love with it. It's definitely one that I recommend!
My Review:
When I started this audiobook, I was expecting a light contemporary romance, but what it is...is so much more than that! At the center of this book is Grace. She is the youngest of three siblings and has always been inexplicably hated by her father. He was mean, spiteful, and abusive. The odd thing about this was his horrible actions only applied to Grace, not her older brother Steven, or her older sister, Faith. Nevertheless, Grace was the one that stood by him and took care of him until he finally died. Now Grace is trying to start a new life by turning the family home into a bed & breakfast. And despite it all, Grace is a wonderful giving and thoughtful person who takes care of everyone else in her life.
There is a whole cast of characters to this book who serve as Grace's support system. She is an incredible person, despite her difficulties growing up and her friends realize what a special gift she is.
*Dillon- Steven's best friend and best-selling writer. He moves into the guest cottage on the property as a favor to Steven who knows that Grace needs the money. He stood her up for the prom, but his reason (that she isn't aware of) is so heartbreaking. He also has a secret in his past that shattered him emotionally.
*Promise- Grace's best friend. She moves into the house when she finds out that she has cancer so that Grace can help her through the chemo. Promise has been dating Grace's older brother Steven for 20 years.
*Steven- Grace's older brother and Promise's boyfriend since high school. Also a doctor who lives several hours away.
*Faith- Grace's perfect older sister. Kind-hearted to the point where no one can dislike her.
*Grant- Faith's husband who is a banker.
*Maxie- a friend of Grace's mother and father who simply never left after the funeral. She has moments where her age is showing and she becomes confused.
*Jonah- he loves Maxie and is helping Grace handle some of the handyman type issues on the property.
There is a love story to this book between Dillon & Grace. There are also gorgeous love stories between Promise & Steven and between Maxie & Jonah, but at the heart, this story is not about romantic love. This book is about love of friendship. At the heart is Grace, Dillon, Promise, and Steven and their road through this book IS NOT an easy one. It was incredibly moving and emotional. Even thinking about it now, 24 hours after I finished it, the power of the emotions are so strong that I still well-up with tears.
The wonderful thing about audiobooks is that you have the time to soak in all of the nuances of the story. The narrator on this one, Rebecca Gibel, was just wonderful. She handled the emotions through her voices so incredibly well. There is a huge cast of characters to this book and she managed to give them ALL their own distinct sound through all the ups and downs of the book. It was really well-done and I think completely added to my enjoyment of this book. While I think that I would have enjoyed reading it, I KNOW that the audio version enhanced my emotional reaction to the book to the point where I absolutely fell in love with it. It's definitely one that I recommend!
February 1, 2012
Review can be seen at http://atastyread.blogspot.com
Another reviewer on Goodreads wrote something along the lines of "I have never read a book where the Cover and the description didn't match the book inside".
I have to agree with her. The book I finished last night was SO MUCH MORE than the cover and description give you. The book is not a fluff read in the least. It is filled with emotion, and heart-break, love and loss.
WOW...One More Summer kind of knocked me on my butt!
Our heroine, Grace, is what my husband would call "a collector of old people". She is a giver, because it's all she feels that she's good at. And you can't knock a person for using "giving" for a skill. With the passing of her father, a horribly mean man, she has taken in a few kind folks, who need a home and they become a "family".
This family includes Dillon Campbell, Grace's older brother Steven's best friend, who stood her up on the night of her prom fifteen years prior. All these years she never knew the real reason, only the reasons her father had told her, that she was ugly and no one would want her. But things change the summer he comes to stay in her guest house, love blooms, family secrets are brought to light, and Grace might have found more in Dillon Campbell than either of them bargained for.
One More Summer has so many wonderful secondary characters, from Grace's brother and sister to her best friend, Promise, and I couldn't imagine the book being the same without every single one of them! Many broken connections are brought together and healed, some are just blooming and some are so strong that they will last even into the afterlife.
Yep, this book had my emotions all over the place, from mad to sad to so angry I wanted to punch something to my chest tightening with heart-ache. Oh boy....just have some tissues handy.
This is one of those books where you can't judge a book by the cover, because this book is beyond what you think it will be. Give it a shot and I know you won't be sorry!!
And at only $4.79 on Amazon...You can't go wrong!!
Ill definitely be adding Liz Flaherty to my Authors to Watch list!!
Another reviewer on Goodreads wrote something along the lines of "I have never read a book where the Cover and the description didn't match the book inside".
I have to agree with her. The book I finished last night was SO MUCH MORE than the cover and description give you. The book is not a fluff read in the least. It is filled with emotion, and heart-break, love and loss.
WOW...One More Summer kind of knocked me on my butt!
Our heroine, Grace, is what my husband would call "a collector of old people". She is a giver, because it's all she feels that she's good at. And you can't knock a person for using "giving" for a skill. With the passing of her father, a horribly mean man, she has taken in a few kind folks, who need a home and they become a "family".
This family includes Dillon Campbell, Grace's older brother Steven's best friend, who stood her up on the night of her prom fifteen years prior. All these years she never knew the real reason, only the reasons her father had told her, that she was ugly and no one would want her. But things change the summer he comes to stay in her guest house, love blooms, family secrets are brought to light, and Grace might have found more in Dillon Campbell than either of them bargained for.
One More Summer has so many wonderful secondary characters, from Grace's brother and sister to her best friend, Promise, and I couldn't imagine the book being the same without every single one of them! Many broken connections are brought together and healed, some are just blooming and some are so strong that they will last even into the afterlife.
Yep, this book had my emotions all over the place, from mad to sad to so angry I wanted to punch something to my chest tightening with heart-ache. Oh boy....just have some tissues handy.
This is one of those books where you can't judge a book by the cover, because this book is beyond what you think it will be. Give it a shot and I know you won't be sorry!!
And at only $4.79 on Amazon...You can't go wrong!!
Ill definitely be adding Liz Flaherty to my Authors to Watch list!!
January 13, 2012
One More Summer by Liz Flaherty
Grace Elliot has returned to the family house where her brother Steven and sister Faith
have turned over their 1/3 of the property to her as their father had passed away a few weeks ago.
She planned on running it as a Bed and Breakfast but an Inn would be better for long
term residents which a lot of them are the elderly of the town.
Her best friend, Promise Delaney is going to be going through breast cancer surgery and chemo and will
need her help.
Dillion Campbell, the boy she was to attend the prom with but didn't show up after speaking to her father,
is back in town. He was a reported covering the war and now writes novels.
He's so tired he needs to rent Grace's guesthouse in the back to reucperate and to help by paying
for his stay.
Jonah who had lost all his retirement money was living there.
Maxie's cousin stayed after her dad's funeral and never left.
Daily life goes on as they get the guesthouse ready for Dilion, he does most of the work with others
helping with the light sewing.
They are all there for Promise after her surgery.
Grace is starting to feel comfortable with Dilion again and she talks to him about
his new book and how to make it better than the last one he wrote. She has a LOT of issues
from the past, mostly her dad who didn't have a good word to say about her at all.
She has to overcome all that.
A lot of secrets come out and the rest of the book helps make sense of what happened earlier in their lives. Awesome read!
Grace Elliot has returned to the family house where her brother Steven and sister Faith
have turned over their 1/3 of the property to her as their father had passed away a few weeks ago.
She planned on running it as a Bed and Breakfast but an Inn would be better for long
term residents which a lot of them are the elderly of the town.
Her best friend, Promise Delaney is going to be going through breast cancer surgery and chemo and will
need her help.
Dillion Campbell, the boy she was to attend the prom with but didn't show up after speaking to her father,
is back in town. He was a reported covering the war and now writes novels.
He's so tired he needs to rent Grace's guesthouse in the back to reucperate and to help by paying
for his stay.
Jonah who had lost all his retirement money was living there.
Maxie's cousin stayed after her dad's funeral and never left.
Daily life goes on as they get the guesthouse ready for Dilion, he does most of the work with others
helping with the light sewing.
They are all there for Promise after her surgery.
Grace is starting to feel comfortable with Dilion again and she talks to him about
his new book and how to make it better than the last one he wrote. She has a LOT of issues
from the past, mostly her dad who didn't have a good word to say about her at all.
She has to overcome all that.
A lot of secrets come out and the rest of the book helps make sense of what happened earlier in their lives. Awesome read!
January 16, 2012
I would give this book MORE than a 5-star rating if I could. It is one of those books that comes along and literally traps the reader in the lives and activities of the characters and their context. This book is about one woman, Grace Elliot, and the people--both past and present--who have impacted her life positively and negatively and those who surround her now and help her "slay her dragons." while a very real part of this story is the long-delayed romance between Dillon and Grace, it is really about her individually--her disappointments, her hurts, her deep questions about her own worth that were shaped by her destructive and abusive father, her nearly buried talents to connect with others, her sense of humor, her incredible loyalty to friends and family, and her love of living that has almost been destroyed, again by that terrible person, her father. Yet in the midst of the hurting that comes because her soul-sister and best friend is dying of cancer, the need to hide when life gets too painful, the new discoveries about the depth of love others hold for her, Grace makes a journey of discovery that is one the one hand, upending and makes her entire world tilt, and on the other hand, gives her new courage and delight in ways she never dreamed or hoped would materialize for her. It is one of the best books I have read this year--and I read a lot of books--and the story is one that is full of energy and love-filled moments. It is a book no serious lover of romance fiction can afford to miss!
January 20, 2012
What a fantastic story!! This pulled me in from the first few lines I read. I was only scanning at first because I wasn't familiar with Liz Flaherty's work but it looked interesting....let's just say I didn't get any sleep last night because I couldn't put it down. I found myself on such an emotional rollercoaster; laughing out loud and smirking, breaking down for a good crying session at points. The characters and story were so engaging, I was so invested in each and every one of them and they all tied together into such a wonderful and loving group of beautiful misfits, that I really wanted to a part of it. The best friend you have all your life, brothers and sisters, messed up parents and wonderful parents, lovers and crushes and all those special people you "make" a family with. All this gushing is very out of character for me, I love to read for an escape, my little mini breaks from the hum drum that happens to us all, but this was truly an unexpected treat. Not what I expected at all from a romance publication (I do know Carina Press is expanding their product lines...but wow!) but so worth the read.
A modest little story with a major punch, at least in my humble opinion! lol
A modest little story with a major punch, at least in my humble opinion! lol
October 2, 2019
This was an amazing book about people I just wished I could hang out with! This is an emotional read about a woman who has been hurt by life but whose heart is huge. Grace gives of herself because it makes her happy and she can't live any other way. She's loved one man her whole life but he just sees her as his best friend's little sister. Dillon is not living his life fully since he lost 2 people he loved. He goes back to his hometown as a favor to his best friend, Steven. What he finds there is a surprise he doesn't expect.
This book is full of characters since Grace and Dillon's love story is full of 'other people on the walk' with them.
This book is full of characters since Grace and Dillon's love story is full of 'other people on the walk' with them.
April 2, 2012
ONE MORE SUMMER is a tender story of loss and hope, of reality and dreams, of every authentic emotion that life offers. I loved this book. The characters are so beautifully written they seem real. The story flows movingly from an emotional high to a valley of sadness and back up to joy. The reader is warned to have a box of Kleenex at hand but it is as much to wipe tears of happiness as it is to wipe tears of sadness. How has Liz Flaherty escaped my list of favorite authors? I have no idea but she is way up there now.
Please see my complete review April 3, 2012 - http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see my complete review April 3, 2012 - http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
October 4, 2024
A Recommended Read. One More Summer is a novel firmly based in reality with all of the joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams, anguish, heartache, and love that life has to offer. Liz Flaherty has written a beautifully poignant and moving story that is filled with deep emotions that will touch your heart. Be prepared to laugh and cry as Grace and Dillon’s romance unfolds in the midst of some of life’s harsher moments. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy....
November 26, 2013
I simply loved this even when it broke my heart a couple of times.
I thought Grace's dealing with the mental abuse she suffered at the hands of her father was true-to-life. Having a mother who suffered verbal abuse from a parent, her entire storyline rang so true to me.
The misunderstandings and misconceptions of the siblings also felt like it could've been lifted from a real life.
Loved the romances, the friendships, and the family relationships. Lots of love for this.
I thought Grace's dealing with the mental abuse she suffered at the hands of her father was true-to-life. Having a mother who suffered verbal abuse from a parent, her entire storyline rang so true to me.
The misunderstandings and misconceptions of the siblings also felt like it could've been lifted from a real life.
Loved the romances, the friendships, and the family relationships. Lots of love for this.
September 10, 2012
If you pick this book up and think that it is going to be a typical romance then think again. This book does have romance but it also has so much more as it deals with happiness, hurt, want and sorrow that come with living. Be prepared to need a tissue or two when you read this. This has been added to my list of books that are a must read.
December 19, 2011
So Good, I really loved this book. I cried a lot! So good.
October 9, 2012
This was NOT what I thought it was! Good read for sure.
September 12, 2014
really enjoyed this book, i laughed & cried while reading. had trouble putting it down.
May 9, 2012
Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner
I’ve been meaning to read this book for a while now, and I finally managed to do it. This is another case of misleading everything. Look at that cover with the happy headless girl acting all playful with Mr. Headless, so cute, right? (1) Wrong! This book is a sappy, drama infested, sob-fest. It’s also the most addictive book I’ve read this year, couldn’t stop reading it even if I kept thinking: “now what!?” Just keep reading and see.
One More Summer has an ensemble cast, although there are two clear main characters, but every one of them has a story and a journey to make. Grace, our heroine, had a terrible life. First she was the plain baby sister living in the shadow of her older siblings: Steven the intelligent and Faith the beautiful. Then her mother died and she was left living with a father who, for some reason, hated her. When her siblings left and her father got sick, she took care of him. Now the father is dead and she’s alone in a house that slowly fills with a bunch of people (that would be our ensemble cast).
Her brother, who worries about her, asks his childhood friend, Dillon, to go take care of her. Dillon is a famous and tormented writer (and also rich, because when book characters are authors, being rich, sad and famous, comes with the job) who has sweet memories of the small town where he grew up, but is weary of Steven’s little sister because his memories of her are of a sad, plain girl, who stoically endured her father’s abuse. And oh yes, also because he stood her up on her prom’s night. The rest you know how it goes, she resents him, he thinks she’s a bitch, they fall madly in love and fight all the way to the happily ever after. But in the middle of it there are a lot of secrets and pain to overcome. (2)
Promise is the other main-ish character (that’s her name, Promise). She’s Gracie’s best friend and Steven’s high school sweetheart. They have been together for years and yet haven’t managed to get married (I’m talking about Pomise and Stephen, not Promise and Grace). She’s battling cancer and she’s staying at Grace’s so that she has some help. Stephen is a surgeon married to his job and Promise can’t deal with being second-best, so she doesn’t tell him right away. Once he finds, though, he also moves in.
Finally, we have Jonah and Maxie, the elderly residents. Maxie can’t live alone because her mind wanders from time to time, and Jonah lost all his money so Gracie gave him shelter. Jonah is in love with Maxie, but she doesn’t know it. One would think this is the sweet romance in the story, but one would be wrong, the drama infestation also touches these two.
And so we have a story with different characters and personalities that are connected through family and friendship, but also through secrets and pain. They all have an important role in the book and in each other’s lives.
I know the description is long but there is a lot going on in this book. The main thing you should know is that the story is all over the place but it’s compelling and addictive. It’s one of those “unputdownable” books. The heroine is a martyr but she’s so headstrong that I didn’t feel sorry for her and I didn’t find her annoying. What I did find annoying was how self-sacrificing she was. No one is like that. Yes, her father beat into her all those feeling of inadequacy so she was afraid to drive people away, but her best friend loved her. She had to realize she was lovable because of a man? Can’t friendship do that as well? So her martyr act and what ultimately changed her annoyed me, but she didn’t. If that makes sense.
The hero was a sweetheart and I liked him very much. I also liked all the secondary characters, Promise in particular. I found her struggle with cancer very touching. I also enjoyed the recurrent theme of the book about imperfect love stories, about romance that’s not as neat as in novels, about relationships that are messy and hard work.
There’s one thing that bothered me and made me really uncomfortable. This is a huge spoiler, although, to be honest, if you pick up the book you will be able to tell what happens almost immediately. Gracie goes through a lot: her mother died, her father blamed her and beat her, the love of her life stood her up on the biggest night, her best friend has cancer, she’s ugly, she has no style, she’s collects cats so she has someone to grow old with, etc. But I’ll take it, the book was entertaining so I won’t complain, angst and drama well-done is good even when exaggerated. However, there’s one thing that I found unbelievable and just plain terrible:
***SPOILER***
Overall, this was an interesting book. I found the story engrossing, readable, angsty and sappy, and I loved Ms. Flaherty’s voice. Fans of drama and contemporary romance should be able to enjoy it, but I recommend reading the spoiler and see how you feel about it. That spoiler is the reason I’m giving this book a 3, and I think the grading should be lower. I think the good by far outweighs the bad, until you hit the spoiler, then I’m not so sure.
(1) There’s a scene in the book where the hero pinches her dress like the guy is doing on the cover, so that’s something accurate at least. I remember this because I finished the book 2 seconds ago, I don’t have a miraculous memory or anything.
(2) I finished the book 2 seconds ago and yet I managed to write Stephen instead of Steven.
I’ve been meaning to read this book for a while now, and I finally managed to do it. This is another case of misleading everything. Look at that cover with the happy headless girl acting all playful with Mr. Headless, so cute, right? (1) Wrong! This book is a sappy, drama infested, sob-fest. It’s also the most addictive book I’ve read this year, couldn’t stop reading it even if I kept thinking: “now what!?” Just keep reading and see.
One More Summer has an ensemble cast, although there are two clear main characters, but every one of them has a story and a journey to make. Grace, our heroine, had a terrible life. First she was the plain baby sister living in the shadow of her older siblings: Steven the intelligent and Faith the beautiful. Then her mother died and she was left living with a father who, for some reason, hated her. When her siblings left and her father got sick, she took care of him. Now the father is dead and she’s alone in a house that slowly fills with a bunch of people (that would be our ensemble cast).
Her brother, who worries about her, asks his childhood friend, Dillon, to go take care of her. Dillon is a famous and tormented writer (and also rich, because when book characters are authors, being rich, sad and famous, comes with the job) who has sweet memories of the small town where he grew up, but is weary of Steven’s little sister because his memories of her are of a sad, plain girl, who stoically endured her father’s abuse. And oh yes, also because he stood her up on her prom’s night. The rest you know how it goes, she resents him, he thinks she’s a bitch, they fall madly in love and fight all the way to the happily ever after. But in the middle of it there are a lot of secrets and pain to overcome. (2)
Promise is the other main-ish character (that’s her name, Promise). She’s Gracie’s best friend and Steven’s high school sweetheart. They have been together for years and yet haven’t managed to get married (I’m talking about Pomise and Stephen, not Promise and Grace). She’s battling cancer and she’s staying at Grace’s so that she has some help. Stephen is a surgeon married to his job and Promise can’t deal with being second-best, so she doesn’t tell him right away. Once he finds, though, he also moves in.
Finally, we have Jonah and Maxie, the elderly residents. Maxie can’t live alone because her mind wanders from time to time, and Jonah lost all his money so Gracie gave him shelter. Jonah is in love with Maxie, but she doesn’t know it. One would think this is the sweet romance in the story, but one would be wrong, the drama infestation also touches these two.
And so we have a story with different characters and personalities that are connected through family and friendship, but also through secrets and pain. They all have an important role in the book and in each other’s lives.
I know the description is long but there is a lot going on in this book. The main thing you should know is that the story is all over the place but it’s compelling and addictive. It’s one of those “unputdownable” books. The heroine is a martyr but she’s so headstrong that I didn’t feel sorry for her and I didn’t find her annoying. What I did find annoying was how self-sacrificing she was. No one is like that. Yes, her father beat into her all those feeling of inadequacy so she was afraid to drive people away, but her best friend loved her. She had to realize she was lovable because of a man? Can’t friendship do that as well? So her martyr act and what ultimately changed her annoyed me, but she didn’t. If that makes sense.
The hero was a sweetheart and I liked him very much. I also liked all the secondary characters, Promise in particular. I found her struggle with cancer very touching. I also enjoyed the recurrent theme of the book about imperfect love stories, about romance that’s not as neat as in novels, about relationships that are messy and hard work.
There’s one thing that bothered me and made me really uncomfortable. This is a huge spoiler, although, to be honest, if you pick up the book you will be able to tell what happens almost immediately. Gracie goes through a lot: her mother died, her father blamed her and beat her, the love of her life stood her up on the biggest night, her best friend has cancer, she’s ugly, she has no style, she’s collects cats so she has someone to grow old with, etc. But I’ll take it, the book was entertaining so I won’t complain, angst and drama well-done is good even when exaggerated. However, there’s one thing that I found unbelievable and just plain terrible:
***SPOILER***
Overall, this was an interesting book. I found the story engrossing, readable, angsty and sappy, and I loved Ms. Flaherty’s voice. Fans of drama and contemporary romance should be able to enjoy it, but I recommend reading the spoiler and see how you feel about it. That spoiler is the reason I’m giving this book a 3, and I think the grading should be lower. I think the good by far outweighs the bad, until you hit the spoiler, then I’m not so sure.
(1) There’s a scene in the book where the hero pinches her dress like the guy is doing on the cover, so that’s something accurate at least. I remember this because I finished the book 2 seconds ago, I don’t have a miraculous memory or anything.
(2) I finished the book 2 seconds ago and yet I managed to write Stephen instead of Steven.
May 21, 2018
Once or twice a year I feel the need to read a sloppy sentimental book that will make me cry at the end, and this is exactly that book. If I make myself think objectively about it, there are plenty of things wrong with it— for one thing, the side story between Grace’s brother and her best friend was way more interesting to me than than the main story, and frustratingly it mostly happens offstage. For another, there are way too many characters and subplots—I’m not sure if I wish she had left some of them out, or if she’d made the book two hundred pages longer to fully develop them. And although Flaherty does a good job early on with banter among the four best friends at the center of the story, after awhile either she quit doing such a good job or it just got really old. I could go on, but still, it was exactly the book I wanted it to be at the moment. Highly recommended if you’re in the mood for a good, weepy story, and sometimes aren’t we all.
August 14, 2019
I read this book in one sitting - it was wonderful. The characters were captivating, I cried and cheered for each one- Liz Flaherty did an amazing job with several real life challenges. I couldn't put it down staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish. I haven't done that in a very long time.
Read
November 5, 2022A quick and easy read. This is the first book I have read by Liz Flaherty and I enjoyed it. The only downfall is that the book was a bit predictable and I didn't like the ending where Promise passed away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2017
Tear jerker
August 8, 2018
Dang ... too much sadness.
July 10, 2019
DNF. Didn't want to read a depressing book. Not in mood.
November 5, 2023
I particularly like the depth and complexity of the situations and characters. Both rte well above most books of this type that I've read in the past.
February 3, 2012
Don't be taken in by the cover and description--this book is not simply a romance. Oh, it contains romantic relationships, but that isn't really what I saw as the ultimate focus of this novel. This is a book about tragedy, trauma, loss, love, family and friendship.
The main plot of this book revolves around Grace, and her interactions with all the other characters. Grace is a thirty-three year old who has never lived outside her childhood home, never been to college, never had a job outside the home. She was emotionally and physically abused by her father her entire life, but she still cared for him in his old age. But he has recently died, and after his death Grace opens the doors of her home to a slapdash of characters. There is her best friend, Promise (also Grace's brother, Steven's significant other off and on for 20 years). Promise is a spunky, funny, caring teacher who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer--the same disease that killed her mother. Also in the house is Maxie, a distant relative who was close to Grace's mother. She came for the father, Robert's funeral and simply stayed on. There is also Jonah, an older gentleman that was acquainted with Robert whose health and financial problems have made living on his own impossible. And last, there is Dillon Campbell. Dillon is Steven's best friend, an award winning author, and also the guy who stood Grace up on the night of her senior prom. In addition to these characters, there are also Grace's remaining family: Steven, her cardiologist older brother and Faith, her perfect older sister.
The intricate web of relationships that build between all of these characters is the reason to read this book. They build a powerful support system for one another, holding one another's head above water during all of the trials they face (and they face several), alternating at various times between being the one holding and the one being held.
What I liked about this book was that it dealt with real issues in a very real way. It acknowledged that miracles sometimes happen, but it also acknowledged that often they don't happen no matter how much you hope, pray, fight or bargain. Sometimes you have to take the time you are given and be content with that. I loved that there were no magic cures for the problems the characters face. Nobody gets better because they fall in love; marriage doesn't cure cancer, saying "I love you" doesn't erase past trauma, and sleeping together does not mean that someone is ready to spill their guts about the worst parts of their life.
I also really enjoyed the characters themselves. They were at times cynical, sarcastic, humorous, sad, brave, heartbroken...and I always believed their reactions and interactions. I loved the relationship between Promise and Grace, loved how they always lifted one another up no matter how low they were feeling, and how they played their "game" where they talk around an issue that one or both isn't willing to broach. I loved the development between Grace and Dillon, and how they held back from one another the things that had hurt them in the past for so long, because that was so realistic. It takes time to build that kind of trust, and the author gave them that time.
My main complaints with this book was that I found the Maxie/Jonah subplot sort of distracting, and Maxie's role at times melodramatic. Also, I felt that I as the reader knew Grace and Dillon's secrets for way too long before they actually disclosed them to one another. At times, I felt like screaming at Dillon "How have you not figured this out yet?!" because there was heavy foreshadowing of Grace's secret.
The main plot of this book revolves around Grace, and her interactions with all the other characters. Grace is a thirty-three year old who has never lived outside her childhood home, never been to college, never had a job outside the home. She was emotionally and physically abused by her father her entire life, but she still cared for him in his old age. But he has recently died, and after his death Grace opens the doors of her home to a slapdash of characters. There is her best friend, Promise (also Grace's brother, Steven's significant other off and on for 20 years). Promise is a spunky, funny, caring teacher who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer--the same disease that killed her mother. Also in the house is Maxie, a distant relative who was close to Grace's mother. She came for the father, Robert's funeral and simply stayed on. There is also Jonah, an older gentleman that was acquainted with Robert whose health and financial problems have made living on his own impossible. And last, there is Dillon Campbell. Dillon is Steven's best friend, an award winning author, and also the guy who stood Grace up on the night of her senior prom. In addition to these characters, there are also Grace's remaining family: Steven, her cardiologist older brother and Faith, her perfect older sister.
The intricate web of relationships that build between all of these characters is the reason to read this book. They build a powerful support system for one another, holding one another's head above water during all of the trials they face (and they face several), alternating at various times between being the one holding and the one being held.
What I liked about this book was that it dealt with real issues in a very real way. It acknowledged that miracles sometimes happen, but it also acknowledged that often they don't happen no matter how much you hope, pray, fight or bargain. Sometimes you have to take the time you are given and be content with that. I loved that there were no magic cures for the problems the characters face. Nobody gets better because they fall in love; marriage doesn't cure cancer, saying "I love you" doesn't erase past trauma, and sleeping together does not mean that someone is ready to spill their guts about the worst parts of their life.
I also really enjoyed the characters themselves. They were at times cynical, sarcastic, humorous, sad, brave, heartbroken...and I always believed their reactions and interactions. I loved the relationship between Promise and Grace, loved how they always lifted one another up no matter how low they were feeling, and how they played their "game" where they talk around an issue that one or both isn't willing to broach. I loved the development between Grace and Dillon, and how they held back from one another the things that had hurt them in the past for so long, because that was so realistic. It takes time to build that kind of trust, and the author gave them that time.
My main complaints with this book was that I found the Maxie/Jonah subplot sort of distracting, and Maxie's role at times melodramatic. Also, I felt that I as the reader knew Grace and Dillon's secrets for way too long before they actually disclosed them to one another. At times, I felt like screaming at Dillon "How have you not figured this out yet?!" because there was heavy foreshadowing of Grace's secret.
February 7, 2012
Normally I like to rate & review the technical and emotional aspects of a book as one because 99.9% of the time they are inseparable. One More Summer is the .1% hold out. I was so emotionally devastated and technically irritated it would be impossible for me to combine them.
Technically: The author left me confused many times throughout this book. Scene changes with no lead in, pivotal information that is just assumed and never explained or introduced. And wholly guacamole, how many different sub-plots can one book have. It seemed I was continuously rereading to make sure I got the characters, scene, plot, etc. correct.
Technical Score: 2/5 floozies
Emotionally: I hate this book! Not really, I was just too upset and sad the whole way through. I read as a form of escapism not so I can be reminded of just how crappy life can be for some people. Ms. Flaherty must have missed the class about happy endings. All joking aside, I am more than aware of the injustices inflicted on good people. Most books take those injustices and wrap them up in a pretty bows. Things hardly ever work out the way they do in romance novels and to 'dock' this book because it did not come with a happy ending would be an injustice in and of itself. Still doesn't mean I'm happy about it. There is a line Dillion spoke that sums up this book perfectly:
And talk about water works, oh boy! After this book and the last one I read (Sunrise Point) I need to restock my tissue. I have never experienced half of the horrible things Grace had to endure, but I have suffered the loss of a best friend. Shoot, I'm crying as I write this :( "Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all," right? The bond that Grace and Promise have goes beyond sisters, kindred spirits is exactly what it is. Grace's hound-dog, self sacrifice, second fiddle attitude bugged me. I get the why, but it will always be something I have a hard time truly understand. Dillion was depressing too. Grace shares and he won't, way to go husband. Then again, the book and marriage was not truly about them.
In the end, One More Summer is a depressing, true-to-life account of how crappy life can be and how blessed we should all feel for the love and support from those who really matter in our lives. I kept reading waiting for things to turn around for Grace and they never did. Once again I realized, waiting gets you nowhere, getting up and doing something about it is the only way to live.
Emotionally: 4/5 floozies
So, I guess 3/5 floozies would be the fairest rating. I'm not opposed to more Liz Flaherty books, but for the love of Pete, can you make them just a smidgen more happy?
Thank you NetGalley.com for providing me with this ebook!
Technically: The author left me confused many times throughout this book. Scene changes with no lead in, pivotal information that is just assumed and never explained or introduced. And wholly guacamole, how many different sub-plots can one book have. It seemed I was continuously rereading to make sure I got the characters, scene, plot, etc. correct.
Technical Score: 2/5 floozies
Emotionally: I hate this book! Not really, I was just too upset and sad the whole way through. I read as a form of escapism not so I can be reminded of just how crappy life can be for some people. Ms. Flaherty must have missed the class about happy endings. All joking aside, I am more than aware of the injustices inflicted on good people. Most books take those injustices and wrap them up in a pretty bows. Things hardly ever work out the way they do in romance novels and to 'dock' this book because it did not come with a happy ending would be an injustice in and of itself. Still doesn't mean I'm happy about it. There is a line Dillion spoke that sums up this book perfectly:
"This isn't a book you get out of the library and read on Saturday night, Gracie. In those books, the endings are happy, all the strings neatly tied, and the hero and heroine's story is the one that counts. If we're the lead characters in this story, we're not doing a very good job of it because right now we're not the ones who matter most."Yup, pretty much.
And talk about water works, oh boy! After this book and the last one I read (Sunrise Point) I need to restock my tissue. I have never experienced half of the horrible things Grace had to endure, but I have suffered the loss of a best friend. Shoot, I'm crying as I write this :( "Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all," right? The bond that Grace and Promise have goes beyond sisters, kindred spirits is exactly what it is. Grace's hound-dog, self sacrifice, second fiddle attitude bugged me. I get the why, but it will always be something I have a hard time truly understand. Dillion was depressing too. Grace shares and he won't, way to go husband. Then again, the book and marriage was not truly about them.
In the end, One More Summer is a depressing, true-to-life account of how crappy life can be and how blessed we should all feel for the love and support from those who really matter in our lives. I kept reading waiting for things to turn around for Grace and they never did. Once again I realized, waiting gets you nowhere, getting up and doing something about it is the only way to live.
Emotionally: 4/5 floozies
So, I guess 3/5 floozies would be the fairest rating. I'm not opposed to more Liz Flaherty books, but for the love of Pete, can you make them just a smidgen more happy?
Thank you NetGalley.com for providing me with this ebook!
March 3, 2012
At First Sight: Grace Elliot has spent her life under her fathers thumb - she was his least liked child and things got worse after her mother died when she was 12. But now, her father has died and her brother and sister have signed their shares of the family's property to her, and she wants to open and B&B.
But before she can get her plans in motion, things get derailed. She takes in two elderly boarders, Maxie - a distant relative of her mom's and a has-been actress . and Jonah - an old friend of her dad's who lost all his retirement money in a scam.
And then Grace's best friend Promise asks if she can move in too, as she just found out she has breast cancer and doesn't want to be alone when facing the aggressive treatments. She's also asking her to keep it a secret from Steven, Grace's older brother who has been dating Promise on and off since they were teenagers.
And, to top it off, Steven's best friend Dillon Campbell is back in town. Dillon was Grace's impossible crush and the guy who stood her up the night of her senior prom. Since then, Dillon was a war reporter and wrote five successful books. He moves into Grace's guest cottage for the summer - and pays an exorbitant rent - allegedly to work on his next book, but really he was sent there by Steven to keep an eye on Grace and, with the rent, help her to make her dream of owning an inn a reality.
But soon things begin to unravel, what with Promise's illness and the Elliots' family secrets slowly coming out of hiding as Grace's siblings start to realize how deep their father's abuse went and what it did to their sister. And Grace, who never in her life had anyone to fully lean on, learns that Dillon might be her strongest support.
Second Glance: When I first picked up One More Summer, I thought I would get something light and fluffy, but that was not the case at all. Further more, at the beginning I was convinced I was going to DNF this book since the first quarter of the book was a struggle and I had a hard time getting into it.
But once the ball got rolling, I became engrossed with the story. It's not a straight romance, though there is a lot of love in the story. Dillon and Grace are both very complex and have gone through a lot of unhappiness. And Grace isn't exactly the easiest person to like as she has martyr tendencies and refuses to ask for help - eventually it makes sense why she's like that, but still, not the most likable person ever.
She is, however, very giving. And loves the people in her life deeply, even if sometimes she can't show it. Her friendship with Promise is so realistic, they are each other's kindred spirits and their bond was amazing.
I loved a lot of things about this book, I really did. But it wasn't perfect. As I said, the beginning was a a struggle, and I felt that the back story on Grace was a bit much - though it made sense, and was so heartbreaking.
And the ending, gosh, it left me a sobbing mess.
Bottom Line: One More Summer made me cry, a lot. It wasn't the easiest read but it touched me in a way I wasn't expecting. And I ended up liking it more than I thought possible. It's a realistic and bittersweet story.
But before she can get her plans in motion, things get derailed. She takes in two elderly boarders, Maxie - a distant relative of her mom's and a has-been actress . and Jonah - an old friend of her dad's who lost all his retirement money in a scam.
And then Grace's best friend Promise asks if she can move in too, as she just found out she has breast cancer and doesn't want to be alone when facing the aggressive treatments. She's also asking her to keep it a secret from Steven, Grace's older brother who has been dating Promise on and off since they were teenagers.
And, to top it off, Steven's best friend Dillon Campbell is back in town. Dillon was Grace's impossible crush and the guy who stood her up the night of her senior prom. Since then, Dillon was a war reporter and wrote five successful books. He moves into Grace's guest cottage for the summer - and pays an exorbitant rent - allegedly to work on his next book, but really he was sent there by Steven to keep an eye on Grace and, with the rent, help her to make her dream of owning an inn a reality.
But soon things begin to unravel, what with Promise's illness and the Elliots' family secrets slowly coming out of hiding as Grace's siblings start to realize how deep their father's abuse went and what it did to their sister. And Grace, who never in her life had anyone to fully lean on, learns that Dillon might be her strongest support.
Second Glance: When I first picked up One More Summer, I thought I would get something light and fluffy, but that was not the case at all. Further more, at the beginning I was convinced I was going to DNF this book since the first quarter of the book was a struggle and I had a hard time getting into it.
But once the ball got rolling, I became engrossed with the story. It's not a straight romance, though there is a lot of love in the story. Dillon and Grace are both very complex and have gone through a lot of unhappiness. And Grace isn't exactly the easiest person to like as she has martyr tendencies and refuses to ask for help - eventually it makes sense why she's like that, but still, not the most likable person ever.
She is, however, very giving. And loves the people in her life deeply, even if sometimes she can't show it. Her friendship with Promise is so realistic, they are each other's kindred spirits and their bond was amazing.
I loved a lot of things about this book, I really did. But it wasn't perfect. As I said, the beginning was a a struggle, and I felt that the back story on Grace was a bit much - though it made sense, and was so heartbreaking.
And the ending, gosh, it left me a sobbing mess.
Bottom Line: One More Summer made me cry, a lot. It wasn't the easiest read but it touched me in a way I wasn't expecting. And I ended up liking it more than I thought possible. It's a realistic and bittersweet story.
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