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Coleman and Shepherd Families #2
Under a Summer Sky
New York Times bestselling author Nan Rossiter transports readers to Cape Cod with a warm, compelling story of family, new beginnings, and finding the courage to love honestly and well...The old Cape Cod house that Laney Coleman shares with her minister husband Noah and their five boys is usually brimming with cheerful chaos. There's nothing fancy about the ancient kitchen or the wooden floors scuffed by the constant parade of activity and the clicking claws of their two Labrador retrievers. It's a place to savor the sea breeze wafting through the windows, or sip coffee on the porch before another hectic day begins. This summer, life promises to be even busier than usual, because Noah's younger brother, Micah, wants to hold his upcoming wedding on their property.
Though thrilled that Micah has found happiness after past heartache, Laney is apprehensive about having her home turned upside down. She has other concerns too--her youngest son is being bullied at school, and Noah's father is not the robust patriarch he once was, in mind or body. As the bride and groom's large, close-knit families gather, there will be joyful celebration but also unexpected sorrows and revelations, and a chance to store up a lifetime of memories during the fleeting, precious days of summer...
Though thrilled that Micah has found happiness after past heartache, Laney is apprehensive about having her home turned upside down. She has other concerns too--her youngest son is being bullied at school, and Noah's father is not the robust patriarch he once was, in mind or body. As the bride and groom's large, close-knit families gather, there will be joyful celebration but also unexpected sorrows and revelations, and a chance to store up a lifetime of memories during the fleeting, precious days of summer...
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
132 people are currently reading
1237 people want to read
About the author
Nan Rossiter
14 books325 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nan Rossiter loves to weave together stories about the complicated relationships to which all readers can relate -- motherhood, sisterhood, friendship, marriage and romance. She draws from her own life experiences to create authentic situations that mirror the trials and triumphs we all face. Compassionate, real, and funny, her books take readers on emotional journeys that often include heartbreak and joy, but also include threads of faith, a furry friend or two, and uplifting endings. Nan's books have been highly acclaimed by reviewers from Publisher's Weekly to Booklist. Her novel, SUMMER DANCE, was the 2018 winner of the Nancy Pearl Award.
Nan is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and began her writing career in the world of children's books. Along with her many contemporary fiction novels, Nan is also the author/illustrator of several books for children, including RUGBY & ROSIE, winner of Nebraska's Golden Sower Award, and THE FO'C'SLE: Henry Beston's Outermost House.
Nan lives on a quiet country road in Connecticut with her husband and a solemn black Lab named Finn, who diligently watches their every move and can be roused from a nap in a distant room by the sound of a banana being peeled or a cookie crumb hitting the floor. Nan and her husband are the parents of two handsome sons who have struck out on life journeys of their own and are pursuing careers in aviation.
For more information, visit
nanrossiter.com/
facebook.com/NanRossiter/
instagram.com/nanrossiter/
twitter.com/NanRossiter
bookbub.com/profile/nan-rossiter
Nan is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and began her writing career in the world of children's books. Along with her many contemporary fiction novels, Nan is also the author/illustrator of several books for children, including RUGBY & ROSIE, winner of Nebraska's Golden Sower Award, and THE FO'C'SLE: Henry Beston's Outermost House.
Nan lives on a quiet country road in Connecticut with her husband and a solemn black Lab named Finn, who diligently watches their every move and can be roused from a nap in a distant room by the sound of a banana being peeled or a cookie crumb hitting the floor. Nan and her husband are the parents of two handsome sons who have struck out on life journeys of their own and are pursuing careers in aviation.
For more information, visit
nanrossiter.com/
facebook.com/NanRossiter/
instagram.com/nanrossiter/
twitter.com/NanRossiter
bookbub.com/profile/nan-rossiter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 27, 2016
I have such mixed feelings about this book. It was good to get to know more of the Coleman family from More Than You Know. The setting on the Cape is always appealing. The story was fine, not great but not bothersome either. The bad: There were at least eleven significant characters most with biblical names so I was frequently confused. It didn't help that in one paragraph Asa got out of bed, Noah left the bedroom, and Asa went downstairs. I'm guessing that was an editing issue! My second problem was with the sledgehammer use of religion. I attend church regularly and think the sermons I hear are more subtle than the conversations this family has!
July 7, 2014
Under a Summer Sky by Nan Rossiter. Life comes full circle and as the Prologue begins and the Epilogue closes a lifetime passes. Life is precious and we don’t know how long we have. Instead of wishing away the meaningless days, the characters learn to embrace them. Rossiter’s books are like being welcomed into a family and as the novels progress you begin to care about the characters. Readers cheer during the memorable moments and tear up when heartbreak threatens to destroy their close-knit families. Love, forgiveness and heavenly guidance center the Noah and Laney’s marriage and with faith, they can get through anything.
July 5, 2014
This is the worst book of sentimental slush I have ever read. There are so many gushing tears I'm surprised the pages weren't soaking wet. Illness lurks round every character's corner. If I could have given it no stars I would. How it ever got published is a mystery.
(Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa)
(Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa)
January 20, 2015
I found it hard to enjoy this book with so many characters and a storyline that could have been great but didn't go anywhere. I nearly gave it up but decided to make it through to the end and really regretted it. I don't mind a story about faith but really I have nothing nice to say about this book which is such a shame.
July 1, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a wonderfully-written tale of a year in the life of a close-knit, Christian family. Even the characters' love and devotion toward their pets is heart-rending. I really fell in love with this sweet family. It's a great feel-good read.
This is a wonderfully-written tale of a year in the life of a close-knit, Christian family. Even the characters' love and devotion toward their pets is heart-rending. I really fell in love with this sweet family. It's a great feel-good read.
August 2, 2017
Sometimes you just need a "beach book" after too many work-related non-fiction. I love this one because it is set on my favorite place in the whole US. Cape Cod is where I both loved and lost, though different from the characters in the story.
I don't often actively seek out a book with religious underpinnings, but this one was just right. It brought back familiar Bible verses of faith that ended up comforting me unexpectedly. Life is messy. The greatest lives aren't always in the throes of love. And we never know when our days will end. So, like in this book, we try to build memories and traditions to pass down to generations.
This is a great summer read.
I don't often actively seek out a book with religious underpinnings, but this one was just right. It brought back familiar Bible verses of faith that ended up comforting me unexpectedly. Life is messy. The greatest lives aren't always in the throes of love. And we never know when our days will end. So, like in this book, we try to build memories and traditions to pass down to generations.
This is a great summer read.
August 17, 2017
I gave it 3 stars because some of our best friends are a priest and his wife and he spends all week preparing a sermon (I can't imagine any preacher waiting until SATURDAY!), and their lives are constantly being interrupted by his congregation. A minister spends a lot of time with his congregation. Those 2 plot points killed it for me, too unrealistic. I did love the insertion of scripture and faith into the story, though. I will try one more from her to see if I can forgive the plot flaws.
June 10, 2017
Laney Coleman and her minister husband Noah and their five sons, two dogs and a cat live in their Cape Cod house surrounded by family and parents each summer. The story moves through their lives dealing with joy and sorrow and the reader is assured of teary eyes more than once on this delightful journey.
July 5, 2020
Heartfelt
What a lovely book! It's full of family love and life's ups and downs and the thread of God's love running through it all.
What a lovely book! It's full of family love and life's ups and downs and the thread of God's love running through it all.
September 1, 2021
A little too “religious” for me. Couldn’t keep reading it.
September 20, 2021
great book
Such a beautiful book..I loved how it combined the love & trials of family and the spiritualism that holds us all together… really loved it..
Such a beautiful book..I loved how it combined the love & trials of family and the spiritualism that holds us all together… really loved it..
June 9, 2022
When I bought this book I didn't realize it is a sequel to The Gin & Chowder Club. What a nice surprise. I loved both stories and highly recommend.
June 24, 2022
Absolutely Fantastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 11, 2020
Very touching.story
This novel is a heartwarming story about fami!y and faith. At its heart is the message to be a part of daily living. Life has its ups and downs but God is there to love and support is through it all. The story follows the Coleman family through the course of a summer preparing for a family wedding. Rossiter weaves a wonderful story about this family of 7 and their love for each other and their extended family. It is an emotional roller coaster at times.but all in all a wonderful read
This novel is a heartwarming story about fami!y and faith. At its heart is the message to be a part of daily living. Life has its ups and downs but God is there to love and support is through it all. The story follows the Coleman family through the course of a summer preparing for a family wedding. Rossiter weaves a wonderful story about this family of 7 and their love for each other and their extended family. It is an emotional roller coaster at times.but all in all a wonderful read
May 16, 2014
UNDER THE SUMMER SKY is a beautiful and compelling story about the bonds of family and faith, set in the idyllic Cape Cod coastal area.
The story begins with a back story of Noah’s father, a complicated family (which I found very intriguing). His father had an affair with an older woman (his grandfather’s best friend), which left him the beach house. He meets a gal Laney, from Georgia (Pacey's Peaches and Pecans) during college and later Noah (from New England), and Laney marry. He a minister and Laney a school teacher—with five boys and two labs.
Their life is pretty much filled with everyday drama and life with a house full of boys. (I know as I raised five boys, and a golden retriever as well, so can relate—turns into 10 on the weekends when they have their friends over).
At the same time, Noah volunteers their home for his younger brother Micah’s) upcoming wedding---causing some drama, as there are things in the home which need updated, one being the kitchen.
This heartwarming novel addresses many highly-charged subjects, and one being bullying. Their youngest son is experiencing bullying at school and on the bus—with serious consequences. In addition, Noah’s father (Asa) has a serious health scare, as does another family member, which causes a careful look at what life is all about, as well as some questioning their faith.
Maddie and Asa keep things quiet about his illness, as they do not want to upset the upcoming nuptials and planning. Nan Rossiter has a way of intertwining family, faith, grief, illness, love, cooking, and pets into her books ---- for a take away about the importance of family, honesty, new beginnings, and treasuring those you love and hold dear.
Rossiter raised the question, “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?” –death, bullying, illness-----as Noah’ sermons addresses through the novel, inviting us to believe that even though life is filled with tragedies, God is there to sustain and guide us. “Life is messy-there’s no doubt about it. It’s hard and it often sets us back on our heels. But that still doesn’t mean it isn’t glorious. God gave us this glorious life to see what we would do with it, and he gave us resilient spirits and a promise to always be with us through every struggle”. God knows the big picture, and we do not always know his ultimate plan—we have to Trust Him.
In today’s society, we need faith—and many authors are integrating light spirituality within fiction books---as just recently read book, Distortion by Terri Blackstock (a well know best seller of thriller, crime, and suspense novels) crossing over, as Christian publishers were showing interest in the suspense genre and Christian publisher Zondervan has picked up a number of her books.
I enjoyed MORE THAN YOU KNOW, Rossiter's previous book, and chose the audiobook for UNDER A SUMMER SKY, read by Jennifer Van Dyck (good job). The audiobook started out slow; however, as all the players were put in place, began to take shape ---for an inspiring, heartwarming light summer read.
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
The story begins with a back story of Noah’s father, a complicated family (which I found very intriguing). His father had an affair with an older woman (his grandfather’s best friend), which left him the beach house. He meets a gal Laney, from Georgia (Pacey's Peaches and Pecans) during college and later Noah (from New England), and Laney marry. He a minister and Laney a school teacher—with five boys and two labs.
Their life is pretty much filled with everyday drama and life with a house full of boys. (I know as I raised five boys, and a golden retriever as well, so can relate—turns into 10 on the weekends when they have their friends over).
At the same time, Noah volunteers their home for his younger brother Micah’s) upcoming wedding---causing some drama, as there are things in the home which need updated, one being the kitchen.
This heartwarming novel addresses many highly-charged subjects, and one being bullying. Their youngest son is experiencing bullying at school and on the bus—with serious consequences. In addition, Noah’s father (Asa) has a serious health scare, as does another family member, which causes a careful look at what life is all about, as well as some questioning their faith.
Maddie and Asa keep things quiet about his illness, as they do not want to upset the upcoming nuptials and planning. Nan Rossiter has a way of intertwining family, faith, grief, illness, love, cooking, and pets into her books ---- for a take away about the importance of family, honesty, new beginnings, and treasuring those you love and hold dear.
Rossiter raised the question, “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?” –death, bullying, illness-----as Noah’ sermons addresses through the novel, inviting us to believe that even though life is filled with tragedies, God is there to sustain and guide us. “Life is messy-there’s no doubt about it. It’s hard and it often sets us back on our heels. But that still doesn’t mean it isn’t glorious. God gave us this glorious life to see what we would do with it, and he gave us resilient spirits and a promise to always be with us through every struggle”. God knows the big picture, and we do not always know his ultimate plan—we have to Trust Him.
In today’s society, we need faith—and many authors are integrating light spirituality within fiction books---as just recently read book, Distortion by Terri Blackstock (a well know best seller of thriller, crime, and suspense novels) crossing over, as Christian publishers were showing interest in the suspense genre and Christian publisher Zondervan has picked up a number of her books.
I enjoyed MORE THAN YOU KNOW, Rossiter's previous book, and chose the audiobook for UNDER A SUMMER SKY, read by Jennifer Van Dyck (good job). The audiobook started out slow; however, as all the players were put in place, began to take shape ---for an inspiring, heartwarming light summer read.
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
April 28, 2014
“A Homespun Tale That Will Take You on an Emotional Roller-Coaster Ride”
Ms. Rossiter has done it again! What a fantastic heart-warmer! Noah and Laney Coleman have a wonderful but chaotic life, centered around their family and their old Cape Cod-style house. Noah is a minister and Laney teaches first grade. Life is never dull for the Colemans –(especially with five sons), but there’s nothing they can’t handle. That is, until Noah’s Brother, Micah “Rocks the boat”. He has become engaged to a sweet lady named Beryl Graham and asks if they can hold the wedding on Noah and Laney’s stretch of beach. Without consulting Laney, Noah agrees. Ordinarily, it wouldn’t put a hitch into any other plans—but when medical and serious family problems rear their ugly heads, Laney wonders and worries how everything will get accomplished in time for the nuptials. Add to the already “Full plate”, mounting worries concerning Asa’s (Noah and Micah’s Father) noticeable frailty and waning interest in family participation, perhaps creating another cause for alarm. Against Maddie’s (Asa’s wife) wishes, not a word is spoken within the family about what might, or might not be wrong. The Author has tackled the tender and difficult topics of cancer and how it affects the strongest of families, bullying –which has become an ongoing, national problem that must be addressed for the safety, physical, and mental well-being of children of any age, and grief ..which is handled differently by everyone. I’m going to warn you—once you start reading this, you won’t want to lay it down. You’ll gasp, laugh, and hold your breath, praying for the best. You will definitely need a box of tissues close at hand. On a lighter note, you’ll love the Colemans (and their In-laws, “Out-laws”, their beautiful, sweet Labs and all who cherish them), making you wait impatiently for a future volume and the next generation’s heart-warming stories. Ms. Rossiter pulls you right in, instantly making you feel like you are a part of the Coleman family. She has graciously included a handy listing of characters plus a couple of delicious-sounding “Coleman Family” recipes you’re sure to want to try. I’m planning on trying the peach cobbler, myself! You don’t need to read her first three volumes to understand and enjoy this prize-winner, but I’m betting you’ll want to delve into: “The Gin and Chowder Club”, “More Than You Know”, and “Words Get In The Way”. If there is one thought-provoking message I combed from this book, it is about the importance of embracing and savoring every moment we have been given and to tell those we love (and extending kindness to those we don’t) that we love them. It will make a difference in someone’s life, as well as yours. Don’t miss this passionate volume!
Nancy Narma
Ms. Rossiter has done it again! What a fantastic heart-warmer! Noah and Laney Coleman have a wonderful but chaotic life, centered around their family and their old Cape Cod-style house. Noah is a minister and Laney teaches first grade. Life is never dull for the Colemans –(especially with five sons), but there’s nothing they can’t handle. That is, until Noah’s Brother, Micah “Rocks the boat”. He has become engaged to a sweet lady named Beryl Graham and asks if they can hold the wedding on Noah and Laney’s stretch of beach. Without consulting Laney, Noah agrees. Ordinarily, it wouldn’t put a hitch into any other plans—but when medical and serious family problems rear their ugly heads, Laney wonders and worries how everything will get accomplished in time for the nuptials. Add to the already “Full plate”, mounting worries concerning Asa’s (Noah and Micah’s Father) noticeable frailty and waning interest in family participation, perhaps creating another cause for alarm. Against Maddie’s (Asa’s wife) wishes, not a word is spoken within the family about what might, or might not be wrong. The Author has tackled the tender and difficult topics of cancer and how it affects the strongest of families, bullying –which has become an ongoing, national problem that must be addressed for the safety, physical, and mental well-being of children of any age, and grief ..which is handled differently by everyone. I’m going to warn you—once you start reading this, you won’t want to lay it down. You’ll gasp, laugh, and hold your breath, praying for the best. You will definitely need a box of tissues close at hand. On a lighter note, you’ll love the Colemans (and their In-laws, “Out-laws”, their beautiful, sweet Labs and all who cherish them), making you wait impatiently for a future volume and the next generation’s heart-warming stories. Ms. Rossiter pulls you right in, instantly making you feel like you are a part of the Coleman family. She has graciously included a handy listing of characters plus a couple of delicious-sounding “Coleman Family” recipes you’re sure to want to try. I’m planning on trying the peach cobbler, myself! You don’t need to read her first three volumes to understand and enjoy this prize-winner, but I’m betting you’ll want to delve into: “The Gin and Chowder Club”, “More Than You Know”, and “Words Get In The Way”. If there is one thought-provoking message I combed from this book, it is about the importance of embracing and savoring every moment we have been given and to tell those we love (and extending kindness to those we don’t) that we love them. It will make a difference in someone’s life, as well as yours. Don’t miss this passionate volume!
Nancy Narma
May 28, 2014
The Short of It:
Faith, love and family in a gorgeous Cape Cod setting.
The Rest of It:
Laney Coleman and her minister husband Noah live in an old, beloved Cape Cod house with their five rambunctious boys. Their lives are full, but happy. With the two oldest boys heading out to college, this particular summer seems bittersweet. Her boys are growing up and when her youngest son is bullied, their lives take on a complexity that threatens to mar this perfect time. But as with most situations, faith and patience is what pulls Laney through and when she finds herself hosting her brother-in-law’s wedding, she decides to embrace the chaos.
If you haven’t read Rossiter’s books before, you are in for a real treat. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel but it builds on the characters introduced in her previous books. It’s really a culmination of all of her novels. It was nice to visit these characters again, given the heartache that some of them endured in the past.
This is one of those books that you reach for and then smile while reading. It’s a feel-good book. You know the type I am talking about. It contains characters that you care about, a gorgeous setting, food talk (think chowder and peach cobbler), and I can’t forget the furry, four-legged members of the family because Rossiter manages to work them into every book. But as pleasant as it is to read Rossiter’s books, I am always surprised as how she manages to weave in the heavier topics. Aging, health concerns, bullying and characters who question their faith are all included here and it’s what makes this family so real.
This is the perfect summer read because it offers up a lot more than just a sunny locale. It’s filled with feel-good moments but at the same time, really makes you think about the issues presented. Rossiter never fails to impress me. I don’t know how she does it! Her books are always a hit with me and I love how she writes about what she loves. She makes it all look so effortless. The inclusion of the some of the recipes featured is a big plus. I have already made the pasta sauce once and it’s about to be made again later this week.
I have suggested Rossiter’s books to more people than I can count so when she offered a copy for me to give away, well… I jumped at the opportunity. If you’d like a chance to win your own copy, check out my blog. Giveaway ends 6/6/14 and is open to the US and Canada.
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
Faith, love and family in a gorgeous Cape Cod setting.
The Rest of It:
Laney Coleman and her minister husband Noah live in an old, beloved Cape Cod house with their five rambunctious boys. Their lives are full, but happy. With the two oldest boys heading out to college, this particular summer seems bittersweet. Her boys are growing up and when her youngest son is bullied, their lives take on a complexity that threatens to mar this perfect time. But as with most situations, faith and patience is what pulls Laney through and when she finds herself hosting her brother-in-law’s wedding, she decides to embrace the chaos.
If you haven’t read Rossiter’s books before, you are in for a real treat. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel but it builds on the characters introduced in her previous books. It’s really a culmination of all of her novels. It was nice to visit these characters again, given the heartache that some of them endured in the past.
This is one of those books that you reach for and then smile while reading. It’s a feel-good book. You know the type I am talking about. It contains characters that you care about, a gorgeous setting, food talk (think chowder and peach cobbler), and I can’t forget the furry, four-legged members of the family because Rossiter manages to work them into every book. But as pleasant as it is to read Rossiter’s books, I am always surprised as how she manages to weave in the heavier topics. Aging, health concerns, bullying and characters who question their faith are all included here and it’s what makes this family so real.
This is the perfect summer read because it offers up a lot more than just a sunny locale. It’s filled with feel-good moments but at the same time, really makes you think about the issues presented. Rossiter never fails to impress me. I don’t know how she does it! Her books are always a hit with me and I love how she writes about what she loves. She makes it all look so effortless. The inclusion of the some of the recipes featured is a big plus. I have already made the pasta sauce once and it’s about to be made again later this week.
I have suggested Rossiter’s books to more people than I can count so when she offered a copy for me to give away, well… I jumped at the opportunity. If you’d like a chance to win your own copy, check out my blog. Giveaway ends 6/6/14 and is open to the US and Canada.
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
May 12, 2014
Laney loved August. It was her birthday month and she always spent it in Georgia with her brother Lyle at her grandparents farm. Pacey's Peaches and Pecans was a special place for her and she promised her grandparents she would help them run the farm when she got older. Her grandfather chided, "what happens when you go away to college and meet a cute New England fella?" Laney replied, "Never Gramp, because you are my heart's favorite love."
Years later, at the Falmouth Road Race on Cape Cod, Laney meets Noah and he falls in love with her at first sight. Studying to become a Minister, he explains to Laney, "I'm always happpiest when I am helping people." Laney, undecided as to being a teacher, a marine biologist or return to Georgia and help run Pacey's Farm, decides to become a teacher and marries Noah.
Years pass, The Colemans home on Cape Cod is always bustling with activity. The five boys, ages (almost) 8 to 20, an old lab named "Mennie", short for Amen, (who stole my heart), a new puppy, Hallie" a.k.a. " Halelujah", and their cat, Lucky. They were gathered for bluebery pancakes, warm, buttery and drizzled with maple syrup , Noah's specialty, when he announces he had said yes to Micah, his younger brother, and Beryl when they asked if they could have their wedding on the beach at their home. Shocked and surprised, Laney was used to these unannounced announcements from her husband. She was dealing with a health issue and was keeping it secret from Noah, She would go along with wedding plans if the family helped.
Plots and sub-plots evolve covering Laney's scare with breast cancer, Asher, her youngest being bullied at school, a serious health issue with Noah's dad, Asa, and a serious relationship between E and Chloe, which involved Christian beliefs. I loved so much about this book and re-read many chapters and made many notes to keep in my Journal. Best of all were the high fives, then kissing each other palms. A trick they learned from the little raccoon in the children's book, The Kissing Hand. That way, later, when they were missing each other, they could press their palm against their cheek and feel the kiss. Noah's sermons were sweet, on target and brought home clearly how important it is to notice each moment that make up our lives. Outstanding job, Ms. Rossiter.
July 7, 2014
Under a Summer Sky is by Nan Rossiter. This is a fantastic book and a quick one to read. Faith is the predominant theme of this book. Child abuse is also hinted at.
Laney and Noah have five boys which makes for a loud time at their home. Two of the boys are home from college for the summer and work as lifeguards at the beach. Two of the other boys are in their teens and seem to always be in each other’s face all the time. The youngest boy is in first grade and it is almost as if he is an only child as he is so much younger than the others. Asher is very sensitive and sees things others don’t take the time to see. He is also picked on by a bully on the school bus. Noah is a minister and is always planning things and forgetting to ask Laney about them. She in turn, takes it all in stride and does all the things a minister’s wife does as well as raise five boys while still teaching.
Maddie and Asa are Noah’s step-mother and father. They are going through a scare with cancer. This brings them into conflict as Asa refuses to allow her to tell his children about his cancer. Maddie agrees not to tell them unless they ask pointblank and she refuses to lie about it. They are very close to Noah and Laney’s boys and his brother Micah’s daughter.
Noah agrees to have Micah and Beryl’s wedding at their house or on the beach, depending on the weather. Laney says it is Ok but they must pain the house and get a new oven. Noah agrees and Laney wishes she had asked for more. They are preparing for the wedding at the same time things are going to pieces around them. E’s girlfriend’s grandfather dies and E has to deal with learning how to deal with a situation like this as a man. There is a shark sighting at the beach while the boys are lifeguards. Someone or something has attacked their cat. Ten year old Jared, who was the one who bullied Asher, dies of a head injury and his brother Jeff is accused of killing him, leaving Asher devastated as he prayed Jared would stop bullying him and he believes it is his fault. There are two scares with cancer. Through all of this, Laney must keep her family together and with Noah figure their way out of it all. Will their Faith be enough?
Laney and Noah have five boys which makes for a loud time at their home. Two of the boys are home from college for the summer and work as lifeguards at the beach. Two of the other boys are in their teens and seem to always be in each other’s face all the time. The youngest boy is in first grade and it is almost as if he is an only child as he is so much younger than the others. Asher is very sensitive and sees things others don’t take the time to see. He is also picked on by a bully on the school bus. Noah is a minister and is always planning things and forgetting to ask Laney about them. She in turn, takes it all in stride and does all the things a minister’s wife does as well as raise five boys while still teaching.
Maddie and Asa are Noah’s step-mother and father. They are going through a scare with cancer. This brings them into conflict as Asa refuses to allow her to tell his children about his cancer. Maddie agrees not to tell them unless they ask pointblank and she refuses to lie about it. They are very close to Noah and Laney’s boys and his brother Micah’s daughter.
Noah agrees to have Micah and Beryl’s wedding at their house or on the beach, depending on the weather. Laney says it is Ok but they must pain the house and get a new oven. Noah agrees and Laney wishes she had asked for more. They are preparing for the wedding at the same time things are going to pieces around them. E’s girlfriend’s grandfather dies and E has to deal with learning how to deal with a situation like this as a man. There is a shark sighting at the beach while the boys are lifeguards. Someone or something has attacked their cat. Ten year old Jared, who was the one who bullied Asher, dies of a head injury and his brother Jeff is accused of killing him, leaving Asher devastated as he prayed Jared would stop bullying him and he believes it is his fault. There are two scares with cancer. Through all of this, Laney must keep her family together and with Noah figure their way out of it all. Will their Faith be enough?
November 14, 2014
Laney Coleman and her minister husband, Noah, live in a Cape Cod house with their five sons. Summer is coming and they’re extra busy this year because Noah’s brother will be having his wedding ceremony on their property. With the wedding plans comes other issues, both good and bad: one son is being bullied at school, Noah’s father is getting old, and there are a couple of family health scares. Through love and faith the family pull through.
Ordinarily I would probably find a book like this a bit too preachy. Not only is the husband a minister: we’re also exposed to several of his sermons. Not my usual cup of tea. However, the family seemed so genuine that the sermons didn’t turn me off. In fact, I really enjoyed the message in one of them so much (and I’m an atheist!), I’m going to quote part of it here. Noah was talking about what a blessing it is for humans to not know, for the most part, when some task or ritual in our life occurs for the very last time. He talks about his ritual of reading bedtime stories to his youngest son: “Every night… night after night… reading—I remember it all as if it were yesterday. But then, a night must’ve come… when I wasn’t paying attention… when we didn’t do it. What night was it? It’s a good thing I didn’t realize, at the time, it was the LAST time… because it would have broken my heart.”
How true! It made me think: what was the last book I read to my kids at bedtime? When did we stop? WHY did we stop? If I’d known it was going to be the last reading of Big Red Barn, would I have done something differently? Would I have shed a little tear?
OK, so I got all sentimental, and the book was a bit sappy, and some of the issues that were introduced seemed to mysteriously come and go for no apparent plot reason (Laney’s health scare anyone?!). But overall it was fine as a light, enjoyable beach type of read. Besides, you've got to like a book that places such a high importance on the pet dogs!
Ordinarily I would probably find a book like this a bit too preachy. Not only is the husband a minister: we’re also exposed to several of his sermons. Not my usual cup of tea. However, the family seemed so genuine that the sermons didn’t turn me off. In fact, I really enjoyed the message in one of them so much (and I’m an atheist!), I’m going to quote part of it here. Noah was talking about what a blessing it is for humans to not know, for the most part, when some task or ritual in our life occurs for the very last time. He talks about his ritual of reading bedtime stories to his youngest son: “Every night… night after night… reading—I remember it all as if it were yesterday. But then, a night must’ve come… when I wasn’t paying attention… when we didn’t do it. What night was it? It’s a good thing I didn’t realize, at the time, it was the LAST time… because it would have broken my heart.”
How true! It made me think: what was the last book I read to my kids at bedtime? When did we stop? WHY did we stop? If I’d known it was going to be the last reading of Big Red Barn, would I have done something differently? Would I have shed a little tear?
OK, so I got all sentimental, and the book was a bit sappy, and some of the issues that were introduced seemed to mysteriously come and go for no apparent plot reason (Laney’s health scare anyone?!). But overall it was fine as a light, enjoyable beach type of read. Besides, you've got to like a book that places such a high importance on the pet dogs!
July 28, 2016
I did not particularly enjoy this book.
I am not Christian. I don't mind when the characters in the book I'm reading are Christian but I get turned off when they are super, in-your-face Christian like these characters are. I get that Noah is a minister and I respected the Bible verses in his sermon but the book in general felt very preachy. Especially when or when one of the character basically ignores his girlfriend for a week because she admitted that she questioned God and he didn't see a future with her if her faith wasn't as strong as his.
Looking past the Christian part, I didn't really care for Rossiter's writing. In the first couple chapters, I put the book down and had to look up to see if this was her first book because the writing was just bad. I was talking to a fellow reader and she suggested that perhaps it's the editor's fault, which I believe after reading the rest of the book and seeing really simple mistakes (like Noah's name where Asa's should be and Laney's name where Maddie's should be--If the author can't keep her characters straight, how are we expected to?!?). I did start to like the story more after the first couple chapters but towards the middle I was back to not enjoying it. Nothing was really happening and the writing continued to be not great.
Something else that bothered me (and it's really kind of silly) is reading Rossiter's bio on the back cover and seeing that she wrote a children's book that she named dropped in the novel alongside James and the Giant Peach and Because of Winn-Dixie . Nothing like tooting your own horn huh?
Honestly, this probably would have been a DNF for me if I wasn't reading it for a book club (ironically, I now cannot even make the book club meeting!)
I am not Christian. I don't mind when the characters in the book I'm reading are Christian but I get turned off when they are super, in-your-face Christian like these characters are. I get that Noah is a minister and I respected the Bible verses in his sermon but the book in general felt very preachy. Especially when or when one of the character basically ignores his girlfriend for a week because she admitted that she questioned God and he didn't see a future with her if her faith wasn't as strong as his.
Looking past the Christian part, I didn't really care for Rossiter's writing. In the first couple chapters, I put the book down and had to look up to see if this was her first book because the writing was just bad. I was talking to a fellow reader and she suggested that perhaps it's the editor's fault, which I believe after reading the rest of the book and seeing really simple mistakes (like Noah's name where Asa's should be and Laney's name where Maddie's should be--If the author can't keep her characters straight, how are we expected to?!?). I did start to like the story more after the first couple chapters but towards the middle I was back to not enjoying it. Nothing was really happening and the writing continued to be not great.
Something else that bothered me (and it's really kind of silly) is reading Rossiter's bio on the back cover and seeing that she wrote a children's book that she named dropped in the novel alongside James and the Giant Peach and Because of Winn-Dixie . Nothing like tooting your own horn huh?
Honestly, this probably would have been a DNF for me if I wasn't reading it for a book club (ironically, I now cannot even make the book club meeting!)
June 30, 2015
Under a Summer Sky by Nan Rossiter
Have read other books by the author and love that they take me to Cape Cod where things are yet undiscovered there for me.
With the beginning there is a page worth of the characters-there's a bunch of them but don't let that fool you. It's easy to keep track of who is who. Love the secrets that come out, not only of the family relationships but the adventures into known jaunts around the cape.
Book is broken up into parts where the first one is how Noah and Laney met in the early years. Next part is about Micah's wedding where they will hold it on Noah/Laney's beach front along with their 5 boys and animals. Noah is a minister and the book is religious in helping us understand why things are what they are.
Such an easy going read. Love the tradition of reading of the poems, so cool! Life and death go on as another summer comes, Laney is done teaching and all the boys are home-2 from college. They all go their separate ways during the day, home for dinner at night...
What I really like about this book is that every generation is going through life events and they are brought forward. So you have aged adults going through chemo, mid adults going through raising kids of all ages, young ones just finding love for the first time and a family wedding.
Other obstacles face them and are dealt with, as they are everyday issues that can mean life or death to some. Some family recipes are included.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
Have read other books by the author and love that they take me to Cape Cod where things are yet undiscovered there for me.
With the beginning there is a page worth of the characters-there's a bunch of them but don't let that fool you. It's easy to keep track of who is who. Love the secrets that come out, not only of the family relationships but the adventures into known jaunts around the cape.
Book is broken up into parts where the first one is how Noah and Laney met in the early years. Next part is about Micah's wedding where they will hold it on Noah/Laney's beach front along with their 5 boys and animals. Noah is a minister and the book is religious in helping us understand why things are what they are.
Such an easy going read. Love the tradition of reading of the poems, so cool! Life and death go on as another summer comes, Laney is done teaching and all the boys are home-2 from college. They all go their separate ways during the day, home for dinner at night...
What I really like about this book is that every generation is going through life events and they are brought forward. So you have aged adults going through chemo, mid adults going through raising kids of all ages, young ones just finding love for the first time and a family wedding.
Other obstacles face them and are dealt with, as they are everyday issues that can mean life or death to some. Some family recipes are included.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
August 9, 2016
Nan Rossiter has done it again. She wrote a wonderful multi-generational story that will resonate with many readers. It certainly did with me. I related most with Laney. She really has her hands full as she balances a job, motherhood and being wife of a minister. She even agrees to host a wedding at their home after her husband volunteers. As most mothers do, she quietly deals with other issues at the same time.
A side note: when my kids were growing up one of our favorite TV shows to watch together was Seventh Heaven. If you’re unfamiliar with the show it was about the life of a minister, his wife and kids. This novel gave me the same feel as that show – which I think is high praise! We loved it and I enjoyed Under a Summer Sky just as much.
Noah, Laney’s husband, delivered a sermon that struck an emotional chord with me. It was about appreciating and being present in every moment – especially the small moments. You never know when the last time you do something will be the last time. Anyway, when I finished that chapter I had to stop and wipe my eyes.
Under a Summer Sky celebrates family connections and the truly important things in life. I’ll be sharing this novel with my sisters and close friends.
A side note: when my kids were growing up one of our favorite TV shows to watch together was Seventh Heaven. If you’re unfamiliar with the show it was about the life of a minister, his wife and kids. This novel gave me the same feel as that show – which I think is high praise! We loved it and I enjoyed Under a Summer Sky just as much.
Noah, Laney’s husband, delivered a sermon that struck an emotional chord with me. It was about appreciating and being present in every moment – especially the small moments. You never know when the last time you do something will be the last time. Anyway, when I finished that chapter I had to stop and wipe my eyes.
Under a Summer Sky celebrates family connections and the truly important things in life. I’ll be sharing this novel with my sisters and close friends.
Read
September 13, 2016loved this book! If you want a book with a sweet plot and
a little life lesson..........this is for you..
a little life lesson..........this is for you..
May 22, 2015
Continuing with the characters from the Gin and Chowder Club, Rossiter’s Under a Summer Sky explores other facets of their lives. It’s a meaningful tale, yet doesn’t seem to make it past the surface of things. There are many different storylines, but Rossiter never delves deep into the emotions caused by the various events.
Laney and Noah Coleman are looking forward to a busy summer on Cape Cod with their five boys. As the school year winds to a close, Laney reflects on her past and also worries about her youngest son, Asher, who is being bullied. Meanwhile, Noah has agreed to host the wedding of his brother, Micah, on their beach-front property — much to Laney’s dismay, as she wasn’t consulted first. Noah and Micah’s parents, Asa and Maddie, have some secret struggles of their own. (KENSINGTON, May, 352 pp., $15.00)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Laney and Noah Coleman are looking forward to a busy summer on Cape Cod with their five boys. As the school year winds to a close, Laney reflects on her past and also worries about her youngest son, Asher, who is being bullied. Meanwhile, Noah has agreed to host the wedding of his brother, Micah, on their beach-front property — much to Laney’s dismay, as she wasn’t consulted first. Noah and Micah’s parents, Asa and Maddie, have some secret struggles of their own. (KENSINGTON, May, 352 pp., $15.00)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
May 25, 2014
[I won this book as part of the GoodReads/First Reads giveaway program. In no way does this affect my opinions of the book, which are 100% my own]
I have memories of families like the Colmans from summer visits to Cape Cod as a child: multi-generational overfilling old houses near the beach. Gelding up and sometimes away from the place you call home. Glorious sunrises and sunsets. Fresh seafood. Farm to table harvest, all tinged with the tang of the sea.
Noah and Laney Coleman and their 5 boys, dog(s), cat, neighbors and friends have lived in Eastham for many years. He is a minister, she a schoolteacher. His brother has contacted Noah to arrange for his second wedding for Harvest time at the Colmans, and he accepts before he and Laney discuss it. Through it all they deal with life, death, illness, love, griwing older, all seen through the eyes of faith. Very nice book
I have memories of families like the Colmans from summer visits to Cape Cod as a child: multi-generational overfilling old houses near the beach. Gelding up and sometimes away from the place you call home. Glorious sunrises and sunsets. Fresh seafood. Farm to table harvest, all tinged with the tang of the sea.
Noah and Laney Coleman and their 5 boys, dog(s), cat, neighbors and friends have lived in Eastham for many years. He is a minister, she a schoolteacher. His brother has contacted Noah to arrange for his second wedding for Harvest time at the Colmans, and he accepts before he and Laney discuss it. Through it all they deal with life, death, illness, love, griwing older, all seen through the eyes of faith. Very nice book
August 9, 2016
I really loved this book. I enjoyed the Gin and. chowder Club and getting to know more about the family was great. This book hooked me from the beginning. Was so real to life and the Christian messages were exactly what I needed to hear . Noah and Laney and their 5 sons seem like a normal and close family. The relationship between them is so real to life. The message to cherish life and love each moment to the fullest is so true and something we all need to remember. A great reminder that life is full of ups and downs and God is there thru it all - good and bad times. The sermon Noah gave at the end of the book was moving and brought me to tears. I hope the author will write more about this family-learning more about how the 5 sons live their lives would be great.
June 10, 2014
Wonderful story about family and the power of faith. The writing was clean and descriptive and the story drew me in quickly and kept me engaged. I loved seeing the progression of Noah and Laney’s romance and the lovely family they create. They interact very sweetly – and yet still seem like a real couple. The concerns of the family are very relatable, as was the Coleman family as a whole.
“Under a Summer Sky” brings you through a range of emotions as you read and by the end you’ve fallen in love with the family. Definitely on the happier side, with a strong religious undertone. Really enjoyed it, finished in two days!
*I received this book for free as part of a First Reads promotion. My opinions are purely my own.
“Under a Summer Sky” brings you through a range of emotions as you read and by the end you’ve fallen in love with the family. Definitely on the happier side, with a strong religious undertone. Really enjoyed it, finished in two days!
*I received this book for free as part of a First Reads promotion. My opinions are purely my own.
August 15, 2016
Even though this book is about a family who is centered on God, it was not preachy. There were several sermons in the book, but it felt like Noah was telling a story about his family, not preaching at me.
Most of the book was about this family and their every day issues, relationships and situations they were dealing with. I felt for each of them, I could relate to them and I wanted them to be happy. I also loved how they all had dogs and those dogs were a large part of the story.
I love how BEA introduces me to authors ( new to me ) that I then want to go find more books by them to read. This is one of those books.
Most of the book was about this family and their every day issues, relationships and situations they were dealing with. I felt for each of them, I could relate to them and I wanted them to be happy. I also loved how they all had dogs and those dogs were a large part of the story.
I love how BEA introduces me to authors ( new to me ) that I then want to go find more books by them to read. This is one of those books.
June 18, 2014
This was the PERFECT summer time read. it is full of family values and learning to relax even when you don't want to. It follows a son who is about to get married, one who is severely bullied at school and how she has to juggle it all as well as make everyone else happy. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. Each person was real and easily to relate to. I felt like I was a fly on the wall in Cape Cod and got to watch everything unfold. I felt like if I ever found myself on Cape Cod I would see this family there arguing about things and just being a family.
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