Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Summerville #1

Last Summer at the Lake House

Rate this book
“Are you okay?” A wave of cold sweeps over Alex. The silence on the end of the phone seems to last forever.
“It’s Dad,” her sister finally says. “He had a massive heart attack. He’s gone.”

When sisters Alex, Sam and Jess are called back to the family lake house in Summerville after the death of their beloved father, they learn that he was hiding a devastating secret.

Alex is the one who discovers the stash of love letters hidden away in the shed by the lake where they used to play as children during the long, hot summers. She adored her father. But she just has to know who wrote these notes, and she doesn’t want to be talked out of it by her husband or her sisters, who each have their own reasons for avoiding digging deeper. As everyone tries to protect their grieving mother from more trauma, and manage their own shock, tensions rise in the lake house. Even under one roof, sharing a room just as they used to each summer as children, the sisters have never felt so isolated from one another.

A chance encounter at a local grief counselling group leads Alex to make a shocking discovery about her father. With the true scale of their father’s deception revealed, everything Alex and her sisters thought they knew about him – and about their family life – is called into question. Alex knows that if she’s going to find out the truth she’s going to have to go it alone – and that means keeping some secrets herself.

As they each deal in their own way with the fallout from their father’s secret history, the three women’s lives begin to change in ways they could never have predicted. Can Alex hold onto the family she thought she had, and held so dear, if everything she ever knew was a lie?

A poignant and heartfelt tale of sisterhood and marriage, Last Summer at the Lake House explores how coming to terms with the past is the only way to create a hopeful future. Fans of Mary Alice Munro, Debbie Macomber, Pamela Kelley and Lauren K. Denton will be drawn deep into the heart of one family’s dramatic summer, sharing their journey of heartache and rediscovery.

What readers say about Heather Dixon’s

“ Oh. My. Goodness… I truly loved this book .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“ What a great read! Dixon’s writing is fantastic.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Easily one of my favorite reads of the yea r. Heather Dixon is such a talent.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“ Oh my goodness, this book sucked me in! I love when a story does that… I enjoyed this a lot!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A thrilling and captivating read … The author’s writing style is top-notch.” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A perfect book club pick , or read on your own, but expect to lose sleep because you’ll be up all night devouring it !” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2023

436 people are currently reading
257 people want to read

About the author

Heather Dixon

4 books102 followers
Heather Dixon is an author of contemporary women’s fiction and romance, including Last Summer at the Lake House, The Summerville Sisters and At the Ocean's Edge. She started her career in the marketing and advertising industry as a copywriter and is now a freelance writer by day. Her writing has appeared in a number of established sites, including Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, Motherly and others. She has appeared on CBC radio and in print in the Globe and Mail.

Find her on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherdixo...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherdixon...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
130 (32%)
4 stars
136 (34%)
3 stars
101 (25%)
2 stars
27 (6%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
1,746 reviews112 followers
October 8, 2023
This book was a mixed bag, sad but sweet. It deals with the loss of a father who dies suddenly a d the girls co e together to support their mother. I enjoyed this one though at times it did make me sad. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon.
8,492 reviews430 followers
November 9, 2023
Three grown sisters are unexpectedly reunited at the family cottage when their father tragically dies, leaving them reeling in grief. Added to that is the discovery that he had a mistress which makes them question their whole childhood relationships with the man they thought they knew and loved.

Full of family secrets, relatable motherhood struggles and a poignant exploration of the bonds between sisters. This latest book from Heather Dixon is a perfect beach read for fans of authors like Mary Kay Andrews or Debbie Macomber.

Great on audio narrated by Patricia Rodriguez, this was a complex and layered domestic drama that is sure to delight lovers of small town stories full of emotional depth and relatable characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review! I, for one, am excited to see what happens to the sisters in the next book in this new series!
Profile Image for Desiree Reads.
813 reviews47 followers
November 26, 2023
THE GOOD:

Clean fiction about three women who, after their beloved father’s death, learn how he betrayed their family and had been doing so for years.

Lovely lakeside, summer vacation-town setting.

THE BAD:

A tad uninteresting, as the betrayal, in our modern world, sadly isn’t that shocking. It was difficult to really empathize with how upset our leading ladies really were.

CONCLUSION:

The above said, the tale was quite refreshing for it’s lack of post-2017 publishing nonsense.

If you’re looking for a beach read with minimal swearing, only hinted-at sex scenes, and no diversity checklist agenda, then this is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Liz Kessick.
20 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2023
Secrets and sibling dynamics in a sleepy lakeside town

Told through the perspective of three close but very different sisters, Last Summer at the Lake House is a skilful exploration of family relationships, memory and bereavement.

When their father dies, oldest sister Alex, middle sister Sam, and youngest Jess, convene at the family's lake house in the tourist town of Summerville. When grieving Alex finds a cache of letters between her father and a mystery woman, she's determined to uncover the truth. Was he leading a double life all along? Meanwhile, sister Sam's life is about to change in a direction she definitely hadn't planned. And as for Jess, the secrets she's held for years are about to burst out into the open.

Alex's obsession with the letters threatens to destroy the delicate balance holding the family together: how far will she go? The bereaved sisters, and their mother, must find a way of rebuilding their relationships when so many memories are now tainted by deception.

Dixon brings her sisters to life with a deft hand: the family relationships are deeply relatable. I also loved how she painted a picture of Summerville: you can tell there's much more going on under the surface of this small town. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Jennifer Weiner and Celeste Ng.
Profile Image for Sharondblk.
1,082 reviews18 followers
October 11, 2023
This book started out very strong with the death of the father / husband of the London family. It's one of those convenient heart-attacks that is clearly there just to dispose of the character. The rest of the family then gather at the family lakehouse and uncover secrets. There is drama, love, and family galore. The marked down stars are because there is a little too much telling instead of showing, and there are a couple of elements of the ending that were unsatisfying to me. It felt like the author hadn't quite worked out how to untangle things, so it's a bit rushed and simplistic. Still, a pleasant, dramatic way to spend my reading time.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Charlene Keller .
137 reviews11 followers
March 7, 2024
I was attracted to this book by the cover, and the title.
I didn’t know too much else about the book as I don’t like to read a synopsis or reviews ahead of time.
Once I knew what the story was about, although I don’t love a story that involves grief, particularly of losing a parent, I persevered and so glad that I did.
Very well written, very relatable story about family dynamics, nostalgia, grief.
The author’s writing style did justice to the storyline, and I will definitely read more books by this author. I’ve just ordered her other two books!

Thankyou to author Heather Dixon and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Charlene @lastnownext 🌸📚🤗
Profile Image for Alexandra.
34 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing how each of three sisters handled grief and learning inconceivable truths about their recently deceased father. I loved the bonds between the sisters and how they each valued the relationships they have with each other and their mother. Small town settings (and especially lake towns) are my favorite, so this was right up my alley! Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Kelly Pramberger.
Author 13 books63 followers
September 23, 2023
Family secrets and new found information after a loved one makes for a great book! Dixon has crafted an emotional story and I loved it! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars!
Profile Image for Melanie McGrade Davidson.
457 reviews57 followers
October 25, 2023
I fell in love with the main characters of this book and loved reading about them, especially sisters Alex, Sam, and Jess. The relationship between the three sisters is so realistic and resonating, and despite the drama each sister has, the love and bonds between them is strong and relentless. I was gripped throughout this book and did not want to put it down. I was sad for it to end. This is a new author for me and I am eager to read more by her.
Profile Image for Lauren Nicole.
440 reviews7 followers
November 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was an ok book. The story itself was interesting and pulls you in to the family drama. Sisters trying to figure out their father’s past transgressions while also hiding them. A family coming together after a loss. The end of relationships and beginning of new ones. I also listened to the audiobook version as well.
Profile Image for EJ Pepe.
325 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2023
I have no good explanation of this book, it was just very plain. There was nothing to it. It was straightforward with nothing super memorable about it. A family with a secret that is revealed shortly after the father dies suddenly. It was short and there wasn't too much going on with any of the characters. I would recommend skipping this one.
Profile Image for FictionalFlings.
309 reviews9 followers
October 20, 2023
My initial struggle with keeping track of 11 different characters got better 3/4 of the way through the story. I still feel that is too many characters for a reader to follow.
I disliked the narrator. Voice didn’t suit the story and not much distinction between characters.
The story is complex. Multiple characters with emotions all over the place. It gave me whiplash
The concept of the story was great. It has a bit of a mystery to it. The ending was abrupt. As if the book was too long better hurry and end it. This book could have been a masterpiece.
Profile Image for Allison H.
175 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2023
Heather Dixon does it again. This
is my second book that i have read by this author, and she did not disappoint. The book is centered around a family lakehouse in Summerville and the sudden death of a beloved father. All three sisters return back to the lakehouse to comfort their mother who
is mourning the loss of her husband. Alex, one of the sisters, uncovers some family drama regardjng her father that has been hidden for years and years. Alex’s time is spent wondering if she really truly knew her father. Does she tell the other family members what has
been found or try to solve the mystery on her own? And how far does she take
this before she ends up hurting the ones that she loves. I give this one 4 stars. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mardi Michels.
Author 5 books66 followers
July 23, 2024
I LOVED this book!

Three adult sisters unexpectedly brought back together to the family cottage after the sudden death of their father. Family bonding time and grieving, right? Yes but this book is so much more. There are family dynamics, unexpected turns in the road for at least one of the sisters and a decades-old family mystery to solve as the sisters discover letters written between their late father and a mystery woman with whom he had an affair. On the surface, this sounds like a fluffy summer read but it's much more complex. Delicate themes deftly handled and characters you actually care about. Can't wait to read more in this series!
Profile Image for Kristin.
865 reviews127 followers
November 3, 2023
Wonderfully told family drama. There are secrets that one of the sisters has but also another will uncover a major family secret that will leave the sisters confused about their childhood and what they knew. I loved the family aspect of this book- there is drama, family secrets and hope. Three sisters are brought back together due to the death of their father. They are close but not as close as they used to be due to growing up and normal life things. The title and the book cover really pulled me in thinking I was getting some sweet summer romance. Nope, this one will pull at your heart strings but by end you’ll be put back together with a new set of family members. I really loved getting to know each of the three sisters and the experiences they went through during this tragic time. Many thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Crystal Hill.
27 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2024
This GORGEOUS cover snatched my attention immediately. Heather Dixon's Last Summer at the Lake House captures a HUGE What If: What if you found out the perfect childhood and family you thought you had was all a lie? From the POVs of three adult sisters, Dixon ratchets the tension with each secret revealed, making me gasp quite a few times. The family dynamics are so natural, dropping you right into the London summer cottage and making you a part of everything, including the atmosphere of summer in a small town. Can't wait for the next book by this author!!
Profile Image for Kevin.
227 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2023
"Last Summer at the Lake House" is a beautifully crafted family drama that explores the complexities of sisterhood, love, and the enduring bonds that tie a family together. Heather Dixon weaves a poignant and unforgettable tale that will resonate with readers.

The story unfolds with a heart-wrenching phone call that shatters the world of the three sisters, Alex, Sam, and Jess. The loss of their father brings them back to the family lake house in Summerville, where they not only grapple with their grief but also uncover a shocking secret that their father had kept hidden. Alex takes the lead in the search for answers, discovering a cache of love letters that raise questions about the past.

Heather Dixon brilliantly portrays the sisters' individual struggles and the tension that builds as they navigate their grief while trying to protect their mother from further trauma. Each character is thoughtfully developed, with their own distinct reasons for wanting to unearth the truth or avoid it. The family dynamics are authentic and emotionally resonant, making the story relatable to anyone who has experienced loss and secrets within their own family.

Dixon explores how the past can reshape the present and how uncovering hidden truths can lead to unexpected revelations and transformations. As the sisters come to terms with their father's secret history, their lives are forever changed in ways they could never have predicted.

"Last Summer at the Lake House" is a heartfelt narrative that examines the intricacies of sisterhood and marriage, offering readers a compelling story of resilience, rediscovery, and the enduring love that binds a family. This emotionally charged tale illustrates the strength of familial relationships and the power of confronting the past to shape a hopeful future.

"Last Summer at the Lake House" is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the enduring connections that define a family.

"Heather Dixon's 'Last Summer at the Lake House' is a collage of sisterhood, secrets, and rediscovery. A poignant journey through the heart of family bonds and the power of confronting the past." — A mosaic of secrets and resilience.

"In this emotionally charged narrative, Heather Dixon crafts a mesmerizing exploration of love, loss, and the enduring connections that define a family. 'Last Summer at the Lake House' is a story that will stay with you." — A story that lingers in your heart.

"Dixon's storytelling ability shines in 'Last Summer at the Lake House.' The compelling blend of secrets, revelations, and the strength of sisterhood creates an unforgettable narrative that will resonate with readers of all walks of life." — A narrative of secrets, sisterhood, and hope.

"With her skillful character development and authentic emotion, Heather Dixon invites readers into the intimate world of a grieving family. 'Last Summer at the Lake House' is a beautifully written tale of love, healing, and the power of resilience." — An intimate journey through love and healing.

"Heather Dixon's narrative is a masterful exploration of the past's impact on the present. 'Last Summer at the Lake House' is a mesmerizing journey that seamlessly blends family drama, mystery, and romance, creating a narrative that captivates and enchants." — A mesmerizing blend of drama, mystery, and romance.

"In 'Last Summer at the Lake House,' Heather Dixon captures the essence of family bonds and the secrets that bind us. A tale that will resonate with fans of Mary Alice Munro and Debbie Macomber, this is a story of heartache and rediscovery." — An essence of family bonds and rediscovery.

"With its compelling narrative, 'Last Summer at the Lake House' is an exploration of the hidden truths that shape our lives. Dixon's storytelling is proof of the enduring strength of familial connections and the hope that can be found in the darkest of times." — An exploration of hidden truths and enduring strength.

"Heather Dixon crafts a narrative that speaks to the heart of love and the impact of buried secrets. 'Last Summer at the Lake House' is an unforgettable tale that weaves family, mystery, and rediscovery into a captivating and evocative story." — A tale of love, secrets, and rediscovery.

"In 'Last Summer at the Lake House,' Dixon paints a vivid portrait of family dynamics, and the enduring connections that define us. An emotionally charged narrative that will resonate with anyone who has cherished the bonds of family." — A vivid portrait of family bonds and connections.

"Heather Dixon's storytelling is a revelation. 'Last Summer at the Lake House' is a narrative of love and secrets, woven together in a way that captivates and leaves you yearning for more." — A revelation of love and secrets woven into one captivating narrative.
Profile Image for Cindy Spear.
609 reviews48 followers
October 23, 2023
Last Summer at the Lake House is an intriguing modern family drama that kept me pinned to the pages until I finished reading it (in one sitting). This is a story about death, grief, betrayal and secrets but also life, joy, faithfulness and truth. And surrounding all this is the magnetic power of sisterhood, the healing freedom of forgiveness and the unquestionable need for new beginnings.

Three sisters. Alex, Sam and Jess are drawn back to the Lake House in Summerville—a place of many happy childhood memories and an escape destination during their adult years. But death brings them together this time, after hearing the tragic news that their father has had a sudden heart attack and not survived. They each think of the last time and last words they had with their father. Something I am sure we can all relate to when a loved one of our own has passed.

The sisters are in shock at their sudden loss but they pull themselves together as they must meet and offer support to their mother, help her make arrangements, while processing their grief. Each sister shares her journey so we get three different viewpoints which gives the story complexity. Although we get to know each sister fairly well, the plot mostly revolves around one of them stumbling across some letters written to their father. Who is this woman? And how long did he know her? And to what extent was their relationship? This discovery sets the sisters into a spin as they try to untangle the details of this mystery. And what they discover sends them reeling. It affects them so deeply, it makes them question their father’s integrity and mars their memories of him.

Also, in the mix are three other men: an attractive new neighbour named Hunter, heavy drinker and less than mature boyfriend of Sam’s named Wes and Alex’s steady and understanding husband Ben. It is interesting to see the various relationship dynamics, how they change or become exposed during the many challenges that arise after news of the sister’s father’s passing.

Last Summer at the Lake House is filled with tension and unexpected twists. You can feel the bonds of sisterhood, the desire to protect each other. Even though friction sparks some negative reactions between them while they try to deal with the painful secrets of their father. We see the sisters struggle with their own identity, as they question the past and attempt to resolve the conflicts within and without and between them.

Sometimes uncovering past secrets can cause great harm and alter a person’s memories. Alex is so bent on digging up the truth about her father, she forgets the potential side effects. Until this bomb shatters the hearts of all once it is known. Yet does it set her free? Only when she realises she must forgive that a calmness will wash the residue from her heart and fill the troubled void.

This is a great family novel that is relatable and heart shattering yet carries a strong message of hope and restoration. You will love many things about Jess the writer, Sam the independent woman and Alex the good daughter, mother and wife. And you will find Carol their mother has had her own share of heartaches and carried many wounds. I highly recommend this emotional novel that covers brilliantly some challenging, life-altering topics. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.
Profile Image for Markie.
474 reviews34 followers
September 13, 2023
"Last Summer at the Lake House" by Heather Dixon is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the secrets that bind families together. The story revolves around three sisters, Alex, Sam, and Jess, who return to their family's lake house in Summerville following the death of their father, only to uncover a shocking secret he had hidden.

The narrative is skillfully woven, with Alex taking center stage as she discovers a cache of love letters that unveil a side of their father they never knew. The author masterfully portrays the sisters' individual struggles as they grapple with grief and the revelation of their father's hidden life. The tensions among the sisters and their attempts to protect their grieving mother add depth to the story.

Heather Dixon's writing is evocative, drawing readers into the nostalgia of summers by the lake and the complexity of family dynamics. As Alex delves deeper into the mystery surrounding her father, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged throughout.

One of the strengths of this novel is the well-developed characters. Each sister has her unique personality, motivations, and secrets, making them relatable and multi-dimensional. The author skillfully explores the impact of their father's secrets on their lives, leading to profound personal transformations.

"Last Summer at the Lake House" is a tale of resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of family. It explores the question of whether one can hold onto a family built on a foundation of deception and still find love and connection. This book is a page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very end.

In conclusion, Heather Dixon's "Last Summer at the Lake House" is a compelling and emotionally resonant family drama that will leave readers contemplating the depths of family secrets and the power of love and forgiveness. It's a must-read for those who enjoy stories of family dynamics, secrets, and personal growth.

I hope you find this review helpful for your book-related activities!
Profile Image for Farah G.
2,077 reviews44 followers
October 12, 2023
This book has a lot going for it on a number of fronts, but also a few shortcomings. At the heart of the novel is the London family, consisting of three sisters - Alex, Sam and Jess - raised by loving parents in what's appears to be a picture-perfect childhood.

But appearances, of course, can be deceptive. And it turns out that the London family is no exception. After the sudden and shocking death of John London, all three daughters come up to their cabin by the lake in order to support their mother Carol in taking care of the funeral formalities, and also to spend the summer there together.

But after the eldest daughter Alex finds a stash of love letters written by an unknown woman to her father, everything that the London daughters thought they knew about their parents' marriage is called into question.

Even as Alex becomes fixated on finding out more about her father's love affair, Sam is taken by surprise and emotionally taken over by an unexpected pregnancy, and Jess must deal with her own struggle over how to tell her sisters that she has always known about their father's infidelity.

The strength of this book lies in the sensitivity with which the daughters' shock at the discovery of their beloved father's secrets is handled. And the writer conveys very effectively the pain, trauma and conflict that all of them, particularly Alex and Jess, experience.

Some parts of the book dragged, especially towards the end, where much of what was written felt predictable. I was also less convinced by some of the fault lines that appeared in the three women's relationships with each other (specifically over the issue of their father's lies). Other aspects of the sibling dynamics and their relationships with their mother are conveyed quite convincingly. So I would describe the novel as a slightly mixed bag, but with a strong core in terms of the examination of the three father-daughter relationships.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Amanda Bennett at passionforprose.
633 reviews28 followers
November 6, 2023

Sisters Alex, Sam, and Jess are back together at their family’s lake house in Summerville after the death of their dad. They each idolized their dad, so when they discovered a hoard of love letters hidden in his shed, they are shocked to find they were not from their mother, but instead from an unnamed other woman.

Alex’s husband does his best to talk his wife out of investigating who wrote the letters, but she’s a type-A first born and will not be swayed. This exploration takes a toll on her mental well being, and Alex’s husband insists she attend grief counseling to face her feelings. Alex grudgingly attends, not telling her sisters or her mother, and initially it helps. When Alex shows up to support one of her group members, she is in for a huge shock that forces her to make some tough decisions.

Sam’s life seems to be going well, until her newest boyfriend shows up and drinks himself into a state in front of her family. Knowing that her dad cheated on her mom, she starts to really evaluate her own relationships, present company included. The new neighbor at the lake proves to be a much more intriguing alternative to the current man in her life, but surprising news might put and end to it before it can even begin.

Jess has always known about the “other woman” and holding on to that secret has been eating at her for years. Now that her sisters know, she takes ownership over this knowledge and feels like it is her job to talk to their mother. Ever the younger sister, wild and uninhibited, her big sisters don’t take her seriously.

The three sisters exploration of grief is sad, especially because it shatters the illusion of the perfect father they thought they had. This story is a poignant one, though I found Jess far too whiny and annoying, but perhaps that is because I am a type-A first born big sister myself.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and the author Heather Dixon for the advanced copy of the audiobook. Last Summer at the Lake House is out now. All opinions are my own.

Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
Profile Image for AshWood.
164 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2023
This book follows three sisters as they each navigate the loss of their father, along with their own individual issues that come along the way.

What the author does really well is writing the thoughts and emotions in a way that feel very organic and realistic. Even two of the sisters who I couldn’t really relate to, I felt their emotions and reactions seemed real. The first half of the story was mostly just building up who they were as individuals. We really didn’t see a ton of their interaction as a family until the latter half. I’m sure part of that was to show their dysfunction, but I think the story would have been much better if we could see the conflict.

The lower rating is because once the conflict did arise, it just blew over too quickly. It was slightly unrealistic as well, but I think more detail could have been added to cover the plot holes. It could have been hashed out much more to connect the reader to the story. When it ended I felt very disconnected, like I had invested in characters and then had to hear what happened by looking from the outside through a window almost.

I also just absolutely saw no point in adding the neighbor guy in to Sam’s story. If any character needed to grow up and learn independence it was her. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say that Jess deserved better. I related the most to Alex’s character, and fully understood her obsession with uncovering the truth. She didn’t handle everything perfectly, but that’s what made her so relatable.

Overall, I give this 3.5 stars for the strong character development and good writing. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the Audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kori Potenzone.
891 reviews87 followers
October 31, 2023
There is something so special between the bond of sisters.

I will admit it, it was the title that pulled me in, I love all "summery" themed books, throw in some family drama and I knew this would be a breath of fresh air given my love for shrieks, shrills, and screams.

ehhhh... I should have known this content would be heavy in its own way.

This one got to me. It pulled at every heart string I own. I laughed, I cried, I hugged my pillow....

I called my sister as soon as I concluded.

Check out this teaser :

After the death of their beloved father, three sisters return to their family lake house. As they sort through his precious belongings, they find a crumpled pile of letters and unearth a devastating secret…

Eldest sister Alex discovers the stash of love letters by accident, hidden away in the shed beside the lake where they used to play as children during long, hot summer vacations. She knows the handwriting isn’t her mother’s, and it’s clear the notes were written when she and her sisters were kids. She adored her father. But she just has to know who wrote these notes. Why don’t her sisters want to know the truth too?

As each sister deals with their grief and tries to protect their mother from more trauma, tensions rise in the lake house. Even under one roof, sharing a room just as they used to as children, the three women have never felt so isolated from one another.

When Alex makes a shocking discovery about her father’s affair, the true scale of their father’s deception is revealed.

Can Alex hold onto the family life she thought she had, and held so dear, if everything she ever knew was a lie?
Profile Image for Jayna.
1,276 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2023
2.5

I was excited to read this family drama, about three sisters returning to their summer lakeside cottage after the death of their father. But I didn't love it. They ignored each other for half of the book. And worse, the plot is so unbelievable that I could not become invested.

The book also started out really rough for me, as there was a scene with Alex and her family. I think this may have been more on the audiobook narrator than the author, but the kids came off years younger than they were supposed to be. The written dialogue wasn't perfect, but I probably could have ignored it if not for the way the narrator read it. The kids came off year younger than they were.

Patricia Rodriguez narrates the audiobook. Other than the kids' dialogue, I have no complaints about her performance. But since this is written in three POVs, I feel it would have been a much better experience if each sister had their own narrator.

I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for James Walter Lee.
Author 3 books64 followers
October 1, 2023
First, a thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy of Last Summer at the Lake House by Heather Dixon. Heather Dixon’s Last Summer at the Lake House is an engaging story of three daughters confronted with their recently deceased father’s secret love affair. They struggle with whether they should tell their mother. As the story unfolds, there are tense and beautiful moments between the three sisters. Last Summer at the Lake House is a feel-good story about forgiveness that I gave 4 stars based on what I think the target audience would enjoy. Personally, I always look at the quality of writing, as well as the quality of storytelling. I felt Dixon could’ve done a much better job. There is an awful lot of telling throughout which didn’t allow me, as a reader, to think for myself. It left me skimming some sentences to get to the action or dialogue. There were also some technical issues like mixed tenses (present vs. past) within sentences, overuse or improper use of the past perfect tense, ‘had.’ I found chapter 13 confusing because it jumps back in time to the morning after a tense family dinner. There is also unnecessary added specificity. If you’re showing me someone is sad, you don’t need to follow up and tell me they were sad as well. The last two chapters petered out at the end and lacked any kind of punch. Dixon has a quality story, add in the quality writing and this novel would have been excellent. As it is, I would give it 3 stars.
Profile Image for Elaine.
1,427 reviews44 followers
October 21, 2023
This one revolves around a family, and a home, where the family spent the summers on the lake.
The family comes together again after their Dad dies of a heart attack. This is literally the beginning of the book!

It opens up to show Mom and the girls grieving and trying to work their way through the grief.
Many memories are brought to life and they reminisce on the wonderful life they had.
And then the secrets begin to come out.

*** If you have not read it and DON’T WANT SPOILERS…PLEASE STOP READING HERE! ***

It was bad enough that the secret was revealed…but the fact that another sister also knew….
And that this had been going on for YEARS..,
And then to find out about the Mom knowing too?
Well, that was just too much for me!
And then the other woman says…he told me you were …..
I was just done at that point.

Sorry, but I just did not like the last third of the book. I feel like there could have been many other/different endings that would have been better. 😕

Thanks to #NetGalley, #DreamscapeSelect and #StormPublishing for an ARC of the audiobook which releases on 10.26.23.

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me, but felt like it could’ve easily been 4 or 5 …I just did not like the final twists…

#LastSummerAtTheLakeHouse by #HeatherDixon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,111 reviews35 followers
October 23, 2023
Their father’s sudden death brings sisters Alex, Sam and Jess back to the family’s lake house to support their mother. Things become complicated when Alex discovers a hidden trove of love letters written to their father and obviously treasured by him. The sisters’ different reactions to this drive this excellent, well-written family drama. While Alex wants to discover the identity of the other woman and exactly what happened between her parents, Sam is dealing with a surprise of her own and Jess is strangely not interested. The three sisters keep their feelings to themselves and that begins to fracture their once close relationship. Alex’ determined search worries her husband and sisters so she hides her disturbing conduct that borders on stalking. Sam is attracted to a handsome neighbor but worries that Jess may be jealous so she keeps it a secret. And Jess…poor Jess has been protecting her family at her expense for almost her whole life.

Last Summer at the Lake House is about families. It’s also about guilt, adultery, lies, suspicion and forgiveness. The sisters have to learn to forgive each other…and themselves. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Heather Dixon for this ARC.
827 reviews29 followers
October 26, 2023
Alex, Sam and Jess are sisters, and are returning to their family’s summer home, after their father dies suddenly. Alex, the eldest and, in her eyes, the boss of the three, makes a devastating discovery, which causes ripples in the fabric of their relationships, with each other, their mother and how they thought of their father. This is a story of how devastating secrets can be for relationships, how they can affect your life and how we all handle grief differently.

The characters are really interesting, each with their distinct and different talents and emotions. I loved Sam, the middle daughter, , she is definitely stronger than she thinks she is, a really likeable character. Alex can be hard to like, too aware she is the eldest, wants things done her way, and who doesn’t know how she should be feeling now, but needs to find answers and explanations. And then Jess, the youngest, who has felt traumatised nearly all her life, constantly feeling nervous, worried and alone. They are an interesting mix, a proper family, who have squabbles, fall outs but still love each other despite whatever is happening to and around them. An enjoyable and emotional read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Tonya Hunter.
49 reviews
January 5, 2024
‘Last Summer at the Lake House’ written by Heather Dixon and narrated by Patricia Rodriguez, is a family drama.

Alex, Jess and Sam return to their family’s lake house when their father dies unexpectedly to provide support to their mother. Once they arrive in Summerville, the three sisters process and grieve in their own way. During the grieving and reminiscing of their times with their father, they learn of a family secret after finding letters written to him that he hid in the garage. They are shocked to learn of an unnamed woman who was in their father’s life.

The author takes you through the lives and perspectives of each sister – where they are in life, where they want to be in life, what they are challenged with in their lives. The author makes this book so realistic you feel like you are in a conversation with one of your girlfriends.

Sisterhood, grief, family, summer – what more could you want in a good summer read! I’d suggest this book as a beach or pool book – a quick listen/read.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Dreamscape Select, Storm Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this early audio version in exchange for a review. All opinions and thoughts are those of my own. #LastSummerattheLakeHouse #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.