Summer on Sag Harbor: A Novel

Summer Beach #2

by Sunny Hostin

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER The View cohost and three-time Emmy Award winner Sunny Hostin spirits readers away to the warm beaches of Sag Harbor in the second novel of her bestselling Summer series. In a hidden enclave in Sag Harbor, there’s a close-knit community of African American elites who escape the city for the beautiful beaches of the Hamptons. Since the 1930s, very few have known about this Historically Black Beachfront Community in this part of Long Island, and the residents like it that way. That is, until real estate developers discover the hidden gem. And now, the residents must fight for the soul of this HBBC. Olivia Jones has, against the odds, blazed an enviable career path in the finance world, but behind the veneer of her success, she is mourning several devastating losses and betrayals. Untethered from her life in New York City, Olivia moves to a summer home in Sag Harbor and begins forging a new community out in this HBBC. Friendships blossom with Kara, an ambitious art curator; Whitney, the wife of an ex-basketball player and current president of the Sag Harbor Homeowners Association; Garrett, a sexy new neighbor and single father; and Mr. Whittingham, a kind, older gentleman. As the summer stretches on, each relationship teaches her more about who she really is. Though not without cost, Olivia’s search for her authentic identity and her fight to preserve her new Black utopia, will lead her to redefine the meaning of love, friendship, community, and family—and restore her faith in herself and her chosen path.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, African American, Beach Reads, Audiobook

416 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2023

About the author

Sunny Hostin is the 3x Emmy Award-winning legal journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and co-host of The View. On May 4, Hostin released her debut novel, "Summer on the Bluffs" (William Morrow), which skyrocketed to #11 on The New York Times Bestseller List, the first book in her "Summer" trilogy. Last fall, Hostin released her memoir, “I Am These Truths: A Memoir of Identity, Justice, and Living Between Worlds,” with HarperOne. Hostin has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Woman, Essence, Newsweek, The New York Post, Latina, and Ebony. A sought-after public speaker, she has delivered a TEDxTalk called “A Possibility Model” and spoken at and moderated panels for the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, and the National Bar Association, and served as a witness at the Federal Judiciary’s Congressional Hearing for the Public’s Right of Access to the Courts. Hostin lives with her husband and two children in New York.

Reviews

[Alex (Alex's Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

was it well written? No

was it fun while I am sick? yes

[Julie]

Loved the first book. Made it through 70ish pages of this one. So many references to COVID and the vaccine and virtue signaling. Gave up.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a life-changing summer at Martha's Vineyard. It continues a series that celebrates a community and discusses things like gentrification, colorism, infidelity, and different types of relationships. The book contains mystery, love, family, secrets, and forgiveness.

The book is about the people, but it has such a strong sense of place that is wonderful and adds to the escapism. It starts with the main character finding a disturbing letter. It's really about Olivia trying to summer in Sag Harbor and trying to discover more about her biological father's estranged family. Olivia thinks she's on a journey to find out about her dad and that family. She's on a journey to find out about herself and what she needs, wants, and deserves.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was as satisfying as the first one (Summer on the Bluffs). Continues the story for just one of the godsisters but includes the other two throughout. I would like to see the lives of the other two in as much depth as Olivia's. Will have to read the next to see if that happens.

I was rooting for all the characters, aside from Anderson's family, which are for obvious reasons if you end up reading it. And I appreciated the relationship Kara, Addy, and Rich had. I like when the socially abnormal is reset. Even Chase coming to his corporate senses so late in the game felt good, if a bit contrived.

Really like this series. I think representation is important in every way, and we could use more stories of Black women living successfully, on their terms, and being supported by their communities, especially other women. It's also important to inform readers of the racism they have to fight in order to achieve these heights. Hostin does this without going over the top. And I really liked the scene where Chase owns up to his slow maturity, even while Olivia sits there swallowing the memory of all those times she had she'd already offered the ideas he's taking credit for (this is something all women have encountered - it's what we all know as male privilege). Hopefully, readers who hadn't seen these incidents of racism and privilege before will have at least one personal aha moment through these examples.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book in this series was great. This sophomore outing was weak - on many fronts. The writing was bad, the plot was forced, and the pacing was uneven. Overall, not a great read. And that pains me to say that as I love Sunny Hostin! I’ll eagerly await her next book!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This proved to be a delightful beach read, offering the perfect blend of intrigue and entertainment against the backdrop of the intriguing and beautiful Sag Harbor.

What struck me most about this book was its ability to take a character like Olivia, who initially appeared closed-minded and angry in the first book, and transform her into a more complex and relatable figure. Witnessing her character development was a pleasant surprise, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

The portrayal of minorities in elite positions of wealth was both refreshing and important. It shattered stereotypes and provided a more nuanced representation of diverse characters, which was both enlightening and commendable.

The writing style was another highlight of this book. It was easy to read, yet incredibly well-crafted, making it a smooth and enjoyable journey through the lives of these intriguing characters. The narrative was peppered with just the right amount of drama and emotion to keep me thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

This book was a satisfying and well-rounded read that managed to balance entertainment with meaningful character development. It serves as a testament to Sunny Hostin's storytelling prowess and her commitment to portraying diverse experiences in a positive and authentic light. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an engaging and thought-provoking summer read.

[Tami Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointing follow up to Summer on the Bluffs which I REALLY enjoyed. This story follows Olivia's journey of discovery of her lineage and trying to define herself. The pacing was SO off to me. Some parts moved slow and then suddenly within days thetrs a love affair brewing. The chapters are titled and include months and year. Most of the book takes place over the course of summer 2021. Covid is front and center in the story telling as well. I don't believe Olivia was raised to act the way this character is acting. I mean, this isn't the backstory she had in Summer on the Bluffs. I can't imagine her being THAT involved with Anderson knowing so little about him, it just doesn't jive with the set up to this series. I felt bored through most of this book. I am unsure if I'd be willing to read book 3 if one is being considered.

[Kari Friedauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

To much drama to feel realistic

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a quick summer read. It was an interesting take to to make the most neglected from the first book the star of the second one. However, I couldn't quite warm to Olivia since she was determined to be a secondary character in her own life. I didn't like how she used Anderson's evasiveness as an excuse for cheating, even though Anderson did lie to her. I think she was painfully naive, which doesn't track with how smart she should be. She should've seeked help sooner so I didn't have to battle through her internal colorism insecurities (which I'm annoyed continued from the first book; I say this as a dark skinned woman myself--we don't all live in misery because we're more melanated). It feels like Hostin didn't really know how to write Olivia and this wasted a lot of time in this second book. I also don't like how Hostin lionizes Ama to the point of deity-status when she also abandoned her own child, but made Cindy seem super heartless and without redemption. The twist at the end was a slight twist, though slightly lazy (twins?) Garrett and Olivia's chemistry didn't really seem organic and the friends seemed two-dimensional. Also, I'm super sensorial but I don't need a play by play of what is being eaten or what expensive brand name Olivia chooses to wear to visit her neighbors to help move the plot along.

What I did like was the reverence held for SANS (most especially Sag Harber) and the importance of holding dear special keepsakes for the community's sake and legacy. I know my first paragraph doesn't seem like I liked the book (and there were a LOT of flaws), but I still was reading it all day and enjoying myself somewhat.

[Nigist · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again!!! This book is amazing! I love the story. Thank you Sunny for hope and life and REALNESS! I want to keep going- I know there must be more!!!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin, I knew I was going to have to read the sequel.

This time, though, instead of taking place in the Oak Bluffs neighborhood of Martha's Vineyard, we're transported to a hidden community in Sag Harbor, or SANS (Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest & Nineveh). It also focuses on Ama's goddaughter Olivia Jones.

Olivia and her fiancé Anderson arrive in SANS and stay in the home that was gifted to her by her late godfather, Omar. She forges new friendships in the community, including Whitney, the wife of an ex-basketball player, Garrett, her sexy new neighbor and his adorable daughter Zora (who steals the show!), which causes friction between Olivia and Anderson.

In the midst of all this drama, a high-powered real estate developer threaten to force the residents to sell their properties, no matter the cost. Olivia and the residents vow to fight for their opportunity of remaining in their homes and living peacefully.

More family secrets come to light, and more tension than an episode of RHWOBH. I liked that we also got to catch up with Olivia's godsisters, Perry and Billie, albeit briefly.

This book is definitely ready-for-the-beach worthy.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Cassidy Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book and immediately wanted more! This summer sequel gave us just as much drama, intrigue, and Black resilience as the first book. It builds well off of Oak Bluffs and takes us to Sag Harbor, where Olivia has been gifted a home and throws herself into the neighborhood’s familial scene. Although I found this book to be less scandalous than the first, it was just as much of a page turner.

[Vanessa Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, partner @bibliolifestyle and @williammorrowbooks 

Following up on "Summer in the Bluffs", this book focuses on Olivia's journey of self-love, identity, and combating generational trauma. Olivia is still grieving the loss of her "father" Omar and coming to grips with the shocking revelations that his death has brought to light. She decides to spend the summer at Sag Harbor, in the house he left behind for her (the very house her biological father spent his summers in). While there, she discovers a welcoming community of elite African Americans looking to preserve the culture of Sag Harbor. Although she gains a new found family, she struggles with her work and romantic life when she meets the charming widowed neighbor (and his sweet daughter) - now she must decide if she wants to stray from her meticulous life path.

This was a nice continuation from "Summer in the Bluffs." I really enjoyed the focus on one main character's journey but also the follow up on other character's from the first book. This book was FULL of drama and most of it I really enjoyed. However, the romance conflict just didn't do it for me - it was messy (I'm avoiding specifics to prevent spoilers). This story did have a little bit of spice (🌶) unlike the first book. Overall, I am interested in reading the next book in this series to see what these characters have been up to.

[Alicia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't care for the first one in the series, the writing was hard for me to get into, but this one seemed to have a different set of characters related, but you wouldn’t need the first one to get into it.

I found the writing not as tedious as the first one, but I still struggled through it. There were still a lot of over explanations for every subject. I liked most of the characters, but then the books just seemed to slow down. Anytime I saw SANS, I just glazed over, and eventually, I became more interested in Anderson and Olivia's relationship, but even that got tired and boring after a while. In the end, I found the "drama" a bit boring, and I couldn't get past everything being over-explained. And also, so much Covid. I am not an anti-Covid in novels, and a story during this time frame is interesting; I just found everything being explained to get old.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this with my book club and In the words of Tyra Banks “We were rooting for you, we were all rooting for you”.

I wanted to love you Summer on Sag Harbor! The first book of this series is one I still highly recommend as being one of my favorite Summer beach reads, each character was lovable and relatable in some way, there was a hint of mystery, it painted a vivid picture of beach life on the bluffs so much so that we wanted to plan a visit. This book however fell short in many areas it felt like the author was trying to tell black stories in a way that was digestible for all… idk I was not a fan. Read for yourself if you liked the first story. I will still read the 3rd installment. I’m looking forward to it, fingers crossed it saves the trilogy!

[Brynn | readyourworriesaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Olivia as a character but I disagreed with one of her choices and it ultimately made me lower my rating. I won’t give details because I don’t want to spoil the story.

The story quickly pulled me in and overall kept my attention throughout.

[Erica Lill · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun read… call it a 3.6! I wanted to like it because of the story but I just struggled with the way Sonny wrote and I didn’t find the narrator to be particularly like able until late in the book.

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 This book was read to me on Audible. The narrator was great. A few characters just irked my nerves.

[Lovely Loveday]

Summer on Sag Harbor delves into the complexities of love, family, and the courage to make difficult decisions. The story takes place in Oak Bluffs, a picturesque slice of the island that has been a summer home to the Black community elite since the 1600s. I was drawn into their journey from the beginning with the ethereal setting and beautifully drawn characters. What truly sets this novel apart is the family dynamics, personal secrets, and wisdom that are revealed throughout the story.

[Irv Kantrowitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hidden in an enclave in Sag Harbor called Sans live a group of elite black Americans. This is about life in Sans. I prefer suspense and adventure novels.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is the second in a trilogy - I loved the first book, this one was good. The first book introduced a cast of strong, independent, Black women who vacation on the East Coast. One of those women is Olivia, the main character of this, the second book. I missed all the other characters. I missed Ama and Billie and Perry. They make a brief appearance in the end, but really, this book is all about Olivia. Olivia has moved to Sag Harbor Long Island, a historical Black community in a house given to her by her godfather Omar. She spends the summer there with Anderson, her white fiancé. To complicate things, the new neighbor is a gorgeous single dad Garrett. I wasn't sure if we are supposed to like Anderson - Olivia does until she doesn't. Is he clueless? Is he a good guy? Judging from his terrible comedy, no he is not. I felt like as a reader, I didn't know where his character was going or how I should feel about him. One thing that stuck with me is the female characters in this book seem prickly. Granted, perhaps years and years of other belittling your success and daily microaggressions might make anyone prickly but there was no female characters I was especially drawn too - certainly not Bea or Cindy or Addy or even Whitney. They all seemed closed off and...prickly. The ending was fine, Olivia chooses herself and her community. I sure hope the last book brings back all those women from book 1 and perhaps not so much of the women in Sag Harbor.

[ShanKL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer in Sag Harbor takes place in Oak Bluff, a predominately African American community, established in the 1600’s. This novel reminds the reader of the struggles of gentrification in an area others want for elaborate mansions rather than building upon the community residing in the area.

This story features a female protagonist searching for an identity that will define her love, her joy, her friendships and most importantly her place in her Black culture. Every day over the course of the summer brings her closer to her chosen path.

There was a bit of hypocrisy in this novel, especially when Olivia cheats on her fiancee but then wants be mad at Addy for cheating with Rich. Girl you are doing the same thing! I also felt the way she dragged her fiancée on was awful, but then I also got the impression we didn’t get the full story of his trips to NY and his secret texting. This was never fully flushed out. Overall, good story but it couldn’t used a bit more development.

Thank you William Morrow for the complimentary copy.

[Marsha Mims-Word · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay. A bit slow for my taste. No excitement or cliffhangers. Plot was pretty clear, people are not always who they appear to be. Who Olivia thought was her father was not, she didn’t really know her fiancé or his family history. A neighbor turned out to have a connection to her. All this was told with little to no drama; made for a pretty boring story. I did appreciate the town rallying together to save their neighborhood from big developers. I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️ in hopes that there maybe a sequel to continue the story.

[Cynthia Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointing sequel. Poorly written. It seemed as though this was written by a completely different author. The story was elementary at best, and absurdly unrealistic at worst. The last 50 pages were out of left field and rushed. Was really looking forward to this trilogy, but now may think twice about the third book.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

One African American woman spends the summer on Sag Harbor's exclusive Black enclave looking into her past and uncovering family secrets. Full of new friendships and shocking twists, this was a fun beach read type book sure to entertain over the summer. Good on audio too.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did appreciate how she doesn’t go running into Garrett’s arms. I also appreciate how she takes the lead in their physical relationship. I appreciate the mention of therapy as well as the strained relationship between mother and daughter.

[Kamille Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor, if you haven’t read this book. The entire series is amazing. Waiting for book 3 putting it in the atmosphere.

[Jennifer B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent follow up to book 1. Now I anxiously await book 3. I can’t wait to continue the story and see how Olivia mends her relationship with her real father Charles Jones. I’d also like to see how her mother Cindy interacts with him, especially now knowing her did show up and watched her leave with his twin brother Chris. The grandmother Christine is going to be a piece of work but I’m sure Olivia will hand her her ass.

The love story between Olivia and Garrett is going to be something beautiful if in book 3 she decides to go back to her home that Omar left her in Sag Harbor. I’m hoping they get together and give Zora some siblings. I’m also glad she left Anderson. Although I’m sure he’s a good guy aside from his racist family (cousins and father), he’s not the man for her and during his stand up comedy show he did in Sag Harbor where he talked about being ashy, that was the straw that broke the camels back for me although Olivia’s straw had probably been broken long before that.

This series can literally have numerous books. When I originally read book 1 I thought it would be three more, one about each of the god sisters. The first book focused a lot on Ama and Omar but then I thought each God Sister (Billie, Olivia and Perry) would each get a book of their own. Now that I know book 3 is about Olivia again, there could literally be an endless number of books, one following Billie and her wife during her pregnancy and back at their home in The Bluffs to include Bea and how that mother/daughter relationship will pan out or one following Perry and her husband and child. Also let’s not forget the neighbors. Although I don’t think Whitney’s character has enough depth for a spin off of her own, Sunny Hostin can definitely write a whole series on the entanglement of Addy, Kara and her husband Rich. Speaking of, I had just read a book “The Personal Librarian” where a husband and wife had a similar marriage where they had an open relationship but chose to stay married. I found it very odd especially since that book took place in the early 1900s so it’s funny to see it happening in this book too.

Anyway, I loved this book and would highly recommend both books 1 and 2. I can’t wait until later this year to get my hands on book 3.

[Marquitta Harlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Summer on Sag Harbor" by Sunny Hostin is a compelling follow-up to her debut, capturing the essence of her vibrant storytelling and knack for weaving together intricate narratives. Hostin's unique style shines through as she masterfully blends history, societal issues, and personal drama into a seamless narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

In this second novel, Hostin again demonstrates her talent for infusing historical depth into her stories. The recurring motif of bees, which first appeared in her debut, returns with added layers of meaning. The bees symbolize both the fragility and resilience of communities, reflecting the novel's exploration of African American heritage and the enduring legacy of Sag Harbor.

Hostin doesn't shy away from addressing pressing societal problems. Through her rich characters and their intertwining lives, she tackles issues of gentrification, racial tension, and the quest for identity. The characters' struggles and triumphs are depicted with a raw honesty that resonates deeply, making their journeys all the more compelling.

The plot twists in "Summer on Sag Harbor" are quintessential Hostin—unexpected and expertly crafted. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Hostin pulls the rug from under you, leaving you both surprised and satisfied. Her ability to maintain suspense while delivering profound insights is a testament to her storytelling prowess.

Overall, "Summer on Sag Harbor" is a worthy successor to Hostin's first novel. It delivers the same level of satisfaction, with its rich historical context, engaging plot, and thought-provoking exploration of contemporary issues. Hostin's fans will not be disappointed, and new readers will find themselves quickly drawn into her captivating world.