Summer on Highland Beach: A Novel

Summer Beach #3

by Sunny Hostin

The View cohost and three-time Emmy Award winner Sunny Hostin transports readers to Highland Beach in the captivating third novel of her New York Times bestselling Summer series.

In this awakening, spirited novel, Sunny Hostin celebrates family, friendship, and community and reminds us of the importance of the legacies of our collective past and finding one’s way in the world.

Founded in the late 1800s by the son of Frederick Douglass, Highland Beach along the Chesapeake Bay is the oldest Black resort community in America. Inside this proud and secluded beach community of about 100 private homes is Olivia Jones’s legacy.

But Oliva’s legacy comes with thorns—intertwined are secrets of her aunt’s death; a controlling grandmother who is determined to crush anyone or anything that will interfere with her son’s political career; and a father who wants to rebuild the family he rejected decades ago.

In the midst of tense family drama, Olivia must decide if she wants to return to the beautiful life she’s created in Sag Harbor—with the neighbors and wonderful man who’ve become central to her happiness—or finally achieve her dream of having a family and home to call her own in Highland Beach.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Beach Reads, Summer, Summer Reads, Drama

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2024

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

[Michael McDermott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book a bit underwhelming compared to the first two. The writing felt a little more juvenile and not as smart and witty. I also wished the sisters factored in a little bit more since their relationship is what made the first book so enjoyable. On the plus side, I did enjoy learning some actual history about Douglas and about another Black community.

I adore Sunny and hope she continues to write more.

[Allan Bendert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

The other books were better. This book wandered and the story seem to lose itself more than once. The flashbacks added nothing. I so wish this one was better.

[Kendra Chubbuck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading for fun. This is the third book and final in the trilogy series. It was not my favorite. It was okay. It was predictable.

[Rosalind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just ok. I found the others more interesting and I had to remember who was who and how they were related. It was a little slow but the ending was just meh to me. I also found a few chapters not needed for example the chapter on annie I believe. Frederick Douglass first wife, like what was the point? Book could have been wrapped up sooner in my opinion. Still good for a quick summer read or listen on a walk.

[Xe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen idk what Sunny is putting in these books but give her the awards lol. Another hit for me. I was interested to see how good this book would be since Olivia would be the main focus again but it didn’t disappoint. Absolutely loved Olivia’s character development and how she worked through multiple relationships. The plot definitely kept me engaged and I love how she highlighted the evolution and perception of mental health (especially in the Black community). Also I love history and loved learning about a Black owned town. I’m ready for another book in this series!

Trigger warning: suicide, self harm

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book managed to pull me out of my reading slump, and for that alone, it earns two stars. However, my appreciation for this book ends there.

As a reader who craves unique and exciting plots, this novel was a severe disappointment. The storyline was predictable and utterly devoid of the twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters were flat and one-dimensional, lacking any real depth or development. It felt as though I was merely turning pages without any engagement or investment in their journeys or outcomes.

The dialogue and interactions between characters were equally uninspired, making the experience akin to listening to background noise—forgettable and devoid of substance. Despite its promising premise set in the historical Black resort community of Highland Beach, the execution fell painfully short. Hostin's attempt to delve into family dynamics and legacy was undermined by the shallow character portrayals and lackluster plot progression.

It was a struggle to get through and did little to satisfy my appetite for compelling storytelling. It might appeal to those looking for a light and easy beach read, but for readers like myself who seek depth and excitement in their novels, this book falls flat

[Nancy Pigne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Sunny’s ability to create layers in a story. Each character has a background story that eventually adds to the main story. There were something’s that were easy to connect, Lauren’s initial reaction to Olivia and Lauren not hearing Olivia when she was calling her- which made sense when you learn of Lauren’s background and relationship to Indigo. I felt like the author really wanted to redeem Christine, even though we accepted her to be the villain. I think it would’ve been juicier if Christine was really the villain and leaked the info to get Olivia and her mom away from CJ.

I wish the other ladies were incorporated more. Olivia’s character whines too much for my liking.

[Charnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Will write a review soon

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought it would be a nice summer read but it was very slow to get through.

[Patricia Letourneau Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am nothing if not stubborn when it comes to committing to read a limited series - I really enjoyed Sunny Hostin's first book in the trilogy, Summer on the Bluffs; however, the second, Summer on Sag Harbor, was a huge letdown. The writing style was inconsistent between the first two books - I found myself laughing (often not in a good way) or groaning (never in a good way) sensing an introduction to the lazy new world of artificial intelligence and feeling betrayed by the horrendous and nonsensical dialogue.

Thankfully book three, Summer on Highland Beach, appeared to reject the direction highlighted above, but alas, not enough of a turnaround was accomplished. The characters and storyline were compelling - uniting a father with the daughter he never knew, reuniting a man and a woman who had been ripped from each other's young lives based on lies told by others, the introduction of a black community with historical and cultural significance, a current love story struggling to survive and an intriguing unsolved mystery from the recent past. The dialogue worked, but what did not is the actual use of it to tell (or rather develop) the stories themselves. What dragged during the first 2/3 of the novel was too quickly and haphazardly loosely wrapped up in the final 1/3.

Obligation to the trilogy now fulfilled, curiosity piqued, I may take this opportunity to pursue nonfiction interest about Highland Beach. Happy Summer (and Reading) Everyone!

[Jodi Schulz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read all three books in the series and this is definitely the weakest. I did really enjoy learning the history of Highland Beach, especially since I live outside of DC, have spent many summers on the Eastern Shore, and didn’t know anything about it.

[Janelle King · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. This third book was a little underwhelming for me, but Sunny Hostin is still a phenomenal writer!

[Debbie Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third book of her Summer Beach series, Sunny Hoston once again focuses on Olivia Jones and her legacy. Set on Highland Beach, the community founded by Frederick Douglass is set along the Chesapeake Bay and is the oldest Black resort community in the United States.

Olivia's biological father CJ is the mayor of Highland Beach so she travels there to get a better understanding of where she comes from, so she she can find out who she is. Unfortunately, Olivia's legacy comes with some thorns, the secrets surrounding her Aunt's death as a troubled teenager, a controlling grandmother determined to crush anyone or anything that might interfere with her son's political career and a father who wants a second chance to rebuild the family he rejected decades ago.

In the midst of all this drama, Olivia has an important decision that needs to be made. Does she want to return to the life she has created in Sag Harbor, with neighbors and friends and Garrett and his daughter Zola, or does she want to stay in Highland Beach and achieve her dream of being part of a stable family unit and a home to call her own.

This is the third book of a series and in my opinion, they should be read in the order they were written. I would recommend this book to other readers.

[Kimber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sunny Hostin, end of story. She's an amazing writer. I didn't know what to expect when I picked up the first book in this series. I am not a regular tv watcher so I wasn't very familiar with Ms Hostin but one day, I happened to hear that she was writing a non-fiction series. I love serials, they're my favourite. When I fall in love with characters I love to keep reading about them. Most of my favourite books are parts of a series.

Anyway, I love this series. It is equal parts humorous and serious, taking into account all of life's complexities and characters. So far, Sunny's Summer Beach series (or is this Oak Bluffs?) touched me in a way that pushed me to reconnect with my mother and sisters, for which I am profoundly grateful. I gave this book, and all the books in this series, a 5 star rating. I wish I could award it more than 5 stars.

TLDR; Excellent novel (read the other 2 first!), highly recommend.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book celebrates family, friendship, and community! I have enjoyed reading about Olivia’s journey and this book does not disappoint. Olivia finds herself at Highland Beach this time, which was founded by the son on Frederick Douglass. It is the oldest Black resort community and home to Olivia’s legacy. As Olivia continue on her journey to learn more about her family, she is faced with family secrets as well as navigating her relationship with Garrett! Sunny Hostin has created another beautiful piece of literary work that is fascinating, reflective, and hopeful!

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

This is definitely a good beach read. Moves extremely slow and plot did not come together until the last four chapters in the book. It was interesting to learn about Highland Beach and its association with Frederick Douglas. That’s the only thing worth mentioning about this book. I hoped this was as good as the first book in this series. As stated, if you want something to read on the beach that doesn’t require thought process, this maybe the book for you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[C. Yevette Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first two books so much that I couldn’t wait until this one came out. If I’m being honest about what I felt while reading, I’ll say I was underwhelmed. I’m not sure what I was looking for, but I know I didn’t walk away feeling like I did with the first two books in the series. I still love Sunny’s writing skills, though!!

[WM D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first two books of this author and this series. I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed reading her books. The characters came together and this was the main ingredient for making this series work.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to experience a summer on Highland Beach.

Bookmarks:
*Liked the history of Frederick Douglass
*Third-person point of view told from Olivia

Bookends:
*Disappointed by the ending
*Wanted more with Perry and Billie

Triggers:
*Racism*

[Barbara J Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

I loved everything about this book. It has the right amount of history, mystery, and family drama. I hope Olivia's story is not over.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth my time

[Connie J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mikki Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay for me. There was an illusion of suspense but it didn’t really deliver. Christine is such an unknowable character.

[This Kooky Wildflower Loves a Little Tea and Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I preferred her first book, the third in her beach series works as a decent beach read.

3.5/5

[Tanisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Aliah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the second book, but not as much as the first. The story did get a little over the top at times (it was giving Tyler Perry drama for a bit there), but it was still an entertaining read with some funny moments. What I really enjoy most about this series is how it brings these gorgeous beach destinations to life and shows their connections to Black history. I’ve learned about places I might never have known otherwise, and that makes the series really special.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read.
I liked the island setting because I’m a fan of sun and surf.
I liked the famly dynamics and how the narrative kept moving.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital copy.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was slower than the first two for me but I still enjoyed it overall.

[Ellen Brenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. Loved the story line reflecting Frederick Douglass. Enjoyed Olivia and her strength, finding her family, the family history and background. Pleasantly surprised by this book.

[Nic Ojo (bujos_n_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next "chapter" in this series.