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The Summer of Me
The nationally bestselling author of Delilah’s Daughters and The Amen Sisters returns with a moving story about a single mother who discovers the woman she can be in one unforgettable summer. As a single mother, Destiny makes sacrifices for her children—including saying goodbye for the summer so they can spend time with their father and stepmother. Though she’ll miss them with all her heart, the time alone gives her an opportunity to address her own needs, like finish getting her college degree. But Destiny’s friends think her summer should include some romance. Destiny doesn’t want to be set up…until she meets Daniel. The handsome, warm and charming pastor soon sweeps Destiny off her feet. But is romance what she really wants? Or needs? As the days pass, Destiny will make new discoveries—about herself, the man she’s fallen for, and the people around her. And she’ll face challenging choices. But most of all, she’ll grow in ways she never imagined, learning unexpected lessons about trust, forgiveness, and the price of motherhood…and truly become the woman she wants to be.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2015
95 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Angela Benson
36 books123 followersThough Angela Benson began writing fiction in Miss Milizo's fifth grade English class, her first book was not published until 1994, more than thirty years later! Since then, Angela has published twelve novels, two novellas, and a nonfiction writing book. Her books have appeared on national, regional and local bestseller lists, and she has won several writing awards, including Best Multicultural Romance from Romantic Times magazine, and Best Contemporary Ethnic Romance from Affaire de Coeur magazine. She was a finalist for the 2000 Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award in Multicultural Romance.
After publishing seven contemporary romance novels and one novella with Kensington and Harlequin, Angela made a faith move to Christian fiction in 2000 with the publication of Awakening Mercy, the first book in her Genesis House series from Tyndale House Publishers. Awakening Mercy was a finalist for both the RITA Award given by Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction. The second book in the Genesis House series, Abiding Hope, was published in September 2001. Abiding Hope was awarded the Emma Award for Best Inspirational Romance presented by the Romance Slam Jam. The third book and final book of the series, Enduring Love, is not yet scheduled.
BET Books, now Harlequin's Kimani Press purchased the mass market rights to Awakening Mercy and Abiding Hope in 2000 and released mass market editions of the titles in June 2002 and June 2003, respectively.
Angela's first hardcover title, The Amen Sisters, was released in September 2005 by Walk Worthy Press. The Essence bestselling title won the Emma Award for Best Inspirational Romance. The trade paperback edition was released in November 2007.
Up Pops the Devil, published by HarperCollins (Avon A) in August 2008, was Angela's eleventh novel. It was selected the November 2008 African-American Book Club Pick at Books-A-Million and was featured in the September-October 2008 issue of UPSCALE Magazine.
Angela's twelfth novel, Sins of the Father (Avon A), hits bookstores in September 2009. Her second novella, Showers of Blessings, in the A Million Blessings (Dafina) anthology, was published in March 2010.
Angela has a diverse education and work history. She majored in mathematics at Spelman College and Industrial Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and worked for fifteen years as an engineer in the telecommunications industry. She holds Masters degrees in operations research and human resources development. Her most recent degree is a doctorate in instructional technology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Benson is now an associate professor of educational technology at The University of Alabama.
After publishing seven contemporary romance novels and one novella with Kensington and Harlequin, Angela made a faith move to Christian fiction in 2000 with the publication of Awakening Mercy, the first book in her Genesis House series from Tyndale House Publishers. Awakening Mercy was a finalist for both the RITA Award given by Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction. The second book in the Genesis House series, Abiding Hope, was published in September 2001. Abiding Hope was awarded the Emma Award for Best Inspirational Romance presented by the Romance Slam Jam. The third book and final book of the series, Enduring Love, is not yet scheduled.
BET Books, now Harlequin's Kimani Press purchased the mass market rights to Awakening Mercy and Abiding Hope in 2000 and released mass market editions of the titles in June 2002 and June 2003, respectively.
Angela's first hardcover title, The Amen Sisters, was released in September 2005 by Walk Worthy Press. The Essence bestselling title won the Emma Award for Best Inspirational Romance. The trade paperback edition was released in November 2007.
Up Pops the Devil, published by HarperCollins (Avon A) in August 2008, was Angela's eleventh novel. It was selected the November 2008 African-American Book Club Pick at Books-A-Million and was featured in the September-October 2008 issue of UPSCALE Magazine.
Angela's twelfth novel, Sins of the Father (Avon A), hits bookstores in September 2009. Her second novella, Showers of Blessings, in the A Million Blessings (Dafina) anthology, was published in March 2010.
Angela has a diverse education and work history. She majored in mathematics at Spelman College and Industrial Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and worked for fifteen years as an engineer in the telecommunications industry. She holds Masters degrees in operations research and human resources development. Her most recent degree is a doctorate in instructional technology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Benson is now an associate professor of educational technology at The University of Alabama.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 28, 2016
So, I'm going to start this review with just an observation I've noticed as a voracious reader: you almost never see a story featuring an African-American woman let alone have a cover as stunning and inviting as this one. I'm saying that as a totally white person, I could not be more white, and I've always noticed it and I don't know if anyone else does, but I jumped on this tour because it was exactly that. Nothing cookie cutter about this novel, it stands out on its own and it's good. It's a really good story that every mother can relate to, but more so if you're divorced and sharing custody of the children, and I absolutely loved it. And I wanted to be friends with Destiny because I can absolutely relate to her.
Destiny is a single mother of twins and we learn right away that their father is the love of her life, but he felt differently and married some other chick. They are well off and Destiny isn't- she's struggling to make ends meet but give her kids a great life to the best of her ability but she always feels inadequate, though the ex and his new wife do nothing to reassure her. The twins will be spending the entire summer with their dad and stepmom in sunny California, far away from Destiny. While she knows this is an opportunity of a life time for them, she's upset because she can't be the one to provide it. Meanwhile, her friends (and her mother, who can be a bit overbearing and a bit of a nag) are harping on her to use this time away from her children to work on herself. Maybe go back to school and get closer to a degree so she can get a better paying job, leading to more opportunities. Maybe meet a man, or at least get herself out there, and not give up on the chance at love again. She meets Daniel through a friend and that basically starts her off on a summer to remember for her own self.
I flew through this book over the course of one day, curled up in my favorite chair under blankets because it is still ridiculously cold for spring where I live, dreaming of being on a damn beach with some sunshine. This book put me in the summer mindset and it is just a really great chick lit story line. I really liked Destiny because I feel like if Matt up and left, I'd be in the same spot as her. It's hard to get momentum when everything seems so hard and it's hard to make a decision on anything when you don't know what you want. You plan your whole life to be a certain way and when that doesn't happen, you lose steam and direction. I totally get it. It does have a good ending and you leave Destiny feeling like things are going to be alright for her, and ultimately that's all I wanted in this book. But don't worry, this isn't all schmoopy love, it's got a scandal!
The book is lighthearted and fun, it's about female empowerment and ultimately taking care of yourself to be better for other people, something all of us should be doing anyways.
Sara's Organized Chaos
Destiny is a single mother of twins and we learn right away that their father is the love of her life, but he felt differently and married some other chick. They are well off and Destiny isn't- she's struggling to make ends meet but give her kids a great life to the best of her ability but she always feels inadequate, though the ex and his new wife do nothing to reassure her. The twins will be spending the entire summer with their dad and stepmom in sunny California, far away from Destiny. While she knows this is an opportunity of a life time for them, she's upset because she can't be the one to provide it. Meanwhile, her friends (and her mother, who can be a bit overbearing and a bit of a nag) are harping on her to use this time away from her children to work on herself. Maybe go back to school and get closer to a degree so she can get a better paying job, leading to more opportunities. Maybe meet a man, or at least get herself out there, and not give up on the chance at love again. She meets Daniel through a friend and that basically starts her off on a summer to remember for her own self.
I flew through this book over the course of one day, curled up in my favorite chair under blankets because it is still ridiculously cold for spring where I live, dreaming of being on a damn beach with some sunshine. This book put me in the summer mindset and it is just a really great chick lit story line. I really liked Destiny because I feel like if Matt up and left, I'd be in the same spot as her. It's hard to get momentum when everything seems so hard and it's hard to make a decision on anything when you don't know what you want. You plan your whole life to be a certain way and when that doesn't happen, you lose steam and direction. I totally get it. It does have a good ending and you leave Destiny feeling like things are going to be alright for her, and ultimately that's all I wanted in this book. But don't worry, this isn't all schmoopy love, it's got a scandal!
The book is lighthearted and fun, it's about female empowerment and ultimately taking care of yourself to be better for other people, something all of us should be doing anyways.
Sara's Organized Chaos
May 4, 2016
I was really looking forward to The Summer of Me. I grew up with a single mom and I know she didn't have it easy. In the end, the book was just an OK read for me. I had a hard time connecting with Destiny. I find when I can't connect, I have a hard time buying into the story. It's a quick read, so I kept reading hoping I would like it more, but I just never really did.
There were a few things that bothered me about the book. This may get a bit spoilery, so skip it if you aren't a fan of spoilers...
I could go on. The book does have some nice uplifting messages, and it is a clean romance, so there is that. Maybe this just wasn't the story for me.
There were a few things that bothered me about the book. This may get a bit spoilery, so skip it if you aren't a fan of spoilers...
I could go on. The book does have some nice uplifting messages, and it is a clean romance, so there is that. Maybe this just wasn't the story for me.
April 8, 2018
I'd give this novel a solid 3.5 stars. it was an easy Spring/Summer read. I didn't realize going in that it was a Christian based novel but it was really refreshing to not have a bunch of words that make me cringe reading them. Any romance in the book was take and sweet as well. A really nice break from a lot of books out there.
September 18, 2025
This story is an incredible and faith filled surprise.
Even though there is a Federal crime taking place, it proved how easy innocent people can get tricked into danger, in the pursuit of money. I loved how Daniel went to the wall to rescue Destiny.
And as the story continued, the surprises just kept on coming!
September 21, 2025
This was the first book I've read from this author, and it definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were relatable. Although some of the situations I think wouldn't go as smoothly as written. However, I understand why they did ( the book would've been 1,000 pages) ☺️
May 12, 2024
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below. It is also posted in full.
http://romancejunkies.com/reviews/the...
THE SUMMER OF ME was a quick paced inspirational faith based read. Destiny is the single mother of six year old twins. Their father is married and financially more secure than she is and he and his wife can provide things for them that she can’t. They take the kids to Los Angeles for the summer where their stepmother will be working which leaves Destiny bereft and hurting for money with her child support checks cut unbenownst to her. I couldn’t warm to their father, Kenneth, since he was not only hard to read but seemed to have his own agenda and secrets. Without the twins, Destiny decides to make the most of her summer of me.
Working as a manager in a store’s cosmetic department is fulfilling but Destiny still struggles to make ends meet. Her friend, Bertice, is always involved in various schemes to make money and this time she brings Destiny in on one of them at a temp agency which is almost her downfall. As Destiny makes the most of her summer she returns to college to finish her degree, works her job in cosmetics, gets work through the temp agency, decides to get licensed to do hair at the recommendation of the career counselor at the college and takes a part time job at her church working on new financial programs with a new pastor, Daniel. This involves setting up financial workshops and outreach to those in need. As she misses her kids dearly she plods along with all her activities plus starts to date Daniel. She, Bertice and another friend, Natalie, are thick as thieves and are always there for each other. The church is another important part of her life and Natalie is married to one of the pastors, Gavin.
As Destiny’s life takes many twists and turns things start to get out of control. Daniel is always there for her and gets her through a few hardships. The kid’s dad, Kenneth, is a loose cannon with secrets of his own, but is not the nicest towards Destiny. She always seems to take the high road and she and his wife try to keep things on an even keel for all. She and her mom have a rocky relationship but they love each other. Mom is harboring several secrets which don’t go over well when Destiny learns of them.
There are family and friends, secrets, the church, work, travel, money worries, arguments, tears, anger, hurt, laughter, happiness, dreams coming true, heartache, fear, illness and love. There are a lot of behind the scenes actions regarding the temp agency which most are unaware of. Destiny and Daniel’s relationship seems to be taking off as they learn about each other, their dreams, hopes for the future and how to date. But will there be a happy ending when they each learn more about the other? There is some closure but also loose ends and an epilogue would have been nice. I liked the cover and the depth to the characters.
Benson is a new to me author. I will definitely be adding some of her other books to my always growing TBR pile. Her book was reminiscent to me of those by Dorothea Benton Frank and Francis Ray.
http://romancejunkies.com/reviews/the...
THE SUMMER OF ME was a quick paced inspirational faith based read. Destiny is the single mother of six year old twins. Their father is married and financially more secure than she is and he and his wife can provide things for them that she can’t. They take the kids to Los Angeles for the summer where their stepmother will be working which leaves Destiny bereft and hurting for money with her child support checks cut unbenownst to her. I couldn’t warm to their father, Kenneth, since he was not only hard to read but seemed to have his own agenda and secrets. Without the twins, Destiny decides to make the most of her summer of me.
Working as a manager in a store’s cosmetic department is fulfilling but Destiny still struggles to make ends meet. Her friend, Bertice, is always involved in various schemes to make money and this time she brings Destiny in on one of them at a temp agency which is almost her downfall. As Destiny makes the most of her summer she returns to college to finish her degree, works her job in cosmetics, gets work through the temp agency, decides to get licensed to do hair at the recommendation of the career counselor at the college and takes a part time job at her church working on new financial programs with a new pastor, Daniel. This involves setting up financial workshops and outreach to those in need. As she misses her kids dearly she plods along with all her activities plus starts to date Daniel. She, Bertice and another friend, Natalie, are thick as thieves and are always there for each other. The church is another important part of her life and Natalie is married to one of the pastors, Gavin.
As Destiny’s life takes many twists and turns things start to get out of control. Daniel is always there for her and gets her through a few hardships. The kid’s dad, Kenneth, is a loose cannon with secrets of his own, but is not the nicest towards Destiny. She always seems to take the high road and she and his wife try to keep things on an even keel for all. She and her mom have a rocky relationship but they love each other. Mom is harboring several secrets which don’t go over well when Destiny learns of them.
There are family and friends, secrets, the church, work, travel, money worries, arguments, tears, anger, hurt, laughter, happiness, dreams coming true, heartache, fear, illness and love. There are a lot of behind the scenes actions regarding the temp agency which most are unaware of. Destiny and Daniel’s relationship seems to be taking off as they learn about each other, their dreams, hopes for the future and how to date. But will there be a happy ending when they each learn more about the other? There is some closure but also loose ends and an epilogue would have been nice. I liked the cover and the depth to the characters.
Benson is a new to me author. I will definitely be adding some of her other books to my always growing TBR pile. Her book was reminiscent to me of those by Dorothea Benton Frank and Francis Ray.
April 30, 2016
With her kids away for the summer, Destiny, a single mother, finally has some time for herself. Destiny is used to doing so much for other people. Making herself a priority is never at the top of the list. But if she's ever going to make a better life for herself and her kids, there's no time like the present.
The Summer of Me by Angela Benson is a story many people can relate to. It's a story of love, motherhood, family, and friendship.
A summer without her kids will be difficult for Destiny. Since they were born, Destiny has never gone more than a couple of days without seeing her kids. Now she will have to navigate several months without them. Her twins, KJ and Kenae, are spending the summer with their father, Kenneth, and stepmother, Mary Margaret in California. It's hard to admit, but Destiny is jealous of the budding relationship Mary Margaret has with her kids. But Destiny tries her best to put those feelings aside for the sake of her kids.
Read the rest of my review at: http://asiturnthepages.blogspot.com/2...
The Summer of Me by Angela Benson is a story many people can relate to. It's a story of love, motherhood, family, and friendship.
A summer without her kids will be difficult for Destiny. Since they were born, Destiny has never gone more than a couple of days without seeing her kids. Now she will have to navigate several months without them. Her twins, KJ and Kenae, are spending the summer with their father, Kenneth, and stepmother, Mary Margaret in California. It's hard to admit, but Destiny is jealous of the budding relationship Mary Margaret has with her kids. But Destiny tries her best to put those feelings aside for the sake of her kids.
Read the rest of my review at: http://asiturnthepages.blogspot.com/2...
July 2, 2018
3.5 stars!
If you're looking for a nice, easy, and quick Summertime read, this is the book for you! I easily liked the main character, Destiny, and loved the budding romance with Daniel. However, so much happened in one summer and was tied up a little too neatly (and easily) in the end, compared to real life.
Sometimes, the dialogue between characters seemed to go on too long and was a bit forced, especially when it came to controlling Destiny's life, which everyone seemed to have a say about. The good thing is she (Destiny) was open to new things in her life, in spite of the hurts she'd been through, which showed a lot of maturity.
I do love that it's a Christian novel and very good themes throughout. I wonder if the author has considered doing a series of these characters...maybe this book could have been spread out as such and had a stronger impact. I would have definitely read on to hear more about their lives in a series.
If you're looking for a nice, easy, and quick Summertime read, this is the book for you! I easily liked the main character, Destiny, and loved the budding romance with Daniel. However, so much happened in one summer and was tied up a little too neatly (and easily) in the end, compared to real life.
Sometimes, the dialogue between characters seemed to go on too long and was a bit forced, especially when it came to controlling Destiny's life, which everyone seemed to have a say about. The good thing is she (Destiny) was open to new things in her life, in spite of the hurts she'd been through, which showed a lot of maturity.
I do love that it's a Christian novel and very good themes throughout. I wonder if the author has considered doing a series of these characters...maybe this book could have been spread out as such and had a stronger impact. I would have definitely read on to hear more about their lives in a series.
April 6, 2016
3.5 stars Originally posted HERE
The Summer of Me is a really good story about finding yourself. It’s about motherhood, marriage, love, trust, right & wrong, the patience and acceptance of “the-other-woman”. The-Other-Woman being the stepmother. While I appreciate all that this story entails, there are just some things that needed to be cut out. I don’t want to spoil the story, as that whole scenario revolves around the romance between Destiny and Daniel; and ultimately, Destiny’s friendship with the person at the head of the scandal. It was all just too much to pack into one story.
The Summer of Me is a really good story about finding yourself. It’s about motherhood, marriage, love, trust, right & wrong, the patience and acceptance of “the-other-woman”. The-Other-Woman being the stepmother. While I appreciate all that this story entails, there are just some things that needed to be cut out. I don’t want to spoil the story, as that whole scenario revolves around the romance between Destiny and Daniel; and ultimately, Destiny’s friendship with the person at the head of the scandal. It was all just too much to pack into one story.
June 13, 2016
This is the story of a single mother facing a summer without her children for the first time. Destiny decides to let her twins go to visit their father and stepmother, leaving her to make choices about her future. Her two best friends encourage her to pursue new endeavors and finish college.
Destiny meets a pastor who captures her heart but feels unworthy of him after she makes some bad decisions. Her faith helps her reach her goals and become a stronger person.
The book is very entertaining and was hard to put down. Destiny's story held my interest and I couldn't wait to see what choices she finally made.
I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
Destiny meets a pastor who captures her heart but feels unworthy of him after she makes some bad decisions. Her faith helps her reach her goals and become a stronger person.
The book is very entertaining and was hard to put down. Destiny's story held my interest and I couldn't wait to see what choices she finally made.
I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2018
3.5 star rating
September 25, 2025
This book gives all the emotions. There was definitely some surprises!!!
June 27, 2021
Hey, it’s been awhile since I’ve read one of Angela’s books. Not sure why, but I can say I’ve missed her. Great read. I loved it from beginning to the end. It was so refreshing. The reading just flowed. Please use it as a series and do another. Awesome 👏🏿
May 3, 2016
Angela Benson’s The Summer of Me is inspirational and romantic and full of everything that makes a great beach read. The main character, Destiny, is likable and easy to relate to – even for someone like me who’s about as opposite from her as you could get.
There was a lot going on in The Summer of Me – several plot points – but they all come together to shape some defining moments for Destiny. From the issues with her ex and his wife to her issues with her mom to her own financial issues, Destiny has a lot on her plate. Then, this new potential romance nudges in along with suddenly more jobs than she knows what to do with… and then she decides to go back to school! But it never felt overwhelming and it all flowed together naturally and kept the story moving.
The Summer of Me is a book you can read in one sitting, but it’s a book you’ll be thinking about long after. The characters will work their way into your heart, and the story will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Angela Benson has crafted an enjoyable and inspirational novel that’s perfect for your next vacation read or even just next weekend.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
There was a lot going on in The Summer of Me – several plot points – but they all come together to shape some defining moments for Destiny. From the issues with her ex and his wife to her issues with her mom to her own financial issues, Destiny has a lot on her plate. Then, this new potential romance nudges in along with suddenly more jobs than she knows what to do with… and then she decides to go back to school! But it never felt overwhelming and it all flowed together naturally and kept the story moving.
The Summer of Me is a book you can read in one sitting, but it’s a book you’ll be thinking about long after. The characters will work their way into your heart, and the story will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Angela Benson has crafted an enjoyable and inspirational novel that’s perfect for your next vacation read or even just next weekend.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
July 30, 2018
The writing seemed more like YA but I enjoyed the storyline. I thought it would be predictable but there were some interesting developments along the way. A quick and enjoyable summer read.
July 17, 2017
Great read!
I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by this author, especially Delilah's Daughters, but The Summer of Me, may now be my favorite Angela Benson novel.
Angela writes good stories about positive and strong Black women. Her characters are flawed, but human beings with layers of possibilities.
She is a very good writer. Her books are well paced with good plots and interesting storylines.
If you are a serious reader of African American literature, you will love this novel.
I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by this author, especially Delilah's Daughters, but The Summer of Me, may now be my favorite Angela Benson novel.
Angela writes good stories about positive and strong Black women. Her characters are flawed, but human beings with layers of possibilities.
She is a very good writer. Her books are well paced with good plots and interesting storylines.
If you are a serious reader of African American literature, you will love this novel.
October 23, 2017
I looked at the cover of this book and thought it would be about a black woman taking some well deserved "me time". Nothing could be further from the truth. When the book started she has a full time job and does her friends' hair as a side hustle. Over the summer she picks up two more jobs!
Can't a sister just relax on the beach and watch the waves?
Can't a sister just relax on the beach and watch the waves?
February 29, 2020
I am not a religious person, so I was leary about reading this book. I am glad I took that leap of faith! Great read! Destiny went from being lost in uncertainty to have a clear path in her life of success.
June 19, 2016
Destiny decides to go back to school when her children go to California with their dad and his wife. Read: June 2016
August 27, 2019
**SPOILERS**
In the beginning I enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know know more and more about Destiny, and see her relationship with Daniel grow. I wanted to know just how she was going to deal with Kenneth and his sneaking self. The story was being told and a good pace, but once I hit about chapter 32 I felt the story became rushed. So quickly you learned about the identity scam. I felt that Destiny, although she freaked out initially became "alright" with the entire thing. If someone used my information and bought a freaking house, I would be hitting the roof. I would immediately wonder how it would affect me moving into this new house, but once she spoke to Malcolm she had not a care in the world. Then there is the realization that Annie is her mother. Once again, Destiny was like "oh, your my mother? Ok." She wasn't angry about being lied to her entire life or anything. in the end I was pretty disappointed because again the story felt very rushed and unrealistic. When I first started this book, I could relate to Destiny and even her girlfriends. But I ended kind of like Destiny...oh ok.
In the beginning I enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know know more and more about Destiny, and see her relationship with Daniel grow. I wanted to know just how she was going to deal with Kenneth and his sneaking self. The story was being told and a good pace, but once I hit about chapter 32 I felt the story became rushed. So quickly you learned about the identity scam. I felt that Destiny, although she freaked out initially became "alright" with the entire thing. If someone used my information and bought a freaking house, I would be hitting the roof. I would immediately wonder how it would affect me moving into this new house, but once she spoke to Malcolm she had not a care in the world. Then there is the realization that Annie is her mother. Once again, Destiny was like "oh, your my mother? Ok." She wasn't angry about being lied to her entire life or anything. in the end I was pretty disappointed because again the story felt very rushed and unrealistic. When I first started this book, I could relate to Destiny and even her girlfriends. But I ended kind of like Destiny...oh ok.
September 24, 2022
The Summer of Me
Engaging story with an interesting underlying plot. Destiny, a young woman that will need to unfold many layers of her life. Glad that she got Kenneth out of her system, he was not good for her. The fraud angle of this plot was quite intriguing to me due to my line of work and victimized and expecting the bank to restore them when they willingly participate in the efforts to be defrauded. I appreciate that Destiny owned her victimization and didn’t foolishly hold Daniel guilty. Now Bertice would have been a different story. So many good characters and you get a solid glimpse into their lives and what makes them tick. Destiny had good female friendship, but a much to be desired relationship with her mother. Yet another established story in this book. The novel is like a mini-series of stories but all the stories, drama, backsets, and missteps leads Destiny on a path to find herself and possibly love, and peace.
Engaging story with an interesting underlying plot. Destiny, a young woman that will need to unfold many layers of her life. Glad that she got Kenneth out of her system, he was not good for her. The fraud angle of this plot was quite intriguing to me due to my line of work and victimized and expecting the bank to restore them when they willingly participate in the efforts to be defrauded. I appreciate that Destiny owned her victimization and didn’t foolishly hold Daniel guilty. Now Bertice would have been a different story. So many good characters and you get a solid glimpse into their lives and what makes them tick. Destiny had good female friendship, but a much to be desired relationship with her mother. Yet another established story in this book. The novel is like a mini-series of stories but all the stories, drama, backsets, and missteps leads Destiny on a path to find herself and possibly love, and peace.
December 6, 2020
There was a lot packed into this book, maybe too much. There probably could have been some stand alone stories within the overall story. This is a book covers so many things we go through in life and how we handle it: motherhood, love, trust, friendships, financial struggles and what it could lead to, step mama drama and a host of others.
While her kids are away for the summer, Destiny has time to focus on herself and she really does. However, there’s a big mistake she makes but thankfully with the help of Daniel(new man in her life) she overcomes that) and eventually achieves and get the things she want.
While her kids are away for the summer, Destiny has time to focus on herself and she really does. However, there’s a big mistake she makes but thankfully with the help of Daniel(new man in her life) she overcomes that) and eventually achieves and get the things she want.
June 16, 2019
Wanted to like this and find another author in this genre...but alas. Characters seemed flat and mechanistic, conflict contrived and unengaging. Oddly in need of editing (how many times can we say "townhome" in the first three chapters?). A third of the way through and I still didn't believe in or care about the characters? DNF.
May 22, 2020
Excellent story
Though some of the plot was too neatly fixed (for instance Kenneth off, after threatening to take custody,& what was the deal)with him sneaking out when he was done his AAmeeting,but I understand why the author stuck with Destiny since it was her story) I enjoyed it very much!
Though some of the plot was too neatly fixed (for instance Kenneth off, after threatening to take custody,& what was the deal)with him sneaking out when he was done his AAmeeting,but I understand why the author stuck with Destiny since it was her story) I enjoyed it very much!
August 21, 2025
Outstanding!
This book was busy with so many moving parts, but it was well worth the read. I recommend any and all reading addicts, such as myself, to get a copy and read.
Thank you for a well-written and valuable work of art.
This book was busy with so many moving parts, but it was well worth the read. I recommend any and all reading addicts, such as myself, to get a copy and read.
Thank you for a well-written and valuable work of art.
July 30, 2017
Finding myself
This book came at just thebrght time for me. I commected with the chatters and found myself rooting for them to succeed. It was a delightful summer read that I would recommend to someone looking for a light positive summer read.
This book came at just thebrght time for me. I commected with the chatters and found myself rooting for them to succeed. It was a delightful summer read that I would recommend to someone looking for a light positive summer read.
June 9, 2018
Good read
I started reading this book in between a new job and life. The writer pulls you in on many levels, relationship, family, health, trust and legal. We all have our complications in life.
I started reading this book in between a new job and life. The writer pulls you in on many levels, relationship, family, health, trust and legal. We all have our complications in life.
June 2, 2019
Good clean christian romance ...
It was a very good work of fiction. I liked how the author kinda a prepared us in subtil ways for the bombshell information about the star. Well woven tale.
It was a very good work of fiction. I liked how the author kinda a prepared us in subtil ways for the bombshell information about the star. Well woven tale.
August 21, 2020
Characters were too mature (unbelievably mature) , storyline was too neat despite destiny going through so much drama (too much) and it all wrapped up too quickly without her acting out. Too goody for my taste I guess
April 29, 2021
Rom. When an African American single mother allows children to summer with father, she earns about herself as goes back to school, is taken in by scam, falls in love & is supported by Sister friends.
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