What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dogwood Days of Summer
Should she choose love or freedom?
After years of committing her life to a man she knew wasn’t right for her, Brooke Warter found the backbone to quit that relationship—and now she’s back in Goose Island, South Carolina, sharing a house with her squabbling parents and kooky grandmother.
On the other hand, she has a job working with her best friend at the local winery, and she has space to figure out what comes next. Brooke just needs to keep moving forward and a solid future will automatically follow.
So when old summer camp friends return to her life, she’s not gung-ho on going backward. Especially since she never really let go of her first love—Nathan Daugherty, whom she met when he showed up to camp with his clothes in a Wal-Mart bag. After all, childhood fantasies don’t always equal good adult choices, and she needs to stop defining herself based on her relationship status.
But what if a second chance with Nate could offer a whole lot more?
Fans of Susan Sands and Mary Alice Monroe will find themselves charmed with Goose Island!
After years of committing her life to a man she knew wasn’t right for her, Brooke Warter found the backbone to quit that relationship—and now she’s back in Goose Island, South Carolina, sharing a house with her squabbling parents and kooky grandmother.
On the other hand, she has a job working with her best friend at the local winery, and she has space to figure out what comes next. Brooke just needs to keep moving forward and a solid future will automatically follow.
So when old summer camp friends return to her life, she’s not gung-ho on going backward. Especially since she never really let go of her first love—Nathan Daugherty, whom she met when he showed up to camp with his clothes in a Wal-Mart bag. After all, childhood fantasies don’t always equal good adult choices, and she needs to stop defining herself based on her relationship status.
But what if a second chance with Nate could offer a whole lot more?
Fans of Susan Sands and Mary Alice Monroe will find themselves charmed with Goose Island!
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 22, 2025
My second visit to Goose Island and in this story Brooke Warter arrives back home after years of living with her boyfriend of many years Gates, life is going to change for her, arriving home and starting work at the local winery with her best friend Jessa, she wasn’t looking for love again but maybe there is a chance that just might happen when someone from her past arrives in town,
Nathan Daugherty runs into someone from his past in a restaurant in town he wants to catch up and explain a lot that happened in the past about their days at summer camp many years ago, could there be a chance for them?
Brooke is thrilled that Nathan is back in town and that they are talking about everything that happened but with Brooke’s family and an old supposedly friend who is still around and still being her terrible self, will they get to find love this time?
A lovely romance that tends to be on the busy side with so many characters, there is a lot going on, I loved the setting getting to know that part of the world and a beautiful HEA for a few couples. Recommended to any lover of a good romance.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
Nathan Daugherty runs into someone from his past in a restaurant in town he wants to catch up and explain a lot that happened in the past about their days at summer camp many years ago, could there be a chance for them?
Brooke is thrilled that Nathan is back in town and that they are talking about everything that happened but with Brooke’s family and an old supposedly friend who is still around and still being her terrible self, will they get to find love this time?
A lovely romance that tends to be on the busy side with so many characters, there is a lot going on, I loved the setting getting to know that part of the world and a beautiful HEA for a few couples. Recommended to any lover of a good romance.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
March 30, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Tule Publishing via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A story about a sweet juvenile love suddenly revisited, “The Dogwood Days of Summer”, by Laurie Beach, is also about family, friendship and reconciliation.
I loved the mystery around Brooke’s first love and how the author described Nate, the disheveled boy who arrived on camp with only a Walmart bag but carring a lot of sadness, and then disappeared without a trace.
Nate’s maturity and secrets make him a compelling young hero and it is with antecipation that we watch how, as adults, Brooke and Nathan revisit their unfinished juvenile romance.
The magic surrounding the predestined young couple is equally sweet, tender and sad.
There’s a lot of things happenning with Brooke’s family, friends and rivals, showing a tight-knit and vibrant small community.
I would have liked to have more of this delicious imperfect hero, including narrative told from his perspective. And more romance too.
I found some things related to Gates and Libby a bit silly and I would rather have more from Nathan’s character.
A story about a sweet juvenile love suddenly revisited, “The Dogwood Days of Summer”, by Laurie Beach, is also about family, friendship and reconciliation.
I loved the mystery around Brooke’s first love and how the author described Nate, the disheveled boy who arrived on camp with only a Walmart bag but carring a lot of sadness, and then disappeared without a trace.
Nate’s maturity and secrets make him a compelling young hero and it is with antecipation that we watch how, as adults, Brooke and Nathan revisit their unfinished juvenile romance.
The magic surrounding the predestined young couple is equally sweet, tender and sad.
There’s a lot of things happenning with Brooke’s family, friends and rivals, showing a tight-knit and vibrant small community.
I would have liked to have more of this delicious imperfect hero, including narrative told from his perspective. And more romance too.
I found some things related to Gates and Libby a bit silly and I would rather have more from Nathan’s character.
July 19, 2025
I liked this book
April 18, 2026
If you like second chance romances with a charming backdrop of a lighthouse and meeting a cute boy at camp and then reconnecting with them. It’s a cute small town romance with all the feels. With a sweet romance that started at camp as kids then going away for college and being in a relationship that had run it’s course. You return to your small town to help figure out what you want and you want to be as a person and try and rediscover who you are and what you want out of life and getting a second chance with the boy you liked at camp all those years ago this book is for you.
March 29, 2025
The Dogwood Days of Summer by Laurie Beach
This story starts out with Anna Brooke and she's left the guy she had spent many years with after college. She and he both knew it was going nowhere. He couldn't even show up for the big birthday celebration she made for him.... She heads back home and moves in with her parents but not after a weeks stay at the old camp ground she had spent while growing up. She does have everything she owns in he back of her car and has not figured out what came next. She does have a job at the local island winery, in tasting room where she passes out the drinks herself.
The family bring her old boyfriend to the house and they have no words for one another.... her grandmother is a bit crazy and ends up with a medical emergency. Her mother was a teacher at one point and now retired, doesn't talk much to her spouse.
Her best friend also works with her at the winery and they spend many a nights together watching tv and doing normal things for best friends. The woman at the office has a bridal emergency and they all pitch in.
How they determined where to hold the bridal ceremony makes perfect sense. Lots of work to be done.
Nate has also returned to his childhood island as well and that gives the both of them time to try again. She had lost the duck with his phone number on it. somebody had stolen it. She never knew where he went or why but we learn all that as the story goes along.
Love location as I grew up on a small island off the coast. Wonder if I can access our lighthouse the same way they did, but I know o f others who have an actual key.
So much past and the present is going against them from ever matching up again.....
Love the craziness and all the different generations at one time. Easy to keep track of who is who. So many issues and so many solutions.
Can't wait for the next in this series, although they are all stand alone books.
Received a review copy of this book from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
This story starts out with Anna Brooke and she's left the guy she had spent many years with after college. She and he both knew it was going nowhere. He couldn't even show up for the big birthday celebration she made for him.... She heads back home and moves in with her parents but not after a weeks stay at the old camp ground she had spent while growing up. She does have everything she owns in he back of her car and has not figured out what came next. She does have a job at the local island winery, in tasting room where she passes out the drinks herself.
The family bring her old boyfriend to the house and they have no words for one another.... her grandmother is a bit crazy and ends up with a medical emergency. Her mother was a teacher at one point and now retired, doesn't talk much to her spouse.
Her best friend also works with her at the winery and they spend many a nights together watching tv and doing normal things for best friends. The woman at the office has a bridal emergency and they all pitch in.
How they determined where to hold the bridal ceremony makes perfect sense. Lots of work to be done.
Nate has also returned to his childhood island as well and that gives the both of them time to try again. She had lost the duck with his phone number on it. somebody had stolen it. She never knew where he went or why but we learn all that as the story goes along.
Love location as I grew up on a small island off the coast. Wonder if I can access our lighthouse the same way they did, but I know o f others who have an actual key.
So much past and the present is going against them from ever matching up again.....
Love the craziness and all the different generations at one time. Easy to keep track of who is who. So many issues and so many solutions.
Can't wait for the next in this series, although they are all stand alone books.
Received a review copy of this book from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
May 18, 2025
Brooke Wartner has finally had it with her long time boyfriend/fiance. She has finally left him and moved back home to Goose Island, South Carolina. Now she needs to find a job back on this small island while also dealing with her parents who can be trying. And her eccentric grandmother keeps her entertained while also worrying her.
Brooke's old friend helps her get a job at the local winery. She is loving the job except for one old high school frenemy. But she can deal with it. And her ex keeps popping up like a stinky diaper. But Brooke can deal with it.
Nathan Daugherty went to camp long ago on Goose Island but due to taunting and bullying from some in the camp who still live on Goose Island, he left the camp by running away. The one bright light for Nathan from that dark time was Brooke. Nathan and Brooke end up meeting again by chance for a second chance. Will they be able to deal with the secrets from their childhood and their own personal insecurities to find lasting love?
This book is a definite summer read. It is part of a small new series set in the South on a coastal island. And for me, it involving a winery makes things more entertaining. The secondary characters are definitely worth reading the book for alone.
I did receive a copy of this novel ahead of time from the publisher in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
Brooke's old friend helps her get a job at the local winery. She is loving the job except for one old high school frenemy. But she can deal with it. And her ex keeps popping up like a stinky diaper. But Brooke can deal with it.
Nathan Daugherty went to camp long ago on Goose Island but due to taunting and bullying from some in the camp who still live on Goose Island, he left the camp by running away. The one bright light for Nathan from that dark time was Brooke. Nathan and Brooke end up meeting again by chance for a second chance. Will they be able to deal with the secrets from their childhood and their own personal insecurities to find lasting love?
This book is a definite summer read. It is part of a small new series set in the South on a coastal island. And for me, it involving a winery makes things more entertaining. The secondary characters are definitely worth reading the book for alone.
I did receive a copy of this novel ahead of time from the publisher in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
April 23, 2025
The Dogwood Days of Summer by Laurie Beach is the second story in the Southern Isles series but the first novel length one. The first story was in a Christmas anthology that introduces Goose Island and a character that makes a minor appearance in Brooke’s story. Brooke moves back to Goose Island in a self-appointed starting-over mode. By the end of this book she finds her true self, makes in-ways with family and learns to appreciate each day that is given to her to live, love and enjoy life.
The past plays a big part in her struggles during the story. Until she resolves some things from her teenage years, she will not find true contentment, happiness or love. The way to this is full of big, unexpected twists, turns, revelations and a second chance of love.
It was somewhat heavy on the Southern culture. I was raised in the south, still live in the South but something seemed to be exaggerated. For example, the reason for the curtains always being open during the day seemed unheard of by me. Maybe that was just a misconception on Brooke’s part. However, the storyline, and the characters I loved. Then the surprise conclusion seemed magical. So this is a 5-star story especially since I stayed up way too late to finish reading The Dogwood Days of Summer.
The past plays a big part in her struggles during the story. Until she resolves some things from her teenage years, she will not find true contentment, happiness or love. The way to this is full of big, unexpected twists, turns, revelations and a second chance of love.
It was somewhat heavy on the Southern culture. I was raised in the south, still live in the South but something seemed to be exaggerated. For example, the reason for the curtains always being open during the day seemed unheard of by me. Maybe that was just a misconception on Brooke’s part. However, the storyline, and the characters I loved. Then the surprise conclusion seemed magical. So this is a 5-star story especially since I stayed up way too late to finish reading The Dogwood Days of Summer.
May 2, 2025
The Dogwood Days Of Summer is set on Goose Island, off the coast of North Carolina. Central to this story is the Saltwater Winery and the derilict Camp Dogwood, where our heroine Brooke Warter first met her hero, Nathan Daugherty around twenty years before this story takes place. Both Brooke and Nathan are beautifully craftedr characters, easy to like and easy to cheer for I loverd that both of them had strong work ethics and were prepared to go the extra mile to achieve a result. Brooke looks to have been coasting through life with her ex boyfriend Gates Lancaster, an entitled prat who leaves her hosting his friends at a surprise birthday party she planned for him and insted goes off to thre pub to gert roaring drunk. I was thrilled when she dumped him. Nathan had a truly horrible childhood but it taught him early on how to be enterprising and get along in life without relying on others to help him. I was so sorry for him and Brooke for the treatment they both erndured at camp and thrilled when they reconnecterd as adults. This story blends the second chance at love with teenage crush tropes to very good effect. It’s filled with great characters, particularly Brooke’s grandmother, who is a hoot. I really enjoyed reading this book, which is packed with southern charm.
April 22, 2025
The Dogwood Days of Summer ~ The Southern Isles #2 by Laurie Beach
Publisher Description
Should she choose love or freedom?
Brooke Warter and Nathan Daugherty met years ago at Dogwood summer camp on Goose Island, South Carolina, and shared their first kiss.
But it was not to be, other kids had other ideas and Natahan was told to leave...
Years later, on a chance meeting with Brooke and Nathan, do they get their HEA?
A brilliantly written story that pulls the reader in from the start, the way the author has written these characters from her descriptive writing brings them to life. A fantastic romantic storyline kept me engaged, it has a lost first love, best friends, and a duck. No spoilers, as I believe my words won't do the book justice it deserves.
I do recommend this book to all
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic,Realistic, & Wonderful characters
Publisher Description
Should she choose love or freedom?
Brooke Warter and Nathan Daugherty met years ago at Dogwood summer camp on Goose Island, South Carolina, and shared their first kiss.
But it was not to be, other kids had other ideas and Natahan was told to leave...
Years later, on a chance meeting with Brooke and Nathan, do they get their HEA?
A brilliantly written story that pulls the reader in from the start, the way the author has written these characters from her descriptive writing brings them to life. A fantastic romantic storyline kept me engaged, it has a lost first love, best friends, and a duck. No spoilers, as I believe my words won't do the book justice it deserves.
I do recommend this book to all
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic,Realistic, & Wonderful characters
April 25, 2025
When Brooke returns to Goose Island after leaving her boyfriend of 7 years, Gates, she didn't expect the memories to be so strong. The one that haunts her the most is the mystery surrounding her first love Nathan Daugherty. Brooke and Nate "run into each other" and slowly the past is revealed. I enjoyed their second chance at love but was tired of Gates crashing the party, especially since his motives aren't out of love for Brooke. My favorite character was Nana and her antics-I love her unapologetic approach to her senior years. I understood Brooke's attitude towards Libby but there was a point that I felt like telling her to "just let it go" all ready. That being said I'd be interested in learning more about Libby and her relationship with her mother. If you enjoy sweet, Southern romances I recommend this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 26, 2025
A Heartfelt, Beautifully Connected Story
"The Dogwood Days of Summer" by Laurie Beach is a beautifully written novel that blends past and present with seamless grace. Each character is thoughtfully developed, and the vivid descriptions make it easy to picture their personalities, outfits, and emotional journeys. I loved how every connection—between people, the camp, and the winery—served a deeper purpose. The story is smooth, engaging, and full of heart, with themes of healing, second chances, and the power of community. A truly touching read that stays with you long after the last page.
Personal Note:
As someone who values stories rooted in connection, purpose, and personal growth, this book truly resonated with me. Laurie Beach’s storytelling is a gentle reminder that the past shapes us, but the present gives us the chance to bloom.
"The Dogwood Days of Summer" by Laurie Beach is a beautifully written novel that blends past and present with seamless grace. Each character is thoughtfully developed, and the vivid descriptions make it easy to picture their personalities, outfits, and emotional journeys. I loved how every connection—between people, the camp, and the winery—served a deeper purpose. The story is smooth, engaging, and full of heart, with themes of healing, second chances, and the power of community. A truly touching read that stays with you long after the last page.
Personal Note:
As someone who values stories rooted in connection, purpose, and personal growth, this book truly resonated with me. Laurie Beach’s storytelling is a gentle reminder that the past shapes us, but the present gives us the chance to bloom.
April 3, 2025
A beautifully written stunner of a story.
Have you ever read a book that you knew was going to stick with you forever? This is one of those. Written so well, that I felt like I knew every character and inch of Goose Island. The book started out sad with a breakup, but when Brooke moved back home to her family and friends, memories of their summer camp came rushing back. In those memories came Nate, the first boy Brooke kissed and never forgot. I enjoyed seeing Brooke and Nate find their way back to each other and Brooke reconnecting with her old friends and even the childhood bully. There are also a lot of great little stories within this book that added so much more to it. This is my favorite book, that I have read this year, and I highly recommend it.
Have you ever read a book that you knew was going to stick with you forever? This is one of those. Written so well, that I felt like I knew every character and inch of Goose Island. The book started out sad with a breakup, but when Brooke moved back home to her family and friends, memories of their summer camp came rushing back. In those memories came Nate, the first boy Brooke kissed and never forgot. I enjoyed seeing Brooke and Nate find their way back to each other and Brooke reconnecting with her old friends and even the childhood bully. There are also a lot of great little stories within this book that added so much more to it. This is my favorite book, that I have read this year, and I highly recommend it.
April 25, 2025
A second chance romance. Brooke has returned home after breaking up with long term boyfriend, Gates. She starts to remember her days at summer camp, where she met Nate, her first kiss and her first love. She soon rekindles friendships from her earlier days, even the town bully. Nate has returned to Goose Island also, and they can't deny the chemistry that they share. Soon similarities come out that this was the perfect match.
Loved this little town of Goose Island, where everyone knows everything. Loved Brooke's grandma, so much energy ans sassiness. Looking forward to returning to this small again.
Loved this little town of Goose Island, where everyone knows everything. Loved Brooke's grandma, so much energy ans sassiness. Looking forward to returning to this small again.
April 20, 2025
Brooke is looking to start over. She gave up on a long-time relationship that was not right for her and moved back home. She is determined to make better choices for herself. When a long-ago crush comes back into her life she wonders if choosing to give in to what she feels is a smart decision for her. I loved the story line. I loved the characters. Reading this book kept me smiling and it made me feel good. I look forward to reading more by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 25, 2025
The Dogwood Days of Summer is book 2 in the Southern Isles series by Laurie Beach 4.5 stars
Brooke comes back to Goose Neck, SC after years away and finally decided to leave a relationship that was never right for her. Working for her best friend at the local winery she needs to figure out what comes next. When an old summer camp friend, Nathan comes back into her life…second chances, eccentric family, angst, struggling with her past, some twists, turns and maybe a HEA…only time will tell…
I voluntarily read a copy of this book from Tule Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Brooke comes back to Goose Neck, SC after years away and finally decided to leave a relationship that was never right for her. Working for her best friend at the local winery she needs to figure out what comes next. When an old summer camp friend, Nathan comes back into her life…second chances, eccentric family, angst, struggling with her past, some twists, turns and maybe a HEA…only time will tell…
I voluntarily read a copy of this book from Tule Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 1, 2025
What a wonderful and sweet feel-good book. The perfect summer read.
Laurie Beach does such a great job building this cozy island you feel you belong to. These well crafted characters feel genuine with depth. The "Southern" doesn't feel forced like some authors. Nana had me laughing to myself or reading with a big grin. I truly enjoyed each page and learning how the characters weave through each other's lives.
I highly recommend this book. I am thrilled I was given this title as a Good Reads giveaway winner. I can't wait to read the next book.
Laurie Beach does such a great job building this cozy island you feel you belong to. These well crafted characters feel genuine with depth. The "Southern" doesn't feel forced like some authors. Nana had me laughing to myself or reading with a big grin. I truly enjoyed each page and learning how the characters weave through each other's lives.
I highly recommend this book. I am thrilled I was given this title as a Good Reads giveaway winner. I can't wait to read the next book.
June 4, 2025
This book was beautifully written and it brings the past and present together almost seamlessly. Every character was thoughtfully developed, and descriptions of everyone make it easy to picture their personalities and emotional struggles. I loved how every connection served a deeper purpose. The way The story, the plot line, the characters, EVERYTHING is so catching and you will be invested from the first page! The story is engaging, with healing and second chances. You really can’t find a better book! Thank you to the author for this arc book!
October 12, 2025
Can’t Duck Love
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY WIN - Thank you, Laurie Beach. Beach writes a feel good love story. She manages to tie all her plot enhancing ribbons into a big beautiful bow by the end of the book. In this romance, the cast of characters is broad and each person has their own distinct personality. Combining the setting and plot has created a cozy read. I look forward to the rest of the series.
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY WIN - Thank you, Laurie Beach. Beach writes a feel good love story. She manages to tie all her plot enhancing ribbons into a big beautiful bow by the end of the book. In this romance, the cast of characters is broad and each person has their own distinct personality. Combining the setting and plot has created a cozy read. I look forward to the rest of the series.
May 17, 2026
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway; here are my honest thoughts.
This story is busy and vibrant, filled with numerous characters to keep track of! Small town, everybody knows everyone vibes; definitely a cozier read. Great book to explore the “what ifs” and looking back to old decisions you’ve made long ago. Very cute story that tugs at the heart strings! My only annoyance was the grandma… apologies to anyone who loved her (lol).
This story is busy and vibrant, filled with numerous characters to keep track of! Small town, everybody knows everyone vibes; definitely a cozier read. Great book to explore the “what ifs” and looking back to old decisions you’ve made long ago. Very cute story that tugs at the heart strings! My only annoyance was the grandma… apologies to anyone who loved her (lol).
March 26, 2025
Laurie Beach writes lovely, heartwarming stories with touch of whimsy and common sense sayings. The Dogwood Days of Summer is a more than enjoyable novel. It has troubles, dilemmas, heartache, and second chances.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 16, 2025
I loved this story! This was a “hard to put down” kind of book. From the beginning I enjoyed description of Camp Dogwood! It took me back to memories of my years at summer camp. The tales of the winery, the food truck, boating to the camp, the lighthouse, the general store…it seems like a perfect community to live in and love.
I am excited to read the next book in the series. I am HOOKED!
I am excited to read the next book in the series. I am HOOKED!
November 27, 2025
Laurie captures so many of the experiences and personalities you encounter in the south while showing grace, empathy, and redemption for her characters. I look forward to reading what she writes next.
April 21, 2026
After leaving her longtime boyfriend and her job, Brooke Warter returns to Goose Island and to her family and best friend, who gets her a job at the winery she manages, and, unexpectedly, to a childhood bully and her first love.
April 22, 2025
Loved it, Loved It finished it with my heart so happy I just felt GIDDY with everything I was wondering all right there, WOW my advice , don’t miss this one.
April 22, 2025
Loved this book from page 1 ,I honestly didn't want it to end. I read as a standalone , loved the 2nd chance romance between Brooke and Nate .
June 15, 2025
Throughly enjoyed the storyline
July 2, 2025
Quaint
Very scmaltzy, very Great American Family channel romance. Feel good romance that makes you yearn for a do over or two.
Very scmaltzy, very Great American Family channel romance. Feel good romance that makes you yearn for a do over or two.
March 20, 2026
Super cute and quick read about second chances and finding yourself!!
April 14, 2026
An enjoyable light read. Characters were interesting and I especially loved the feisty grandma. Interesting project to renovate and all’s well that ends well!
August 26, 2025
The Dogwood Days of Summer by Laurie Beach is the second book in her terrific series, The Southern Isles. This is set in South Carolina, on the tiny Goose Island. The book features Brooke Warter. She has been living in Savannah with her longtime boyfriend and high school sweetheart, Gates. Brooke had a surprise birthday party for Gates with all his friends invited, special food and drinks and he didn’t show up. That was the last straw for her. She quit her job, ended the relationship and moved back to Goose Island and her parents’ home. Her best friend Jessa got her a job at the winery she was managing. Unfortunately, her lifelong enemy Libby also works there and is still unpleasant to her.
Brooke’s family is quite eccentric. Her mother is a society matron and enforces all sorts of rules she believes are befitting of their social status. Her nana is quite a character. Nana puts on an act with all sorts of unusual outfits and disappearances. Her mom and dad also seem to bicker often, especially about the grandmother. They are not happy that Brooke has left Gates as they wanted them to get married. Brooke’s nana joins her at the winery and pretends she is also working there. Everyone thinks she’s crazy but she is just pretending and trying to live life her own way.
Being back in her hometown causes Brooke to reminisce with Jessa about their past and the beloved summer camp that they attended. Camp was where she and Gates got together all those years ago. It is also where she met her actual first love, Nathan Daugherty. He had shown up to camp in a cheap suit jacket and carrying his few items in a Walmart bag. We learn that he was sent away from camp after being framed for breaking the rules. Brooke had no way to get in touch with him and never saw him again. Over the years she looked on social media but never found him. Gates comes back to town to try and get back together with Brooke. They have a good talk but agree they are better off without each other as their significant other.
There’s lots of excitement in town each time nana disappears and it appears she is hanging out with the owner of the winery. The mean girl Libby, has issues with wedding plans and Brooke and Jessa are forced to step up and help. A trip to Charleston provides a sighting of Nathan and then they have a quick conversation. It has been so long that they don’t know each other anymore but they still believe their feelings are as strong as before. There’s lots of angst and suspense in the book.
This is a heartwarming story. The characters are genuine, some are quite eccentric. I love the interactions between the friends and family members. Laurie has created a great place - Goose Island. It is a fun small town with a very different culture. I love the rekindled relationship between Brooke and Nathan. I enjoyed reading about Brooke and Gates and their feelings and regrets about their longtime relationship now that it has ended. This is a terrific group of people that have made for a fun series so far. I look forward to reading the next books. This is a 5 star book that I highly recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Brooke’s family is quite eccentric. Her mother is a society matron and enforces all sorts of rules she believes are befitting of their social status. Her nana is quite a character. Nana puts on an act with all sorts of unusual outfits and disappearances. Her mom and dad also seem to bicker often, especially about the grandmother. They are not happy that Brooke has left Gates as they wanted them to get married. Brooke’s nana joins her at the winery and pretends she is also working there. Everyone thinks she’s crazy but she is just pretending and trying to live life her own way.
Being back in her hometown causes Brooke to reminisce with Jessa about their past and the beloved summer camp that they attended. Camp was where she and Gates got together all those years ago. It is also where she met her actual first love, Nathan Daugherty. He had shown up to camp in a cheap suit jacket and carrying his few items in a Walmart bag. We learn that he was sent away from camp after being framed for breaking the rules. Brooke had no way to get in touch with him and never saw him again. Over the years she looked on social media but never found him. Gates comes back to town to try and get back together with Brooke. They have a good talk but agree they are better off without each other as their significant other.
There’s lots of excitement in town each time nana disappears and it appears she is hanging out with the owner of the winery. The mean girl Libby, has issues with wedding plans and Brooke and Jessa are forced to step up and help. A trip to Charleston provides a sighting of Nathan and then they have a quick conversation. It has been so long that they don’t know each other anymore but they still believe their feelings are as strong as before. There’s lots of angst and suspense in the book.
This is a heartwarming story. The characters are genuine, some are quite eccentric. I love the interactions between the friends and family members. Laurie has created a great place - Goose Island. It is a fun small town with a very different culture. I love the rekindled relationship between Brooke and Nathan. I enjoyed reading about Brooke and Gates and their feelings and regrets about their longtime relationship now that it has ended. This is a terrific group of people that have made for a fun series so far. I look forward to reading the next books. This is a 5 star book that I highly recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews