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Hobby Island #2
Our Extraordinary Summer: A Heartfelt Tale of Sisterhood, Secrets, and Second Chances on a Magical Island
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26
New York Times
bestselling author Lori Wilde returns to the enchanting Hobby Island with a poignant story about two estranged sisters who come together after the passing of their mother, featuring family, love, and one unforgettable summer—perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.
Two estranged sisters. One final wish. A summer that could mend everything…or tear open old wounds.
Calista and Athena Dempsey were once inseparable until their father’s ambition drove a wedge between them. When a very public betrayal shattered their bond, Calista walked away from her family, determined to rebuild her life on her own terms. Athena stayed behind, shouldering the weight of expectations and guilt in silence.
Now, with their mother gone, the sisters are summoned to Hobby Island, a secluded retreat where their mother spent her final days, with one final come together and make peace. But the past isn’t so easily buried.
Especially when Calista comes face-to-face with Reid Thornton, the man who once held her heart and then upended her life. He says he wants to make things right. But can she believe him? And can she forgive Athena when the scars between them still run deep?
As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Calista and Athena must make a pivotal choice. Will they honor their mother’s last wish and find their way back to each other, or let their shared past destroy what little remains of their bond?
Two estranged sisters. One final wish. A summer that could mend everything…or tear open old wounds.
Calista and Athena Dempsey were once inseparable until their father’s ambition drove a wedge between them. When a very public betrayal shattered their bond, Calista walked away from her family, determined to rebuild her life on her own terms. Athena stayed behind, shouldering the weight of expectations and guilt in silence.
Now, with their mother gone, the sisters are summoned to Hobby Island, a secluded retreat where their mother spent her final days, with one final come together and make peace. But the past isn’t so easily buried.
Especially when Calista comes face-to-face with Reid Thornton, the man who once held her heart and then upended her life. He says he wants to make things right. But can she believe him? And can she forgive Athena when the scars between them still run deep?
As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Calista and Athena must make a pivotal choice. Will they honor their mother’s last wish and find their way back to each other, or let their shared past destroy what little remains of their bond?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 21, 2026
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Lori Wilde
380 books2,266 followersLori Wilde can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to write. She even went to nursing school so she could have a schedule flexible enough to allow her to write on the side. She nursed for 20 years, working in a variety of settings from the newborn nursery to the recovery room, to dialysis. But she never lost her desire to write.
She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.
Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.
She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.
She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.
Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.
She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.
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February 18, 2026Poignant story about two estranged sisters who come together after the passing of their mother. Is this the summer where they could mend everything or will it tear up old wounds?
Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publisher and the author, Lori Wilde for an early ARC.
Publication date: April 21, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publisher and the author, Lori Wilde for an early ARC.
Publication date: April 21, 2026
August 25, 2025
We are back for a second story set in the whimsical Hobby Island setting, featuring some of the same quirky characters from book one, along with a couple of new characters (two sisters, who are at the center of the story). Similar to the last book, this story has themes of family trauma/secrets. The sisters get a chance to reconnect with each other and uncover truths that challenge what they grew up believing. There is a small element of romance, but it’s not the main theme.
I liked the level of descriptiveness, which made it so easy to visualize the scenery as if I were watching a movie. However, I had a hard time connecting with the characters and their experiences. Part of that is that the dad’s evilness felt so outlandish and unrealistic. I also wanted to feel an emotional pull as the sisters learned about and processed their mother’s life and grieved all the time they missed, but it felt like that wasn't explored as much as it could have been despite being the main premise? I have to say the ending did intrigue me though, so I’ll still continue reading this series if there are more!
Thanks to the publisher (Avon / HarperCollins) & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy - all opinions are my own!
Pub date: 4/21/26
I liked the level of descriptiveness, which made it so easy to visualize the scenery as if I were watching a movie. However, I had a hard time connecting with the characters and their experiences. Part of that is that the dad’s evilness felt so outlandish and unrealistic. I also wanted to feel an emotional pull as the sisters learned about and processed their mother’s life and grieved all the time they missed, but it felt like that wasn't explored as much as it could have been despite being the main premise? I have to say the ending did intrigue me though, so I’ll still continue reading this series if there are more!
Thanks to the publisher (Avon / HarperCollins) & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy - all opinions are my own!
Pub date: 4/21/26
October 13, 2025
This was a quick, easy read for me. I enjoyed the outlandish descriptions of Hobby Island and am happy to say that I was blissfully unaware that this was a book two of a series. It worked as a stand alone about sisters who grew up with an angry, exacting father, who won sole custody of them, and severed all communication with their mother. Younger sister Calista, finally has enough of her father's emotional abuse, and breaks from the family, disappointed that older sister Athena seems unable to see father Benjamin's true colors.
The book opens with the sisters seeing each other for the first time in several years, on their way to Hobby Island, for their mother's funeral. This is a book about grief, and healing, and family secrets, set in the most whimsical setting, complete with a racing ostrich, a grove of windchimes, and a lavender colored hotel with rooms decorated like underwater mermaid homes. There is also a secondary love story.
The book opens with the sisters seeing each other for the first time in several years, on their way to Hobby Island, for their mother's funeral. This is a book about grief, and healing, and family secrets, set in the most whimsical setting, complete with a racing ostrich, a grove of windchimes, and a lavender colored hotel with rooms decorated like underwater mermaid homes. There is also a secondary love story.
December 10, 2025
i was drawn in by the story of two sisters reconnecting on a scenic island, after a tumultuous childhood with their narcissistic father. i wasn’t expecting the emphasis on golf or the romance, which did not land for me. i’m not a fan of golf, and i didn’t care for the romantic interest—i was more invested in the sisters and their history. however, the sisterly relationship, and unpacking of their shared trauma, didn’t resonate with me either. the plot was underdeveloped with illogical reasoning, conflicts were resolved remarkably quickly, and the dialogue was cliché. i noticed repetitive and corny language that deserved further editing. as for what i liked—the descriptions of beautiful scenery, fun quirks of the island, and sentimental moments between sisters. i sympathized with the idea of “lost time” with family. i also enjoyed the discourse about healing and the insights regarding self-identity. although there was a lot to like, this book was unfortunately not for me. it has potential for someone looking for a cozy summer read with some tearjerker moments.
thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this arc!
thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this arc!
November 25, 2025
thanks to netgalley for the arc of our extraordinary summer. it was one of those books that caught my attention because of its unique setting and family dynamics, and from the very first pages you understand that the real focus of the story is the two sisters and their broken relationship.
tropes
sisterhood
found family
secrets revealed
small island setting
family drama
healing journey
the story follows calista and athena, two sisters raised by a father who always used them to feed his idea of perfection. he pushed them into the world of professional golf, put them against each other, and controlled every part of their lives. the mother was kept away for years, and they were left with a man who couldn’t love in a healthy way. at some point, calista couldn’t take it anymore and left, disappearing for five years. athena stayed instead, convinced that the only way to be seen was to keep pleasing a father who wasn’t ready to give her anything in return.
when their mother dies and asks them to go to hobby island, the sisters have to face everything they avoided for half of their lives. the island is weird, strange and welcoming at the same time, full of people who want to help them more than they are ready to accept. between secrets finally coming out and new details about their mother’s past, the two of them start to see their childhood from a completely different angle. the more the story goes on, the more you realize there is a truth that changes everything and makes their confrontation impossible to avoid. the ending doesn’t leave open questions, but it pushes you to keep reading because every piece falls into place only in the last part of the book.
calista is the younger sister, the one who broke the cycle. she is impulsive, direct, and determined not to be manipulated again. she had the courage to cut ties with her family when she was still very young and came back only because she was forced by what happened. she carries a lot of anger that she tries to hide, and her journey on the island is really well built, because it forces her to face responsibilities, trauma, and choices she avoided for years. her character growth is one of the best parts of the book.
athena is the sister who never left. she lived under her father’s expectations and spent years convincing herself that his approval was the only thing that mattered. she is more controlled, more “perfect”, but also more fragile than she wants to admit. her journey is less immediate but very important, because it shows how hard it is to free yourself from a toxic bond when you built your whole identity on it. the only limit is that her ending feels a bit rushed, and i would have liked a couple more scenes about her change.
the best part of the book is their relationship. it’s not a simple or quick reconnection, actually, there is a lot of tension, silence, and things left unsaid. but their evolution feels real, full of blocks, steps forward and steps back. you can feel how much their father hurt them and how hard it is to trust each other again. the whole story revolves around this and it works really well, because it’s not rushed and not treated like something obvious.
lori wilde has a smooth writing style, easy to follow and very focused on emotions. the island setting is described very well, with those strange but not exaggerated details that give personality to the story without making it heavy. the family dynamics are the strongest part of the novel: they are believable, engaging, and written in a way that makes you pay attention to every dialogue. even the theme of healing is handled well and gives a satisfying sense of closure.
there are also things that work less: the beginning is slow and takes time to get going, and some emotional resolutions, especially at the end, arrive too fast compared to their weight in the story. in a couple of moments some situations felt a bit too much, especially the more dramatic parts about calista, which deserved a different balance.
overall, our extraordinary summer is a perfect novel if you want a story focused on family relationships, reconciliation, and two protagonists who go through an intense and realistic journey. it’s not flawless, but i enjoyed reading it, and the sisters are definitely the best part.
tropes
sisterhood
found family
secrets revealed
small island setting
family drama
healing journey
the story follows calista and athena, two sisters raised by a father who always used them to feed his idea of perfection. he pushed them into the world of professional golf, put them against each other, and controlled every part of their lives. the mother was kept away for years, and they were left with a man who couldn’t love in a healthy way. at some point, calista couldn’t take it anymore and left, disappearing for five years. athena stayed instead, convinced that the only way to be seen was to keep pleasing a father who wasn’t ready to give her anything in return.
when their mother dies and asks them to go to hobby island, the sisters have to face everything they avoided for half of their lives. the island is weird, strange and welcoming at the same time, full of people who want to help them more than they are ready to accept. between secrets finally coming out and new details about their mother’s past, the two of them start to see their childhood from a completely different angle. the more the story goes on, the more you realize there is a truth that changes everything and makes their confrontation impossible to avoid. the ending doesn’t leave open questions, but it pushes you to keep reading because every piece falls into place only in the last part of the book.
calista is the younger sister, the one who broke the cycle. she is impulsive, direct, and determined not to be manipulated again. she had the courage to cut ties with her family when she was still very young and came back only because she was forced by what happened. she carries a lot of anger that she tries to hide, and her journey on the island is really well built, because it forces her to face responsibilities, trauma, and choices she avoided for years. her character growth is one of the best parts of the book.
athena is the sister who never left. she lived under her father’s expectations and spent years convincing herself that his approval was the only thing that mattered. she is more controlled, more “perfect”, but also more fragile than she wants to admit. her journey is less immediate but very important, because it shows how hard it is to free yourself from a toxic bond when you built your whole identity on it. the only limit is that her ending feels a bit rushed, and i would have liked a couple more scenes about her change.
the best part of the book is their relationship. it’s not a simple or quick reconnection, actually, there is a lot of tension, silence, and things left unsaid. but their evolution feels real, full of blocks, steps forward and steps back. you can feel how much their father hurt them and how hard it is to trust each other again. the whole story revolves around this and it works really well, because it’s not rushed and not treated like something obvious.
lori wilde has a smooth writing style, easy to follow and very focused on emotions. the island setting is described very well, with those strange but not exaggerated details that give personality to the story without making it heavy. the family dynamics are the strongest part of the novel: they are believable, engaging, and written in a way that makes you pay attention to every dialogue. even the theme of healing is handled well and gives a satisfying sense of closure.
there are also things that work less: the beginning is slow and takes time to get going, and some emotional resolutions, especially at the end, arrive too fast compared to their weight in the story. in a couple of moments some situations felt a bit too much, especially the more dramatic parts about calista, which deserved a different balance.
overall, our extraordinary summer is a perfect novel if you want a story focused on family relationships, reconciliation, and two protagonists who go through an intense and realistic journey. it’s not flawless, but i enjoyed reading it, and the sisters are definitely the best part.
December 1, 2025
📚Our Extraordinary Summer
✍🏻Lori Wilde
Blurb:
New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde returns to the enchanting Hobby Island with a poignant story about two estranged sisters who come together after the passing of their mother, featuring family, love, and one unforgettable summer—perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.
Two estranged sisters. One final wish. A summer that could mend everything…or tear open old wounds.
Calista and Athena Dempsey were once inseparable until their father’s ambition drove a wedge between them. When a very public betrayal shattered their bond, Calista walked away from her family, determined to rebuild her life on her own terms. Athena stayed behind, shouldering the weight of expectations and guilt in silence.
Now, with their mother gone, the sisters are summoned to Hobby Island, a secluded retreat where their mother spent her final days, with one final come together and make peace. But the past isn’t so easily buried.
Especially when Calista comes face-to-face with Reid Thornton, the man who once held her heart and then upended her life. He says he wants to make things right. But can she believe him? And can she forgive Athena when the scars between them still run deep?
As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Calista and Athena must make a pivotal choice. Will they honor their mother’s last wish and find their way back to each other, or let their shared past destroy what little remains of their bond?
My Thoughts:
The book opens with the sisters seeing each other for the first time in several years, on their way to Hobby Island, for their mother's funeral. This is a book about grief, and healing, and family secrets, set in the most whimsical setting, complete with a racing ostrich, a grove of windchimes, and a lavender colored hotel with rooms decorated like underwater mermaid homes. I felt all of the feels with this book! I was angry at times, I cried several times, and I laughed out loud.
love the whimsy of Hobby Island and Lori Wilde brings the magic of Hobby Island back in full force, offering a story about complicated family, healing, and a long lost romance.
Thanks NetGalley, Avon Publishing and Author Lori Wilde for the advanced copy of "Our Extraordinary Summer" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley,
#AvonPublioshing
#LoriWilde
#OurExtraordinarySummer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Lori Wilde
Blurb:
New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde returns to the enchanting Hobby Island with a poignant story about two estranged sisters who come together after the passing of their mother, featuring family, love, and one unforgettable summer—perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.
Two estranged sisters. One final wish. A summer that could mend everything…or tear open old wounds.
Calista and Athena Dempsey were once inseparable until their father’s ambition drove a wedge between them. When a very public betrayal shattered their bond, Calista walked away from her family, determined to rebuild her life on her own terms. Athena stayed behind, shouldering the weight of expectations and guilt in silence.
Now, with their mother gone, the sisters are summoned to Hobby Island, a secluded retreat where their mother spent her final days, with one final come together and make peace. But the past isn’t so easily buried.
Especially when Calista comes face-to-face with Reid Thornton, the man who once held her heart and then upended her life. He says he wants to make things right. But can she believe him? And can she forgive Athena when the scars between them still run deep?
As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Calista and Athena must make a pivotal choice. Will they honor their mother’s last wish and find their way back to each other, or let their shared past destroy what little remains of their bond?
My Thoughts:
The book opens with the sisters seeing each other for the first time in several years, on their way to Hobby Island, for their mother's funeral. This is a book about grief, and healing, and family secrets, set in the most whimsical setting, complete with a racing ostrich, a grove of windchimes, and a lavender colored hotel with rooms decorated like underwater mermaid homes. I felt all of the feels with this book! I was angry at times, I cried several times, and I laughed out loud.
love the whimsy of Hobby Island and Lori Wilde brings the magic of Hobby Island back in full force, offering a story about complicated family, healing, and a long lost romance.
Thanks NetGalley, Avon Publishing and Author Lori Wilde for the advanced copy of "Our Extraordinary Summer" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley,
#AvonPublioshing
#LoriWilde
#OurExtraordinarySummer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 8, 2025
So many different elements to this story!
Two sisters torn apart by secrets, misunderstandings and a narcissistic father. Two daughters, uncertain if their mother loved them or not, pitted against each other by their father. Two Pro-Golfers, forced to be the best, to be perfect for their father, but is this really the life they want for themselves?
This is a story of coming together at a time of mourning, on a small island filled with kind people who are there to help them learn about the mother they barely knew, and to help them reconnect with each other. Along the way, young love is rekindled, secrets are exposed/truths revealed, understanding dawns and finding oneself happens along with blocking out the narcissistic influence that’s dictated every aspect of their lives for far too long.
This story was heartbreakingly beautiful! Definitely an emotional read with plenty of depth, real life issues, cozy island town vibes, a bit of humor and a hint of magic.
(The epilogue ends in a manner that makes me think there’s more to the story!)
What to expect 👇
- Golfing
- Sisterhood/ finding yourself
- Broken family/Toxic environment
- Mention of Domestic abuse
- Manipulation/Trauma/Depression
- Father pitting child against child
- Narcissistic personality
- Loss of a loved one/Cancer
- Small island town
- Second chance love
- Found Family
- Multi-POV
Fave Quotes 👇
“Family are the people who stand by you when the rest of the world turns its back.”
“The hardest person to forgive is often yourself.”
“When we lose our sense of self, we have the chance to rebuild. To choose who we want to be, rather than accepting who we’ve been told we are.”
“Healing means learning when to hold on and when to let go.”
“True freedom comes not just from breaking chains, but from discovering the strength within never to let them bind you again.”
“She had spent so long trying to be perfect, to meet her father’s impossibly high standards, that she had lost sight of who she truly was.”
“Some truths are only revealed when we’re capable of facing them.”
“Love isn’t about hiding the hard truths. It’s about facing them together, even when they suck.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Collins for this ARC in return for my honest review!
Two sisters torn apart by secrets, misunderstandings and a narcissistic father. Two daughters, uncertain if their mother loved them or not, pitted against each other by their father. Two Pro-Golfers, forced to be the best, to be perfect for their father, but is this really the life they want for themselves?
This is a story of coming together at a time of mourning, on a small island filled with kind people who are there to help them learn about the mother they barely knew, and to help them reconnect with each other. Along the way, young love is rekindled, secrets are exposed/truths revealed, understanding dawns and finding oneself happens along with blocking out the narcissistic influence that’s dictated every aspect of their lives for far too long.
This story was heartbreakingly beautiful! Definitely an emotional read with plenty of depth, real life issues, cozy island town vibes, a bit of humor and a hint of magic.
(The epilogue ends in a manner that makes me think there’s more to the story!)
What to expect 👇
- Golfing
- Sisterhood/ finding yourself
- Broken family/Toxic environment
- Mention of Domestic abuse
- Manipulation/Trauma/Depression
- Father pitting child against child
- Narcissistic personality
- Loss of a loved one/Cancer
- Small island town
- Second chance love
- Found Family
- Multi-POV
Fave Quotes 👇
“Family are the people who stand by you when the rest of the world turns its back.”
“The hardest person to forgive is often yourself.”
“When we lose our sense of self, we have the chance to rebuild. To choose who we want to be, rather than accepting who we’ve been told we are.”
“Healing means learning when to hold on and when to let go.”
“True freedom comes not just from breaking chains, but from discovering the strength within never to let them bind you again.”
“She had spent so long trying to be perfect, to meet her father’s impossibly high standards, that she had lost sight of who she truly was.”
“Some truths are only revealed when we’re capable of facing them.”
“Love isn’t about hiding the hard truths. It’s about facing them together, even when they suck.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Collins for this ARC in return for my honest review!
November 29, 2025
This book centers around two sisters who are arriving on an eccentric island after finding out their estranged mother died. The goal of the island matriarch is to help the sisters reconnect with each other after a falling out; as well as to show the sisters that what they once believed about their mother is far from the truth.
I think I liked the island setting the most about this book. I found the sisters a little hard to connect to, and I found that the behavior of the father was so extreme that it just wasn’t possible for him to have made it this far into his daughters’ adulthood without the truth being obvious to everyone (especially Athena). She really just thought it was normal for him to be controlling all of her money and life? I don’t know.
There was a lot of outlandish things going on, the ostrich, the secrets, the weird weather. It was overwhelming.
I was a bit put off by the type of writing that sounds like this: “the journal smelled of old paper and unrealized dreams.” That’s not a direct quote, but it’s close enough. It was a bit irritating to me as it seems a bit fantastical. Nothing really smells like “unrealized dreams.”
Overall, an easy read. Maybe it just wasn’t my style and that’s fine. I didn’t hate it. I just didn’t love it and connect with it like other readers. It ended on a cliffhanger which opens to probably another book- I think I’ve already guessed what the secret is there. But I’d potentially be swayed to read the next book. Anyway, thank you to #netgalley and #harpercollins | avon for the ARC.
I think I liked the island setting the most about this book. I found the sisters a little hard to connect to, and I found that the behavior of the father was so extreme that it just wasn’t possible for him to have made it this far into his daughters’ adulthood without the truth being obvious to everyone (especially Athena). She really just thought it was normal for him to be controlling all of her money and life? I don’t know.
There was a lot of outlandish things going on, the ostrich, the secrets, the weird weather. It was overwhelming.
I was a bit put off by the type of writing that sounds like this: “the journal smelled of old paper and unrealized dreams.” That’s not a direct quote, but it’s close enough. It was a bit irritating to me as it seems a bit fantastical. Nothing really smells like “unrealized dreams.”
Overall, an easy read. Maybe it just wasn’t my style and that’s fine. I didn’t hate it. I just didn’t love it and connect with it like other readers. It ended on a cliffhanger which opens to probably another book- I think I’ve already guessed what the secret is there. But I’d potentially be swayed to read the next book. Anyway, thank you to #netgalley and #harpercollins | avon for the ARC.
December 29, 2025
This book was just… in a word, weird.
Why I decided to ask for a Summer book as Winter is beginning, I’ll never understand, even though I wasn’t really getting a good Summer/beach aesthetic from this novel. There were so many different places on this island, and all of them had a different aesthetic that it was just a cacophony of settings that I couldn’t fully grasp. We went from a beach to a forest, to different shops with various different aesthetics, to a golf course.
The golf aspect of this novel surprised me. Coming from a family obsessed with the sport, I am not impressed, both with the book, and the sport in general.
I did like how they handled a narcissistic character, and how the different characters were affected by the narcissistic father.
The plot twist of Callista not being Narcissist Dad’s actual daughter was just stupid. There was no build up, just a painful surprise to cause strain between Callista and Reid. I didn’t even really like their relationship that much. It was a second chance, and for me, after the second betrayal, I would have just given up on him. Maybe that’s just the cynical part of me talking.
Overall, this was just a weird book. As a sequel, I get the feeling there were more explanations and worldbuilding in the first installment, but I won’t hold my breath, or bother reading the first book. This second one was enough.
One positive: there were some good quotes.
“Sometimes, the greatest act of love is letting go of the story you thought you knew.”
“Forgiveness is a journey, not a destination.”
“Words are just words, Reid. Even pretty ones.”
“To my lost stars: If you ever find your way here, know that the night sky doesn’t rule forever. Look for the light. It’s always been there, even when you can’t see it.” Okay, that one’s kind of cringy.
“As long as your heart is beating, there’s hope.”
“Grief is the price we pay for love.”
All thoughts are my own. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and HarperCollins for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Why I decided to ask for a Summer book as Winter is beginning, I’ll never understand, even though I wasn’t really getting a good Summer/beach aesthetic from this novel. There were so many different places on this island, and all of them had a different aesthetic that it was just a cacophony of settings that I couldn’t fully grasp. We went from a beach to a forest, to different shops with various different aesthetics, to a golf course.
The golf aspect of this novel surprised me. Coming from a family obsessed with the sport, I am not impressed, both with the book, and the sport in general.
I did like how they handled a narcissistic character, and how the different characters were affected by the narcissistic father.
The plot twist of Callista not being Narcissist Dad’s actual daughter was just stupid. There was no build up, just a painful surprise to cause strain between Callista and Reid. I didn’t even really like their relationship that much. It was a second chance, and for me, after the second betrayal, I would have just given up on him. Maybe that’s just the cynical part of me talking.
Overall, this was just a weird book. As a sequel, I get the feeling there were more explanations and worldbuilding in the first installment, but I won’t hold my breath, or bother reading the first book. This second one was enough.
One positive: there were some good quotes.
“Sometimes, the greatest act of love is letting go of the story you thought you knew.”
“Forgiveness is a journey, not a destination.”
“Words are just words, Reid. Even pretty ones.”
“To my lost stars: If you ever find your way here, know that the night sky doesn’t rule forever. Look for the light. It’s always been there, even when you can’t see it.” Okay, that one’s kind of cringy.
“As long as your heart is beating, there’s hope.”
“Grief is the price we pay for love.”
All thoughts are my own. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and HarperCollins for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read other books by Lori Wilde but this is a one of a kind series in which she describes a truly magical island. One that you wish you could visit and stay just as the sisters did. The characters Calista and Athena Dempsey were invited to the Hobby Island to celebrate the life of their mother who had spent her last days there. Being raised by a rich narcissistic father who pitted the girls against each other, who divorced their mother when they were young and denied her any contact with her daughters. She wanted them to come to the island so that they could be united again as loving sisters. Calista had left home five years earlier and not spoken to Athena since that time. You can sense the tension between the main characters as they both struggle to become close again. Athena who had stayed in the home had to become aware of how the father had continue to manipulate her. Calista had to learn to trust again especially with Reid Thornton the man who broke her heart. This is truly a wonderful story and can be read as a standalone. Lori Wilde has a special style that brings you into the story and brings the characters to life. Readers if you love a story with a family connection and a little romance this is a must for you.
I received an ARC from NetGallery and am leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGallery and am leaving an honest review.
January 10, 2026
Estranged sisters, Athena and Calista Dempsey, both arrive on whimsical Hobby Island to attend the memorial for their mother, whom they haven’t seen since their parents divorce 20 years ago, when their controlling pro-golfer father took them away from their mother.
While they were growing up, Benjamin Dempsey, made both his daughters into golf prodigies, but pitted them against one another. He treated Athena warmly with constant encouragement, while while he daily abused Calista both verbally and emotionally. Calista finally walked away from his control one day on the last hole of the Chevron Open after finding out that her father had been embezzling money from her and was now gambling on her play. She cut both her father and her sister out of her life that day and hadn’t seen or talked to either since.
Five years later, the invite-only memorial and golf tournament for their mother is an opportunity for the sisters to remember their past without their narcissistic father involved and discover what their relationship could have been without his narcissistic meddling.
This book held my interest and I’d be interesting more books from this author.
While they were growing up, Benjamin Dempsey, made both his daughters into golf prodigies, but pitted them against one another. He treated Athena warmly with constant encouragement, while while he daily abused Calista both verbally and emotionally. Calista finally walked away from his control one day on the last hole of the Chevron Open after finding out that her father had been embezzling money from her and was now gambling on her play. She cut both her father and her sister out of her life that day and hadn’t seen or talked to either since.
Five years later, the invite-only memorial and golf tournament for their mother is an opportunity for the sisters to remember their past without their narcissistic father involved and discover what their relationship could have been without his narcissistic meddling.
This book held my interest and I’d be interesting more books from this author.
September 19, 2025
Review: Our Extraordinary Summer was a good heartfelt story. I enjoyed the setting of Hobby Island, a beautiful, colorful place. Calista, Athena, Reid and all the character living on Hobby Island were all so unique and well written about. This book was just okay for me because there was a lot of twists and secrets, like way too many. I just kept thinking things were getting to be normal and then another huge secret burst open. The father of Calista and Athena was also just so awful he made me mad.
Summary: Calista and Athena have not seen or heard from their mother in 20 years. When the two professional golfers find out their mother passed away, they don't know how to feel about the mother they never knew. When they get invited by her mothers friends to join them on Hobby Island for a celebration of life, they take the opportunity to get to know her a little better. The support system and wonderful women on Hobby Island help the sisters navigate their emotions around their verbally abusive father and absent mother. This story was emotional and full of second chances.
Summary: Calista and Athena have not seen or heard from their mother in 20 years. When the two professional golfers find out their mother passed away, they don't know how to feel about the mother they never knew. When they get invited by her mothers friends to join them on Hobby Island for a celebration of life, they take the opportunity to get to know her a little better. The support system and wonderful women on Hobby Island help the sisters navigate their emotions around their verbally abusive father and absent mother. This story was emotional and full of second chances.
October 22, 2025
Ok this book is a lot. Twisty. Emotional. The story starts with a mother losing custody of her daughters to the father. As it unfolds we find out the father, Benjamin Dempsey is an abusive horrible human who not only tortured his children but basically scared the mom to stay away from the girls all their lives. It’s such a sad story with so much hurt. Calista & Athena are invited to Hobby Island when their mom dies. The owner of the island, Eloisa is a corky, magical older woman who holds many secrets as well as the burden of trying to help the girls heal. The author did such a great job that the book feels so real causing heartfelt emotions. A happy ending is possible but might not look like how you think. So many secrets will unfold, the twists and the turns. The author even leaves it open for another book. I’m going to have to sit with this one for awhile and hopeful for another book.
This arc was giving to me by NetGalley and Harper Collins(Avon). Thanks for the opportunity to read this gem and allow me to review this wonderful book.
This arc was giving to me by NetGalley and Harper Collins(Avon). Thanks for the opportunity to read this gem and allow me to review this wonderful book.
December 4, 2025
Thank you to author Lori Wilde and publisher HarperCollins for the One Extraordinary Summer ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the premise of this book. Anything to do with sisters, reconnection, family history - I’ve found that I’ve been really drawn to this lately. Overall, the book was good! I loved the whimsy of Hobby Island and its residents. However, I felt like there could’ve been a lot more development between the sisters. There was a large part of the plot progression spent on Reid and that love story there, and while I am ALWAYS down for a romance subplot, I think this book could’ve really thrived with a more nuanced progression with the sisters (and honestly even the romance subplot). I found there were a lot of corny lines and repetitive content. I think being a little longer could’ve served this book well and given a little bit more time for a more developed resolution. I think the conflicts of the story were resolved a little too quickly. But for a good cozy read, this book would be a great pick!!
I loved the premise of this book. Anything to do with sisters, reconnection, family history - I’ve found that I’ve been really drawn to this lately. Overall, the book was good! I loved the whimsy of Hobby Island and its residents. However, I felt like there could’ve been a lot more development between the sisters. There was a large part of the plot progression spent on Reid and that love story there, and while I am ALWAYS down for a romance subplot, I think this book could’ve really thrived with a more nuanced progression with the sisters (and honestly even the romance subplot). I found there were a lot of corny lines and repetitive content. I think being a little longer could’ve served this book well and given a little bit more time for a more developed resolution. I think the conflicts of the story were resolved a little too quickly. But for a good cozy read, this book would be a great pick!!
October 22, 2025
Lori Wilde is a new author to me, so I was a little nervous about what I would think about her writing and just this book in general, and I have no clue why, because I devoured this book and fell in love with it instantly. The characters are so easy to love that I could not put this book down, no matter how hard I tried.
I liked the fact that it was a quick and easy read, not to mention the description of the book really caught my attention and made me want to dive right in. It was very heartfelt and had me feeling a whirlwind of emotions.
It was good to see both sisters, Calista and Athena to find their way back to each other to have a strong sibling relationship. I loved the direction it took, and I definitely recommend it to those who really want a feel-good book that you’ll fall in love with immediately.
I will definitely be reading another book by Lori Wilde because I love how she writes and the fact that she has a sense of writing a book we’d all enjoy.
I liked the fact that it was a quick and easy read, not to mention the description of the book really caught my attention and made me want to dive right in. It was very heartfelt and had me feeling a whirlwind of emotions.
It was good to see both sisters, Calista and Athena to find their way back to each other to have a strong sibling relationship. I loved the direction it took, and I definitely recommend it to those who really want a feel-good book that you’ll fall in love with immediately.
I will definitely be reading another book by Lori Wilde because I love how she writes and the fact that she has a sense of writing a book we’d all enjoy.
November 10, 2025
This second book set in the whimsical Hobby Island world was a quick and easy read with vivid, outlandish descriptions that made the setting feel like a movie come to life. The story focuses on two sisters reconnecting after years apart and uncovering family secrets while processing grief and their complicated past. While I enjoyed the unique setting and intriguing ending, I struggled to fully connect with the characters, and some of the father’s extreme behavior felt unrealistic. The emotional depth around the mother’s life and their missed time could have been explored more, though the secondary romance added a nice touch. Overall, it was an entertaining and imaginative read, and I’m curious to see where the series goes next. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The story was interesting. I think there was a lot of potential and the premise was good. I loved the family, sibling themes. While I love some of the whimsical aspects of the island, I think it was a little much with the descriptions and sometimes overpowered the overall story. I think I would have enjoyed it more if we were given more background on some of the relationships, such as between the mom & dad, Mom and her daughters, etc. I cant think of a better way to phrase it, but i was just left wanting more of premise and characters, less of the island stuff. I think there was a lot of different storylines going on and sometimes felt a little all over the place, random and sporadic.
The story was interesting. I think there was a lot of potential and the premise was good. I loved the family, sibling themes. While I love some of the whimsical aspects of the island, I think it was a little much with the descriptions and sometimes overpowered the overall story. I think I would have enjoyed it more if we were given more background on some of the relationships, such as between the mom & dad, Mom and her daughters, etc. I cant think of a better way to phrase it, but i was just left wanting more of premise and characters, less of the island stuff. I think there was a lot of different storylines going on and sometimes felt a little all over the place, random and sporadic.
November 13, 2025
Thank you for Netgalley and Harper Collins for the chance to read the 2nd in the Series of Hobby Island. I had the chance to read the first book and was introduced to Hobby Island which was a magical place with no WIFI and only interaction with other individuals. This 2nd story follows two sisters Calista and Athena's complicated childhood with a tyrant dad and the issues that pulled them apart. They come back to the island after their mother's death. Although there was some romance in the book it wasn't primarily driven by that theme. As always Lori Wilde does a great job with describing the island to be able to visualize the beauty of it. I enjoyed this book and it's complicated family dynamics and the path we take in life.
August 3, 2025
A story about the resilience of two sisters. They were raised by their tyrannical father who was constantly manipulating them. Finally, Calista had enough a broke free. She reinvented her life and move on. Athena was still trying to please him, and he treated her like the golden child. Now, their mother who lost custody of them 20 years ago, has died and her last wish was for her girls to reconcile. It is not going to be easy. Their father pit them against each other for years and there are a lot of unresolved feelings. As they come together on Hobby Island, their lives change in ways that they never expected. Will they find forgiveness or fall back into old behaviors?
October 9, 2025
I was so excited to read this book based on the description alone and it was fantastic! The complex relationship between Calista and Athena was brilliantly developed not to mention very relatable. Coming together after a loss, I was fascinated to see how they would attempt to coexist and make peace. With themes of family drama, secrets resurfacing, and the question of loyalty, this book nailed it. I felt a lot of emotions as I read and I truly enjoyed the plot from start to finish. This book makes me feel seen when it comes to complex family issues and relationships. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Our Extraordinary Summer by Lori Wilde is the second book in her Hobby Island series. You need a golden ticket to come to this island which estranged sisters Calista and Athena receive after hearing about the death of their mother that was ripped away from them so long ago. Raised by an abusive father and pitted against each other. Can this magical island help them heal and reconnect as sisters? Throw in an old boyfriend who tore Calista’s heart out, can they have a second chance at love? The memorial brings Hidden secrets, answers they long for and where truth comes to life. Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases April 21, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A big thank you to Harper Collins, Avon and Net Galley for the ARC! What a beautiful story about sisters, a mother’s love and drama. This book had me sobbing. It was a very touching story. This story follows two estranged sisters who came to grieve their mother’s death who they haven’t seen in like 20 years on a magical island. Their mother’s last wish was to bring the sisters back together. This book pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in one sitting. I loved the whimsy, the descriptions and the “fairy godparents” of the islanders. The only thing that didn’t really fit in the book was Reid.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Our Extraordinary Summer by Lori Wilde is a fun, feel good read that’s perfect for when you want something light and heartwarming. I was so thrilled to go back to Hobby Island for a second round. I absolutley loved the scenery in the first book and it didn't disappoint in this installment either. The characters are easy to love, and the small town summer vibes make the whole story feel cozy and comforting. It’s full of friendship, romance, and those little moments that remind you how special an unforgettable summer can be. A really sweet escape!
*Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my, what an emotional roller coaster this story is. The two main characters Athena and Calista are estranged sisters. Their father is manipulative and abusive (mentally and physically). Their mother, long gone from their lives due to the divorce, has passed away. Her dying wish is for her daughters to reunite and have a relationship with each other again. The deceased mother is also a character in the story with many others. This is a story of forgiveness of others as well as oneself, hope for the future, and discovering who you truly are (not how others perceive you). The written word in this story is so poignant and flowed with heart aching precision.
October 21, 2025
I really enjoyed the characters and the setting—it pulled me in right away. That said, some of the big rifts between characters wrapped up a little too quickly for me. One minute, no one’s speaking; the next, they’re best friends again. Also, how many near-death experiences can Calista have in one month? It got a bit over the top. The story focused mostly on Calista, while Athena’s happily-ever-after was crammed into the epilogue. And, honestly, I hate a cliffhanger
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
February 20, 2026
I’ve been reading a lot of mysteries lately, so it wasn’t until I started Our Extraordinary Summer that I realized how much I needed something light hearted.
After reading The Summer that Shaped Us, I was more than happy to dive back into Hobby Island and see what Eloise had planned for the island visitors. This go around, instead of a crafting competition that would change one woman’s life, it was a summer long memorial for a dear friend. While the main plan was to celebrate Demetra’s life, Eloise was also tasked with bringing Demetra’s daughters, Calista & Athena, back together through the magic of Hobby Island.
The book seemed to have it all - first love lost & found, sibling relationships, complicated family dynamics, a quirky millionaire, and a magical island to boot. Calista & Athena had real growth throughout the story and it was really heartwarming watching them rediscover their relationship. While you saw Calista’s growth in her romantic relationship, you got to witness Athena truly grow and realize who she was & what she deserved in life which was really nice. I wish there could have been more about the letters Demetra wrote to her daughters, but all in all I still truly enjoyed this book.
After reading The Summer that Shaped Us, I was more than happy to dive back into Hobby Island and see what Eloise had planned for the island visitors. This go around, instead of a crafting competition that would change one woman’s life, it was a summer long memorial for a dear friend. While the main plan was to celebrate Demetra’s life, Eloise was also tasked with bringing Demetra’s daughters, Calista & Athena, back together through the magic of Hobby Island.
The book seemed to have it all - first love lost & found, sibling relationships, complicated family dynamics, a quirky millionaire, and a magical island to boot. Calista & Athena had real growth throughout the story and it was really heartwarming watching them rediscover their relationship. While you saw Calista’s growth in her romantic relationship, you got to witness Athena truly grow and realize who she was & what she deserved in life which was really nice. I wish there could have been more about the letters Demetra wrote to her daughters, but all in all I still truly enjoyed this book.
August 20, 2025
I felt all of the feels with this book! I was angry at times, I cried several times, and I laughed out loud.
I love the whimsy of Hobby Island and Lori Wilde brings the magic of Hobby Island back in full force, offering a story about complicated family, healing, and a long lost romance.
As with the first Hobby Island book, it could be a bit cheesy and predictable at times, like a Hallmark movie. I did find it to be a refreshing quick read.
I love the whimsy of Hobby Island and Lori Wilde brings the magic of Hobby Island back in full force, offering a story about complicated family, healing, and a long lost romance.
As with the first Hobby Island book, it could be a bit cheesy and predictable at times, like a Hallmark movie. I did find it to be a refreshing quick read.
September 27, 2025
Calista and Athena are taken from their mom by their manipulative father. Both are professional golfers but at the most pivotal time Calista walks away from golf and her sister. Years later their mom dies, and they are asked to come to Hobby Island to honor her. The manipulation of the dad and the real truth are so far apart. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
October 21, 2025
When I read this I did not realize it was part of a series. But that still didn't stop me from being able to understand and connect to the main characters. Hobby Island is described and beautiful and whimsical, but came across very quirky and unrealistic. I loved reading about the complex struggles between the sisters, Calista and Athena but I am curious to read the first book and learn more about the other characters.
Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for the advanced ready copy!
Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for the advanced ready copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am all for a book about complicated family dynamics. A story about estranged sisters brought together by their estranged mother's passing? Totally up my alley. And while I liked the premise of the book and parts of it, I found it hard to really connect with the characters. The romance story line for me was awkwardly thrown in. And overall, there were too many moving pieces for me to really get into this one.
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