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The Summer We Stayed (Lighthouse Landing - Book 2): Women's Fiction Beach Romance
A summer they didn’t plan.
Two sisters choosing to stay.
And a truth someone will burn to protect.
In the wake of the fire that destroyed their family home at Shorelight Ranch, the Garrett sisters’ father is still in a coma—and the official report has put the blame on their mother. The ranch is on the brink of collapse, and Charley is running out of options, fast.
Vicky could be back in Manhattan rebuilding her life, but she’s staying in Lighthouse Landing so her teenagers can breathe while she figures out what comes next. After Sheriff Warren’s warning, she knows the danger didn’t end with the fire. It just shifted closer. Warren is everything Vicky hates—stubborn, infuriating, and all too familiar. Unfortunately, he may be the only one who can keep her safe.
Nicole stays too, trying to be the calm one, even when her own life feels anything but. As she and Charley delve into a coded ledger pulled from the ruins, Nicole keeps crossing paths with handsome fire chief Luke Walker, and falling for him is the last thing she needs.
Some summers don’t end… they change who you are. And for the Garrett sisters, love might be the biggest risk of all.
The Summer We Stayed, Book Two in the Lighthouse Landing series, is a heartfelt, later-in-life, clean small-town beach read about family, slow-burn romance, and the secrets someone is desperate to protect.
Scroll up and one-click to continue the Garrett sisters’ story—and return to Shorelight Ranch.
About the
Set on the California coast and filled with later-in-life heroines, big-hearted heroes, slow-burning romances, and a mystery stretching across six books, this is the perfect series for fans of Hope Holloway and Fiona Baker.
If you enjoy sister-centered sagas, coastal ranches, loyal dogs, and long-buried secrets, you’ll feel right at home in Lighthouse Landing.
Two sisters choosing to stay.
And a truth someone will burn to protect.
In the wake of the fire that destroyed their family home at Shorelight Ranch, the Garrett sisters’ father is still in a coma—and the official report has put the blame on their mother. The ranch is on the brink of collapse, and Charley is running out of options, fast.
Vicky could be back in Manhattan rebuilding her life, but she’s staying in Lighthouse Landing so her teenagers can breathe while she figures out what comes next. After Sheriff Warren’s warning, she knows the danger didn’t end with the fire. It just shifted closer. Warren is everything Vicky hates—stubborn, infuriating, and all too familiar. Unfortunately, he may be the only one who can keep her safe.
Nicole stays too, trying to be the calm one, even when her own life feels anything but. As she and Charley delve into a coded ledger pulled from the ruins, Nicole keeps crossing paths with handsome fire chief Luke Walker, and falling for him is the last thing she needs.
Some summers don’t end… they change who you are. And for the Garrett sisters, love might be the biggest risk of all.
The Summer We Stayed, Book Two in the Lighthouse Landing series, is a heartfelt, later-in-life, clean small-town beach read about family, slow-burn romance, and the secrets someone is desperate to protect.
Scroll up and one-click to continue the Garrett sisters’ story—and return to Shorelight Ranch.
About the
Set on the California coast and filled with later-in-life heroines, big-hearted heroes, slow-burning romances, and a mystery stretching across six books, this is the perfect series for fans of Hope Holloway and Fiona Baker.
If you enjoy sister-centered sagas, coastal ranches, loyal dogs, and long-buried secrets, you’ll feel right at home in Lighthouse Landing.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Ray said something very true the other day. Something about focusing only on the step that I can take today to help the ranch, not worrying about all the steps that have to happen tomorrow."
All three sisters are taking steps on their own in this second book of the series. Charlie's trying to save the ranch, Nick is trying to save her daughter from her heartache around her father, and Vicky is trying to figure out how to take care of her two kids and stop feeling attracted to her high school mortal enemy.
With their father still in the hospital the three are living literally a day at a time as Charlie and Ray work hard to not lose the ranch by taking on chickens. Nicole is beginning to crack the ledger code as she and Luke get closer, and Vicky is taking her frustrations out in scolding both kids for not being what she defines as successful. And Warren is looking less and less threatening to her
But secrets are still hiding, some in plain sight. The ranch has a past few knew about. Will their father ever be able to tell them what it is? Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author. However in no way did it affect my reading or review]
All three sisters are taking steps on their own in this second book of the series. Charlie's trying to save the ranch, Nick is trying to save her daughter from her heartache around her father, and Vicky is trying to figure out how to take care of her two kids and stop feeling attracted to her high school mortal enemy.
With their father still in the hospital the three are living literally a day at a time as Charlie and Ray work hard to not lose the ranch by taking on chickens. Nicole is beginning to crack the ledger code as she and Luke get closer, and Vicky is taking her frustrations out in scolding both kids for not being what she defines as successful. And Warren is looking less and less threatening to her
But secrets are still hiding, some in plain sight. The ranch has a past few knew about. Will their father ever be able to tell them what it is? Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author. However in no way did it affect my reading or review]
Review of advance copy
This is a clean romance/suspense story. It has a cliffhanger. It is book 2 of 6 and you need to read the first book before starting this one.
This is the continuation of how two sisters came back to their farm and join up with their sister. They are trying to find out who burned down their parent's house and why Their father is in a coma. They each are dealing with the sister dynamics, family dynamics and romantic relationships. They are getting a little closer, but still have more info to find out. These are later in life relationships. Each sister went in different directions. One staying, one an investigative reporter and a third a lawyer.
This is a very interesting story. Trying to figure out why and who. You are also hoping for the best in their relationships, but life can be and is messy. I can't wait for the next installment on this story. It can't come soon enough so I can continue reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the continuation of how two sisters came back to their farm and join up with their sister. They are trying to find out who burned down their parent's house and why Their father is in a coma. They each are dealing with the sister dynamics, family dynamics and romantic relationships. They are getting a little closer, but still have more info to find out. These are later in life relationships. Each sister went in different directions. One staying, one an investigative reporter and a third a lawyer.
This is a very interesting story. Trying to figure out why and who. You are also hoping for the best in their relationships, but life can be and is messy. I can't wait for the next installment on this story. It can't come soon enough so I can continue reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I enjoyed the previous book. This second book shows how hard it is for the family after everything that's happened.
I felt Vicky was being selfish and just too rude and immatire towards everyone. I know she's going through a hard time, but I found her attitude annoying. I was asking myself if she'd be kind to anybody.
I felt for her teenagers as they, and everyone else, tried to get through to her, but she wouldn't let anyone in.
The Summer We Stayed shows the fragility of family as they try to cope with difficult things.
Horses, the beach, family relationships.....The Summer We Stayed has it all. The characters are believable.
Thanks to Megan Jacobs.
4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I felt Vicky was being selfish and just too rude and immatire towards everyone. I know she's going through a hard time, but I found her attitude annoying. I was asking myself if she'd be kind to anybody.
I felt for her teenagers as they, and everyone else, tried to get through to her, but she wouldn't let anyone in.
The Summer We Stayed shows the fragility of family as they try to cope with difficult things.
Horses, the beach, family relationships.....The Summer We Stayed has it all. The characters are believable.
Thanks to Megan Jacobs.
4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2026
The Garrett family aspirations revealed
Although this book does not include the tension of Book 1, it is a good narrative where Ms Jacobs develops her cast of characters into realistic, comprehensive individuals. Charley’s determination to keep the ranch afloat, Vicky’s misguided desire to manage her children’s futures and Nicole’s deep concern for Jade’s emotional well-being in the face of Ralph’s puzzling unavailability, all appear to be the primary subject of this instalment…
However, throughout the narrative, the author subtly increases the underlying disquiet until the next discovery in the Garrett family’s saga bursts into their lives. A cliffhanger again? Yes, but a good incentive to continue the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although this book does not include the tension of Book 1, it is a good narrative where Ms Jacobs develops her cast of characters into realistic, comprehensive individuals. Charley’s determination to keep the ranch afloat, Vicky’s misguided desire to manage her children’s futures and Nicole’s deep concern for Jade’s emotional well-being in the face of Ralph’s puzzling unavailability, all appear to be the primary subject of this instalment…
However, throughout the narrative, the author subtly increases the underlying disquiet until the next discovery in the Garrett family’s saga bursts into their lives. A cliffhanger again? Yes, but a good incentive to continue the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jade misses her dad, she cannot understand why he chose to leave and is not answering her calls, she is depressed. Vicky still tries to control her children's lives, but she'll have to face Charley's pressure regarding Brianna's choice of future studies and Landon's desire to pursue a music career. Charley besides having to look after the farm is finally having to deal with her feelings for Ray. Their father is still at the hospital with no sign of improvement and the lighthouse proved to be a trap full of proof against his last controller and his family. What will be the next steps in this series?
I thank the author for this ARC.
I thank the author for this ARC.
February 19, 2026
Megan Jacob’s THE SUMMER WE STAYED is a clean, captivating,
thought-provoking, heart-felt story of mystery, romance, and suspense.
There’s family drama, hidden dangers, long-buried secrets, old crushes, secret codes, strong heroines and big-hearted heroes, and plenty of tension surrounding unsolved mysteries, as well as possible love interests and new beginnings.
So something for everyone!
Some questions are answered, but the mystery continues throughout the series.
Can’t wait to read more!
Thank you to this talented author for allowing me to read an ARC.
All comments are my own and are voluntarily given.
thought-provoking, heart-felt story of mystery, romance, and suspense.
There’s family drama, hidden dangers, long-buried secrets, old crushes, secret codes, strong heroines and big-hearted heroes, and plenty of tension surrounding unsolved mysteries, as well as possible love interests and new beginnings.
So something for everyone!
Some questions are answered, but the mystery continues throughout the series.
Can’t wait to read more!
Thank you to this talented author for allowing me to read an ARC.
All comments are my own and are voluntarily given.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
Wow. This one was full of action and intrigue. Some questions look like they've been answered, but so many more are forming.
It's not just the sisters that are growing and changing either. Two of the sisters have teens, and their lives are likewise thrown for a loop. It hurts this momma's heart to see all of them so confused and hurting while the people they normally turn to are not available.
Some hopeful-looking connections are made, though.
I can't wait for the next installment!
Wow. This one was full of action and intrigue. Some questions look like they've been answered, but so many more are forming.
It's not just the sisters that are growing and changing either. Two of the sisters have teens, and their lives are likewise thrown for a loop. It hurts this momma's heart to see all of them so confused and hurting while the people they normally turn to are not available.
Some hopeful-looking connections are made, though.
I can't wait for the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everyone is still waiting for their dad to wake up. Vicky just found out someone tried to kill her. Who is doing this? First the fire now the accident! Lots of young innocent love. Fighting between Vicky and her two children, Landon and Brianna. Nicole’s daughter, Jade, is devastated that her father moved out without a reason and never returns her calls or texts. What will happen next? I love the series so far and can’t wait for the next book! I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2026
What a fabulous continuation of this story. This one is so good, and it pulled me into the lives of the three sisters. Each sister has her own strengths and each faces their own personal challenges as well as the challenge that faces their family. They are learning that it sometimes helps to share the load. This one is loaded with action, suspense, danger, mystery and the development of relationships of all types. This one is a winner and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Book two is packed with separate storylines. Brianna misses her dad, and it feels like he’s hiding something we don’t know about. Not everyone realizes the ranch is in need of financial help, and there’s also a mystery surrounding the ledger they discovered. There’s plenty of excitement and intrigue, and it’s got me eager for book three.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Continuing from the first book, it was nice to see the sisters on their slow path towards reconciliation, especially prickly city slicker, Vicky. Each of the sisters have their own troubles and their own path to take, and their journeys were definitely not smooth at all.
I am also intrigued by the mysteries which started from the first book. Who is causing trouble for their family? Why is Ralph hiding away from his family? And I can’t wait to find out the answers in the next book.
I am also intrigued by the mysteries which started from the first book. Who is causing trouble for their family? Why is Ralph hiding away from his family? And I can’t wait to find out the answers in the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is just as good as the first one. Following the three sisters, their relationships with each other, the grandchildren, grandpa still in a coma, Ralph ??? So many things happening. The danger continues as do the various investigations. Easy to follow, but you really need to read book 1 first. Absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! The second book of the series will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next.
These books end in a cliff hanger, so you have to read them in order to know what's really going on. I highly recommend this series.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
These books end in a cliff hanger, so you have to read them in order to know what's really going on. I highly recommend this series.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As the 3 sisters learn about the lives they have been living since they left the ranch, they are discovering things about themselves and their children.
Kenneth remains in a coma and now the REAL story evolves.
Excellent job Megan! Loved it! Get me the next book NOW!!!!
I received an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
Kenneth remains in a coma and now the REAL story evolves.
Excellent job Megan! Loved it! Get me the next book NOW!!!!
I received an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
February 21, 2026
Lighthouse Landing
Wow! The suspense around this family kept me so intrigued that I couldn’t stop reading. This book is so well written and I can’t wait to read more in this series. There is so much family drama and mysteries that keep unfolding. It made me laugh, cry, smile, and it made me want to solve it.
Wow! The suspense around this family kept me so intrigued that I couldn’t stop reading. This book is so well written and I can’t wait to read more in this series. There is so much family drama and mysteries that keep unfolding. It made me laugh, cry, smile, and it made me want to solve it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved how this book catches you from the beginning and leaves you wanting more all the way to the end. The characters seem so real and it’s almost like you’re there watching from the sidelines.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great continuation of the series! Once I got to reading, I didn't want to put it down. There's mystery, danger, and budding love. I look forward to the next book! Clean, no cussing
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews