The Last Days of Summer

by Sophie Pembroke

Saskia has always loved Rosewood. It was her family home, her sanctuary and her memories of it are vividly alive even after two years of being absent. Never did she think she would be standing in the rose garden afraid to cross the threshold and own up to the past she had run away from.

So much about Rosewood hasn’t changed, everyone still dresses for dinner, sips cocktails on the terrace, her father cooks every delicious meal and her beloved grandfather still tells spellbinding stories. But the cold reception from her grandmother, Ellie’s complete avoidance of her and the judgmental gaze of Edward, her grandfather’s new assistant (who seems to know more than enough about her past), are all new to Kia.

All Kia needs to do is attend her grandparent’s Golden Wedding Party and make it to the train station without her secret coming out. What could possible go wrong in just one weekend?

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2016

About the author

Sophie Pembroke writes very British romances for Orion, Mills & Boon / Harlequin Romance, Avon and HQ. She has been dreaming, reading and writing romance ever since she read her first Mills & Boon as part of her English Literature degree at Lancaster University, so getting to write romantic fiction for a living really is a dream come true!

She lives in a little English market town with her scientist husband, wildly imaginative ten year old daughter, and adorable four year old son. She spends her days writing, drinking tea and curling up with a good book. (Oh, and planning. There is a lot of planning.)

In Sophie’s world, happy is for ever after, everything stops for tea, and there’s always time for just one more page…

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Saskia, often called Kia, knows she will not be welcomed back at Rosewood after her behaviour two years before. But if Nathaniel Drury, the acclaimed novelist and her beloved grandfather, wants her at his and Isabelle’s golden wedding celebration, then she will go. Despite the fact that her grandmother Isabelle did not send her an invitation. It will be hard to face her sister Ellie and her husband Greg and to wonder how much the rest of the family knows of what happened back then. When something totally unexpected happens, it threatens to reveal a number of secrets. And what place does Edward, acclaimed biographer and Nathaniel’s assistant, have in what happens at Rosewood and on Kia?
The premise of this book sounded interesting but in the end I found it slow, repetitive and I really didn’t like any of the characters enough to care what happened to them.
I plodded my way through, relieved when I finally got to the end. Several times I thought about giving up but there was just enough that kept tugging me back. Ended up just as okay read for me. Pretty sure others will like it more and that I will be the outlier on this one.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars...

First book read by Sophie Pembroke and I finished it in pretty much one sitting! This has all the elements I like in a book: drama, romance, mystery, intrigue, and humor. It wasn't too heavy or too light but a good combination. I found it easy to read and enjoyed the characters, even though they are humanly flawed.

Saskia is in her mid-twenties and hasn't been "home" with her family for quite some time due to a fallout with her sister. Her famous writer Grandfather invites her to come for a family party, and she decides to go in spite of her nerves and knowing the reception she'll receive won't be good. She's right and intense family problems are the result. She wants to make things right, but will her family let her? Will things in her own Mother and Grandmother's lives come to light to cause a bigger family rift? Throw in a handsome assistant who generates sparks when he's around and you've got trouble! Will Saskia be able to make it through the weekend? Read it and find out all the answers!

**Many thanks to NetGalley and Carina Publishers for an ARC!!**

(Reminded me a little of a Kate Morton, which I love!)

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. My thanks to the author, her publisher and Netgalley.

I’ll damn this book with faint praise. It was “fine”.

Although there is a description attributed to the author that I absolutely adore. In Sophie’s word, happy is for ever after, everything stops for tea, and there’s always time for one more page… . In my world too! :-)

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saskia loves Rosewood, but she hasn't been there in quite some time and she misses it terribly. Nathaniel, her grandfather, has invited her to his Golden Wedding party, but nobody else wants her to be present. She reluctantly agrees to come, because she wants to go back, but she isn't looking forward to the inevitable confrontations her visit will bring. Saskia's grandmother and sister are giving her an ice cold welcome. Saskia wants to make things right, but she isn't sure how to do it. Was it a smart plan to return?

Nathaniel is a famous author and he's working on a grand new project together with his assistant Edward, who also lives at Rosewood. He's a new addition to the family. There are a few things Saskia missed during her absence, but fortunately Rosewood has mostly stayed the same. The atmosphere isn't what it used to be and Saskia is clearly not welcome. Edward is making an effort to include her though and she's grateful for his kindness. Maybe having a stranger around will give her the chance to make a new start...

The Last Days of Summer is an intriguing story filled with family secrets. Saskia and her sister Ellie aren't close any longer. She regrets that very much and tries to make things right again. The question is if that is possible, because so much has happened between them. Not only Saskia and Ellie have a past they want to keep quiet about. Saskia is about to find out much more about her family and she finally has the chance to get to know everyone close to her a lot better, herself included.

The main characters of The Last Days of Summer are all fascinating. I immediately liked Saskia. She definitely has her flaws and they make her more approachable. Even though she's vulnerable she's trying to be brave. She wants to face her demons and chase them away. She's kind and caring now and wants to right her wrongs. I loved that Sophie Pembroke has chosen to write about someone who isn't perfect. Saskia has her faults and that makes her an interesting main character. I enjoyed reading about her past, her present and her plans for the future.

I love books about sisters. Saskia has an older and a younger sister and all three of them are very different. However, there are quite a few amazing family resemblances too. Families are often complicated and Sophie Pembroke has chosen a fabulous group of people to write about. I couldn't wait to read more about each member. The gripping secrets are all well worth finding out and I liked the unexpected ending. I highly recommend this wonderful summer story.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I thought this was just going to be a bit of fluff based on the publishing imprint (Carina) and the title. But no. It’s almost a saga. There are juicy family secrets, tensions between siblings, eccentric writers, hidden woodland hideouts, varied buildings on the family estate, and the sudden appearance of an assistant, an envelope, and a diary.

The Last Days of Summer explores deeper issues, too. I especially loved the discussion of the blurred line between truth and fiction — and the ways it can help or hurt a relationship. Pembroke also broaches the topics of forgiveness, honesty, and loyalty.

My favorite character had to be carefree Caroline, though she was followed closely by her older sister, main character Saskia. I was enamored by their dad and grandfather… their warmth came right through the pages.

Pembroke really showed her talent for weaving a complicated tale that reads easily. From the arguments to the embraces, the clothes-horse auntie to the raggedy writer, this story had threads of consistency throughout. Pairs of characters on benches, the office, the woods… Every repeated instance kept the storyline tight and moving forward. Brava!

I sort of want to keep talking and writing about this book, but I don’t want to end up giving away spoilers… so I’ll end here! Don’t miss this excellent read.

https://randombookmuses.com/2016/06/1...

NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been two years since Saskia last visited her childhood home but her Grandfather has rung to invite her to attend the celebrations for his fiftieth wedding anniversary. She left without explaining why to him but he has remained in touch, helping her throughout her self-imposed exile. Dare she return and face the consequences of her actions?

Whilst many things remain the same, she no longer feels welcomed by most of her family. Her grandmother is coldly aloof, her sister ignoring her and even her grandfather’s new assistant, Edward, seems to know all about what happened and is judgemental in his attitude. Her father and grandfather, however, both welcome her. Can she get through the weekend without everyone learning her secret shame?

This is a story where family secrets are uncovered, including a possible murder, an unknown marriage discovered and dilemmas are pervasive. There is plenty of intrigue, a potential romance, an unexpected death and the threat of memoirs to reveal all. It was an enthralling read with a great mix of characters, set in a huge family home - complete with a ghost - and only by revealing secrets and facing the truth will they all be able to move forward.

This is a thought-provoking read, a great page turner, showing how only by acknowledging and facing facts, making peace with the past, can the future be happily anticipated.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this via Carina on a Twitter giveaway and it has been an absolute treat to read!

Saskia, more commonly known as Kia, has a complicated relationship with her family. She has lived in Scotland for the past couple of years, away from the beloved family home of Rosewood where most of her happiest memories are from. But something happened to push her away and it's only a plea phonecall from her grandfather Nathaniel, a famous author, that gets her to return home for his Golden Wedding Anniversary party.

The rest of her family don't know she will be there so they are pretty shocked to see her, especially her sister Ellie who we learn is the reason for her staying away so long. Most families have secrets and as they spend time together preparing for the party, then more is revealed as to what had happened in the past to split the sisters.

Kia adores her grandfather so is at her happiest by his side when he's telling her stories, or are they more than that?! His assistant, Edward, is also spending a lot of time at the house and when his reasons are revealed it doesn't go down too well with the rest of the family and they can't believe that Nathaniel would be part of it all.

This cleverly combines many aspects - romance, history, the supernatural, family secrets, drama - and is an enthralling read with a few twists and turns along the way to keep the reader guessing along the way!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I nearly had a total disaster with this book. I hadn't realised that I had 2 books with the same title next to each other on my kindle- and I clicked on the wrong one by accident. It didn't seem to suit the cover- which was beautiful. Once I did start the right book I totally lost myself in the story really quickly.

Saskia returns to her family home after a couple of years away following a big fall out. She tries to win round her family whilst trying to solves mysteries that different members of the family are trying to hide.

I loved the mystery and the characters and the way the story opens up as you read further into the book. It's a beautiful summer read combining tricky family dynamics, vintage clothing, relationships and troubled souls.
I will definately look out for more books by Sophie and would like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, intriguing, and thought-provoking!

This is an engaging novel that touches on the importance of familial dynamics, secrets, loss, forgiveness, love, the power of truth, and the importance of home.

The characters are well-developed, complex, and flawed. And the plot builds nicely, unravelling piece by piece, keeping you captivated until the very end.

This is a compelling story that, ultimately, reminds us that all our lives are sprinkled with a little bit of fiction.

It is a very enjoyable, easy read and I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Carina UK, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This review can also be found at www.whatsbetterthanbooks.com

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to read this book and within the first few pages I was hooked.

Kia returns to her beloved family home at the request of her grandfather to celebrate his golden wedding. She accepts reluctantly but is unsure of the welcome she will get following her unforgivable behaviour two years previously.

The story unfolds seamlessly keeping the reader interested until all is revealed in the end.

I can thoroughly recommend this book if you love a romance with mystery.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the announcement of a book called Christmas at Rosewood which triggered me to buy and then read The Last Days of Summer. You see I love Sophie Pembroke's Christmas titles, so clearly want to read the newly announced book, but given its the sequel to The Last Days of Summer, and I had some time on my hands I thought I may as well play catch up and read this.

All I can say is don't wait for your own trigger, just go out and read this book, it turns out that the author is not just a very accomplished festive story teller, but can write a big summer story too. I was shocked multiple times during the story at the way the plot was progressing. This is definitely an unpredictable book.

I felt the story started off not slow, per se, but perhaps sedately while you learn just who Saskia is, why she hasn't been back to the family home for two years and why she still may not be entirely welcome. We also learn just who the full family is, all three generations of them.

When Nathaniel, Saskia's beloved grandfather makes an announcement during the Gold Wedding Party the cat is thrown amongst the pigeons, but just what are all the members of the family hiding that will case them to react the ways they do.

After the announcement, I found the book became utterly addictive and I just couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to see how it would all work out and trust me when I say there are a lot of turns you probably won't see coming and a lot of nice touches.

The Last Days of Summer is a fantastic story of family, or intrigue and of those skeletons in the family closet you generally wish had been forgotten about. There is a romance element in there too, as well as a strong storyline of forgiveness. It is the story of Kia's relationship of those around her, and how although having an imagination is fantastic, its great to be able to see "the truth in fiction".

I will certainly be reading more books by the author, and not just at Christmas time, and I definitely can't wait to return to Rosewood, which is the marvellous family home, and all its lovely grounds, in the winter.

[Ali Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover on this is lovely and makes you think of those drawn out days of the perfect English summer. The story is quite pleasant and rather mellow..Easy narrative although I did get fed up seeing the words Nathanial and Golden Wedding and if any criticism it was a little repetitive but on the whole a pleasant read.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

After leaving Rosewood, her family home, two years ago under a cloud Saskia has not returned home since. An out of the blue invitation from her Grandfather to a summer party throws Saskia into a quandary- does she go and face her demons or does she refuse and disappoint her much loved grandfather.
Saskia decides to go, but not only do her own secrets come back to haunt her but the secrets held by her grandparents, that have lain dormant for decades gradually creep out into the open.
I felt that the novel held great promise at the start but the middle was disappointing and the secrets revealed at the end were just plonked on the reader. A mediocre read which could have been so much better if the secrets had been developed more through the book. A dual time narrative would have worked well.

[Brenda McGinness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing is fine but was too long and drawn out.

Not a bad book until I realized by at least chapter 3 that nothing really changes. Then I started skimming and then skipping entire pages and then almost whole chapters. Instead of the little 99 cent charge for this book, it should be a kindle free.

[Jessica Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

My own personal catnip - a large, country house, preferably Georgian. An equally large and eccentric family. And lots and lots of secrets. Oodles of them, all ready to be spilled, sniffed out and confronted. Delicious. If this is your catnip as well then you are going to LOVE this book.

[Jen Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I really didn’t care about any of the characters. There was nothing memorable about any of them. Also there was no significance to one of the characters who “appeared” a couple times. No explanation of her at all so I don’t get why she was included in the story at all.

[Cheryl Hood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow read

I found this book to be very mundane. There was no depth to the characters and the plot was predictable very early on.

[Harriette Orr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

The begining was hard for me to get thru. I didn't like the lead character and thought I would never reach the bones of the story. Not a book I would recommend.

[Lorna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Described as the best read of the summer - don't agree.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love isn’t roses. It’s sticking around to fix things, even when it’s the hardest thing in the world to do.”

Synopsis: When Saskia is summoned back to her childhood home, she is forced to confront the mistakes she made that shattered her family. But while she’s there, it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one that has something to hide.

This was a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and the discovery of oneself. I resonated with a lot of Saskia throughout and adored the relationship she had with Nathaniel in particular. I found myself laughing out loud a lot of the time, and my heart breaking at other times. Drama, romance, humour and mystery, a quick and relatively easy read, this would be perfect as a summer holiday treat!

[Corinne Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was one of those books the librarians pop up to grab your attention (i often think they are the books no-one borrows!) this was an enjoyable enough read, but whoever writes the 'blurb' on covers needs to read the book. "where dreams come true" no where in this book is it about 'dreams' it is about secrets and truths, in life and in fiction, seen through a family where the major character is a famous author. I'm glad I persevered past the twee cover.

[Liina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saskia has not visited her home for two years, but when her grandfather calls and invites her to his fiftieth wedding anniversary, she has no other choice than to accept the invitation. Saskia loves Rosewood, but after things went wrong two years ago, she didn’t feel like going back. Now that she’s back, she doesn’t get a warm welcome from most of her family, especially her gran and sister, but her father and grandpa are very happy to see her. Her grandpa has a new assistant and even him seems to know more than she anticipates. Saskia has to get through the weekend, how hard can it be?

It was an interesting novel about family relations, friendship, love, secrets and mystery. It was a bit slow going at first, but as the story progresses, it gets more and more interesting. It has a great storyline, likeable characters and an interesting mystery aspect.

[Kayleigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

At the beginning of this book I thought it was very strange but finished this book last night the last couple of pages were the best I'm not sure if I read this book again didn't really enjoy it very much it was abit confusing it felt to me a bit all over the place

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beach read.

[Barb Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

I am a new fan of Sophie Pembroke. This book was very captivating and I had a very hard time putting it down. I urge you to read it!

[Sudesna Ghosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging with lots of romance and drama. I only thought the secrets came out a little too fast at the end.

[Donna Alward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my October book club pick and I just finished it - more after the meeting!

[Kirsteen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, by the end of the first chapter I waa hooked. What is the big family mystery? Easy to read book. Read via netgalley.

[Beccy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, nice easy read with a good story x

[Simone Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story and slightly unusual which was nice. I would definitely recommend.