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One Last Summer
They have the whole summer ahead of them. Is it enough to rekindle the friendship they once shared?
Harriet Greenleaf dreams of spending the summer in a beautiful ancient priory on the Somerset coast with her two best friends—but her dream is bittersweet. On the one hand, it’s a chance to reconnect three lives that have drifted apart; on the other, she has a devastating secret to share that will change everything between them forever.
First to arrive is Audrey—the workaholic who’s heading for a heart attack unless she slows down and makes time for herself. Then Lisa, the happy-go-lucky flirt who’s always struggled to commit to anyone—or anything. Ever the optimist, can Harriet remind them of the joy in their lives and the importance of celebrating good friendship before it’s gone?
Through the highs and lows of a long, glorious summer, these three women will rediscover what it means to be there for each other—before they face the hardest of goodbyes.
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Published February 5, 2019
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About the author
Victoria Connelly
67 books507 followersVictoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
April 19, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
He was the head of the maths department and she’d told him that she’d always hated figures and he’d made some wisecrack about liking hers.
Harrie’s diagnosis. D-Day, she called it, and now her life seemed to be divided between everything that had happened before D-Day and everything that had happened after.
Kindness. That was the trait she’d come to value most in recent years. You realised that as soon as you became ill. Kindness trumped absolutely everything else.
… the likelihood was that she wasn’t going to see her birthday. How strange a thought was that – to know that you have seen your last birthday?
A moment of stillness and wordlessness passed between the two women. It was a strange feeling because Harrie didn’t feel any sort of closeness to Mrs Ryder, but this confession – this sharing of intimate pain – now connected them. Harrie had found that her journey with cancer had linked her to so many people in this way – people she probably would never have spoken to.
Lisa, aligning my chakras and teaching me how to breathe through one nostril isn’t going to save me… This thing’s got me good and proper.
They say laughter is the best medicine… but I don’t think it’s going to cure what I’ve got.
I know he’s the father of my daughter and there’s a part of me that will always love him, but he’s moved on now. He’s married to Lizzie, who has big hair and wears tight tops. So, you see my health isn’t his concern anymore.
My Review:
Knowing her days were numbered, Harriet, Harrie for short, splashed out a fortune to provide one last hurrah to host a peaceful summer vacation with her two oldest and dearest friends of twenty years, who are unaware of her dire health issues. This wasn’t a highly eventful or active story but a slowly evolving character-based study of coming to grips with mortality, as well as how that was processed and dealt with within complicated relationships and personalities. Each woman possessed a distinct and complex identity with vastly different temperaments, life goals, and levels of accomplishment, yet they cared about each other and fussed like siblings.
The premise was relevant and thought-provoking while the writing was emotive and thoughtfully insightful with recurrent themes of interpersonal tension, poignancy, melancholia, angst, and wry humor. The main characters were well fleshed out, although the character of Audrey was the most difficult for me to warm up to as she was the type of person I generally make an effort to avoid in real-life; she was stubborn, bristling with self-importance, driven, highly opinionated, and abrupt. I actually found the local workers to be the most compelling and interesting and greatly enjoyed their addition and contributions to the story.
New additions to my Brit Word list include plimsolls – which are rubber-soled canvas shoes; slap-up – a large and sumptuous meal; and supply teaching – what most Americans know as substitute teaching.
He was the head of the maths department and she’d told him that she’d always hated figures and he’d made some wisecrack about liking hers.
Harrie’s diagnosis. D-Day, she called it, and now her life seemed to be divided between everything that had happened before D-Day and everything that had happened after.
Kindness. That was the trait she’d come to value most in recent years. You realised that as soon as you became ill. Kindness trumped absolutely everything else.
… the likelihood was that she wasn’t going to see her birthday. How strange a thought was that – to know that you have seen your last birthday?
A moment of stillness and wordlessness passed between the two women. It was a strange feeling because Harrie didn’t feel any sort of closeness to Mrs Ryder, but this confession – this sharing of intimate pain – now connected them. Harrie had found that her journey with cancer had linked her to so many people in this way – people she probably would never have spoken to.
Lisa, aligning my chakras and teaching me how to breathe through one nostril isn’t going to save me… This thing’s got me good and proper.
They say laughter is the best medicine… but I don’t think it’s going to cure what I’ve got.
I know he’s the father of my daughter and there’s a part of me that will always love him, but he’s moved on now. He’s married to Lizzie, who has big hair and wears tight tops. So, you see my health isn’t his concern anymore.
My Review:
Knowing her days were numbered, Harriet, Harrie for short, splashed out a fortune to provide one last hurrah to host a peaceful summer vacation with her two oldest and dearest friends of twenty years, who are unaware of her dire health issues. This wasn’t a highly eventful or active story but a slowly evolving character-based study of coming to grips with mortality, as well as how that was processed and dealt with within complicated relationships and personalities. Each woman possessed a distinct and complex identity with vastly different temperaments, life goals, and levels of accomplishment, yet they cared about each other and fussed like siblings.
The premise was relevant and thought-provoking while the writing was emotive and thoughtfully insightful with recurrent themes of interpersonal tension, poignancy, melancholia, angst, and wry humor. The main characters were well fleshed out, although the character of Audrey was the most difficult for me to warm up to as she was the type of person I generally make an effort to avoid in real-life; she was stubborn, bristling with self-importance, driven, highly opinionated, and abrupt. I actually found the local workers to be the most compelling and interesting and greatly enjoyed their addition and contributions to the story.
New additions to my Brit Word list include plimsolls – which are rubber-soled canvas shoes; slap-up – a large and sumptuous meal; and supply teaching – what most Americans know as substitute teaching.
April 13, 2019
Pensive, heart wrenching, and moving!
One Last Summer is a beautifully written, touching novel that takes us into the life of Harriet Greenleaf as she spends her last summer enjoying time with those she loves, reaping as much pleasure and joy out of each day, savouring all the little things, and having no regrets before her battle with terminal cancer comes to an end.
The prose is reflective and eloquent. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are strong, unique, compassionate, and endearing. And the plot is a compelling, highly emotional tale of life, love, friendship, kindness, generosity, honesty, humour, acceptance, and contemplation.
Overall, One Last Summer is a charming, insightful, bittersweet tear-jerker that does a lovely job of highlighting that life is short and should always be lived to the fullest, and that true friendship is supportive, unconditional, powerful, and endless.
Thank you to Victoria Connelly and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
One Last Summer is a beautifully written, touching novel that takes us into the life of Harriet Greenleaf as she spends her last summer enjoying time with those she loves, reaping as much pleasure and joy out of each day, savouring all the little things, and having no regrets before her battle with terminal cancer comes to an end.
The prose is reflective and eloquent. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are strong, unique, compassionate, and endearing. And the plot is a compelling, highly emotional tale of life, love, friendship, kindness, generosity, honesty, humour, acceptance, and contemplation.
Overall, One Last Summer is a charming, insightful, bittersweet tear-jerker that does a lovely job of highlighting that life is short and should always be lived to the fullest, and that true friendship is supportive, unconditional, powerful, and endless.
Thank you to Victoria Connelly and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2019
Beautifully written, incredibly uplifting celebration of friendship - this is the story of Harriet who knows time is running out and she is determined to give her two best friends one last summer to remember,.
Harriet is full of strength and clearly loves her two besties Audrey and Lisa, even though they have barely spent much time together in the past 6 years.
This is a summer in which not only does Harriet have to reveal her reason for the get together but the other women all develop and learn more about themselves too.
Like I find with all of this authors books, the pages flew past incredibly fast, and I was sucked into the story very easily.
I loved the setting of this book too, The Priory, which was a big atmospheric building, that is having some restoration work done to it.
The three friends, experience a lot over the course of the book, and although there are sad emotional undertones throughout, there were only a couple of moments where I found a lump in my throat.
A fabulous story that I am delighted to have had the opportunity to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Harriet is full of strength and clearly loves her two besties Audrey and Lisa, even though they have barely spent much time together in the past 6 years.
This is a summer in which not only does Harriet have to reveal her reason for the get together but the other women all develop and learn more about themselves too.
Like I find with all of this authors books, the pages flew past incredibly fast, and I was sucked into the story very easily.
I loved the setting of this book too, The Priory, which was a big atmospheric building, that is having some restoration work done to it.
The three friends, experience a lot over the course of the book, and although there are sad emotional undertones throughout, there were only a couple of moments where I found a lump in my throat.
A fabulous story that I am delighted to have had the opportunity to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 5, 2019
This is such a good, inspiring, sad, emotional, touching, insightful, loving, heart wrenching, beautiful book. From the very first page to the very last word you won’t be able to put it down. It will touch your heart and soul in ways that you won’t soon forget. I cried so hard in places then laughed out loud in others. The three main characters in this book are so wonderful. So loving to each other and so hell bent on having a great summer despite the outcome of one’s life. The love of friends is endless. The friendships here are so beautiful and so inspiring. From college to the end of one’s days they are the best of friends. Even after they will reign as the best of friends.
A mother, daughter, best friend. Harrie just wants one more summer with her best friends. Just one more chance to have time with them and tell them what is going on. How do you plan your life for the end. To tell the ones you love that you will be leaving them and that you are ready to go. That you love them and will miss them dearly. How to you tell your best friends to move on and enjoy, cherish life before it’s to late. Harrie is just that kind of friend. She has always put everyone before herself. She’s kind to a fault almost.
Each woman is special in her own right. Each has dreams and loves the others deeply. It’s a story of true friends who would do anything for each other.
This book made me weep in parts and wonder if any of the people I have known who had cancer felt like Harrie. Did they know it would be their last time here. Did they enjoy their time? Or did they hide scared. I don’t have a clue how I would handle it but hope that if I did I would be like Harrie. Strong and outgoing. Take a chance and love life. Live it. Eat it. Drink it. Enjoy...
I have to thank NetGalley, Lake Union, and the wonderful author Victoria Connelly for this beautiful written book. It’s a definite 5 stars and should be way more. Thank you for the honor of reading this.
I highly recommend it. The characters are all likable. You won’t find fault with a single one. It came from the heart. At the end, the Author’s Notes is a must read also. It was a very touching tribute.
I loved it!!!
A mother, daughter, best friend. Harrie just wants one more summer with her best friends. Just one more chance to have time with them and tell them what is going on. How do you plan your life for the end. To tell the ones you love that you will be leaving them and that you are ready to go. That you love them and will miss them dearly. How to you tell your best friends to move on and enjoy, cherish life before it’s to late. Harrie is just that kind of friend. She has always put everyone before herself. She’s kind to a fault almost.
Each woman is special in her own right. Each has dreams and loves the others deeply. It’s a story of true friends who would do anything for each other.
This book made me weep in parts and wonder if any of the people I have known who had cancer felt like Harrie. Did they know it would be their last time here. Did they enjoy their time? Or did they hide scared. I don’t have a clue how I would handle it but hope that if I did I would be like Harrie. Strong and outgoing. Take a chance and love life. Live it. Eat it. Drink it. Enjoy...
I have to thank NetGalley, Lake Union, and the wonderful author Victoria Connelly for this beautiful written book. It’s a definite 5 stars and should be way more. Thank you for the honor of reading this.
I highly recommend it. The characters are all likable. You won’t find fault with a single one. It came from the heart. At the end, the Author’s Notes is a must read also. It was a very touching tribute.
I loved it!!!
January 4, 2019
What would you do if you had only one last summer left ?
Harriet, Audrey and Lisa have been friends for a very long time. Sharing highs and lows over the years!
Since it’s been 6 years since they’ve spent any quality time together , Harriet rents an old Abbey ( which is being restored) to spend the summer with them. Not letting them know that this will be her last summer , as she has terminal cancer .
These ladies were so different but are exactly what one needs, although at times I wanted to yell at them and then hug them.
This is the story of friendship, love and courage .
This is my first book by Victoria Connelly and it won’t be my last !
Harriet, Audrey and Lisa have been friends for a very long time. Sharing highs and lows over the years!
Since it’s been 6 years since they’ve spent any quality time together , Harriet rents an old Abbey ( which is being restored) to spend the summer with them. Not letting them know that this will be her last summer , as she has terminal cancer .
These ladies were so different but are exactly what one needs, although at times I wanted to yell at them and then hug them.
This is the story of friendship, love and courage .
This is my first book by Victoria Connelly and it won’t be my last !
October 12, 2019
This is a A beautiful book about three friends that come together for the summer after six years. it's told by Harriet's viewpoint. I love this book it made me cry. I know none of this is promised tomorrow but this is truly a sad story.
February 5, 2019
A best friend is someone you can count on no matter what. This book is about Harrie who has called on her best friends to spend the summer with her at a beautiful priory. She has a desire to make the most of "One Last Summer" with the friends she has loved and lived life with. Although it's been six years since the friends were together, they meet back up just like they had seen each other the day before. Like nothing had changed....but things had changed.
For me this is a story about friendships and taking life on with each other through thick and thin. Ms. Connelly took me along the summer journey with emotions that pulled at my heart. Her narrative with Harrie and the deep, personal thoughts she was thinking had me thinking, too. The spectrum of emotions she went through, the "last" thoughts of things she would do or see, the agony of what to say to those she loved. It's a book that will have you reflecting on life. Every day is a gift.
"One of the hardest lessons to learn in life was how to turn tomorrow into today. Harrie hoped she'd learned how to do it."
"It's the same with regrets. I think it's sad that people have them because everything we experience, everything we feel, makes us who we are and that's a truly unique person."
I want to thank LU, Netgalley and Ms. Connelly for the opportunity to read this book. It's a well written novel of friendships that are forever.
For me this is a story about friendships and taking life on with each other through thick and thin. Ms. Connelly took me along the summer journey with emotions that pulled at my heart. Her narrative with Harrie and the deep, personal thoughts she was thinking had me thinking, too. The spectrum of emotions she went through, the "last" thoughts of things she would do or see, the agony of what to say to those she loved. It's a book that will have you reflecting on life. Every day is a gift.
"One of the hardest lessons to learn in life was how to turn tomorrow into today. Harrie hoped she'd learned how to do it."
"It's the same with regrets. I think it's sad that people have them because everything we experience, everything we feel, makes us who we are and that's a truly unique person."
I want to thank LU, Netgalley and Ms. Connelly for the opportunity to read this book. It's a well written novel of friendships that are forever.
May 14, 2019
I waited for about a week before writing this, as I wanted to spend time reviewing the events and thinking about them a little more. I read about Harrie and her friends as they spend summer in a priory and get to know each other again after being best friends at college years before. Harrie has a huge secret to share and as she works towards this, we are treated to wonderful descriptions of a perfect summer, beautiful gardens, delicious food and a delicate restoration project. The fine weaving of characters, events and the last chapter especially, made for a gentle yet thought-provoking read and certainly I appreciated both the author's note and her acknowledgments, often overlooked parts of a writer's work.
August 1, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser.
A heart-wrenching emotional tale of friendship and the fragility of life, ONE LAST SUMMER by Victoria Connelly is a beautiful story that is sure to make you cry.
Harriet Greenleaf knows that the future is never certain and is determined to bring her two closest friends together again, even though they have managed to drift away from each other. Set against a stunning backdrop, these three very different women will reconnect and discover more about themselves as well as each other, and the importance of friendship will shine a light at the darkest of times.
The characters, the setting, and the emotional drama of ONE LAST SUMMER blew me away and when I finished reading it (and crying my eyes out), it took me a little while before I could start another book and that is always the sign of a talented author in my book.
Compelling, heartbreaking, inspiring and more, ONE LAST SUMMER by Victoria Connelly is a must-read this summer for all fiction fans and I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful author.
A heart-wrenching emotional tale of friendship and the fragility of life, ONE LAST SUMMER by Victoria Connelly is a beautiful story that is sure to make you cry.
Harriet Greenleaf knows that the future is never certain and is determined to bring her two closest friends together again, even though they have managed to drift away from each other. Set against a stunning backdrop, these three very different women will reconnect and discover more about themselves as well as each other, and the importance of friendship will shine a light at the darkest of times.
The characters, the setting, and the emotional drama of ONE LAST SUMMER blew me away and when I finished reading it (and crying my eyes out), it took me a little while before I could start another book and that is always the sign of a talented author in my book.
Compelling, heartbreaking, inspiring and more, ONE LAST SUMMER by Victoria Connelly is a must-read this summer for all fiction fans and I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful author.
August 3, 2019
When you read this blurb, you get the impression you are not in for a happy book. Well, there is a saying ‘Never judge a book by its cover’. The same goes for ‘Never judge a book by its blurb’.
You won’t hear me say that it’s not an emotional book, but emotions is a word that is a collection of a lot of feelings. It often makes you think about sad events, but happiness, love, friendship are emotions as well and they can also bring you to tears but those of the happy kind.
It’s a story that makes you stop and think about your own life. Am I not stuck in a job that does not really fulfill me? Am I not stuck in a job that is too demanding? Do I need to take more time to talk and really live? If your answer is ‘yes’ to one of these questions, maybe it’s the perfect moment to make changes. After all, you only live once and it’s up to you to make the best of it even if it’s the last thing you do.
A very good read. 4 stars.
Thank you, Victoria Connelly and Love Books Group Tours.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
You won’t hear me say that it’s not an emotional book, but emotions is a word that is a collection of a lot of feelings. It often makes you think about sad events, but happiness, love, friendship are emotions as well and they can also bring you to tears but those of the happy kind.
It’s a story that makes you stop and think about your own life. Am I not stuck in a job that does not really fulfill me? Am I not stuck in a job that is too demanding? Do I need to take more time to talk and really live? If your answer is ‘yes’ to one of these questions, maybe it’s the perfect moment to make changes. After all, you only live once and it’s up to you to make the best of it even if it’s the last thing you do.
A very good read. 4 stars.
Thank you, Victoria Connelly and Love Books Group Tours.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
April 23, 2019
Gosh, this is such an enthralling, emotional story - simply amazing. It is a very special book, sharing the thoughts, experiences, hopes and anxieties of Harriet who knows this will be her last summer. She has decided to share it with her two best friends, workaholic Audrey and would be actress and yogi, Lisa, staying in the idyllic ancient priory.
They've drifted apart in recent years and Harriet is hoping this time together will help to remind them all of happier times and make brilliant memories for them in future as well as enabling her to eventually reveal her devastating prognosis. It could be a really sad story but the author manages to make it into an inspirational, heartwarming story, with the three friends creating fantastic memories, growing close again and helping each other. It is a story filled with love, great characters and friendship and one that I'll remember for years to come.
I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
They've drifted apart in recent years and Harriet is hoping this time together will help to remind them all of happier times and make brilliant memories for them in future as well as enabling her to eventually reveal her devastating prognosis. It could be a really sad story but the author manages to make it into an inspirational, heartwarming story, with the three friends creating fantastic memories, growing close again and helping each other. It is a story filled with love, great characters and friendship and one that I'll remember for years to come.
I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Read
March 10, 2019*** New Release***
January 11, 2019
An emotional but beautifully told story, we follow Harrie as she gathers her two oldest friends together to spend the summer with her at an ancient Priory in the countryside. Her friends think this is a chance to catch up with each other after a few years apart and have some fun...and it is, but unknown to them, a cloud hangs over the proceedings, as this will be Harrie's last summer.
I wouldn't usually choose a book with illness at the forefront of the plot, but I'm so glad I opted to read this one. Although the subject matter of a terminal illness is sad, the story managed not to veer into depressive territory, and I found it incredibly poignant and thought provoking. I loved the characters and the tranquil setting of the priory, and thought the author did a really good job of evoking the sadness that accompanies such a tragic event whilst still retaining the necessary lightheartedness to keep you turning the pages.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I wouldn't usually choose a book with illness at the forefront of the plot, but I'm so glad I opted to read this one. Although the subject matter of a terminal illness is sad, the story managed not to veer into depressive territory, and I found it incredibly poignant and thought provoking. I loved the characters and the tranquil setting of the priory, and thought the author did a really good job of evoking the sadness that accompanies such a tragic event whilst still retaining the necessary lightheartedness to keep you turning the pages.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2019
Such a lovely poignant book to read. I hadn’t read the description before I started it. Just liked the look of the book. I was not disappointed one iota. Lovely storyline. Flowed well and was easy to read. Though the storyline included a sadness it didn’t dominate the entire book which is good. I might not have read it if I’d seen the description so was glad of that.
December 30, 2018
A thought provoking tale, of love, life, family and friendship. One that had me on the verge of tears. I really loved this beautiful book and will recommend it to all that will listen.
January 11, 2022
"One of the hardest lessons to learn in life was how to turn tomorrow into today. Harrie hoped she'd learned how to do it."
What would you do if you had one summer left?
When Harriet Greenleaf books a six week vacation at Melbury Priory off the Somerset coast, it’s a chance to reconnect with her lifelong friends, Audrey and Lisa who she hasn’t seen in six years. Unbeknownst to her friends however, Harriet is hiding a terrible secret. A secret that threatens to change their lives forever…
Set against a stunning backdrop, The Last Summer is a compelling, heartbreaking and inspiring story about three lifelong friends reconnecting over the course of one summer in a last hurrah.
First to arrive is Audrey—the workaholic who’s heading for a heart attack unless she slows down and makes time for herself. Then Lisa, the would be actress and yoga enthusiast who’s always struggled to commit to anyone—or anything. Complimenting the three main characters are Harriet’s daughter Honor, their housekeeper Mrs Ryder and my favourite, the gruff and enigmatic Samson Haverstock who happens to be renovating the Priory during their stay.
Although the underlying subject matter is admittedly somber, this isn’t a book about illness but rather a celebration of life as the three friends rediscover what it means to be there for each other before they face the hardest of goodbyes.
The plot is pensive, charming and bittersweet. It’s about coming to grips with mortality - it’s underlying message being to live life to the fullest and a reminder that friendship is unconditional and enduring.
Beautifully written and incredibly uplifting, this book had me weeping and smiling in equal measure. It was my first introduction to the author and it won’t be my last.
Jan Cramer’s narration was clear and concise with excellent pacing. I felt that her voice was perfect for the tone of the novel.
What would you do if you had one summer left?
When Harriet Greenleaf books a six week vacation at Melbury Priory off the Somerset coast, it’s a chance to reconnect with her lifelong friends, Audrey and Lisa who she hasn’t seen in six years. Unbeknownst to her friends however, Harriet is hiding a terrible secret. A secret that threatens to change their lives forever…
Set against a stunning backdrop, The Last Summer is a compelling, heartbreaking and inspiring story about three lifelong friends reconnecting over the course of one summer in a last hurrah.
First to arrive is Audrey—the workaholic who’s heading for a heart attack unless she slows down and makes time for herself. Then Lisa, the would be actress and yoga enthusiast who’s always struggled to commit to anyone—or anything. Complimenting the three main characters are Harriet’s daughter Honor, their housekeeper Mrs Ryder and my favourite, the gruff and enigmatic Samson Haverstock who happens to be renovating the Priory during their stay.
Although the underlying subject matter is admittedly somber, this isn’t a book about illness but rather a celebration of life as the three friends rediscover what it means to be there for each other before they face the hardest of goodbyes.
The plot is pensive, charming and bittersweet. It’s about coming to grips with mortality - it’s underlying message being to live life to the fullest and a reminder that friendship is unconditional and enduring.
Beautifully written and incredibly uplifting, this book had me weeping and smiling in equal measure. It was my first introduction to the author and it won’t be my last.
Jan Cramer’s narration was clear and concise with excellent pacing. I felt that her voice was perfect for the tone of the novel.
February 1, 2019
This novel was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It also hit very close to home, as I am about the age of the three main characters. I spent a good bit of the end of the book teary-eyed. Harrie, Audrey, and Lisa have been friends for almost 30 years. They haven’t been together as much the past few years and Harrie decides to rent a large, beautiful old house in the English countryside where they can spend the summer together, enjoying each other and their time together.
This was a beautifully written novel that deals with a subject that could be difficult or depressing, but the author did a wonderful job of keeping it out of that realm, while, at the same time, keeping it realistic. Victoria Connelly’s writing made me feel I was there with them and her characters were three-dimensional and felt like they could be anyone I knew. This novel has made an impression on me, giving me a lot to think about. It is going to linger in my thoughts for quite some time.
#OneLastSummer #VictoriaConnelly #LakeUnion
This was a beautifully written novel that deals with a subject that could be difficult or depressing, but the author did a wonderful job of keeping it out of that realm, while, at the same time, keeping it realistic. Victoria Connelly’s writing made me feel I was there with them and her characters were three-dimensional and felt like they could be anyone I knew. This novel has made an impression on me, giving me a lot to think about. It is going to linger in my thoughts for quite some time.
#OneLastSummer #VictoriaConnelly #LakeUnion
February 10, 2019
Such a beautiful story and quite an emotional read! As a cancer survivor myself, this book had me thinking how lucky i was. This is the second book that i have read by Victoria Connelly, the previous book being 'The Heart of the Garden'. Both books are excellent reads and cannot wait to read more by this author. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
February 24, 2019
Harriet has got a secret that she has been keeping from her two best friends Audrey and Lisa, she had terminal cancer and only has six months to live. She decides to rent an old priory on the Somerset coast for two weeks so that she can spend some time with them and tell them her sad news.
This is a bittersweet novel about old friends reconnecting and spending time together in sad circumstances but we get to know all of the characters and their stories and the setting is fabulous
This is a bittersweet novel about old friends reconnecting and spending time together in sad circumstances but we get to know all of the characters and their stories and the setting is fabulous
February 8, 2019
This is a nice story about three lifelong friends reconnecting for the summer. Although the story was set in Britain, the story is universal. I liked the characters and could identify with parts of each of them.
I "won" a copy of this book - thanks to Goodreads. It was an easy read and very entertaining.
I "won" a copy of this book - thanks to Goodreads. It was an easy read and very entertaining.
May 3, 2019
Beautiful and raw story of a woman, Harrett, who has terminal cancer and decides to rent a castle for the summer and spend it with her two best friends. Her friends do not know of her illness and her goal is the make lasting memories while she can.
Life lessons and a positive outlook are Harriett's mission.
Life lessons and a positive outlook are Harriett's mission.
January 7, 2019
One Last Summer is a sad story about last chances. While the story is touching and relatable, it's too depressing for my taste.
April 6, 2023
A great read . A book you couldn’t put down .
April 19, 2019
Harrie, Audrey and Lisa met at university, studying to be teachers. Their friendship was secured at that point, and no matter how much time elapsed between get-togethers, they all knew that they'd have each others' back.As the book began six years had passed since the women last met up. And for Harrie, life had delivered her the mightiest of blows. Having had breast cancer a few years earlier, she then went into remission, but now it was back - and this time it was terminal.The time had come for her to tell her best friends, and so she booked the Priory for them to spend one last summer together. But telling her friends was not as easy as she thought it would be. You might wonder why she hadn't mentioned it before, but Harrie is the kind of person who wants to spare them from the upset, trauma and awkwardness of having a friend with cancer. She fully admits she would have kept it from her daughter too, had she not needed her help and support.Now at the Priory, the three women immediately resumed where they left off, catching up on the last six years - except Harrie was still not forthcoming. On hearing her friends reveal their own issues, she felt she simply couldn't 'dump' the bad news on them, and decided to stay quiet.Audrey had started her own school, and was obsessed with work - she couldn't switch off, no matter how many times she was chided for checking her emails (yes, she brought her laptop with her!) All work and no play was about to take its toll, and when Audrey collapsed with a later-diagnosed heart problem, Harrie knew she was right to stay quiet.Lisa, on the other hand, was struggling to find something in life that really excited her. Working as a supply teacher paid the bills, but she hated the fact she was still renting her house - at her age! Harrie knew Lisa's mum had died from cancer and she was fully aware how this had affected her, despite it being many years ago. This was another reason for Harrie's decision to not tell them.But Harrie hadn't banked on her daughter, Honor, struggling with the idea that her mum's original plan had fallen by the wayside because she (Harrie) was too concerned for her own friends' feelings.Wow! Harrie was really that strong, and Honor couldn't sit back and watch her mum fret over others when she felt it was her mum who deserved so much more in her final months.Another key player in getting Harrie to tell all was Mrs Ryder, the housekeeper / cook, whose brusque manner initially put the fear of God in the three women. Mrs Ryder was a no-nonsense woman, and her constant criticisms of Harrie's vegan diet brought moments of humour and absolute clarity to the story. She recognised Harrie as an ill woman, and made her a meat pie because she needed 'building up'.When Harrie finally came clean, Audrey felt guilty for having not been there for her friend, and Lisa retreated into her own world, recalling how her mother's death had impacted her life. Over time, the three women finally came to terms with Harrie's fate, and they spent the remainder of the holiday living life to the full - their final party was a joy!There were a few subplots that ran alongside the main story that gave it even more impetus. Harrie befriended the stonemason, Samson, who was restoring the Priory during their stay. Their friendship was subtle, sweet and made me wish Harrie had more time. Together, they explored old churches and enjoyed each other's company.By the end, all three women had been changed dramatically by that summer holiday. Audrey began to see that maybe the school - and all the work that came with it - was not really the best thing for her health or her marriage. Her husband, Mike, was a sweetheart, and had plans of moving out of London and back to the coast. Audrey, however, had been blind to his ideas - until now.Lisa, who enjoyed yoga and often practised in the grounds of the Priory caught the attention of the young gardener. Her nurturing of him and his back pain, as well as encouraging him to follow his dreams, led to her finally realising that she should take her own advice. Supported by Audrey and Harrie, she too found herself a new future, doing something she loved.For both Audrey and Lisa, none of this would have been possible if Harrie had not booked that long summer break. and they both knew she would approve of the changes they ultimately made.Oops, did I mention how stunning the Priory was? Beautifully brought to life by the author, making me feel like a guest there myself.If only!This is the kind of inspiring book that really has an impact on its readers - me, included. The strong message to follow your dreams and do what make you happy resonated with me totally.
Thank you Harrie, and the author too, because the future is not something any of us can guarantee.
Thank you Harrie, and the author too, because the future is not something any of us can guarantee.
April 15, 2019
One Last Summer was an AMAZING read, really and truly. Here, we have a story filled with friendship and laughter, hopes and dreams, and that dreaded gray area in our futures called...THE FUTURE. No one knows what it will hold, and no amount of planning can truly prepare up for it...especially when cards are dealt that we weren't counting on. Yes, we're talking the big "C" here, my friends, but before you go getting all emotional over it...I beg you to stave off the raw emotions and go with the story because it's not really about the big "C", but rather about how we choose to live our lives after its grand reveal. What we do with our time, how we share the burden, the coping mechanisms employed, the bucket lists put into action...basically how we choose to LIVE.
Harrie is a STRONG woman, so much more so than her body might portray, but even that is made of stronger stuff than you might imagine. The amount of heart this woman has is incredible. Audrey, the best friend and workaholic, was having a hard time coming to terms with all that was changing in her life, so much so that it was starting to catch up. Through the midst of all that, she was still on point when first arriving for their summer together...she was in tune to Harrie which was heartwarming, but not herself. Lisa was a sweetheart...strong, stubborn, living life in the moment, and yet so affected by her own past that she literally shut herself down when the going got more than tough. It didn't make her any less in my eyes, but I shared her pain as she tried to resurface for herself and for Harrie. Then there are the supporting characters like Honor (Harrie's daughter), Samson (the stonemason), Mrs. Ryder (the initially abrasive, but caring housekeeper/cook), and so many more that play vital roles in the lives of these characters. The good just keeps coming.
Though this could simply be a story filled with tears of sadness, it reaches over those initial boundaries and pulls out the beauty that can be found in TRULY LIVING with grace, with love, and with friendship. Sad that it can take an "end of life" sentence to give us that push towards embracing the every day, but perhaps it's a lesson we can carry forth from the pages of fiction to our own lives and live fully as ourselves. Recommended whole-heartedly for fans of Women's Fiction, Fiction, and Contemporary Romance.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
Harrie is a STRONG woman, so much more so than her body might portray, but even that is made of stronger stuff than you might imagine. The amount of heart this woman has is incredible. Audrey, the best friend and workaholic, was having a hard time coming to terms with all that was changing in her life, so much so that it was starting to catch up. Through the midst of all that, she was still on point when first arriving for their summer together...she was in tune to Harrie which was heartwarming, but not herself. Lisa was a sweetheart...strong, stubborn, living life in the moment, and yet so affected by her own past that she literally shut herself down when the going got more than tough. It didn't make her any less in my eyes, but I shared her pain as she tried to resurface for herself and for Harrie. Then there are the supporting characters like Honor (Harrie's daughter), Samson (the stonemason), Mrs. Ryder (the initially abrasive, but caring housekeeper/cook), and so many more that play vital roles in the lives of these characters. The good just keeps coming.
Though this could simply be a story filled with tears of sadness, it reaches over those initial boundaries and pulls out the beauty that can be found in TRULY LIVING with grace, with love, and with friendship. Sad that it can take an "end of life" sentence to give us that push towards embracing the every day, but perhaps it's a lesson we can carry forth from the pages of fiction to our own lives and live fully as ourselves. Recommended whole-heartedly for fans of Women's Fiction, Fiction, and Contemporary Romance.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
January 30, 2019
ARC received by Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
DNF at 20%.
I don't know but this story is not for me. It's too sad and disturbing and the plot basically has nothing to offer except the friendship of the three leads.
You kind of know from the start what would happen at the end. I tried to connect with the story but nothing happened at all. The story is so slow and depresses the mood completely and there seems to be no reason to continue reading because I can predict easily what happens next.
DNF at 20%.
I don't know but this story is not for me. It's too sad and disturbing and the plot basically has nothing to offer except the friendship of the three leads.
You kind of know from the start what would happen at the end. I tried to connect with the story but nothing happened at all. The story is so slow and depresses the mood completely and there seems to be no reason to continue reading because I can predict easily what happens next.
February 27, 2019
I appreciate the opportunity to pre-read One Last Summer and liked the premise of bringing friends together for a final time; however, I found the book predictable and ultimately, it didn't reach me emotionally as I thought it might. I enjoyed the book while reading it but two days after finishing it, I had to look at the synopsis to recall the book. Having said this, I think this is a book that will find an audience and be enjoyed by many and for that reason, I'm giving it a higher star score.
April 19, 2019
Ahhh this was a beautifully written story of the love, friendship and the meaning of Girlfriends.
So emotional and thought provoking.
I loved this book and everything about it, the locale, the characters and just the entire storyline.
I definitely plan to read more from this author.
So emotional and thought provoking.
I loved this book and everything about it, the locale, the characters and just the entire storyline.
I definitely plan to read more from this author.
February 17, 2019
Publisher's description: "Harriet Greenleaf dreams of spending the summer in a beautiful ancient priory on the Somerset coast with her two best friends—but her dream is bittersweet. On the one hand, it’s a chance to reconnect three lives that have drifted apart; on the other, she has a devastating secret to share that will change everything between them forever.
"First to arrive is Audrey—the workaholic who’s heading for a heart attack unless she slows down and makes time for herself. Then Lisa, the happy-go-lucky flirt who’s always struggled to commit to anyone—or anything. Ever the optimist, can Harriet remind them of the joy in their lives and the importance of celebrating good friendship before it’s gone?
"Through the highs and lows of a long, glorious summer, these three women will rediscover what it means to be there for each other—before they face the hardest of goodbyes."
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I have seen all the positive reviews. I wanted to like it based on the description, but I wasn't impressed. We know from the outset how this book is going to end. Harrie has terminal cancer, and she wants to spend her last summer with her two best friends, Audrey and Lisa. I expected this to be three friends spending their days reminiscing, thinking about the good times they had, the challenges they experienced, reliving their time as friends. Instead, it felt like they spent more time apart than together. It felt depressing and preachy instead of introspective, and I just didn't enjoy it.
I also have to wonder where on earth Harrie earned what seems a ridiculous amount of money for a teacher and a single mom. Even if she saved every spare penny, the amount she spent to rent out a priory for the entire summer, to lavish her friends with gifts. And at one point, she tells her friends about all of the things on her bucket list that she did with her daughter after her first diagnosis. I just can't believe it. I know healthcare in the UK is different than in the US, so she wouldn't have had those expenses, but it's not like teachers in the UK make a ton of money.
I'm sure there are others who will love this, but it was definitely not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
"First to arrive is Audrey—the workaholic who’s heading for a heart attack unless she slows down and makes time for herself. Then Lisa, the happy-go-lucky flirt who’s always struggled to commit to anyone—or anything. Ever the optimist, can Harriet remind them of the joy in their lives and the importance of celebrating good friendship before it’s gone?
"Through the highs and lows of a long, glorious summer, these three women will rediscover what it means to be there for each other—before they face the hardest of goodbyes."
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I have seen all the positive reviews. I wanted to like it based on the description, but I wasn't impressed. We know from the outset how this book is going to end. Harrie has terminal cancer, and she wants to spend her last summer with her two best friends, Audrey and Lisa. I expected this to be three friends spending their days reminiscing, thinking about the good times they had, the challenges they experienced, reliving their time as friends. Instead, it felt like they spent more time apart than together. It felt depressing and preachy instead of introspective, and I just didn't enjoy it.
I also have to wonder where on earth Harrie earned what seems a ridiculous amount of money for a teacher and a single mom. Even if she saved every spare penny, the amount she spent to rent out a priory for the entire summer, to lavish her friends with gifts. And at one point, she tells her friends about all of the things on her bucket list that she did with her daughter after her first diagnosis. I just can't believe it. I know healthcare in the UK is different than in the US, so she wouldn't have had those expenses, but it's not like teachers in the UK make a ton of money.
I'm sure there are others who will love this, but it was definitely not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2019
A beautiful, sensitive and thought-provoking read about who we really want to spend time with when we know that our time is limited. This also hit very close to home as the ladies in the book are only very slightly younger than I am and these types of issues are similar to the ones that I’m having to think about rather more than I’d like to these days!
Harrie has booked a summer holiday at a gorgeous old priory that’s being restored on the Somerset coast and has invited her two oldest, closest friends to spend it with her. But she has an ulterior motive: this will be the last summer that she gets to see and she wants to take this opportunity for them to reconnect, reminisce and recapture their unique, special friendship.
This is such a poignant and relevant story that raises all those ‘what if?’ questions we tend to avoid. Written with empathy but managing not become over-emotional and gushy, Connelly writes about the depth of female friendships and the lengths that women go to for each other, through thick and thin, no matter what. The friendships that we form with our girlfriends cannot be explained or understood. Regardless of disagreements, misunderstandings, upset and anger, when push comes to shove, we know who we can count on and who will be there for us. The author captures all of this perfectly here and you will find yourself nodding your head as you read, with tears streaming silently down your face.
I found such a touch of melancholy in the contrast between the restoration being done on the Priory, compared to the decline in Harrie’s life. Something was being restored and renewed, whereas her life was waning, coming to an end and the same couldn’t be done for her.
Although the underlying subject matter is admittedly grim, this isn’t a book about illness. It’s not depressing or dull in any way. It is a celebration of life and of friendship. It reminds us to live each day and to revel and rejoice, not only on special, large occasions but also in the small everyday things. Appreciate what we have and who we have, and never take anything for granted. Tell the people in our lives that we love them, and what they mean to us, without expecting anything in return.
A sunny, bright 5 stars for this beautiful life-affirming book!
Harrie has booked a summer holiday at a gorgeous old priory that’s being restored on the Somerset coast and has invited her two oldest, closest friends to spend it with her. But she has an ulterior motive: this will be the last summer that she gets to see and she wants to take this opportunity for them to reconnect, reminisce and recapture their unique, special friendship.
This is such a poignant and relevant story that raises all those ‘what if?’ questions we tend to avoid. Written with empathy but managing not become over-emotional and gushy, Connelly writes about the depth of female friendships and the lengths that women go to for each other, through thick and thin, no matter what. The friendships that we form with our girlfriends cannot be explained or understood. Regardless of disagreements, misunderstandings, upset and anger, when push comes to shove, we know who we can count on and who will be there for us. The author captures all of this perfectly here and you will find yourself nodding your head as you read, with tears streaming silently down your face.
I found such a touch of melancholy in the contrast between the restoration being done on the Priory, compared to the decline in Harrie’s life. Something was being restored and renewed, whereas her life was waning, coming to an end and the same couldn’t be done for her.
Although the underlying subject matter is admittedly grim, this isn’t a book about illness. It’s not depressing or dull in any way. It is a celebration of life and of friendship. It reminds us to live each day and to revel and rejoice, not only on special, large occasions but also in the small everyday things. Appreciate what we have and who we have, and never take anything for granted. Tell the people in our lives that we love them, and what they mean to us, without expecting anything in return.
A sunny, bright 5 stars for this beautiful life-affirming book!
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