Snow in Summer

Lantern Creek #2

by Laura Kemp

It's been a year since Justine Cook defeated an immortal enemy that hunted her family for generations. Settling into a peaceful life with her boyfriend in the small town of Lantern Creek, Michigan, she hopes to escape the events of the summer before. But the past won't let go so easily. When a woman named Amanda Bennett survives a fall from a cliff on Mackinac Island, it triggers a series of events that reawakens the past. Soon Justine and her brother are pulled into a mystery that threatens to destroy the life they have worked so hard to create. As people begin to die, people only Amanda Bennett can see, Justine must race against time to destroy a dark power she thought she had buried the summer before.

Unknown Binding

First published September 28, 2022

About the author

Laura is a teacher who loves to write about her home state of Michigan. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University where she studied under Stuart Dybek, and has had her short fiction and poetry published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Word Riot, Tonopalah Review, SaLit and SLAB: Sound and Literary Art Book. “The Pursuit of Happiness,” – a short story she wrote while at WMU, was chosen as a finalist in the Trial Balloon Fiction Contest.
When not writing, Laura enjoys musical theatre, hiking, swimming, reading and performing with her Celtic band- Si Bhaeg Si Mohr. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and children as well as her dog, two hamsters, two gerbils, ten chickens, two horses and eight (and counting) cats.
Laura loves to connect with readers on her blog: laurakemp.author@blogspot.com (Sea Legs on Land), as well as on Facebook, Twitter (@LKempWrites) and Instagram. (lkempwrites)

'Evening in the Yellow Wood' recently received a Bronze Medal in the Readers' Favorite annual book contest, and will be featured in the 2019 Miami Book Fair.

Reviews

[Denise Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Snow In Summer by author, Laura Kemp
ARC
Expected release: November 18, 2020

It's been a long wait~ but worth every minute.

A century old mystery advances from the shadows as the lines begin to blur between real and the unreal in the most unique way that I've come to know and love from this Award-winning author.

Full of atmosphere and adventure, Snow In Summer makes itself known from the very beginning with its addicting layers that pull you from present day, and with the snap of a finger, plunge you into the dark hollows of the paranormal and evils of the past. Within the shadows, haunts, the universal bonds of love, friendship and family, this companion novel in the Lantern Creek Series takes the reader into a world created with a steady heartbeat of the emotional, the mystifying, and the fierce.

Ms. Kemp has delivered the perfect genre-bending sequel to her debut novel, Evening in the Yellow Wood, by pushing the envelope even further into the depths of the deliciously nightmarish world which refuses to release itself from the the characters you've come to know and love, and those you've yet to meet.

A fight for survival that will leave you unhinged and waiting with baited breath for what the author will gift to her readers next ...

I thank Ms. Kemp for my advanced copy of Snow In Summer~ A story that kept me on the edge of my seat through each and every mind-bending twist!

5 Stars

#SnowInSummer
#LauraKemp

Wild Sage Book Blog

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Book Two in the Yellow Wood Series, and this sophomore novel was fantastic! I absolutely adored the dynamics between Justine and Dylan. And I got my second dose of Mallard Brauski, so that was fun!
In Snow in Summer, you once again get a little bit of everything. There’s romance, family drama, relationship issues, suspense, and paranormal activity. You seriously cannot go wrong with this novel.
I highly recommend this novel, especially if you are a fellow Michigander and enjoy a Mackinac Island setting. I am already anxiously awaiting Book Three!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Yellow Wood series and Laura Kemp has given her readers another exciting look at the characters from Book 1 as they fight against the evil that they thought had been destroyed a year earlier. It's a real page turner and a moody story set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan which has an atmosphere of its own.

Justine thought that she had defeated her family's mortal enemy the year before. She wants to have a quiet life in the woods with her boyfriend and live happily ever after. However, things begin to happen that point to another round of problems. Her non verbal brother starts mentally communicating with her and she begins to have visions similar to what happened to her earlier. Her boyfriend tries to keep her safe but she knows that she has to face her enemy to protect her family no matter how dangerous it is for her.

I usually don't read paranormal fiction but Laura Kemp has changed my mind - this is an exciting page turning book that will keep your heart pounding until the end!

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding, captivating, compelling—Snow in Summer kept me on the edge of my seat, my heart in my throat, pulse-pounding. There are so many incredible layers to this novel: suspense, paranormal, and time travel all combine with a heartfelt story of love, family, and forgiveness. Justine and Dylan, as well as the rest of the characters, are multi-dimensional and complex. I was completely wrapped up in their personal lives as well as the mysteries and danger that enveloped them. This book is moody and atmospheric, and the setting adds to its allure. Snow in Summer is the sequel to the author’s debut novel, Evening in the Yellow Wood. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, however I encourage you to read the first book, so that you can fully appreciate this story and its characters.

[Susan The Book Dragon Campton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Evening, My Fellow Book Dragons. Welcome to Mystery Monday. It has turned rather chilly here in Appalachia, I hope you are staying warm and cozy where you are and that your hearth is cheery. This evening’s Gem is the color of alabaster with green-gold lines running through. Like the color of young plants pushing up through snow. This is Gem Maker and Dragon Feeder Laura Kemp’s latest in the Yellow Wood Series: Snow In Summer, her second book and thank goodness not her last.

Justine is back, as is Dylan, Mom Brenda and Best Friend Holly (it wouldn’t be the same without Holly, would it?) and dear little Adam and his Mama Pam. And there are some brand new characters to meet this time. If you have not read “Evening in the Yellow Wood” please do not read past this point. I don’t do spoilers, but in order to review this book I am going to talk about a few things you haven’t discovered yet.

Brenda has moved on and met a new man! We get to meet him here. And it looks like Justine may be in for some step-siblings if things work out, but we will have to wait and see.

This time around, Justine is settling into a quiet life with Dylan after their adventure together in “Evening in the Yellow Wood”. She’s working double shifts and he’s back in college. Life is hectic, but good in the way it often is when we are young and starting out. Then one night Justine dreams of her father. Here we are introduced to a young woman her father calls “our little bird”. Justine watches as she jumps off a bridge that her father says “goes backwards”. He tells Justine to find her and help her. This is where things begin to get exciting, because the supernatural is back and Justine and Adam are about to be drawn into another adventure. Meanwhile, Dylan, even though he shared the dream, wants no part in it because he fears for Justine’s safety.

Once again, our dear Miss Kemp has built us a Mystery with all kinds of surprises. Clues, supernatural beings and messengers, human monsters, romance, heroes and heroines. How could you not love this book! And here is the very best part! It releases this WEDNESDAY!

If you go to Facebook and look for Kemp’s Camp and join up, she’s having a bit of a party that day! One you will not want to miss! So go to Amazon or your favorite bookseller now and get your copy pre-ordered and then go to Facebook and get added to her page for this amazing Release Party!

Until tomorrow I remain, your humble Book Dragon,

Drakon T. Longwitten

I received a copy of this book from #pandamoon publishing. My opinions are my own and I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.

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[Elida Liederbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Evening in the Yellow Wood series with Justine Cook trying to solve the mysteries of her family that goes back many generations continues to bring her and those around her in danger. Snow in Summer brings Justine and her brother Adam right back in the folds of having to take care of those around them from dying at the hands of a past killer. I am not usually a paranormal reader, but can say I enjoyed the fast paced story of Snow In Summer. It has adventure, romance, and drama, as it unveils the secrets of the past! What I enjoy about these characters, is that they actually just want to be normal and keep getting brought back into the folds of villains in their family history.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of receiving an Advanced Reader Copy of Snow In Summer and couldn't put the book down. From the first page on, the reader is pulled back into Justine and Dylan's world. The story is fast-paced, with raw emotions emerging as the main characters try to move on from the events a year ago and as they struggle with their new circumstances.
We reconnect with familiar characters, and we meet new characters, who are keeping us on our toes until the final page.
There were quite a few passages where I was convinced I had the story all figured out, only to find out that another curveball was thrown at the reader and the suspense was cranked up yet another notch.
All characters are well developed, the descriptions of places and locations are superb, and it's easy to get lost in this wonderful book.
Snow In Summer is the sequel to Evening in the Yellow Wood and can easily be read as a stand-alone, but for your reading pleasure and to get more detailed background information about events from the previous book, I recommend also reading Evening in the Yellow Wood.

[Jessilyn Troyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a amazing sequel to Evening in the Yellow Wood. A novel with my some of favorite things.... suspense, paranormal activity, mystery and even love and the obstacles that come with it. Not to mention it takes place in Northern Michigan ,the UP and Mackinaw Island. My Michigan trifecta Thank you Laura for the ARC, it was a truly enjoyable read.

[Shanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. Superb pacing, an action-packed plot, and multi-dimensional characters mingle to produce literary perfection as rare as actual snow in summer.

I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book in the series, which I also loved. I was engrossed in every aspect of these characters and their journey. The ending shocked me, and I cannot wait for the final installment of this unique series.

I also loved that the author took the time and space to thank readers and book bloggers who have helped her in the acknowledgment section. As a fellow writer, I recognized so many names that have also supported me. We couldn't do what we love without readers, and I think Laura is a class act for thanking so many of them in her book.

5+++++++ stars!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Kemp, Author of “Snow in Summer” has written an intense, suspenseful, unique, and captivating sequel in “The Evening in the Yellow Wood Series”. “Snow in Summer” is a chilling thriller that can be read alone, but is better appreciated when the first book in the series is read. The genres for this novel are Paranormal, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, and Romance. The timeline for this story continues in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events. The author describes her unusual characters as complex, complicated, and full of suspense.

In this second book, Justine Cook tries to avoid thinking of the summer before, when she had to fight an immortal enemy. There is often a feeling of deja-vu, and often tales of local folk-lore come into play. Justine is now living with her boyfriend Dylan, who is studying to be a teacher. They reside in a small house in Lantern Creek Michigan. She finds she is physically strong and has a non-verbal means of communication with her young brother Adam. When a young woman, Amanda Bennett is in the hospital, after a fall from Mackinac Island, Adam reaches out to his sister Justine for help. It seems that many of the previous problems were not resolved and there is something dark and sinister that still is at play. Justine realizes that time is of the essence. What she doesn’t realize is that danger and death are surrounding her, and others. I would highly recommend this intriguing and thrilling book to others. I hope there will be another book in this series!

[Cindy Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being an advance copy reader. What a wild ride! Justine picks up a year later, in love with her hunky boyfriend Dylan, and daily discovering the ups and down of a live-in relationship. Something's not right, though, and her dad lets her know from beyond that her help is needed because there's still some bad magic going on.
Justine and her brother Adam are a team, since Adam's nonverbal but has plenty to say telepathically. He needs her to help someone in the grip of the mess from last summer...and fast! Of course, this involves a young lady; her nasty fiancee, and her hunky boyfriend...and those two are not the same person!
I'm in awe of how Justine takes a licking. a browbeating, and a lot of physical abuse to help save others while she works to iron out the messes constantly thrown in her lap.
The moms in the story have their own angles, and I'm glad about that, as a mom. Meanwhile, the supernatural, paranormal, romantic, MI-centric book takes us everywhere we need to go to help Justine tie up loose ends...with a twist at the end which includes my favorite genre of all--time travel!
Get ready to discover you've been holding your breath and reading way too fast in order to discover what comes next. Make a meal in advance, tell everyone you're busy, and don't scare the cat off your lap when you jump from the surprises in the action. You won't be able to put it down.

[Nancy Timmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sequel to “Evening in the Yellow Wood!” Book 2, “Snow In Summer” had my emotions in a whirl like a beautiful marbled bead. My heart raced. My hands gripped. My eyes opened wide. I completely lost myself in this incredible story of love, family, the paranormal, and time travel. My mind was immersed in a mix of happiness, sadness and breathlessness! I loved stepping into the woods of Michigan; smelling the scent of pine and hearing the twigs snap under my feet. To say the least, the scenes were set perfectly throughout the story.

This. Story. Has. It. All!

Justine and Dylan continue being the cutest couple. As Dylan says, “Life is so good right now.” But, life takes a turn when danger and suspense looms nearby; testing their relationship.

The author, Laura Kemp has done it again! I continue to be wowed by her writing and narrative skills. I highly recommend “Snow In Summer” for those looking for a riveting story. I know this book will stay with me for a long while!

~I am so grateful to receive an advance reader's copy from the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.~

[Devan Boals · Rating 5 out of 5]

A year after the paranormal battle of their lifetime, life has gone back to normal for Dylan and Justine— or so it seems. Repetitive nightmares and visions begin tormenting Justine as she attempts to cling to the mundane life that her boyfriend so desperately needs. But as fate would have it, they become impossible to ignore, and the pair— accompanied by the usual suspects and a few new faces— are flung into a century’s old conflict with some modern twists.

Love, scandal, murder, and everlasting life. There’s nothing that Snow in Summer lacks (except maybe a third book in the trilogy *wink wink*). Laura Kemp has done what many authors view as the impossible— written a sequel that is equally as riveting, engaged, and action-packed as the original, if not more so! My head will be spinning with visions of that old farm until we have the third novel in our hands. Bravo!

[Heather L. Nordenbrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic sequel to "Evening in the Yellow Wood", this book is a whirlwind of suspense, mystery, and the paranormal wrapped up in family, forgiveness, and forging your own path. An emotional roller coaster that leaves the reader as breathless as Justine as she races to arrive in time to right the wrongs, not only of her past, but of a past of a hundred years before which set everything in motion. The biggest cliffhanger of all is reserved for the end of the book, leaving a longing to read the next book (which I hope will come out soon!) As a side note, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, as it will add to your understanding of the background/past events, though it's probably ok as a stand-alone book, as well.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit for Laura Kemp!

Snow in Summer is a continuation of the story of Henry Younts and Justine Cook’s past lives that Justine barely learned about the previous year. Her boyfriend Dylan has always just wanted their life’s to be normal but how far are either one willing to go?

Amanda is a young lady who just wants her and her mom’s life to be taken care of without having to bow to her grandparents wishes. Her mom though just seems a bit lost dentally these days. How will they manage to go forward and how do Justine and Dylan play into their hands?

I was not expecting the ending and that makes me enjoy reading this author more. I will definitely be reading more of Kemp’s books in the future.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This follow-up is as good as the first!
It's been a year since Justine and her brother Adam fought off an enemy focused on destroying their family. After a non eventful year of relationship bliss, Justine and her boyfriend, Dylan share a dream that will change everything. Justine's dead father tells her there is a girl she needs to find to figure out what she must do to defeat the evil entity once and for all. From here the tension and suspense ramps up to a nail biting level and doesn't let up.
Although this one probably can be read as a stand-alone, I suggest you start at the beginning as there are frequent referrals to the events in the previous book. This is a fast-paced story filled with compelling characters, adventure and some romance that keep it fun and interesting. While it does have a satisfying ending it leaves it open for the story to continue in a third installment, one I'm anxious to get my hands on.
.
Thank you to the author, Pandamoon Publishing and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Janene Decker-Rawlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to open the pages of Snow In Summer and jump right back into the lives of Justine and Dylan. I know that I need to allow ample time for reading when I open a book written by Laura Kemp because I just cannot put it down. Snow In Summer continues the story of Justine and Dylan who met through some rather interesting and suspenseful ways in Evening in the Yellow Woods. I love the way Laura Kemp intertwines the raw emotions that still linger after the intensity of their last escapade. These emotions carry Justine and Dylan through a rollercoaster of events, that tests their love for each other, while struggling to deal with new and old foes. It kept me engaged to the very last page.
This book has mystery, danger, love, loss and villains. I would more than recommend Snow In Summer to anyone looking to sneak away from life for a while and become blissfully captivated in another world.

[Kerry Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another phenomenal work of art by Laura Kemp. Snow in Summer flawlessly picks up where Evening in the Yellow Wood left us, anxiously awaiting the next part of Justine's story. Snow in Summer takes the reader on an adventure filled journey rife with heart pounding moments, mystery, danger, and lots of heart. Ms. Kemp's characters spring to life so easily, you feel you know them personally; making the emotionally charged moments very real and relatable. This story is the perfect blend of humor, intrigue, mystery, romance and supernatural thrills that leaves you begging for more. Definitely worth reading.... you will not be disappointed!

[Jamie Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness! This is the second book in the series. It is just as good as the first one (maybe even better, if that is possible). Justine is back and she actually thought she had gotten rid of the enemy that plagued her family. She is content living in the woods with her boyfriend and really, finally enjoying life.
That is not the case...the enemy is back and even though her boyfriend wants to protect her, she knows that she is the only one that can do this. Also, her brother who doesn't speak, starts "talking" to her mentally. This is a great book and I won't give it away, but suffice it to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend it!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Cook is looking for anything but. the summer she's about to get, when a woman she doesn't know falls dramatically into her past. A haunting thriller of a mystery than runs a telepathic trail through upper Michigan and back to the whispering stone. Book 2 of the "Evening of the Yellow Wood" series has action, adventure & intrigue and will leave you both interested and anxious for the next chapter -Book 3 in the trilogy. Mystery readers if you haven't read Laura Kemp yet let me just say you should be!

[Nola Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Kemp knocks it out of the park with her fast-paced sequel to Evening in the Yellow Wood. Blending a modern thriller with paranormal intensity and a splash of romance, she's created one hell of a ride. Set amidst her favorite places like Mackinac Island, she brings back some favorite characters as well as introducing some interesting new ones. Add to that an ending that makes you excited for the next book in the series and you have a book that absolutely must not be missed!

[Hayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow in Summer was an absolute page turner. We meet new characters and immediately fall in love with them. We learn more about Justine's haunting connection with the past. Every page leaves you thirsting for more. You will not regret picking this book up- just be sure to read Evening in the Yellow Wood first- the first in this series. Phenomenal- I cannot wait for the third book already.

[Tim Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Quick read. page turner. Laura blends elements of love/ romance in an action packed and suspense filled story. Continued mixture of paranormal yet realistic moments, enhanced by Laura’s humor. Strong development of several characters we have learned to love from “Evening In the Yellow Wood” And has introduction to several new ones. I would strongly recommend both of Laura’s books.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow In Summer is Book 2 of the Evening In The Yellow Wood Series and begins 1 year after Justine and Dylon defeat a immortal enemy ! Justine and Dylan are living a nice normal life in their first home together when the both have the same dream about a woman who fall of a cliff.. Dylan wants Justine to just forget all about the dream...that it’s nothing to worry about ..he does t want anything to interfere with the nice normal life they are living . But Justine just can’t do that ...she is worried that something is going on again that she needs to know more...this book is a fast paced book that combines paranormal ,suspense,mystery,romance all in 1 book ! Love this series and can’t wait to see what Laura writes next !

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the much anticipated follow up the the award winning first book, Evening In The Yellow Wood. I love loved that book. This can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading both. Justine and Dylan are now living together and settled in romantic bliss. I love that they are together and they had me screaming out loud for them in the first book. Danger and darkness is still lurking in this next installment. Justine's magical connection to her brother Adam and her special powers once again come out in full force. This was a fast paced, intense story of family and how the past can still haunt the present. Magical with a touch of paranormal and folklore. A romantic suspense so original and unique. Kemp has knocked it out of the park with this sequel. Well done. Far beyond my expectations. Both books will always be on my favorites list.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Rob Samborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Snow in Summer could not have been a better sequel. It's a joy to follow the continuing adventures of Justine, Dylan and the Cook family in this genre-blending mashup of romance, paranormal and light horror. Just when you thought the threats from Evening in the Yellow Wood were over, the baddy is back (trying not to write any spoilers here!). Laura Kemp ups the ante and elevates the stakes, characters and plot in every way. Somebody needs to make this series into a movie!

[De Fry-Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Kemp has done it again! This award winning author is a master at creating a plot that twists, turns and interweaves in this sequel to Evening in The Yellow Woods. This suspense filled novel is drizzled with unexpected romance and steeped in supernatural, paranormal mystery that binds a family through alternate universal levels.
Snow in the Summer takes place in a small town in northern Michigan where you will join Justine Cook on an adventure that draws you in from the beginning, takes you on a mind bending ride of emotions and leaves you in a state of relief and suspense while you crave her next sequel.

[Molly Vanzile · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Laura Kemp’s Evening in the Yellow Wood, I was anxiously waiting for the sequel, Snow in Summer. I was so very excited to get an advanced copy. I could not wait to open it and start reading! It picks up the exciting story of Justine and Dylan.
As I read the Prologue, I was like OMG!!! It gave me chills and I had to find out what happened! I could not put it down! It draws you in and you can not wait to see what happens next! It keeps you on the edge of your seat through to the very last page. Now I am anxiously waiting the third in the series!
Laura is evolving into quite an amazing author! I can not wait to read more from her!

[Amanda Hash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been waiting (im)patiently for this book since the moment I turned the final page of it's predecessor, Evening in the Yellow Wood, and I'm happy to say it was well worth the wait. I didn't know how Laura Kemp would be able to top her debut novel, but she definitely did-- this is a MUST READ for 2021.

Snow in Summer is absolutely phenomenal.

A haunting blend of romance, suspense, paranormal, and sheer literary beauty-- I couldn't put it down once I started, and have become so engrossed in these characters' lives that I cannot imagine how I am going to survive until the next book comes out. I didn't read this story so much as I FELT it: every one of Justine's emotions, every moment of fear, every spot of tenderness, every glimmer of hope. This is not a one-dimensional, run-of-the-mill novel that you'll read and then forget about. This is a masterpiece.

[Peggy Baber · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the book.I spend a lot of time on Machinaw Island and related to all the special places on the island. The story was exciting and at times heart pounding . It was hard to put down.