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Waratah Inn #3
The Summer Sisters
An instant USA Today bestseller!
Set against the backdrop of the golden sands and crystal clear waters of Cabarita Beach three sisters inherit an inn and discover a mystery about their grandmother's past that changes everything they thought they knew of their family...
Bindi Summer, the hard-working manager at The Waratah Inn is tired, feeling low, and wondering where her life is headed. Then, she is blind-sided by a shock revelation and the sudden arrival of her ex-boyfriend, who shows up at the inn, questioning his decision to leave her almost two years earlier.
When Josh Owens, an old high school crush, shows up out of the blue, all Bindi wants is to hunker down and ride out the storm, but Josh won't be put off so easily. In the midst of her chaotic life, it's Bindi's turn to read the journals Nan wrote years earlier, discovered by her sister Kate in an old wooden box.
The mystery of what happened to Charlie Jackson continues to unravel as his letters to Edie follow his journey from a teenager in love, to a pilot for the RAAF and beyond.
In this dramatic conclusion to the heartwarming saga, the three Summer sisters will finally learn the truth they've longed to uncover about their past, and why Nan kept so many secrets from them all these years.
A heartwarming journey from brokenness to wholeness for fans of Carolyn Brown, Lauren K. Denton, Rhys Bowen and Danielle Steele.
What readers are saying about The Summer
“Excellent reading. Hard to put the books down once you start . I have read the first 3 and about to order the 4th. But better clean the house before I start.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Bit of advice. Try to get all at once. And if you have anything else you need to do, do not get these books! Because you can’t stop reading!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"All are so good. Book #3, Thought I would bawl when it dawned on me! Wow! Loved them all. ” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I stayed up all night trying to figure out what was going to happen with Charlie! What a shock and what a wonderful story!!!! ” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“First time reading this author, but definitely not my last." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The stories are perfectly woven together. A great read." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"At 2 o'clock in the morning, I am sitting in bed reading about the way it FINALLY all comes together." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
" Loved, loved it! I was sad it ended!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"You do not want to miss this book." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set against the backdrop of the golden sands and crystal clear waters of Cabarita Beach three sisters inherit an inn and discover a mystery about their grandmother's past that changes everything they thought they knew of their family...
Bindi Summer, the hard-working manager at The Waratah Inn is tired, feeling low, and wondering where her life is headed. Then, she is blind-sided by a shock revelation and the sudden arrival of her ex-boyfriend, who shows up at the inn, questioning his decision to leave her almost two years earlier.
When Josh Owens, an old high school crush, shows up out of the blue, all Bindi wants is to hunker down and ride out the storm, but Josh won't be put off so easily. In the midst of her chaotic life, it's Bindi's turn to read the journals Nan wrote years earlier, discovered by her sister Kate in an old wooden box.
The mystery of what happened to Charlie Jackson continues to unravel as his letters to Edie follow his journey from a teenager in love, to a pilot for the RAAF and beyond.
In this dramatic conclusion to the heartwarming saga, the three Summer sisters will finally learn the truth they've longed to uncover about their past, and why Nan kept so many secrets from them all these years.
A heartwarming journey from brokenness to wholeness for fans of Carolyn Brown, Lauren K. Denton, Rhys Bowen and Danielle Steele.
What readers are saying about The Summer
“Excellent reading. Hard to put the books down once you start . I have read the first 3 and about to order the 4th. But better clean the house before I start.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Bit of advice. Try to get all at once. And if you have anything else you need to do, do not get these books! Because you can’t stop reading!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"All are so good. Book #3, Thought I would bawl when it dawned on me! Wow! Loved them all. ” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I stayed up all night trying to figure out what was going to happen with Charlie! What a shock and what a wonderful story!!!! ” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“First time reading this author, but definitely not my last." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The stories are perfectly woven together. A great read." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"At 2 o'clock in the morning, I am sitting in bed reading about the way it FINALLY all comes together." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
" Loved, loved it! I was sad it ended!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"You do not want to miss this book." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
360 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2020
3316 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Lilly Mirren
36 books309 followersLilly Mirren is a USA Today Bestselling women's and contemporary fiction author.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
February 6, 2020
I love this series! This is a beautifully written book that will tug on your heartstrings. It was an absolute joy to read and I highly recommend this entire series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 17, 2022
Third book in this series was another good summer read.
April 12, 2020
A wonderful read.
Life at Cabarita Beach in coastal New South Wales goes on for the three sisters, and this is Bindi's story. There are startling discoveries to be made, a new romance and a health scare.
Bindi continues reading her Nan's journals, and there are several flashbacks to the past with quite a few surprises.
Tissues were required during the reading of this fantastic story.
So very well written and entertaining from beginning to end. I am loving this series, the characters, and The Waratah Inn.
Life at Cabarita Beach in coastal New South Wales goes on for the three sisters, and this is Bindi's story. There are startling discoveries to be made, a new romance and a health scare.
Bindi continues reading her Nan's journals, and there are several flashbacks to the past with quite a few surprises.
Tissues were required during the reading of this fantastic story.
So very well written and entertaining from beginning to end. I am loving this series, the characters, and The Waratah Inn.
Read
August 31, 2020Third of a nice series, well written and interesting characters, sisters.
May 12, 2021
The third sister’s story concludes this three book series.
August 14, 2023
Perfect culmination of the series.
September 22, 2020
I couldn’t put this one down. Really good ending.
March 4, 2020
i enjoyed this book very much, first one i ever read from the author and will now look for more. it had lots of interesting and meaningful story lines, each character was well developed, not totally predictable, just a great fast read.
January 11, 2020
I've LOVED LOVED LOVED reading this series. The Summer sisters, each with her own challenges, has been an amazing journey, & I feel I've gotten to know each one of them as well as the other characters in the family. The Summer Sisters book is no exception--beautiful descriptions of the flora, the Inn, and characters. More mysteries unravel over Nan and Charlie until FINALLY--what a beautiful ending and answer to their many questions. I love how Nan (though deceased) and her journals, plus the Inn, brought each sister closer together to become family once more. What a HEA!! I highly recommend this clean romance set in Australia. I also recommend to begin reading the books in order to understand all that's going on. I received a complimentary ARC of The Summer Sisters and have voluntarily given this review reflecting my own opinion.
January 14, 2020
This series has covered the story of the three Summer sister's and their Nan's story, together with what happened to their grandfather during WW2. Flitting between their grandfather's escape from a prison camp in Italy, their Nan's journals from that time and their present time (the 1990s) it finally becomes clear what happened to him.
A heartwarming story, with vivid descriptions of the Waratah Inn and its area plus Italy during WW2 I've enjoyed all the books in the series and it is one of those books that you are both pleased to read the conclusion whilst regretting that you've finished the book.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review.
A heartwarming story, with vivid descriptions of the Waratah Inn and its area plus Italy during WW2 I've enjoyed all the books in the series and it is one of those books that you are both pleased to read the conclusion whilst regretting that you've finished the book.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review.
February 7, 2020
Surprising, heart-warming conclusion to beautiful trilogy
Wow. What an emotionally charged, satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. This book gives us Bindi’s story and I loved getting to know her better. It also finally solves the mystery of what happened to Charlie. There were some circumstances that I didn’t even consider that we learned of through the letters and journals. A twist at the end took me completely by surprise. The way I feel about the main characters and many of the secondary ones, and the beautifully detailed descriptions of the locations made me feel as though I lived at the inn. I learned things about WWII that I didn’t know, never having heard it from an Australian perspective before. This trilogy should be made into a tv mini-series.
Wow. What an emotionally charged, satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. This book gives us Bindi’s story and I loved getting to know her better. It also finally solves the mystery of what happened to Charlie. There were some circumstances that I didn’t even consider that we learned of through the letters and journals. A twist at the end took me completely by surprise. The way I feel about the main characters and many of the secondary ones, and the beautifully detailed descriptions of the locations made me feel as though I lived at the inn. I learned things about WWII that I didn’t know, never having heard it from an Australian perspective before. This trilogy should be made into a tv mini-series.
January 16, 2020
Epic Generational Women's Literature
This is a very satisfying end to the multi-book series, 'The Waratah Inn'. This could easily be made into a classy mini-series, not unlike 'The Thornbirds'. The story involves several generations and begins just before WWII. There is love and loss and beauty throughout each segment of the story. This final book ties up many loose ends. I was very satisfied with how and when it ended. Bravo! I am considering getting this series in hardback as I know that I will read it several more times. Also, I am excited to read this author's next series. I received this book for free from the author and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
This is a very satisfying end to the multi-book series, 'The Waratah Inn'. This could easily be made into a classy mini-series, not unlike 'The Thornbirds'. The story involves several generations and begins just before WWII. There is love and loss and beauty throughout each segment of the story. This final book ties up many loose ends. I was very satisfied with how and when it ended. Bravo! I am considering getting this series in hardback as I know that I will read it several more times. Also, I am excited to read this author's next series. I received this book for free from the author and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
February 1, 2020
Bindi is the last Summer sister to reveal her story. Waratah Inn holds hope for her future. She'd been fired from her job (no fault of hers), realized her boyfriend really only cared about what she could do for him, and facing a difficult medical diagnosis, Bindi finds refuge at the Inn. She and her sisters renovated the Inn, and Bindi now manages it. Following the thread of her grandmother's journals and the letters from her unknown grandfather, Bindi is the catalyst to reuniting her family. It was a fun trip through the stories of the sisters and to the dramatic conclusion. I wish there were more.
May 24, 2020
The Summer Sisters is Bindi's story. She is the third sister. The reader learns a great deal more about Bindi, Edie and Charlie. Bindi gets a visit from her ex and runs into an old high school crush. I am delighted for Bindi to get her story told. There is drama and some surprises in this well written book. It is a very satisfying conclusion to the lives of the Summer Sisters. You can enjoy this book even if you have not read the other two, but having read the other books doubled my pleasure!
January 16, 2020
Lilly Mirren weaves a story that keeps you wanting to read just one more page. This book concludes the trilogy of the Summer sisters very nicely. I received an ARC of this book and give this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2020
The story continues!
This book carries on the life of the sisters and the inn they now own. Wonderful book with explanation s of the past and the great things that happen to all the characters. Love this series!
This book carries on the life of the sisters and the inn they now own. Wonderful book with explanation s of the past and the great things that happen to all the characters. Love this series!
February 10, 2022
Historical Drama and Satisfying Closure
Following the three sisters Reeda, Kate, and Bindi, in the Waratah Inn series, as the story line edges closer and closer to an anticipated closure, can sometimes be an exercise in patience. It is also a lesson in character development and authenticity.
I guessed some outcomes, but was briefly surprised by others. As characters work through life setbacks, we see progress but feel and sense the time one needs to wrestle through healing and move forward in life.
Just when it seems that the protagonists finally catch a break from life’s tragedies, new struggles arise before them…true to life.
The author skillfully switches from historical narrative to a present narrative, and back again, as we follow the intersecting lives of genuinely interesting characters, set against the Australian coast and in rural Italy…to give the reader a bit of satisfying literary escape.
Following the three sisters Reeda, Kate, and Bindi, in the Waratah Inn series, as the story line edges closer and closer to an anticipated closure, can sometimes be an exercise in patience. It is also a lesson in character development and authenticity.
I guessed some outcomes, but was briefly surprised by others. As characters work through life setbacks, we see progress but feel and sense the time one needs to wrestle through healing and move forward in life.
Just when it seems that the protagonists finally catch a break from life’s tragedies, new struggles arise before them…true to life.
The author skillfully switches from historical narrative to a present narrative, and back again, as we follow the intersecting lives of genuinely interesting characters, set against the Australian coast and in rural Italy…to give the reader a bit of satisfying literary escape.
March 9, 2022
I had a hard time getting into this book but I continued reading to the end. The story takes place in Cabarita Beach three sisters inherit and inn and discover a mystery about their grandmothers past that changes everything they thought they knew of their family. Bindi Summers is feeling tired and low and wondering where her life is headed. Then she is blind sighted by a shock revelation and the sudden arrival of her ex boyfriend who showed up at the inn questioning his decision to leave her almost two years earlier. In the mist of her chaotic life its Bindi's turn to read the journal Nan wrote years earlier discovered by her sister Kate in an old wooden box. The mystery of what happened to charlie Jackson continues to unravel as his letters to Edie follow his journey from a teenager in love to a pilot in the RAAF and beyond. The three sisters will finally learn the truth they long to uncover about their past and why Nan kept so many secrets from them all these years.
August 24, 2020
I have enjoyed this series so much, but I definitely love Bindi's story the most. Being at the Inn, and dealing with real life issues made her easy to relate to. She is afraid to venture too far into the future, to commit and find that true happiness. Until she isn't! With cameos by her two sisters, we enjoy the real meaning of family. I also love the integration of their Grandmother and her first love, Charlie. What a love story Lilly Mirren has snuck in there with the girls and those diaries. It's one to enjoy, and the finale is absolutely heartwarming. Loved every minute!
Brigid Lohrey finishes out the series with her wonderful narration. It's consistent between books and and continues to bring each character to life. Her accents are spot on, and she tells the story with ease. It's a pleasure to listen to her.
Brigid Lohrey finishes out the series with her wonderful narration. It's consistent between books and and continues to bring each character to life. Her accents are spot on, and she tells the story with ease. It's a pleasure to listen to her.
April 20, 2024
For it's genre it is a 4. Certainly, this isn't a 4 out of all time. This is closure for the Waratah Inn series. There is one other, a Christmas story, but it is freestanding.
This book wraps everything up quite nicely. It was predictable but not sappy. The series is not cut and dried romance. The books deal with grief, loss, death, restoration, pain of infertility, war and other.
The description of coastal Australia is beautiful. I found myself looking up plants and flowers to get a picture in my head. The beach scenes are inviting.
I recommend this book if you enjoy series more tailored for women, some romance, exploration of human emotions, Australia, and decent writing.
This book wraps everything up quite nicely. It was predictable but not sappy. The series is not cut and dried romance. The books deal with grief, loss, death, restoration, pain of infertility, war and other.
The description of coastal Australia is beautiful. I found myself looking up plants and flowers to get a picture in my head. The beach scenes are inviting.
I recommend this book if you enjoy series more tailored for women, some romance, exploration of human emotions, Australia, and decent writing.
July 18, 2020
Outstanding book!
I believe that this is the best of the 3 stories of the Waratah Inn series! Of course, what makes it even better is reading book 1&2 to get to know these outstanding characters in your life. However, in book #3, there were so many turns in the story that were not expected, I could not put it down! Even as I was reading each chapter, I would think this or that would happen & something altogether different happened! I cried in parts of it. It is the BEST book I have read in quite some time. I am hooked on the author Lilly Mirren!
I believe that this is the best of the 3 stories of the Waratah Inn series! Of course, what makes it even better is reading book 1&2 to get to know these outstanding characters in your life. However, in book #3, there were so many turns in the story that were not expected, I could not put it down! Even as I was reading each chapter, I would think this or that would happen & something altogether different happened! I cried in parts of it. It is the BEST book I have read in quite some time. I am hooked on the author Lilly Mirren!
March 8, 2022
I was so disappointed. This was not a “It’s me, God” book. It was a coming of age story of two twelve year olds, summer sisters.
F Scott Fitzgerald could have invented Caitlin as she had the empty values of his heroines and wife.
Having been 12 to 17 once myself, I marveled that my growing up was nothing like theirs: drugs and sex and wanton abandon.
Represented as Blume’s first adult novel, I thought that it really wasn’t as one of the two summer sisters never grew up.
Not a success is my judgement.
F Scott Fitzgerald could have invented Caitlin as she had the empty values of his heroines and wife.
Having been 12 to 17 once myself, I marveled that my growing up was nothing like theirs: drugs and sex and wanton abandon.
Represented as Blume’s first adult novel, I thought that it really wasn’t as one of the two summer sisters never grew up.
Not a success is my judgement.
July 5, 2020
What happened to Charlie Jackson? That question is answered in book 3 The Summer Sisters. This book is mostly about Bindi. Bindi has a bad year, first she's given terrible news, then her ex boyfriend shows up saying he wants her back. She also meets Josh who tells her he was attracted to her even in high school, that turns out to be the best news. Lilly Mirren proceeds with the story of Bindi, Kate, and Reeda, Edy, and Charlie all is revealed and the ending is perfect.
September 1, 2020
This is the third book in the Waratah Inn Series, a women's fiction. Bindi's story is emotional, and beautiful. This is my favorite book in the Series. The story has some unexpected twists and turns. The back and forth, past to present, is well done, and captivating. This Series is beautifully written. I enjoyed it! I would love to stay at The Waraha Inn. Brigid Lohrey did an amazing job with the narration. If you like women's fiction, you will love this one. I highly recommend it.
August 13, 2021
"There's something very special about the twists and turns of life."
"Even if I could change things, I don't believe I would. Every single experience, every relationship, every broken heart and wound, every kind word and kiss, they all add up to a life. A life I don't regret. A life I wouldn't give up for anything, even if it didn't turn out the way I planned or hoped. It's imperfect and beautiful, a mess and yet so .... fulfilling"
"Even if I could change things, I don't believe I would. Every single experience, every relationship, every broken heart and wound, every kind word and kiss, they all add up to a life. A life I don't regret. A life I wouldn't give up for anything, even if it didn't turn out the way I planned or hoped. It's imperfect and beautiful, a mess and yet so .... fulfilling"
June 16, 2022
Her books are very predictable but still light easy reading. I wish her editor would stop her repeated use of the same descriptions. The first time she mentioned plovers, I stopped to look up the type found in Australia. I noticed "plover" the next time and the next time...until I did a word search on my Kindle and found it used 8 times. I also dislike her ending of the book earlier than expected but filled with acknowledgements and previews of other books.
February 10, 2023
a wonderful wrap up
This concludes the story of three sisters, grandchildren of a strong woman who also lived a challenging life. Ms. Mirrin weaves between decades with skill, bringing about a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Well done. I figured it out before the ‘fall’, but it was not ‘obvious’ as so often happens in less skillfully woven tales. Enjoyed each book more than the last.
This concludes the story of three sisters, grandchildren of a strong woman who also lived a challenging life. Ms. Mirrin weaves between decades with skill, bringing about a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Well done. I figured it out before the ‘fall’, but it was not ‘obvious’ as so often happens in less skillfully woven tales. Enjoyed each book more than the last.
June 7, 2023
Another great story of this family
This story of the three Summers sisters takes us back the Waratah Inn in Australia. This part is the story of Bindi. She finds she has cancer. She is scared and afraid. But she also meets Josh, a young police officer who graduated from high school with her. And, Reeda, Kate and Bindi add the restaurant to the Waratah Inn. Hard to put down.
This story of the three Summers sisters takes us back the Waratah Inn in Australia. This part is the story of Bindi. She finds she has cancer. She is scared and afraid. But she also meets Josh, a young police officer who graduated from high school with her. And, Reeda, Kate and Bindi add the restaurant to the Waratah Inn. Hard to put down.
December 8, 2024
Everybody should rid this set of book.
It is just about life but very nice and easy written.
Life is not easy and how laky we are when we find right person to love and share life with.
This book remand me of my life. How hard it is when you have to start a new life from 0 without anything. When you must work hard to survive and start a new life at the same new place.
Thank you very much i liked so much reading this book.
It is just about life but very nice and easy written.
Life is not easy and how laky we are when we find right person to love and share life with.
This book remand me of my life. How hard it is when you have to start a new life from 0 without anything. When you must work hard to survive and start a new life at the same new place.
Thank you very much i liked so much reading this book.
September 1, 2020
The best series I’ve ever read!
I couldn’t put these books down. I had to buy the next and then the next. I have an Australian friend and thought about her during my reading. I just heartily recommended them to her. I especially liked the way Ms. Mirren wrapped everything up in the end. No guessing necessary.
I couldn’t put these books down. I had to buy the next and then the next. I have an Australian friend and thought about her during my reading. I just heartily recommended them to her. I especially liked the way Ms. Mirren wrapped everything up in the end. No guessing necessary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews