Summer at my Sister's

Seahorse Harbour #1

by Emily Harvale

Twin sisters. One scorching summer. A bucketful of secrets.

Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s – not so much. But when secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change.

Diana has a rich and successful husband, two talented youngsters and an adorable dog. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.

Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends and often looks as if she’s fallen through a hedge.

Although Josie loves Diana deeply, each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.

But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she also hiding something? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Book Club, Family

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2020

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet small town story with a splash of sizzle. Emily Harvale never fails to completely suck me into her stories filled with charming characters and delightful settings. This is the first book set in the adorable seaside town of Seahorse Harbor. Josie and Diana are twins, but they could not be more different in both luxe and temperament. Josie is free spirited, fun loving, and single. Living in New York, traveling around the world, never staying anywhere too long to commit to anyone or anything. Diana is the responsible twin. She is married to a handsome rich Doctor, has two beautiful children, a gorgeous home, and a rambunctious dog. When the twins mom is convinced something is going wrong in her perfect Diana‘s life she asks Josie to go see what is going on. The thing is Josie has not been back to Seahorse Harbor since she was a teenager when her life changed forever. But after a quick phone call to Diana Josie is convinced that her sister needs her so she hops a plane to the UK to see her sister and face her past.

this was such an engaging story! I just loved everything about it! Josie and Diana were both great characters and I loved their sister bond. Now I have to admit Diana would be a friend you’d want in an emergency and Josie is a friend you’d want to go party with. Although there is much more to Diana then it first appeareds and Josie could be a bit much at times. Their Aunt Elsie was great and added the perfect amount of color to the story. Also adored Diana‘s kids Toby and Becca and of course Henry the dog. There are also three hot available men in Seahorse Harbour that have caught Josie‘s eye. All three men were really great guys, I was curious as to who Josie would end up with, and I am happy to say I liked her choice. Although I have to say I was seriously frustrated with the girl( and the guy) many times throughout this book. Another stellar story from one of my favorite authors, can’t wait to visit Seahorse Harbour again.

This book in emojis. 🏖 🐶 🌳 🐚 👙

*** Big thank you to the author for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Beautifully Charming and Heartwarming Women's Fiction.

Josie and Diana are Twins. Unidentical Twins and they couldn't be more different.
Diana is and will always be the favourite Twin to their parents and Josie has always felt like the useless Twin.

Josie lives in New York and currently single but enjoying her carefree life.
Diana lives in London, married to a successful Dr, they have two beautiful children and a Summer Home in Seahorse Harbour, which is why their mum is always saying Josie is a disappointment and should be more like her sister!

After speaking with her mum one day, Josie decides to call Diana to see if she's ok, if their mum is worried something must be wrong!
For once their Mum was right, as soon as Josie speaks to her sis via video chat she knew something wasn't right.
Despite her anxieties she tells her sister she's coming over to stay with them for the summer holidays.

But Josie hasn't been back to Seahorse Harbour since she was Seventeen.
Josie has no desire to ever go back after something happened to her all those years ago. But her sister needs her.
Josie has been keeping secrets all this time, but can they stay secret or will this trip be enlightening for both of them!

As always Harvale always creates such magical and endearing places and Seahorse Harbour is an absolute Gem.
Her descriptions of the seahorses and the cliffs are just utterly charming and I really wish I could visit

Her characters are wonderfully written, loveable and engaging as always.
I loved the Mystery/ secrets that Josie and her sister was hiding. The romance was sweet, cheeky and plenty of witty flirty banter between Josie and Asher, Mikkel and Liam.
There is so much already going on with this beautifully charming and heartwarming story I can't wait to see what's next.

Summer at my Sister’s is Harvale's latest series and I'm super excited to read more!
Yet again Harvale has written an absolute Gem of a book. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading one of her books, then I highly recommend you start with this one!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.





You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-

http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/08...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Josie and Diana are twin sisters, they aren’t identical in looks or personality for that matter. I liked both women. Where as Diana is more grounded, she is married with children, Josie is carefree and loves to have a good time.

Seahorse Harbour is a wonderful coastal setting with that small community feel. It holds a lot of memories for the two sisters, mainly happy ones from their younger days. Josie hasn’t been back for a while so I enjoyed getting to know some of the residents as she does.

There are some fun laugh out loud moments within the story. I did find Josie slightly over the top at times with her flirting and sexual prowess but then maybe I was a bit envious of all the gorgeous looking men she seemed to come into contact with. Which there are a few! I did empathise with her though that people had this play girl image of her and wouldn’t take her seriously but did feel she brought a little bit of that on herself. You can’t help loving her as a character though, especially the bits with her and Henry the dog.

Summer at my Sister’s is a great introduction to a new setting and characters in a new series of books that will be set in Seahorse Harbour. I am already eagerly awaiting the next one. It’s a lighthearted read with currents of deeper meaning in its underbelly. As with all of this authors books, I devoured it far to quickly as she captivates her readers wholly. A fun and heartwarming read.

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Jéssica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on what I thought of Emily Harvale’s books I had previously read, I knew there was a higher possibility for me to enjoy this book. With that in mind I decided to join the blog tour.

Was I right? Of course! I had fun with this book. From the characters to the various warming and exciting moments that happened.

In this book we follow Diana and Josie. If you read the blurb before reading this review, you know that they are sisters, actually… twins. As someone that has family members that are not- identical twin (my dad and his twin sister), this was something that immediately got me to feel as if I knew this story.

The idea of twins, identical or not, is quite fascinating and I have always found it intriguing. Diana and Josie… Two opposites. Two different lives. And so many secrets.

I loved the family relationships, the uncovering of the mysteries in the family, seeing the love grow between on another, as well as the twin bond. I always love a book that follows a family because it makes me feel as if I am a part of the family, or at least, part of the community.

It was a fantastic setting, something I was always loved about Emily Harvale’s books is the brilliant settings, the feel of the small town and the community, that she writes in her stories. It makes us want to vacation there, and get to see everything with our own eyes, not just our mind.

Overall, I loved it and I hope that we can get to see more stories in this setting. I now don’t want to just spend the summer at the sister’s house, I want to go there for Christmas, Easter, maybe a crazy birthday. It doesn’t even have to be at this sister’s, it can be at any other character’s house. Anyway, I can’t wait to see what Emily Harvale comes up with next.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Emily Harvale for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this author, and her books always bring the mild drama. This book was very good, except that there was an undercurrent of slut-shaming dressed up as sex-positivity. Specifically, the h has always thought of herself as a bad girl who isn't cut out for relationships. She has enjoyed sexual relationships with men, but is not big on commitment.

She comes to her hometown to visit after a long absence and finds her sister's marriage in tatters. She plans to stay for a while, which is how she meets the H, a widower. They are attracted to each other and end up having hot sex in a forest, whereupon she learns that he almost had sex with her married sister a while back. (A case could be made that they did have sex, in my book.) He subsequently tells the h that he can't have his heart broken and that the h is footloose and fancy free, whereas he doesn't believe in casual sex. He makes it clear he doesn't judge her for this lifestyle(!), it's just not for him.

She is devastated but keeps it together. Many things happen, and she ends up getting slut-shamed by the H's teen daughter. The h calls her about that, and says that just because a woman has sex with more than one man, it doesn't make her a tart. Unfortunately, it comes across as the h saying that yes, some women ARE tarts, but just enjoying sex doesn't mean someone is a tart. So much for the sisterhood.

At the end she tells the H that she will stay in town and that she can change for him. He says he doesn't need her to change (since when?) and that he had been making plans to visit her and start a relationship.

As a result of all this nonsense (H's near-affair with her sister, some other toxic things her sister did), I never really felt like the H was a desirable partner. He was weak and judgy and hypocritical. Also, her sister deserved what she got.

However, I do like the author and have read many other books by her. Two and a half stars.

[JLR · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a difficult rating for me because I really liked the premise and most of characters in this book...it really could’ve gone somewhere and then it just didn’t. It was very disappointing in that aspect.

There were too many side characters and plots that added nothing and went nowhere. And I swear it felt like Josie and Liam had the exact same argument on every other page when it could’ve been resolved in two sentences. The “big reveal” around Alex’s behavior and Diana’s teenage deception was tepid and uninteresting.

I wish this was going to be a sequential series following the characters instead of a stand-alone series that is set in the same town. This book had the feel of the first of a series and I would have rated it higher if it had been.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to start a series – I knew I’d be in safe hands with Emily Harvale. Although I will admit that when Josie first arrives – rather reluctantly – in Seahorse Harbour to spend the summer with twin sister Diana and her family, I really thought I wasn’t going to like her at all. The two sisters couldn’t be more different, and Josie’s sassiness really put my back up – she’s the sort of woman I’d cross the street to avoid, with her appetite for “fun” and total disregard for the consequences. But I really couldn’t have been more wrong – as the focus for this story, with one of the best bits of character development I’ve seen in a while, I grew to love her, and to really hope she’d get a happy ending.

At first, the three rather tasty men in Seahorse Harbour are laid out rather like a tasting platter for Josie to work her way through. First there’s Viking Mikkel at the village pub – jaw-droppingly attractive, a nice line in banter, and he owns a restaurant and nightclub on the seafront too. Perfect for Josie, I thought. But hang on, there’s dishy vet Asher too – yes, I really rather liked him. And then there’s Liam, a sad past, struggling to be the best possible dad to his daughter, setting pulses racing as he raises a sweat in his ceramics studio. I was really so intrigued to see where the story would go – romance in the making with one of them, or just a lot of summer action for Josie?

But then the author layers in the back story, all the characters becoming fully rounded and with real depth – and so many secrets and echoes from the past come to the fore and make this a great story. And it’s not all Josie and Diana, although the dynamics of their relationship are central to the story: the whole cast is wonderful, drawn from across the generations (I loved Aunt Elsie!), even the very minor ones so wonderfully drawn. There’s a particularly characterful dog called Henry too – a source for a lot of the humour (although much of that comes from Josie too) and a few of the more dramatic moments. All the family relationships are so well done – but so are the friendships, and the casual encounters.

And does the romance work too? Oh my goodness, it most certainly does – although it really did have me on the edge of my seat at times with all the stumbles along the way.

I must say that the location of Seahorse Harbour is an absolute triumph – it’s clear that the author’s put a lot of work into its creation, and she really breathes life into it too. I love a book with a real sense of community, and she’s most certainly done a fantastic job with that – but it’s geography is so well done too, the descriptions and the small details, and you find yourself walking around it as if you’ve lived there all your life.

I really enjoyed this book – and, although this book is complete in itself, this is a series I most certainly plan to stick with. In fact, I’m looking forward to my next visit to Seahorse Harbour already…

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was brilliant. This is just what I needed a genre change. I spent a lovely Sunday curled up with this book, I just love Emilys stories and this was no exception. It was refreshing. A break away from my mind.
I loved the setting, the characters, the community and the fabulous happy ending for everyone. It's funny in parts and I fell in love with Josies humour and sarcasm. I loved it all. Plenty of hot men to keep me distracted too. A perfect chick-lit, romance and summer read. Made me happy and smile. Need to shout out Noahs character too, what a charming young man and a hero. Loved him. Highly recommend. A well deserved four stars from me.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab book lots of fun twists and turns to keep you reading x

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Seahorse Harbour and everyone who lives there. This is yet another marvellous setting for a book from the imagination of Emily Harvale. I would happily go on holiday there, if not live in the harbour, its such a great sounding place.

And I love the various seahorse protection activities that go on in the harbour too. Oh and the 3 incredibly fit guys - we have Mikkel, Asher and Liam - and I really wasn't sure based on first impressions who would be the key one.

I always enjoy losing myself into an Emily Harvale novel and this is no exception, and I'm pretty sure had real life not got in the way that I'd have read it in a day, it is a lovely summer read, and all the characters are just so realistic.

Henry had me charmed from the first scenes he appeared in and always raised a grin with his antics! I do love a four legged friend. Josie isn't as keen initially on this rather large dog, but she has agreed to spend the summer with twin sister Diana.

As the story progresses we learn just why it is Josie hasn't been back to Seahorse Harbour since she was a teen, just what it is that is troubling Diana, and just why their mum and aunt Elsie haven't been speaking in recent years.

There are plenty of secrets to come out, as the bond between the sisters grows, as does Josie's love of her niece and nephew who she didn't really know that well. I loved Becca's part to play in the story and her best friend Orla, showing just how sweet teen love is.

There is so much going on in this book I wouldn't be able to even hope to hint at it all, and its so much fun reading it for yourself.

If you enjoy relatable characters, a fabulous small town setting, and some relationships that will keep you on your toes, with character growth too - then this is definitely coming highly recommended from me. I loved it, and can't wait for the next Seahorse Harbour book this Christmas.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Emily's work for a little while now. I haven't quite caught up with everything that she has written (she has written quite a lot of books), but I try to keep pace with her new releases and I read one of her earlier books when I get the chance. Emily's latest book is called 'Summer At My Sister's' and it was released on 31st July 2020. It really is another cracking read from Emily Harvale and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it but more about that in a bit.
I became addicted to this book from the moment I read the synopsis never mind from when I started to read the story itself. For me, 'Summer At My Sister's' was a real unputdownable, page turner of a read. I only intended to put a toe in the water so to speak and just read the odd chapter or two to get a feel for the story and the characters. Let's just say that I became so wrapped up in the story that I read way more than a couple of chapters. I was so taken by the characters and by the idyllic sounding Seahorse Harbour that I couldn't stop reading. In fact I was all set to pack a bag and set off for Seahorse Harbour. I read 'Summer At My Sister's ' in one long reading binge and I was sad to have to bid farewell to the different characters. I soon cheered up when I realised that this was only the first standalone book set in Seahorse Harbour and that hopefully I might see some of the characters in future books set in Seahorse Harbour.
'Summer At My Sister's' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from the excellent Emily Harvale. She creates easily likeable characters, who you can't help but take to and you hope that things work out for the best for them. Reading one of Emily's books is more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. I know that sounds daft but that's the only way I can describe it. Emily writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I felt as though I was part of the story myself. 'Summer At My Sister's' was a delight to read. It was an uplifting, heart warming romantic tale that is perfect for holiday reading.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Summer At My Sister's' and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Emily's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank Emily Harvale and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

WOW!! Emily Harvale’s latest book Summer at My Sisters was not the sweet read I was expecting. Infact, It was so much more than that! Needless to say I was blown away by all the secrets, the betrayals, and the shocking revelations that I never saw coming!

This is Emily’s first book in her new series of standalone novels set in the tiny, seaside village of Seahorse Harbour. She has a very colorful and cute map in this book showing you the area.

Emily would like to dedicate this book to all the wonderful volunteers and charitable organisations who help to keep our beaches clean and who work so hard to save the creatures who live in our seas, especially those who do such sterling work to try to save seahorses. The gentle seahorses need all the help they can get.

I will be blunt. I despised the mother in this book. She compared her one daughter who was successful, “happily” married to a Doctor, and had kids to the other one that didn’t. She was constantly putting her down and making the other one seem like she had the best life. To me that seemed like bullying and shaming her daughter. No mother should do this to her daughter at any age.

It was refreshing that a book talked about families having open communication about any subject no matter how taboo.

Emily educates you on all things Seahorses in this book. Many aspects are very interesting.

A little piece of Emily’s heart goes into every one of her books and when she sends them on their way, she really hopes they bring a smile to someone’s face.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a long-time fan of Emily Harvale’s book, I was excited to be invited on this blog tour. Summer at my Sister’s is the first in a new series which is set in the southern coastal resort of Sea Horse Harbour.
Sisters, Diana and Josie spent all their Summers in Sea Horse Harbour and, along the way, made many friends. Diana is now married and has a home in London and a stunning coastal view show house with sea views on three sides. Josie is living in New York and hasn’t returned to their childhood holiday destination for twenty years. However, when Josie’s mother calls and says that Diana is withholding a secret which is troubling her, Josie is on the next flight!
What follows is the unravelling of secrets which will have a life-changing effect on the sisters and their family as well as other residents of the picturesque resort. If you want to know more, I’m afraid that you’ll have to read the book as I don’t give spoilers!
Emily Harvale is gifted when it comes to writing about handsome men and love interests; this lovely book has no shortage of potential suitors, and not just for the sisters.
One character, in particular, that I loved was Aunt Elsie; sister to the twin’s mum, she is a force of nature and enjoying growing old disgracefully. More importantly, she acts as a confidante to Josie and their relationship reminded me of mine, with my Aunt.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series!

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say one of my most reviewed authors, I seriously jumped when I saw this, a book by the prolific Emily Harvale about two very different sisters being put together again. So we meet Josie, who we see as a very devil may care (I’ll admit we didn’t always get on), out to have fun person, being pushed into checking if there is something up with her sister.

Having moved away and pretty much checked out from life in Seahorse harbour Josie returns to find her sister is not herself and sets about figuring out what is going on and oh my wow what a job to do this! There were scenes that made my jaw drop and made me nod along, agog. The mammy in me raised her eyebrows at a particularly lusty stormy scene (it was dangerous people!) but nobody could have ripped my eyes from the page!

This is a book full of the most wonderful, sweep you away cosiness, witty banter and nod along humour, with beautiful captivating settings and of course Ms. Harvale’s trademark romance and dramatic flair all thrown into the mix. It was exactly what I needed and is very much recommended. Dramatic, witty, charming and romantic, and as it says, the first in a series of standalone books set in Seahorse Harbour that I for one will be following!

Thanks so much to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review and for allowing me to be part of the blog tour.

Rating: 5/5

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books by this author, but I have to admit that I found this one was my favourite!! The story focusses on twin sisters, Josie and Diana. They couldn’t be more different in personality – Diana is the ‘sensible’ one of the pair, married to a doctor, children, wealthy and living what appears to be a very comfortable life. Josie is her complete opposite, living in New York, footloose and fancy free! In their childhood they spent every holiday in a gorgeous little seaside village called Seahorse Harbour. The village was so much part of their lives that Diana and her family now carry on the family tradition of holidaying there. Josie however hasn’t returned there in over 20 years, but when she agrees to return to spend the summer with her sister and family, they are both unprepared for the memories that resurface when having the twin sisters back together!

I loved this book and was hooked into the story from the first page. There were so many things I liked about this story and I fell in love with the location as soon as Josie returned into the village. It sounded absolutely delightful and I could just picture it as I was reading! Josie and Diana were so chalk and cheese, I forgot at times that they were actually twin sisters. I loved Josie’s character and found myself giggling along with her antics as she reintroduced herself to the village! Whilst I couldn’t believe how sexually frustrated, she appeared to be, and how she didn’t bother to hide it, it did make me smile! There were so many eligible gorgeous guys living in Seahorse Harbour that I figured Josie would sort out those ‘frustrations’ pretty quickly, but no, we are kept in suspense throughout the book as to whether Liam, Mikkel or Asher would be the one to win her heart! I also loved Diana’s character, but in a different way to Josie. Diana was the sensible sister, but it was obvious from the beginning that all isn’t right in her life. As the book moves you, you do get to find out more about her, but one thing that is for certain is that having her twin sister back in her life works so well for her! My favourite character though has to be Aunt Elsie! Obviously aging, but refusing to do it gracefully is fabulous!! Everything about her lit up the pages and I know when I get to her age I want to be just like Elsie!!

Whilst this is a great romantic comedy, it also deals with some more serious issues. There are instances of infidelity, loss, low self esteem along with friendship and relationship problems. These are all written into the storyline perfectly, combining the deeper moments with the more light-hearted ones. The book moves along at a great pace and I was definitely hooked only a few chapters in! I assume this book is the first part of a series, and if that’s right I can’t wait for the next book! I’ve loved the other books written by this author, but this one is definitely the one that stands out for me!! It’s a fabulous light-hearted read, filled with love, life and laughter! What more you could want!! Would definitely recommend!

[Norma Endersby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm liking this author ... a lot. Her breezy literary style is familiar and comforting. This book, the first in a series of two, introduces the whole family but specifically one half of twin sisters who, in spite of being diametrically different in not only looks but also temperaments, have spent their lives competing ... First for their mother's approval and later for the attentions of the same man.

What things look like on the surface, as we all know, can be quite deceptive, which is another way of saying don't judge a book by its cover. I did get a little tired of the lusting after the local eye candy and thought it went a tad too far, unnecessarily. But, horny woman aside, the story was well written and believable. There are family secrets revealed, betrayals revealed and more than enough skin revealed to keep you entertained.

I did enjoy reading it and it was a quick read; just what I was looking for on a cloudy, rainy, and cold winter's day. Cue fireplace, glass of red wine and cuddly blanket ... sigh!

[L.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my first book by Emily Harvale and it certainly won't be my last, particularly this series set in the gorgeous coastal village of Seahorse Harbour. Aptly named, the holiday resort is more than a beautiful location, it's a place with a heart, where conservation of the seahorses matters to everyone who lives there. Already, you know these are people whose stories will be heartwarming and engaging.

Seahorse Harbour is a place that evokes different memories for the twin sisters. Diana now spends all her summers there with her family, but Josie hasn't returned since she was seventeen. Heading back from her carefree-singleton lifestyle New York to the place that has bittersweet memories for her, Josie is hesitant but also concerned about her sister - having been alerted that something is wrong by their mother.

Her arrival, however, is wonderfully charming - from the taxi-driver tour guide, to the dashing new host at the local pub. You cannot feel anything but safe and welcome in such a friendly atmosphere. That said, it doesn't take long for Josie's wise-cracking humour to come to the fore. While her one-liners are clearly a personal safety net for her, they are also ridiculously funny.

It takes a while for Josie to learn Diana's secret, and all the while she's there she is becoming more and more enamoured of the place and its people - some people in particular.

When Diana finally shares, Josie is stunned. All this time she thought Diana had the perfect life. As the secrets unravel, it's not only Diana who unburdens herself. The family connection here is super strong; Josie loves being around her nephew and niece, and eventually even Henry the dog worms his way into her affections. Throughout, you'll be wondering whether Josie's stay is temporary or whether a return to New York is on the cards as Seahorse Harbour gets under her skin again. Can she put aside those teenage memories and settle back in England with her sister and family close by, or is she still the wise-cracking, independent "New Yorker" at heart who can only thrive in a big city? You'll have to grab a copy and find out ;)

There's a lot going here, but it all hangs together really well. You couldn't wish to meet a nicer bunch of people. Drama, humour, incessant flirting, and the fabulous Aunt Elsie all make for a superb summer read.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to see that Emily Harvale was going to write a new series of standalone novels, all set within the Seahorse Harbour series. This first novel set the scene very well and introduced a range of characters and settings who I am sure will re-appear in future instalments. The two twin sisters are a good contrast and it soon becomes obvious that there are some secrets buried in the past.
With a range of interesting characters and a plot which keeps you guessing, this is an enjoyable read which makes you care about what happens to them. There is an interesting subplot which centres around the younger characters who in some ways mirror the older generation. The setting is gorgeous and makes you want to escape there to spend some time in the sunshine. This is a great start to the series- bring it on!
In short: Returning to the past uncovers a few secrets.
Thanks to the autyhor for a copy of the book.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at my Sisters was nothing like I could have ever imagined but very fast became everything that I needed in a book! It was well written and engaging and I was absolutely hooked from the first annoying call from Josie's Mum, and honestly, it was totally worth being up until 1 am to finish the book, even if I'm paying for it today.

Now despite being some romance in this book, this is not a romance, but a total crime-fighting (sort of), mystery-solving, seahorse saving, sisters before misters type of book, with a crazy mother, awesome aunt, sisters with secrets, family reuniting, 3 total hotties in the town type of book, and add to that the love pentagon! and can you see why I'm sleep-deprived.

The author is a new to me author, but won't be for long, as I plan to dig into all of her back catalog and yes, I have totally have pre-ordered the next book in the Seahorse Harbour series because I'm not missing out for love nor money.

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful uplifting story set in the fictional seaside location of Seahorse Harbour. Emily always creates wonderful characters that creates the feeling that you personally know them and encourage you to keep reading.

This story introduces twins Josie & Diana and we spend the summer getting to know these very different sisters who as time goes by start to see eachothers lives from a different point of view.

I loved the descriptions in this story and the paddleboarding and visits to the lido remind me of summers on the beach when I was in my teens.

A wonderful uplifting story about letting down your emotional barriers and that love can come from the most unexpected places. I loved this story and can't wait to visit Seahorse Harbour again as it was a book that left me feeling happy and positive.

[SH🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at my sisters - Emily Harvard

Let’s just say I picked this book at random for a book club and I was not disappointed!!

Josie gets a call from her mum insisting something is wrong with her “perfect” twin sister Diana. Josie hasn’t been back to Seahorse harbour in 17 years until this summer.

Reading this book you can feel the atmosphere of Seahorse Harbour and I love it. Josie is a flirt but deep down I think she wants to be more like her sister Diana.
Diana has the perfect house, the perfect husband, the perfect life, so it seems.

There’s is drama, flirting, sex, and excitement. A great summer holiday with a romantic twist!
The characters are all relatable and easy to like.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I can see why she has such a loyal following of readers. The setting is charismatic and vibrant, as are the characters, but they have their flaws and so are entirely believable.

Diana and Josephine are diverse in both looks and personality, but their sisterly bond is real and grows as the story progresses. There are lots of characters to meet in the first of the Seahorse Harbour series and some very enticing men.

This story has lots of laughter, some poignant moments and romance what more do you need from a Summer read?

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Cindy Gosnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Harvale is quite possibly one of my favourite writers. Ive never read a bad book of hers and thankfully this one is no different.
A heart warming story of twin sisters who couldn't be more different. One lives the single girls life in New York and the other a stay at home mum of two gorgeous children (and the dog!). The story takes us through the present whilst revealing dark secrets from the past with a little heartbreak, misunderstanding and love thrown in for good measure. I laughed and cried with the characters and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wont put in any spoilers but can thoroughly recommend reading this but don't expect to get anything else done as I found myself unable to put it down xx

[***Cheryl*** · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Emily Harvale read and I will definitely be checking out some of her other books in the near future.

This is about Josie and Diana and we get to spend the summer with them. During this summer there are secrets revealed and lots of adventures. I don't want to say to much without giving some of the plot away. I was very quickly hooked into the story and liked all the characters and their antics that they got up to at times also made me smile. It's a fast paced read and I read it fairly quickly on a sunny day in the garden.

Overall this is a great fun, uplifting summer read which I would recommend.

Thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the e-book in exchange for this review

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Emily Harvale and won’t be the last one, that’s for sure. Love it. So refreshing. This book is set in a coastal village. You can’t help to remind your own summers at the beach.

Josie and Diana are twin sisters, but they are completely different.Sometimes Josie's flirtations seemed a bit too much for me, but anyway, she's like this, free, funny and sarcastic. Or maybe it’s because I seem more like Diana, but in the poor model.

This story is so funny and easy to read, I devoured it in one day. Now Emily Harvale has another big fan.

[Elizabeth Dorizas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't know about this one...

I read another book by this author and really enjoyed it. I'm on the fence with this one. I found the main character, Josie a bit crass and immature. I felt she acted like a horny teenager most of the time. I realize that's what the author was probably going for, but she just irked me. She really did stand by her sister though, so that is a redeeming quality...And I did like the ending. So I think I will still give this author another shot.

[johnanimalantics.net, Margaret G Conlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic

What an absolutely amazing read from beginning to the end. It had me giggling to see what would come out of Josie’s mouth. Her love for her twin was outstanding. Their blond was easily recognisable. The stories therein were all relevant and had me grinning from to ear especially with Henry’s antics. Truly wonderful. However, the swearing and profanity were totally unnecessary which spoilt it for me as other language could have been used. Thank you for this thought provoking story.

[Lori Stowell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for Me

It could of been a good read but I really did not like the main character. The story could of been good if the sister weren't having sex with the same men, yes plural men ! That turned me off. I surely wouldn't have sex with someone who had sex with my sister. I wouldn't marry a man who had sex with my sister and then cheat on him , then encourage my sister to be with that man who I cheated with. So I won't be reading anymore from this author even thou it could of been a cute story. It's too bad the author intertwined the sex with the sisters.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise. I chose it based on the title as I was set a challenge to read a book with a season in the title/on the cover. I had low expectations but found myself laughing out loud and I found it really hard to put my kindle down. I loved the setting and must have related to the characters in age alone.
I would read more from this author despite it not being my usual genre of book choice

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

book 1 of this series ... i enjoy the cover. i am not really a fan of summer ... humidity is not fun for me here in VA. but i guess i love sunflowers. my fave is FALL (autumn) is the best!! such a great season. any who ... great read. any time kind of fun ... just pick it up and enjoy!! i wanna read more. a quick read for me.