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The Last Summer Sister
The Summer sisters don't have much in common other than shared DNA. But when their father's untimely death reveals an earth-shattering secret, everything they thought they knew about their family -- and their future -- changes overnight.
Jen spent her childhood feeling like the ugly duckling, while Lynn longed to be appreciated for something other than her looks. Consequently, both sisters competed for their father's affections but were never satisfied. Jen still hasn't forgiven Lynn for fleeing to California to follow her dreams, leaving Jen to tend to their father and the family insurance business in Chicago's North Shore suburbs. Meanwhile, Lynn is living in exile in Los Angeles, forced to endure the pain of her humiliating divorce in silence because she is too ashamed to reveal her mistakes to her perfect older sister.
As the youngest member of the trio, Courtney's life is also turned upside down due to her father's death, only for an entirely different reason; Courtney didn't even know he existed until after he was gone. Now she has to figure out what life looks like with two older sisters who can't stand each other while attempting to piece together her fractured youth.
Although this tragedy should bring the sisters together, the depth of their father's betrayal coupled with their tumultuous past makes reconciliation nearly impossible. Only time will tell if the bonds of sisterhood are strong enough to mend past transgressions or if the sisters, and their secrets, will destroy the Summer family forever.
Jen spent her childhood feeling like the ugly duckling, while Lynn longed to be appreciated for something other than her looks. Consequently, both sisters competed for their father's affections but were never satisfied. Jen still hasn't forgiven Lynn for fleeing to California to follow her dreams, leaving Jen to tend to their father and the family insurance business in Chicago's North Shore suburbs. Meanwhile, Lynn is living in exile in Los Angeles, forced to endure the pain of her humiliating divorce in silence because she is too ashamed to reveal her mistakes to her perfect older sister.
As the youngest member of the trio, Courtney's life is also turned upside down due to her father's death, only for an entirely different reason; Courtney didn't even know he existed until after he was gone. Now she has to figure out what life looks like with two older sisters who can't stand each other while attempting to piece together her fractured youth.
Although this tragedy should bring the sisters together, the depth of their father's betrayal coupled with their tumultuous past makes reconciliation nearly impossible. Only time will tell if the bonds of sisterhood are strong enough to mend past transgressions or if the sisters, and their secrets, will destroy the Summer family forever.
- GenresFiction
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2021
269 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 7, 2021
Family drama, dysfunction, and secrets galore? Sign me up!
You get all of that and more in Rachel Cullen's newest novel, The Last Summer Sister .
David Summer’s sudden death shocks his family. Jen, the older daughter, has always been known as the smart one and she felt a little like an ugly duckling. She went to Harvard, came back home, got married to an ex-football player, and has the seemingly perfect suburban life. Meanwhile, Lynn, the younger daughter, has always been known for her looks, and had a brief stint as a model and actress, moving to LA.
The sisters have barely any relationship, and Lynn’s return home for the funeral causes some friction. But the secret revealed when David’s will is read upends everything—the two apparently have a younger sister, Courtney, the product of a brief affair David had years ago. Courtney, a college student at Northwestern, never knew who her father was, and is just as shocked to find she has two older sisters and stands to inherit a third of David’s estate.
As Jen and Lynn try to deal with this bombshell and their father’s death, they also fall into similar patterns in their own relationship. They both try to get to know Courtney, who has her own share of issues, but she gets caught up in the drama between the sisters.
Everyone, including Jen’s husband, has secrets they’re not revealing, some more dramatic than others. But when everything comes to a head, will there be any relationship that isn’t destroyed?
It’s funny—when I first saw the title The Last Summer Sister , I thought “summer” like beach, and didn’t realize it was the last name of the characters. But at the same time, this will make a great beach read because there’s so much drama, betrayal, and things left unsaid to keep you totally hooked and entertained.
This is a quick read but an enjoyable, soapy, and completely satisfying one.
I enjoyed being on the blog tour for this book. Kate Rock Book Tours and the author provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
The Last Summer Sister publishes 3/25.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
You get all of that and more in Rachel Cullen's newest novel, The Last Summer Sister .
David Summer’s sudden death shocks his family. Jen, the older daughter, has always been known as the smart one and she felt a little like an ugly duckling. She went to Harvard, came back home, got married to an ex-football player, and has the seemingly perfect suburban life. Meanwhile, Lynn, the younger daughter, has always been known for her looks, and had a brief stint as a model and actress, moving to LA.
The sisters have barely any relationship, and Lynn’s return home for the funeral causes some friction. But the secret revealed when David’s will is read upends everything—the two apparently have a younger sister, Courtney, the product of a brief affair David had years ago. Courtney, a college student at Northwestern, never knew who her father was, and is just as shocked to find she has two older sisters and stands to inherit a third of David’s estate.
As Jen and Lynn try to deal with this bombshell and their father’s death, they also fall into similar patterns in their own relationship. They both try to get to know Courtney, who has her own share of issues, but she gets caught up in the drama between the sisters.
Everyone, including Jen’s husband, has secrets they’re not revealing, some more dramatic than others. But when everything comes to a head, will there be any relationship that isn’t destroyed?
It’s funny—when I first saw the title The Last Summer Sister , I thought “summer” like beach, and didn’t realize it was the last name of the characters. But at the same time, this will make a great beach read because there’s so much drama, betrayal, and things left unsaid to keep you totally hooked and entertained.
This is a quick read but an enjoyable, soapy, and completely satisfying one.
I enjoyed being on the blog tour for this book. Kate Rock Book Tours and the author provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
The Last Summer Sister publishes 3/25.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
March 30, 2021
Rachel Cullen is one of my fave authors and this book tops it all - a complicated story about family and it’s secrets, sibling rivalry, career, and most of all that unbreakable bond of sisterhood.
Reading this was sheer delight for me as I savored the drama, the unimaginable situations in a gut wrenching cycle of emotions. A truly enjoyable read and good tears from this one.
Reading this was sheer delight for me as I savored the drama, the unimaginable situations in a gut wrenching cycle of emotions. A truly enjoyable read and good tears from this one.
May 21, 2021
I absolutely LOVED the drama, which starts off right from the beginning and had me hooked. I loved getting to know the sisters and how they worked through their relationship with their father and each other. Family dramas continue to be a favorite of mine and this one did not disappoint! Thank you to @Katerockbooktours for the #gifted book to review.
April 6, 2021
The Last Summer Sister by Rachel Cullen was an unputdownable read. This is the second book I’ve read by Rachel, and the previous book was one of my absolute favorites of last year - First Came Us - which was just as much as a page turner as this latest release, and proves what a captivating and talented writer Cullen has become.
This latest novel is about the Summer sisters. The relationship between sisters Jennifer and and Lynn has always been a challenge. The relationship is strained over years of jealousy and Lynn’s decision to leave home to follow her own dreams leaving Jen home to care for their father and his business. When their father passes away, the sisters learn via will/lawyer that there is another Summer sibling - unbeknownst to them - named Courtney, who their father kept from them.
On top of this new revelation, the sisters each have their own problematic personal lives that they are already trying to work through, so the surprise discovery of another sister and the betrayal of their father just adds another complication to their lives. The attempt to bond as sisters and family becomes quite the undertaking for the girls, as more and more is revealed. Are the bonds of family strong enough to survive the deceptions of the past?
Another engrossing read by Rachel Cullen. This wonderful story depicts the emotions of betrayal, poor communication, marriage difficulties, selfish decisions, and sister drama just flawlessly. This story is told from multiple points of view, filling us in on what each character is feeling individually, and what each of them are holding back. You will develop a love - hate relationship with every one of them. It is a perfect read to show the importance of communication in any relationship, and the effect of keeping secrets. There is enough drama, twists and turns to keep you plowing through the pages to the very end to see how this family drama turns out. I guarantee you will walk away emotionally exhausted and completely satisfied. Another brilliant novel by Rachel Cullen. Highly recommend.
This latest novel is about the Summer sisters. The relationship between sisters Jennifer and and Lynn has always been a challenge. The relationship is strained over years of jealousy and Lynn’s decision to leave home to follow her own dreams leaving Jen home to care for their father and his business. When their father passes away, the sisters learn via will/lawyer that there is another Summer sibling - unbeknownst to them - named Courtney, who their father kept from them.
On top of this new revelation, the sisters each have their own problematic personal lives that they are already trying to work through, so the surprise discovery of another sister and the betrayal of their father just adds another complication to their lives. The attempt to bond as sisters and family becomes quite the undertaking for the girls, as more and more is revealed. Are the bonds of family strong enough to survive the deceptions of the past?
Another engrossing read by Rachel Cullen. This wonderful story depicts the emotions of betrayal, poor communication, marriage difficulties, selfish decisions, and sister drama just flawlessly. This story is told from multiple points of view, filling us in on what each character is feeling individually, and what each of them are holding back. You will develop a love - hate relationship with every one of them. It is a perfect read to show the importance of communication in any relationship, and the effect of keeping secrets. There is enough drama, twists and turns to keep you plowing through the pages to the very end to see how this family drama turns out. I guarantee you will walk away emotionally exhausted and completely satisfied. Another brilliant novel by Rachel Cullen. Highly recommend.
April 3, 2021
What a feel-good read. I don’t typically go for this genre but I’ve been expanding my reading list lately and enjoying more things.
This was a story about finding a new balance to a crazy turn of events. I enjoyed Cullen's writing style. I’m falling in love with having multiple POVs in a story and this book did a great job at providing that.
I enjoyed getting to know the Summer sisters. I liked that the author chose to give each sister a POV as well as Jens husband Mark. I liked Mark's character and the difficult life choices he had to make for his future. I thought adding his character's POV made the story a little more interesting. I wish the author had given us another chapter towards the end from him to wrap up his story but overall I was really happy with the ending.
I think this book provided a fun, easy reading experience will giving the reader a lot to think about. Having a new half-sister appear is something the Summer Sisters did not expect after losing their father. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and they all began to come together.
April 3, 2021
The Last Summer Sister caught my attention from the first chapter. This is a beautiful story about family learning about lies and misunderstandings from the past, then figuring out how to move forward. The chapters are broken up into the view points of each of the sisters and one of her husbands. Each character is so well though out and inertwined perfectly to the next stage of the plot. Each version of their story captivates the reader. This book was the first book in a long time that was hard for me to put down. I loved following each sister and Mark on their journey of figuring out their hurtful pasta, then over coming them to stay together as new found family members, while still trying to keep their Dad's prized business running successfully. #goodreadsgiveaway
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
Mini
The Summer Sisters, Jen and Lynn, could not be more different. Where Lynn has beauty Jen has brains. Where Jen is happily married with children Lynn is secretly divorced with one child. Jen stayed in their hometown where her husband works for their father, and Lynn is in California trying to make it as an actress. When their father dies out of the blue, Lynn comes home but Jen does not welcome her with open arms. To make things worse their dad left them in charge of the company to be shared three ways. The three people being Jen, Lynn and half-sister Courtney they never knew about.
I enjoyed this one. It's always fun to get everyone's points of view, and in this case the secret half-sister was the most interesting to read about. I felt for Lynn because she is keeping her divorce a secret from everyone, and her ex is turning their son against her. Therefore she is being judged harshly by Jen and her husband because they are assuming the worst when they see Lynn with another man. This was quite the page turner because you just didn't know what was going to happen next. If you love a good family drama then look no further!
This one is out now! Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and Author Rachel Cullen for my #copy.
Book Rating: 4/5
Wine Pairing: Shannon Reserve Chardonnay 2016
The Summer Sisters, Jen and Lynn, could not be more different. Where Lynn has beauty Jen has brains. Where Jen is happily married with children Lynn is secretly divorced with one child. Jen stayed in their hometown where her husband works for their father, and Lynn is in California trying to make it as an actress. When their father dies out of the blue, Lynn comes home but Jen does not welcome her with open arms. To make things worse their dad left them in charge of the company to be shared three ways. The three people being Jen, Lynn and half-sister Courtney they never knew about.
I enjoyed this one. It's always fun to get everyone's points of view, and in this case the secret half-sister was the most interesting to read about. I felt for Lynn because she is keeping her divorce a secret from everyone, and her ex is turning their son against her. Therefore she is being judged harshly by Jen and her husband because they are assuming the worst when they see Lynn with another man. This was quite the page turner because you just didn't know what was going to happen next. If you love a good family drama then look no further!
This one is out now! Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and Author Rachel Cullen for my #copy.
Book Rating: 4/5
Wine Pairing: Shannon Reserve Chardonnay 2016
April 12, 2021
I really enjoyed the premise behind the story. I fell in love with Cullen's writing style and was immediately sucked into the story. This one is filled with family dynamics, drama, secrets and dysfunction. The book is told from multiple points of view which I always love because we see the story unraveling in different ways through different characters. This was one story that worked really well in this format.
Sisters Jennifer and Lynn are 3 years apart in age with very different personalities, they've grown up in different parts of the country and are living totally different lives. They find themselves back in Winnetka for their fathers funeral and are surprised at his will reading when they discover they have a 20 year old half sibling named Courtney who their father left an equal share of his inheritance to. The rest of the book is the unraveling of their fathers secret and how the fall out of his secret effects them.
This was my second book by this author and will definitely look forward to reading more in the future.
Sisters Jennifer and Lynn are 3 years apart in age with very different personalities, they've grown up in different parts of the country and are living totally different lives. They find themselves back in Winnetka for their fathers funeral and are surprised at his will reading when they discover they have a 20 year old half sibling named Courtney who their father left an equal share of his inheritance to. The rest of the book is the unraveling of their fathers secret and how the fall out of his secret effects them.
This was my second book by this author and will definitely look forward to reading more in the future.
April 12, 2021
The Last Summer Sister had so many aspects that really resonated with me. As someone who has lost both parents, I could understand the sisters’ grief. They are dealing with the additional complication of having been lied to all of these years.
I’m always fascinated by the relationship between sisters. It can be such a strong bond but can also be fraught with tension. I enjoyed following the three sisters in their journey to understand one another, forgive and move forward.
This book deals with some difficult scenarios but it stays optimistic and hopeful, which I really enjoyed. It’s a quick read that explores love, family, forgiveness and understanding. I really liked that the story alternated between several different points of view because it helped me understand where each character was coming from.
I’m always fascinated by the relationship between sisters. It can be such a strong bond but can also be fraught with tension. I enjoyed following the three sisters in their journey to understand one another, forgive and move forward.
This book deals with some difficult scenarios but it stays optimistic and hopeful, which I really enjoyed. It’s a quick read that explores love, family, forgiveness and understanding. I really liked that the story alternated between several different points of view because it helped me understand where each character was coming from.
April 1, 2021
My review just happens to fall on my book tour date and I’m completely happy about that. This book was absolutely perfect! Thank you to Rachel and Kate Rock for having me on the tour!!
Heartache, mystery, sibling fights, marriage issues and more await us in this newest book by Rachel Cullen. Without a doubt, it’s a wonderfully intriguing and easy read. I couldn’t put it down and enjoyed the dynamics. I was arguing with the characters as they went about their business and I think that’s what makes a story, good. When you can truly get into a story and feel like you’re right there with them.
Jen and Lynn get the shock of their lives after their father passes away, the two sisters are so far apart they barely communicate. Then they meet their “new” sister and all hell breaks loose. It seems each one of their lives is at a crossroads and that there’s no hope in rekindling the family vibe. Never discount blood though, relationships can turn around or can they? Sibling rivalry, a broken heart and strained relationships are the focus in this story and it all plays perfectly together.
I highly recommend this read! Without a doubt a 5 star read. Super happy to to be on the tour!
Heartache, mystery, sibling fights, marriage issues and more await us in this newest book by Rachel Cullen. Without a doubt, it’s a wonderfully intriguing and easy read. I couldn’t put it down and enjoyed the dynamics. I was arguing with the characters as they went about their business and I think that’s what makes a story, good. When you can truly get into a story and feel like you’re right there with them.
Jen and Lynn get the shock of their lives after their father passes away, the two sisters are so far apart they barely communicate. Then they meet their “new” sister and all hell breaks loose. It seems each one of their lives is at a crossroads and that there’s no hope in rekindling the family vibe. Never discount blood though, relationships can turn around or can they? Sibling rivalry, a broken heart and strained relationships are the focus in this story and it all plays perfectly together.
I highly recommend this read! Without a doubt a 5 star read. Super happy to to be on the tour!
April 3, 2021
I just love stories about sisters. I have 4 of my own.
Lynn and Jen don't see eye to eye about most things. But when their father dies, Lynn comes home to Chicago. At the reading of his will, there is a surprise. They have a half sister, Courtney, who is 20.
This throws an interesting dynamic into the already fragile relationship Jen and Lynn share. As they both slowly let Courtney in, other secrets and lies make their way to the surface.
I can't help but think how I'd feel to learn I had a half sister, especially as I'm the same age as Lynn in the book. I think I would have felt betrayed but also would want to get to know her.
Lynn and Jen don't see eye to eye about most things. But when their father dies, Lynn comes home to Chicago. At the reading of his will, there is a surprise. They have a half sister, Courtney, who is 20.
This throws an interesting dynamic into the already fragile relationship Jen and Lynn share. As they both slowly let Courtney in, other secrets and lies make their way to the surface.
I can't help but think how I'd feel to learn I had a half sister, especially as I'm the same age as Lynn in the book. I think I would have felt betrayed but also would want to get to know her.
April 1, 2021
This was my first book by Rachel Cullen and it won't be my last. While domestic life fiction isn't my go-to genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Imagine finding out you have another sister while mourning your father's untimely death. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions! This story digs into the lives of the estranged Summer sisters, Jen and Lynn, how they navigate the loss of their father and the gain of their step-sister, Courtney. ⠀
⠀
Cullen has the skill to address serious family drama while making it fun and heartwarming. There is plenty of juicy drama and secrets that unfold. I think every reader can relate to some family dysfunction, but the Summer sisters just might top us all.⠀
⠀
Cullen has the skill to address serious family drama while making it fun and heartwarming. There is plenty of juicy drama and secrets that unfold. I think every reader can relate to some family dysfunction, but the Summer sisters just might top us all.⠀
April 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book, the family drama pulled me in. Perfect example of the tough yet unmistakable bond that I can only imagine sisters have.
Our story is told from three different points of view which are the Summer sisters Jennifer, Lynn and Courtney. Who have had their fair share of sibling rivalry and a rough life growing up with their father. Let’s just say he wasn’t the perfect dad.
I will admit a few times I got confused on who was talking but it didn’t take away from the story itself.
The characters were well written, realistic and relatable which makes for a great read. The twists and turns were a pleasant surprise making me want to keep turning the pages.
Overall this was a great story that will have you feeling all the emotions by the time the last page is turned.
Our story is told from three different points of view which are the Summer sisters Jennifer, Lynn and Courtney. Who have had their fair share of sibling rivalry and a rough life growing up with their father. Let’s just say he wasn’t the perfect dad.
I will admit a few times I got confused on who was talking but it didn’t take away from the story itself.
The characters were well written, realistic and relatable which makes for a great read. The twists and turns were a pleasant surprise making me want to keep turning the pages.
Overall this was a great story that will have you feeling all the emotions by the time the last page is turned.
April 12, 2021
I so enjoyed The Last Summer Sister. This is my first book by the author and will definitely not be my last. The story was enjoyable and the characters relatable. I also loved how the story was told from the different characters' point of views.
Looking forward to more books from this author.
Looking forward to more books from this author.
March 24, 2021
About the book:
Sisters Jennifer and Lynn Summer are three years apart but are very different. After living contrasting lives in separate parts of the country, they find themselves back together in Winnetka, Illinois at their father’s funeral.
Jennifer, the oldest sister, still lives in town and Jenn’s husband, Mark, is CEO of the family’s insurance company. Lynn has been living in LA as a model and actress.
At the will reading, it’s revealed that the sisters’ have a 20 year old half-sister named Courtney that is receiving an equal share of her dad’s inheritance.
Their dad’s wish is for them to take care of each other.
Jennifer and Lynn must get past their own baggage in order to build and sustain a relationship with the sister they didn’t know existed.
My Thoughts:
This book is told in 4 different voices: Jennifer, Lynn, Courtney and Mark. Through each of the characters’ perspectives the plot is built and the story develops.
This book is about building, repairing, securing and trusting relationships.
It’s about learning to openly communicate and the willingness to be totally honest.
I think this book also is about self-reflection and individual action in order to build a strong foundation for future happiness.
I liked this book because I genuinely wanted to see all these characters happy and ALL their relationships succeed.
Thank you to Kate Rock Book tours for the chance to read and give my honest opinions.
Sisters Jennifer and Lynn Summer are three years apart but are very different. After living contrasting lives in separate parts of the country, they find themselves back together in Winnetka, Illinois at their father’s funeral.
Jennifer, the oldest sister, still lives in town and Jenn’s husband, Mark, is CEO of the family’s insurance company. Lynn has been living in LA as a model and actress.
At the will reading, it’s revealed that the sisters’ have a 20 year old half-sister named Courtney that is receiving an equal share of her dad’s inheritance.
Their dad’s wish is for them to take care of each other.
Jennifer and Lynn must get past their own baggage in order to build and sustain a relationship with the sister they didn’t know existed.
My Thoughts:
This book is told in 4 different voices: Jennifer, Lynn, Courtney and Mark. Through each of the characters’ perspectives the plot is built and the story develops.
This book is about building, repairing, securing and trusting relationships.
It’s about learning to openly communicate and the willingness to be totally honest.
I think this book also is about self-reflection and individual action in order to build a strong foundation for future happiness.
I liked this book because I genuinely wanted to see all these characters happy and ALL their relationships succeed.
Thank you to Kate Rock Book tours for the chance to read and give my honest opinions.
March 16, 2021
I LOVED this book! Rachel Cullen is a new to me author and I won’t stop reading her books now! I found this book to be all kinds of crazy. Who knew so many secrets can be tied up with DNA! I hope we have more from these sisters because it was a wild ride! If you don’t know Rachel Cullen your missing out! 🎉
March 24, 2021
This story is told from four points of views, the three Summer Sisters — Jennifer, Lynn, and Courtney — along with Jennifer’s husband Mark. At times I would read a few paragraphs and have to glance back at the start of the chapter to double check who’s point of view it was. It seemed a bit much, but by the time I was halfway thru the book I realized the story couldn’t be told any other way. If we only got one or two POVs, it would not serve justice as each of these characters are a key part of the story.
Ms. Cullen has done a great job of relaying the emotions of the characters and making the story believable/realistic. There is drama, lies, miscommunication, ignorance of situations, marital issues and love of family.
As a first time reader of Ms. Cullen’s work, I look forward to reading more of her books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms. Cullen has done a great job of relaying the emotions of the characters and making the story believable/realistic. There is drama, lies, miscommunication, ignorance of situations, marital issues and love of family.
As a first time reader of Ms. Cullen’s work, I look forward to reading more of her books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2021
Some fathers are the type to coach your soccer team, go to recitals or matches, and wipe tears and clean noses or hurts.
Some are the kind who are deployed for months on end, or on shift for days at a time. They love hard, but their careers or callings keep them from home sometimes
The Summer sisters got the kind who worked lots of hours, but was making money not saving lives - and at least one secret pops up after his death.
Tangled family and emotional drama
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some are the kind who are deployed for months on end, or on shift for days at a time. They love hard, but their careers or callings keep them from home sometimes
The Summer sisters got the kind who worked lots of hours, but was making money not saving lives - and at least one secret pops up after his death.
Tangled family and emotional drama
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2021
Interesting and entertaining characters. Many secrets to reveal. Lots of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Wonderful and entertaining story. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2021
Jennifer Summer's father has just died and now she must give his eulogy. Thank god her sister, Lynn, was there to help her. There's just one problem, they don't get along. I liked this book, the family drama reeled me in. The twists and turns that pop up will have you wanting more. This is the first book i've read by this author and i loved it. I most definitely will have to check out her other books. I enjoyed this book and i hope you all will too. I highly recommend this book.
March 28, 2021
Fantastic story. Good for all. Wonderful characters and juicy twists.
June 10, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook. Listen, I do read all kinds of genres, so I don't want to think I'm that bitch who only reads romance, but I think I am that bitch. Because even when I'm reading fantasy or science fiction or whatever, my favorite thing in the book is usually still the romance. And there just wasn’t enough romance in this for me. Nothing about this storyline really appealed to me. This definitely isn’t a book I would have picked up on my own. I only read it because it was a book club selection. I don’t love stories that are super focused on family drama like this. I also really don’t like stories that follow characters that are going through a rough time in their life. And the consistent lack of communication throughout this book was really frustrating. One example of that is Jennifer and Mark. They’re both so unhappy with their lives. And the solutions to both of their problems perfectly complement each other and as the reader, that’s so obvious to us. But neither of them will fess up to the other and it almost cost Mark an amazing opportunity, which is just so frustrating. I didn’t love the way the sisters treated each other. I’m glad Jennifer felt really bad when she found out Lynn was divorced and had lost custody of her son and that she ruined her relationship with Nick for no reason. I’m glad she was the one to go to Nick and correct her mistake. Yes, Lynn could have told Jennifer about the divorce, but considering how estranged they were, I really don’t think Jennifer was entitled to that information. For Declan’s sake, I'm glad his plotline was resolved the way it was. Regardless of biology, he didn’t deserve to be cut off from contact with the only dad he’s ever known and be yanked out of school and moved across the country. Talk about trauma. But I'm also PISSED. FUCK Trevor. HE absolutely deserves to be cut off from Declan. I HATE that after all the shit he pulled and even after Lynn “wins” her battle against him, he still has primary custody. Courtney and Preston’s relationship was really the only part of this book that I actually liked, which is completely unsurprising considering that if their story was the whole book, it would be the kind of book I normally read. I’m such a sucker for the storyline that includes best friends falling for each other, especially when the guy is a big player and he falls for the girl first. I love that Preston says he’s liked Courtney that way since he met her. I could have used more focus on the two of them. I can acknowledge that was not the point of this book, but I would have liked this book more if it was. This just very much was not the book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2021
👧👧 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 / 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝗪 👧👧
Title: #TheLastSummerSister
Author: @rachelcullenauthor
Publisher: #limestreetpress
Pub Date: 3/25/21
Type: #PhysicalCopy
Genre: #WomensFiction
On Tour: @katerockbooktours
Must Read Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts:
This was a fast paced, endearing and heartwarming story about a family who is given the impossible news about a mystery sister after the passing of their father. This scenario could go SO MANY DIFFERENT ways, but I really liked that Cullen kept things upbeat and positive. Was there frustration, anger and initial resistance to a new family member? Absolutely. Did the news cause a rift in existing relationships? Definitely. But at the end of the day, each of the women decided to put the past behind them and move forward as a new family unit. I really liked all of the characters and thought that they each had an important role in the storyline. I appreciated the focus on self discovery and growth in the face of a very difficult and life-changing situation. You'll be able to zip right through this one and I'll definitely be adding more titles by this author to my TBR!
Title: #TheLastSummerSister
Author: @rachelcullenauthor
Publisher: #limestreetpress
Pub Date: 3/25/21
Type: #PhysicalCopy
Genre: #WomensFiction
On Tour: @katerockbooktours
Must Read Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts:
This was a fast paced, endearing and heartwarming story about a family who is given the impossible news about a mystery sister after the passing of their father. This scenario could go SO MANY DIFFERENT ways, but I really liked that Cullen kept things upbeat and positive. Was there frustration, anger and initial resistance to a new family member? Absolutely. Did the news cause a rift in existing relationships? Definitely. But at the end of the day, each of the women decided to put the past behind them and move forward as a new family unit. I really liked all of the characters and thought that they each had an important role in the storyline. I appreciated the focus on self discovery and growth in the face of a very difficult and life-changing situation. You'll be able to zip right through this one and I'll definitely be adding more titles by this author to my TBR!
April 13, 2021
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 is a very enjoyable family drama story that starts with a major secret.
The Summer sisters don't have much in common other than shared DNA. But when their father's untimely death reveals an earth-shattering secret, everything they thought they knew about their family changes overnight. Jen was considered the smart sister where as Lynn was the pretty one. Consequently, both sisters competed for their father's affections but were never satisfied. Jen still hasn't forgiven Lynn for fleeing to California, leaving Jen to tend to their father and the family insurance business in Chicago suburbs. Meanwhile, Lynn is living in exile in LA, forced to endure the pain of her humiliating divorce in silence because she is too ashamed to reveal her mistakes to her perfect older sister. As the youngest member of the trio, Courtney's life is also turned upside down due to her father's death, only for an entirely different reason; Courtney didn't even know he existed until after he was gone. Now she has to figure out what life looks like with two older sisters who can't stand each other while attempting to piece together her reality. Although this tragedy should bring the sisters together, the depth of their father's betrayal coupled with their tumultuous past makes reconciliation nearly impossible.
Family dramas happen to my one of my absolute favorite genres and this was a great example. I love books with multiple POVs and this one included all three sisters and Jen’s husband Mark. I’m looking forward to more from this author!
The Summer sisters don't have much in common other than shared DNA. But when their father's untimely death reveals an earth-shattering secret, everything they thought they knew about their family changes overnight. Jen was considered the smart sister where as Lynn was the pretty one. Consequently, both sisters competed for their father's affections but were never satisfied. Jen still hasn't forgiven Lynn for fleeing to California, leaving Jen to tend to their father and the family insurance business in Chicago suburbs. Meanwhile, Lynn is living in exile in LA, forced to endure the pain of her humiliating divorce in silence because she is too ashamed to reveal her mistakes to her perfect older sister. As the youngest member of the trio, Courtney's life is also turned upside down due to her father's death, only for an entirely different reason; Courtney didn't even know he existed until after he was gone. Now she has to figure out what life looks like with two older sisters who can't stand each other while attempting to piece together her reality. Although this tragedy should bring the sisters together, the depth of their father's betrayal coupled with their tumultuous past makes reconciliation nearly impossible.
Family dramas happen to my one of my absolute favorite genres and this was a great example. I love books with multiple POVs and this one included all three sisters and Jen’s husband Mark. I’m looking forward to more from this author!
April 12, 2021
The Last Summer Sister// Review & Book Tour
The Summer sisters don't have much in common other than shared DNA. But when their father's untimely death reveals an earth-shattering secret, everything they thought they knew about their family -- and their future -- changes overnight.
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Wow! If you are looking for family drama that isn't yours and something you can get lost in, this needs to be your book. The story that Cullen tells is about finding balance in new family dynamics. I enjoyed Cullen giving the reading multiple perspectives and so much detail in her writing, and it really sucked me into the book.
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The Last Summer Sister is the perfect book to remind you that you never really know what's going on in someone else's life, even if they are family. Give each other grace and actually talk and communicate.
Read if you like
👩👩👦👦Multiple POV
🎭Family drama
🏰 Happily ever after
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Thank you, @katerock and @rachelcullen, for letting me join on The Last Summer Sister book tour!
The Summer sisters don't have much in common other than shared DNA. But when their father's untimely death reveals an earth-shattering secret, everything they thought they knew about their family -- and their future -- changes overnight.
-
Wow! If you are looking for family drama that isn't yours and something you can get lost in, this needs to be your book. The story that Cullen tells is about finding balance in new family dynamics. I enjoyed Cullen giving the reading multiple perspectives and so much detail in her writing, and it really sucked me into the book.
-
The Last Summer Sister is the perfect book to remind you that you never really know what's going on in someone else's life, even if they are family. Give each other grace and actually talk and communicate.
Read if you like
👩👩👦👦Multiple POV
🎭Family drama
🏰 Happily ever after
-
Thank you, @katerock and @rachelcullen, for letting me join on The Last Summer Sister book tour!
April 10, 2021
This book was more than a book about family ties. After the death of their father, both sisters are grieving differently which is something I can totally relate to. Add a surprise sister in the mix and it gets even more difficult to deal with their grief. I loved how the story was told from Courtney, Jen and Lynn’s perspectives too. It added a great dimension to the novel and makes it a fast read! There were times where I was rooting for each sister as each of them had their own problems and issues to work through in their grief and in their lives. I’m excited to read more from Rachel Cullen!
April 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this story , it’s a honest look at familial relationship, lost and the imperfection of human being. This book it told from the POV of focus people and I really loved that, because it help to create such a well rounded story .
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When their father passed away , sisters Lynn and Jen are given the shock of their life when they find out they have a half sister . The sisters already have a strain relationship, but with the new addition of Courtney and added pressure of their fathers will, the road to reconciliation seems impossible .
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This is a story of family, forgiveness , and second changes . This story is a great reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.
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When their father passed away , sisters Lynn and Jen are given the shock of their life when they find out they have a half sister . The sisters already have a strain relationship, but with the new addition of Courtney and added pressure of their fathers will, the road to reconciliation seems impossible .
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This is a story of family, forgiveness , and second changes . This story is a great reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.
May 3, 2021
The Last Summer Sisters is told in the points of view of sisters Jenn, Lynn, Courtney and Jenn's husband Mark. I have four sisters and this story was well written and relatable. There is sibling riveraly, secrets, lies, and martial problems. The surprise twist and turns kept me turning pages past my bedtime. Thank you to Rachel Cullen and Kate Rock Book Tours for sending me a paperback and this is my honest review.
November 25, 2021
Fantastic reading! This is a perfect characterization of the complexity and bonds of sisterhood and the sometimes painful secrets of family. I loved the surprises and turns in this novel. The descriptions of career aspirations, addiction, pressure on professionals, and the relationship dynamic are so well wrought. Highly recommend! You won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2023
Family drama...
I really enjoyed reading The Last Summer Sister. It's well written and kept me interested for the entire story. It's one of those books that you want to keep reading and hate to put down because you want to know what happens next. Jen and Lynn relationship was all about sister rivalry. Then along comes Courtney and they both get her all caught up in their mess. Talk about family drama...
I really enjoyed reading The Last Summer Sister. It's well written and kept me interested for the entire story. It's one of those books that you want to keep reading and hate to put down because you want to know what happens next. Jen and Lynn relationship was all about sister rivalry. Then along comes Courtney and they both get her all caught up in their mess. Talk about family drama...
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