Lessons of a Lowcountry Summer

by Rochelle Alers, Sharon Washington (Narrator)

DR. HOPE SUTTON has everything she's always a winning career as an advice columnist and a hard-lovin' man who is not afraid to commit. But just when she's ready to settle down she finds out her man's been living a double life. Now she has to get a new one of her own -- starting with a soul-searching trip to McKinnon Island. REBECCA OWENS is a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother in desperate need of a vacation -- alone. But will spending the summer on McKinnon Island help her to get it together...or will she be tearing her family apart? THEODORE HOWELL has had a lot of success as a screenwriter. But his personal life? It's a mess. Suddenly the guardian of two half brothers and a half sister, how will this tried-and-true bachelor find room in his life for surrogate fatherhood and his demanding career? Their answers lie somewhere on sandy shores....

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Adult, African American Romance

Audio Cassette

First published May 4, 2004

About the author

Rochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.

Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.

Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.

Reviews

[Mahoghani 23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

To live in the state and the area this book writes about and not know or understand the history is embarrassing of me. As much as I love to read, I will be spending this summer learning more about the place I live and the people.

Three different groups of people from three different backgrounds, decide to spend the summer on McKinnon Island, SC. Dr. Hope Sutton has family roots there. After breaking up with her fiance, she decides to leave New York and regroup. Rebecca Owens has lost herself in her marriage and her children and needs to discover who or what she needs to feel alive again. Theodore Howell is raising his three siblings after their parent's death and he's not successful in his endeavors.

Sometimes it takes a change of scenery, meeting new people and exploring new locations to allow your life to become normal again. The story was very descriptive and informative. I learned about the Gullah language by reading this book. Rochelle wrote a love story with a beautiful African American historical background.

[Sheronda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. The three stories connected together so well. And the surprise twist would have blown me but it was handled so well. Everyone had so much healing and growth. What a great book.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic romantic read. I must admit there was a surprising twist in one of the relationships. Though this incident could have broken this character's spirit, she persevered and learned to trust in love again. I'd like to meet a man like Theo. The author's descriptive narrative has generated an interest in the cuisine and landscape of the Carolinas. I must go there now.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me!! Romance, history, relationships, therapy, Gullah culture, friendships, strong women—it had a little bit of everything. Good read!!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read. I stumbled upon this book while I was browsing on openlibrary. I just borrowed the book and amazed my self by finishing it with only 2 breaks in between. I was hooked right up till the end. The last chapter seemed to have lost it narrative and just rushed to tie up the story and put a bow on it. It's a happy ending for it seems like so far only 2 characters. Either I missed it or Rebecca's end was not that well thought out. And the bi story and subsequent story seemed a bit misplaced and like a plot device for Theo to step to the bat.

[Cherri Stamps McCray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome redemptive love story

This was a book I could not put down. I love hearing about the Full ah traditions and look forward to visiting areas with those traditions. Awesome love story.

[Imina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute romance read for me. After living in the SC and GA for over 12 years I learned a lot about the island people and their lifestyles. So reading this one was fun because it reminded me of dear friends.

[Gail Willis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second African American book in a row I’ve read where the protagonist found her man with a man. Book started off good then got lame.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

good characters

[Carolyn F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. Hope, Rebecca and Theo on McKinnon island for the summer.

At first the narrator read so slow and pronounced each word precisely with long pauses between paragraphs that I didn't think I could finish the audiobook. Sharon Washington, the narrator, finally found her groove when the dialogue become more exciting though. This is a book about 3 people in transition who go on vacation to McKinnon Island, a Gullah island on the east coast. There they meet and grow and become friends. I ended up liking the book a lot. The only complaint I have is the interaction was somewhat stilted at times. "Good evening. Good evening to you. How are you? I am fine and you?" Who talks like that? Especially when these people have known each other for awhile. But maybe this is the author's experience and I don't know what I'm talking about.

Overall I enjoyed the audiobook and would recommend it.

[Kendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought this would prove to be an enjoyable summer read - after all, there's summer in the title and clear blue water on the cover. I might have enjoyed it more had I stopped there! The book is primarily about how three successful/well-to-do African-Americans are forever changed by the summer they spend on one of the South Carolina sea island rich with Gullah culture. It starts out well enough, but it felt like the author either got tired of the characters or pressed against a deadline because the ending was choppy and disappointing. It's almost as if she couldn't figure out how to bring it all together and so she gave up.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

In preparation for a vacation on Daufuskie Island back in the summer, I downloaded a couple of books set on Daufuskie or similar SC/GA coast islands, and this was my favorite by far. The others were mystery type books which made the islands seem a bit dark and ominous. And, after vacationing on Daufuskie, I found it anything but that. It was an island full of peace and relaxation that really makes you reflect on the simple things that most important. So, the storyline with this book was much more in-line with my experience on one of these Lowcountry islands and therefore very enjoyable. I'd definitely recommend it.

[Ursula Shelton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great book, sort of basic and predictable. All of the main character end up in McKinnon, South Carolina. Dr. Hope has a direct connection to the island; she visits to write a book and to get some healing from a bad relationship. Rebecca needs time away from her husband and mother in law, but all in all she realizes that an affair is not the way to go. Theo and family on a family hiatus; he falls for Dr. Hope. All is well and ends well. A few surprises in the book, but not many. I would recommend to family and friends; I have it a 2 1/2. Enjoy

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lessons of a Lowcountry Summer by Rochelle Alers was a pretty good read. I have to say, though, that her dialogue kept bringing me out of the story. I find it true that writing in dialect does bring you out of the story, even if it is how normal people talk.

[Gail Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

[The Reading Cove Book Club ❦ · Rating 2 out of 5]

TBR Potluck Challenge

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read. Based on the location, took a vacation to the Gullah area of Georgia/South Carolina. Recommended highly. Good story line.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a 3.5 read for me

[Erica L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazing! A page turner, very edutaining and it left me with a big smile on my face! Rochelle Alers can spin a story! YES! Loved this