Scan barcode
kurumipanda's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, Abandonment, Classism, and Death
kariniwonderland's review against another edition
4.0
I adored this book. I finished it in almost one sitting. The stories of both Alice and Olivia are intriguing. Filled with mystery, sadness but also hope. How to deal with grief and therefore sometimes make hard decisions that others don't understand. Highly recommend this one! You won’t be disappointed!
I got this arc in exhange for an honest review.
I got this arc in exhange for an honest review.
hippybrarian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
alohabooksandbujos's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
When Olivia’s grandmother passes it seems to be a closing chapter on her family and Summer House but when she’s left with photos of her parent’s wedding day, the story of her childhood unravels when it’s discovered her mother isn’t actually dead.
Wow, this novel had me hooked right from the beginning. With alternating perspectives of Alice when everything begins and Olivia desperately trying to piece together the puzzle of her mother disappearing, you really see both sides. Summer House is filled with gentle romance, heartbreak, grief, family, and history. You root for Olivia to find her answers and fight for her own marriage. You mourn with Alice losing the love of her life and making a grief-stricken decision she thinks to be best for her child. The complexity of the characters is amazing and I flew through this book wanting to know everything. I sat in shock as the book ended, not wanting it to be done.
When Olivia’s grandmother passes it seems to be a closing chapter on her family and Summer House but when she’s left with photos of her parent’s wedding day, the story of her childhood unravels when it’s discovered her mother isn’t actually dead.
Wow, this novel had me hooked right from the beginning. With alternating perspectives of Alice when everything begins and Olivia desperately trying to piece together the puzzle of her mother disappearing, you really see both sides. Summer House is filled with gentle romance, heartbreak, grief, family, and history. You root for Olivia to find her answers and fight for her own marriage. You mourn with Alice losing the love of her life and making a grief-stricken decision she thinks to be best for her child. The complexity of the characters is amazing and I flew through this book wanting to know everything. I sat in shock as the book ended, not wanting it to be done.
kirstyreviewsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
The Secrets of Summer House by Rachel Burton
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Aria and I am leaving this review voluntarily
1976. Rushing out of the University Library, undergraduate Alice Kenzie bumps straight into PhD student Tristan Somers. There begins a whirlwind romance, and Alice falls pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl. Then Tristan is killed in a car accident. Unable to cope, Alice takes her baby to Summer House, Tristan's family home in Suffolk, leaves her there and disappears.
2018. Olivia Somers has always been told that her mother died in the same accident as her father. But when she finds a bundle of old letters in Summer House, everything she ever believed about her mother is called into question. Can she find her – and even more importantly, forgive her?
Rachel utilises two different timelines to tell this story, split between current day and 1976. This is an emotional read as Olivia discovers letters that could change her life - there are also some light and happy moments. This book will have you hooked and you will find yourself wanting to know the truth as much as Olivia.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Aria and I am leaving this review voluntarily
1976. Rushing out of the University Library, undergraduate Alice Kenzie bumps straight into PhD student Tristan Somers. There begins a whirlwind romance, and Alice falls pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl. Then Tristan is killed in a car accident. Unable to cope, Alice takes her baby to Summer House, Tristan's family home in Suffolk, leaves her there and disappears.
2018. Olivia Somers has always been told that her mother died in the same accident as her father. But when she finds a bundle of old letters in Summer House, everything she ever believed about her mother is called into question. Can she find her – and even more importantly, forgive her?
Rachel utilises two different timelines to tell this story, split between current day and 1976. This is an emotional read as Olivia discovers letters that could change her life - there are also some light and happy moments. This book will have you hooked and you will find yourself wanting to know the truth as much as Olivia.
Rating 4/5
nsa101's review against another edition
4.0
The Secrets of Summer House by Rachel Burton is a well crafted historical fiction narrative. I always enjoy a good dual timeline and in this story we are alternating between the late 70’s and present day.
What I appreciated most is that the characters are relatable and the struggles they face and how they come to terms with the past are authentic. In the end this, this book is about love and forgiveness, about struggles with motherhood and what it means to be a family and about loyalty, friendship and second chances.
I also love stories about old houses and the secrets they keep which adds a little mystery!
Thank you to @netgalley and @headofzeus for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
What I appreciated most is that the characters are relatable and the struggles they face and how they come to terms with the past are authentic. In the end this, this book is about love and forgiveness, about struggles with motherhood and what it means to be a family and about loyalty, friendship and second chances.
I also love stories about old houses and the secrets they keep which adds a little mystery!
Thank you to @netgalley and @headofzeus for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
liquorice's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jenmoody23's review against another edition
4.0
I love a good family drama and this one delivered just that.
Olivia was raised by her grandparents after her parents died in a car accident when she was very young. She grew up knowing about her father, but very little about her mother. One day she finds letters from her mother and starts to get a glimpse into that part of her past. This story is told in alternating timelines between present day and when her parents were young adults. While not a true mystery, there was enough of one to keep you reading to find out what really happened in the past and how we got to present day.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely seek out more of her work.
Olivia was raised by her grandparents after her parents died in a car accident when she was very young. She grew up knowing about her father, but very little about her mother. One day she finds letters from her mother and starts to get a glimpse into that part of her past. This story is told in alternating timelines between present day and when her parents were young adults. While not a true mystery, there was enough of one to keep you reading to find out what really happened in the past and how we got to present day.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely seek out more of her work.
a9nes's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
extraaardvark's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75