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REVIEW
Last Summer at the Lake House is an intriguing modern family drama that kept me pinned to the pages until I finished reading it (in one sitting). This is a story about death, grief, betrayal and secrets but also life, joy, faithfulness and truth. And surrounding all this is the magnetic power of sisterhood, the healing freedom of forgiveness and the unquestionable need for new beginnings.
Three sisters. Alex, Sam and Jess are drawn back to the Lake House in Summerville—a place of many happy childhood memories and an escape destination during their adult years. But death brings them together this time, after hearing the tragic news that their father has had a sudden heart attack and not survived. They each think of the last time and last words they had with their father. Something I am sure we can all relate to when a loved one of our own has passed.
The sisters are in shock at their sudden loss but they pull themselves together as they must meet and offer support to their mother, help her make arrangements, while processing their grief. Each sister shares her journey so we get three different viewpoints which gives the story complexity. Although we get to know each sister fairly well, the plot mostly revolves around one of them stumbling across some letters written to their father. Who is this woman? And how long did he know her? And to what extent was their relationship? This discovery sets the sisters into a spin as they try to untangle the details of this mystery. And what they discover sends them reeling. It affects them so deeply, it makes them question their father’s integrity and mars their memories of him.
Also, in the mix are three other men: an attractive new neighbour named Hunter, heavy drinker and less than mature boyfriend of Sam’s named Wes and Alex’s steady and understanding husband Ben. It is interesting to see the various relationship dynamics, how they change or become exposed during the many challenges that arise after news of the sister’s father’s passing.
Last Summer at the Lake House is filled with tension and unexpected twists. You can feel the bonds of sisterhood, the desire to protect each other. Even though friction sparks some negative reactions between them while they try to deal with the painful secrets of their father. We see the sisters struggle with their own identity, as they question the past and attempt to resolve the conflicts within and without and between them.
Sometimes uncovering past secrets can cause great harm and alter a person’s memories. Alex is so bent on digging up the truth about her father, she forgets the potential side effects. Until this bomb shatters the hearts of all once it is known. Yet does it set her free? Only when she realises she must forgive that a calmness will wash the residue from her heart and fill the troubled void.
This is a great family novel that is relatable and heart shattering yet carries a strong message of hope and restoration. You will love many things about Jess the writer, Sam the independent woman and Alex the good daughter, mother and wife. And you will find Carol their mother has had her own share of heartaches and carried many wounds. I highly recommend this emotional novel that covers brilliantly some challenging, life-altering topics. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.
