The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Em has spent her life trying to match the perfection that her parents and grandmother expect of her. She’s graduated as valedictorian, she’s going to spend the summer working for her father’s law firm and then she’s off to college to pursue a career that they have picked out for her. Still it never seems like enough.
Then upon her graduation, she receives a letter from an Aunt she’s never heard of, offering to the chance to come spend the summer in the Outer Banks at her Bed and Breakfast and she convinces her parents that it’s the one and only time she’ll get to relax before the rest of her life begins and they finally agree.
Upon her arrival, Cade makes a less than stellar first impression and there seem to be secrets her Aunt is keeping from her, but she’s determined to enjoy herself.
That includes working with the chef, spending spare time cooking and baking and enjoying herself in an atmosphere that she wishes she could pursue for real.
Along the way, she gets to know the residents of her Aunt’s life and finds out not only some secrets about herself, but uncovers the person she really wants to be. I can’t tell you much more without giving away some of those secrets so that’s all I’m saying!
I really enjoyed this story! Like I said, it was the perfect end of summer read for me. It wasn’t too heavy, even though it deals with some heavy topics. Greenland does a great job of presenting it all in a light and realistic way. Plus, I now want to make a trip to the Outer Banks and spend some time on the beaches! It sounds amazing!
I enjoyed all the different characters we are introduced to and yes, Cade was lovely! I couldn’t help but fall for him.
This was a quick read for me, the characters were all likable… well, except for the ones who weren’t supposed to be, and the writing was well done.
I think the only thing I really wanted that I didn’t get was a final confrontation. It kind of just petered out at the end … you’ll get what I mean when you read this.
If you’re looking for something with a summery feel, with a little bit of drama definitely give this one a read. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I picked this one up at BEA and I’m glad I made the stop!
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