Sisters of Summer's End

Overall, I enjoyed this story with its blend of friendship, family and romance. Royce and Joy are such a sweet couple, and Jack, Joy’s five-year-old son, stole the show. I loved how Royce and Jack bonded, even while Royce didn’t want to get involved in a serious relationship. The theme of friendship and sisterhood is weaved throughout the book, with Joy and Maris forming a close bond. It’s a light, easy read for a lazy summer day. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.

SISTERS OF SUMMERS END is the second instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult SUMMER RESORT romance series focusing on the men and women who live and work at the lakeside resort Cooper’s Charm in Woodbine, Ohio. This is thirty year old, single mother and recreation director Joy Lee, and drive-in owner Royce Nakirk’s story line. SISTERS OF SUMMERS END can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is also a secondary romance developing between camp store owner Maris Kennedy, and handyman Daron Hardy. Told from several third person perspectives including Royce and Joy SISTERS OF SUMMERS END follows the building relationship between single mother and recreation director Joy Lee, and drive-in owner Royce Nakirk, Six years earlier Joy Lee found herself pregnant and alone but hoping to make a new life she settled into Cooper’s Charm lakeside resort where she would become the recreational director and find a new family with the people for whom she worked and loved. Fast forward to present day wherein Joy will come face to face with the drive-in’s new owner Royce Nakirk that has her reconsidering her self-imposed life as a single mother. What ensues is the building friendship and relationship between Royce and Joy, and the potential fall-out as Joy’s past offers her a second chance- for a price. Meanwhile camp store owner Maris Kennedy is oblivious to the attention of handyman Daron Hardy. Always serving the customers and the people with whom she lives and works, Maris is blind to Daron’s attention including the subtle flirtatious jibs and jibes. The relationship between Joy and Royce is one of immediate attention but Joy tends to keep to herself as she is a single mother trying to make it on her own. Having been tossed aside by the father of her child, then her own parents, Joy struggles with opening her heart to another possible failed relationship. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied. The secondary and colorful supporting characters include Cooper Cochran and his wife Phoenix Rose, as well as Phoenix’ sister Ridley (Cooper’s Charm #1), as well as Joy’s son Jack, and her parents Cara and Wallace Reed. The friendships and camaraderie between the employees at Cooper’s Charm is sweet, loving and protective. SISTERS OF SUMMERS END is a story of family, friendships, romance and love The premise is entertaining and endearing; the romance is tender; the characters are energetic and spirited. SISTERS OF SUMMERS END is the perfect beach read for a lazy summer afternoon

Another great book by this author that will leave you with all the good feelings. Joy has started working at the drive-in after her divorce and she and her young son are getting by and rebuilding their lives. Maris has ran the camp store at Summer's End and she and Joy form a strong and binding relationship like sisters. Now they both have a chance at romance, even if it not what either is looking for. Royce is the owner of the drive-in and perfect for Joy and Jack and when you add in the puppy, who could resist that. Maris, oh, she tries to deny her feelings but Daron is something special. This was a slow starter but once it got going it was hard to put down! Definitely worth a recommendation from me. **Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**