Fe's Reads: Book Club Recommendation
Sep 12, 2024
Introduction:
Looking for your next summer read? Dive into the heartwarming and captivating Summer Beach series by Sunny Hostin, where stories of love, friendship, and family unfold against the backdrop of sunny beaches and vibrant communities. Each book takes you on a journey filled with complex characters, relatable challenges, and the undeniable charm of coastal living. Whether you're lounging by the pool or craving a literary escape, this series offers the perfect blend of heart and summer vibes. Grab your sunscreen, settle in, and let Sunny Hostin’s storytelling sweep you away!
Summer on Highland Beach:
Summer on the Highland Beach centers around Emma Harper, a woman who has just endured a painful divorce and is looking for a place to recover. She heads to Highland Beach, a quiet coastal town where she spent childhood summers. Seeking solace and a fresh start, Emma rents a beach house and immerses herself in the peaceful rhythms of seaside life.
As Emma settles in, she meets Aiden, a rugged and reserved local who runs his family's small boat rental business. Like Emma, Aiden is nursing wounds of his own after the tragic loss of a loved one. Their initial interactions are cautious and guarded, but over time, they begin to open up to one another.
As the summer unfolds, Emma and Aiden form a deep bond, slowly helping each other heal. Their relationship is tested by the ghosts of their pasts and the uncertainties of their futures. The novel explores themes of forgiveness, letting go, and taking chances on new beginnings.
In the end, Emma must decide whether she will return to her old life or embrace a future filled with possibilities in Highland Beach with Aiden by her side. The novel is a heartwarming exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of new beginnings against the backdrop of a picturesque seaside town.
Summer on Sag Harbor:
Summer on Sag Harbor follows Olivia Jones, a high-powered finance professional, as she moves to Sag Harbor, a historically Black beach enclave. After the betrayal of Omar, a surrogate father figure, Olivia seeks answers about her family, including the mystery surrounding her biological father’s death and her mother’s disappearance. While settling into her new home in Sag Harbor, Olivia forms deep connections with other residents and uncovers long-hidden truths about her family. Throughout the summer, Olivia’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, exploring the complexities of friendship, love, and identity within a close-knit community.
The novel dives into themes of legacy, family secrets, and personal reinvention, all set against the backdrop of a rich and culturally significant beach town.
Summer on the Bluffs:
Summer on the Bluffs is the first novel in Sunny Hostin's Summer series, and it follows the story of Ama Vaux Tanner, a successful lawyer who has spent many summers at her stunning home in Oak Bluffs, an exclusive Black community in Martha’s Vineyard. As she nears retirement, Ama decides to invite her three goddaughters—Olivia, Billie, and Perry—to spend one last summer at the house before deciding which of them will inherit it.
The story delves into the secrets and complexities of Ama’s life, as well as those of her goddaughters, who each carry their own burdens and struggles. Over the course of the summer, long-buried truths about Ama’s past come to light, leading the women to confront their own histories, relationships, and desires. Themes of family, friendship, legacy, and the pursuit of happiness are woven throughout the narrative, set against the backdrop of a glamorous and historically significant African American community.
The novel explores identity, love, and the bonds that tie people together, all while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Oak Bluffs. It’s a story of self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of community.
Conclusion:
Sunny Hostin’s Summer Beach series is the perfect companion for those looking to escape into a world of warmth, love, and personal growth. With its richly drawn characters and inviting seaside settings, each book offers a comforting blend of relatable challenges and heartfelt moments. Whether you're enjoying a summer day or cozying up indoors, this series will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. Dive into the Summer Beach series and let the magic of Sunny Hostin's storytelling transport you to the shores of unforgettable stories.
