Publication
Mira, c2020
Status
Available
Description
"When Serenity Alston swabbed her cheek for 23andMe, she joked about uncovering some dark ancestral scandal. The last thing she expected was to discover two half sisters she didn't know existed. Suddenly, everything about her loving family is drawn into question. And meeting these newfound sisters might be the only way to get answers. The women decide to dig into the mystery together at Serenity's family cabin in Lake Tahoe. With Reagan navigating romantic politics at work and Lorelei staring down the collapse of her marriage, all three women are converging at a crossroads in their lives. Before the summer is over, they'll have to confront the past and determine how to move forward when everything they previously thought to be true was a lie. But any future is easier to face with family by your side."--Jacket flap.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member CathyGeha
One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak
Three women take a DNA test
Results are returned
Voila – two unknown half-sisters found
Get to know one another online then
Meet in Reno to see what is what
All three facing big issues
All three curious about one another
All three wondering who their common ancestor
Summer spent together
Time to share stories of their past
Their secrets come out
They grow closer
Who are they really?
How are they linked?
And what will their futures hold?
What I liked:
* The three women
* The similarities and differences in the lives of all three
* The caring that developed between the sisters
* Their willingness to assist one another in finding solutions to issues they were facing
* That it wasn’t easy for any of them
* The mystery solving of who their common parent was
* The bit of romance in each of their lives
* The growth all three appeared to achieve
* The relationship forged between the women making them as close as the sisters they are genetically
* The positive potential future of the three women
What I did not like:
* The people that created the issues to be solved in the sisters lives
* Not knowing for sure what the future for the three women will end up being.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Three women take a DNA test
Results are returned
Voila – two unknown half-sisters found
Get to know one another online then
Meet in Reno to see what is what
All three facing big issues
All three curious about one another
All three wondering who their common ancestor
Show More
might beSummer spent together
Time to share stories of their past
Their secrets come out
They grow closer
Who are they really?
How are they linked?
And what will their futures hold?
What I liked:
* The three women
* The similarities and differences in the lives of all three
* The caring that developed between the sisters
* Their willingness to assist one another in finding solutions to issues they were facing
* That it wasn’t easy for any of them
* The mystery solving of who their common parent was
* The bit of romance in each of their lives
* The growth all three appeared to achieve
* The relationship forged between the women making them as close as the sisters they are genetically
* The positive potential future of the three women
What I did not like:
* The people that created the issues to be solved in the sisters lives
* Not knowing for sure what the future for the three women will end up being.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member alekee
When Serenity submits her DNA to be analyzed, she never expected the results she received, and how the author's mind worked as the pieces of this book fell together!
Can you imagine finding a sister you never knew you had, actually not one, but two, and now these young woman are meeting each other
They come with a lot of baggage, but seem to form an instant connection, sisterhood, and a bonus of a four year old niece!
We are kept guessing here, and when the final facts unfold, wow, never ever saw it coming, will you be blindsided like me, or have an idea what happened here?
Loved the epilogue at the end, there is a completion, but we could continue here!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
Can you imagine finding a sister you never knew you had, actually not one, but two, and now these young woman are meeting each other
Show More
at Lake Tahoe for the first time.They come with a lot of baggage, but seem to form an instant connection, sisterhood, and a bonus of a four year old niece!
We are kept guessing here, and when the final facts unfold, wow, never ever saw it coming, will you be blindsided like me, or have an idea what happened here?
Loved the epilogue at the end, there is a completion, but we could continue here!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak has Serenity Alston surprised by the results she received after submitting a DNA test to 23andMe. She learns that she has two half-sisters. The three women will be spending the summer together in Tahoe. It will give the three women a chance to get to know each
Show More
other and try to identify their common link. Each woman is going through a rough patch. Serenity just finished testifying at her husband’s trial after turning him in to the police. Lorelei discovered her husband cheated on her with someone unexpected. Reagan had a one-night stand with someone from work and cannot face returning to her job. Each woman will need to overcome their issues before moving forward. One Perfect Summer is a light read that touches on an interesting topic. Imagine taking a DNA test and finding out you have two siblings. I liked that the three women who were at an intersection in their lives. It was touching to see them go from strangers to true sisters. The point-of-view switches between the three sisters which can be confusing in the beginning until you get used to each ladies’ voice. It does mean that there is a repetition of information. It does, though, allow us to understand what each woman is feeling and thinking. I wanted to find out how the three women were related and came to be separated. When the solution was revealed, I was surprised because it came out of left field. I liked Lorelei’s daughter, Lucy and how she helped an injured man. I did find the pacing a little sluggish and there is foul language (too much) in this book. I was happy with the epilogue that showed the women rallying around Reagan for an important event. One Perfect Summer is a sweet story about sisterly bonds, second chances, overcoming the past, finding love, and family. Show Less
LibraryThing member Asheley
Three adult sisters find one another after DNA testing matched them. The three had undergone DNA testing for different reasons and were surprised/nervous/delighted to find that they had siblings that they didn't know about. The three glow closer together during the course of a summer spent at Lake
I really loved this one. Serenity, Reagan, and Lorelai all have a lot of mess happening in their own lives and are just trying to hold their heads above water while everything unfolds. They're all at a big crossroads in their individual lives when the book begins. It's so wonderful how each of the three come together and share their lives with each other, even knowing that they could potentially be judged for the baggage they bring into the sister relationship. They're all flawed and vulnerable, but going through their mess together helps them lift one another up. I love the way they're all so protective of one another.
It's true that there is a lot of drama in this story. It seems like bad thing after bad thing after bad thing happens. But the whole point is that the three are helping one another through the messy parts of their lives. I would recommend that you suspend your disbelief that so many crazy things could happen to these three women if it seems like a lot to you, so you can enjoy their relationship growing and changing.
Also, I'd like to say that I never could have predicted what connected them. Never in a million years. I really like that I was surprised when that big reveal happened.
Thanks a ton to Harlequin MIRA and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy for review! These opinions are my own.
Show More
Tahoe.I really loved this one. Serenity, Reagan, and Lorelai all have a lot of mess happening in their own lives and are just trying to hold their heads above water while everything unfolds. They're all at a big crossroads in their individual lives when the book begins. It's so wonderful how each of the three come together and share their lives with each other, even knowing that they could potentially be judged for the baggage they bring into the sister relationship. They're all flawed and vulnerable, but going through their mess together helps them lift one another up. I love the way they're all so protective of one another.
It's true that there is a lot of drama in this story. It seems like bad thing after bad thing after bad thing happens. But the whole point is that the three are helping one another through the messy parts of their lives. I would recommend that you suspend your disbelief that so many crazy things could happen to these three women if it seems like a lot to you, so you can enjoy their relationship growing and changing.
Also, I'd like to say that I never could have predicted what connected them. Never in a million years. I really like that I was surprised when that big reveal happened.
Thanks a ton to Harlequin MIRA and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy for review! These opinions are my own.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Madison_Fairbanks
One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak
Chick lit. Sisters who found each other by DNA, two that didn’t know they were adopted. They spend the summer together learning and sharing their lives and loves.
Emotional and moving, the three sisters get to know each other while going through huge changes.
It’s a enchanting story of family love and support. An easy and engaging read.
I would have liked a bit more at the end.
I’m glad it wasn’t a tear jerker.
Chick lit. Sisters who found each other by DNA, two that didn’t know they were adopted. They spend the summer together learning and sharing their lives and loves.
Emotional and moving, the three sisters get to know each other while going through huge changes.
Show More
They are able to connect and support each other and become true family. It’s a enchanting story of family love and support. An easy and engaging read.
I would have liked a bit more at the end.
I’m glad it wasn’t a tear jerker.
Show Less
LibraryThing member gpangel
One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak is a 2020 Mira publication.
A good sudsy summer beach read
Serenity made a shocking discovery after submitting her DNA to 23AndMe. She has two half-sisters she didn’t know about. Unsure of how they came to be related, Serenity invites her sisters to visit her in
Enter Reagan, who works at an advertising firm, and Lorelei, a stay at home mom.
All three women are at a crossroads in their lives which is centered around their poor choices in men. Things get off to a bumpy start when Reagan and Lorelei clash. Why? Well, it would seem Reagan is riddled with guilt over a heated sexual encounter with her married colleague, while Lorelei has just discovered her husband has been unfaithful. Awkward!
However, it doesn’t take long before the familial bonds of sisterhood take hold, as the three women work to uncover the secrets that will reveal their true heritage.
I am finally coming out of my exclusive crime fiction phase and am ready to get into some ‘summer’ reading. The ‘Beach Read’ label is different for everyone, but for me, it’s contemporary fiction- or what we once referred to as ‘women’s fiction’. I love losing myself in the lives of others, especially when focused on women, as they navigate their family issues, marriages, divorce, kids, friendships and the various challenges and trials of life.
This book was the perfect book to kick off my summer of ‘beach’ reading! I was instantly drawn into the catty drama between Reagan and Lorelei but was soon feeling drawn more towards Serenity as she seemed to have the most to lose by learning the truth and her backstory was truly awful, which made me hope her story would be the most rewarding.
Of the three women, Lorelei’s story is the saddest, yet her character grew more than anyone else's, in my opinion.
She was a little annoying at times, but I was happy to see her gain confidence and realize her self-worth.
I’d love to see Reagan and Lorelei get a story of their own someday, but for now I was very pleased with the progress each woman made, not just in their individual lives, but as sisters. At last, they will know the entire truth about their parentage, and will now have one another to lean on through life’s ups and downs.
The only minor quibble I had was that mystery into the DNA match was often placed in the background, entirely forgotten at times, and the side story involving a neighbor visiting for the summer just kind of fizzled out.
Other than that, the ending was exceptionally well done, and so that I don’t give anything away, I’ll just say it was very satisfying. Certain revelations were especially poignant for one of the sisters and I was so happy that she finally got the peace she deserved!
Overall, another winner for Brenda Novak! This is immersive drama at its finest!
4 stars
A good sudsy summer beach read
Serenity made a shocking discovery after submitting her DNA to 23AndMe. She has two half-sisters she didn’t know about. Unsure of how they came to be related, Serenity invites her sisters to visit her in
Show More
Lake Tahoe where her family owns a cabin.Enter Reagan, who works at an advertising firm, and Lorelei, a stay at home mom.
All three women are at a crossroads in their lives which is centered around their poor choices in men. Things get off to a bumpy start when Reagan and Lorelei clash. Why? Well, it would seem Reagan is riddled with guilt over a heated sexual encounter with her married colleague, while Lorelei has just discovered her husband has been unfaithful. Awkward!
However, it doesn’t take long before the familial bonds of sisterhood take hold, as the three women work to uncover the secrets that will reveal their true heritage.
I am finally coming out of my exclusive crime fiction phase and am ready to get into some ‘summer’ reading. The ‘Beach Read’ label is different for everyone, but for me, it’s contemporary fiction- or what we once referred to as ‘women’s fiction’. I love losing myself in the lives of others, especially when focused on women, as they navigate their family issues, marriages, divorce, kids, friendships and the various challenges and trials of life.
This book was the perfect book to kick off my summer of ‘beach’ reading! I was instantly drawn into the catty drama between Reagan and Lorelei but was soon feeling drawn more towards Serenity as she seemed to have the most to lose by learning the truth and her backstory was truly awful, which made me hope her story would be the most rewarding.
Of the three women, Lorelei’s story is the saddest, yet her character grew more than anyone else's, in my opinion.
She was a little annoying at times, but I was happy to see her gain confidence and realize her self-worth.
I’d love to see Reagan and Lorelei get a story of their own someday, but for now I was very pleased with the progress each woman made, not just in their individual lives, but as sisters. At last, they will know the entire truth about their parentage, and will now have one another to lean on through life’s ups and downs.
The only minor quibble I had was that mystery into the DNA match was often placed in the background, entirely forgotten at times, and the side story involving a neighbor visiting for the summer just kind of fizzled out.
Other than that, the ending was exceptionally well done, and so that I don’t give anything away, I’ll just say it was very satisfying. Certain revelations were especially poignant for one of the sisters and I was so happy that she finally got the peace she deserved!
Overall, another winner for Brenda Novak! This is immersive drama at its finest!
4 stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member thornton37814
Serenity, Reagan, and Lorelei discover they are half-sisters after taking a DNA test. They decide to spend the summer together in Lake Tahoe. Each has her own "man problems." They all want to know who the father is, but instead of using DNA matches to determine the father, they go through a rather
Show More
convoluted method. I kept reading in hopes they'd eventually use the DNA itself to solve the problem. The DNA, while a tool to bring the women together, ended up being secondary to the women's involvement in relationships with me. This book relied a little too much promiscuity for me. In the end, I was sorry I didn't abandon it when I almost did 50 pages into the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
Good story about finding unexpected family. Serenity is a true-crime writer who took a DNA test as research for her book. She never expected to find out that she had two half-sisters. Curious about their connection, and not ready to confront her parents with the knowledge, Serenity invites Reagan
Serenity discovered that her husband, Sean, was dealing in child pornography. After turning him in, and divorcing him, she spent months buried in his trial. It was a particularly nasty one that subjected her to ridicule and worse, especially from Sean's family. The stress affected her ability to write, and she is way behind the deadline for her next book. She hopes that time at the lake will help jump start her writing.
Reagan feels overwhelming guilt over her relationship with her married boss. It went further than she expected, and now she doesn't want to face him again. Meeting two previously unknown sisters gives her a way to put some distance between herself and Drew while she decides what to do.
Lorelei's life is in turmoil. Shortly before she left, Lorelei found out that her husband, Mark, was having an affair with her best friend. Now Francine is pregnant, and Mark thinks it shouldn't make any difference to their marriage. But Lorelei's feelings of betrayal make her unable to contemplate a future with either of them in her life. The bright spot in her life is her daughter Lucy.
I liked watching the development of the relationships among the three sisters. There is tension at the beginning, as all three are wary of what they might find out. There is also some initial tension between Reagan and Lorelei. Lorelei doesn't react well to Reagan's "other woman" status, being on the wronged wife side of the issue in her own marriage. I liked how they all opened up and shared their lives without judging each other. The planned one week visit turned into the whole summer as each of the women uses the time to make decisions about their futures. I liked the way that they supported each other, sometimes with advice and sometimes just by being there.
Each of the sisters also has decisions to make on the romantic front. Serenity's sort-of brother-in-law stood with her during the trial, alienating him from the family that took him in when he was young. Sawyer made his admiration of Serenity clear, as well as his attraction to her. Serenity feels the sparks herself but doesn't want to be responsible for ruining his relationship with the only family he has. I liked Sawyer's patience as Serenity worked through her fears.
Reagan put distance between herself and Drew, not trusting that she could resist giving in again. Complications arise, making that separation a little more problematic. A recent acquaintance stays in touch by text, making his interest in Reagan clear. I liked their texted conversations, as Rally offers his friendship and support.
Lorelei faces the end of her marriage and wonders if she is partly to blame. Her self-confidence has taken a hit. She connects with a handsome neighbor, whose attentions are a balm to her spirit. Meanwhile, her husband indicates his desire to repair their marriage, but Lorelei is suspicious of his sincerity. I liked seeing Lorelei's growth as she dealt with all the uncertainties of her future, and drew strength from the support of her sisters.
The DNA storyline was interesting, though it sometimes faded into the background. The thought of discovering unknown family through such a random event is an intriguing one. Each of the women had specific reasons for taking the test. Serenity's was simple research that turned into a mystery to be solved. She's somewhat torn about the search as she doesn't know what it would do to her family. Reagan is the daughter of a workaholic, emotionally distant mother. Her father walked out when Reagan was little. Her interest is in possibly finding her father. For Lorelei, she simply wanted to see if she had any family. She was discovered wandering alone as a toddler, and no family was found. She grew up in the foster system, always wanting a family of her own. Their attempts to discover the truth were sometimes convoluted when direct and honest conversation would have been more productive. The revelation at the end was an unexpected twist.
The three brothers who were the women's neighbors were interesting. Finn was the one we saw most of, with his interest in Lorelei. I was never quite sure how deep his interest went, but I liked his steady friendship and support for her. There wasn't much about Nolan, but I got the feeling he might have an interesting back story. My heart broke for Davis. His brothers brought him to the lake house to recover from a horrific motorcycle accident. He lost an arm and is having trouble dealing with the change to his life. I enjoyed seeing how each of the women influenced him in some way. I would love to see the men get HEA's of their own.
Show More
and Lorelei to her cabin in Lake Tahoe. There they will get to know each other and try to find out the truth. Each woman has more than her heritage on her mind, and they all have big decisions to make about their futures.Serenity discovered that her husband, Sean, was dealing in child pornography. After turning him in, and divorcing him, she spent months buried in his trial. It was a particularly nasty one that subjected her to ridicule and worse, especially from Sean's family. The stress affected her ability to write, and she is way behind the deadline for her next book. She hopes that time at the lake will help jump start her writing.
Reagan feels overwhelming guilt over her relationship with her married boss. It went further than she expected, and now she doesn't want to face him again. Meeting two previously unknown sisters gives her a way to put some distance between herself and Drew while she decides what to do.
Lorelei's life is in turmoil. Shortly before she left, Lorelei found out that her husband, Mark, was having an affair with her best friend. Now Francine is pregnant, and Mark thinks it shouldn't make any difference to their marriage. But Lorelei's feelings of betrayal make her unable to contemplate a future with either of them in her life. The bright spot in her life is her daughter Lucy.
I liked watching the development of the relationships among the three sisters. There is tension at the beginning, as all three are wary of what they might find out. There is also some initial tension between Reagan and Lorelei. Lorelei doesn't react well to Reagan's "other woman" status, being on the wronged wife side of the issue in her own marriage. I liked how they all opened up and shared their lives without judging each other. The planned one week visit turned into the whole summer as each of the women uses the time to make decisions about their futures. I liked the way that they supported each other, sometimes with advice and sometimes just by being there.
Each of the sisters also has decisions to make on the romantic front. Serenity's sort-of brother-in-law stood with her during the trial, alienating him from the family that took him in when he was young. Sawyer made his admiration of Serenity clear, as well as his attraction to her. Serenity feels the sparks herself but doesn't want to be responsible for ruining his relationship with the only family he has. I liked Sawyer's patience as Serenity worked through her fears.
Reagan put distance between herself and Drew, not trusting that she could resist giving in again. Complications arise, making that separation a little more problematic. A recent acquaintance stays in touch by text, making his interest in Reagan clear. I liked their texted conversations, as Rally offers his friendship and support.
Lorelei faces the end of her marriage and wonders if she is partly to blame. Her self-confidence has taken a hit. She connects with a handsome neighbor, whose attentions are a balm to her spirit. Meanwhile, her husband indicates his desire to repair their marriage, but Lorelei is suspicious of his sincerity. I liked seeing Lorelei's growth as she dealt with all the uncertainties of her future, and drew strength from the support of her sisters.
The DNA storyline was interesting, though it sometimes faded into the background. The thought of discovering unknown family through such a random event is an intriguing one. Each of the women had specific reasons for taking the test. Serenity's was simple research that turned into a mystery to be solved. She's somewhat torn about the search as she doesn't know what it would do to her family. Reagan is the daughter of a workaholic, emotionally distant mother. Her father walked out when Reagan was little. Her interest is in possibly finding her father. For Lorelei, she simply wanted to see if she had any family. She was discovered wandering alone as a toddler, and no family was found. She grew up in the foster system, always wanting a family of her own. Their attempts to discover the truth were sometimes convoluted when direct and honest conversation would have been more productive. The revelation at the end was an unexpected twist.
The three brothers who were the women's neighbors were interesting. Finn was the one we saw most of, with his interest in Lorelei. I was never quite sure how deep his interest went, but I liked his steady friendship and support for her. There wasn't much about Nolan, but I got the feeling he might have an interesting back story. My heart broke for Davis. His brothers brought him to the lake house to recover from a horrific motorcycle accident. He lost an arm and is having trouble dealing with the change to his life. I enjoyed seeing how each of the women influenced him in some way. I would love to see the men get HEA's of their own.
Show Less
LibraryThing member txbritgal
Epic
What a wonderful read. Filled with family, secrets, betrayal and the search for truth. One summer had the power to utterly change the lives of three women forever. Having discovered they were half sisters, and no clue how this came to be...they took the summer to bond and try to uncover the
What a wonderful read. Filled with family, secrets, betrayal and the search for truth. One summer had the power to utterly change the lives of three women forever. Having discovered they were half sisters, and no clue how this came to be...they took the summer to bond and try to uncover the
Show More
truth. In the process revealing their individual heartbreak and struggles along the way. I loved this book!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member BookAnonJeff
One Perfect Fictionalized Story Of Real World Concerns. I picked this book up the instant I read the description because it seemed like it would be working through in novel form many of the same issues Libby Copeland raised in her nonfiction book The Lost Family, which released about a month before
Show More
this one will. (Yes, this is yet another book I'm reading as an ARC, and my reviews are my own honest thoughts no matter how I acquire a book or when I read it in relation to its official publication date.) I was not disappointed in that regard at all, and if anything this book actually did a better job of truly exploring these complexities than the nonfiction book did, if only because in novel form it is much easier to express just how messy these situations can be from so many angles. Yes, you may get answers - but those answers in these cases... well, many of them were buried for very good reasons. And then there are the people who just do these DNA kits on a lark to "find out where they're from" or some such - which is actually how one of our lead protagonists arrives in this situation, highlighting the stark realities of how serious even taking one of these tests can be. Truly an excellent work grounded in real world research and even real world situations, as the nonfiction book shows. Very much recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member SimplyKelina
I was completely in love with this story when it started and was enjoying learning more around all three of the sisters. Each brought a different story and I was excited to see how everything would unfold.
The middle was just too dragged out and the ending was too rushed for me. I did not like how
The middle was just too dragged out and the ending was too rushed for me. I did not like how
Show More
everything unfolded and wanted more to how the sisters find out how they are related. Even if the ending was not as rushed and we got more around that part of the story where they find everything out it would have wrapped up better. It all felt too unfinished in the end. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
9781488055454