The Summer We Lost Her is a story of a family, marriage and how our past can affect so much of who we are today. There is a big element of dressage involved in the storyline of this book, which I think for me was distracting because it isn't something I know a lot about and took away from the other elements of the plot. I can see how someone with a connection with horses would connect so well with this so that was just my experience as a reader.

I thought the book itself was well written and I enjoyed the storyline of Elise and her struggle with prioritizing both her family and her lifelong Olympic dreams. I thought it was very powerful to see a female in a situation where she was chasing a goal that was very important to her while also juggling a family.

The father Matt was the more "present" parent in this situation. I thought this was a compelling piece of this book because it was pointed out many times how worried others were about Matt being able to "handle it all" while Elise was away training. If the roles had been reversed in this family, there would not have been a single question about Elise as a mother handling the demands and needs of her family.

When their daughter, Gracie, disappears, not only are we left wondering if she will be found but also if Elise and Matt's marriage will survive. This book has family drama, suspense and mystery and it was an enjoyable and thought provoking read. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Summer We Lost Her is a touching story of a couple at the crossroads, confused with their relationship as they deal with the disappearance of their daughter. When you add a former, long ago love, a wrench is thrown into the mix of emotions, insecurities, and uncertain future.
I really loved it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have never heard of this author but thought that the description sounded interesting. I really did enjoy this book. I thought it was well written and kept my attention. I may buy this book for the library and see if my patrons enjoy it.

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! This was my first novel from Tish Cohen and I am beyond impressed. I love her writing style and the way she made the characters come to life. Please go out and read this novel, I cannot wait to read more from her!

Matt and Elise Sorenson are in a strained marriage due to Elise's frequent absence competing in her equestrian events as a dressage rider. Matt, a lawyer, has put his dreams and ambition aside to support Elise but has long been agitated by Elise and her absence in the family. When Elise misses their daughter Gracie's first school play, Matt leaves with Gracie, and without Elise, to their pre-planned trip to the Adirondacks. Matt is planning on selling his grandfather's cottage although he is very attached to it. When Matt arrives he is surprised to learn that his childhood sweetheart, Cass, is living next door. Elise finally arrives and is unnerved by Cass and her attachment to Matt. Then a parent's worst nightmare occurs - Gracie is kidnapped when Elise turns her back for only a minute. Where is Gracie? Who took her? Will Matt and Elise's marriage survive the trauma?
This was a great family drama - I really enjoyed the twists and turns! The story is about resentment, secrets, forgiveness and most of all love.
Thanks to Tish Cohen, Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

The Summer We Lost Her by Tish Cohen is a moving story about how people/couples get through difficult times in their lives and relationships. The story is told from the perspectives of Elise Sorenson and her husband Matt Sorenson. Together (or perhaps it's better to say separately) they parent Grace, their young daughter with special needs. Elise's Olympic dressage ambitions take a toll on her family both emotionally and financially. This leads to a summer of soul-searching and overcoming obstacles in their way to happiness. While on summer vacation in the Adirondacks, one of the most devastating situations to any parent happens to the Sorensons. It is this situation that can either tear them completely apart or bring them together.

At times the story drags which is why I gave it 4/5 stars. It is still a good read; however, I had trouble at times with the transitions between characters. I also felt the ending to the conflict was a bit off-putting. I would have taken the story in a different direction, but that's why I'm not the writer :-)

Captivating book, I didn’t want to put it down. This mystery, about a missing girl, made me want to keep reading. I needed to know what happened to her, and what was happening to everyone else. Felt like I was there, saying hi to the horses, fishing on the lake. Well written, I totally recommend.

The drama unfolds during a family's stay at a lakeside cabin. Matt, a lawyer, his wife an Olympic rider and their mildly handicapped daughter Gracie are staying at the cabin over the summer while they get it ready to sell. There is tension between Matt and Elisha because of her frequent trips away from home, and they may be on the verge of splitting up when secrets are exposed and a kidnapping occurs. There was a little bit of everything and enough twists between the past and present that kept you wanting more. Well crafted novel of loss and redemption.

I have sent this review to New York Journal of Books where it will be posted on the nigt prior to the publication date.


"The Summer We Lost Her" by Tish Cohen
Gallery/Scout Press
June 4, 2019
10-1501199684
978-1501199684
352 Pages
Contemporary Women's Fiction

Elise Sorenson is a dressage rider. Dressage is a highly skilled form of equestrian training to perform in exhibitions and competitions where the horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements.¹

As a youngster, Elise was drawn to horses. After years of making a name for herself, she now is aspiring to reach her goal at the Olympics. Wed to Manhattan lawyer, Matt, they have a daughter, Gracie, whom they lovingly refer to as "Little Green."

Elise, away from home for long stretches while competing, is taking a toll on her relationship. Matt cares for Gracie in Elise's absence and tries hard to hold things together; not only the marriage but the huge expense of Elise's career.

Matt becomes fed up when Elise misses Gracie's school performance. Though they are due to head to Lake Placid, NY the day after Gracie's play to spend two weeks as a family and reconnect, Matt leaves with Gracie that night. He plans to sell his deceased grandfather's home to cover Elise's show expenses. Raised by his grandfather Nate, Matt loves the cottage where he experienced many happy times, and in his heart, he does not want to part with the property.

Elise is distressed for missing Gracie's recital but it could not be helped, and when she gets home in Montclair, NJ realizing her family gone, she heads to the Adirondacks unconcerned about her fatigue and stress of her long day. She arrives before dawn excited to see her family yet she does not know how to tell Matt her recent competition made her a contender for Rio and the Olympics.
Matt and Elise had engaged in a whirlwind courtship and married within a year against Nate's wishes. He felt Elise was not good enough for his grandson and belittled her constantly. Fortunately, Nate adored Gracie and showered her with everything, while remaining nasty to Elise.

When Matt arrives at the cottage he is surprised to see Cass, his childhood sweetheart living next door. She is a single mother with a son Gracie's age, and the kids become friends. Cass relives her history with Matt irritating Elise by sticking sticks her nose into their business and treating Matt like he's her husband.

Upon learning of a camp Cass's son attends, Gracie begs to go, so the following morning Elise waits with her by the street for her ride. They are early and Elise does some gardening then runs to get gloves. When she returns, Gracie is gone with Elise thinking the bus picked her up. She panics when Gracie does not return home that afternoon. The police are notified and a search commences in the rain:

"Hundreds of people, it seemed, had descended upon the area, even a few locals on horseback. Members of the state police canine unit were there with German shepherds, a bloodhound, another shaggy black dog of indeterminate breed. There were local cops. State troopers. Firefighters. In the engine bay, there was even a table holding stacks and stacks of plastic-wrapped ponchos. All this for Gracie.

"All this because of Elise."

Elise blames herself, though she only left for a minute, what is worse is Matt's anger and the enraged looks the searchers give her intensifying her guilt.

A marriage already in trouble is now on shakier grounds, and it doesn't help Cass demeans Elise to Matt. He tells Cass he is leaving Elise. Meanwhile, as he struggles with grief over "Little Green" he learns shocking things about Nate. Instead of banding together to share their grief and anxiety, Matt distances himself from Elise while she condemns herself further. Can Gracie be located? Found alive and well? Can Elise and Matt reunite or are they doomed?

A heartbreaking tale no parent should ever have to endure, "The Summer We Lost Her" contains characters injured by other's actions and a lack of communication. The antagonists (Nate and Cass) are easy to dislike gaining, which the reader gains sympathy for Elise, as Matt proves to be an innocent in the scheme of things. A complex story line stirs deep emotion, though back stories are placed in different and unexpected areas tending to slow the flow and be perplexing. There is an over abundance of detail involved, and without knowledge of dressage or horse training, this novel may either confuse some or prove interesting. However, the plot is intriguing and filled with passion.

¹About Dressage, International Equestrian Federation, retrieved August 26, 2011

Poignant, richly characterized, with a wistful and surprising look back even as it delivers the heartbeat of a suspense novel. A wonderful, addictive read for readers of intelligent fiction.

Well crafted novel of loss and redemption. It is so full of insight into relationships and holds you frozen until the end.. The warmth of the characters comes right through and keeps you thoroughly in its grip.
Marvelous read

I was hesitant at first to read this because I don’t like books where things happen to children, but [Spoiler Alert - look away now if you don’t want to know anything about how the story ends] it turns out this one has a happy ending! In fact, my only real complaint with this book would be that the ending was a little too happy and too perfect. It just seemed unlikely in the world we live in, but that’s ok...we all need to be able to hope that things can end happily. I really enjoyed this thriller. I was eager to pick it up every night and find out what was going to happen. It read quickly and was very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it as a light thriller for those who don’t want anything too heavy, but still want to enjoy the genre.

Really well written family drama surrounding a family's stay at their summer place while preparing it for sale. There are many turns in this story including the kidnapping of their only child, the husband's first love living next door and a cast of characters who seem to alternately revere and loath the family. Both Matt and ;Elise are nearing the top of their careers but what will they sacrifice to get it?

This book was so good!! Seriously one I would consider to be one of the big books of this summer. A parent’s worst nightmare, lakeside setting and tested love lay the foundation for a pageturner.

Matt, a lawyer, his wife, an Olympic rider and their mildly handicapped daughter Gracie make for an intriguing story filled with tension and drama.
I was given this book from NetGalley for an honest review -
Matt's father dies and the family moves to the cabin to ready it for sale.
His wife is gone riding and getting ready for the Olympics which puts a strain on their relationship.
Added to that - next door at the cabin is Matt's ex. Then to top it off Gracie disappears.
Will they ever find Gracie? Will their marriage survive?

Surprisingly captivating once midway though the book! The ending caught me off guard as well. very enjoyable and will be a good beach book.

I really enjoyed this book. Gracie's character was absolutely delightful among a lot of not so likable adult characters. The twist for me was a little lackluster, but overall I enjoyed this book.

This is a wonderfully written book that I could not put down. The story involves, among other things, a strained marriage and a missing child. The characters are well-drawn and the reader experiences the ups and downs as they navigate the journey, trying to balance Olympic hopes with their family's financial and emotional needs.

First time reading this author and I am hooked! Great story - the type you didn't want to put or end. A few surprises that I didn't see coming. Will definitely recommend this title to our library patrons once we purchase it.

Matt and Elise Sorenson, along with their 8 year old daughter, Gracie, have planned a two week break in Lake Placid, New York. The game plan is to prepare Matt’s late grandfather’s cabin/land to be put up for sale because money has been extra tight as of late. Elise is a very respected equestrian who is on the brink of making it to the Olympics, which takes her out of town often. While Elise is away, Matt finds himself basically juggling the role of Mr. Mom and his profession as a lawyer. With small fissures in their marriage already formed, the fact that Matt’s first love happens to live right next door to his grandfather’s cabin surely doesn’t help. Then the unthinkable happens...Gracie goes missing!!!! I literally couldn’t put my kindle down from that point on!

I completely devoured this novel! The Summer We Lost Her is great of mix of general fiction and mystery/suspense. I loved how Tish Cohen told Matt and Elise’s story both individually and jointly as a couple, but she also told us who they were before they knew each other —loved that! This fast paced read didn’t have any lulls which is the reason I wasn’t able to put it down!! This is the first novel I’ve read from Tish Cohen, I really enjoyed her writing style and I am looking forward to reading more from her! The Summer We Lost Her is a 5 star read that you won’t be able to get out of your mind!! Most definitely on my 2019 favorites list!