One Summer in Savannah is the debut novel by Terah Shelton Harris. Sara is faced with returning home to Savannah to care for her father. A place she said she would never go back to. Sara was raped when she was 18 by the son of a very powerful family. She decided to have the child and is keeping her daughter a secret. But she meets up with Jacob who happens to be the twin brother of the man who raped her. Can she trust him to keep her secret? This is a story of what it means to be part of a family through good times and bad. Also explores the power of forgiveness which at times may be a very hard thing to grant to someone that maybe doesn't really deserve it. One of my favorite books I have read this year! Highly recommend!

This is a beautifully written story about love, healing and the power of forgiveness. Some of the choices the main character makes are hard for me to imagine, like her decision to be with the twin brother of the man who sexually assaulted her. Yet I have never been in her shoes, so who am I to judge? The author writes in her note, "In writing this novel, my goal was to challenge readers on the definition of forgiveness and what it truly means to forgive." There is no doubt that I was challenged while reading and that is certainly the mark of a good book if you ask me. @terahsharris writes with compassion while tackling some truly difficult topics.

One thing to note is that the character of Hosea speaks only in poetry. At first this was a little frustrating as it broke up the flow, but as the book went on, I grew to appreciate it and it made for a very memorable read.

One Summer in Savannah is a must read., a thought provoking story of family, unconditional love, and forgiveness that will touch your heart. The main characters Sara, Jacob, and Alana are so well developed, they come alive on the pages.

One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris

This book dealt with themes of forgiveness and understanding that I really appreciated. I will say I almost didn’t pick it up when I saw that a major part of the plot is that the main character, Sara, was raped by a prominent person in her town. While the rape itself is mentioned, most of the book focuses on how both the person who is raped as well as the family of the rapist move on with their lives.

The story follow Sara and her daughter Alana, who was conceived from the rape, as well as Jacob, the brother of the rapist. As Sara moves back to the hometown she swore she would never visit again to help take care of her dying father, she comes to grips with how her life changed in ways both good and bad from her assault. Coming back home forces both her and Jacob to deal with issues that they had been able to keep buried when living other places. And in facing those issues head-on, they are both able to learn more about themselves and their capabilities for forgiveness.

A note that the father in the story only spoke in poetry – leaving the other characters to try and interpret his meaning. Sometimes this was a nice way to communicate but other times it was a lot.

#onesummerinsavannah #terahsheltonharris

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. The powerful story of grief, trauma, forgiveness, and love. It was so deep and emotional and so well written. The characters were so deeply developed and I loved them all. I was both angry and sad and happy (at the same time) for each of the characters throughout.

When Sara was 18, she was raped by the son of a wealthy family in Savannah. He is sent to prison, despite his family's attempt to prevent this. She moves to Maine, to protect the child from the rapist and his family and to try to provide a normal upbringing.
However, when her father's companion calls her and tells her that her father may have a short time to live, Sara returns to Savannah to spend some quality time with him during his last few months.
The child, Alana, is a genius, who excels in math and who Sara tries to provide a normal childhood for her.
This is a love story - with unusual circumstances - and completely predictable. I felt that the family of the perpetrator were one dimensional.
It bothered me that Sara's father only spoke in verse -not his own words- and I never felt that he was a real person in her life with thoughts and feelings of his own. He never expressed his fear of dying (although he knew that it could happen at any time), nor did he have any interaction with the Alana.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and the opinions expressed are my own. I would rate it 3.5 stars

✍️ BOOK / REVIEW ✍️

Gahhhh @terahsharris - why did you have to make me ugly cry like that?! 🥹 #onesummerinsavannah was an utterly AMAZING novel, and despite its length, I was able to read this one in less than 48 hours.

I simply adored everything about this book. The writing was absolutely beautiful. The characters were real, raw, and honest. The amount of love, respect, and forgiveness that was woven into these pages was a treasure. I can absolutely see why folks are RAVING about this book - it was such a well written and thoughtful read.

The reader is treated to both Sara and Jacob' POV - and while I normally prefer one protagonist over multiple, I found myself obsessed with each person's perspective. And while this lacks "spice," this love story was incredible. I think that writing it any other way would have ruined the purity.

I loved all of the poetic references in this novel, too - the fact that this was Hosea's way of communicating was absolutely beautiful.

Thank you, @bookmarked, for allowing me to be a part of the @booksparks #src2023 challenge - I am forever grateful for the opportunity 🙏. #booksandrec

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sara hasn't had an easy route in life. Raped as a teenager, she's left Savannah for Maine, where she's raising her daughter, Alana, the child born of the worst day of Sara's life. When she gets a call that her beloved father is dying, she hesitantly gathers Alana for the trip back to Savannah. Once home, Sara accidentally meets, Jacob, the twin brother of, Daniel, the man who raped her. Can Sara forgive and go on to lead a happier life? One Summer in Savannah is truly a beautiful book. The writing is beautiful, the poetry Sara's father communicate in is beautiful, the story of forgiveness and love is beautiful, and the characters are beautiful in spirit and physical being. This book will break your heart, while giving you joy as you finish it through your tears.

Just an incredibly written story on forgiveness. Though I was nervous about the content of the book (TW: rape, sexual assault), it is actually not the main focal point of the book. Instead it focuses more on the aftermath and how each of the characters who were affected have struggled to move on. A bit cheesy at times, especially the ending, but moving nonetheless. An amazing debut.

This story is an exercise in forgiveness. Sara shows the hesitation to forgive but opens the possibilities. Alana's relationship with Jacob shows her precociousness and intelligence. There is some insight about the prison system that I would like to have read more about. This book reminded me of the film Gifted.

There are a lot of uneven parts. I don't believe Sara being raped was handled well. It did not have the impact. It read as just something that just so happened to happen to her. Her pending relationship with Jacob was off putting. The ending was rushed.

I believe this story could have been a compelling look at family, love, and complicated relationships.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the book drew me in but once I started reading it, I just couldn’t get into it at all.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.

Note: This book deals with sensitive topics such as sexual assault, pregnancy, suicide, death of family members, illness, cancer, and more. Please take care to make sure you are in the right headspace to read this as it could be potentially triggering for some readers.

It took me about a month to read this book, mostly due to the fact that it covers many heavy subject matters. I recognize the privilege I had in being able to put this down and take a breath when I needed to.

I appreciate the journey both Jacob and Sara go on in this story on their path to forgiveness. There were a few instances when Sara in particular was quite honest with herself about some difficult things she had to face and I'm not sure I would have been brave enough to admit those things had I been in her shoes.

I think it was a really interesting choice for the author to make Jacob and Daniel identical twins. I'm still not sure what to think about it. I read some of the author's notes in the back of the book, and I can see her reasoning for making this creative choice. It is just making me think about what I'd do in that situation as Sara. That alone would have been a major obstacle for me.

Alana was such a great character and I loved how fleshed out she was. Sometimes kids in books can just be add-ons, but Alana was very much her own full character.

I'm not sure this review makes any sense, but there it is. This book won't be for everyone, but I think it brings a lot of difficult things to the forefront for discussion. I think it would make a good buddy or group read. There's a lot to discuss here.

Sometimes suspension of disbelief is as important in a realistic novel as in fantasy. One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris is such a recently released book.

The first line in the book sets the scene, “It’s difficult to pinpoint the moment I started loving my daughter.” Sara Lancaster had to get past the appalling way Alana was conceived by rape before love for the girl could enter the picture. But love and protection came and Sara has lived in Maine for eight years, never returning home in order to keep Alana safe and her very existence unknown to those who could not be trusted. Her father’s illness brings her back to care for him and run his bookstore.

The book is engrossing, but belief may be hard to come by. Could any child be as brilliant as Alana? Would any person, even a bookstore owner converse only by repeating someone else’s poetry? Could anybody be as blind to her son’s bad behavior as Birdie? Would the biracial marriage of the Wylers have been accepted, even with their wealth and power in Savannah? Does the rapist, now in prison, deserve either accolades for the good he has done as a model prisoner or sympathy as he faces death with cancer? Then perhaps the biggest question of all, could Sara form a bond with the twin brother of the man who raped her? Even as the reader may struggle with disbelief, the story compels another page turn and after the book is closed will leave wonder and thought about forgiveness and redemption.

One Summer in Savannah would definitely bring on discussion as a book club selection. Terah Shelton Harris will be on a panel at the Mississippi Book Festival on August 19 for those who would like to question her approach to this tough topic.

The poetry was a nice surprise and I really enjoyed the story! Can’t believe this is a debut. I really loved Sara’s perspective.

Such a heavy topic written about in a beautiful way. Definitely not an easy or light read nonetheless i enjoyed it very much. Excited to see where this author goes!

One Summer in Savannah was a remarkable story that deserves to be read by all. Thank you Terah for writing such a thought-provoking book. It's an important read and shows that life is full of tough decisions and moments that come with life changing consequences.
Must read!

Official review and links coming soon.

This was one of my anticipated reads for 2023. This debut novel has so many things that interest me. First of all it is set in Savannah, one of my favorite places on earth. It tackles a subject that I read about constantly. Forgiveness is a subject that intrigues me and I am in awe of how different authors explore it. Harris does this through the main character, Sara who survives a sexual assault as a teenager and gives birth to a daughter conceived as a result of the assault. Throughout the novel, Sara works on forgiving herself, her attacker and his family, the people of Savannah and others for what she endured. Even though sexual assault is at the core of the story, the author does not make the retelling of the assault graphic. She writes in such a way that the reader knows what happened.

Poetry is another interest I have and the author incorporates poetry throughout the novel. It is the language in which Sara’s father speaks. Overall, I enjoyed this novel and I am excited to see what the author writes next.

I requested and received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

The old saying the heart wants, what the heart want?. Well that is the only reason I can think of on how and why Sara lets herself get close to Jacob. Jacob is the twin of her attacker. That is so messed up! The attacker who s3xually assaulted Sara years ago, giving her a daughter. But...
Sara has kept her daughter's existence a secret from her hometown but now that she has returned to Savannah things come to light. Secrets can only be secrets for so long.
The trudged-up feelings of being back in Savannah with her daughter need to be delt with. Haven't things festered long enough.?
There is a lot of emotion packed into the pages of this book. Love, hate, repulsion, prison, freedom, and then there's forgiveness. The central theme of this book--told in beautiful prose--is forgiveness. Who do you forgive? what if you never forgive? who deserves forgiveness, anyway?

This book begins with a Content warning: Sara, our protagonist, was raped and became pregnant from that incident. She has moved far from her Savannah home—to Maine—to escape the constant scrutiny of the town where the rape occurred, far from the rapist’s family to a jurisdiction where they have no rights to Sara or her child.
Sara has maintained her isolated existence for nearly a decade, keeping in touch with her father via video calls, and putting her life on hold. But when he faces a final, terminal medical diagnosis, Sara regrets being away so long and returns.
There she must revisit all the consequences of putting a pillar of the community’s son behind bars, as well as her father’s mortality. The book is well written and sensitive—often heartbreaking. Set in the outskirts of Savannah, the ocean and islands of the deep south help set a temperature for the novel and its characters. There is southern charm and hospitality, but also undertones of class, racism and pride that make this book so readable.
My only problem with the book results from my legal background. The book posits that no one knew of Sara’s pregnancy, yet we are also told she was a witness, subject to cross examination, at her rapist’s trialHe had top notch lawyers, but he was still sentenced before her pregnancy became evident. I didn’t find that credible. I also had trouble with the lack of overbearing heat in Savannah in the summer but am willing to accept that one acclimates to extremes.
I enjoyed the book and admired the characters and look forward to reading this debut author’s next one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the early copy.

One Summer in Savannah is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that delves into the themes of healing, forgiveness, and the complexities of family dynamics. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Savannah, Georgia, the story follows Sara Lancaster, a woman haunted by a traumatic past, and her daughter Alana, as they confront their demons and navigate the challenges that arise when their lives intersect with the Wyler family.

The narrative opens with Sara's reluctant return to Savannah after an eight-year absence. Her father's illness forces her to confront the painful memories she has tried desperately to escape. The reader is immediately drawn into Sara's world as she strives to shield Alana from the Wyler family, connected to the man who assaulted her years ago. The author skillfully portrays Sara's determination and fierce protectiveness as she cares for her daughter while grappling with her own inner demons.

The characters are deeply flawed, yet beautifully nuanced. Sara is a strong and resilient protagonist, haunted by her past but determined to create a better future for her daughter. Alana, with her curiosity and intelligence, adds a refreshing perspective to the narrative. The inclusion of the Wyler family, particularly Jacob Wyler, introduces a complex dynamic that adds layers of tension and unexpected connections.

The author expertly weaves together themes of trauma, forgiveness, and personal growth throughout the novel. As the story progresses, the emotional journey of Sara and Jacob intertwines, revealing shared pain, suppressed emotions, and a path toward healing. The author's exploration of the power of poetry as parallel forms of self-expression provides a unique and thought-provoking backdrop to the narrative, emphasizing the transformative nature of art and science.

The setting of Savannah is depicted with vivid imagery, bringing the city to life, and immersing the reader in its atmosphere. The rich Southern charm and vibrant cultural heritage enhance the story's backdrop and serve as a symbolic reflection of the characters' journeys.

The author showcases a poignant and lyrical writing style throughout the book capturing the raw emotions and complexities of the characters' experiences. The prose is evocative and flows seamlessly, immersing the reader in the emotional landscape of the story.

Overall, the story is a gripping and emotionally resonant novel that explores the themes of healing, forgiveness, and the intricate bonds of family. The author demonstrates an exceptional ability to delve into complex human emotions, creating a compelling narrative that will leave readers contemplating the power of love, redemption, and the courage to confront one's past.

I recommend this book club. I give it a 4-star rating.