Member Reviews
“Love is never complicated. The circumstances are but never the love.”
This is a stunning debut novel from Terah Shelton Harris coming on July 11th 2023.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publishers for this digital arc.
It's been eight years since Sara Lancaster left her home in Savannah, Georgia. Eight years since her daughter, Alana, came into this world, following a terrifying sexual assault that left deep emotional wounds Sara would do anything to forget. But when Sara's father falls ill, she's forced to return home and face the ghosts of her past.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was the theme of forgiveness, and of loving those you cannot forgive.
It’s always a refreshing and welcome feeling when a book I’m reading ends up having a theme that I wasn’t expecting enclosed in the plot. In addition to the all encompassing theme of forgiveness that this novel brings to light there were storylines and themes that really kept my interest and tugged at my heart. Poetry and Hosea and (super) math and Alana.
I feel in love with Sara’s family. It almost felt as though I had spent one summer in Savannah with them, making home made pizza and closing up the bookstore every evening ☺️
This is a love story. A really good one. This is more than a romance novel for sure but it’s also my new favorite romance.
Jacob is a swoon-worthy and extremely admirable love interest for our brave heroine.
I thought every character, all the members of Sara and Jacob’s families, were so brightly brought to life by the author. I would LOVE to see this book get made into a movie. I’m picturing Kerry Washington as the leading lady for sure.
5 stars for me. Highly recommend.
I was completely drawn into the storyline of this book. While I'm sure there are other novels about this particular trauma, I thought the storyline was very unique. I thought Jacob was a more well developed character than Sara. I had a hard time picturing her or connecting with her. There were few things that I didn't enjoy. For me, having Naomi as a ghost felt a little far fetched (despite that it wasn't a large part of the storyline). I also had a hard time reading the parts that were interrupted with Hosea's poetry and found myself just skimming over those. Lastly, I don't know about the believability in the ending for a few different reasons. Did they really need to be identical twins? That seemed like too much. Overall, I found it unique and hard to put down and would recommend it to friends (up until the ending).
This novel follows the summer that Sara returns to Savannah after escaping the aftermath of a rape nearly nine years earlier. Although there were some aspects of this novel that were not quite believable (the seeming quick change in Sara's need to protect her daughter Alana from everything, the readiness to open her heart to her rapist's twin brother, Hosea's bizarre style of speaking), the overall sense of the story was a sweet one. To see two tortured souls being willing to forgive those that hurt them and find a way to love was a touching story. Terah Shelton Harris did a beautiful job weaving poetry into the story line (although it was an odd way to communicate) and addressing astrophysics and mathematic equations in a way that seemed to normalize them for a layperson.
This book was a hard read for me. As I victim of rape I just didn't find this story very believable! Forgiveness is one thing but falling in love with his twin... Its been over 30yrs since my assault and I have forgiven him but if I saw him again, his face, there is no way I could look at the same face and see love. I understand the redemption story and it was well written book, but just didn't work for me. Will definitely check out more of her books in the future!
WOW.
Powerful. Haunting. Enchanting. Nuanced. Thought-provoking. Heart-wrenching. So many words to describe this gem of a book.
The biggest, overarching theme in this book is forgiveness, and I think it was done beautifully. I think she described beautifully how nuanced and complex it is, and that it is a long, arduous and ongoing process and journey.
I loved that despite the premise, and themes of hurt, loss and trauma, there were some incredibly soft and tender moments that showed love and affection (in all forms) between the characters.
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was an amazing story told with gorgeous prose with an almost mystical quality that I absolutely adored. To say this book is about forgiveness is an oversimplification. It's about the work of forgiveness and how it's more about healing the person who gives it than absolving someone of their wrongs. It's also about finding love and choosing love when it's hard or comes from an unexpected place. A phenomenal debut.
I moved this up my TBR very quickly and devoured in two sittings. This is not a black and white story- it is full of shades of grey. I did not agree with all the characters' choices- but that's realistic. It underscores the theme that family is not always easy, not always straightforward, and that loyalty in the face of adversity can be unclear and devastating. It is hard to even condense the details of this book into a summary, but I'll do my best:
Sara was sexually assaulted as a teenager, and unbeknownst to anyone but her family, had a child as a result. She fled her hometown of Savannah to escape the powerful, rich family of the man who assaulted her in fear that they would fight for custody of her daughter, Alana. Fast forward 8 years, and Alana is an actual genius of a child- taking after her biological father's family. Sara is told her father is dying of a brain aneurysm and rushes home to be with him, not expecting to stay for months on end making up for lost time with him. In this time, she meets Jacob, who happens to be the twin brother of Daniel, the man who assaulted Sara in her teens. Sara allows him into the bubble of her family and Alana's world, and in the process Jacob and Sara fall hard and deep for each other- which of course presents a myriad of obstacles to say the least. To add another layer of complexity, Daniel is dying of cancer, and Jacob's loyalties are tested as he tries to stay true to Sara and grapples with losing a brother who set his entire family's lives on a spiraling path 8 years ago.
Phew- and that doesn't even cover all the main points that make this book a heart wrenching tale of family, forgiveness, betrayal, and loss- I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who has the capacity to read about the rippling effects of sexual assault not only on the victim, but the bystanders. A beautiful and devastating read.
One Summer in Savannah is a story of family, love, healing and forgiveness. When Sara is sexually assaulted by Daniel Wyler, the son of the most prominent and powerful family in town, she is devastated, not only by the act, but by the very public trial that follows. When she learns she is pregnant she flees Savannah to protect her child. Eight years later her father is sick and Sara must return with her daughter, Alana.. She is determined to keep Alana a secret from the Wyler family. She is worried they will use their power and influence to gain custody of the girl. When Alana accidently meets Daniel's twin brother Jacob, an immediate bond is formed. Sara realizes that she can not keep Alana and Jacob apart, and that the relationship benefits both Jacob and Alana. Both Sara's family and Daniel's family learn that they must face the past in order to move on. Each in their own way they learn to trust and forgive each other and themselves. This is a story of family, and how we all do our best to protect the ones we love, but sometimes to truly hold on to what we have we need to open ourselves up and be vulnerable.
Terah Shelton Harris treats a very sensitive subject with respect and care. Her prose is beautiful and her character development in superb. I can not wait to read more from her.
3.75 stars
I enjoyed several things about this novel, including its questions around forgiveness, addressing trauma,, family loyalty, truth and acceptance. The story was well-written and the two main characters very well-developed and likeable. I enjoyed the story being told in their perspectives in alternating chapters.
However, I found the use of poetry as the only way in which a secondary character speaks to be a bit disjointed and interrupted the flow of the novel for me. I also found that the theme of foregiveness, while though-provoking and key to moving ahead from trauma, should have been balanced with the accountability and acknowledgment of the impact of the behavior of one of the characters. I would have liked to have seen the behavior in question be head on addressed and explored.
Overall, an interesting read.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Wasn’t as good as I was expecting could have been better executed but still worth a read, just wasn’t my cup of tea. Will try another book by the author to see if that is any better.
I am grateful to have received the arc of this debut from Terah Shelton Harris. The novel is told by two main characters from alternating perspectives/chapters. Both main characters felt fully formed and I enjoyed reading from both of their viewpoints. I look forward to this coming out in July and recommend it to all my book reading friends!
I absolutely loved this story. My heart is almost bursting with joy and my brain is exploding with all the questions, thoughts, ideas, dilemmas, situations, and real-life issues which arose as I read, and which will continue to arise in my mind over and over again as I contemplate and discuss this book with others. This is not fiction, this and these situations arise daily in lives all around the world - this is real life - in your family, in my family, in the next door neighbour's family, in the world.. (I am Canadian, and that is how we spell neighbour - so it stays. LOL)
I loved the ending - I completely agree with authors who don't feel that books need to be tied up nicely with pretty little bows at the end; however, I do read from cover to cover, and for those readers who feel the need to 'tie it all up', make sure you read all the author's comments and acknowledgements at the end of the book. I, like the author, grew up in a little known spot, however, my spot was in Canada in a community called Greenmount. I attended a Grade 1-12 classroom with one teacher, and I read every single book that I could get my hands and eyes on. A library to me, at that point, was a 6 x 10 foot room, so you can imagine my delight when I entered a full city library.. Now, with internet, the world is our library.
Thank you to the author, Terah Shelton Harris, and to Net Galley and the publisher, Sourcebooks, for giving me the opportunity of reading this delightful and thought-provoking story. ..It is wonderful, indeed!
GENERAL INFO
Year Pub/Re Pub: 7/11/23
Book's cover: love it with H/h facing away from each other.
Format: Kindle
Source: Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Page Count: 416
Book's Price: $7.99
Price I'd Value: same
Setting: Savannah, GA
Genre: Multicultural interests, women's fiction
Tropes: single mother, STEM, mentally abled
Standalone/Cliffhanger/Part of a Series: standalone
HEA/HFN ending: HEA
Epilogue Included: No
Character(s)POV Spoken: Dual POV's of H/h
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Synopsis/Plot Summary: Sara and her daughter spend time in Savannah with her sick father, but ghosts of the past threaten to destroy her. David "Jacob" Wyler is from a privileged family, fallen from grace. Jacob wants to pick up the pieces and re-connect with his twin brother in prison, and his mother who he hasn't seen in 8 years.
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
Contains Cheating: no
Contains Children: yes, Alana. Sara's 8 yr. old daughter, a genius. Has Lost Time (LT) notebook, obsessed with time and watches. Hates school and socially uninterested.
Flashbacks: yes, Sara and Jacob's family, how they dealt with the rape and trial
Jealy/Possy/OTT H/h : Jacob is OTT protective of Sara and Alana from the moment he meets them.
Amount of Sex In The Book: not much
Overall Smex Rating: 1
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
Hero: David "Jacob" Wyler
Hero Description: biracial, PhD in astrophysics, worked in Alaska for NASA. His twin brother in prison, he hasn't seen his mother in 8 yrs. Wants to mend relationships.
Hero Likability Rating: 5
Hero loves books/writing: yes, wants to be a professor.
Heroine: Sara Lancaster
Heroine Description: 26, teacher and poet. Living in ME, goes to Savannah to care for dying father, helps run his bookstore and confront past after 8 years.
Heroine Likability Rating: 5
Heroine loves books/writing: yes, a poet like her father.
Secondary characters: Hosea-Sara's father who speaks with poetry, Sylvia-Hosea's companion& mother figure to Sara. Daniel-Jacob's twin brother, Birdie-Jacob's mother, Tom-the Wyler patriarch(deceased), Naomi-Jacob's little sister(deceased)
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO
OW/OM/Exes: Sara talks about the 2 men she has been with after the rape.
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship: no
CONTENT WARNINGS/TRIGGERS: Rape (off page), suicide (mentioned only) and cancer.
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Terah Shelton Harris-a new author for me
PERSONAL OVERVIEW
Overall Rating: 5
Do You Recommend This Book: yes
Will You Re-read This Book: yes
Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes
Favorite line: "There are questions we may never solve, no matter how much we want to."
-Jacob quoting his father's lines.
“Forgiveness is like a door. You can open yourself up to it or close yourself from it at any time”
This is a well written story with alternating POV by the two MCs. As Sara and Jacob find comfort in each other, they must also deal with the topic of forgiveness. The author infused plenty of poetry into the book.
TW ⚠️ sexual assault
This was a great book about love, loss, growth, accountability, and protecting innocence. Without giving much away, I believe most people can/will identify with this story on some level. Personally, I highlighted quite a few sentences that spoke to me and my own circumstances.
The book is told through two viewpoints, Sara and Jacob. While I appreciated both, Jacobs portion was most interesting to me. Sara’s was unremarkable. It appears the author wanted the reader to focus more on the relationships than the actually incident that drove the story.
No matter what happens, you can always begin again. Life is hard and you must determine what is most important. It’s your life and when challenges arise, we have to figure out what’s best for us and while making that determination, we may hurt people whether it’s our intention. These are just a FEW of my personal takeaways.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was so grateful to receive the arc of this debut from Terah Shelton Harris, a fellow librarian! She crafted a beautiful setting and I loved the alternating perspectives/chapters. Both main characters felt fully formed and by the end you just want to hug everyone. I can't wait until this comes out in July and recommend it to all my patrons.
Wow, what a wonderful debut novel. I will be anxiously awaiting more works by this author. The story was rich, detailed, heartwarming, thought provoking and just an all around great read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this.
Sara left home after a sexual assault, she returns with her daughter eight years later to take care of her ailing father. very good debut.
Everyone, everyone, add this to your "To Read" list for 2023. It was truly a privilege to read - immersive, layered, redemptive, honest... Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.
Synopsis: At 18, Sara is raped and impregnated in Georgia by a man named Daniel. The story really begins when Sara's daughter Alana is 8, and we see the intense safety net that's been placed around her to protect her from Danie's powerful family, who made her life hell during the trial that ultimately sent Daniel to prison. Sara and Alana have lived far away from Savannah, her home where the assault look place, but when Sara finds out that her father Hosea is sick, she reluctantly turns home. We see beautiful moments of Sara spending time with Hosea, her coming to grips wit the fact that there could have been more time between them had she not hidden away for so long. Sara starts helping out at her father's bookstore, and Daniel's twin brother Jacob (real name David), walks in. She finds out it's him, and after feeling initial terror of realizing his identity, we are taken through the journey of their love story that develops, albeit slowly, with acceptance, honesty, patience, and tenderness. We see creative elements of a father who only speaks in poetry, a child genius who's going to change the world with some tutoring help from Jacob, but most of all, we learn of forgiveness - the willigness to face the past and free ourselves of battles that have been holding us back and taking away from monumental life moments.
The language is beautiful, the story is layered and immersive, awash in emotions...Terah's writing brought me into a sensory experience. It's a must read!
4.5 ⭐️ Put this one on your TBR. Took a couple of chapters for me to get into this one but then I couldn’t put it down. Thank your NetGalley for TBR