15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne had such an intriguing premise. The story centers around two sisters, Madi and Ava, who endured a traumatic experience in a cult fifteen years ago. While Madi has managed to move on and build a life running a pet sanctuary, Ava has written a bestselling tell-all about their escape, reopening old wounds for Madi. The book alternates between Madi and Ava’s perspectives, with excerpts from Ava’s book at the start of each chapter.

The premise of a mystery, blended with elements of romance and healing, was what initially drew me in. However, despite the potential for a gripping story, the execution fell short in several ways. I found it difficult to connect with either of the main characters, Madi and Ava, who both felt underdeveloped throughout the novel.

The pacing was another issue. The story felt slow and repetitive at times, and while the cover of the book promised a light, summer read, I quickly realized it was much heavier in tone. The book delves deeply into themes of trauma, forgiveness, and the effects of a traumatic past, but I found myself longing for more exploration into the cult and the details of the sisters' escape. Instead, we only get brief snippets in the form of Ava's book excerpts, which didn’t provide enough depth to satisfy my curiosity about that aspect of their story.

The disconnect between the book’s tone and the cover art was a bit jarring. The bright, breezy cover suggests a feel-good, romantic read, yet the story is far more intense, with significant emotional depth that wasn’t quite what I expected. I was hoping for more of a balance between the mystery of the past and the romance that was hinted at, but I found that the romance felt more like a subplot than a central element of the story.

While the story touches on interesting themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and uncovering buried truths, it was not the lighthearted, heartwarming read I had hoped for. Instead, it focuses heavily on the emotional aftermath of trauma, which may resonate with readers looking for more serious, introspective storytelling.

Overall, 15 Summers Later is a novel that explores deep emotional healing and family dynamics, but the slow pacing and lack of connection with the characters left me feeling detached. It’s a heavy read, and while it may be rewarding for some, it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for.

Thank you NetGalley and Canary Street Press for my DRC.

I love anything RaeAnne Thayne writes and this was no exception. She writes very touching and relatable stories that often tug at the heartstrings.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship between the two sisters and how they healed from the trauma of their past.

This was a quick story about trauma that two sisters had to endure and how they’ve each had to navigate it. I will say if you go into this book blind you might think it’s a summer read because of the cover. It’s not. Check your triggers but I thought it was a decent story.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The suspense in it with the Ghost Lake story that Ava wrote really made it intriguing. I liked Madi and Luke and I only wish that they would have shown their feelings sooner so we could have experienced more of them together and also with his daughter. I did love how much Luke was always right there ready and willing to help Madi with anything she needed but was never pressuring to her. He understood her and he also understood her sister when Madi was having trouble understanding her. I overall really enjoyed reading this book and would honestly love to have an actual book about Ghost Lake by Ava to read.

My first book by this author and it definitely was a feel good book! Very sweet and touching story about two sisters with a traumatic past finding love and healing.

This was an ok book for me. It felt like there were a lot of heavy topics in it for something that looks light and fluffy based on the cover picture. I would have loved some better dialogue. It felt super juvenile. I was waiting for a “wow” factor and it just didn’t have it.

I really enjoyed this book. I think the cover doesn't match the topic though. This is about two sisters learning about each other and growing together, not a summer romance.

this was not what i was expecting at ALL. like i saw this cover and requested the arc because i was like yes! beach read! give me the cuteness!

so why was i CRYING over them. why were there TEARS COMING OUT OF MY EYES. i have been deceived (not in a bad way).

i actually ended up appreciating the discussion of trauma and overcoming it more than the romance in this, surprisingly. not that the romance was BAD, i just didn't entirely connect to it and found myself more intrigued by the other parts of the story.

would absolutely recommend, just don't go in expecting a cute beach read. you will be greeted by tears instead. don't say i didn't warn you.

thank you to netgalley & the publisher for an arc!

15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne is a heartwarming and emotionally rich story about family, love, and healing. Set in the picturesque town of Emerald Creek, Idaho, the novel follows Ava and Madison Howell, two sisters who are both forced to confront a past that has shaped their lives in profound ways.

Ava, who seemingly had it all—a successful career and a perfect marriage—returns home after her world shatters. Her husband's departure, driven by a painful secret from her past, leads Ava back to the town where everything began. Meanwhile, Madison, who has spent years healing from the trauma of their shared history, has found peace in running a no-kill animal shelter, though she harbors a deep love for Luke Gentry, a veterinarian with his own complicated connection to the family.

Thayne masterfully explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the complexity of familial relationships. The Howell sisters' reunion is filled with both hope and heartache as they face the truth of their past, and the emotional depth of their journey is both moving and relatable. The story beautifully intertwines their individual growth with their shared history, showing how love, both romantic and familial, can be a powerful force in healing old wounds.

With its lush setting, compelling characters, and themes of redemption, 15 Summers Later is a heartfelt read that will resonate with anyone who has ever had to face the past in order to move forward. Thayne’s tender storytelling makes this a poignant and uplifting book about finding strength in the people who truly understand us.

I am such a RaeAnne Thayne fan, I did not read the synopsis before I agreed to read and review this book. The cover is deceiving, I assumed it was a romance. It has romance in it, but the crux of the story is about the sister relationship and the past they endured together.

I enjoyed the two sisters relationship. Parts of their past were hard to read about. This is not a light read.

A moving and beautifully written contemporary romance that delves into themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring bonds of friendship. The writing is reminiscent and tender, capturing the emotions of the characters as they navigate the past and present.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed how it was written. It went back-and-forth between two timelines, but the past timeline it only gave you little snippets of what was going on, and that really kept my attention. I enjoyed the love story that evolved during this book as well.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I was looking for a light beachy read, but this was a dark trauma, trauma-filled story. I DNF'd it.

15 Summers Later surprised me for being a romance novel with a lot more depth than I was expecting. Overall, it was good and explored themes of loss, survival, tenacity, and the difficulty of letting others in after experiencing trauma. For all those reasons, this book was worth the read. That being said, I’m not sure the cover, genre, and marketing matches the themes of the book. I was expecting a romance, which it was, but it was very slow and lackluster. I did enjoy Ava and Cullen’s story and how they find their way back to each other despite additional trauma for Ava in her life (although how much does one need to endure?) Madi and Luke’s story was drawn out and predictable. I would have been better equipped to read this as a literary fiction knowing the themes, than being under the impression of romance.

Please check trigger warnings before reading.

This wasnt a beach read like I had walked into thinking. It delt with so much more and some trauma. I loved how they were able to over it!
The chemistry between the couples was a bit of a slow but burn but still there. This is a sensitive, emotional story about childhood trauma, healing and moving forward, sisterly bonds, community and darling little animals at the shelter. This has a bit of mystery, and there is romance but it takes a backseat in the story.

15 Summers Later was a heartfelt and tender book with the perfect amount of swoon. We loved the characters and were reaching for the book every chance we got.

RaeAnne Thayne's 15 Summers Later is a heartwarming and nostalgic tale that will transport readers back to the carefree days of summer love. The novel follows two childhood friends who reunite after fifteen years, rekindling their connection and exploring the possibility of a second chance at love.

Thayne's writing style is light and breezy, perfect for a leisurely summer read. The characters are likable and relatable, and the small-town setting is charming and evocative. While the plot may be predictable at times, the author's ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth makes up for any shortcomings.

If you're looking for a feel-good romance that will leave you smiling, 15 Summers Later is a delightful choice.

This is a sensitive, emotional story about childhood trauma, healing and moving forward, sisterly bonds, community and darling little animals at the shelter. This has a bit of mystery, and there is romance but it takes a backseat in the story. A quiet novel that’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking, you can’t help but feel a strong connection towards these characters. I made a great choice picking this one up. Perfect for readers wanting to add more substance with a heavier topic to their summer reading

Sweet story about two sisters with a traumatic past finding love and healing. There are many levels to this summer read.

Thanks NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC.

This book was not what I was expecting. It looks like a great, easy summer read but it is all about the trauma and emotion between two sisters who are trying to figure it out..15 summers later.