This is such a heartwarming book that I just loved it. Of course there are conflicts, a book wouldn’t be a book without them, but this book just makes me happy. It deals with real world, real life problems with a family coming together to conquer them with strength and love. I especially love that a dog was one of the main characters!

This is a story of life, responsibility and family. Not wanted to let your family down with their choices and actions. Two sisters who have very different paths in life and very different personalities come together to find that they have more things in common then they thought. They also have an unmoving respect for each other and their mother.

Bette’s books are always enjoyable and this is no exception! When you want to read a feel-good book, then check this one out.

This is a new series about the Briggs family. George, Lila, Meghan, and Tracy. A typical family in a small town, but they are not without their own struggles. George dies suddenly and leaves Lila to finish raising their two daughters.

What I enjoy most about books like this, is that they are real life. What happens to the Briggs family could happen to you or me. Parents pass away, children rebel, and others retreat into a world where they feel safe. But as with real life, each character grows in many different ways and becomes a better person. Many times that growth comes from within, but sometimes it comes from outside sources – new friends, a cute vet (like in this book), old friends, and even outside family members.

I also could relate to the passing of George. While my father died just a few years ago, we all felt the loss of his spirit. I could understand what Lila, Meghan, and Tracy were all feeling and perhaps why they acted as they did with each other. However, they adjusted and eventually accepted that life would not be the same and they must forge new paths for themselves.

I cannot wait to see how future books play out and the focus of those books. I have some situations in mind based on this book, but we’ll see what the author has in store for us.

Lovely old fashioned women's fiction. Sisters Tracey and Meghan and mom Lila find their ways back to each other in this nicely written story of family. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a good read.

If you're looking for a sweet, down to earth family story, look no further than THE SUMMER OF NEW BEGINNINGS. When patriarch George passes away suddenly, mother/wife Lila and sisters Meghan and Tracy are reeling. This novel, first in a new series, is the story of how they deal with -- and ultimately move past - their loss. From Tracy's boyfriend to Meghan's new love interest, the secondary characters are nicely drawn as well and I enjoyed how people came together to help the baby, Lucas. I think the only thing that keeps this from being a five-star read for me is that the chapters narrated by Lila felt a bit repetitive. At times, she seemed to merely re-hash events we already know about without adding much of value. However, overall, this novel is sweet and has a nice, wholesome (almost timeless) quality. Kudos to Crosby for this heart-warming look at relationships in all their richness.

You think you know what you want, but is it really suited for you? Are you headed in the right direction or is there something unforeseen in your future?
A family upended, two very different sisters struggling in their own ways, a family business to tend to. So begins the “The Summer of New Beginnings”. As always an emotional and heart touching read by this Bette Lee Crosby. Can’t wait for the next book

Bette has a way of pulling you into her books from the first page and this one isn't any different. It was beautifully written. A story about a family that pulls together after they lose their father and husband. Giving up her dreams Meghan keeps her fathers business alive but, when her sister needs her she's there for her. Together they find a their way through the heartaches and ups and downs. Love and sacrifice, accepting and learning how to fly and let go when they need to. Three very strong woman coming together the way that only Bette knows how to write.

Such a wonderful book about the strength of sisters, love and family support. #SummerofNewBeginnings #Netgalley

I really enjoyed reading this book whilst on holiday. It was light and perfect to read whilst sitting out in the sun. I read it in one day and loved the family/friends relationships

Healing. The Book is about healing of three women. One a mother and her two daughters. Each in different stages in life. Each of them becomes a helping hand for the other.

The book started with the death of George, Husband and Father. From there, the story shows them coping and bringing themselves together and up. The story is realistic, especially with the addition of Meghan and Tracy.

The Summer of New Beginnings by Bette Lee Crosby is a sweet read about the family dynamics between mothers and daughters and sisters. Meghan is forced to leave her dream of becoming a journalist behind in order to take over her father’s business when he dies unexpectedly. Her sister, Tracy, is irresponsible and takes off to another state with her boyfriend. When Tracy returns with her young son, Meghan knows that there is something not quite right with the child. Yet her mother and sister are in denial. It is up to Meghan to convince them to seek treatment. Meghan’s lovable dog plays a key role in helping this to happen, and in sparking the relationship between Meghan and a potential beau, the town’s new veterinarian. Spiritual undertones emanate throughout this book and give it a flavor of hope, even in life’s more dire circumstances.

This was such a beautiful book, starting with the cover! I was excited to see a new series by Bette Lee Crosby and once again she did not disappoint. I've never read one of her books that I didn't love. There is almost something magical in her writing.

Magnolia Grove is one of those towns you'd love to live in. And the author gives such a descriptive writing of the town, you feel as if you live there.

The characters were well developed and very easy to like. The author manages to bring them to life. By the end of the book, you feel as if they are your friends.

This is truly a touching, at times emotional, story. I look forward to the next in the series! I highly recommend The Summer of New Beginnings!

* I was provided an ARC to read from the publisher and NetGalley. It was my decision to read and review this book.

The unexpected passing of George Briggs, husband to Lila and father to sisters Meghan and Tracy started a chain of events which altered the course of their lives considerably. Meghan's love of words had set her on a course for university and a degree in journalism. But with her father's passing, Meghan's direction changed as she took the reins of her father's business.

Tracy on the other hand stepped up her rebellion, and without her husband's influence, Lila found herself unable to change the course of Tracy's life. But never once did she turn her daughter away - her love for the two girls in her life would never change. And when Tracy arrived back home to Georgia after a couple of years in Philadelphia she had baby Lucas with her. Lila was in raptures as she took on the role of grandmother.

As Tracy struggled with motherhood, Meghan rescued a stray dog she named Sox. And while Meghan half-heartedly tried to find his owner, everyone fell in love with him, especially Lucas. What would be the outcome for this fractured family that was gradually making its way to the surface? Would life send more heartache to them? Or would this be the start of a new beginning for them all?

The Summer of New Beginnings by Bette Lee Crosby is another heartfelt and emotional tale which I flew through, finishing in a matter of hours. I thoroughly enjoy this author's work, and with this one being the beginning of the Magnolia Grove series, I know I have more to look forward to. The Summer of New Beginnings is one I have no hesitation in recommending highly.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.

Wonderful, heartwarming characters; a believable storyline; and a dash of humor. It’s the perfect recipe for a good book.

This is a great novel about the relationships of sisters during times of family strife. Their father has recently passed and they are faced with many challenges to save his business. Both are facing personal challenges as well, with Tracy dealing with motherhood and Meghan, trying to deal with her feelings for a stray pup she found.
I would recommend this book for anyone that loves a good family based fiction novel. The characters were likable and easy to relate to. I would recommend this book to friends and give it a 5 star rating.

This is such a sweet book. I felt like I was invited into this family of a mother and her two daughters and I had a vested interest in their lives. Lila is the mother and right off she loses her husband-the father of her daughters, and the love of her life. Tracy is the oldest daughter-a rebellious teenager who runs away with her bad boyfriend. Meghan is the youngest daughter. Meghan really misses her Dad and tries to hold onto his memory by living her life the way she thinks her dad would want. The story could be about your next door neighbors or your family. It is very well written and the characters are developed really well. I will recommend this book to family and friends and I will read others by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review. A

3.5 Stars.

Megan has always been the level headed, responsible one in the family. Her Sister Tracey has always been the impulsive and party loving one. Both sisters reacted to their father's death in her own way. Megan decided to put her college education on hold to continue running her father's business, while Tracey followed her heart and left for Philadelphia to live with her boyfriend. Both have a lot of change and growing to do and the reader watches (reads) as they do so. One becomes a Mother while the other adopts a pet and finds happiness in the process.

I really enjoy Bette Lee Crosby books because they focus on relationships - Parent/child relationships, sibling relationships, romantic relationships, extended family relationships, relationships with pets, relationships with those in the community, etc. Her books have characters dealing with real issues such as death, loss of a pet, adopting a pet, having a baby, falling in love, falling out of love, the consequences of choices, and the stumbling blocks one faces while chasing his/her dreams.

Bette Lee Crosby's books are also not graphic in nature. You won’t be reading a lot of "vulgar" language or be reading graphic sex scenes. Fans of Debbie Macomber should really enjoy Crosby's books as well.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very laid back, mellow sort of book. It was about family relationships and there wasn't a great deal going on, but it just worked as a relaxing and thoughtful book.

The family was Lila & George (parents), with daughters Meghan and Tracy. George passed on suddenly and Meghan took up the reins of his business, the Snip & Save Magazine that he ran from home, as she was the responsible sister, deferring the Grady School of Journalism that she was due to go to shortly.

Tracy was the wild sister who ran off with a guy, without (the shock of it!) not getting married first, but she eventually came home with her baby boy, Lucas, when the relationship didn't work out.

Once Tracy came back the dynamics of the family changed again, with Meghan meeting a guy, Tracy taking on more responsibility with her son who had hearing difficulties and also taking on, and actually liking, working on the Snip & Save alongside her sister.

There was also a lovely dog in it, Sox (nothing happens to him!), which is always a good point in my opinion. Enjoyable book.

The Summer of New Beginnings is Bette Lee Crosby's best work so far. The story is real, highly believable, and grabs you from the moment you begin reading and doesn't let go of the hold the words have on you long after you are finished reading. it. The plot is unique. It has sadness, joy, romance, and surprises all through the book. One needs tissues and don't start it like I did with plans to read a few pages, because you can't put it down. You will want to read it straight thru. This is a five star read in my estimation. I know that it will be in yours.

I love the cover of this book. I thought this was a cute story and it was a quick read. I want to thank Netgalley for this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.