The Summer of New Beginnings is a very heart felt book. It deals with the loss of a loved one, the closeness of family, and the love and loyalty of a dog. I do believe that Sox brought a lot of healing to this family. It also deals with the disability of a child, a prodigal daughter, and the special bond that sisters share.
All of the characters were well thought out and I could envision what was happening as though it were playing out before my very eyes. I have read several books by Bette Lee Crosby and have never been disappointed. She is truly a gifted author.

The Summer of New Beginnings is the newest novel written by Bette Lee Crosby. She continues to amaze me with the words of wisdom that she pens into her stories. And I love the little touches of magic that she seems to inject into each of her books. Once again she has written a beautiful story filled with loving, caring–and sometimes a little flawed–characters who struggle to end up with the lives they are meant to live.

Meghan is left alone to carry on the family business after her father dies, even though she was getting ready to leave for college. She feels like she has to stay and carry on the business so she doesn't let her father down. Then unexpectedly, a dog enters her life after she saves him from drowning. Was the dog put in her life by her dad? Is the dog going to be able to heal her and show her what's important in life?

And then there's Tracy, the total opposite of her sister, Meghan. When her life falls apart, she turns up on the doorstep, hoping that home will be a safe haven for her and her child. Two sisters, as different as night and day. It seems impossible but will they be able to work out their differences?

The Summer of New Beginnings is the first book in Bette's new series, the Magnolia Grove Series. I'm so excited that I'll get to spend more time in this wonderful community and with the people I came to know and love.

This book draws you into Meghan's family; their struggles, love and sacrifices they make for one another. There are painful moments and there are the wonderful moments where love overcomes the struggles they encounter- and there's also an adorable dog in the mix. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC. This book is a heartfelt read that I'd recommend to lovers of fiction.

I have adored Bette Lee Crosby`s novels for a long time so was anxious for this new series. She doesn't disappoint! A tightly knit family sees change following a loss. Meghan and her sister, Tracy, see a once close relationship begin to splinter.
Crosby`s writing is so heartfelt. This is just a `feel good` book (her books generally are!). Certain problems with a child arise that are handled with the capable and sensitive Crosby magic that brought tears to my eyes.
She is currently editing the second book in the series and I can't wait to read it.
Thank you, Lake Union and netgalley for an Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.

After the death of her beloved father George, Meghan Briggs makes a decision about her future. She had planned on going to college to take a course in journalism, but she just could not dessert the business called ‘Snip and Save’ that had been her father’s vision and that he had worked tirelessly to make a success of. It was his creativity that had provided for his wife Lila and their two daughters. Meghan had loved helping him in her spare time and she really felt as though it was the last thing of her father’s that she could keep going – a piece of her father to honour even in his absence. Her sister Tracy had never shown any interest or flair for the business and neither had her mother. They were just unable to run the business and had no skills to keep it going and Meghan couldn’t bear the thought of letting it go.
Tracy was deep into a relationship with her boyfriend Dominic and when he moved away he persuaded her to go with him, dangling the carrot of a marriage later down the line. So Tracy flew the nest despite the worries of her mother and her sister. She had always been the flighty and flamboyant sister to Meghan’s quiet and serious personality. But oh how Dominic let her down, even after she had given birth to their son Lucas. As the relationship deteriorated, so Tracy decided she must return home to keep Lucas safe and well provided for and also for her own stability and for support. Lucas was slow to develop and she was very concerned about him. Returning home seemed to be the right thing to do.
One day, while out for a walk, Meghan sees a small puppy in the middle of a lake struggling to get out of trouble. The weather is quite rough, promising torrential rain and high winds. Without a thought for her own safety Meghan swims through the choppy icy cold waters and guides him ashore, later taking him to the new Vet’s practice for a check up. She names the puppy Sox and there begins a new chapter in her life.
This is the setting of a beautifully told family drama, draped in love and support; clothed in loyalty and ingenuity. I hugely enjoyed this memorable and superbly planned story. I thought the characters each grew together with their new responsibilities and this cemented their family dynamics and relationships. The three ladies learned valuable lessons that would equip them admirably for their futures. I loved how a character from the two sister’s pasts stepped in to advise and help them and I loved the gorgeous ending, with both Meghan and Tracy in a new career. ‘My heart swelled with happiness for them both.
I would like to thank NetGalley and publisher Lake Union for my copy of ‘The Summer of New Beginnings’, sent in return for an honest review. I loved the beautiful cover and loved every aspect of the novel inside it as well. That’s why I’m giving a well deserved all round 5* review. I look forward to reading other Magnolia Grove novels in the future.

First I want to thank Bette Lee Crosby, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
Since finding this author a few years ago she has become one of my favorites, you'll be delighted and completely engrossed by reading any of her books. So far The Memory House series is my favorite.
The Summer Of New Beginnings is the first book in a new series. It's about a family whose husband/fathers untimely death changes the course of the lives of his wife and two daughters. It has its emotional ups and downs with a baby and a puppy thrown into the mix along the way.
I was pulled into this story from the beginning of the book and would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a great book. It definitely deserves a 5 star rating.

Lila and George are a young couple in love. They marry and move to a nice new community to raise a family. They have two daughters, Tracy and Meghan. George starts a magazine to make a living and Meghan is his right hand "man". They work closely together until one day, George passes away. Meghan decides to postpone school to keep the magazine up and running. Tracy is the wild child and runs off with her boyfriend to the dismay of Lila.

I love reading Bette's books, they never disappoint. This book brings forth the love of family and the lengths they will go to for forgiveness and reaching out a helping hand when needed. The closeness of the sisters and the loving home that Lila provides in the face of adversity keeps the reader turning pages. This endearing story was inspirational and gave this reader chills from time to time. I highly recommend this book.

With a cast of wonderfully realised characters, this story transported me to Ireland and Galty House, set in the beautifully described coastal location of Rosshaven. Archie Fitzgerald, legendary actor, is dying, but determined to depart on his own terms. He wants Mia, the daughter of his close friend and fellow actor, Fenella Flanagan, to come home to Galty House for what will be their last summer together.

I love the almost ethereal quality of the cover image which compliments the theme of the book perfectly. Reminders of a past long gone, reminiscences and repercussions play a big part in the story. Whatever happened all those years ago has been a closely guarded secret, long buried and never spoken of. But now things are changing. Fenella is terrified Archie will feel compelled to break his promise and Bernice, Archie’s sister, wants to know what’s going to happen to Galty House when Archie is no longer there. Added to that is the mystery of the small island in the bay, with its atmosphere of secrecy and darkness.

Mia has only ever wanted to know who her father was, and why her mother would never say, but she gave up asking years ago and was content with the people she loves and who love her–her mother, Archie, Bernice and unconventional housekeeper Leela. But now, the desire to know has reasserted itself. When Archie lets her know she will inherit his estate, it makes her wonder if he is her father.

Newcomers to Rosshaven, Ross Power, Chief Executive of the new Harbour Spa Hotel in the village, and his niece, Pearl, quickly become involved with the family, and the stage is set for a very eventful summer of joy, heartbreak, tragedy, romance and surfacing revelations. Secrets are exposed, as is the greed and selfishness of certain people.

Sections from the past are scattered tantalizingly throughout the narrative and, as the small group spend time together, layers are uncovered, feelings laid bare and several threads are woven into the storyline. As with her previous books, Adrienne Vaughan’s knack of creating engaging and compelling characters who completely captivate, in a fabulous setting, is evident. Archie is outwardly theatrical and colourful, wanting to make the most of the time he has left, but understandably frailty shows through. I love Mia, the bond between her and Archie and the developing one with Pearl, another wonderful character.

Written with confidence, delightfully authentic dialogue and style, this was a joy to read.

This was a well-written, sweet book. Meghan has always been the responsible sister, and when her father passes away, she changes her plans to become a journalist and takes charge of the family business. Tracy has always been considered the rebellious sister, but when her romantic relationship does not work out, she moves home, a single mother. Meghan has no time for attachments, but then she comes across a stray puppy. It was heartwarming to read about these sisters and the relationships they develop, and the puppy was adorable. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.

Crosby's characters are always so real and captivating. I like the fact that her books are about family, hope, love. Her descriptive writing style help the reader to feel the surrounding and emotions of her characters as if you were there. She dealt with social issues that are sometimes hard for authors to deal with but Crosby does it with such ease and caring. Loved this book and always look forward to reading anything she writes. .

I can never ever fault this authors work in 100% bringing out emotions in me that I actually “feel” for real long after I close the book.
It soon became apparent to me that I was going to be drawn right in, I was right. I read a lot of psychological thrillers/thrillers and some of those reads have kept me from putting the book down but for different reasons to this one.

I felt I couldn’t close the book on these all too real people, George who had such a brief journey in this story but impacted greatly and was always there in spirit.

Lila, Mother to Megan and Tracy.

Tracy is what you’d call the noisy one of sisters, the independent won’t listen to reason child.
She goes her own way. Her experience of love and loss was something no mother would want her daughter to experience but hey, sometimes it’s how we learn. Tracy learnt. And she learnt to value her family more.

Megan was the quiet stronger sister. Calm and less hot headed.

When her father died she took over the small business and felt closer to him for doing that.

There’s a gorgeous little dog mentioned who plays a huge part in this story. A dog Megan rescues. But who does he belong to?
The bond between Megan and Sox the dog was amazing to see grow.

Tracy returned to the nest with a child.
The way the sisters communicated about a problem with the little boy was dealt with in such a realistic human family way that could happen in any of our families.
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That’s what I love about Bette Lee Crosby’s books.
It could be any one of us.
It could be someone you know.
Every day people from every day lives.
Family drama at its best.

Yes there’s some romance in here that was so cleverly interwoven that it was a delight to read.

Personally I don’t like the sort of “romance” that is in today’s kind of reads.
Old fashioned, yes I maybe.
And I neither like the “soppy mills and boon” stories of years ago.
Yes I’m realistic and that’s how I love to read love stories in books.
This author has my personal balance right and that’s why I look forward to her next releases.
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The Vet Tom.
Gabriel.
Dom.

All these play an important part.

All these characters have become a family and an extension of family or real people to me.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I really can’t.

If you love family drama with emotive issues, with rollercoaster rides, with tears of not just sadness but happiness, if you love reading trials and tribulations that can occur within any family, then this is the read for you.

Bette Lee Crosby has long been one of my favorite authors. Her Southern voice comes through in all of her books and lends a believable element to everything she writes. THE SUMMER OF NEW BEGINNINGS is no exception.
The main characters all had depth which is what made them so believable. They navigated, each in their own way, through the trials and tribulations of a family who lost their husband and father. This is the story of Meghan and Tracy and their mother Lila, each taking different directions and ending up at the same place, though stronger and more resilient. You will fall in love immediately with Megan and Sox, her dog. Lila adores her family but lacks the strength to pull them together, which is sure to frustrate you. Tracy’s rebelliousness will have you pulling your hair.
Yes, there is some romance in this story, but it is well balanced with the underlying plot – a story of love and forgiveness, and the importance of family. No, I am not going to discuss the plot except to say that like all of Crosby’s novels, it is well executed and follows in the tradition of her other wonderful books. THE SUMMER OF NEW BEGINNINGS is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys a cozy story, whether lazing on the beach or at the pool or cuddled up at home in your favorite reading nook. Anyone who loves a well-crafted book with an expertly developed plot and true-to-life characters you feel you know will love this book.
My thanks to Bette Lee Crosby, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I have read nearly all the author’s books and look forward to reading more. My honest review is my own opinion.

HEARTWARMING!

Fantastic start for this new series! The best compliment I can give an author is when I’ve finished the last word, I immediately say, “How long do we have to wait until your next book?” This is one of those books! The Summer of New Beginnings has it all - an imperfect family that loves unconditionally, a crazy ex that continues to stir emotions, a new baby and all the joy and challenges that brings, a precious stray dog that ties everyone’s hearts together and brings with him hope for new beginnings of love, growth and healing, old friends and new love. You will love the characters because they are so REALISTIC! I was provided an ARC by the Publisher and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

When a father dies his family must make some choices. Meghan his youngest daughter gives up her dream of pursuing a journalism degree to take over the family business. Tracy the oldest daughter leaves the comfort of home and goes to Pennsylvania with her boyfriend to live. Their mother is at wit's end because she no longer has a family to take care of. As time goes by life has changed and they begin to reap the rewards of their sacrifices and hard work. They have found love, family, companionship, and purpose. A hopeful and uplifting read.

I received a free copy. This is my honest review.
This is a must read! I couldn't put it down once I started it. It's a great story about family that includes all the emotions. I was happy, sad, mad and I even had tears. I just didn't read the book but I could picture it as if I was right there. There's a special part for a sweet dog and an even more special part for a sweet child. This is a story I will recommend to everyone and one I will re-read throughout the years. I hope this story will continue on.

Be a part of loss, responsibility, suffering for a bad choice, new technology for the deaf, and miracles, one in the form of a drowning dog.
Lila misses her husband, taken from her suddenly, and cooks to help fill the void. Tracy suffers repercussions from having a child out of wedlock and Meghan hangs on to her fathers memory. But change is in the air and one summer will profoundly affect each member of this family.

A boy, a dog and family dynamics brought me to tears many times during the story. The characters are full of distinct personalities and opinions. When life changes drastically for each person, the ability to handle the changes and possible outcomes are found through major decisions and risks. Each story I read from this author is amazing. Tissues needed for this one. I received a copy of this story from the author and this is my own personal honest opinion.

The Summer of New Beginnings by Bette Lee Crosby. A Magnolia Grove Novel. A heartwarming story about family, conflicts, and romance. A little bit of everything. The author pulls you in from the first page and it's a book you keep going back too. Great characters, dialogue and storyline. I've read other books by Bette Lee Crosby and she never disappoints I look forward to reading more books by her.

My Review of “The Summer of New Beginnings” by Bette Lee Crosby

Kudos to Bette Lee Crosby , Author of “The Summer of New Beginnings”, for writing such a heartwarming, captivating and intriguing story about the importance of family. I appreciate that Bette Lee Crosby stresses the importance of family, friends, emotional support , love and hope. The author magically tells her story with wonderful detail and vivid descriptions.

Life isn’t simple, and the ups and downs can be complicated and stressful. The genres for this novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction. Bette Lee Crosby describe her characters as complex and complicated, possibly due to the circumstances that exist at the time. Her colorful cast of characters are flawed, quirky, mostly loyal, determined and mostly likable. One of the characters is mean-spirited and dishonest.

Meghan Briggs and her sister Tracy are as different as can be. Meghan seems to always be responsible, and Tracy is more of a party, let’s have fun type of person. When the Briggs family loses their father, the stresses and burdens seem to fall on Meghan. Meghan casts aside her dreams of going to Journalism school to take over her father’s local community journal. and advertising. Tracy takes off with her boyfriend. Their mother loves entertaining and preparing food, and wishes things as they once were.

Meghan loves writing in composition notebooks her thoughts and ideas. As she sits by the water, she sees a dog struggling in the water. It is very stormy now, but Meghan rescues the stray dog, and brings him home. Of course she hopes that no one owns him.”Sox’ the dog seems to be rescuing Meghan as much as Meghan had rescued him.

Tracy comes home unexpectedly with a baby, and this presents a new set of complications. There are new circumstances and new changes that occur. Can there be a “happily ever after”? How will the family come together? I love the way the author discusses the importance of communication, taking chances, doing the best you can, and willingness to learn and share. I would highly recommend this wonderful emotional book for readers of Women Fiction. I received An Advanced Reading ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Lila and George Briggs have a wonderful life with their two daughters Tracy and Meghan.
When George Briggs die his family has to move forward without him. Meghan takes over her father's newsletter instead of going to college. Tracy is the wild child that decides to move with her boyfriend to another state.
Conflicts, mistakes, domestic abuse, are all issues that could pull this family apart, yet they grow stronger. The child with a disability really hit home for me. This story made me laugh and cry (keep tissues close). A beautifully written story with well developed characters.

Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Bette Lee Crosby for the opportunity to read this wonderfully heartwarming story.