Cover Image: 15 Summers Later

15 Summers Later

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Member Reviews

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This book wasn’t my favorite. My first by this author, I didn’t find it engrossing. The storyline had great potential but I didn’t feel drawn to the characters and I never felt I had an emotional tie to any of it. I think the author could’ve done more to really dive into their past and what happened to them instead of just focusing on the frustrations Madi had over the book. It wasn’t an unenjoyable book, but not a memorable one either.

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15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne The story of two sisters, Ava and Madi, who went through traumatic events while they were teenagers and their struggles to move on while coping with the trauma. There are several POVs including an unconventional viewpoint from the text of Ava's novel. The story is distinctive with a narrative rich with complexity, feeling, and heartache that is entwined with different kinds of love.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

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Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed 15 Summers Later and would recommend it to other readers. The format of the book was unique with an excerpt from Ghost Lake at the beginning of each chapter and the alternating POVs. This is the story of two sisters Ava & Madi who endured a traumatic even in their teens. How the sisters deal with this trauma moving forward in their lives is the focus of the book. Each was living a fairly normal life until Ava published a novel, "Ghost Lake" detailing this event and the book became a bestseller totally upending Madi's life. The sisters must now deal with the fallout from the novel and the impact on their relationship and also other relationships. Can they heal their "sister-bond"? The book also touches on a sweet romance between Madi and the hunky town veterinarian, single-dad Luke Gentry.
All in all a pleasant enjoyable easy read. The story flows nicely although I did wish for a little more detail on this past event in their lives. If you are a RaeAnne Thayne fan this book doesn't disappoint.

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It's been 15 years since Madi and her sister Ava had a terrifying experience, and now that Ava has written a book about it, that's all anyone is talking about, much to Madi's dismay. The sisters have secrets from that time and now, which could either tear them apart or bring them closer again...
This was a really good book, a little odd at first with multiple viewpoints, but excellent overall.

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*I received an advanced electronic copy for free. The opinions expressed below are based on my reading of the book.*
A little heavy of subject matter for a summer beach read. Great feel good storyline. The author doesn’t disappoint, I always enjoy reading their books. Not what I’d consider a traditional romance however the romance storyline is good.

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4 stars out of 5.

15 Summer Later was a beautifully written book that told a heart felt story. I really enjoyed getting to know both of the sisters as well as the back up characters like Luke and the sisters' Grandmother. The story really flowed nicely but I do wish we had a little more background information on what happened to the girls 15 summers earlier. We do gets bits and pieces throughout the story but I was looking for more. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.

In the book, Ava and Madison went through something terrible 15 years earlier and they are still trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. Madison lives near her grandmother in a small mountain town while Ava lives in Oregon with her husband. Madison just opened up a no kill animal shelter while Ava just published a best selling book that told the story her and her sisters went through. Madison was not happy with Ava airing their dirty laundry out but Ava is struggling also after the book release. Now, Luke Gentry, the town veterinarian and love interest of Madison, is thrown into the story and we have a great book on our hands. The rest of the story explores both the sisters and how they try to reconcile their broken relationships.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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I initially had the perfect words to convey my thoughts on this story, but alas, they slipped away as I succumbed to sleep. Nevertheless, "15 Summers Later" is, at its core, a narrative about love in its myriad forms. Despite delving into deeper and more conflicted themes than what readers might typically associate with Ms. Thayne's work, the story retains the heartfelt and love-infused essence that characterizes her writing. While the background subjects are undeniably weighty, the author handles the challenging aspects with grace and style.

The central focus lies on the sisterly bond between Ava and Madi (Madison), a connection currently strained but not entirely lost. Their shared, gut-wrenching past serves as a poignant backdrop, demanding attention in their present as they strive to rebuild their sisterhood and move forward with their lives. Attempting to encapsulate the depth and nuance of their current relationship is beyond my capacity—this is a story that deserves to be experienced firsthand. The complexities of their narrative, particularly the heartbreakingly broken aspects, left a profound impact on me. And then there's the unforgettable Grandma Leona.

Ava's marriage, another poignant thread in the storyline, tore at my emotions. How can something so promising go awry? The answers lie within the pages of the book, waiting to be discovered by readers.

Madi's evolving relationship with her best friend, Luke, is another aspect that resonated deeply. Witnessing their connection, I felt an overwhelming desire to embrace them both. And Luke's daughter? A character surpassing the adults in her unfiltered honesty—truly endearing.

I cannot commend this book enough. It's a narrative of depth, emotion, and heartbreak, interwoven with various forms of love. An extraordinary work by a cherished author—I am delighted to have experienced this story and wholeheartedly recommend it.

The tale unfolds as a beautifully woven narrative about two sisters who endure a traumatic event during their adolescence, exploring its lasting impact on their adult lives, particularly on their relationship. Fifteen years later, Ava, the elder sister, pens a best-selling book about the ordeal, revealing how it shapes their paths in adulthood. The story also delves into triumph over adversity, depicting how love and support from others play pivotal roles in their journey. Ava grapples with challenges in her marriage, finding solace in her grandmother's unwavering support post-book release. Meanwhile, Madi pursues her dream of opening a no-kill animal shelter, navigating a complex friendship with Luke, a dear friend harboring a hidden crush. The diverse array of relationships showcased in the narrative underscores the significance of different forms of love and support. Unable to tear myself away, I read it straight through, moved by its touching and emotional narrative. A must-read!

In essence, this emotionally charged story revolves around two sisters, Madison and Ava, haunted by a traumatic event from 15 years ago that continues to shape their lives. The narrative skillfully explores each sister's perspective on the past, offering a unique vantage point for understanding their journey toward redemption. The conflict between the sisters unfolds with depth and nuance, creating a compelling narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed observing the intricate dynamics play out and wholeheartedly recommend this book.

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RaeAnn Thayne did a spectacular job writing 15 Summers Later. I was swept away into everyone’s story. I fell in love with Luke, the handsome, do gooder and Ava and Madi, sisters who have a strained relationship. This was a fast, enjoyable read with a wonderful ending! I’m recommending this book!

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15 Summers Later by Raeanne Thayne was red through NetGalley. Madi is a vet tech, who has started an animal rescue in Idaho. She lives with her BF Nicole. Her boss is Nicole’s brother Luke. Madi’s sister Ava has just arrived in town to stay with their Grandmother for the summer. Ava is now the hottest newest author whose book is about the sisters escaping a horrific situation 15 summers before. This book was both heartbreaking and wonderful. RaeAnne has such a way of developing characters that stay with you for a long time. I highly recommend this read.

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15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne is the story of two sisters attempting to rebuild their relationship.

Madi and Ava have tried to overcome their past in different ways, and Madi feels betrayed when Ava writes a memoir detailing the hard details of their childhood. When Ava returns to their hometown after her husband doesn't deal with the memoir well, the sisters have to confront their past. Madi has opened a shelter and finds herself attracted to the Vet who is tied to that past in potentially relationship killing ways. (no spoilers!)

I really enjoyed this book and reading about the sisters attempt to find their way back to each other, resolve their personal relationships, and come to terms with what happened with their father.

The author writes in a way that made me want more and more and more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for an honest opinion. All views are my own.

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This is the story of two sisters who have a very difficult childhood, seeing how this affects them in their adult lives. Eva writes a memoir including what happened to them, her husband feels betrayed and walks away. Not knowing what else to do, Eva goes to her sister Madison, the one person who will understand. Madison has moved on and made her life what she wanted it to be, opening a no kill shelter for animals. She finds herself falling in love with the local veterinarian, she can’t find it in herself to tell him. His father died protecting Madison and Eva, so how could he ever feel the same way about her?


With everything they’ve built for themselves on the line, the two sisters come together. Facing their pasts to hopefully help remedy their futures, this is a story of sorrow and triumph, coming out on the other side with the help of others.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

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Such a cute young adult, romance read about how your past doesn’t have to define your future. The story line between these two sisters and their lives is beautiful. Definitely recommend

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This was a very different read for me but I still enjoyed it. I loved the different relationships shown, from the sisters to their respective love interests.

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Resilience is the moral of this story! The horrible things these sisters endured helped shape them to the people they are today, but the ups and downs in between...it's an emotional read. One I will be glad to share with my library patrons.

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Sisters Madi and Ava had a traumatic childhood, and Madi is crushed when Ava published a book about their personal story and easily gains notoriety for the story that she shares. When Ava returns to their hometown for the summer, the divide between the two sisters is palpable, and there is much unsaid between the two. As the summer continues, they both face parts of their past experience head-on, and have to figure out whether their relationship as sisters can be repaired.

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This is my favorite of RaeAnne Thayne's books to date! Emotional and poignant, the story of 2 sisters and how they each dealt with a childhood trauma & each other, this is a book that I just could not put down.

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This was a heartwarming story which really touched me. Also, I really loved how fleshed out and developed the characters were, which I really appreciated. They were loveable and unique in their own right.

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You will fall in love with the Howell sisters as they navigate the waters between past and present, woven in with secrets and intrigue. This would be a fabulous beach read, too, but is enjoyable any time. The storyline kept me interested and I’m happy to find a new author!

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A favorite author has written a page turner with characters who keep the story moving. Realistic characters at that...this novel is fun yet meaningful...rescuing animals...a theme that is at the forefront of many...what happens to animals when they are cast away? Rescue...insert love and romance...family and friends...a novel that is intriguing...thank you Netgalley.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a great read i really loved this story it was such a great fun summer beach read i LOVED LOVED LOVED IT.

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