Karen White's books are a must read for me. I must say, I learned an awful lot about birds while reading this one!

This book pulled me in from the very beginning. It’s a heartfelt Southern story about family, secrets, and the things we carry with us—especially the ones we try to forget.

Phoebe, the main character, has lived most of her life trying to escape her past—especially after being struck by lightning as a child and developing strange, vivid dreams. Years later, she returns home to South Carolina to help her sister care for their mother, and that’s when everything starts resurfacing. Her old nightmares come back stronger, and she starts uncovering truths about her family and herself that she never saw coming.

What I loved most was how real the characters felt. Celeste, the woman Phoebe meets upon returning home, was one of my favorites—strong, wise, and quietly holding onto hope after decades of heartbreak. The emotional weight of this story is carried so well through these relationships.

I did notice a timeline hiccup that had me scratching my head—some of the ages and events didn’t quite line up, especially when it came to how much Phoebe knew or should’ve known in high school. But honestly, it didn’t take away from the story. The pacing, emotion, and depth still made it a really rewarding read.

There’s heartbreak, mystery, a second lightning strike (which was symbolic and powerful), and a hopeful ending that ties everything together. I read this one in a day and a half—it was hard to put down.

Would definitely recommend if you enjoy Southern fiction with emotional depth and a touch of mystery.

I really enjoyed this book (even though I think there is a timeline issue...)

9 year old Phoebe is struck by lightning and young Liam with the marsh colored eyes, saves her life by preforming CPR, and thus links their two families together in pain and tragedy for decades to come.

This book is about grief and loss, and family secrets, and old Southern manners and habits and expectations. It takes place in that peculiar point in time where your parents need to be cared for but you aren't ready to stop being the one that needs to be cared for, and how hard it is to watch a parent lose everything that made them 'them'.

Phoebe is plagued by a recurring nightmare that frightens her because since her strike, she's had dreams that were premonitions. We go on to learn that the events that she dreams usually occur fairly soon after she dreams them, but this one dream is different and she doesn't know why.

In small town fashion, the first person she befriends upon returning to the South, is Miss Celeste, who volunteers at Ophelia's school, and just happens to be the Grandmother of Liam, the boy who rescued her. Before realizing this, Phoebe, grateful to speak with a kind 'stranger' tells Celeste how she only recently learned that her late father had tried to sue the family of the boy who saved her life, for breaking a couple of her ribs during CPR. Eventually the suit was dropped but not before his family went through great legal expense, that led to the early deaths of Liam's parents. Celeste raises Liam and his sister Julie, until the girl disappears without a trace. Decades later Celeste clings to hope and when she realizes who Phoebe is, hope that a dream will tell her what happened to Julie.

My one issue is that we are told that the dreams happen shortly before the incidents do and if Addie and Julie were seniors in high school, Phoebe, two years younger, would have been old enough to know that something had happened. To know that the girls knew each other, to notice that Addie had a secret, that her parents were whispering about something. And for the parents to just cover everything up is absolutely despicable. How many ways could they keep hurting Liam's family, when the only thing he ever did was save their daughter's life. But Phoebe is presented as completely oblivious to everything, even as her sister self punishes herself in more and more alarming ways. A person with second sight who doesn't see what's right in front of her.

There is a second lightning strike, an admission of guilt, a coming to terms with reality and yes, a happy ending. I read this in a day and a half.

Please note That Last Carolina summer will potentially (most def!)be a trigger for those dealing with caring for someone with dementia.

In The Last Carolina Summer by Karen White, the characters that feel incredibly real. They have flaws, hopes, and struggles are portrayed with such artistry that it's easy to see yourself or a loved one as these characters. The relationships are relatable.

However, readers should knows that this book speaks heavily about dementia and the heartbreak of watching a parent slip away. White handles it with grace and compassion, but for those currently facing a loved one's cognitive decline, parts of the story could feel especially raw and painful. It’s a possible trigger for some because it's emotional.

The Last Carolina Summer is a touching novel with emotional depth.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for the gifted eArc in exchange for my honest review.

That Last Carolina Summer, is the perfect book for summer. The detailed provided makes you feel like you’re sitting on the dock listening to the birds around you. The focus on family was enjoyable but the twist and turns that happen at the end keep you on the edge of your seat.

I generally enjoy Karen White's books and, although this one is far from my favorite of hers, I unfortunately had to DNF at 20% as it was not calling out to me. I am looking forward to seeing what she writes in the future however. I had family who had similar conditions to the characters condition and while reading I do not want to remember those days where I had to be faced with similar hard times. Not the books fault just person preference. I feel it was a good inside look at what some families are having to deal with and how difficult these moments can be.

This story takes you to South Carolina where Phoebe has reluctantly returned home to deal with her Mothers health issues. Phoebe has been having dreams that sometimes predict events since she was struck by lightning as a child. There is one returning dream that has been haunting her for years. Besides the family issues there is a mystery that has haunted a family for years. This is a the story of a family dealing with their issues. There are some moments of conflict but there are also moments of connection and love. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

That Last Carolina Summer by Kristina McBride is an enchanting and emotionally resonant read that takes you straight to the warm, breezy shores of South Carolina. I’d give it four stars for its perfect blend of lighthearted moments, poignant reflections, and memorable characters. The story revolves around Emma Harper, a twenty-something who returns to her hometown on Pawleys Island for one last summer before she heads off on a new adventure. Emma’s been feeling stuck in her life—working a job she doesn’t love and navigating the complexities of her family relationships. Her summer plans suddenly turn into something more meaningful when she reconnects with her childhood best friend, Lucas, whose charming smile and easygoing nature make her heart flutter. Throughout the summer, Emma and Lucas share countless small adventures: exploring tide pools at dawn, trying their hand at paddleboarding, and late-night walks along the beach under a sky full of stars. Emma also spends time with her colorful family—her grandmother, who owns the local bookstore with stories of her own, and her younger sister, who’s full of youthful optimism and dreams of her own. What makes this book stand out are the tender moments and honest reflections woven into the sunny days. Emma grapples with choices about her future, fears of leaving behind her childhood home, and the bittersweet feeling that comes with growing up. Meanwhile, Lucas quietly reveals his own hopes and struggles, adding depth to their blossoming friendship and potential romance. Kristina McBride’s writing captures the charm of the Carolina coast, from the salty air to the vibrant sunsets, making every scene feel alive and inviting. The story has a delightful balance—fun and playful at times, melancholy and moving at others—that kept me turning the pages with a warm smile. That Last Carolina Summer is a lovely reminder to cherish the simple pleasures, reconnect with old friends, and embrace change with an open heart. It’s a sweet, sun-soaked read that leaves you feeling hopeful and a little nostalgic for your own summers of discovery.

I really enjoyed That Last Carolina Summer. A little bit mysterious and very heartfelt, it hooked me right from the start and I ended up finishing it in just two days. I especially loved the alternating POVs between Phoebe and Celeste, and the layered, intergenerational relationships, particularly Phoebe’s bond with her niece Ophelia, which mirrored her own past. The love story felt a little rushed to me, but it didn’t take away from the core of the book, which was more about family, healing, and coming to terms with the past. It’s one of those stories that leaves you wishing there were more. I’d love to see a sequel!

another good novel from Karen White. It reeks of the low country that I know and love. All premonition and dreams. It's what the South is made of

A refreshing escape from tired stories about families and tragedy, the characters were all flawed but engaging, with each having traits that garnered empathy. The detailed description of wildlife specifically birds to each chapter was a bonus learning experience with beautiful descriptions and the focus on conservation. A thoughtful, perspective on how a narcissistic parent impacts one's life, yet balanced by a truly inspiring family member to provide stability and hope. All brought together in a narrative that kept you guessing.

When Phoebe Manigault was struck by lightning as a child, at her South Carolina home, she developed the gift of premonition through her dreams. Growing up, Phoebe struggled with this gift and with being in the shadow of her older sister Addie. After graduating high school, Phoebe moved to Oregon, to get as far away as possible from her family and her dreams. Now, after all of these years Phoebe’s sister pleads for her to return home and help with their mother who has been showing signs of dementia. Home is the last place Phoebe wants to be, and she soon realizes she is not only caring for her sick mother, but also a self-destructive, irresponsible Addie, and her nine year old niece who is neglected by her mother. Phoebe’s plan is to get everything settled and organized for her mother’s care, so she can return to Oregon, but her renewed dreams and a friendship with a family from her past make it harder and harder to resist the urge to once again escape the hold of South Carolina.

That Last Carolina Summer is a beautiful, heartbreaking story of the messy, emotional layers that make up family connections. I thought White’s writing was beautiful and descriptive, and she really drew me into the Lowcountry setting of South Carolina. I also really enjoyed the way that she began each chapter with a bird excerpt, that tied in with Phoebe’s love of nature and the time she spent learning from her Aunt Sassy. I always love multiple POV stories, and it worked well here, with chapters from Phoebe and Celeste, giving the reader a look into the past while connecting the present of the Manigault and Fitch families.

The book deals with heavy subject matter, including caring for a loved one who is experiencing dementia, physical abuse, an unsolved disappearance, and strained family relationships. White does a great job handling all of these issues, and her writing definitely evokes a wide range of emotions from the reader. I did feel like some parts of the story got a bit repetitive, and I would have liked to see that time given over to the book’s conclusion and lending to a more in depth resolution for each of the characters storylines.

If you love family drama stories, with a touch of mystery, romance, second chances, complex characters, and an immersive Southern setting, then I would definitely recommend That Last Carolina Summer.

“When birds migrate, are they running
away? Or are they just temporarily going somewhere else out of a need for survival? It takes a lot more strength to leave than to stay.”

Phoebe returns home to South Carolina to help her sister Addie take care of her mother suffering from dementia knowing that it will bring on the return of the nightmarish dreams she’s had since being struck by lightning as a child.

Loved this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Karen White’s That Last Carolina Summer is a sad and sympathetic story of a daughter Phoebe coming to grips with her mother’s worsening dementia in Mount Pleasant in the South Carolina LowCountry.

Interspersed with the story are tidbits about birds and bird behavior in the beginning of each chapter that bird lovers will enjoy.

The situation is complicated by a demanding older sister Addie who has lots of her own problems and has not been taking care of her nine year old daughter Ophelia or her mother Elizabeth with whom they live.

Phoebe comes for the summer from Oregon where she’s a science teacher to help and takes her mother to an appointment with a neurologist who confirms the dementia diagnosis. The doctor also happens to be Liam Finch, who saved Phoebe’s life when she was nine and struck by lightning.

The result of the lighting strike was Phoebe’s ability to have premonitions of things that might happen through dreams.

The story then follows Elizabeth’s continuing descent into dementia , Addie’s difficulties and problematic love life, Phoebe trying to take care of Elizabeth and solving issues Addie has caused including a weekend power outage during the hottest part of the summer because the electric bill wasn’t paid.

Phoebe and Liam begin to develop feelings for each other but try not to act on them because she is heading back to Oregon at the end of August. He is divorced and his son Will who is also nine and there for the summer becomes good friends with Ophelia. And his grandmother Celeste becomes good friends with Phoebe and helps take care of Elizabeth.

The book comes to a disturbing conclusion that no one expects. But at the very end there’s love and hope.

A novel well worth reading!

White’s writing shines as she creates characters that feel incredibly real — their flaws, hopes, and struggles are portrayed with such tenderness that it’s easy to see parts of yourself, your family, or someone you know in them. The relationships, especially between generations, are deeply relatable and grounded in a kind of messy, everyday love that resonates long after the last page.

However, readers should be aware that the novel touches heavily on the topic of dementia, particularly the heartbreak of watching a parent slip away. White handles it with grace and compassion, but for those currently facing a loved one's cognitive decline, parts of the story could feel especially raw and painful. It’s both a strength and a potential trigger — the emotion feels authentic because it is.

Overall, The Last Carolina Summer is a moving, well-crafted story with rich emotional depth. I only held back a star because at times the pacing lagged slightly, but the characters and their journeys more than made up for it. Highly recommended, especially for those who appreciate family-centered stories that don't shy away from the complicated truths of life.

I absolutely loved this emotional book set in the low country of South Carolina. Peppered with beautiful references to birds and rich descriptions of the marshes in the Charleston area, this story pulls the reader into to the Southern pace that readers love, and yet I couldn’t stop turning the page. The story of the women in this story pulled at my heart strings, and with a promise of redemption and a touch of romance I couldn’t put it down.

What a great summer read - especially if you are spending on a low country beach! In this latest story from Karen White, Phoebe Manigault has established a life on the West Coast, away from her dysfunction South Carolina family and the premonitions that had dominated her dreams after being struck by lightning as a child. However, this ends when her estranged sister Abbie calls, demanding help with their mother, Elizabeth, who is displaying symptoms of dementia. Upon returning to the family home, Phoebe is shocked to find how quickly her mother's illness has advanced. To make matters worse, her nightmarish premonitions have returned. Also, her mother's doctor is none other than Liam, who saved her life as a child, but whose family had a contentious relationship with hers. He also is the son of Phoebe's new friend, Celeste, a former nurse who is still mourning the disappearance of her granddaughter, Liam's sister. Without giving away the ending, the story culminates with a terrible storm.

This was really different from my typical reads, as I generally read romances, fantasy, and thrillers. I really enjoyed it and recommended it to my grandmother as well because I could tell this is right up her alley (she loves a family drama). The southern lowcountry setting made for such an atmospheric vibe with the premonitions that Phoebe has. The dementia aspect with her mom added some deep emotions for me as it hit really close to home with my mom's various health problems. Lots of secrets, buried family drama, and suspense throughout this one. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who likes family drama, secrets, and southern settings.

The following review was posted on Goodreads on 4.10.25:

I generally enjoy Karen White's books and, although this one is far from my favorite of hers, I can say that I liked it for the most part. Like most (all?) of White's novels, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER features an atmospheric Southern setting where beauty and ugliness mix behind genteel facades. There's nothing particularly original or memorable about the characters or plot of this novel. Phoebe and Addie—the sisters at the heart of the story—are both sympathetic in their own ways, but only the former is likable. Their mother isn't very appealing at all. Celeste is my favorite character, although she's rather cliché. Plotwise, this one's a slow mover without a ton of action. It's obvious from the get-go how Phoebe's dreams, Celeste's missing granddaughter, and Addie's selfishness all fit together, which takes all the mystery out of the story, making the whole novel more lackluster than it could have been. I'm not opposed to a little touch of the supernatural in the books I read, but it has to be convincing and Phoebe's "gift" really wasn't for me. All these things considered, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER was a bit of a disappointment since it was only an average read for me. I wanted to love it like I have other books by White and I just...didn't. Bummer.

If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), innuendo, and violence

**5 Stars – A Powerful and Poignant Summer Read**

*That Last Carolina Summer* by Karen White is an unforgettable, emotional journey through the tangled threads of family, memory, and reconciliation. I absolutely loved this book—the raw and real characters drew me in from the first page. White masterfully captures the heartbreak and complexity of navigating a dementia diagnosis within a family, and the ways siblings wrestle with regret, rivalry, and the desire to make things right.

Each chapter peels back another layer of long-buried emotions, and I found myself rooting for these flawed, deeply human characters every step of the way. It's a story that lingers with you, reminding us that love endures even through pain, confusion, and change.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. I can’t wait for others to experience this moving novel when it hits shelves in July!