I am utterly blown away by this book. This book, if you haven’t read the description, is about a girl who moved away from her small town to Oregon to start a new life. When her sister Addie calls and lets her know that someone is happening with their mother, she flees back home in a hurry to figure out what is happening.

I won’t go into spoilers, but I will say the biggest trigger for this book is definitely dementia/broken home. I started this book this morning and did not stop till I got to the end. The writing is phenomenal, I’ve never even heard of Karen White till today and I fear I will need to read more of her books as they come out after reading this one.

As far as how this book made me feel— emotional, angry, distraught. I have an Addie in my life, but the one that I grew up with was 100x worse than the one in the book. It was extremely hard for me to sympathize with her because of how my metaphorical Addie treated me, but in the end I really did try to understand her as a character instead of just constantly being angry with her.

I am Phoebe, Phoebe is me. I loved her character and understood so much of her that I even was reliving memories (some unpleasant, some pleasant.) myself.

All in all this book was incredible. The writing was amazing, the story telling was beautiful, it hurt most of the time, but I am so glad there were at least one or two happy moments in there even if it was brief.

4.5 stars

I need a moment…whew!!! Okay, let’s begin.

That Last Carolina Summer by Karen White is a standalone women’s fiction with some paranormal aspects to it that hit hard in more ways than one. This is such a beautiful yet intense and eventful story about sisterhood, struggles, and bringing up old stuff. You know, the usual.

I really enjoyed the essence of this story. I tend to gravitate towards genre fiction, mostly fantasy and romance, but this one actually hit home in various ways. Between the crazy and supposedly once in a lifetime events that happened to Phoebe and just her trying to live life in general while being different from everyone else, there was a lot to enjoy and a rollercoaster of emotions.

I went in thinking it was one thing and came out knowing it’s so much more and I’m glad I took the leap and tried something new. The way the writing is within this book is so freaking beautiful. From the descriptions and just how things are expressed, it’s great! This may be a gateway into more books like this, we shall see.

If you’re looking for a southern story with crazy twists and turns, unexpected events, this is for you. On top of that, this women’s fiction, chicklit story that’s set in South Carolina, is a contemporary fiction which focuses on sisterhood, secrets, even special spiritual gifts. Dive on in, it’s waiting for you!

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of That Last Carolina Summer from Karen White via NetGalley

That Last Carolina Summer by must read author, Karen White, tells a story of family, of sisters, of secrets, of friendships and love. The author delves into motivations and coping strategies of several generations of characters as the story of sisters Phoebe and Addie unfolds requiring both to come to an understanding about their mother’s dementia. Adding to the tension are the troubling dreams Phoebe keeps having. Karen White’s longtime fans know they will be immersed in beautifully descriptive prose that sucks the reader completely into the settings as well as the story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

Karen White had done it again. As soon as I see a new book by Karen, I grab it up and read it. In this book, she definitely knows how to describe a southern summer. I loved the description of this family drama. Great for readers who enjoy gothic settings and family conflicts. I would absolutely recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Karen White, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC novel.

Wow - another shocking stunner from Karen White. She is one of my favorite authors and this is another amazing low country surprise. The fact that she includes dementia in such a stark way will definitely resound with her audience who might be facing their own journey with the disease in a parent. This is poignant and so good. I wish it was another series. Thanks for another great summer read that is really great!!

This author didn’t great job helping you feel like you were right there in that Carolina summer.

This was a slow starter for me but it grabbed my attention and I enjoyed the book. The author is very good at making sure you feel like you are there and can really see the characters and their surroundings.

I chose this Read Now option from Net Galley because of the author. I have read a dozen or more of Karen White's novels but this one dragged a little for me, probably because the plot is similar to many books I have read - set in SC, with touches of family conflict and drama and romance.

There are two unique parts of the plot: 1. The main character, Phoebe, was struck by lightning as a child and she discovered that she had premonitions when she dreamt. The dreams return when she returns home to help her sister care for their mother. 2. The story deals with heavier subject matters such as caring for a loved one who is experiencing dementia and how it affects each character plus an unsolved disappearance.

The story culminates with a terrible storm, and loose pieces of the story being connected in the end.

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.