In The Summer's End, the final chapter of her bestselling Lowcountry Summer trilogy, Mary Alice Monroe masterfully concludes the emotional and heartwarming story of the Walker family, set against the stunning backdrop of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. As the family faces the impending sale of their beloved estate, Sea Breeze, the novel explores themes of family, love, and personal transformation.

The story centers on Harper, the youngest sister, who initially came to Sea Breeze seeking refuge from a strained relationship with her wealthy and domineering mother. What began as a brief stay becomes a transformative summer where Harper discovers her own identity, talents, and inner strength with the support of her half-sisters. The emotional journey of letting go of the past and embracing love and self-worth becomes the heart of this final book.

As the fate of Sea Breeze hangs in the balance, Harper must make a life-changing decision. The novel beautifully captures her internal struggle, as she navigates the complexities of love—not just the love of family, but the deep connection with a Wounded Warrior who has captured her heart. The story is a powerful reminder of the importance of courage, self-discovery, and the healing power of love.

Monroe’s writing evokes the charm of the Lowcountry with its timeless traditions, the bond of family, and the beauty of coastal life. The Summer’s End is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy, offering readers a satisfying and poignant ending to a story that touches the heart and soul. Fans of the series will find themselves swept away by the final chapter of the Walker sisters' journey, filled with love, growth, and the promise of new beginnings.

Great end to this trilogy. I loved the characters and I was so invested in them. I am very pleased with how it ended.

I was really looking forward to Harper's story, but I feel slightly disappointed. Not that it was bad, it just wasn't as good as I had hoped. I really liked both Harper and Taylor, so I think I had unrealistic expectations.

I did enjoy that Mawmaw is having a bit of a romance of her own!

A wonderful conclusion to the Summer Trilogy, centering on Mamaw and her 3 granddaughters, who are half-sisters. They have not been together for many years, and Mamaw wants them to join her for the summer in her beach house in low country SC one last time before she moves into a rest home. The stories we have been following in the earlier books wrap up nicely in this one.
Mary Alice Monroe excels at character development, which draws us into the narrative. For example, we don’t see Dora as just another aging southern belle who is getting a divorce, but as the mother of a special needs child, and as a woman who has accepted being marginalized for too long. There is romance here too—I especially liked that the romance was not limited to the younger women in the novel. Delphine the dolphin’s story is here, too, and it comes to a satisfying conclusion.
This novel really transported me to a place I’ve never been—the South Carolina beach—and I could envision myself sitting on the porch drinking sweet tea and relaxing with Mamaw and the girls. Evocative and excellent writing, multi-faceted characters, and a relaxing summer at the beach— highly recommended!