As the summer ends, friendship begins… When single mom Joy Lee abandoned her old life to take a job at a lakeside resort, she found something that her family’s wealth and influence could never buy: peace of mind. Not easy to come by for the once-burned divorcée who keeps everyone at a distance. But when her new friend, Maris, dares her to take a chance with the drive-in’s charismatic new … charismatic new owner, everything changes for Joy and her young son.
A difficult childhood has left Maris Kennedy with definite priorities. Her job running Summer’s End, the camp store and café, comes first. Always. Nothing could ever make her risk that hard-won security–especially not her free-spirited colleague. But the more she encourages Joy to open herself up to new experiences, the more Maris begins to wonder what she, too, might be missing.
Learning how to trust will bring Joy and Maris together. And soon they form a friendship that leaves them as close as sisters–and open to love where they least expect it…in Summer’s End.
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Brimming with heart, heat, and humor.
Joy Lee left her old life behind when she found out that she was pregnant. Her parents disowned her and the baby’s father divorced her and left way before he was even born. She finds herself at a lakeside resort, the owner giving her the chance she needs to make it on her own and she hasn’t looked back since. She keeps everyone at a distance though, her son is her main priority and she doesn’t have time for a life of her own. Even though she has spent her whole time at the resort basically keeping to herself Maris another worker there breaks through and starts up a friendship that they both end up needing. She challenges Joy to step outside her boundaries and give the new man in town a chance. Maris herself has spent her whole life working in hopes of making her dreams come true, now that she owns her business at the resort she is saving for a home that she can call her own. She doesn’t have time for relationships either and is constantly denying herself a chance at happiness. Follow along as these two new friends help each other work through the pitfalls of not only their new friendship but also the relationships they are both trying have but avoid at the same time. This was a wonderful read that shows you what true friendship is about and what all it can truly be. Follow as these two friends both fall in love and look out for each other in the process.
Family is what you make of it in this friends-to-sisters emotional ride full of support, understanding, and encouragement toward happily-ever-after. Sometimes all you need is a friend…who becomes your sister at heart.
Love and family don’t have to start with a blood relation; they can also be what you make of ‘em. If there is one thing that jumped out at me when I read SoSE it was that Cooper’s Charm is a place to work, to meet, to love and to heal. All of these things make the folks who live and work here family. It’s not always by blood, but always with their hearts.
Although we were introduced to Joy Lee and Maris Kennedy in the first book – no worries, this is truly a standalone but previous characters weave in and out of the story – this is the first time we are able to understand their backgrounds and their personalities. And yeah, both have smexy stories. Joy has a meet/disaster with Royce (when you read it, it will make you laugh) that is like throwing gasoline on a fire and they hit it off, sort of, from the start. Both have major issues with their own lives but as always happens, they are better and stronger together than they are apart. My heart often broke for these two but their chemistry is off the charts. In their story, my favorite characters are Jack, Joy’s young son, and Chaos the dog. OMG, I can’t begin to describe how these two will steal your heart. And as is sometimes the case, these two little ones teach the grownups a thing or two about acceptance and love.
Maris has been an enigma, not only to me as a reader but to the folks around her at Cooper’s Charm. She was closed off – friendly, super on top of things – but she didn’t really open herself up to anyone. During the story, she and Joy become close, like “sisters”, and the interactions are most often hilarious. Daron works at the resort, too, and has been in – let’s say – lust with Maris for a long time. She, however, won’t give him the time of day. There are misconceptions and misunderstandings and an age difference but how they work it all out is so much fun to read. Loved Daron, too.
I guess what stuck with me the most is the way these characters all pulled together and were “there” for one another, no matter what the issue was. Some surprises thrown in the mix but all of ‘em really were terrific to read. Can’t wait to see if there are more folks hanging around Cooper’s Charm so we can get a peek into their lives. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Heartwarming, emotive, and rewarding.
Sisters of Summer’s End is an engaging, lighthearted tale that features the hardworking, single mom Joy and the dependable, supportive Maris as they forge an unconditional friendship that will help them both conquer and embrace past hurts, childhood baggage, strained familial relationships, and newly budding romance.
The prose is crisp and fluid. The characters are easygoing, helpful, and likeable. And the plot is a heartfelt tale of life, love, support, understanding, tenderness, familial drama, friendship, steamy moments, playful banter, and delicious chemistry.
Overall, Sisters of Summer’s End is a sweet, uplifting, humorous addition to the Love at the Resort series by Foster that will leave fans delighted to revisit with all the characters they came to know and love in the first novel in the series, Cooper’s Charm, as well as being introduced to some unforgettable new ones, both of the human and four-legged variety.
I have read Lori Foster for years and I was happy to see her taking a little bit different track with her last few books. They are still romance, but have a women’s lit undertone to them. The characters are just as good as all the rest of hers, but maybe with a little softer edges. Throwing in kids and dogs as major characters just round everything out into a wonderful, wonderful read.
Sisters of Summer’s End takes place in a vacation spot for RV folks. All the people that work there come together to be their own family. They push each other to be their best, to take chances and they are always there for each other–especially when there’s gossip about a new relationship and sex!
This book is just what I needed for the summer!
This is a sweet romance. The best part is not only do you get the main H/h story, you also get the main secondary characters story. I absolutely loved it!
Sisters of Summer’s End is the second in the series but is definitely a stand-alone novel. This is the story of how your childhood can define or change who you are as an adult. The growth of friendships, the development of the two different love stories, variety of character personalities make this an entertaining novel. Joy is a single mom who was disowned by her wealthy family for not following their dictates. Royce spent the last few years taking care of his ill mother but now that she is gone, he is determined to get his life back on track where he wants it. As he and Joy grow closer, they both learn lessons that they never understood about their past. Maris grew up poor, living off handouts and now works constantly to have the financial security that she has longed for. Daron has always seemed to be the eternal youth, playboy but in truth he is very responsible and trying to convince Maris to go out with him is a struggle. Joy and Maris have formed a tight friendship that both have never had and are learning how to handle. This is a thoroughly entertaining, gripping novel that will capture the reader until the very end.
This is the second book in the series. It’s another winner by Lori Foster. This book packed in the feels for sure. This book left me with a smile on my face and a happy heart. I loved the characters so much. I’m a big fan of books with single parents. I loved Joy and her son. You can feel the mother and son bond between them. Joy doesn’t feel it, but she is a strong woman who has created a great life for her little family. Then enters Royce. He’s just yummy. The interactions between Joy, her son, and Royce are some of my favorite scenes. There is also another romance taking flight with Maris. I was equally invested in both stories going on. I also enjoyed the friendship that forms between Joy and Maris. It just added another layer to the book. I loved watching the journey for both Joy and Maris because they do a lot of growing in this book. It’s a book that is hard to put down. It’s a book I want to gobble up, but also one I’m sad to see end. This book delivers on great engaging characters and all the feels.
Truly heartwarming, emotionally engaging, sweetly sexy and engaging journey filled with intriguing and wonderfully written charters. This story pulls you and and sits you down for a beautifully lazy and highly entertaining good time. Loved this adventure and the charters I got to know along the way.
I just love going back to Cooper’s Charm where everyone is family. Joy has devoted all her time and attention to her son, Jack. That is until the new drive-in owner shows up. Royce bought the drive-in and is hoping to get his life together – unencumbered. But, when Joy and Jack enter his life, he starts to rethink that plan. Joy and Maris have become close friends, like sisters. So after Maris encourages Joy to go after Royce, Joy encourages Maris to go after the man, Daron, who has been chasing Maris for a long time. It is time for both of them to find their happiness. Can they let go of their past heartaches and look to the future?
I have been reading Lori Foster’s books for years and like her other books, this one DOES NOT disappoint!
Great story about how the friendship bond between Joy and Maris grows from friends to more like sisters.
Two romance stories which can have you laughing at times (Maris & Daron) but where you can also see the love and care they each have for each other. Also, the growing bond between Royce and Jack, how cute!!!
I can’t wait for the next book! I can never stop saying it “Another great read, Lori”!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
4.75 stars
Home is where the heart is and family is who you allow in your life, not necessarily blood relatives. Joy is a single mother who left her family when she was disowned due to a decision she made as a young woman. Finding herself in somewhat dire straits, she wound up working for a resort that afforded her the opportunity to raise her son, Jack. Royce is a man who is dealing with some personal demons of his own when he purchases the drive in with the idea of restoring it to its former glory. Joy heads to the drive in to discuss having the resort use its facilities for their campers as had been done with the previous owner. When Joy sees Royce, she is instantly attracted to him but holds herself back. When she heads back to the resort café, her friend Maris is there encouraging her to go after that man. Maris should take her own advice as another resort worker, Daron, has had his eyes on her but she has been keeping him at arm’s length. Can both women get past their feelings to learn to trust in love? This is one well written, emotional and touching storyline that feels as if the reader is actually there with the characters. The pièce de résistance is the adorable puppy Chaos who will melt your heart.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book provided by Netgalley.
SISTERS OF SUMMERS END is the second instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult SUMMER RESORT romance series focusing on the men and women who live and work at the lakeside resort Cooper’s Charm in Woodbine, Ohio. This is thirty year old, single mother and recreation director Joy Lee, and drive-in owner Royce Nakirk’s story line. SISTERS OF SUMMERS END can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is also a secondary romance developing between camp store owner Maris Kennedy, and handyman Daron Hardy.
Told from several third person perspectives including Royce and Joy SISTERS OF SUMMERS END follows the building relationship between single mother and recreation director Joy Lee, and drive-in owner Royce Nakirk, Six years earlier Joy Lee found herself pregnant and alone but hoping to make a new life she settled into Cooper’s Charm lakeside resort where she would become the recreational director and find a new family with the people for whom she worked and loved. Fast forward to present day wherein Joy will come face to face with the drive-in’s new owner Royce Nakirk that has her reconsidering her self-imposed life as a single mother. What ensues is the building friendship and relationship between Royce and Joy, and the potential fall-out as Joy’s past offers her a second chance- for a price.
Meanwhile camp store owner Maris Kennedy is oblivious to the attention of handyman Daron Hardy. Always serving the customers and the people with whom she lives and works, Maris is blind to Daron’s attention including the subtle flirtatious jibs and jibes.
The relationship between Joy and Royce is one of immediate attention but Joy tends to keep to herself as she is a single mother trying to make it on her own. Having been tossed aside by the father of her child, then her own parents, Joy struggles with opening her heart to another possible failed relationship. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.
The secondary and colorful supporting characters include Cooper Cochran and his wife Phoenix Rose, as well as Phoenix’ sister Ridley (Cooper’s Charm #1), as well as Joy’s son Jack, and her parents Cara and Wallace Reed. The friendships and camaraderie between the employees at Cooper’s Charm is sweet, loving and protective.
SISTERS OF SUMMERS END is a story of family, friendships, romance and love The premise is entertaining and endearing; the romance is tender; the characters are energetic and spirited. SISTERS OF SUMMERS END is the perfect beach read for a lazy summer afternoon
Lori Foster’s books just keep getting better! The only problem I found with this book is that I didn’t want it to end. There’s no author who writes a better hero and heroine. I love the big tough guy that has a soft spot for kids and animals, not to mention sexy, loyal, protective, and faithful.
Joy and Royce have such chemistry, as do Maris and Daron. Then there’s Jack, Joy’s 5-year-old son. What a doll baby! He really adds to this story!
I love that Coop and Phoenix, Baxter and Ridley made appearances in the story, too. I think it makes the stories more interesting when the reader can reconnect with characters from previous books.
I definitely recommend this book! You’ll enjoy it more if you read Cooper’s Charm first, but it can be read as a standalone, too.
This was more than just a romance. This was about friendships and family that aren’t related by blood. It’s about people with character flaws and backgrounds that influence their present day decisions and how they learn to let it go. And I loved it all.
There are actually two relationships included in this book. The main couple is Joy and Royce who have recently met. With her son Jack as the center of her life, she’s been on her own since her parents disowned her. But when she allows herself to open up to Maris and a friendship develops between them, she also finds herself opening up to Royce. Royce has his reasons for wanting to remain unencumbered but after getting involved with Joy and Jack he’s quickly decided that he’s all for entanglements.
”How could Joy ever be a burden? Wasn’t possible. She brought laughter into his life, warmth and direction. All good emotions, with lots of sizzling physical need, too. Around her, he felt completely alive.
Somehow, without obvious effort, Joy had drawn him from his sad, burdened past and focused him squarely in the positive present.”
I loved Royce and the way he instantly connected with not only Joy but her son as well. A part of that is accepting an injured pup into his household that literally causes chaos. I have to admit, Chaos pretty much stole the story from the main characters but I’m not complaining.
The other couple included here were Maris and Daron. They’ve known each other for years but she was always closed off to him until her friendship with Joy makes her stop and take a moment to just enjoy time with a friend. I actually felt the connection and chemistry between this couple more so than Joy and Royce. Daron was cute and charming and so very careful with Maris. He was pretty perfect as heroes go.
This is a very low angst read, a bit slow because there wasn’t really anything driving the story onward. It centers on the various relationships and the growth of each woman as well as the development of their relationship with each hero. I loved watching these women open up to each other and evolve from that moment on. The culmination of the conflict between Joy and her family was satisfying but the lack of an epilogue left me wanting. I’m sure there will be more books to come and we’ll see these characters again, but that doesn’t curb the craving I have for more right now.
Overall, this is a sweet read heavy on character development, rich with humor and great friendships and electric with sexual chemistry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Harlequin. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sisters of Summer’s End by Lori Foster
Summer Resort #2
What a delightful way to spend the day! I returned to Cooper’s Charm RV Resort in Ohio and visited with old friends while making a few new ones. I was able to watch two couples find happily ever afters and two women become closer than sisters. I had a smile on my face at various times in the story and have one on my face as I write this review. Joy Lee, recreation director, is a single mother that puts her son Jack first and gives him the type of childhood she did not have. When she meets Royce Nakirk for business to discuss cooperation between the campground and his drive-in theater they are both quite taken with one another. I absolutely loved the way this couple got together and pursued the relationship between them. Royce with Jack was a treat for the two of them and for Joy and also for me. When they found an abandoned injured puppy and added took it home…it added one more wonderful character to the story.
Marisa owns Summer’s End store and diner located on Cooper’s Charm. Everyone stops in daily for coffee and her delicious cookies and as the story begins she and Joy begin to become better friends. She encourages Joy to step out of her comfort zone and pursue some fun with Royce but isn’t so sure about doing the same when the tables are turned and Joy suggests she pursue some fun of her own with Daron. Marisa and Daron so deserved to be together and watching it happen was another part of the story that had me smiling once again.
Sure, there were some aspects of the book that were heavier…backstories and childhoods and dealing with parents but the strength the characters in the book derived from dealing with those hard times only made this story better.
I actually hated having the book end. Why? I would really like to return to Cooper’s Charm for another story BUT didn’t see any characters mentioned that might show up in book three of the series…unless…if I am lucky…there are people that come to visit, vacation or work at the resort in a future book.
Thank you to NetGalley, HQN and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Is there anything better than a happily ever after for romance lovers? How about two HEA’s in the same book? Even without any romance, this book would be phenomenal. It’s funny, engaging, entertaining and heart warming, all of which makes it an amazing read! Foster’s characters are just enough flawed to make them endearing, and the conflict is authentic and relatable. If that’s not enough, she wraps it in an original, quaint setting and adds in a precocious, adorable five-year-old boy who steals his share of scenes.
Sisters of Summer’s End is a direct hit to the heart. A single mother finds her way to Cooper’s Charm where an unlikely group of people have cobbled together a family and welcome her and her son with open arms. She’s given a job and a place to live, but she still tends to keep people at arm’s length. But life has a way of shaking things up, and Joy finds herself sharing more of herself with store owner, Maris, and accepting help from the new drive-in owner, Royce, as well as others at Cooper’s Charm. It’s not long before Joy learns that family isn’t made up of DNA but of those who have her back, feed her soul and make a place in her heart.
This, my reader friend, is the quintessential feel-good read. Uplifting and inspiring, humorous and enchanting, and poignant and heartfelt, it’s a 1-Click worthy read that you absolutely do not want to miss!
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
I love this series. single mom Joy and the new drive in owner Royce, meet and by the encouragement of her co worker, Maris who runs the little store at the Rv park where Joy works, challenges her to step out of her comfort zone and live a little, but Maris is wondering if she should take her own advise and do the same. These two ladies become close and form a sisterhood bond. Great story. I received this arc for my honest review.
Lori Foster never disappoints with a happy ever after and this book delivers. The people in this story were engaging and likeable. I want to live in Coopers Charm, and although its not possible I can’t wait to visit over and over again.
I was given a ARC for an honest review.