One family learns that love is the greatest miracle of all—from USA Today bestselling author Bette Lee Crosby.Aspiring journalist Meghan Briggs has always been the responsible one in the family. So when her father passes away unexpectedly, leaving behind his at-risk business, she steps up to save his legacy—even if that means putting her own dreams on hold.Tracy couldn’t be more different from … couldn’t be more different from her sister. She’s always been the rebellious type, without much direction in life. But in the wake of her latest romantic disaster, she finds herself moving back home as a single mother.
As Tracy experiences the difficulties of new motherhood, Meghan faces her own struggle: trying not to fall for the stray puppy she rescued. This is no time for attachments—not to the adorable “Sox,” whose owner is bound to turn up any day, and certainly not to the handsome new vet in town. But as the summer unfolds, she discovers that, like Sox, she may need rescuing, too.
As both sisters navigate unexpected challenges and exciting new relationships, they’ll find that putting the past to rest can make way for beautiful new beginnings.
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Lila and George Briggs have a wonderful life with their two daughters Tracy and Meghan.
When George Briggs dies his family has to move forward without him. Meghan takes over her father’s newsletter instead of going to college. Tracy is the wild child that decided to move with her boyfriend to another state.
Conflicts, mistakes, domestic abuse, are all issues that could pull this family apart, yet they grow stronger. The child with a disability really hit home for me. This story made me laugh and cry (keep tissues close). A beautifully written story with well developed characters.
This was the first book I read by Bette Lee Crosby. I found it a breath of fresh air. Her words flow so easily and everything is written very simple and understandable.
The plot is about a family in transition. Changes occur and they each find their own way for a time, but as families should, they find each other again and together they united and solve the problems that arise.
I enjoyed this book so much. It was such a nice change from the world where people can not get along and unite. In this book the people act like adults should and even though they do not always see eye to eye, they can still unite for a goal.
I will definitely be reading more books from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by, Bette Lee Crosby!! I couldn’t put it down! One of those books I didn’t want to end! Highly recommend it!
I absolutely loved these characters. From the start, I was hooked on this story and wanted to learn about the Briggs girls in their journeys. I was invested in seeing what happened to them. I was not disappointed. Bette has a way of writing that keeps the reader engaged and keeps details concise without being too wordy! I love it!! I loved each of the storylines for the characters, especially Sox, the dog, as I am a dog mom! I am so excited that this is the first of more stories in the Magnolia Grove series and can’t wait to learn more about the lives of the Briggs girls!
This was such a fun book for me to read! I love stories with family relationships and how they change and grow in them. This was definitely one of those. The Briggs family has their share of problems, like all families do. But when Mr. Briggs dies suddenly, it leaves Meghan feeling responsible for taking on the family business in her father’s footsteps. She had looked forward to college, followed by a career as a journalist but felt that taking on the family business would keep her connection with her father alive. Then there’s her sister Tracy, who’s headstrong and rebellious. Tracy leaves her family and moves away with her boyfriend Dominic, who refuses to marry her but wants her to live with him instead. The book follows the lives of the family as they just try to make sense of their lives and how they change like quicksilver, smooth sailing in one moment and chaotic in the next. This is a slice of real Americana, served with humor, wit, and a few tears as we come to know and love the Briggs family. I can’t wait for the sequel!
This is a story about a family, Mother, Father, and the two Sisters who are very close. The author has magnificently shown how two sisters no matter what happens in their lives can still remain close. There are times that they have had a falling out, but they always forgive. Bette Lee Cosby has put her heart and soul into the writing of this book and it shows. I recommend this book for everyone.
Sweet Southern Charm and Pass the tissues! Bette Lee Crosby has written a delightful novel with “all the feels”. I love that the author can take some intense family issues and show deep love of sisters, mothers and children. The death of a patriarch, single motherhood, putting careers on hold, a child with a possible disability…and Bette Lee Crosby weaves a lovely story of the strength and love of family. I really enjoyed this book, it’s a page turner and keeps you interested from Chapter 1. I fell in love with Magnolia Grove and I’m looking forward to more from this sweet, small town full of hope, strength and love. 4.5 stars. I just reviewed The Summer of New Beginnings by Bette Lee Crosby. #TheSummerOfNewBeginnings #NetGalley
The Summer of New Beginnings by Bette Lee Crosby is A Magnolia Grove Novel. Meghan Briggs has just graduated from high school in Magnolia Grove, Georgia and is looking forward to attending the Grady College of Journalism in the fall. But then her father has a deadly heart attack, and Meghan steps in to take over the running of her father’s business, Snip ‘N’ Save magazine. She wants to preserve her father’s legacy and memory by keeping the publication alive. Tracy is more about enjoying life and rebelling against the norm. When Tracy’s boyfriend, Dominic gets a job in Philadelphia, she announces she is moving with him. Two years later Tracy returns home with her son, Lucas who has yet to start talking. Tracy has grown up while she was away and begins helping Meghan with the magazine. It turns out that Tracy has a flair for graphic design. Meghan has devoted her time to running the magazine and not allowing anytime for a personal life. One day Meghan is out running and sees a puppy struggling in the lake. She rescues the little fellow and names him Sox. She does not want to fall for the him in case his owner shows up, but Meghan is soon under his spell. Meghan takes Sox to Dr. Tom Whitely to check for a chip, and she discovers her love of working with animals. Megan used to write in composition books and she picks up the habit again. It gives her an opportunity to work out her thoughts and emotions. As the summer progresses, new challenges are put in their paths. These women will need to reconcile the past in order to have a bright new beginning. Come along for the journey in The Summer of New Beginnings.
The Summer of New Beginnings is nicely written and has a relaxed pace. Bette Lee Crosby has a writing style that is relaxed (conversational) and draws the reader in. The point-of-view switches between the characters with sections that remind me of diary entries. It allows readers to discover what each character is thinking and feeling which I appreciate. I like how each character is dealing with real life issues such as the loss of a loved one, problems with a child, limited income, dealing with an ex-boyfriend, falling in love, having to give up on a dream, etc. There is a great family dynamic and it is lovely seeing these three women come together (help each other, support each other and love each other). The author created realistic characters that readers can relate to along with their issues. Ms. Crosby handled the issue with Lucas gently and with sensitively (I would say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). There are some lovely life lessons in the story that many people will be able to relate to and apply to their own life. The Summer of New Beginnings is what I call a feel-good book that will leave you with a smile on your face and a good feeling in your heart.
The Summer of New Beginnings is a heartwarming, engaging, and utterly compelling story about the importance of sisterhood, family, and new beginnings. In this story you are introduced to three women – Lila, Tracy, and Meghan, sharing the loss of a husband and father, George. Lila is a compassionate, caring mother who wants to see her daughters succeed and prosper. Tracy is a typical party child – rebellious, complicated, and extremely complex. Meghan is a responsible, down to earth, and charming daughter.
When George passes, Meghan forgoes going to journalism school and steps up in a major way. She takes on much of the stress and burden her family is feeling. Tracy runs away from her feelings by moving to Philadelphia with her boyfriend which proves a difficult path, while Lila is simply wishing things would return to normal.
I love how Bette gives new challenges and complications throughout this story to give the family more depth. I love how she focuses on communication, taking on new adventures, learning to cope when life throws curveballs, and learning to appreciate those dearest to you. The character growth in this novel is impeccable.
I would happily recommend this charming book to readers of womens fiction.
This emotional book was about a family and the struggles that they endured after the death of the head of the family. The challenges in taking over the family business, along with all of the personal issues and struggles, is a central theme of the book. And, of course, when you add a dog to the book it only gets better!! I enjoyed this book a lot.
Thanks to Bette Lee Crosby for an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Loved it!!!
August 13, 2020
True to life
I don’t know how I missed this one! I read the second book first! Now it all makes sense. Wonderful characters and really bad, too. Very good read.
Bette Lee Crosby always delivers a very rewarding story of family trials and love, forgiveness, and The Summer Of New Beginnings is true to form. Her writing is so inspirational with words of wisdom that always touches my heart. After her father dies, Meghan Briggs is left to carry on the family business, Snip And Save, instead of attending college. During these hard times she saves a dog, Sox, from drowning during a storm, which endears me to this character. Tracy Briggs, so different from her sister and very rebellious, comes home with her child, Lucas, hoping this will be a new beginning for both of them. These sisters have very different views of life, love, and happiness which keep me enthralled throughout the book. Very important issues abound, such as the loss of a spouse, a parent, a child with a disability, domestic abuse, a animal lover, and above all the importance of family. Bette Lee Crosby has become one of my favorite authors, and I’m sure she will be one of yours after you read this book, The Summer Of New Beginnings!
A really sweet read.
The Summer of New Beginnings is a sweet wonderfully written book. A family’s tale of hardship in difficult times, overcoming obstacles and a time of new beginnings.
I really enjoyed reading Bette Lee Crosby’s book!
I really enjoyed this 2 book series. I highly recommend them. I’m getting ready to start a third book of Bette Lee Crosby’s Emily, Gone.
This is my second book to read by Bette Lee Crosby and I am a big fan. The Summer of New Beginnings is the first book in the Magnolia Grove series. This is the story of a mother and her two daughters. Their world is rocked when their father passes away. One daughter is responsible and one is impulsive- but both find that despite their differences, love is the tie that binds. A beautiful story!
I really loved this book! I love how each character is different and has a different personality. They may be family and live in the same home, but they’re journeys are all different. This book is heartbreaking, uplifting and and all around emotional. Bette Lee Crosby never disappoints. Wonderful book!
Great story with wonderful characters. Always entertaining to follow characters journey through life problems. Good read. Would recommend!
Bette lee Crosby has really made these characters come to life for me. I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. This story really played with my heart strings. Awesome series.
Having read a bunch of Bette’s books I couldn’t wait to read this first book in her new series.
There’s no one thing I can point to as why I loved this book. It’s many things. The genuine characters. The anticipation of what’s to come. Feeling all of those feels. Sorrow, heartbreak, frustration, hope, happiness and love. And how easily the story flows. I read this in one sitting. No way could I put it down until I was done.
Meghan is the main character. After her father dies, she gives up her dreams to keep his legacy alive. Along the way you’re introduced to her family. Shown how they struggle to move on and adapt. And Bette throws in a sprinkle of something magical. It comes with four legs and goes by Sox.
I could gush on and on about this book. I adored it. Will be reading it again. And am happily amazed that Bette got me to read outside my normal genre and showed me how good that could be.