That Summer in Maine

Sixteen years ago, two young women met Silas, a handsome young man at a craft fair, and had affairs with him. For Jane, it was a summer-long affair to help her cope with the recent deaths of her parents. For Sue, it was to relieve some stress over the fertility struggles she and her husband were having.

Both women became mothers and wives, and then one day, Jane’s daughter Hazel is contacted by Eve, Sue’s daughter informing her that they are sisters. Both want to spend the summer in Maine with their father, Silas. This rocks both Mother’s worlds.

I was a HUGE fan of the Author’s book Rosie Colored Glasses. It was 5 tear-jerking stars for me. So, I went into this book with very high hopes. Which I realize is not entirely fair to the author or the new book. As with Rosie Colored Glasses this book deals with Motherhood, single motherhood, the mother-daughter relationship. It also deals with marriage, relationships, secrets, learning what makes a family, loneliness, the search for the truth, and belonging.

I found this to be an enjoyable book that handled all the situations with ease. Two women having an affair with a man and having daughters the same age can make for a messy and complicated situation. The characters were likable although some of them – Eve ticked me off with her fits of anger and deliberately saying things to hurt others. I enjoyed how the story was told especially and particularly appreciated the letters which written but not sent. I found this to be a clever and moving way in which Wolfson told both Sue and Jane’s stories and the decisions they made.

An enjoyable and quick read from a talented writer. I look forward to more books by Wolfson. She is a gifted author who shows all her character’s inner thoughts and feelings. We also learn about Silas and what his life was like before he met both Jane and Sue making him also an interesting character.

This might not have lived up to my high expectations, but it was still well written, full of heart, and showcased family dynamics. At times moving, at times frustrating and all the time about family.

Thank you to Harlequin – Mira and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.