"A summer reading gift from this talented author"
Reviewed by Sandra Wurman
Posted June 23, 2023
Romance | Women's Fiction
Life is complicated. Situations kind of muddy the works and then people intervene creating even more chaos. That is the basic story behind SUMMER’S GIFT by Jennifer Ryan. We are led to believe the situation evolved over time but in truth there were several forces at work. Now we have reached a point where there is a needed intervention. Hopefully, it's not too late to mend some very broken fences.
This is the story of Summer Sutherland Weston. It is kind of a connect-the-dots adventure thanks to a DNA test. Summer’s grandfather, Charles, concocts a scheme to do something he should have done years ago. Be truthful to the granddaughter he absolutely adores. The problem had been his daughter Jessica, who does not manage life gracefully. Charles had systematically steered their lives away from any turmoil. This meant keeping Summer in the dark about who had fathered her.
Summer’s life was filled with business success and she had an amazing future with family wealth and good fortune. But she did not really have any relationships that rounded out her life. Her mother ensured her that her father was not interested in either of them. So their family unit consisted of grandfather, uncle, mother, and Summer who was the core of all of their lives.
Now back to DNA. That DNA test kit was distributed to folks at the corporation and a school’s biology class. And now Summer and a child name Haley Weston are going to discover that they have a sister neither knew about.
This setup sounds far-fetched but was carefully designed and the way that Charles could alert Summer that she had a father out there. Perhaps one that would be interested in learning about her. Jessica had her baby but never contacted the baby’s father. All done on purpose to protect Jessica. Summer was in many instances the adult in her little family. While Jessica floated from one disastrous relationship to the next, Summer was the anchor. It was time for a change. Summer deserved to know about the existence of her father.
Finding out he had a grown daughter was certain to shake up his family. Nate Weston is married with two daughters, happily married to a woman he adores, and a successful businessman. But more than that Nate is a lovely, loving husband and father. Discovering there is a daughter he never knew makes him determined to find her. So his partner Cody is sent to make a smooth connection with Summer and pave the way for her to meet Nate and his family.
Jennifer Ryan creates a group of amazing characters that have to defy the odds and hopefully find a middle ground. It isn't a simple task, but what in life is so easy? Discovering that you have a father and sisters is eye-opening for sure. Summer always wanted a big family. The question is how well she will be accepted.
SUMMER’S GIFT really introduces a new element into relationships with the inclusion of DNA testing. Making long-lost connections seems acceptable now, but was unheard of in the not-so-distant past. It could be considered a gift or not. Jennifer Ryan brings to life a situation that is very possible. Overseen with grace and care the story of Summer’s discovery is a wonderful tale. Jennifer Ryan brings this story to life. Hopefully with a happy conclusion as her grandfather hoped for.
SUMMARY
A young woman takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers the birth father—and half sisters—she never knew. New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan returns with this dramatic and page-turning novel perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Lori Foster.
A DNA test tells you who you come from, not who you are.
All her life, Summer Sutherland felt like the missing piece in a puzzle, left out and looking for the place she truly belongs. And when an at-home DNA test reveals her selfish mother and well-meaning grandfather lied about her father, Summer sets out to discover the truth.
Her new instant family comes with two half sisters: one who accepts her with open arms, the other resistant to the stranger staying in their house. But somehow Summer senses this is where she is meant to be—so she settles into her father’s Carmel home, ready to get to know them and find her place in the family she always wanted.
But while her newfound parent is thrilled to get to know Summer—and her romantic connection to his business partner, Cody, heats up—tensions rise within the family.
Will she ever fit in? Or should she return to her other life before tearing all their lives apart?
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