The Summer We Started Over by Nancy Thayer
"The Summer We Started Over" by Nancy Thayer is a poignant novel that explores the themes of family, resilience, and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of Nantucket. The story follows Eddie Grant, a personal assistant to a famous romance author, who decides to take a break from her New York life to support her younger sister Barrett, as she opens a gift shop on Nantucket.
Returning home means confronting the difficult past the Grant family has endured, including the loss of their brother and their mother's abandonment. Their father's eccentricities and hoarding tendencies further complicate matters, but the sisters decide to channel their energies into opening a used bookstore in their father's barn, aiming to manage his collections while uncovering buried family secrets that could reshape their understanding of their history.
As Eddie and Barrett navigate these challenges, they also grapple with personal relationships and unresolved feelings from the past, including Eddie's complicated love connection that still lingers after all these years. Through it all, the sisters demonstrate resilience and strength, finding courage to face their past and embrace new beginnings.
Nancy Thayer, known for her heartfelt storytelling, weaves a tale that resonates with readers through its exploration of familial bonds, personal growth, and the enduring power of sisterhood. "The Summer We Started Over" promises to be a touching and hopeful read, capturing the essence of summer on Nantucket while delving deep into the emotional lives of its characters.