In her latest release, Our Extraordinary Summer, Lori Wilde returns to the enchanting shores of Hobby Island to deliver a story that is as much about the fragile bonds of sisterhood as it is about finding one’s way home.
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The Breaking Point of the Dempsey Sisters
The emotional heart of the story lies in the deep rift between Calista and Athena—a divide fueled by their father’s ruthless ambition. After being granted sole custody and banning their mother from their lives until they turned eighteen, their father set out to mold the girls into star golf pros. Unable to take his harsh demands any longer, Calista walked out five years ago, leaving Athena behind to carry the weight of family expectations alone. Wilde brilliantly explores the “the one who left” versus “the one who stayed” dynamic, making their mutual resentment feeling incredibly real now that Calista has finally returned for her mother’s funeral.
The Enchantment of Hobby Island
The setting acts as a sanctuary for the soul. Wilde paints a vivid picture of this secluded retreat, from the sun-dappled waters to the quiet corners where the sisters’ mother spent her final days. There is a tangible sense of peace in the salt air that contrasts sharply with the turbulence in Calista’s heart. The island doesn’t just provide a backdrop; it provides the space needed to finally hear one another over the noise of the past.
The Complication of Reid Thornton
Then there is Reid Thornton—the man who represents both Calista’s greatest love and her most painful memories. His return to the scene is more than just a romantic subplot; it is a direct confrontation with the past. Reid claims he wants to make things right, but for Calista, believing him means lowering the walls she’s spent years building. Watching how Reid navigates his own regrets while trying to prove his sincerity adds a delicious layer of tension. It forces the question: Is a second chance truly possible when the original betrayal was so public?
Final Thoughts on Our Extraordinary Summer
Ultimately, Lori Wilde in Our Extraordinary Summer has crafted a story that stays with you long after the final page is turned. The reconciliation isn’t easy or immediate; it is hard-won and messy, mirroring the complexities of real family dynamics. This book nicely balances the sweetness of a coastal romance with the difficult realities of forgiveness. Whether you are drawn in by the second-chance romance or the moving tribute to a mother’s enduring love, this story is a reminder that the most extraordinary journeys are often the ones that lead us back to the people we thought we’d lost forever. Check this coastal romance out with a release date of April 26 from HarperCollins.
Thanks to Avon and HarperCollins for this #gifted book for this review.
