Summerland: A Novel [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

I've loved all of Elin Hilderbrand's books. Except this one. The characters show no real warmth. Everyone is so wrapped up in their own angst/pain that they don't connect with eachother. It was just depressing from start to finish. If you're new to Ms. Hilderbrand, I highly recommend Blue Bistro as a starting point. In that book, she handles some very sad and tender topics with heart.

Someone knew why the accident that killed Penny Alistair happened, and that someone was Demeter Castle. Demeter knew exactly why Penny flew into a rage and drove so fast that she killed herself and seriously injured her brother, but she wouldn't divulge the information. She just couldn't tell the police what she knew.

Ms. Hilderbrand created another marvelous book with wonderful characters and amazing descriptions of Nantucket Island. The descriptions of the landscape and the town will provide a mini vacation. The characters in SUMMERLAND definitely carried the plot, and they definitely had issues....some issues that some folks may be able to identify with. As the small town of wealthy residents carried on and dealt with the most recent tragedy you will find out that Demeter had drinking issues that went undetected by her parents, Zoe and Jordan were having an affair, and that Ava never recovered from her infant son's death and withdrew from the world.

The feelings and emotions expressed by the main characters will make you flinch as well as having you feel sorry for them...you will actually feel as though you are experiencing the grief and pain along with the characters. You will also want to shake a few of them so they open their eyes and see what is happening right under their noses.

Through Ms. Hilderbrand's outstanding writing style, you will find out how each character became the person they were today, what made them tick, and why they did what they did. The book flowed so seamlessly from one character to another and from one situation to the next, that you didn't even know you were switching gears.

As the book continued, you found out more and more about the characters and the "secret" that Demeter kept in her personal life as well as her secret about the accident. You also will find out hidden things about many of the the other characters as they were emotionally healing from the accident that touched everyone on Nantucket Island. The book's premise is based on the accident and everyday situations, and the plot develops beautifully out of this tragic incident.

SUMMERLAND is another exceptional read by Ms. Hilderbrand. Your interest will not wane and you will do some intro-spection of your own as you turn the last page. The only surprise was what Demeter had told Penny to make her go berserk and crash the car...I thought it was a totally different reason that she flew off the handle. Don't miss this great summer read that is filled with many good lessons and eye-opening facts. 5/5

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold...they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.

A compelling, heartfelt story about reclaimed friendship, tragedy, loss and love! On one particular evening in June, the Nantucket high school students gathered for a bonfire on the beach as a celebration to graduation, which ended in tragedy. A terrible car crash left the driver of the car dead and her brother in a coma, with two passengers as survivors. What happened before Penny took the wheel? As summer unfolds, startling truths are revealed about the survivors, along with secrets, broken promises and broken hearts. Elin Hilderbrand delivers an emotional, captivating story about reclaimed friendship as she portrays that even after sorrow, love can still be found. This interesting novel has colorful characters, a powerful story with a good message, and picture-perfect scenery. Beautifully written, and Highly Recommended!