Summerland

A Novel

By: Elin Hilderbrand

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

A warm June evening, a local tradition: The students of Nantucket High have gathered for a bonfire on the beach. But what begins as a graduation night celebration ends in tragedy after a horrible car crash leaves the driver of the car, Penny Alistair, dead and her twin brother in a coma. The other passengers - Penny's boyfriend Jake and her friend Demeter - are physically unhurt, but the emotional damage is overwhelming, and questions linger about what happened before Penny took the wheel.

As summer unfolds, startling truths are revealed about the survivors and their parents - secrets kept, promises broken, hearts betrayed. Elin Hilderbrand explores the power of community, family, and honesty, and proves that even from the ashes of sorrow, new love can still take flight.

©2012 Elin Hilderbrand (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Enjoyable good storyline!

What did you love best about Summerland?

I love books about relationships and how they work out; this has many relationships and problems; seeing how they developed from beginning to end held me captive. The emotion of the characters; the love, trials and forgiveness which is true in our daily lives.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked everything about the story. Zoe was a very strong but loving personality. I enjoyed all characters though.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene when Ava told her husband Jordan to take Jake home and why she told him.

Who was the most memorable character of Summerland and why?

The car accident with Penny and Hobbie, jake and Demeter which built the entire story from their graduation night.

Any additional comments?

At the beginning I felt the book was draggy compared to other books but I suggest stick with it because all the interactions of the characters and their bonds with love and forgiveness is worth it all!

Summerland Review

Great book-at first I wasn’t sure I would like the book, there were so many characters & stories early on that I just wasn’t sure if I could keep up. However I know that Elin H books are always wonderful reads so-I continued listening & sure enough I was drawn in. Enjoyable & thoughtful plots & twists. Highly recommend this title to all-

Not my favorite but a good listen

Let me start by saying I love Elin Hilderbrand's books! I switch to other authors for variety but I always come back to hers.
This book was long and I found I got tired of listening at some points but it was good enough that I wanted to finish it. None of her books disappoint!

Somber story lines woven into a beautiful story

This is a tough one to feel good about but so many things worthwhile are. Keep reading and learning about maturing and loving unselfishly.

Heartbreaking & Beautiful Story!

I loved all the young characters and adult characters alike, I couldn’t wait to listen to each plot line and see how the story unfolded. Once again, beautifully narrated, I didn’t want this one to end! Cried many tears!

Great Listen

I honestly only chose this book because I constantly saw commercials about it. To my surprise, I became more and more intriqued throughout the first half of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it for a good summer's read.

A great book. Well read and well written.

This book was really wonderful. Kept me interested by bouncing seamlessly between the characters. Great, great book. Performance was great as well!

So so so good!

I loved this book. Tough subject matter handled with grace. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good family story line.

Seemed like the story never went anywhere.

The story seemed to remain the same most of the way through, until the very end. Normally I love her books. This one just wasn't a favorite.

Story that sticks with you

Well written. Interesting characters, gets you hooked and gives you a fully resolved ending. I would recommend for a light read that makes you care about the characters.