That Last Carolina Summer

De: Karen White

Narrado por: Jorjeana Marie, Kimberly Farr

“This multi-generational story is layered with juicy family secrets. The perfect summer read." —Jamie Brenner, bestselling author of A Novel Summer

Beloved bestselling author Karen White returns with a captivating new Southern drama about sisterhood, secrets and one woman’s reckoning with the past

As a child, Phoebe Manigault developed the gift of premonition after she was struck by lightning in the creek near her Charleston home. Plagued throughout her life by mysterious dreams, and always living in the shadow of her beautiful sister, Addie, Phoebe eventually moves to the West Coast, as far from her family as possible. Now, years later, she is summoned back to South Carolina, to help Addie care for their ailing mother.

As Phoebe’s return lures her back into deep-rooted tensions and conflicts, she is drawn to Celeste, whose granddaughter went missing years ago. Their connection brings comfort to Phoebe, while Celeste’s adult grandson Liam resurrects complicated emotions tied to Phoebe’s past.

But the longer Phoebe spends in her childhood home, the more her recurring nightmares intensify—bringing her closer to the shocking truth that will irrevocably change everything. Unfolding against the lush backdrop of the South Carolina Lowcountry, That Last Carolina Summer is an unforgettable story about the unbreakable bonds of family and the gift of second chances.©2025 Karen White (P)2025 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

A fantastic read

Even though I figured out the plot, I had to know exactly what happened. Fantastic.

Kind of "the usual" from White but very good

The one thing that drove me insane was the author totally reusing her own writing. After the umpteenth time the MC falls asleep in the car, in a chair, any old place at any old time so the author can give her a dream, I started to get annoyed. Like who Just drops off everywhere at any time? Then I realized I listened to one of White's older books a couple of months ago where, oh, guess what? The MC falls asleep everywhere so White can give her prophetic dreams that others need to to see or ask her about.

Also the sister relationship was way worse than White usually writes. In this book the sister (Addie) is really despicable.

White writes very realistically about dementia, except the Mom (Elizabeth) is somewhere between 55 and 65 so a little early for demention.

Phoebe's older friend (Celeste) was very well done. That character probably bumped it from a 3 to a 4 for me.

Another great story that will grab you from the first sentance

This book delivered on my expectations. It had a little bit of romance, lots of suspense and engaging characters. Well done Karen White! Looking forward to your next novel!!

So relatable.

There are so many parts of this story that is relateable to my life. I loved this story. It held my attention and I couldn't wait to see how it ended. The cherry on top was that I met Karen White for the first time while reading this book!

Loved it

Karen White knows how to write an engaging family drama with a bit of mystery woven throughout. It’s been a while since I’ve picked up one of her books, and That Last Carolina Summer reminded me how I’ve been missing out.

First off, I love a Lowcountry setting. All the details painted for the reader really do give me a hint of pluff mud and the deep colors as the sun sets at night. I also happened to read part of this story on a day when the heat index in South Carolina was 110, so when the family had to endure summer without air conditioning, I felt I was right there with them!

This story somewhat centers around Elizabeth as she struggles with undiagnosed dementia. The reality of her experiences, and the emotional warfare her daughters go through is written with care but very spot on, making it hard to read at times as I recall my family’s recent journey with my grandmother’s diagnosis.

White’s love of birds is obvious as she compares their behaviors to those of the characters throughout the story, weaving the comparisons or contrasts into nearly every page. While most of it added depth to the characters and story, too much of a good thing is still too much when it becomes saturated and overpowering.

Both narrators were perfect. Other themes of secrets, guilt, sisterhood, loss, scars, and second chances made it an enjoyable story to read. 4.25 stars.

Another great read from Karen White

Love how she describes the South Carolina life, sights sounds and smells. Characters interesting and story involved!

life and it secrets

I love this author, and her southern charm she really keeps your interest and of course the low country

family dynamics and bird references

I loved this book. It was a beautiful story that shows the love of family even though at times things are difficult. Since I live in the Carolinas I also enjoyed the references.

Not the author’s best

I found everyone in the book except Celeste unlikable. Liam, the male character had NO personality. The dementia aspect seemed quite realistic however.