That Last Carolina Summer: A Gripping Southern Tale of Sisterhood , Secrets , and the Haunting Power of the Past

by Karen White

“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.

Genres: Audiobook

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 9, 2026

About the author

With more than 2 million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.

Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.

Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.

Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.

Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.

When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one disappointed me. I don’t know if I have ever read a book where the events in one chapter happened again three or so chapters later. Mom gets lost, kid left alone, dream happens, sister gets dropped off by guy in car who speeds away, person has emotional breakdown and has to step away. I kept thinking didn’t I just read this? I had the story figured out so early on and the events just went on repeat. Then when it was over, it ended so easily and so simple it was unrealistic. The reviews suggest this so I had low expectations going in but figured I’d give it a shot.

[Jeanne GA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I typically really enjoy KW’s books but found this one to be laborious reading. I wanted to skip to the end but it still wouldn’t have made sense to me. I found it to be very disjointed. The storyline just didn’t mesh. As to characters, I loved Celeste and Ophelia but the angst of Addie and Phoebe simply made no sense and just didn’t ring true for me. I’ll stop here so as to avoid spoilers.

[Sherri Linkoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like Karen White’s books which is why I waited so long to get it from Libby. It’s also why I kept reading even when I really wasn’t enjoying it. Also kept going so I wouldn’t DNR the book. Bit can’t give it any better than a two. Poorly developed characters and plot. Wouldn’t recommend.

[Dawn Dragon Ericsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very good!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving story about the complexity of family dynamics. Strangely affective—made me quite introspective.

[Gay Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not find it gripping. The ending was predictable.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a slow-burning mystery focused on family, memories and long-buried secrets. Phoebe Manigault returns home to help her sister care for their mother, forcing her to confront the reasons she left South Carolina. After being struck by lightning as a child, Pheobe has had precognitive dreams, and those dreams quietly shape the story as it unfolds. You can mostly see where the story is heading, but the journey is worth it. The family dynamics and strong sense of place carry the novel, and I also loved the small reference to St. Simons Island (one of my favourite places and obviously one of the author's too!). A recommended read.

Content warning: Alzheimer’s and caregiving are central to this story. I’m mentioning this because those scenes are written in a very real way, and for readers who have personal experience with dementia or caring for a parent or grandparent, parts of the book may hit harder than expected. It’s not graphic or sensational, just quietly sad and very familiar in places. It is worth knowing going in so you can decide if it’s the right time to read it.

Thank you so much to Karen White, netgalley and the publishers for sharing this e-Arc. Loved the book!

[Barbara Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written with fully developed characters, this novel is as the title describes “ A Gripping Southern Tale of Sisterhood , Secrets , and the Haunting Power of the Past.” The tortured relationships of the sisters and their mother, who is suffering from early dementia, is common and timely, made more dramatic in the South Carolina low country with family traditions, paranormal “gifts,” and gender stereotypes. I figured out the “secret” barely into the story but it was still interesting to read how the story unfolded.

[Liliana Ritter · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

🎧 Listened to it on audiobook and I did not like it. I was tempted to DNF many times but decided to finish it. It was not the narration since I hace listened to two other books by Jorjeana Marie and liked them, but not this. The story of Phoebe, a teacher (who was hit by lightning when she was a girl) who returns home to help her sister Addie take her of her mother who has dementia. She befriends an old lady whose granddaughter went missing when she was young. The stories end up intertwining. This was my first Jaren White book and I don’t think I will be reading another.

[Sandy Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I am a fan of Karen White books, but this one did not flow for me. The story was very repetitive and the characters were not really likable. Of the sisters, Addie was a narcissistic train wreck whose mother skill were questionable and Phoebe kept ruminating on the past and was emotionally closed off to all around her. The story was slow and the book almost end up a DNF for me but I kept going because I have enjoyed other KW books. On to the next read.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phoebe returns to Charleston to help her sister Addie nurse their mother. Phoebe has had nightmares since she was a child struck by lightning. They have a history of coming true. Since she's returned the nightmares are getting worse and the main character is Addie. Neighbor Liam isn't making her life any easier as he's trying to resurrect their past.

[Heather Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

"All I'd ever needed to feed my soul was right here in this place where the water and earth bleed into each other, waiting for the moon to call us home again"

A nicely written family drama but way to predictable.

[Kathy Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sisterhood, secrets. And the powerful and haunting pull of the past

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really favored the character of Celeste who was so even keeled compared to the drama from the sisters. Good story - a few twists/turns, but otherwise predictable.

[Amber Delk · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Karen White is always an easy read and a good refresh!

[Kristi Becknell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3.5

[Becky Gallego · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sheila Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragged on a bit too much, but moments of enjoyment still.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a strong 4 possibly a 5 star - this was a really good Karen White southern story.

I listened to the audio version and narration also really good.

[BornABookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Predictable and I didn’t feel particularly connected to a specific character. But I felt connected enough to all of them.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've loved Karen White's mystery series for years and it's wonderful to see her stretch a bit, and get the attention she deserves. Excellent, twisty, southern fiction.

[Erin McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad I stuck with this. I wasn’t sure how it was all going to turn out but I enjoyed how everything concluded.

[Lynn Gotsis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, but nothing extraordinary. It was very predictable, but a good story. I liked the character Celeste so much. She was so kind, caring and wise.

[Ruta G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sisters, secrets, a sexy doctor, and kind, caring Celeste.

[Venita Crater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

[Carrie Horne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked all the references to Old Mt Pleasant with shoutouts to local businesses and Charleston Coastal areas! Read in hardback from our Library also mentioned Charleston County Library .. ☺️

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn’t call it gripping. I would call it several storylines loosely connected all in one family.

[Lissa J · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

[Joyce Highsmith]

I love anything Karen White writes. Second ti,me reading book. I have to be ready to lead discussion for Book Club.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a daughter of Alz, who was the primary caregiver for my mother, this story is on point about the family dynamics amongst siblings and caring for a parent with dementia. There is always one who has to take charge and advocate for what's best for the parent, not the siblings. In many ways, this was the story of my relationship challenges with my own sister.

The traumatic childhood experiences gave an added depth to the storyline and intrigued me from the beginning. I was invested in all of the characters and how they evolved. First read by this author but not the last.