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The Last Happy Summer: An Emotional Family Drama set in Boston during World War Two
“…Cullen delivers a novel that's fast-moving, fresh, and imbued with the best of old-fashioned storytelling, too. Let him take you back in time to that moment when the future of the world and every life in it hung in precarious balance.”
― William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Cape Cod and Bound for Gold
For the Nolan family of East Boston, life on the home front is a different kind of war.
June 1941. While the news from Europe remains grim, the future of the Nolan family looks bright.
Abby has been accepted to college for the fall, and her twin Thomas is waiting to get on the police
force. Even their older brother George, who could never keep a job, has finally found steady work
as a truck driver.
Like every summer, they go to their cottage on nearby Point Shirley, only this year feels different.
The Depression has forced many residents to sell, and a lot of their friends have grown up and
moved away. Beyond that, there is uneasiness in the air as the Army builds a gun battery on the
backshore and fighter planes do maneuvers over the harbor.
They all try to make the best of it, but it’s an anxious time, and tensions are high. When Thomas
becomes a guard at the shipyard, it puts him at odds with his father, who is a union crane operator.
George’s reckless behavior finally catches up to him, causing their mother to drink too much. Abby
seems the only one who will get through the summer unscathed until she finds out the guy she likes
will soon be gone.
The family has always had its problems, but the world is in crisis, and people are on edge. And as
the country creeps closer to war, the Nolans struggle to stay together.
― William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Cape Cod and Bound for Gold
For the Nolan family of East Boston, life on the home front is a different kind of war.
June 1941. While the news from Europe remains grim, the future of the Nolan family looks bright.
Abby has been accepted to college for the fall, and her twin Thomas is waiting to get on the police
force. Even their older brother George, who could never keep a job, has finally found steady work
as a truck driver.
Like every summer, they go to their cottage on nearby Point Shirley, only this year feels different.
The Depression has forced many residents to sell, and a lot of their friends have grown up and
moved away. Beyond that, there is uneasiness in the air as the Army builds a gun battery on the
backshore and fighter planes do maneuvers over the harbor.
They all try to make the best of it, but it’s an anxious time, and tensions are high. When Thomas
becomes a guard at the shipyard, it puts him at odds with his father, who is a union crane operator.
George’s reckless behavior finally catches up to him, causing their mother to drink too much. Abby
seems the only one who will get through the summer unscathed until she finds out the guy she likes
will soon be gone.
The family has always had its problems, but the world is in crisis, and people are on edge. And as
the country creeps closer to war, the Nolans struggle to stay together.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2022
2552 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 7, 2023
Don't believe the title! This was not a particularly happy summer and it led to an even less happy autumn season. The title does, of course, reference the last summer before Pearl Harbor and America's entrance into World War II. The author uses the voices of three siblings, who are on the brink of adulthood with all the angst that age entails along with plenty of family problems.
I found it an okay read, but overall I was disappointed in the writing, although the author shows good potential for the future.
I found it an okay read, but overall I was disappointed in the writing, although the author shows good potential for the future.
July 27, 2023
Read as part of my Kindle Unlimited free trial. I chose it because it was WW II historical fiction set in the USA. While it was a decent story, I won’t be continuing the series. The characters and plot didn’t engage me enough to continue. 3.5 stars.
September 20, 2025
Posted after reading whole series. Review at Book 4
September 4, 2023
This read wasn't quite as interesting/good as I had expected, nor was there an ending to this first part of multiple books on this subject. The content was interesting, but written in a way that was a bit "bumpy" as in the wording and in some of the grammar. I'm not sure if I'll continue on with the series, as much as I'd like to know what happens I'm not sure if I could take the style too much longer. It could be a great read, but for the use of the word, "AND" used to connect thoughts. I'm truly disappointed.
May 28, 2023
Good story
I feel this story was well researched or the author lived near Boston so much detail about the area a person can feel they are there. All the characters are great and the emotions are spot on. Cant wait to read the next book. I believe this book shoes a pure narrative in the northeast the summer before WW 2 started for America.
I feel this story was well researched or the author lived near Boston so much detail about the area a person can feel they are there. All the characters are great and the emotions are spot on. Cant wait to read the next book. I believe this book shoes a pure narrative in the northeast the summer before WW 2 started for America.
March 5, 2023
superb
What a great book from an author I did not know. I loved this book which I rated 5 stars
What a great book from an author I did not know. I loved this book which I rated 5 stars
August 6, 2024
Kindle Unlimited read. I love historical fiction. This was not as good as ‘The Storm Beyond the Tides’ also written by Cullen. Characters were not endearing - I think you always want to root for someone and none of the characters made me want to know more about them or root for them for that matter.
Don’t know that I will read the rest of the series. We will see…
Don’t know that I will read the rest of the series. We will see…
April 1, 2023
Enjoyable story. Probably captured the essence of worry and anxiety pre-Pearl Harbor, but maybe felt watered down? Was not thrilled with the ending, but it made sense….especially if there’s a sequel to this book.
May 7, 2023
A good read
I love World War II stories and this one did not disappoint. The characters Abby, Thomas and George were such delightfully well written characters that I felt like I was part of their inner circle. I related so much to Abby.
I love World War II stories and this one did not disappoint. The characters Abby, Thomas and George were such delightfully well written characters that I felt like I was part of their inner circle. I related so much to Abby.
February 24, 2024
I wanted to love this book but it just couldn't. The story has a lot of potential but something about the way it was written didn't appeal to me.
I was not expecting it to be a "cliffhanger" but I know I will finish the series.
I was not expecting it to be a "cliffhanger" but I know I will finish the series.
September 12, 2025
It definitely wasn’t a happy summer per se but a good book in general. I liked the characters and I definitely want to see where it goes with the family from here forward. I’ll be reading the 2nd book for sure.
March 19, 2023
I guess I’m not a fan of books that end with a cliffhanger pointing you to the next book in a series
June 20, 2023
Looking forward to reading the next book.
July 3, 2023
The Last Happy Summer
A story about the transition of young people from youth to adulthood in the early 1940s. Also trying to adjust to life without their Father
A story about the transition of young people from youth to adulthood in the early 1940s. Also trying to adjust to life without their Father
July 13, 2023
I enjoyed the story, even though it was pretty simplistic. Then the ending!!! Like right in the middle of the sentence!! When I purchased the book I did not realize it was Book 1 of a sequel. Probably won’t read the next book and next time I will make sure there are no “sequels”
August 3, 2023
Family togetherness
This book was very good in the sense that even though they were very different,as they got older they still had a very good family Bond.
This book was very good in the sense that even though they were very different,as they got older they still had a very good family Bond.
August 23, 2023
Melodrama
October 3, 2023
Very much emotion
So much emotion, highs and lows. Loved how the writer made sure we got to know the characters. And the story line was good, again lots of high and low emotions.
So much emotion, highs and lows. Loved how the writer made sure we got to know the characters. And the story line was good, again lots of high and low emotions.
November 23, 2023
A kinda sappy novel about an Irish family in Boston just before WWII.
December 14, 2023
This book was recommended by a friend. I found this title to fall short with the characters as well as the economy during this particular period in time.
December 31, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. It was okay.
June 8, 2024
I enjoyed reading this. Simple, which made it a quick read.
September 8, 2024
The Last Happy SUmmer
I liked the reality but got tired of that family and the type of life they lead. I did like learning about that era in Boston,so very different than Texas.
I liked the reality but got tired of that family and the type of life they lead. I did like learning about that era in Boston,so very different than Texas.
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October 21, 2024I usually enjoy this type of novel, but I didn't care for the author's writing style. I did like the title.
November 4, 2024
Didn’t really end. Must be a series but disappointed
April 24, 2024
Sweet and bittersweet. Love this.
July 5, 2023
Great read a real page turner.
Great read a real page turner, lot a twists and turns. it was hard to put down at times. The story was sad at times and frustrating do to so many of ups and downs in their lives. The aurhor is a great story teller, has a way with words and paints a picture so well you think your write there living with them. It had an amazing number twist and turns and when it ended one just had read the rest of the story n the next book because by then your hooked.
Great read a real page turner, lot a twists and turns. it was hard to put down at times. The story was sad at times and frustrating do to so many of ups and downs in their lives. The aurhor is a great story teller, has a way with words and paints a picture so well you think your write there living with them. It had an amazing number twist and turns and when it ended one just had read the rest of the story n the next book because by then your hooked.
November 10, 2024
Such a compelling story so far! The brutal but beautiful story of an Irish family in Boston during WW2 had me quickly turning pages. It’s a fascinating look into how one family can produce 3 totally different kids - reminds me of my own. I did not know there were sequels so I guess I’m not finished with the Nolan family just as Pearl Harbor has been bombed.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews