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Summer's Gift
A young woman takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers the birth father—and half sisters—she never knew. New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan returns with this dramatic and page-turning novel perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Lori Foster. A DNA test tells you who you come from, not who you are. All her life, Summer Sutherland felt like the missing piece in a puzzle, left out and looking for the place she truly belongs. And when an at-home DNA test reveals her selfish mother and well-meaning grandfather lied about her father, Summer sets out to discover the truth. Her new instant family comes with two half one who accepts her with open arms, the other resistant to the stranger staying in their house. But somehow Summer senses this is where she is meant to be—so she settles into her father’s Carmel home, ready to get to know them and find her place in the family she always wanted. But while her newfound parent is thrilled to get to know Summer—and her romantic connection to his business partner, Cody, heats up—tensions rise within the family. Will she ever fit in? Or should she return to her other life before tearing all their lives apart?
384 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2023
221 people are currently reading
8387 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ryan
56 books1,884 followersJennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
June 4, 2023
Pleasant contemporary romance novel with a great cast of characters that form a blended family. The story takes place in Texas and California. There's plenty of drama as secrets are uncovered and lies exposed. It ends with a HEA.
January 13, 2023
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on June 20th, 2023
Funny story. I selected this book to read and review because I thought it was written by a different Jennifer Ryan — the one who specializes in WWII Home Front stories that I love. Who knew there were two? I figured out my mistake about 20% in. This book is a Romance novel — full of physically beautiful, successful and wealthy people — not a bomb or make-do attitude in sight.
Still — although Romance is definitely not my genre -- I kept reading. While there was literally nothing realistic about the characters, I found them likable (despite all their money and good luck, they were pretty grounded and decent) and felt quite happy when things worked out (that’s not a spoiler — all Romance novels work out — that’s the point! )
The writing was fine, I liked the characters, and while parts of it got a bit repetitive, I appreciated the strong messages about responsibility, good communication, and being kind without allowing yourself to become a piece of marshmallow fluff that people can trod on with impunity.
Funny story. I selected this book to read and review because I thought it was written by a different Jennifer Ryan — the one who specializes in WWII Home Front stories that I love. Who knew there were two? I figured out my mistake about 20% in. This book is a Romance novel — full of physically beautiful, successful and wealthy people — not a bomb or make-do attitude in sight.
Still — although Romance is definitely not my genre -- I kept reading. While there was literally nothing realistic about the characters, I found them likable (despite all their money and good luck, they were pretty grounded and decent) and felt quite happy when things worked out (that’s not a spoiler — all Romance novels work out — that’s the point! )
The writing was fine, I liked the characters, and while parts of it got a bit repetitive, I appreciated the strong messages about responsibility, good communication, and being kind without allowing yourself to become a piece of marshmallow fluff that people can trod on with impunity.
July 1, 2023
Best romance I have read this year. The Whole DNA thing really pulled me in. I loved the family dynamics, and I could not stop reading until I reached the fantastic ending. I will forever read Ryans books she can write like no other.
June 5, 2023
Summer seems to be leading a very enviable life. Only in her mid 20s, she's been raised since childhood to take over her grandfather's huge company, Sullivan Industries. She's been given more and more responsibility, until now she's the second in command in the large company. However, she's always felt something has been missing from her life. She's never known her father and has grown up believing he wanted nothing to do with her. When her grandfather arranges for her to "win" a DNA test, she's shocked when a man shows up in her office saying her father wants to meet her. It turns out her mother left her father after a brief fling and never even told him he had a daughter. Summer immediately leaves her office in Texas to travel to California to meet her father and half-sisters. The man who brought her the news about her father, Cody, works with her father and has basically been his ward since Cody's own father died when he was a teen. When Summer reaches California, she is immediately embraced by her father, stepmother and younger half-sister, Haley. Her older half-sister, Natalie, is a bit more standoffish. Not only is she jealous about the obvious attraction between Summer and Cody (Natalie has a thing for Cody herself), but she's also enraged that Summer is suddenly the center of attention in her family. As Summer gets to know the new side of her family, her relationship with Cody also starts to heat up. But Natalie might have a thing or two to say about that . . .
The story was a bit predictable and very, very slow moving. It seemed to go around and around in circles -- Summer felt betrayed that her mother kept her father from her for all these years, Natalie is jealous, Summer and Cody are attracted to one another, Summer is angry at her mother, etc. Very little happens, other than the obvious that you could predict from knowing the basic facts of the story. But it takes a long time to get there.
I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
The story was a bit predictable and very, very slow moving. It seemed to go around and around in circles -- Summer felt betrayed that her mother kept her father from her for all these years, Natalie is jealous, Summer and Cody are attracted to one another, Summer is angry at her mother, etc. Very little happens, other than the obvious that you could predict from knowing the basic facts of the story. But it takes a long time to get there.
I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
June 20, 2023
****Goodreads Giveaway Winner****
What would you do if you took a DNA test and uncovered a buried family secret?
After discovering her father and two sisters from a take-home DNA test, Summer travels to Carmel, California to meet the family she never knew she had (or wanted her). Summer is on a clock to try and forge the family bonds she never even dared to dream of. How do you fit a lifetime of missed moments into six short weeks? It doesn't help when the resident hunk is Daddy's business partner and he's oh so into you! Delicious distractions, laughter, tears, jealousy, betrayal, growing pains, and learning to love. Would you risk it all to gain it all?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Summer's Gift by Jennifer Ryan reads like a Lifetime movie! I instantly bonded with Summer and rooted for her to win the whole way through! I appreciate how capable Summer is as a female lead. She is cautious and realistic, yet maintains a sense of optimism. Cody is dreamy and gives Summer the space needed to figure out where she might fit in her family. Their moments together are sweet! Whew do you feel the heat between the pages! My one critique is that I wish there would have been more time spent in developing Summer's relationship with her father. I would have liked to see more depth between these two characters.
I won an ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway! This was my first time ever reading an ARC! I had so much fun! It was a really special experience! Summer's Gift is taking up a permanent residence on my shelves!
What would you do if you took a DNA test and uncovered a buried family secret?
After discovering her father and two sisters from a take-home DNA test, Summer travels to Carmel, California to meet the family she never knew she had (or wanted her). Summer is on a clock to try and forge the family bonds she never even dared to dream of. How do you fit a lifetime of missed moments into six short weeks? It doesn't help when the resident hunk is Daddy's business partner and he's oh so into you! Delicious distractions, laughter, tears, jealousy, betrayal, growing pains, and learning to love. Would you risk it all to gain it all?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Summer's Gift by Jennifer Ryan reads like a Lifetime movie! I instantly bonded with Summer and rooted for her to win the whole way through! I appreciate how capable Summer is as a female lead. She is cautious and realistic, yet maintains a sense of optimism. Cody is dreamy and gives Summer the space needed to figure out where she might fit in her family. Their moments together are sweet! Whew do you feel the heat between the pages! My one critique is that I wish there would have been more time spent in developing Summer's relationship with her father. I would have liked to see more depth between these two characters.
I won an ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway! This was my first time ever reading an ARC! I had so much fun! It was a really special experience! Summer's Gift is taking up a permanent residence on my shelves!
June 8, 2024
1) insta love. Literally within seconds of meeting each other the FMC is leaning into the MMC and feeling comfort and support from this total stranger.
2) a lot of the situations are unrealistic or feel like they are the argument or scenario you have in your own head. For example, FMC, a very wealthy heir to a business empire, who for unexplained reasons only has an undergraduate degree in business and not an MBA, has a stranger walking into her grandfather's corporate office, where he of course can walk right up to her desk on the executive floor, and informs her that her dad wants to meet her and they need to fly out right now.
FMC is otherwise this incredibly smart, level-headed woman, but she leaves her office with this stranger, takes him back to her house, let's him pack for her, and then gets on a plane with him where everyone immediately calls her daughter/sister/aunt.
Within two weeks, of living in her father's home with MMC, who of course lives there too, FMC and MMC declare they are over hiding their love from everyone and are going to be boyfriend and girlfriend in the open for everyone to see. Literally say I don't want to hide anymore, you're my girlfriend.
You get to the big blow up at the end, don't worry, I'm not giving away details of the blow up. For each character involved in the major blow up there is a I'm sorry, I have deeply reflected on everything that went wrong here and see the error of my ways. There was less than 20 minutes max between the blow up and the conflict, reflection, revelation of error, and complete reconciliation. Literally not even enough time for people to come out of the incredibly heightened state of emotions they would be in, let alone reflect on their behavior and have personal growth that allowed them to see the error of their way.
And a lot of the conversation frankly sounded like what a person who grew up their whole life seeking an absent parent dreamed the reunification would be like without any semblance of reality. Twilight was a more realistic story than these interactions. Twilight...
I liked the concept, but really the timeline needed to be stretched a lot more with all of the characters and you needed some of that realistic tension and awkwardness and overcompensating that would exist in this sort of situation, and the story really suffered without it.
2) a lot of the situations are unrealistic or feel like they are the argument or scenario you have in your own head. For example, FMC, a very wealthy heir to a business empire, who for unexplained reasons only has an undergraduate degree in business and not an MBA, has a stranger walking into her grandfather's corporate office, where he of course can walk right up to her desk on the executive floor, and informs her that her dad wants to meet her and they need to fly out right now.
FMC is otherwise this incredibly smart, level-headed woman, but she leaves her office with this stranger, takes him back to her house, let's him pack for her, and then gets on a plane with him where everyone immediately calls her daughter/sister/aunt.
Within two weeks, of living in her father's home with MMC, who of course lives there too, FMC and MMC declare they are over hiding their love from everyone and are going to be boyfriend and girlfriend in the open for everyone to see. Literally say I don't want to hide anymore, you're my girlfriend.
You get to the big blow up at the end, don't worry, I'm not giving away details of the blow up. For each character involved in the major blow up there is a I'm sorry, I have deeply reflected on everything that went wrong here and see the error of my ways. There was less than 20 minutes max between the blow up and the conflict, reflection, revelation of error, and complete reconciliation. Literally not even enough time for people to come out of the incredibly heightened state of emotions they would be in, let alone reflect on their behavior and have personal growth that allowed them to see the error of their way.
And a lot of the conversation frankly sounded like what a person who grew up their whole life seeking an absent parent dreamed the reunification would be like without any semblance of reality. Twilight was a more realistic story than these interactions. Twilight...
I liked the concept, but really the timeline needed to be stretched a lot more with all of the characters and you needed some of that realistic tension and awkwardness and overcompensating that would exist in this sort of situation, and the story really suffered without it.
February 4, 2024
I grabbed this book at the library not reading the description, it was in the "new" section and I liked the cover. The first time I started reading it didn't grab me, so I went to the other books I had checked out. I went back to Summer Gift a 2nd time and made it through 6 chapters. I'm not a fan of romance, which is the genre of the book. It was so cheesy and unbelievable. This guy helping you pack only met hours ago. There was a decent story, and maybe had the romance had a slower pace I could have finished. So to be fair, I didn't finish, I just couldn't after the ridiculous first few chapters
June 21, 2023
I feel like this is my “umpteenth” book on DNA results on a father, mother, daughter, etc. I mean honestly, is this a new trend? This book was slow moving and I found myself skimming through the middle parts because it just kept saying the same thing over and over. Summer longed to find out how who her father was and it just went on and on and on. This one didn’t do much for me. Just ok. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. Today is publication day!
August 21, 2023
I won this book in Goodreads giveaway.
Oh man! This book really fell short for me. Reading it was like watching one of those daytime soap operas, where people talk and nothing ever happens. There were just too many conversations about nothing, just going in circles about the same issue. I wish there was more time dedicated to the actual romance. I didn't really care much for most of the characters, either. Disappointed.
Oh man! This book really fell short for me. Reading it was like watching one of those daytime soap operas, where people talk and nothing ever happens. There were just too many conversations about nothing, just going in circles about the same issue. I wish there was more time dedicated to the actual romance. I didn't really care much for most of the characters, either. Disappointed.
June 19, 2023
Summer is the time for rebirth and second chances. When Summer learns that her grandfather and mother lied about her father's wishes, it sends her into a tailspin. Learning that he didn't know that she existed is a bitter pill to swallow as while growing up was told her father wasn't interested in having a relationship.
Leaving behind her grandfather's safety net, Summer explores her father's world. That includes two ready made sisters and a stepmother with a side serving of a business partner whom Summer feels an immediate attraction. Will this six-week gift turn into a forever family or does the present have a shelf life?
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #SummersGift in exchange for an honest review. I read the book in a single sitting as I wanted to know its outcome. Jennifer Ryan's charismatic characters and poignant scenes will have readers paging through the novel to discover the truth.
Leaving behind her grandfather's safety net, Summer explores her father's world. That includes two ready made sisters and a stepmother with a side serving of a business partner whom Summer feels an immediate attraction. Will this six-week gift turn into a forever family or does the present have a shelf life?
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #SummersGift in exchange for an honest review. I read the book in a single sitting as I wanted to know its outcome. Jennifer Ryan's charismatic characters and poignant scenes will have readers paging through the novel to discover the truth.
January 19, 2024
Jennifer Ryan has a gift for writing lovely romance based and family based novels.
This is another must read from her about finding family the main character never knew she had through a DNA test. I feel like this can be a more relatable book at this time with all of the DNA and genealogy sites out there now.
This is another must read from her about finding family the main character never knew she had through a DNA test. I feel like this can be a more relatable book at this time with all of the DNA and genealogy sites out there now.
April 23, 2023
Read the advance readers copy*
I'm not usually a romance kind of gal but I needed a fast and easy read for a break and that's when I usually pick up a romance novel. Overall, I really enjoyed this read. The plot was wholly believable and the character development was excellent. The ending left me a in a feel good mood which is exactly what I needed. Rating Jennifer Ryan's "Summer's Gift" 4.3 out of 5 stars.
I'm not usually a romance kind of gal but I needed a fast and easy read for a break and that's when I usually pick up a romance novel. Overall, I really enjoyed this read. The plot was wholly believable and the character development was excellent. The ending left me a in a feel good mood which is exactly what I needed. Rating Jennifer Ryan's "Summer's Gift" 4.3 out of 5 stars.
June 27, 2023
Jennifer Ryan did it again. A sweet love story with thirst and turns. Perfect balance of romance and drama!!
September 4, 2023
Pleasant easy summer read.
December 19, 2024
This book caught my eye at the library and I’m so glad it did. I absolutely loved this book.
September 27, 2024
not the worst, but depth is very much needed.
June 1, 2023
I have not been an avid reader of romance stories lately but I must say I did enjoy this book. The story-line was heartwarming, emotional and dramatic. Sarah is a character you like immediately; caring and seeing the good in everyone.
This is only the second book I have read by Jennifer but guaranteed, it will not be the last.
I won an ARC of this book but it has not influenced my review. I truly enjoyed it and am glad I was given the opportunity to read it.
This is only the second book I have read by Jennifer but guaranteed, it will not be the last.
I won an ARC of this book but it has not influenced my review. I truly enjoyed it and am glad I was given the opportunity to read it.
March 14, 2023
Again a DNA test is used a a vehicle for a plot about finding family with the results. When Summer learns about her biological father, the wheels begin spinning. Interesting that it is a mutual search since her dad Nathan is very interesting in connecting with the daughter he didn’t know about.
The author throws in some predictable romance and interpersonal rivalries.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
The author throws in some predictable romance and interpersonal rivalries.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
July 3, 2024
Well, like many other reviewers, I mistakenly thought this was written by a different Jennifer Ryan. One chapter in, and I quickly discovered that the quality of writing was nothing like the other Ryan. The action was so slow to develop and super predictable and unrealistic. I got about 1/3 in and gave up. It was painful to read.
May 26, 2025
Summer was raised by her mother and grandfather and at only 22, is set to take over Sullivan Enterprises from her grandfather when he retires. She has always been told that her father didn't want her and she believed this, never looking for him. When a lawyer shows up to meet with her, he informs her that the DNA test she took has revealed that she has a father, Nate, stepmother, Miranda, and two sisters, Hailey and Rachel, who want to meet her. She is stunned that she had been lied to my two people she trusted. She travels to Carmel, California to meet the family she never knew she had. Summer plans on staying for the summer and get to know her family and become part of them. She is immediately accepted by Hailey, but Rachel, is not so welcoming. Cody, the lawyer who brought her to this point works with her father at the business they own, and is like a son to him. When his father died early in his life, Nate became guardian to Cody and his sister and they all live together is separate wings of the house. Cody and Summer have immediate chemistry and want to see where the relationship goes. Rachel is jealous, as she loves Cody as more than a brother, but Cody is not interested. Will Summer win over the family? Will Cody and Summer have more than a summer fling?
As much as I can not relate to these characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them. This is a story of family, secrets, jealousy, romance, growing up, and acceptance. The story of Summer getting to know her family was wonderful. Although Rachel was a spoiled brat and did some extremely questionable things, she seemed to be the most real character to me. There is some insta-love between Summer and Cody, but they didn't act on it right away. Summer's mother is a piece of work and I was not a fan. This book shows how money can cause parents to spoil their children so much that they turn out to be very selfish and self-centered. Summer is a bit too good to be true. She is a workaholic, smart, capable, and a great business woman. She is also extremely forgiving of both her mother and grandfather, but also Rachel, her half-sister. The romance was lovely and I liked how this story ended. This would be a wonderful summer read with the romance, family and great themes. The story is told from the POV of Summer and Cody so it is great that the audiobook is narrated by both Marni Penning and Kit Swann. They gave voice to the characters and with their tone and story telling I was pulled into the story and enjoyed listening to it.
As much as I can not relate to these characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them. This is a story of family, secrets, jealousy, romance, growing up, and acceptance. The story of Summer getting to know her family was wonderful. Although Rachel was a spoiled brat and did some extremely questionable things, she seemed to be the most real character to me. There is some insta-love between Summer and Cody, but they didn't act on it right away. Summer's mother is a piece of work and I was not a fan. This book shows how money can cause parents to spoil their children so much that they turn out to be very selfish and self-centered. Summer is a bit too good to be true. She is a workaholic, smart, capable, and a great business woman. She is also extremely forgiving of both her mother and grandfather, but also Rachel, her half-sister. The romance was lovely and I liked how this story ended. This would be a wonderful summer read with the romance, family and great themes. The story is told from the POV of Summer and Cody so it is great that the audiobook is narrated by both Marni Penning and Kit Swann. They gave voice to the characters and with their tone and story telling I was pulled into the story and enjoyed listening to it.
April 16, 2025
Summer's Gift is a sweet story of Summer Sutherland, a wealthy young woman who takes a DNA case that suddenly blows her well planned life up. All of her life, she had been told that the reason she has never known who her father is, is because he never wanted any part of her. This left her with a hole that could never be filled. As it happens, this info was a total lie, and that DNA test, set up by her grandfather, as his way of coming clean with his beloved only granddaughter and heir, becomes the doorway to filling that hole that never could be filled before. What Summer learns about her life, her mother, and her father is beyond mind blowing, and the trajectory of her lifealmost immediately takes a 180 degree turn.
Before she knows what happened, Summer finds herself packed and leaving her home in Texas to meet her father and his family, her two half sisters and step-mother, in California. But her life changes in more ways than just inheriting a new history and an instant family. She also meet the very handsome, caring, and efficient Cody, the trusted and much loved business partner of her Dad who is about to sweep her off her feet. The attraction is almost instant and mutual and life will never be the same - for any of them.
Summer's Gift is very well written, and its pretty satisfying in that none of the loose ends are left untied. But that might be a minor criticism, too. Somehow, tying everything up with a neat little bow can often make the ending feel contrived to me. I felt a bit that way in this case. However, all in all, I think you'll find Summer's Gift a good read.
Before she knows what happened, Summer finds herself packed and leaving her home in Texas to meet her father and his family, her two half sisters and step-mother, in California. But her life changes in more ways than just inheriting a new history and an instant family. She also meet the very handsome, caring, and efficient Cody, the trusted and much loved business partner of her Dad who is about to sweep her off her feet. The attraction is almost instant and mutual and life will never be the same - for any of them.
Summer's Gift is very well written, and its pretty satisfying in that none of the loose ends are left untied. But that might be a minor criticism, too. Somehow, tying everything up with a neat little bow can often make the ending feel contrived to me. I felt a bit that way in this case. However, all in all, I think you'll find Summer's Gift a good read.
Want to read
June 1, 2023This book was wonderful Summer worked for her grandfather while her mother flitted from husband to husband. She was told her father didn't want anything to do with her. Her grandfather finally couldn't lie to her anymore and arranged her to take a DNA test and also the whole class where one of her 1/2 sisters went to school. She didn't look at the results, but Haley did; She was so excited to find out she had a sister. Her father was shocked that he had a daughter he didn't know about. His wife was upset at first but understood it was before they met. Her dad had his friend, Cody, go see her and see if she would be interested in meeting him. She really was interested but was furious with her mother and grandfather. Fireworks happened! She went with Cody and met her father and his family. Nate's older daughter Natallie was not happy about this at all. One, because she wanted Cody (even though he was 10 years older than she was) and two bedause she didn't want anyone taking away attention from her. There were some tense moments at times and of course, her mother had to make things worse, but Cody and Summer were a strong couple and worked it out. She eventually had a great relationship with her father and his family and was on her way to forgiving her mother and grandfather. A wonderful story. I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
June 20, 2023
I knew I was going to enjoy this book as soon as I read the summary, but the story was so much more than enjoyable. Emotional, heart breaking at times, with strong characters and a “what if” storyline. When Nate & Miranda’s daughter took a DNA test, she never dreamt that she would find another sister! In her excitement to tell her family, she didn’t understand what this would mean. Summer Sutherland comes from an extremely wealthy family, but she always wanted to know her father; who was he and why didn’t he want her? Her mother went from husband to husband, but never told her the truth…that her father didn’t know that she existed. When Nate’s friend and business partner, Cody, learns about Summer, he agrees to meet her and find out why she never contacted her father and the story continues to grow from there. Summer’s strong character is evident when she learns of her mother’s lies, her joy in finally meeting her father, but things will not always go smoothly. Summer and Cody’s attraction upsets someone who felt they could be the most important person in his life. An absolutely beautiful story of family conflicts overcome by love. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
July 28, 2023
DNA tests can open doors we never knew existed, and that's exactly what happens to Summer Sutherland in Jennifer Ryan's captivating novel, Summer's Gift. Feeling like a puzzle piece that never quite fit, Summer takes a DNA test on a whim and uncovers the truth about her birth father and half sisters she never knew she had. Thrust into a new family dynamic, she faces acceptance and resistance as she navigates her way into the lives of her newfound relatives. Amidst the joy of discovering her roots and a budding romance with her father's business partner, Cody, tensions rise within the family, leaving Summer torn between the life she always wanted and the one she's just begun to build.
Despite a narcissistic mother, Summer's goodness and kindness shine through, making her a compelling protagonist. Her journey to find her place in this newfound family is heartwarming and emotionally charged. With a touch of strife and a lot of raw emotions, Summer's Gift explores the complexities of family and the healing power of love. This easy-to-read novel delivers a sweet and satisfying happily ever after for everyone involved. DNA tests may bring surprises, but in Summer's case, they bring the gift of love and belonging.
Despite a narcissistic mother, Summer's goodness and kindness shine through, making her a compelling protagonist. Her journey to find her place in this newfound family is heartwarming and emotionally charged. With a touch of strife and a lot of raw emotions, Summer's Gift explores the complexities of family and the healing power of love. This easy-to-read novel delivers a sweet and satisfying happily ever after for everyone involved. DNA tests may bring surprises, but in Summer's case, they bring the gift of love and belonging.
February 25, 2025
DNA tests can open doors we never knew existed, and that's exactly what happens to Summer Sutherland in Jennifer Ryan's captivating novel, Summer's Gift. Feeling like a puzzle piece that never quite fit, Summer takes a DNA test on a whim and uncovers the truth about her birth father and half sisters she never knew she had. Thrust into a new family dynamic, she faces acceptance and resistance as she navigates her way into the lives of her newfound relatives. Amidst the joy of discovering her roots and a budding romance with her father's business partner, Cody, tensions rise within the family, leaving Summer torn between the life she always wanted and the one she's just begun to build.
Despite a narcissistic mother, Summer's goodness and kindness shine through, making her a compelling protagonist. Her journey to find her place in this newfound family is heartwarming and emotionally charged. With a touch of strife and a lot of raw emotions, Summer's Gift explores the complexities of family and the healing power of love. This easy-to-read novel delivers a sweet and satisfying happily ever after for everyone involved. DNA tests may bring surprises, but in Summer's case, they bring the gift of love and belonging.
Despite a narcissistic mother, Summer's goodness and kindness shine through, making her a compelling protagonist. Her journey to find her place in this newfound family is heartwarming and emotionally charged. With a touch of strife and a lot of raw emotions, Summer's Gift explores the complexities of family and the healing power of love. This easy-to-read novel delivers a sweet and satisfying happily ever after for everyone involved. DNA tests may bring surprises, but in Summer's case, they bring the gift of love and belonging.
June 6, 2023
Summer is an amazing young lady. She grew up with her mother telling her that her father didn't want her. Her father has a family, and his daughter took the DNA test at school and discovered she had a half sister. Her father sent his lawyer to see her, because he wanted to get to know his daughter he knew nothing about. Summer had taken a DNA test, but never got around to checking her email to get the results.
They do meet and Summer meets her two sisters and her stepmother.
Summer's life turned around after meeting her father and knowing he wanted her and if he had known about her, he would have been there for her.
Things don't just fall into place when Summer arrives. Her father's lawyer is her age, and they make a connection, which creates a situation. They all see this through, and I enjoyed going along on their journey, because I got an understanding of what happens when a situation like this arrives. It wasn't as I expected but after reading the book, I could see how this very well could happen.
I received an ARC from Avon through NetGalley.
They do meet and Summer meets her two sisters and her stepmother.
Summer's life turned around after meeting her father and knowing he wanted her and if he had known about her, he would have been there for her.
Things don't just fall into place when Summer arrives. Her father's lawyer is her age, and they make a connection, which creates a situation. They all see this through, and I enjoyed going along on their journey, because I got an understanding of what happens when a situation like this arrives. It wasn't as I expected but after reading the book, I could see how this very well could happen.
I received an ARC from Avon through NetGalley.
May 26, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Let me start off by saying that this books' description really intrigued me from the get-go. I figured I'd relate to it a lot as I went into my adulthood, not knowing who my father was and had very little to go on from my mother. There were certain points in the story that definitely resonated with me.
With that said, I was a bit disappointed that the story, for me, felt like it focused way more on the romance aspect over her finding her father, and what that can do to you. I also thought that there wasn't enough tension in the story. Everything happened so fast and didn't feel real to me. Including the insta love between Cody and Summer.
By the end, I did enjoy the book. It's sweet, and I think it does deal with some topics that I personally haven't read in fiction and think it is important. 3.5 stars for me.
It's a cute summer read. I do think it's important to know this is more romance than a drama.
Let me start off by saying that this books' description really intrigued me from the get-go. I figured I'd relate to it a lot as I went into my adulthood, not knowing who my father was and had very little to go on from my mother. There were certain points in the story that definitely resonated with me.
With that said, I was a bit disappointed that the story, for me, felt like it focused way more on the romance aspect over her finding her father, and what that can do to you. I also thought that there wasn't enough tension in the story. Everything happened so fast and didn't feel real to me. Including the insta love between Cody and Summer.
By the end, I did enjoy the book. It's sweet, and I think it does deal with some topics that I personally haven't read in fiction and think it is important. 3.5 stars for me.
It's a cute summer read. I do think it's important to know this is more romance than a drama.
June 22, 2023
This book really drew me into the story. It was an emotional and heartfelt story about Summer. I was intrigued by her upbringing, her relationship with her mom, Jessica, and her relationship with her grandfather, Charles Sutherland, CEO of Sutherland Industries in Texas.I felt sorry for Summer as she was being groomed to one day take over her grandfather's job. I liked that Summer was a strong, independent woman, but all she did was work. I found it interesting she did not know who her father was until her grandfather devised a sneaky way for Summer to learn the truth and to discover a family she longed for and to be a part of that family.
I found this book to be interesting and realistic as I became invested in Summer's Gift. I laughed at times and I wanted to cry at other times. This book was definitely a page turner and I really enjoyed how Summer met Cody Larkin. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I found this book to be interesting and realistic as I became invested in Summer's Gift. I laughed at times and I wanted to cry at other times. This book was definitely a page turner and I really enjoyed how Summer met Cody Larkin. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
June 25, 2023
A simple DNA test turns 8 people’s lives upside down. 3.5 stars
When Summer meets a handsome man at her office, she immediately thinks her mother is trying to set her up again, after all, she’s done it multiple times before. But Cody isn’t there because of her mother, instead, for her father. A father she was told didn’t want her, but in reality, he never knew she existed.
The story that follows is emotional, sometimes funny, sometimes sad. Family is wonderful but can also be frustrating and an upheaval. So can new romances. I liked that Summer was a powerful executive, but she found a way to make time to know her new family. At times I wanted to slap Natalie and her mother for her attitude, but she was 18. The slow build romance with Cody was good too. I’ll be on the lookout for more works by this author.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
When Summer meets a handsome man at her office, she immediately thinks her mother is trying to set her up again, after all, she’s done it multiple times before. But Cody isn’t there because of her mother, instead, for her father. A father she was told didn’t want her, but in reality, he never knew she existed.
The story that follows is emotional, sometimes funny, sometimes sad. Family is wonderful but can also be frustrating and an upheaval. So can new romances. I liked that Summer was a powerful executive, but she found a way to make time to know her new family. At times I wanted to slap Natalie and her mother for her attitude, but she was 18. The slow build romance with Cody was good too. I’ll be on the lookout for more works by this author.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
July 17, 2023
This was a Awesome book, that keeps you turning the pages to see how it will turn out.
Summer Sutherland is a young lady that feelings like her father didn't want her like her Mother & Grandfather have told her for years. But, when a DNA test reveals that her mother & grandfather have lied to her, she discovers a new instant family that comes with two half sisters & her father's business partner & his sister, living in the same house. As she settles into her father's home & gets to know her family, her romantic connection with her father's business partner, Cody, heats up - causing tensions within the family. It was interesting to follow how Summer & her sisters try to get to know each other & finally find each other. Summer, also finds that Cody, maybe; the one she has been waiting for & he feels the same. The book takes you on a journey to show you how people can learn to love each other & adjust their lives to include others who have been hurt & need each other to heal.
Summer Sutherland is a young lady that feelings like her father didn't want her like her Mother & Grandfather have told her for years. But, when a DNA test reveals that her mother & grandfather have lied to her, she discovers a new instant family that comes with two half sisters & her father's business partner & his sister, living in the same house. As she settles into her father's home & gets to know her family, her romantic connection with her father's business partner, Cody, heats up - causing tensions within the family. It was interesting to follow how Summer & her sisters try to get to know each other & finally find each other. Summer, also finds that Cody, maybe; the one she has been waiting for & he feels the same. The book takes you on a journey to show you how people can learn to love each other & adjust their lives to include others who have been hurt & need each other to heal.
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