**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
About the Book
Book: Girls of Summer
Author: C.E. Hilbert
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release date: March 19, 2021
When Charlotte receives the news that her estranged father has passed away, she finds herself in small-town South Carolina, forced to partner with her half-sister in running the baseball team and family business. If she can make it through 365 long days of running her daddy’s business, she’ll inherit half his multi-million dollar fortune—money she desperately needs to rectify the sins of her mother.
But can a big city girl overcome small-town sass and the unwelcome guidance of too-handsome-for-his-own-good general counsel Mac Taylor, or will this uptown girl discover she is truly a southern girl of summer at heart?
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About the Author
C.E. Hilbert lives in sleepy town outside Columbus, OH in a 120-year-old fixer-upper with her Golden Retriever, Georgie. She believes that life goes best with Jesus, cookies made with real butter, summers watching baseball and winters filled with hockey.
More from C.E. Hilbert
Did you ever have a fascination with an organization or an event? Maybe you are a World War II buff like my friend Nick or you have a deep appreciation (or obsession) for all things Star Wars like my nephew Alex? Maybe you were entranced with a book series or a television series? For me, I had a deep curiosity about organized crime in high school and college. I know, odd choice of interest, but my fascination was so deep I spent a semester being advised and mentored by a sitting federal judge and the head of our local FBI office on a school project about the impact of the Cosa Nostra in Ohio.
I, like so many people who have read Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” or seen the movie adaptation, was infatuated with the romance the family drama told. I hadn’t really considered the destruction or lack of care for human life that actually existed within the American Mafia until I studied the organization. Although my curiosity continued, no longer did I see Michael Corleone’s story as a well-crafted work of fiction, but rather an overly romanticized view of a world of corruption and depravity. What I learned from those two mentors was simple – cut off the head of one organization and two more will rise in its place. The Cosa Nostra’s influence on America has waned in recent years, but organized crime is unfortunately alive and well.
In Girls of Summer, we see a glimpse of the impact of organized crime in America through the lens of one family so enmeshed in its web we are unsure if they will be able to survive to find freedom. Through telling this story, I not only wanted to share how the love of God can redeem even the most lost soul, but also give a window into the destruction that follows in the wake of those who do not value human life. Instead of romanticizing organized crime as books and movies have done for decades, my goal with integrating the Russian mafia into the fabric of Girls of Summer was to shine a light on the lack of decency and morality.
Girls of Summer is a suspenseful romance filled with the hope of redemption and reconciliation, but the story also gives a peek into a world most of us would prefer to believe lives only in fiction. Thankfully, we have dedicated men and women who are quietly fighting for justice with the hope of one day saying, organized crime is truly a thing of make believe.
My Thoughts
In Girls of Summer, we meet half-sisters Charlotte and Georgie who are being forced to live and work together following the death of their father. If they can make it one year, they are both set to receive half of their father's fortune... a fortune that Charlie very much needs. But it seems like surviving the year might be harder than they think in this unique suspense.
This is a new to me author, but I was intrigued by the idea of this story. Certainly a unique premise that drew me in. I must admit, I did struggle a bit to get into the story at first. I am not certain why, but I felt like I was missing something as I started the story... but not being part of a series, I cannot pinpoint as to how or why I felt that way. Honestly, it could have been more my busy state of mind as I started reading than anything to do with the story itself.
Still, despite that initial disconnect, it was an enjoyable story filled with family drama and secrets, loads of suspense and yes, some romance too. It was well written and I so enjoyed the unique story. If you enjoy Christian suspense, this is one worth checking out. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11
HappyWhenReading, August 11
For Him and My Family, August 12
Daysong Reflections, August 13
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 15
Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16
deb’s Book Review, August 17
Texas Book-aholic, August 18
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 19 (Author Interview)
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 19
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21
Inklings and notions, August 22
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23
Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, C.E. is giving away the grand prize package of a tote that contains four books (Girls of Summer, From Scratch, Life on the Porcelain Edge & The Wooing of Jane Grey) and some “surprise items”!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/112dd/girls-of-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway
Randi, Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts.
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