That Last Carolina Summer

By: Karen White

Narrated by: 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.

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!!

nice plot

I was excited to come across another Karen White novel, which I hadn't read or heard. The voices, as descriptive as were the characters, fit the personalities of each person in the story. The male voices at times, seemed almost too sleepy, as though the female reader was being forced to provide an unnatural tone.
Characters were fully developed as well as very likeable. Their motives and actions were understandable, if a little too predictable. Descriptions of the coastal area were delightful, as was the innocence of the children's characters. This was a great summer beach read, and will be another Karen White favorite! Definitely recommend this book.

Learning to forgive & repair faulty relationships

I also liked the bird comparisons to human lives was very interesting and helped me see how God’s creations have great ways of teaching us, like parables of life.

love this story

I enjoyed how connected everything was it was all entwined . always vacation by the Carolinas so easy to envision this story.