The Last Days of Summer

It has been two years since Saskia last visited her childhood home but her Grandfather has rung to invite her to attend the celebrations for his fiftieth wedding anniversary. She left without explaining why to him but he has remained in touch, helping her throughout her self-imposed exile. Dare she return and face the consequences of her actions?

Whilst many things remain the same, she no longer feels welcomed by most of her family. Her grandmother is coldly aloof, her sister ignoring her and even her grandfather’s new assistant, Edward, seems to know all about what happened and is judgemental in his attitude. Her father and grandfather, however, both welcome her. Can she get through the weekend without everyone learning her secret shame?

This is a story where family secrets are uncovered, including a possible murder, an unknown marriage discovered and dilemmas are pervasive. There is plenty of intrigue, a potential romance, an unexpected death and the threat of memoirs to reveal all. It was an enthralling read with a great mix of characters, set in a huge family home - complete with a ghost - and only by revealing secrets and facing the truth will they all be able to move forward.

This is a thought-provoking read, a great page turner, showing how only by acknowledging and facing facts, making peace with the past, can the future be happily anticipated.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.

If you are attracted to this by the cover you will love the inside even more. I fell in love with Rosewood, the old manor house tucked away in the countryside, with its beautiful rose garden and woods. It is the family home of Kia, who is returning there for her grandparents Golden Wedding Anniversary party. The lavish parties at Rosewood graced the society pages years ago. Kia has not been there for two years after she did something she regrets. Now her beloved grandfather, author Nathanial Drury wants her to be there for a special announcement. Kia cherishes her grandfather’s books that have secrets scattered through their pages….

This really is a lovely story that has a fairy-tale quality and a magical feel that I loved. An old house with secret doors and dusty attics, where everything stops for afternoon tea; Rosewood exists in its own little bubble in time. This is a sweet love story, as well as a family mystery, with old journals and secrets this is a joy to read, and in a similar style to recent Harriet Evans. It is all set in present time, and Sophie Pembroke gives this a really light touch, and a warm feel. I’m really hoping for more like this from Sophie! A beautiful light summer read. 4.5 stars Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review