Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen : The Last Summer

Welcome to the blog tour for The Last Summer by Brandy Bruce!

My Review

Brandy Bruce's book The Last Summer is the perfect beach read. It is light and funny with a dose of tears, pain, and laughter. I know that probably does not sound like a great book to read this summer, but the characters within this text are true to life. Bruce captures the heartbeat of each individual throughout the difficulties of growing up--singleness, marriage, break-ups, and children. This book touches so many topics that many people will have faced during their younger years. Did you ever feel out of place--even in a crowd? Were you ever the new person in a group? Did you have to make friends amongst those who had known each other a lifetime? These are the feelings Sara Witherspoon initially faces as she is thrown into a new place with a new set of people. Thankfully, there is a welcoming crew among them, yet there will still be fear and uneasiness around a new environment. Especially, when those new surroundings include a cute guy. However, Sara figures he is already taken by the woman sitting next to him, yet Sara could never predict the hills and valleys her life would encounter next.

It is great to be part of a family--even when that family is not blood related. That is what Sara's friends are to her. Their tiny groups is a family, and already they have seen each other through so much. Heartache, anger, love, and joy are just a few of the emotions touched on in Sara's world. The consistent events--vacations, dinners, wedding showers, coffee dates--keep Sara and her friends open and honest in each other's presence. There is nothing they do not discuss amongst each other, and at a moment's notice, anyone would be there for her--no matter the hour of the day. Sara knows she is blessed to be in this circle of friends, so why can't she be happy? Certain shocking moments that unknowingly transpire cause her to unravel, and even though she tries to be supportive, she feels that part of herself may disappear forever.

Luke's emotions seem to be quite conflicting these days. Just when he feels he has the world figured out, something or somebody new comes his way, and his whole world gets turned upside down. He believed he was in love, until another woman catches his eye. Of course, his friendships mean more to him than anything, and he is careful to not take advantage or play with another person's feelings. However, he finds himself making some of the worst mistakes of his life. How did he get here, and how can he find the exit from the mess he has made? So many questions plague Luke daily, but he tries to keep his thoughts to himself. But then there is the group. They discuss everything, and his buddies know when something is up. Will he ever be able to turn his life around and make it what is should be?

I read this book in a matter of days, because I was intrigued from the first line to the last pages of this text. Sara definitely finds herself on a roller-coaster, but throughout it, she finds peace and comfort from those around there. There is always someone to talk to and even yell out when she needs to vent her feelings. The guys and girls in Sara's group are real and easy to connect with, because as the reader, you want life to go well for them. You want there to be a happily-ever-after for everyone in the family. I recommend checking this book out--purchase it or download it to your Kindle in order to take it on your next getaway--and then follow along on the summer that changed Sara's life forever. Happy reading!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Reading is My SuperPower for my copy.

About The Book

For twenty-something Sara Witherspoon and her group of friends, a perfect Southern summer includes lake house getaways, wedding planning, outdoor concerts, and a dash of romance. But for this unique gang of seven friends who love each other like family, this year, summer rolls in with a host of changes for everyone. When Sara’s longtime crush and closest friend, Luke, begins seriously dating another girl in the group, she’s forced into a situation of dealing with hurt and jealousy, while outwardly trying to support her friends. Throw an unexpected handsome pilot from North Carolina into the mix, as well as an old flame, and Sara’s life gets even more complicated. As time unfolds, Sara and the others are presented with the reality of what a season of change can do to close friends.

GENRE: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

PUBLISHER: Bling! Romance

RELEASE DATE: June 9, 2017

PAGES: 236

GOODREADS / AMAZON

About The Author

Brandy Bruce is a mother, a wife, a book editor, an author, and someone who seriously loves dessert. Originally from Texas, she now makes her home in Colorado with her husband and three children. She’s the author of Looks Like Love, The Romano Family Collection, and The Last Summer.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

As part of the The Last Summer blog tour, Brandy Bruce is giving away this great SUMMER PRIZE PACK to one winner! (US addresses only) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower's giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.

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