Robyn Carr - The Summer That Made Us

Mothers and daughters, sisters and cousins, they lived for summers at the lake house until a tragic accident changed everything. The Summer That Made Us is an unforgettable story about a family learning to accept the past, to forgive and to love each other again.

That was then...

For the Hempsteads, two sisters who married two brothers and had three daughters each, summers were idyllic. The women would escape the city the moment school was out to gather at the family house on Lake Waseka. The lake was a magical place, a haven where they were happy and carefree. All of their problems drifted away as the days passed in sun-dappled contentment. Until the summer that changed everything.

This is now...

After an accidental drowning turned the lake house into a site of tragedy and grief, it was closed up. For good. Torn apart, none of the Hempstead women speak of what happened that summer, and relationships between them are uneasy at best to hurtful at worst. But in the face of new challenges, one woman is determined to draw her family together again, and the only way that can happen is to return to the lake and face the truth.

Robyn Carr has crafted a beautifully woven story about the complexities of family dynamics and the value of strong female relationships.

Praise for #1 New York Times bestselling author

Robyn Carr

“Carr addresses serious problems...realistically and sympathetically while seamlessly weaving them into the fabric of her engrossing story.”

—Booklist, starred review, on Any Day Now

“A satisfying reinvention story that handles painful issues with a light and uplifting touch.”

—Kirkus Reviews on The Life She Wants

“Insightfully realized central figures, a strong supporting cast, family issues, and uncommon emotional complexity make this uplifting story a heart-grabber that won’t let readers go until the very end.... A rewarding (happy) story that will appeal across the board and might require a hanky or two.”

—Library Journal, starred review, on What We Find

“With this tale of the soothing splendor of the land and our vulnerability, Carr sets the bar for contemporary romance. The well-paced plot, engaging and well-defined characters, and an inviting setting make Carr’s latest an enhancement not only to the romance shelves but to any fiction collection.”

—Booklist, starred review, on What We Find

“Robyn Carr has done it again... What We Find is complex, inspirational, and well-written. A romance that truly inspires readers as life hits them the hardest.”

—San Francisco Review Journal on What We Find

“Carr’s new novel demonstrates that classic women’s fiction, illuminating the power of women’s friendships, is still alive and well.”

—Booklist on Four Friends

“A thought-provoking look at women...and the choices they make.”

—Kirkus Reviews on Four Friends

“Carr has hit her stride with this captivating series.”

—Library Journal on the Virgin River series

“The Virgin River books are so compelling—I connected instantly with the characters and just wanted more and more and more.”

—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

The Summer That Made Us

Robyn Carr

ROBYN CARRis a Rita® Award–winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as well as highly praised women’s fiction such as What We Find and The Life She Wants. Robyn and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

www.RobynCarr.com

For Margaret O’Neill Marbury, whose brilliance I greatly admire and whose wit and charm are extraordinary.

Thank you with all my heart!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Mothers and daughters, sisters and cousins, they lived for summers at the lake house until a tragic accident changed everything. The Summer That Made Us is an unforgettable story about a family learning to accept the past, to forgive and to love each other again. That was then... For the Hempsteads, two sisters who married two brothers and had three daughters each, summers were idyllic. The women would escape the city the moment school was out to gather at the family house on Lake Waseka. The lake was a magical place, a haven where they were happy and carefree. All of their problems drifted away as the days passed in sun-dappled contentment. Until the summer that changed everything. This is now... After an accidental drowning turned the lake house into a site of tragedy and grief, it was closed up. For good. Torn apart, none of the Hempstead women speak of what happened that summer, and relationships between them are uneasy at best to hurtful at worst. But in the face of new challenges, one woman is determined to draw her family together again, and the only way that can happen is to return to the lake and face the truth. Robyn Carr has crafted a beautifully woven story about the complexities of family dynamics and the value of strong female relationships.

Praise Praise for #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr “Carr addresses serious problems...realistically and sympathetically while seamlessly weaving them into the fabric of her engrossing story.” —Booklist, starred review, on Any Day Now “A satisfying reinvention story that handles painful issues with a light and uplifting touch.” —Kirkus Reviews on The Life She Wants “Insightfully realized central figures, a strong supporting cast, family issues, and uncommon emotional complexity make this uplifting story a heart-grabber that won’t let readers go until the very end.... A rewarding (happy) story that will appeal across the board and might require a hanky or two.” —Library Journal, starred review, on What We Find “With this tale of the soothing splendor of the land and our vulnerability, Carr sets the bar for contemporary romance. The well-paced plot, engaging and well-defined characters, and an inviting setting make Carr’s latest an enhancement not only to the romance shelves but to any fiction collection.” —Booklist, starred review, on What We Find “Robyn Carr has done it again... What We Find is complex, inspirational, and well-written. A romance that truly inspires readers as life hits them the hardest.” —San Francisco Review Journal on What We Find “Carr’s new novel demonstrates that classic women’s fiction, illuminating the power of women’s friendships, is still alive and well.” —Booklist on Four Friends “A thought-provoking look at women...and the choices they make.” —Kirkus Reviews on Four Friends “Carr has hit her stride with this captivating series.” —Library Journal on the Virgin River series “The Virgin River books are so compelling—I connected instantly with the characters and just wanted more and more and more.” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

Title Page The Summer That Made Us Robyn Carr

About the Author ROBYN CARR is a Rita® Award–winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as well as highly praised women’s fiction such as What We Find and The Life She Wants. Robyn and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada. www.RobynCarr.com

Dedication For Margaret O’Neill Marbury, whose brilliance I greatly admire and whose wit and charm are extraordinary. Thank you with all my heart!

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five