Feels Like Summer

A Novel

By: Wendy Francis

Narrated by: Kimberly M. Wetherell

For three sisters, this Memorial Day weekend is a much-anticipated reunion—and a sizzling escape—where secrets, lovers, and betrayals collide in a small coastal town.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the annual kickoff to summer for the Lancaster sisters. But the festivities take a deep dive when a mysterious boating accident occurs off their seaside town, sparking questions about how well the sisters know their neighbors—and each other.

Kate, whip smart and rich, lives a charmed life—if only her lawyer husband wasn’t always disappearing for his next big case. Older sister Shelby, when not selling houses, is falling hard for an on-again, off-again lover. He’s perfect for Shelby in many ways, and so wrong in others. And Bree, the youngest, is reeling from a recent breakup and in desperate need of her sisters. They’ve always been there for each other, but as secrets arise and gossip spreads like wildfire, the idyllic weekend takes a dramatic tailspin. Will this summer’s troubles change their bond before their sisterhood is righted again?

©2024 Wendy Francis (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“If you're looking for a breezy beach read featuring memorable characters, shore settings and an intriguing mystery, Feels Like Summer by Wendy Francis fits the bill.” —First for Women

“Filled with secrets, intrigue, lovers and betrayals….[Feels Like Summer] is extremely well-written and enjoyable.” —New York Post

“Exceptional and fun, original and memorable, Feels Like Summer is highly recommended…” —Midwest Book Review

Great character arc / building

Loved the character building and getting to know the characters and watching them grow and the stories all women together

Couldn’t listen past the first couple of chapters.

After the third time the narrator pretended to be a child. The voice was slobbery and fake. No need to read any farther. Worse than men or women reading the opposite part in a fake voice.

Good main story but…

Narrator was okay. I would read more by the author and narrator. The main story kept by interest but I don’t know was the side story was included. It was not necessary. The book would have been better without it.

I liked the dynamics

of the sisters, having my own sister I understand the relationships, jealousy and rivalry and it was portrayed very well. The whole mystery aspect to it didn't really fit into the whole story for me other than the tie in to Shelby's situation. It's a pretty slow build up then is all just very rushed at the end.The explanations are a bit hard to take and some honestly don't even make sense in the end I do wish we just had better resolutions to it all. Narration is ok and yes the child's voice it a bit cringeworthy but honestly she doesn't say much in the whole book so nothing you can't look passed.

Sex, lies, and videotape

I found the book pleasant enough but they went for 4/5ths of the way with a lot of fill in and then jerked to the end. Wasn’t really wrapped up for me!

Lost time for three sisters as they work through feelings of envy, jealousy & self worth

Loved the Lancaster sisters! Realist challenges, love & loyalty of 3 sisters while working through their own personal struggles. The suspense & twists & turns of the background story keeps you on your toes! Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to more by Wendy Francis.

3 stars

Feels Like Summer by Wendy Francis starts with us hearing from Lieutenant Robin Shipman. I did a doubletake, thinking I downloaded the wrong book. The aspect of whose body was found threw everything off in a way I didn't like. I was looking forward to hearing about the relationship between the three sisters, per the summary. When the story focused on them and their lives, I was engrossed and wanted more, even if I didn't like them.

I did not care for Kimberly M. Wetherell. Her voice is grating, especially when speaking for Clara. I will stay away from her in the future.

I rate Feels Like Summer 3 stars, deducting 1 star each for the narrator and the mystery surrounding the death.

Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an ALC.

I couldn't finish it... child's voice

I could not even finish this book, or 30 minutes in. I could not stand the child's voice in the narration.