Summer's Child

Diane Chamberlain never disappoints. This book was so good from the first word. I very highly recommend it.

The beginning of the book really drags, but gains momentum. Of the entire book, the most engaging part is the ending. Still, it was a fairly sweet book, but not one that I'd say "You've just got to read this", as I did with "Before the Fall".

This is the 3rd or 4th book I have read of Diane's. I really liked the book. The first 2-3 chapters were a bit slow, but then it really got good. Great story line and the ending I so didnt see coming.

Summer's Child is the first novel I have read by Diane Chamberlain, and it certainly won't be the last! I found myself swept immediately into the story; and was kept guessing and wondering how all the pieces were going to fit together. Chamberlain has numerous plots going on within this tale, but the reader will not become confused, only anxious to fit all the puzzle pieces together, if they can! Chamberlain does a wonderful job of holding the reader in suspense and introducing the reader to multiple surprises not only at the end, but also during the course of the story.Eleven-year-old Daria finds a baby on the beach on the morning of her birthday. Her family comes to adopt the baby, who they name Shelly, after no one claims the newborn. After the death of Daria's parents, Daria continues the role of caretaker for her sister, even at the expense of her own happiness. Suffering some brain damage after her birth, Daria is understandably very protective of Shelly.Chamberlain leads the reader through the numerous families summering on the Outer Banks, and leaves you guessing as to who is Shelly's real mother. Nearly twenty years later, Shelly enlists the aid of one of the former residents, Rory Taylor, now a TV producer, to help her find her past. Rory starts asking too many questions, which has several of the residents becoming angry and asking him to leave well enough alone. Afterall, Shelly was raised in a loving and caring home. The web of secrets leaves no one unscathed, as you will find out, yet Chamberlain masterfully weaves this intricate tale, blending everything into a cohesive, heartfelt, and warming tale. The ending will definitely surprise the reader! I highly recommend this book. I am very much looking forward to reading her other books.

Diane Chamberlain kept me in suspense through this entire book. I could not put it down. The identy of the baby was a huge surprise and I could not have guessed who the mother was. A really good read and one that will keep you coming back for more Chamberlain in the future.

This was a wonderful read. Summer's Child had Diane's usual complex characters who are both compelling and realistic. This plot had so many red herrings that I didn't guess the surprise ending. I couldn't put it down. Don't peek at the end! Just read it and enjoy.

Daria Cato, unlike her older sister, cousin, or mother, enjoys waking up early and walking along the beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks. On her eleventh birthday, Daria begins her solitary stroll along the Kill Devil Hills Beach when she finds a discarded new born whose afterbirth remains attached to her. She brings the baby to her home, which leads to the child's life being saved. When no mother is discovered, Daria's family adopts the baby, raising Shelly as their own.Over the years, Daria's parents die and her sister becomes a nun. Daria raises Shelly. However, unbeknownst to Daria, Shelly has written a letter to a former neighbor, Rory Taylor, who is the famous host and producer of TV's popular True Life Stories. Since Rory is very good at uncovering mysteries, Shelly wants him to identify her birth parents. Rory was a teen when Daria found Shelly. He has always been a bit haunted by her story. As he begins his investigation, Daria worries about Shelly and opposes his inquiries. However, Daria and Rory fall in love even as the truth rocks a small coastal community.SUMMER'S CHILD is a taut romantic suspense that digs deep into psychological relationships between people and the after effects of their relationships. The story line is fast-paced with the mystery of Shelly perfectly plotted. The lead characters are a delightful duo and the prime supporting cast (Daria's sister, Shelly, and Rory's son) adds depth. As with KEEPER OF THE LIGHT, Diane Chamberlain writes novels that entertains readers with a suspense-laden insight into the human condition.Harriet Klausner

This was the first book of hers I had read. It was easy reading but always kept my interest. I am ordering my next Chamberlain book now.