If you are looking for a summer or vacation read – check out “Summer State of Mind” by Kristy Woodson Harvey. It is a stand-alone novel set in Cape Carolina, NC. (Two of the main characters, Mason and Aunt Tilley, are from her 2021 novel, “Under the Southern Sky” – but it’s not necessary to read that book first.) This novel has family drama and addresses some serious issues, as well as having a good romance with fun banter.
Daisy Stevens is a wonderful neonatal nurse who moves to Cape Carolina because she needs a change. She had a great childhood being raised by her father, but her mom left them when Daisy was thirteen – so Daisy feels called to show babies that they are wanted and loved. Mason Thaysden is a high school baseball coach who once had dreams of going pro . . . now he simply wants to help young athletes reach their potential. Mason’s large family is a big part of this story too – mom, Elizabeth; Aunt Tilley; sister, Olivia; brother, Parker and cousin, Robbie. Mason and his star baseball player discover a newborn baby in a dumpster and rush her to the hospital where they meet Daisy. The characters work through challenges, secrets and ethical choices as the novel unfolds. The ending felt realistic and satisfying.
There is more drama in “Summer State of Mind” than in a typical ‘beach read’ – but the chapters are short and the characters are fun and likeable. I enjoyed the setting and especially loved the character of Aunt Tilley! There is LOTS of family love in this story. Glad I check this novel out