In the Briggs family, Dad has always been the family center. When he dies suddenly, younger daughter Meghan is heartbroken and though it means she has to give up her dream of being a journalist, keeping her Father’s home business running is a way she can stay close to him.

Older daughter Tracy, already feeling a bit like an outsider makes some poor choices that leave her feeling even more removed from her family, and mom Lyla used to relying on her husband to keep things on an even keel is just kind of lost.

This first installment of the Magnolia Grove Novels is the story about how these women find themselves and learn to move forward again. Life doesn’t stop for the living when a loved one dies. Meghan has a chance at a new life and maybe love. Tracy needs to find the strength to move forward from the place her choices have taken her and take care of her son. Lyla just needs to let go and realize her daughters are brilliant young women. It is a story of love, family, and sisterhood.

This was a wonderful introduction to the people living in Magnolia Grove. It is a pleasant-seeming small town filled with characters that ring true and inspire feels. It will be great to visit with them again. Tracy’s Story is continued in ‘A Year of Extraordinary Moments’. ( )

This is a great novel about the relationships of sisters during times of family strife. Their father has recently passed and they are faced with many challenges to save his business. Both are facing personal challenges as well, with Tracy dealing with motherhood and Meghan, trying to deal with her feelings for a stray pup she found.
I would recommend this book for anyone that loves a good family based fiction novel. The characters were likable and easy to relate to. I would recommend this book to friends and give it a 5 star rating. ( )

I just finished The Summer of New Beginnings by Bette Lee Crosby. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s always a pleasure to read her books. Her writing has a feel-good element to it, so reading her books feels a little like stepping into a Hallmark movie, along with invoking the feelings of coming home. Her characters are realistic and relatable, and their dialog is natural and believable. She provides just enough descriptive detail to allow the reader to feel like she has stepped into the story, yet not so much that the story gets bogged down. If you want a feel-good, well-crafted story, pick up The Summer of New Beginnings. ( )

Bette Lee Crosby always delivers a very rewarding story of family trials and love, forgiveness, and The Summer Of New Beginnings is true to form. Her writing is so inspirational with words of wisdom that always touches my heart. After her father dies, Meghan Briggs is left to carry on the family business, Snip And Save, instead of attending college. During these hard times she saves a dog, Sox, from drowning during a storm, which endears me to this character. Tracy Briggs, so different from her sister and very rebellious, comes home with her child, Lucas, hoping this will be a new beginning for both of them. These sisters have very different views of life, love, and happiness which keep me enthralled throughout the book. Very important issues abound, such as the loss of a spouse, a parent, a child with a disability, domestic abuse, a animal lover, and above all the importance of family. Bette Lee Crosby has become one of my favorite authors, and I'm sure she will be one of yours after you read this book, The Summer Of New Beginnings! ( )

Bette Lee Crosby does it again-another wonderful, touching story. I hope you will read this.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy. ( )