BEYOND SUMMERLAND
Author: Jenny Lecoat
Publication Date: July 2, 2024
ISBN: 9781525831546
Format: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing / Graydon House
Price $18.99
Book Summary:
Beatriz Williams meets Laura Spence-Ash in this fast-paced and tension-filled novel about secrets and betrayal in a small community recovering from war, and the two young women at the center of a volatile mystery.
In June of 1945, Jersey is in the midst of change as the German occupation of the Channel Islands comes to an end. However, demands for punishment are rising for those suspected of collaborating with the Nazis. Neighbor turns against neighbor as distrust flourishes and accusations fly, especially towards women who had romantic relationships with the German soldiers.
When Jean Parris learns that her father, who died in a German prison, was reported to the Nazis by an anonymous woman, her rage hits a boiling point. The suspect, Hazel Le Tourneur, denies the accusation but has a motive for wanting Jean’s father gone. Then, when Hazel catches Jean secretly meeting with a German soldier, the women form an unexpected bond in the face of ruinous consequences. With tension running high and secrets at every turn, the truth behind the accusations may be more complicated than anyone could imagine.
Review
The war is finally over. Jean and her mother have just discovered that her father, who was taken away by the Nazis, has died in prison. They are still wondering who in their town turned him in for his contraband radio. They will not rest until they discover the traitor.
There are a lot of moving parts to this tale…lies, betrayals, and more lies. The Nazis have just left the Channel Islands and the whole town is trying to regroup. But, there is so much mistrust because everyone sees everyone else as a collaborator with the Nazis. When Jean discovers one of their neighbors, Hazel, had a fight with her father, the whole family causes so much grief for this poor woman. They are determined that Hazel is the one who turned him in and caused his death. But, they soon discover that he was not as upstanding as they thought.
I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. Also, I was not a fan of any of the characters. Jean does redeem herself in the end and she was my favorite. But all of these characters lie to each other 😂. You know, real life stuff😏.
Need a good, historical fiction novel full of betrayals and redemption…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
About the Author:
Jenny Lecoat was born in Jersey, Channel Islands, where her parents were raised under German Occupation and were involved in resistance activity. Lecoat moved to England at 18, where, after earning a drama degree, she spent a decade on the alternative comedy circuit as a feminist stand-up. She also wrote for newspapers and women’s magazines (Cosmopolitan, Observer), worked as a TV and radio presenter, before focusing on screenwriting from sitcom to sketch shows. A love of history and factual stories and a return to her island roots brought about her feature film Another Mother’s Son (2017). She is married to television writer Gary Lawson and now lives in East Sussex. Her debut novel, The Girl from the Channel Islands, was an immediate New York Times bestseller.
Social Links:
Author website: https://www.jennylecoat.com/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20096261.Jenny_Lecoat?from_search=true&from_srp=true
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennyLecoat
Buy Links:
HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/beyond-summerland-jenny-lecoat
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beyond-summerland-jenny-lecoat/1144022096
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Summerland-Jenny-Lecoat/dp/1525831542
reecaspieces 
I enjoyed this book too.
Nice review!!
Thank you!