Summer's Gift: A Novel

by Jennifer Ryan

Overview

A young woman takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers the birth father—and half sisters—she never knew. New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan returns with this dramatic and page-turning novel perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Lori Foster. 

A DNA test tells you who you come from, not who you are.

All her life, Summer Sutherland felt like the missing piece in a puzzle, left out and looking for the place she truly belongs. And when an at-home DNA test reveals her selfish mother and well-meaning grandfather lied about her father, Summer sets out to discover the truth.

Her new instant family comes with two half sisters: one who accepts her with open arms, the other resistant to the stranger staying in their house. But somehow Summer senses this is where she is meant to be—so she settles into her father’s Carmel home, ready to get to know them and find her place in the family she always wanted.

But while her newfound parent is thrilled to get to know Summer—and her romantic connection to his business partner, Cody, heats up—tensions rise within the family.

Will she ever fit in? Or should she return to her other life before tearing all their lives apart?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063094154
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/20/2023
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	267,069
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.86(d)

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Ryan writes suspenseful contemporary romances about everyday people who do extraordinary things. Her deeply emotional love stories are filled with high stakes and higher drama, love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find.

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.

For information about her upcoming releases, sign up for her newsletter: www.jennifer-ryan.com/newsletter

Editorial Reviews

04/24/2023

Bestseller Ryan (Surrendering to Hunt) takes readers on an emotional journey of familial reconciliation in this dramatic contemporary romance. Summer Sutherland, 25, is miserable. She has financial security and privilege thanks to her adoring business mogul grandfather, but she’s never felt a sense of stability or belonging. Due to her flighty, selfish mother, Jessica, Summer’s never known her father and spent her childhood bouncing “from home to home, school to school, and stepfather to stepfather.” All that time, Jessica’s kept a massive secret: she knows exactly who Summer’s father is, and where Summer can find him. When the truth finally comes out, Summer goes looking for him—and finds a whole new family. It’s a whirlwind of revelations, love, and long-simmering resentment. Amid all the chaos, Summer finds refuge in her budding connection with Cody, her father’s business partner whom he’s always treated like a son. Their chemistry is instant and intense—and together they navigate the murky waters of family secrets, past hurts, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The romance is endearing, but it’s the complex and affecting family drama that will really hook readers. Colleen Hoover fans should check this out. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary. (June)

Publishers Weekly

“Emotional. Complicated. Riveting. Welcome to the world of Jennifer Ryan." — Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

“Ryan is a master of the dysfunctional family unit, creating characters that draw you in and keep you engaged while immersing the reader in twisty stories that are overflowing with secrets and betrayals. Lost and Found Family is a complex, deeply emotional, and satisfying story that reinforces Jennifer Ryan’s immense storytelling skill and a book I recommend.” — The Romance Dish

“Lost and Found Family is a rags to riches story in a totally unique package…Sarah just may be Jennifer Ryan’s most complex character to date…Ryan masterfully sets the scene for Sarah’s new world with grace, heart and integrity.” — Fresh Fiction

“[A] sweet and steamy romance story.” — Harlequin Junkie (Top Pick) on Lost and Found Family 

“Jennifer Ryan’s Sisters and Secrets should win an award for being the most unputdownable book of the whole year. The drama will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional roller coaster will touch every emotion.” — Carolyn Brown, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

“Jennifer Ryan takes family drama to a new level in this tangled emotional web of a novel. Secrets come to light, love is rekindled, and redemption is found–all in the glorious golden sunshine of the Napa Valley. I loved it!” — Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author

From the Publisher

Narrator Kit Swann depicts all the emotions in the story of Summer Sutherland, who has always been told her father didn't want her. Now a DNA test has matched her to a family she has never known. In truth, her father didn't know she existed because her mother never told him about her. When they do find each other, Summer visits him in California. Summer is from Texas, and Swann gives her a subtle twang, which contrasts with the voices of her newfound family. One of Summer's half sisters resents her, and Swann's performance expresses all of her sullenness. But Swann emanates enthusiasm from Summer's other half sister. When Summer develops a romance with her father's business partner, Cody, Swann radiates all of his passion for her. Listeners will enjoy Swann's talents. S.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2023 - AudioFile

Narrator Kit Swann depicts all the emotions in the story of Summer Sutherland, who has always been told her father didn't want her. Now a DNA test has matched her to a family she has never known. In truth, her father didn't know she existed because her mother never told him about her. When they do find each other, Summer visits him in California. Summer is from Texas, and Swann gives her a subtle twang, which contrasts with the voices of her newfound family. One of Summer's half sisters resents her, and Swann's performance expresses all of her sullenness. But Swann emanates enthusiasm from Summer's other half sister. When Summer develops a romance with her father's business partner, Cody, Swann radiates all of his passion for her. Listeners will enjoy Swann's talents. S.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2023 - AudioFile