About the Book
Book: Girls of Summer
Author: C.E. Hilbert
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release date: March 19, 2021
But can a big city girl overcome small-town sass and the unwelcome guidance of too-handsome-for-his-own-good general counsel Mac Taylor, or will this uptown girl discover she is truly a southern girl of summer at heart?
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About the Author
More from C.E. Hilbert
Did you ever have a fascination with an organization or an event? Maybe you are a World War II buff like my friend Nick or you have a deep appreciation (or obsession) for all things Star Wars like my nephew Alex? Maybe you were entranced with a book series or a television series? For me, I had a deep curiosity about organized crime in high school and college. I know, odd choice of interest, but my fascination was so deep I spent a semester being advised and mentored by a sitting federal judge and the head of our local FBI office on a school project about the impact of the Cosa Nostra in Ohio.
I, like so many people who have read Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” or seen the movie adaptation, was infatuated with the romance the family drama told. I hadn’t really considered the destruction or lack of care for human life that actually existed within the American Mafia until I studied the organization. Although my curiosity continued, no longer did I see Michael Corleone’s story as a well-crafted work of fiction, but rather an overly romanticized view of a world of corruption and depravity. What I learned from those two mentors was simple – cut off the head of one organization and two more will rise in its place. The Cosa Nostra’s influence on America has waned in recent years, but organized crime is unfortunately alive and well.
In Girls of Summer, we see a glimpse of the impact of organized crime in America through the lens of one family so enmeshed in its web we are unsure if they will be able to survive to find freedom. Through telling this story, I not only wanted to share how the love of God can redeem even the most lost soul, but also give a window into the destruction that follows in the wake of those who do not value human life. Instead of romanticizing organized crime as books and movies have done for decades, my goal with integrating the Russian mafia into the fabric of Girls of Summer was to shine a light on the lack of decency and morality.
Girls of Summer is a suspenseful romance filled with the hope of redemption and reconciliation, but the story also gives a peek into a world most of us would prefer to believe lives only in fiction. Thankfully, we have dedicated men and women who are quietly fighting for justice with the hope of one day saying, organized crime is truly a thing of make believe.
MY REVIEW
The author delivers a very well written thriller complete with secrets, money laundering and suspects that slip through the cracks . Charlotte and Georgie are very different. They may be sisters but they have had a strained relationship. I was surprised at what was in the will that the sisters had to abide by. I was curious why the specific instructions called for them to reunite for one year in the same house. What started as a story of two sisters making amends becomes an all out race to save their lives.
Charlotte has upset someone because her life is continually in danger. I think after my car exploded I would be hiding far away from everyone I knew. She receives word that someone has been skimming money from her and I was shocked to find out who it was. The author gives us a little background on Charlotte’s past which is painful to read. You expect your mother to love and protect you but for Charlotte that is not the case. I was so angry when I found out what her mother had done. The emotional damage done to Charlotte has made her cold at times and caused to pull away from family.
Georgie is such a sweet character and I wanted her to be reunited with her sister. I really enjoyed reading how these two sisters worked on their relationship and faced danger together. Georgie is a lot more trusting than Charlotte which made it harder to mend their fractured relationship. There is faith throughout the story which helped the characters start to rely more on God.
I was surprised at the twists in the story with organized crime from Russia infiltrating the small town. It shows how greedy people can be and how they have no regard for others. The action is non stop and kept me guessing throughout the story. Not everyone can be trusted in this thriller and the ending was not what I expected at all. I loved the message of redemption and showing unconditional love by sacrificing one’s freedom to save another. Does that remind you of anyone?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11
HappyWhenReading, August 11
For Him and My Family, August 12
Daysong Reflections, August 13
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 15
Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16
deb’s Book Review, August 17
Texas Book-aholic, August 18
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 19 (Author Interview)
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 19
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21
Inklings and notions, August 22
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23
Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, C.E. is giving away the grand prize package of a tote that contains four books (Girls of Summer, From Scratch, Life on the Porcelain Edge & The Wooing of Jane Grey) and some “surprise items”!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/112dd/girls-of-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway
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