Saving Summer Sandcastles (Lobster Bay Book 1)

In a small Kansas town, there are no secrets. Everyone knows everything about one another, and Summer Steven's life is no exception. From a young age, six-year-old Summer has been uncertain about her new stepfather, whose behavior varies from whistling when sober to swearing when drunk. Her mother, however, offers little support. Summer's mother's words have been a corset of wasps, leaving invisible scars that Summer doesn't even realize she bears. Despite the lack of attention, her mother provides just enough to keep Summer yearning for more.

As Summer reaches sixteen, the challenges in her life only intensify. Her stepfather's unexpected arrival at her part-time job, where he demands that she leave the house, leaves her suddenly homeless, with nowhere to go and a math test looming the next day. Faced with this sudden upheaval, Summer must rely on her younger brother, older sister, and other unexpected characters to navigate her tumultuous upbringing during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.

Summer's resilience and resourcefulness are tested as she navigates the narcissistic adults in her life. Determined to overcome the obstacles they present, she finds strength in the support of her siblings and other surprising allies. Through these experiences, Summer learns to navigate the complexities of her family dynamics and ultimately emerge stronger for it.

In this small Kansas town, where everyone knows everyone's business, Summer's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unexpected kindness of those around her. As she navigates the challenges of her unconventional upbringing, Summer's journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can find the resilience to overcome.

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