15 Summers Later: A Feel-Good Beach Read – An Uplifting Romance Where Two Sisters Must Confront a Dark Past

By RaeAnne Thayne

"I'm always eager to dive into a good story about sisters--and that's exactly what this book is! If you like heartfelt stories, you'll devour 15 Summers Later!"--Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author

15 summers ago, everything changed...


Ava Howell seemed to have it all. She moved away from Emerald Creek, Idaho, married the love of her life and published a bestselling memoir. But she never expected that her husband would feel so betrayed by a secret from her past--the truth of what happened to her and her sister all those years ago--that he'd walk away. Now Ava is back home and trying to move on with the only person who can truly understand...

Following years of healing, Madison Howell is finally happy. After college she built a no-kill shelter where she works with animals every day, and she's in love with the town veterinarian, Dr. Luke Gentry. But she can't ever bring herself to tell him. Years ago, his dad died protecting Madi and her sister, so how could he ever love her back?

With the truth laid bare, and the past that Ava and Madison have worked so hard to leave behind threatening everything they have built for themselves, the Howell sisters' reunion is bittersweet. And as Ava and Madi attempt to remedy the rifts in their lives and reconcile their futures, they must face the demons of their past together.

Don't miss SNOW KISSED by RaeAnne Thayne--a cozy holiday romance about a single mom, a borrowed date, and the kind of Christmas magic that turns a simple deal into something real

More stories by RaeAnne Thayne:

  • Snow Kissed
  • The Lost Book Of First Loves
  • The December Market
  • Christmas at the Shelter Inn

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Published Jun 18, 2024

352 pages

Average rating: 7.15

13 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Gail_71
Jun 20, 2026
8/10 stars
The backstory in this book captivated me as much as the main plot. Two sisters, sharing similar life experiences, view them through very different perspectives years later. Both are compelling yet vulnerable, trying to express how their journeys have shaped them. Ava returns to Emerald Creek for the summer, and her sister, Madi, is far from pleased. Ava has recently published a bestselling book about a dark chapter from their past 15 years ago, sparking conversations everywhere. Meanwhile, Madi is busy with her new animal shelter and doing everything possible to avoid her sister. Since Ava is staying with their grandmother, complete avoidance isn’t feasible. Additionally, Luke, Madi's longtime friend and mentor, begins to develop different feelings for her. What does all this mean? Keep reading to discover! The story progresses rapidly, with a tone that’s both uncertain and hopeful, focusing on vividly drawn characters that deeply resonate. It’s an emotionally intense story that will hold you from the very first page. I loved the characters and the complex plot filled with tragedy, intricate relationships, and revelations that challenge my assumptions. And, of course, there’s a happily ever after to anticipate.

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