The Summer Hideaway by Susan Wiggs

The Lakeshore Chronicles

George Bellamy finds that his brain tumor has become inoperable and untreatable without a great deal of pain, so he decides to stop treatment and live his remaining days enjoying life.  He has made a list of all the things he want to do before he dies and that means traveling back to Willow Lake and Camp Kioga.  He hires a private nurse and sets out on his way.

Meanwhile, George's grandson, Ross is returning home from Afghanistan as he has completed his tour of duty and the whole family is counting on him to "talk sense" to his grandfather and get him to return home for treatment.  When he reaches Camp Kioga and talks to his grandfather, Claire the nurse and reviews his grandfather's medical reports, even talks to some doctors after a trip to the emergency room for George, he realizes he has to bend to his grandfather's wishes.

One of the first things George wants to do is reunite with a brother he has not seen in 55 years, then he also wants to skydive, ride a Harley, and have a big family reunion.  As Claire and Ross work together to make everything happen they grow closer and closer, (something that was also on George's list.) but her past keeps holding her back. 

Yes this story was a little predictable but there were some surprises too.  Susan Wiggs is one of the best current day storytellers around.  She weaves the words so wonderfully and takes us right into the story. The flashback parts of the story are truly a treasure. There are so many characters that have come from all the books in the series and most where present for the family reunion and it is no small task to keep them all fresh, and remind us of their history.  If you have read the other books in this series this is a family you want to read this and find out what is going to happen next at Willow Lake.

As a side note, the covers on the books in this series are fabulous.

To find out more about Susan Wiggs visit her website http://www.susanwiggs.com/