The Summer List

Book excerpt: “Cleverly blends a coming-of-age tale, the story of a long-simmering mystery, and a thoughtful study of relationships between childhood friends.” —Publishers Weekly Named a Best Book of Summer by PopSugar, Coastal Living, Family Circle, and The Globe & Mail Laura and Casey were once inseparable: floating on their backs in the sunlit lake, dreaming about the future under starry skies, teaming up for the wild scavenger hunts in their California lakeside town. Until one summer night, when a shocking betrayal sent Laura running through the pines, down the dock, and into a new life, leaving Casey and a first love in her wake. Now, after seventeen years, Laura is pulled home and into a reunion with Casey she can’t resist—one last scavenger hunt. With a twist: this time, the clues lead to the settings of their most cherished summer memories. From glistening Jade Cove to the vintage skating rink, each step they take becomes a bittersweet reminder of the friendship they once shared. But just as the game brings Laura and Casey back together, the clues unravel a stunning secret that threatens to tear them apart . . . From the author of Summer Hours and Lady Sunshine, The Summer List is about losing and recapturing the person who understands you best—and the unbreakable bonds of girlhood. “A sparkling debut novel filled with nostalgia that will make you long for your childhood friends and carefree summer days.” —PopSugar “A vivid sense of place and characters as real as your high school besties . . . sure to please fans of Kristin Hannah and Elin Hilderbrand.” —Library Journal “A lovely debut . . . exploring themes of motherhood, daughterhood, and first love with tenderness and humor. The writing is fresh and charming.” —Booklist (starred review) “With lovable characters and a scenic small town, Doan’s pleasant mix of mystery and high school nostalgia will please readers who grew up with the novels of Judy Blume.” —Publishers Weekly “An ideal summer read . . . compelling.” —The Oregonian