Just For The Summer

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There is something absolutely magical about Abby's writing. I adored this book. So much so that I was annoyed that I had to do things, like eat and sleep. I found myself savoring every line, and may I say that Abby does a magnificent job at juggling incredibly heavy elements with humor and grace.

Kate and Harry were both incredible characters and they were adorable together. Neither was looking for a relationship, but sometimes they just end up in your lap (Kate ended up in Harry's lap quite a few times!). Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka. I know this review sounds mostly vague, but I promise you it’s for a good reason. This book taught me so much. And it’s not so much Trauma Porn as it is a romance book—trust me, you’re not reading a Colleen Hoover book—but Abby will put you through it. There are a little bit of spicy scenes but more like one to two peppers. But both have secrets and responsibilities, and when the trials of family life threaten their burgeoning friendship, can they overcome the experiences of their pasts? Will Somerset’s most magical town cast its spell on them? Or will Kate and Harry have to concede that their friendship really is just for the summer? Maybe Justin was the right guy, at the wrong time. Maybe if I’d met him a few years ago, or six years from now, when his mom was coming home from prison, it would be a different story. But it wasn’t.It takes a strong person to admit you need help and do something about it. I admire that about Emma. She was willing to help everyone around her and when she needed help the most, she sought it. So good for her. This story is about Kate finding her own way and trying to actually put herself first for once. It's also about finding the importance that your grown siblings can have in your life if you just give those relationships a chance. They do seem to become more important as we get older! I turned around to see Maddy in the car, vanish around the front of the building. I rolled my eyes. “I think we’ve been set up,” I said. I love a book set in an idyllic, quaint small town, and Willowbury doesn’t disappoint. Harry Sinclair is a somewhat shy, but handsome man, who needs someone in his life, even if he doesn’t know it. And Kate is just the right person for him. Harry Sinclair owns Vale Volumes, situated on Willowbury's High Street, the shop, along with Harry's life in general could do with a freshen up, so when Kate offers to give the place a spruce up, Harry accepts readily, as a visit from a famous author, due to do a book signing, is looming ever closer.

When Kate Harris accepts the job of redecorating her brother Aidan’s house in the picturesque town of Willowbury, she knows it’s just a stop gap before she has to decide what to do with the rest of her life. While her three sons spend the summer holiday with their father, Kate has an opportunity to prove to herself that there is a new life, after her divorce. I did enjoy this book but sadly, with the volume of reads I consume, I don’t think this one will become very memorable! I do feel that the writer has used a formula that I have come across too frequently. Maybe this is an indication of my recent book choices; I need to immerse myself in a few murderous thrillers to truly appreciate the happiness that is part of reading this book. These characters are fun, and completely charming. Even though Kate’s husband cheated on her and left her, she doesn’t dwell on how horrible her ex is (even though he is) instead she takes responsibility for her part in the dissolution of the marriage and just wants to move on. This book was a fast read, and the action grabbed me at the very beginning and never let up. I highly recommend this book to all who love a small town romance.Today I am delighted to be joining the blog tour for this wonderful summer read, in this story we meet Kate and her 3 teenage sons as they embark on a summer away whilst she considers her options following her recent divorce. After I had already started reading this book I discovered it was the third in the Willowbury series, but I think each book focuses on different characters so they can be read as standalone books too. I have not read the other books in this series yet, but now I definitely want to.

I liked this run-of-the-mill narrative and think its best qualities were the setting and the feature of a book shop! The story itself is a gentle meander and I could imagine accompanying Kate through the Somerset streets of Willowbury. However, I don’t think the book blew me away with a ‘wow’ factor because I think it followed a formula I have seen too many times this year. This is a story about two people falling in love who are perfect for one another but the timing just isn’t right (don’t worry, there is a very sweet HEA). This is a story about falling in love deeply and fiercely and being overcome by that emotion. It’s a story about overcoming trauma and neglect. It’s about fighting through the wounds of abandonment and dealing with grief. It’s about self discovery and healing. And it’s about the power of romantic and platonic soulmates. The film's setting is also a highlight, as it beautifully showcases the beauty and serenity of small coastal towns. The sunny beach scenes, surfboards, and lively music are sure to put a smile on any viewer's face.

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As they get to know one another better, Kate and Gerry find they have a lot in common, but secrets and responsibilities threaten their fledgling friendship, will they concede, and accept that it was only ever meant just for the summer ? Kate was a lovely level headed main character that I could really relate to. We are the same age and I also have boys and have been through a divorce and move and trying to figure out what is best for my son and myself. Kate has a really good relationship with her brothers and their spouses and that just adds to the warm feelings you get when reading this book. As they spend more time together, Jake and Sam start to develop feelings for each other. However, Jake's failed marriage and fear of commitment make him hesitant to pursue a relationship with Sam. Meanwhile, Sam is hesitant to get involved with someone who may only be staying for the summer. Thank you NetGalley, author Fay Keenan, and Boldwood Books publishing for giving me a free arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This was my first book by Fay Keenan and I found it to be very delightful! This story of a recently divorced woman who is staying at her brother's home for the summer to paint it for him leads to a family oriented plot. Kate has three sons, but they are supposed to be staying with their father. Just as Kate gets interested in the man who runs the local bookstore, her oldest son shows up on her doorstep. There are several intimate close calls between Kate and Harry, but the son and circumstances keep getting in the way. She's leaving after the summer anyway...isn't she?

This, like all of Abby’s books, is hilarious and filled with comedic relief, but it’s also evocative and wrought with emotions and, in some ways, heavier than some of her previous stories. This book hooks you in from the beginning. It wastes no time in setting the scene or the pace for the story. Loved Justin as a character. You think you swooned with Jacob? Justin made us all hold his proverbial beer when he stepped up as the newest book boyfriend in town. He was exceptional. But Emma, she was outstanding. She had experienced so much in her life and couldn’t even realize that she was barely surviving. Seeing her have something good in her life was such a treat, but also getting to watch her make a choice to take care of herself first was so brave and moving. It is like a family reunion when Kate relocates her three boys to Willowbury, living with her two brothers and their partners. Kate has sold her home in Cambridge and, as her husband has moved on with another woman, Kate is looking for a fresh start. Throughout the narrative, Kate cannot deny her attractions to living in Willowbury, recognising the strong relationships her sons have with their aunts and uncles. Yet, can she permanently leave her Cambridge roots behind her, or is this just a summer move?

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Kate is a newly divorced mother of three; trying to navigate the changes in her life. I found Kate a hugely relatable and realistic character; one you can imagine being or being friends with. A woman in her late thirties trying to find a new purpose in life; while putting the needs of others first. The author did a great job with the characters; I felt like I could go out for a drink with Kate and her family.