I’m enjoying all the summer stories that I have been reading. Many of them are women’s fiction or romance, but they are all different. I have now read and reviewed #5 & #6, as well as 4 books on my maybe/extra list.

15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne

Published June 18th 2024 by Canary Street Press

5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fifteen summers ago, a tragedy almost destroyed Ava and Madison Howell’s lives. They have moved on, but Ava writes a best selling memoir about the events and the secrets revealed might just destroy her marriage. Madison (Madi) has started a no-kill shelter in their hometown of Emerald Creek Idaho. She is in love with the town veterinarian, and is not happy that her secrets have been put out there for all to read about. Her struggling shelter is given a large anonymous donation which finally allows her to quit her part-time job with Dr. Luke Gentry and work fulltime at the shelter. Luke donates a lot of time to the shelter and the more they are together, the more they both develop feelings for the other, but neither wants to tell the other. Ava is struggling, trying not to tell anyone about the troubles in her marriage, but can she keep it a secret as it looks like they might be headed down the road to divorce.

This is not the usual beach read that I expected from RaeAnne Thayne, but it is still a well-written and plotted book that I have come to expect from this author. The tragedy in their past is dark and brutal, although not graphically described, it is included in the flashbacks and quotes from the book that begin each chapter. I really liked the characters of Ava, Madi, Luke and the girls grandma. They all support one another, but it is not until the end when we find out why Ava felt she had to write the book. Writing the book caused a lot of friction between the sisters, but many people felt the book was important and showed how brave people can be. This is a book of overcoming your past, family, friends, new beginnings, reconciliation and romance. I enjoyed this book, even though some of the content was surprising and may trigger some people.

For the Love of Summer by Susan Mallery

Published June 4th 2024 by MIRA

5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For the Love of Summer is a women’s fiction story with strong female characters that support one another. Erica Sawyer is the owner of several salons called Twisted. She is doing well supporting herself and her teenage daughter, Summer after her divorce. Her ex, Peter, has remarried a younger woman, Allison, who now has a toddler and is expecting another child shortly. Allison’s life blows up when Peter is arrested and imprisoned. Their bank accounts are frozen and she will run out of money within a couple of months and be homeless at the same time. Summer cares about her step-mother and half brother and wants to help them. Erica is finally convinced to help them out and what happens next is surprising.

I have read similar stories before where the husband is involved in illegal activities and the women are left to fend for themselves, but this one had quite a twist to it. I loved Summer. So often teenagers are sullen, self-centered and often rebel against the new parent, so it was delightful to see this caring young lady. Erica was also not angry with Allison. She wasn’t friendly with her, but didn’t blame her for the breakup of her marriage. Allison was a bit naive. She had a tragedy in her past and was vulnerable when she met Peter. Peter was a jerk. He constantly tried to make it seem like his actions were the fault of Allison, he was just trying to make a good life for her. This is a story of a unique relationship/family. We see Allison grow in self-confidence and Erica grow in her relationship building, as these two women, who married the same man become almost like sisters. Themes of found family, women helping women, the importance of being able to support yourself, love, and more made this a wonderful and uplifting story.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune, A.J. Bridel (Narrator)

Published May 7th 2024 by Berkley, Penguin Audio

4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bridget grew up on Prince Edward Island but is now living and working in Toronto. She is best friends with Lucy. Lucy heads off the PEI for a vacation after hearing Bridget talk about how beautiful it is. She meets a man who turns her head and she does something she normally doesn’t so, she has a one night stand, although it becomes more than that. When she finds out that the man she is falling for is Felix, Bridget’s younger brother, they decide to keep it secret. Each year, she heads to PEI and they continue their fling, but Lucy is beginning to fall in love. Can she and Felix finally tell the truth without it costing her a friendship? When Bridget suddenly flees Toronto a week before her wedding, Lucy drops everything to follow her to the island. She wants to be there for her BFF, but Felix is also there, and his flirting and banter have gotten a bit more serious.

This was an easy to read/listen to story, with fun banter, best friends, romance, family and secrets. Being Canadian, I love books set here, and PEI is such a great setting. I have visited there a few times and love the scenery, the quiet, the food and the people. That is all evident in this story. I enjoy stories with wonderful friendships and this was another one. Lucy and Bridget were almost like sisters, they were so close. I loved that Bridget knew that Lucy and Felix had feelings, but she never told them she had figured it out. I also enjoy stories where the couples see one another each year at a certain time and place, this one was over five years. They finally take the step to act on their feelings. Although they do have a physical relationship, it is closed door. The secret that Bridget has regarding why she ran off and returned home to PEI is revealed at the end and it is an emotional part of the book. The story is light hearted, but does have a few issues such as grief, family pressure, dealing with burnout, honesty, and standing up for yourself and your dreams. I enjoyed listening to This Summer Will Be Different narrated by A.J. Bridel. She does a lovely job with the voices and tone of this story. Her performance, added to my enjoyment of this story.