What a refreshing summer read
595032
Of all places, I found this book when cleaning out my storage shed ~~ and this book is really a light read and a welcome break from my normal reading.
Sabrina Stone looks like a society wife ~~ all glitter and glam only to show Derek McGill that she is a woman made of substance. And their love story takes you from the top of a Manhattan rooftop to the farmland in Vermont. There are murder, intrigue and steamy sex scenes written in this little book.
If you're looking for something to read while taking a break from house cleaning, painting or any of those tiresome chores, this book is one I would recommend. It's not the deepest read of the year, but it is fun!
3205379
This book was very enjoyable. Honestly I just felt really happy when it was over so  for me it was worth the purchase. If you're looking for a funny, romantic, and slightly suspenseful summer read, this book has you covered.
431129
I have to say how much I enjoyed this book. It is highly readable and the author keeps your attention with pace and humour that is all too unusual in this genre. But more importantly it takes a good honest look at some of the  tough decisions we all get faced with in life and gets under the skin of  that popular myth - the perfect marriage. How refreshing to find a writer  than can deal with these kind of issues face on but keep the reader  entertained throughout. A must for the summer.
2998509
As you compile your summer reading list, be sure this one is included. Don't wait for the beach; grab a glass of iced tea and head to your porch, deck, or backyard hammock to lose yourself for a few hours in a heartwarming story of an empty- nester who encounters some humorous predicaments when she jumps to conclusions!  I chuckled at some of the awkward situations in which Samantha finds herself because they could easily happen to me!  The list of Bible verses that provide focus for each chapter inspired me, and the events of the story reminded me of how God works in our lives. When you reach the last page, you may smile and sigh as I did, having enjoyed a light-hearted escape to Freedom, Indiana.
2343153
One Summer is a perfect summer beach/pool read. The characters are wonderful, especially Sasha and Alice. Sasha was such an amazing friend! I loved her story, and I would 100% love a book just about her. Alice was a great mother, which was so much fun to read about. I adored the beach setting in this story. While this is a love story, it's more about family and friendship. I loved the family dynamic and how their wonderful connection played out
2010982
Such a sweet, romantic summer read with just enough heat to make your heart flutter, but not graphic enough to put anyone off.
I would read this myself, read it to my teenage niece, loan it to a grandma, for ANYONE who likes a love story. Yes, it may be a bit predictable, but the unfolding of the story and the skill of the author make it an enjoyable journey. "sigh"  I would LOVE to have a Honeymoon Prize of my own !
3041917
A great summer read, populated with empathetic, slightly flawed, colorful characters whose antics leave the reader both amused and amazed. The author's ability to sharply draw each scene brings an immediacy to the book that is almost nostalgic.
3069174
Anita Higman in her new book, Summers List published by River North brings us into the life of Summer Snow.

From the back cover:  A dying wish alters the course of a young womans life.

Life hadnt been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmothers bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love didn't turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summers past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

With lovable characters and surprising twists, Summers List is a simple delight.

Dont you just love her name, Summer Snow? There is this activity called a bucket list. It is a list of things that need to get done before you kick the bucket. Summers Grandmother is dying so she makes the bucket list for Summer to fulfill. I do not know how to say it except to say that this is one of the most human books I have read. Any one of us can get into this adventure so it is something we can all relate to. There are the past regrets that are interfering with the present and delaying moving into the future.  It takes God to heal and give everyone a new start. Ms. Higman makes the characters come alive on these pages. And of course there is the romance. Summer and Martin are really great characters that we fall in love with and feel as though they are friends that we do not want to leave when the book is finished. I enjoyed this book a lot.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
2072171
This book delighted me from beginning it end, maybe because I so passionately believe in the magic of a summer cottage.  Vivid setting, well-drawn characters, lovely language, and a story leisurely paced for summer reading.
3219813
The Sting of Summer was refreshing for me in so many ways. I loved all of the different themes and concepts that the author incorporated into the book. There was not only romance, but also the theme of expectations came up a couple of times. It was unexpected for me, but it was also kind of my favorite part of the book. The main character, Becca, dealt with various people not living up to her expectations- her lifelong crush, her sister, her mom. And each of these people had their own subplot that was resolved throughout the story in different ways. If you are looking for a sweet summer romance with a little extra, The Sting of Summer is the book for you!

Becca is seventeen and every summer she helps out with her families wedding and event planning business. It was kind of interesting to get a birds eye view of a small homerun business from the "inside". We saw some of the difficulties and stresses that running a business can put on a family. I loved Becca and her best friend Andie. They had a great dynamic going on. At the start of summer, Becca finally gets noticed by her long time crush, Seth and she starts hanging out with him. I thought I knew where this book was headed from the start, and I was perfectly fine for that. But Katherine Over completely took me by surprise.

It seems like right when Becca finally got what she wanted, she thought she would be done and happy, but it was only the start of her decisions. Becca was a great character. She is sweet and smart, and not overly whiny. Let's give a big woot woot! for that. And this girl had some legitimate things to complain about, but all of her stresses and worries were completely appropriate and never over the top. She held it together remarkably well. As I was reading The Sting of Summer, I found myself not only rooting for Becca and a certain someone to get together, but also for the big notorious Johnson wedding to go smoothly. Plus I wanted to find out what was going on with her sister and I wanted her family problems to get resolved. I love when I go into a book expecting one thing and I get that thing and so much more. That is what I got with The Sting of Summer. So much more.

*Disclaimer- I got a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my thoughts.
4919113
How refreshing to read a book about a wife and mother who is sought after by three men, rather than left for a younger woman or alone in a marriage because the husband has a mistress. Although the writing is rather straightforward (no interesting turns of phrase), the story is great, the structure is focused and helps make it easy to keep all the characters straight. You get the feel of what it's like to be on Nantucket even though there is not a lot description of day to day life there. And the whole "behind the scenes" look at what goes into the "glamour" of galas makes the whole charity world seem less intimidating. The author does a fresh take on the harried working mother thing. The main character, Claire, is not neurotic, just a little confused, a little selfish but basically a good person. A Summer Affair will give you everything but a tan.
1273709
I would heartily recommend this one. It is really is a great summer read. It's light, it's a fast-read (even if you're a slow reader), perfect for those lazy afternoons on the hammock or at the beach. Just make sure you have a glass of iced tea or iced coffee nearby to stay hydrated because you're not going to want to get up for awhile. It is a soothing read, my favorite kind for summer.

I have not read the first book in the series, but this is perfectly ok to read by itself. I was drawn into the story immediately and felt like the characters are old friends who are having a bit of difficulty in the beginning. Daisy (the daughter and one of the main characters in this book) is rushing to meet her dad, whom she had just reconnected with in the past year, only to have car trouble. The mechanic fixing her car happened to be a classmate from her high school. Will is a stereotypical bad boy, didn't do well in high school, works in a garage for low wages and seems to be drifting along life's path with no ambition or goals.

Then there is Daisy's mother, Caroline, who is the owner of Pearl's, a local coffee shop, who is not prepared to meet Jack, Daisy's good-for-nothing father. He comes back to Butternut Lake bringing with him all the bad memories that Caroline thought she had suppressed.

This is their summer and it is a love story, so while predictable, it is still a sweet summer read. If only life could be that simple ...

6/5/14
1183189
If you're looking for a great summer read, I highly recommend this book! Not only does the story completely suck you in, but I found myself thinking about the characters and what happened to them for weeks after I finished it (hint hint to the author - maybe a sequel?). It's beautifully written and  addresses real issues with family, faith and what happens when life takes unexpected turns. I couldn't help putting myself in the characters' shoes and wonder what I would have done if faced with the same circumstances.  I loved this book and look forward to more from this author!!
4433719
You'll feel as though you're living this story, not merely reading it, and the author's love of quirky misfit characters makes this book memorable.  It's a perfect summer read.
890636
I thought this was a totally charming book and a great summer read. -Some wonderful characters (Antonia and Larry Lippert) and some wonderful dialog.  Very funny and well done. I thought Antonia's relationship with food was refreshingly done - complex and totally believable. I would recommend this book to anyone - specially if they have spent any time in the town of East Hampton - or plan to.
4701137
This is a great light fun summer read. The main character is very human and likable and because I love to cook I enjoyed all the breakfasts and treats that she made for her bed and breakfast guests, working the cooking into the action. What a pleasant surprise to find all the recipes at the end of the novel.
4246762
This was a wonderful read for a very warm summer afternoon.  The adage about reading the eyes was intriguing in the beginnning and carried throughout the novel.  The characters were well-drawn, energetic, young, and totally believable.  Our author used humor, description, pathos, and a little bit of sheer imagination to place the reader in the situation.  I loved it!  Having read a very heavy plot in the novel before this one, I was in the frame of mind for something lighter which would leave me smiling.  This one hit the spot.  I shall read more of L. M. Reed's work.