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Just for the Summer
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.
Harry Sinclair is the owner of Vale Volumes book shop on Willowbury High Street. Content, if a little bored with his lot, his shop, as well as his life, could do with freshening up. When Kate offers to spruce up Vale Volumes ready for the visit of a famous author, they find they have a lot more in common than colour schemes.
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?
Harry Sinclair is the owner of Vale Volumes book shop on Willowbury High Street. Content, if a little bored with his lot, his shop, as well as his life, could do with freshening up. When Kate offers to spruce up Vale Volumes ready for the visit of a famous author, they find they have a lot more in common than colour schemes.
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?
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
209 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Fay Keenan
24 books121 followersFay Keenan lives and works in Somerset. When Fay is not chasing her children around or writing, she teaches English at a local secondary school. Fay writes ‘heart thumping romantic fiction’ and likes to cover subjects of interest in her novels, including UK Parliament, the Air Ambulance and the international cider making industry. Her novels explore relationships, country living and hopefully have a good sprinkling of escapism, too!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 14, 2021
Four and 1/2 Stars!
Just for the Summer by Fay Keenan is the third book in her Willowbury Book series. Such a fun book, with great characters in a quaint British rural village.
Kate Harris is newly divorced with three young boys to raise. When they sell the family home in Cambridge, she decides to move to her brother, Aiden’s home in the countryside to redecorate his house, while he goes on holiday with his partner Tom.
In the village of Willowbury, Kate meets the local bookseller, Harry Sinclair, and when he offers her a job to re decorate his bookstore, they become closer, and sparks fly.
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.
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.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Just for the Summer by Fay Keenan is the third book in her Willowbury Book series. Such a fun book, with great characters in a quaint British rural village.
Kate Harris is newly divorced with three young boys to raise. When they sell the family home in Cambridge, she decides to move to her brother, Aiden’s home in the countryside to redecorate his house, while he goes on holiday with his partner Tom.
In the village of Willowbury, Kate meets the local bookseller, Harry Sinclair, and when he offers her a job to re decorate his bookstore, they become closer, and sparks fly.
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.
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.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 18, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
Just For The Summer was such a delight read.. Kate and Harry were such fun reading about there story. 4 star read for me
Happy Reading 📚
Lisa
Just For The Summer was such a delight read.. Kate and Harry were such fun reading about there story. 4 star read for me
Happy Reading 📚
Lisa
June 6, 2021
I don't give away 5 stars very often. To earn it the book has to take me through a selection of feelings and REALLY make me feel them, it has to grab my attention quickly and keep it throughout, and has to force me to stay up late because I cant put it down.
Just for the Summer by Fay Keegan did all that and much more. I was invested in Kate from the very beginning and was taken on a roller-coaster of just about every emotion possible.
Kate is recently divorced, with no attention of getting into another relationship, when she leaves Cambridge to redecorate her brothers house in the West Country. There she spills coffee on the local bookshop owner, Heath, and maybe things might be about to change?
Definitely I highly recommended romance.
Just for the Summer by Fay Keegan did all that and much more. I was invested in Kate from the very beginning and was taken on a roller-coaster of just about every emotion possible.
Kate is recently divorced, with no attention of getting into another relationship, when she leaves Cambridge to redecorate her brothers house in the West Country. There she spills coffee on the local bookshop owner, Heath, and maybe things might be about to change?
Definitely I highly recommended romance.
July 22, 2021
I loved this book even though it was the third in the series, it read as a stand alone book. I was immediately drawn to the characters and the descriptions of the village in Somerset, what I would give to live in a place like that where people help each other out in a crisis!!! I would love to read more of these books especially this series. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
July 21, 2021
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.
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?
Whilst in Willowbury, Kate turns her hand to decorating. With her brother away on holiday, she offers to paint his house in return for some rent-free living. This evolves to painting the local bookshop, Vale Volumes, and introduces her to the owner, Harry. As the story progresses, Kate finds her attraction growing for this Somerset village, not to mention the closeness she finds with Harry. Her dilemma about where to live troubles her, especially when it becomes clear that her eldest son is not exactly settled with her ex-husband’s living circumstances.
Willowbury sounds like a lovely village! I say this about a lot of books but I do think the location is such an important element to a good read. Keenan is no different here and I could really picture the quirky visitors strolling around Willowbury, against the backdrop of the Somerset countryside. Sure, set in the summer always helps because the weather is rather glorious, but I think this simply adds to the positive vibes that radiate from the pages.
I grew to love reading about the bookshop. I was really intrigued about the author visit and this was my favourite section. I wished the bookshop had featured more in the narrative, although I’m not sure how Keenan could have done this to ensure the narrative remained lively and varied. At the same time, I wonder if having more chapters from Harry’s perspective would have helped, especially when it comes to understanding his character and his secret emotional baggage. Furthermore, when things get a bit rocky for Harry towards the end, I thought this was rather sudden and unexpected; I think knowing more about Harry from his viewpoint would have made this final development less unpredictable and not just a way of moving the plot forwards.
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.
Although this is part of a series, I certainly did not notice. True, I could recognise where the other stories would feature and which characters would be the focus, but I don’t think it stopped me from enjoying the narrative. The book is so focussed on Kate that the other characters are more of a satellite to her journey.
This was a pleasant read with a happy-ever-after ending. I liked the setting the most and the slow pace that comes from living in Willowbury.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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?
Whilst in Willowbury, Kate turns her hand to decorating. With her brother away on holiday, she offers to paint his house in return for some rent-free living. This evolves to painting the local bookshop, Vale Volumes, and introduces her to the owner, Harry. As the story progresses, Kate finds her attraction growing for this Somerset village, not to mention the closeness she finds with Harry. Her dilemma about where to live troubles her, especially when it becomes clear that her eldest son is not exactly settled with her ex-husband’s living circumstances.
Willowbury sounds like a lovely village! I say this about a lot of books but I do think the location is such an important element to a good read. Keenan is no different here and I could really picture the quirky visitors strolling around Willowbury, against the backdrop of the Somerset countryside. Sure, set in the summer always helps because the weather is rather glorious, but I think this simply adds to the positive vibes that radiate from the pages.
I grew to love reading about the bookshop. I was really intrigued about the author visit and this was my favourite section. I wished the bookshop had featured more in the narrative, although I’m not sure how Keenan could have done this to ensure the narrative remained lively and varied. At the same time, I wonder if having more chapters from Harry’s perspective would have helped, especially when it comes to understanding his character and his secret emotional baggage. Furthermore, when things get a bit rocky for Harry towards the end, I thought this was rather sudden and unexpected; I think knowing more about Harry from his viewpoint would have made this final development less unpredictable and not just a way of moving the plot forwards.
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.
Although this is part of a series, I certainly did not notice. True, I could recognise where the other stories would feature and which characters would be the focus, but I don’t think it stopped me from enjoying the narrative. The book is so focussed on Kate that the other characters are more of a satellite to her journey.
This was a pleasant read with a happy-ever-after ending. I liked the setting the most and the slow pace that comes from living in Willowbury.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2021
I really recommend you give this contemporary romance
Much more than just a passing glance,
It tells what happens to Kate Harris with her life changing
Her husband leaves her and all needs rearranging
The house is sold but where should she move and what should she do?
Should she stay where they live or move and start anew?
Her brothers live in Willowbury and welcome her there
With her sons, planning the summer to share.
She starts redecorating her brother’s house and soon discovers that
She’s made an enemy of his irksome cat
In the coffee shop she dramatically meets bookshop owner Harry
Their attraction is there but will they tarry?
This small community is great, the diverse characters, too
Including her three sons who have different ideas, its true.
The chance for romance is a possibility but just for the summer?
No, surely not, there’s nothing dumber!
This is an engaging story with character who’re fun
With secrets to reveal as the work gets done
It is a story of fresh starts, new schemes,
And taking the chance to follow your dreams.
My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who
Gave me a copy of this book with no obligation to review.
Much more than just a passing glance,
It tells what happens to Kate Harris with her life changing
Her husband leaves her and all needs rearranging
The house is sold but where should she move and what should she do?
Should she stay where they live or move and start anew?
Her brothers live in Willowbury and welcome her there
With her sons, planning the summer to share.
She starts redecorating her brother’s house and soon discovers that
She’s made an enemy of his irksome cat
In the coffee shop she dramatically meets bookshop owner Harry
Their attraction is there but will they tarry?
This small community is great, the diverse characters, too
Including her three sons who have different ideas, its true.
The chance for romance is a possibility but just for the summer?
No, surely not, there’s nothing dumber!
This is an engaging story with character who’re fun
With secrets to reveal as the work gets done
It is a story of fresh starts, new schemes,
And taking the chance to follow your dreams.
My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who
Gave me a copy of this book with no obligation to review.
Read
September 19, 2021A couple of things jarred with me:
1. 'f-bomb' is an American term and I have never heard anyone here use it. For a moment I thought this was set in the US, but it isn't. If anyone wanted to refer to the word 'fuck' without saying it, I think they'd say 'the 'f' word' .
2. She is supposed to be painting the Airbnb in sensible paint, not the most expensive stuff! Anyone owning a rental such as Airbnb goes for basic, easily acquired paint, unless they are rolling in money. And the guy wanted it doing on the cheap! She should have gone for magnolia - bought by the 5 gallon bucket (matt) so you can repaint over the marks etc every year. Farrow and Ball?? Not likely!
3. A two-hour commute to London? Really? That's the same as living in Manchester, or Leeds, or Preston.
I stopped reading when I realised I didn't care about any characters.
Not rating.
1. 'f-bomb' is an American term and I have never heard anyone here use it. For a moment I thought this was set in the US, but it isn't. If anyone wanted to refer to the word 'fuck' without saying it, I think they'd say 'the 'f' word' .
2. She is supposed to be painting the Airbnb in sensible paint, not the most expensive stuff! Anyone owning a rental such as Airbnb goes for basic, easily acquired paint, unless they are rolling in money. And the guy wanted it doing on the cheap! She should have gone for magnolia - bought by the 5 gallon bucket (matt) so you can repaint over the marks etc every year. Farrow and Ball?? Not likely!
3. A two-hour commute to London? Really? That's the same as living in Manchester, or Leeds, or Preston.
I stopped reading when I realised I didn't care about any characters.
Not rating.
May 28, 2025
Picked this book up at a second hand book fair and I read it as a standalone. A nice easy read with short chapters before I get into a new series.
August 10, 2021
I would just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for very kindly forwarding me a copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for an honest review.
This book is book 3 in the Willowbury series, but can easily be read as a stand alone with no problems.
Just For The Summer takes place in the lovely small village of Willowbury and is a lovely small town romance, which i loved.
After her marriage breaks up, Kate comes across Harry, the local bookseller, who as of yet doesn’t know that he needs someone in his life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be back for more!!
This book is book 3 in the Willowbury series, but can easily be read as a stand alone with no problems.
Just For The Summer takes place in the lovely small village of Willowbury and is a lovely small town romance, which i loved.
After her marriage breaks up, Kate comes across Harry, the local bookseller, who as of yet doesn’t know that he needs someone in his life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be back for more!!
January 17, 2025
4.25 stars
kate has been given the job of decorating her brother's house for the summer so moves to willowbury for a few weeks whilst she completes it. whilst she is there, she meets harry who is the owner of the local book shop. the book follows kate through her summer as she struggles with starting a new relationship after her divorce and dealing with with her changing relationship with her 4 boys.
i really liked this book! it gave such cozy, small town, summer vibes. it was nice having main characters who were more mature than i usually read about and i loved every character (apart from phil)
kate has been given the job of decorating her brother's house for the summer so moves to willowbury for a few weeks whilst she completes it. whilst she is there, she meets harry who is the owner of the local book shop. the book follows kate through her summer as she struggles with starting a new relationship after her divorce and dealing with with her changing relationship with her 4 boys.
i really liked this book! it gave such cozy, small town, summer vibes. it was nice having main characters who were more mature than i usually read about and i loved every character (apart from phil)
July 14, 2021
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?
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!).
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 think this was the third in the series and I am definitely considering going back to pick up the first two! It was a great summer read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
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!).
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 think this was the third in the series and I am definitely considering going back to pick up the first two! It was a great summer read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
August 30, 2021
I really felt for both Kate and Harry. She was disappointed by her suppose to be forever partner, and yet she didn't wallow like many might; she took an introspective look and discovered that while still a shite situation, it was ending whether the transgressions occurred or not. She held her head high, took what life gave her one at a time, and never backed down from trying to discover what life AND love still had in store for her. Harry was carrying pain from his past that just wouldn't let go. His unexpected connection with Kate was an unplanned but welcome salve to his heart, awakening feelings long thought lost. He was just bookish enough to be endearing, and lead with kindness in his heart; how could you not fall just a little bit for him! Watching them dance around each other as days go by definitely set my heart aflutter, and when a "knight in shining armor" is needed, the adorable table turn was just that much more of a jolt to the heart.
Women's Fiction and Contemporary Romance fans alike will delight as they make their way through the pages of this not to be missed summer reading escape. It reminds us that just because a door closes, it doesn't mean that's the end of our story...but rather it COULD be the beginning of our true happy ever after.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
Women's Fiction and Contemporary Romance fans alike will delight as they make their way through the pages of this not to be missed summer reading escape. It reminds us that just because a door closes, it doesn't mean that's the end of our story...but rather it COULD be the beginning of our true happy ever after.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
July 21, 2021
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.
I loved getting to know Kate and spend time with her whilst she decorates her brothers home whilst he is on holiday. Somerset is a lovely part of the country and I loved the idyllic setting of the town and the gorgeous bookshop and coffee shop that played such a huge part of the story.
A story about family and finding the balance between being the best parent you can be and also doing what is right for yourself to allow you to move on. Kate quickly made friends through the most unlikely circumstances and started to feel the magic that her brothers had always spoken about over her summer break.
This was my first story by this author and I really enjoyed it, this is Book 3 in the Willowbury series but I read as a standalone and loved it. I loved the descriptions which were dispersed in key places to help with visualisation and the story is one that will make you smile and forget everything else that is going on around you whilst you are absorbed in Kate’s story.
I loved getting to know Kate and spend time with her whilst she decorates her brothers home whilst he is on holiday. Somerset is a lovely part of the country and I loved the idyllic setting of the town and the gorgeous bookshop and coffee shop that played such a huge part of the story.
A story about family and finding the balance between being the best parent you can be and also doing what is right for yourself to allow you to move on. Kate quickly made friends through the most unlikely circumstances and started to feel the magic that her brothers had always spoken about over her summer break.
This was my first story by this author and I really enjoyed it, this is Book 3 in the Willowbury series but I read as a standalone and loved it. I loved the descriptions which were dispersed in key places to help with visualisation and the story is one that will make you smile and forget everything else that is going on around you whilst you are absorbed in Kate’s story.
August 1, 2021
Just For The Summer
Fay Keenan
How lovely and satisfying to be back in the village of Willowbury and meeting up with characters we’ve met before. Always good to know what happens after a big romance and Florence and Sam, from Snowflakes over Bay Tree Terrace, are together with a baby on the way. Lovely!
So, we meet Kate, the above Sam’s sister who is making a new life for herself after divorce. She’s a great protagonist, strong and determined and when the local bookshop – and its owner Harry – are both in need of a bit of a makeover, Kate steps right in there.
Faye writes with sensitivity and yet without a huge dose of sentimentality and has the ability, as a writer, to set the tone just right. The cleverness and beauty of Fay’s writing is in her ability to paint a picture with words. One can visualise the town as the words come off the page and it’s not every author that has the ability to do just that. There is a gentleness to the book which in no way takes away the promise of an entertaining story.
I really enjoyed this one and read most of it outside in the garden in the sunshine. It seemed very appropriate somehow. It’s definitely a summery read, competently created and beautifully written and I found it a great escape from, and antidote to, the turbulence of the strange times we’re going through at the moment!!
Fay Keenan
How lovely and satisfying to be back in the village of Willowbury and meeting up with characters we’ve met before. Always good to know what happens after a big romance and Florence and Sam, from Snowflakes over Bay Tree Terrace, are together with a baby on the way. Lovely!
So, we meet Kate, the above Sam’s sister who is making a new life for herself after divorce. She’s a great protagonist, strong and determined and when the local bookshop – and its owner Harry – are both in need of a bit of a makeover, Kate steps right in there.
Faye writes with sensitivity and yet without a huge dose of sentimentality and has the ability, as a writer, to set the tone just right. The cleverness and beauty of Fay’s writing is in her ability to paint a picture with words. One can visualise the town as the words come off the page and it’s not every author that has the ability to do just that. There is a gentleness to the book which in no way takes away the promise of an entertaining story.
I really enjoyed this one and read most of it outside in the garden in the sunshine. It seemed very appropriate somehow. It’s definitely a summery read, competently created and beautifully written and I found it a great escape from, and antidote to, the turbulence of the strange times we’re going through at the moment!!
September 4, 2021
This is such a fun book for book lover! If you’re on bookstagram, this book is for you. After an adorable meet cute with the shop owner, Kate is offered a job and given the opportunity to brighten up a small local bookstore. She ends up developing a connection with the bookstore owner and falls in love with the small town.
⠀
I loved the descriptions of the British rural town and the small town vibe! The writing was fast paced and kept me interested through the whole book. It was very easy to become invested in the MC Kate, as she was personable, relatable, and just overall a charming protagonist. She’s not perfect but when her husband cheats on her, she doesn’t just mope around, she picks her self up and does something with her life. Overall this was a lovely summer read!
⠀
I loved the descriptions of the British rural town and the small town vibe! The writing was fast paced and kept me interested through the whole book. It was very easy to become invested in the MC Kate, as she was personable, relatable, and just overall a charming protagonist. She’s not perfect but when her husband cheats on her, she doesn’t just mope around, she picks her self up and does something with her life. Overall this was a lovely summer read!
November 9, 2021
The third book of the Willowbury series. This time it's about Kate, the sister of Sam and Aidan.
After her divorce, she visits her brothers.
There is also many "stuff" about Sam and Florence and Aidan and Tom too 😍 That's now my 5th book by Fay Keenan. The 3rd of the Summerset series has my library, so I will borrow it in February 😊
I can say, all books are worth reading.
And I'm looking forward to the next series 😍
After her divorce, she visits her brothers.
There is also many "stuff" about Sam and Florence and Aidan and Tom too 😍 That's now my 5th book by Fay Keenan. The 3rd of the Summerset series has my library, so I will borrow it in February 😊
I can say, all books are worth reading.
And I'm looking forward to the next series 😍
December 26, 2021
A sweet romantic read, this kept me captivated in between my thrillers to give me a few moments of fun and laughter. Formulaic in its build up, it was a fun read.
May 7, 2024
A good story which kept up the pace throughout the whole story
July 18, 2021
'Just for the Summer' made me discover the concept of rural romance, and I’ve got to say it won me over right from the start. Call me a new subscriber of the genre. An aficionado. A convert. There’s just something about the countryside that speaks to me, you know?
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
July 17, 2021
I have been a fan of Fay’s work for a while now. I just love her stories. ‘Just For The Summer’ is the third book in the bestselling ‘Willowbury’ series. It is another corker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the main characters called Kate Harris and Harry Sinclair. In their own way both have been through the emotional mill. Kate was married but the marriage broke up and her ex—husband has now moved on with somebody else. They share custody of their three boys and they remain on reasonably friendly terms for the sake of their children. Harry Sinclair is the owner of a bookshop of Willowbury. He used to work in London, but decided to get out of the rat race. He had been in a relationship, which sadly broke down. Kate and Harry literally run into each other in the local coffee shop and there’s definitely a spark there. Will Kate and Harry find happiness together? Well for the answer to that question and much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
When you pick up one of Fay’s books, you know that you are in for a treat and then some. As soon as I started to read, I just knew that I wasn’t going to be able to put the book to one side for any length of time. That is exactly what happened too. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had warmed so much to Harry and Kate that I just had to find out if they both found the happy ever after ending that they so deserved. The pages of the book were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. I soon got to the end of ‘Just For The Summer’ and I had to bid farewell to Willowbury and to the characters that live there. I found ‘Just For The Summer’ to be an enchanting read, which held my attention throughout and made me smile.
‘Just For The Summer’ is superbly written but then I thin that to be true of all of Fay’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. Fay has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Fay’s books feels more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout. This was one of those books that made me laugh one minute, made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and made me develop a slight lump in my throat another minute. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Fay’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Just For The Summer’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Fay’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I absolutely loved the main characters called Kate Harris and Harry Sinclair. In their own way both have been through the emotional mill. Kate was married but the marriage broke up and her ex—husband has now moved on with somebody else. They share custody of their three boys and they remain on reasonably friendly terms for the sake of their children. Harry Sinclair is the owner of a bookshop of Willowbury. He used to work in London, but decided to get out of the rat race. He had been in a relationship, which sadly broke down. Kate and Harry literally run into each other in the local coffee shop and there’s definitely a spark there. Will Kate and Harry find happiness together? Well for the answer to that question and much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
When you pick up one of Fay’s books, you know that you are in for a treat and then some. As soon as I started to read, I just knew that I wasn’t going to be able to put the book to one side for any length of time. That is exactly what happened too. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had warmed so much to Harry and Kate that I just had to find out if they both found the happy ever after ending that they so deserved. The pages of the book were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. I soon got to the end of ‘Just For The Summer’ and I had to bid farewell to Willowbury and to the characters that live there. I found ‘Just For The Summer’ to be an enchanting read, which held my attention throughout and made me smile.
‘Just For The Summer’ is superbly written but then I thin that to be true of all of Fay’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. Fay has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Fay’s books feels more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout. This was one of those books that made me laugh one minute, made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and made me develop a slight lump in my throat another minute. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Fay’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Just For The Summer’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Fay’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 23, 2021
I am excited to share this little romantic gem with you.
Just of the Summer is a super sweet romance set in present day Willowbury, a small quirky village in England. Imagine the type of people you’d meet at a comic convention, and that is the population of this town. These are my people. Fay Keenan is English as well which plays a lot into the mechanics of the writing in this book. I often found myself reading with an English accent in order to makes sense of some of the uncommon figures of speech. This technique delightfully worked so well. Being so emersed in the culture of this town made me feel more like the main character’s best friend than a third party reader of her story.
Kate is a divorced mother of three teenaged boys trying to find her footing in a new identity. She has a knack for interior decorating and lends her services to one of her younger brothers for the summer while he is away on holiday. This is to be a transition period for her to build a business portfolio before settling down on her own for the first time since marrying, a story many single moms know all too well. The only place I will interject my disagreement with the storyline is that Kate’s financial circumstances are far easier and less dire than most people experience in a divorce. She was allotted far more freedom with minimal obligation in the face of such a transition. But this dynamic plays well into the love story.
Harry is a handsomely single sole proprietor of Willowbury’s eccentric bookstore, Vales Volumes. On the surface, he appears to be the most eligible bachelor in town, but he comes with his own deep-rooted baggage. In a chance meeting in the High Street coffee shop, Harry and Kate don’t exactly hit it off on a positive note. Being such a small town, they definitely made up for it in subsequent meetings.
As the relationship builds between Kate and Harry, I was super tickled by the back-and-forth relationship that the author crafted. I enjoyed the real-life happenings on both sides that sometimes muddied their friendship before inching them closer together.
This is, indeed, a slow burning romance between two fairly prudent adults who are reluctant to throw caution to the wind. In between those life happenings, Keenan gives you a front row seat into why they are who they are and builds the barriers right before your eyes that you hope are torn down by the end of the book. Don’t worry. I won’t spoil it for you.
You can find Just for the Summer by Fay Keenan on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, Kindle and Audiobook. Perfect for when you need the warmth of summer to stick around just a little bit longer this year.
My copy of Just for the Summer was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved it.
Just of the Summer is a super sweet romance set in present day Willowbury, a small quirky village in England. Imagine the type of people you’d meet at a comic convention, and that is the population of this town. These are my people. Fay Keenan is English as well which plays a lot into the mechanics of the writing in this book. I often found myself reading with an English accent in order to makes sense of some of the uncommon figures of speech. This technique delightfully worked so well. Being so emersed in the culture of this town made me feel more like the main character’s best friend than a third party reader of her story.
Kate is a divorced mother of three teenaged boys trying to find her footing in a new identity. She has a knack for interior decorating and lends her services to one of her younger brothers for the summer while he is away on holiday. This is to be a transition period for her to build a business portfolio before settling down on her own for the first time since marrying, a story many single moms know all too well. The only place I will interject my disagreement with the storyline is that Kate’s financial circumstances are far easier and less dire than most people experience in a divorce. She was allotted far more freedom with minimal obligation in the face of such a transition. But this dynamic plays well into the love story.
Harry is a handsomely single sole proprietor of Willowbury’s eccentric bookstore, Vales Volumes. On the surface, he appears to be the most eligible bachelor in town, but he comes with his own deep-rooted baggage. In a chance meeting in the High Street coffee shop, Harry and Kate don’t exactly hit it off on a positive note. Being such a small town, they definitely made up for it in subsequent meetings.
As the relationship builds between Kate and Harry, I was super tickled by the back-and-forth relationship that the author crafted. I enjoyed the real-life happenings on both sides that sometimes muddied their friendship before inching them closer together.
This is, indeed, a slow burning romance between two fairly prudent adults who are reluctant to throw caution to the wind. In between those life happenings, Keenan gives you a front row seat into why they are who they are and builds the barriers right before your eyes that you hope are torn down by the end of the book. Don’t worry. I won’t spoil it for you.
You can find Just for the Summer by Fay Keenan on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, Kindle and Audiobook. Perfect for when you need the warmth of summer to stick around just a little bit longer this year.
My copy of Just for the Summer was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved it.
July 15, 2021
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.
5 stars
TW: Male infertility
While this is the third book in the Willowbury series, it can be read as a stand alone.
This story takes place in the lovely small village of Willowbury, where a small town romance will bloom.
Kate is a divorced 39 year old with 3 sons. Before she has found a new home, her family home is sold. So her brother Aiden asks her to spend the summer redecorating/painting his house across the country in Willowbury.
It is in the small village of Willowbury, Kate will be drawn to the people with a lovely cafe and a handsome bookshop owner, Harry. As she offers to repaint his shop in preparation for a famous local author to hold a book signing event, Harry and Kate begin a romantic relationship. Will they just have the summer or will it turn into something longer lasting?
I loved the characters especially Kate! She was so down-to-earth and likable. She is defiantly someone I could imagine getting coffee with or going on a weekend girls trip. I loved how much she wanted the best for her boys despite the breakup of her marriage. She was so considerate of the people around her, but more specifically to her sons when it came to starting a relationship with Harry. Harry was such a cinnamon roll hero! He was so open and understanding of Kate and her responsibilities to her boys. While this was a romance, the story had some very sensitive topics that were addressed and handle with care. I appreciated how the author was able to bring to light some topics that many people are not always aware of or are uncomfortable with in such a way that did not take the reader out of the story, but added heart to the story. I loved the openness and communication between Kate and Harry, which took their relationship beyond the physical and into some long lasting. The ending had me smiling and well satisfied. Overall, this was a great book and I can't wait to go back and read the previous books in this series. I would recommend this book to those who are fans of small town romances with cinnamon roll heroes!
5 stars
TW: Male infertility
While this is the third book in the Willowbury series, it can be read as a stand alone.
This story takes place in the lovely small village of Willowbury, where a small town romance will bloom.
Kate is a divorced 39 year old with 3 sons. Before she has found a new home, her family home is sold. So her brother Aiden asks her to spend the summer redecorating/painting his house across the country in Willowbury.
It is in the small village of Willowbury, Kate will be drawn to the people with a lovely cafe and a handsome bookshop owner, Harry. As she offers to repaint his shop in preparation for a famous local author to hold a book signing event, Harry and Kate begin a romantic relationship. Will they just have the summer or will it turn into something longer lasting?
I loved the characters especially Kate! She was so down-to-earth and likable. She is defiantly someone I could imagine getting coffee with or going on a weekend girls trip. I loved how much she wanted the best for her boys despite the breakup of her marriage. She was so considerate of the people around her, but more specifically to her sons when it came to starting a relationship with Harry. Harry was such a cinnamon roll hero! He was so open and understanding of Kate and her responsibilities to her boys. While this was a romance, the story had some very sensitive topics that were addressed and handle with care. I appreciated how the author was able to bring to light some topics that many people are not always aware of or are uncomfortable with in such a way that did not take the reader out of the story, but added heart to the story. I loved the openness and communication between Kate and Harry, which took their relationship beyond the physical and into some long lasting. The ending had me smiling and well satisfied. Overall, this was a great book and I can't wait to go back and read the previous books in this series. I would recommend this book to those who are fans of small town romances with cinnamon roll heroes!
July 12, 2021
What a lovely story! Definitely a 5 star read from me! It was just the perfect summer read.
Kate is a divorced 39 year old with 3 sons. Just after her marital home is sold, before she has found a new home her brother Aiden asks her to spend the summer redecorating/painting his house across the country in Willowbury. Both of Kate’s brothers live in Willowbury which is just a really quaint little town full of funny people with a lovely cafe and bookshop that both feature in this story. While spending the summer in Willowbury Kate meets the local bookshop owner Harry and a romance starts to develop between them. Is this just a summer fling or is it something more?
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.
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.
Certain events in this book really touched me and had me reading with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Then during other parts I just sat there smiling. Conclusion… this really is a five star read.
I would like to thank Fay Keenan, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this lovely story in exchange for an honest review.
Kate is a divorced 39 year old with 3 sons. Just after her marital home is sold, before she has found a new home her brother Aiden asks her to spend the summer redecorating/painting his house across the country in Willowbury. Both of Kate’s brothers live in Willowbury which is just a really quaint little town full of funny people with a lovely cafe and bookshop that both feature in this story. While spending the summer in Willowbury Kate meets the local bookshop owner Harry and a romance starts to develop between them. Is this just a summer fling or is it something more?
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.
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.
Certain events in this book really touched me and had me reading with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Then during other parts I just sat there smiling. Conclusion… this really is a five star read.
I would like to thank Fay Keenan, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this lovely story in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2023
This is only the second of Fay Keenan's books that I've read, but I will definitely be reading more from her in the future because this one was excellent.
Now I usually try to read a series of books in order, but I seem to have missed one of the Willowbury ones, so I will definitely get that at some point.
But back to this book for now.
Kate Harris has agreed to redecorate her brother Aiden's house which is situated in the pretty Somerset town of Willowbury.
It's a stop gap, but it's also the ideal opportunity for Kate to decide what to do with her life, her and her husband have been divorced for two years now, and although they share custody of their three sons, and Kate's ex is in another relationship, there is no one special in Kate's life as yet.
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.
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 ?
This book, as I've said was excellent, set in gorgeous surroundings, with great characters, in my opinion this is pure escapism.
If you haven't yet read a book by this author, I highly recommend you do so !
Now I usually try to read a series of books in order, but I seem to have missed one of the Willowbury ones, so I will definitely get that at some point.
But back to this book for now.
Kate Harris has agreed to redecorate her brother Aiden's house which is situated in the pretty Somerset town of Willowbury.
It's a stop gap, but it's also the ideal opportunity for Kate to decide what to do with her life, her and her husband have been divorced for two years now, and although they share custody of their three sons, and Kate's ex is in another relationship, there is no one special in Kate's life as yet.
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.
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 ?
This book, as I've said was excellent, set in gorgeous surroundings, with great characters, in my opinion this is pure escapism.
If you haven't yet read a book by this author, I highly recommend you do so !
January 15, 2024
What a surprisingly enjoyable book. It's number three in a series and I had no idea about that until I was much further onto this book. So, yes it can be read as a stand alone and it's still very enjoyable. I will keep my eyes out however for the first two books.
So this is set in Willowbury in Somerset in a place I know very well. It's all about Kate after her amicable divorce but is still hurt having her husband leaving her for another woman, One who I might add he had been seeing for two years and was now pregnant.
It has lovely bookshop owner Harry as our hero and it is a gentle tale of their lives. It has no wizz bang moments, no supernatural happenings just real life which really is quite refreshing. It was really like reading someones life story with believable happenings of Kate's family, and circumstances.
I'm not making it sound very exciting, and I suppose its not but it is a very compulsive tale and I've enjoyed it immensely.
It's very well written, no nasties in it like swearing, sex or violence so suitable for all.
Written from mainly Kate's perspective but a small portion from Harry's it become a great read.
So this is set in Willowbury in Somerset in a place I know very well. It's all about Kate after her amicable divorce but is still hurt having her husband leaving her for another woman, One who I might add he had been seeing for two years and was now pregnant.
It has lovely bookshop owner Harry as our hero and it is a gentle tale of their lives. It has no wizz bang moments, no supernatural happenings just real life which really is quite refreshing. It was really like reading someones life story with believable happenings of Kate's family, and circumstances.
I'm not making it sound very exciting, and I suppose its not but it is a very compulsive tale and I've enjoyed it immensely.
It's very well written, no nasties in it like swearing, sex or violence so suitable for all.
Written from mainly Kate's perspective but a small portion from Harry's it become a great read.
June 19, 2021
I was given a copy of this book, for a full and honest review
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.
Her descriptions of the locations made it easy to imagine walking down the high street; however, I did find the repetitive use of Willowbury a little grating, particularly at the beginning. Although the author did seem to “settle” after a couple of chapters and the repetition of the town wasn’t as noticeable.
Overall it was a lovely read, seeing Kate’s relationships evolve; particularly with her eldest son. I think readers who are fans of authors like Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will thoroughly enjoy this summer read.
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.
Her descriptions of the locations made it easy to imagine walking down the high street; however, I did find the repetitive use of Willowbury a little grating, particularly at the beginning. Although the author did seem to “settle” after a couple of chapters and the repetition of the town wasn’t as noticeable.
Overall it was a lovely read, seeing Kate’s relationships evolve; particularly with her eldest son. I think readers who are fans of authors like Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will thoroughly enjoy this summer read.
July 14, 2021
I was delighted to return to Willowbury for this gorgeous story. Meeting up with characters I had got to know in Snowflakes over Bay Tree Terrace and finding out what happened next was a bonus. Kate is an interesting central character as she comes with a ready- made family of 3 boys and a lot of baggage concerning her ex-husband. She turned out to be totally relatable as she slowly worked out what she wanted to do with her life. Used to putting others first, she has to learn to make her hopes known.
Harry is a perfect foil for Kate as he has his own issues which he is still coming to terms with. He comes over as a real gentleman with his own charm. Family is at the centre of this novel as Kate meets up again with her siblings and works a way through for her own position. Willowbury, with its echoes of Glastonbury, is a lovely, quirky setting with its own healing vibes and comes over as a haven of peace and caring.
In short: Starting over
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Harry is a perfect foil for Kate as he has his own issues which he is still coming to terms with. He comes over as a real gentleman with his own charm. Family is at the centre of this novel as Kate meets up again with her siblings and works a way through for her own position. Willowbury, with its echoes of Glastonbury, is a lovely, quirky setting with its own healing vibes and comes over as a haven of peace and caring.
In short: Starting over
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
July 12, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Fay Keenan and Boldwood Books for the book Just for the Summer. This is my personal review.
This is the third book in the Willowbury series, but I had no trouble connecting with the characters in the story.
Kate Harris has three sons to raise, and she is newly divorced. They sell their family home and decides to help make the transition to her new life she moves to her brothers’ house in the countryside to redecorate it for him while he is on vacation with Tom, his partner.
While she is doing this for her brother, Harry who owns the bookstore in town asks Kate if she would be interested in redecorating his bookstore.
This book took me into the town and lives of the characters and left me their while I enjoyed the sweet even romance and small-town charm from the first word to the last.
I am looking forward to going back and reading the first two books in this series.
This is the third book in the Willowbury series, but I had no trouble connecting with the characters in the story.
Kate Harris has three sons to raise, and she is newly divorced. They sell their family home and decides to help make the transition to her new life she moves to her brothers’ house in the countryside to redecorate it for him while he is on vacation with Tom, his partner.
While she is doing this for her brother, Harry who owns the bookstore in town asks Kate if she would be interested in redecorating his bookstore.
This book took me into the town and lives of the characters and left me their while I enjoyed the sweet even romance and small-town charm from the first word to the last.
I am looking forward to going back and reading the first two books in this series.
January 4, 2024
I hate giving bad reviews on a site where the author might see them, but otherwise I keep accidentally reading books I should already know I won’t like, because I have a terrible memory.
This book has the basic structure of a romance but a lot of the tension seems to be without any narrative reason (there is a simple obvious fix for all the main character’s problems, but she won’t do it until the end because…. She wasn’t planning to do it? Despite having no competing plans?) and there are a bunch of phrases that keep getting repeated, like “best selling author or urban fantasy novels” or “three sons”.
This latter is the main problem. Mention that the heroine has 3 sons, (whom she has raised, which is clearly much harder than 3 children who aren’t all male, or than doing any other human endeavour ever) is shoehorned in at least once every three pages.
I wanted to like this book but it feel like drinking watered down milk.
This book has the basic structure of a romance but a lot of the tension seems to be without any narrative reason (there is a simple obvious fix for all the main character’s problems, but she won’t do it until the end because…. She wasn’t planning to do it? Despite having no competing plans?) and there are a bunch of phrases that keep getting repeated, like “best selling author or urban fantasy novels” or “three sons”.
This latter is the main problem. Mention that the heroine has 3 sons, (whom she has raised, which is clearly much harder than 3 children who aren’t all male, or than doing any other human endeavour ever) is shoehorned in at least once every three pages.
I wanted to like this book but it feel like drinking watered down milk.
July 14, 2021
I’m disappointed in this book, it just felt like something was missing, there was so much description but then there was telephone conversations that we were told happened but we were not told what was said and other things left unresolved. It’s like there was a story but the author was not sure where to go with it, this was my first by this author and I am sorry to say I don’t think I will be rushing for another, the characters were written well but at times i wasn’t sure who a character was then I realised it was Kates Mam but they were using her name instead of “her Mam/mum”, quire confusing and some descriptions you can tell were a would count builder.
I haven’t read the other two books so that could also be confusing
I haven’t read the other two books so that could also be confusing
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