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The Summer Place
As three women return to the summer place of their youth for a beach wedding, each is grappling with the cards life has dealt them.Erin, recovering from a near-fatal cycling accident, is the reluctant maid of honour. Still coming to terms with her devastating injuries, will she find what she needs to walk down the aisle with all eyes on her?Years ago, Jenna fell in love with the groom at his family's treasured holiday spot. Will watching him marry someone else finally allow her to get over him?Cassie, living in Barcelona and recently widowed, is desperate to move on from her grief. The invitation to return to Australia for the wedding will give her a chance to step away from her life - and come to terms with more than she bargained for.Emotions run high as each woman faces a crossroad, yet they will find that the place at the coast offers all of them a chance to learn to heal, love and belong . . .PRAISE FOR THE SUMMER PLACEWarmth and heart shine from the pages of The Summer Place. Who doesn't love a novel set around a wedding with all the drama and emotion that involves? This is the feel-good novel we all need right now. - Rachael JohnsClever, quirky and satisfying. Janette Paul takes women's fiction and squeezes your heart. - Fiona McArthurJanette Paul's writing is wonderfully evocative. I felt the sun in my face and the sand between my toes - I wanted it to be my summer place. - Meredith Appleyard
384 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2023
12 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Janette Paul
6 books27 followersJanette Paul is a pen-name of bestselling crime writer Jaye Ford, author of Beyond Fear and Scared Yet?, among others. She is also the author of Just Breathe, another sparkling rom-com, which is available as a Random Romance ebook. She lives at Lake Macquarie in the NSW Hunter Valley.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 19, 2023
Outlier alert!
Three women, all with links to fictional northern NSW beach town Hope Head, merge for a beach wedding. Jenna heartbroken to see the groom marry someone that is not her, Erin a strong woman recovering from an almost deadly cycling accident, and the elder of the trio, Cassie who’d fled this beach town decades prior.
Out of the three it was easy for me to have a least favourite, Jenna was quite hard to take with her inability to move on (a young woman holding a flame for 10 years was kind of hard for me to embrace, nor did I feel an affinity for her). Her theatrics and tears were not believable for my taste. Cassie was more mature with a kindly well timed piece of advice for Jenna, she’d travelled the world and learned a thing or two about love.
Erin was troubled, but found solace in the ocean being a surfer; she had to learn to walk on the sand to be able to undertake her maid of honour duties. Re entering the surf helped her in more ways than one, and of course the addition of a handsome man.
This story had tones of Danielle Steel for me, it was predictable but probably would fill the gap for a summer read for those looking for something light. The nice community spirit of the town was heart warming. I found I enjoyed the Jaye Ford books more, written by the same author under a different name.
The audio by was dreadful by Miranda Nation, the reading wooden lacking any emotion and no successful distinction between genders, if anything becoming more wooden for the male voice.
2.5 stars from me.
Three women, all with links to fictional northern NSW beach town Hope Head, merge for a beach wedding. Jenna heartbroken to see the groom marry someone that is not her, Erin a strong woman recovering from an almost deadly cycling accident, and the elder of the trio, Cassie who’d fled this beach town decades prior.
Out of the three it was easy for me to have a least favourite, Jenna was quite hard to take with her inability to move on (a young woman holding a flame for 10 years was kind of hard for me to embrace, nor did I feel an affinity for her). Her theatrics and tears were not believable for my taste. Cassie was more mature with a kindly well timed piece of advice for Jenna, she’d travelled the world and learned a thing or two about love.
Erin was troubled, but found solace in the ocean being a surfer; she had to learn to walk on the sand to be able to undertake her maid of honour duties. Re entering the surf helped her in more ways than one, and of course the addition of a handsome man.
This story had tones of Danielle Steel for me, it was predictable but probably would fill the gap for a summer read for those looking for something light. The nice community spirit of the town was heart warming. I found I enjoyed the Jaye Ford books more, written by the same author under a different name.
The audio by was dreadful by Miranda Nation, the reading wooden lacking any emotion and no successful distinction between genders, if anything becoming more wooden for the male voice.
2.5 stars from me.
June 17, 2023
A beach wedding is the focal point for this story as it gathers three sad women back to a place they once were happy.
Erin is recovering from a very serious accident which has left her with a maimed leg. Jenna is suffering from unrequited love, unfortunately with the groom to be. Cassie is still getting over the death of her husband and a serious illness of her own.
The wedding is at Hope Head, a beachside Australian town, and the story is told in the three different points of view. I very much enjoyed the story of Erin and Rhys and looked forward to all her chapters. Cassie's tale was also very interesting and involving. I was not as interested in Jenna who really just needed to get a grip on life.
Of course there are happy endings for all. This is definitely a feel good book which would be perfect to read in the summer on your favourite beach.
Erin is recovering from a very serious accident which has left her with a maimed leg. Jenna is suffering from unrequited love, unfortunately with the groom to be. Cassie is still getting over the death of her husband and a serious illness of her own.
The wedding is at Hope Head, a beachside Australian town, and the story is told in the three different points of view. I very much enjoyed the story of Erin and Rhys and looked forward to all her chapters. Cassie's tale was also very interesting and involving. I was not as interested in Jenna who really just needed to get a grip on life.
Of course there are happy endings for all. This is definitely a feel good book which would be perfect to read in the summer on your favourite beach.
April 25, 2023
Three very different women were set to come together at Hope Head, a small beachside town where they'd each spent happy times in the past. Fifty seven year old Cassie was living in Barcelona, shattered by the death of her husband Matias from cancer, her daughter Sophie travelling her dreams. Cassie was working in an art studio, something she wasn't sure she wanted to continue. Erin lived in Sydney and suffered an almost fatal accident some months prior, with rehabilitation, her inability to be the person she was, and the anger she felt, constantly by her side. And Jenna had loved a man for ten years who only saw her as a "good mate". Jenna's engineering career saw her building highways and bridges - but was that all she wanted to do?
When those women received a wedding invitation to Blake and Ashley's wedding, to be held in Hope Head in three months time, on the beach, each woman had reasons they couldn't go. Would each woman overcome their fears, and make their way to their happy place? It was Erin's brother who was being married, and Ashley wanted her to be maid of honour. But could she do it? The fear she felt was powerful; she needed to overcome it...
The Summer Place is another exceptional novel from Aussie author Janette Paul (aka Jaye Ford) I love the author's crime/thriller novels that she writes as Jaye Ford; Janette Paul's writing also keeps me flying through the pages. The Summer Place is set in a fictional town, near to Coffs Harbour on the mid-north coast of NSW, and a few hours north of Sydney. The story of the three women is well-written; the problems each of them faced heartbreaking. I have no hesitation in recommending The Summer Place highly.
With thanks to the author and publisher for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When those women received a wedding invitation to Blake and Ashley's wedding, to be held in Hope Head in three months time, on the beach, each woman had reasons they couldn't go. Would each woman overcome their fears, and make their way to their happy place? It was Erin's brother who was being married, and Ashley wanted her to be maid of honour. But could she do it? The fear she felt was powerful; she needed to overcome it...
The Summer Place is another exceptional novel from Aussie author Janette Paul (aka Jaye Ford) I love the author's crime/thriller novels that she writes as Jaye Ford; Janette Paul's writing also keeps me flying through the pages. The Summer Place is set in a fictional town, near to Coffs Harbour on the mid-north coast of NSW, and a few hours north of Sydney. The story of the three women is well-written; the problems each of them faced heartbreaking. I have no hesitation in recommending The Summer Place highly.
With thanks to the author and publisher for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2023
This is such a beautiful story, meeting these three woman and getting to know them was lovely, will we see them find their joy and happiness in the special summer place of Hope Head, a place filled with memories from their past, will it be the place of the future for them?
Erin was a sports teacher, she cycled, surfed and ran but all of that changed when she was hit by a truck while cycling, now her days are spent in rehab and struggling with her life, so when she is invited to her brother Blake’s wedding on the beach at Hope her emotions are running riot.
Jenna is an engineer and fell in love with Blake many years ago as they were studying together mathematical nerds together, how will if feel seeing the man you love marry someone else?
Cassie, best friend of the grooms’ mother, Joanne, has been married three times is now a widow, had plans from her teenage years in Hope Head to become an artist but life got in the way and now she works in an art gallery in Barcelona the invitation to the wedding comes as Cassie is struggling with health and craving a new lease on life.
This story is beautifully told as we learn what each of these woman have gone through the emotions the heartbreak and the hope of joy and Hope Head is the place to hopefully bring them this joy, will they find love and happiness, will they find the life they want and need to see them into the future?
Janette Paul pulled me into this story, made me feel a part of it and I loved my visit to Hope Head on the coast of New South Wales, written with heartfelt love and feeling, it has such wonderful characters that add so much to these woman’s lives, a must read and it is one that I would highly recommend.
My thanks to the author and publisher Macmillan
Erin was a sports teacher, she cycled, surfed and ran but all of that changed when she was hit by a truck while cycling, now her days are spent in rehab and struggling with her life, so when she is invited to her brother Blake’s wedding on the beach at Hope her emotions are running riot.
Jenna is an engineer and fell in love with Blake many years ago as they were studying together mathematical nerds together, how will if feel seeing the man you love marry someone else?
Cassie, best friend of the grooms’ mother, Joanne, has been married three times is now a widow, had plans from her teenage years in Hope Head to become an artist but life got in the way and now she works in an art gallery in Barcelona the invitation to the wedding comes as Cassie is struggling with health and craving a new lease on life.
This story is beautifully told as we learn what each of these woman have gone through the emotions the heartbreak and the hope of joy and Hope Head is the place to hopefully bring them this joy, will they find love and happiness, will they find the life they want and need to see them into the future?
Janette Paul pulled me into this story, made me feel a part of it and I loved my visit to Hope Head on the coast of New South Wales, written with heartfelt love and feeling, it has such wonderful characters that add so much to these woman’s lives, a must read and it is one that I would highly recommend.
My thanks to the author and publisher Macmillan
August 31, 2023
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The Summer Place is a thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming story about love, healing and friendship.
Told through the perspective of three women, each broken in different ways. I like that Janette Paul portrayed each woman's obstacle with equal importance because for each of them their hurt was equally debilitating.
Erin is recovering from a near-fatal accident, holding tight to all her grief and anger. She is constrained by her PTSD and the scars that riddle her body.
Cassie, recently widowed, cannot seem to move on from her grief and regrets.
Jenna has been secretly in love with Blake for years, and now she has been invited to his wedding.
All three women have been invited to a wedding at Hope Head, a place that holds memories, in much happier times, for each of them.
I loved every character in this uplifting story. The three main characters' problems all came across as real and the supporting characters were just that; supportive and honest, edging Erin, Jenna and Cassie to make decisions towards happiness and healing.
The fictitious Australian town of Hope Head on the mid north coast of New South Wales was beautifully described and a fitting location to have an epiphany on life and moving forward.
The Summer Place is sentimental and sweet, with HEAs all round, it filled my heart with joy.
The Summer Place is the perfect beach read.
The Summer Place is a thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming story about love, healing and friendship.
Told through the perspective of three women, each broken in different ways. I like that Janette Paul portrayed each woman's obstacle with equal importance because for each of them their hurt was equally debilitating.
Erin is recovering from a near-fatal accident, holding tight to all her grief and anger. She is constrained by her PTSD and the scars that riddle her body.
Cassie, recently widowed, cannot seem to move on from her grief and regrets.
Jenna has been secretly in love with Blake for years, and now she has been invited to his wedding.
All three women have been invited to a wedding at Hope Head, a place that holds memories, in much happier times, for each of them.
I loved every character in this uplifting story. The three main characters' problems all came across as real and the supporting characters were just that; supportive and honest, edging Erin, Jenna and Cassie to make decisions towards happiness and healing.
The fictitious Australian town of Hope Head on the mid north coast of New South Wales was beautifully described and a fitting location to have an epiphany on life and moving forward.
The Summer Place is sentimental and sweet, with HEAs all round, it filled my heart with joy.
The Summer Place is the perfect beach read.
May 18, 2023
Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review.
You know when a book gives you those feels. I loved this book . I loved each and every character . Everybody brought something to the book. This was a book about facing your fears and coming out of your comfort zone. When I finished this book I couldnt stop smiling as the ending was superb. I loved it. Set in a coastal town in Australia.
You know when a book gives you those feels. I loved this book . I loved each and every character . Everybody brought something to the book. This was a book about facing your fears and coming out of your comfort zone. When I finished this book I couldnt stop smiling as the ending was superb. I loved it. Set in a coastal town in Australia.
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June 5, 2023*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
A tender tale of belonging, friendships, connection, familiar places and kinship, The Summer Place is the latest contemporary fiction release by Janette Paul.
Connecting the reader to three different women, who each embark upon a homecoming to a memorable place from their youth, The Summer Place is a new novel from thriller author Jaye Ford who also writes as Janette Paul. Each of the trio featured in The Summer Place have experienced some kind of setback in their lives. However, what brings them comfort is knowing that a special location from their younger days will always be there to greet them with open arms. A beach wedding is on the agenda for the women of The Summer Place. Erin is still healing physically and mentally from a brush with death. Can Erin handle being the centre of attention as she makes her way down the aisle at Hope Head? Meanwhile Jenna is unsure if she is able to go through with attending the upcoming nuptials at Hope Head. With unresolved and long-standing feelings for the groom, will Jenna make peace with her relationship choices? Cassie has been living the life in Europe, far away from Hope Head. But the loss of a loved one may encourage Cassie to come back home. Is now the right time to come back? What will each of these women discover when they set foot on old and familiar soil?
With some of my favourite authors including Rachael Johns and Meredith Appleyard lining up to praise The Summer Place, I was keen to pick up Janette Paul’s new book. It turned out that The Summer Place was a good book to carry me through a rather strenuous week as a I battled work fatigue and illness.
Told in seven different parts, shifting in perspective from Erica, Jenna and Cassie, The Summer Place is a well written novel. I really appreciated the formatting and presentation of this novel as I was able to put down and pick up my reading spot very easily as I made my way through this new Janette Paul release. The alternating standpoint framing allows us to full comprehend each main character’s feelings. We are conscious of each woman’s fears, anxieties, hopes and dreams. This aspect of the tale was communicated well by the author. Paul’s central protagonists are likeable and it easy to develop a sense of solidarity with the core cast. Paul’s secondary characters are also nicely inserted into the unfolding narrative, providing further stability to the storyline.
I did find The Summer Place a touch predictable plot wise however, the highlight for me was the setting. Located a few hours out of Sydney, the fictional conglomeration of Hope Head is picturesque, inviting and very Australian. Appealing to both local and international readers, the central stage of The Summer Place comes across with a bright glow on the pages of this novel. A beach wedding sounded perfectly agreeable to me, so I was waiting for my invitation – just minus the dramas from the cast! With themes of travel, loss, grief, personal illness, rehabilitation, health, love, emotions, life choices, obligations, the past and family ties, it is clear that this is not an easy and breezy summertime read.
Take a journey to Hope Head, it promises to greet you with a stunning seaside setting, warm characters and good times.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
3.5 stars
A tender tale of belonging, friendships, connection, familiar places and kinship, The Summer Place is the latest contemporary fiction release by Janette Paul.
Connecting the reader to three different women, who each embark upon a homecoming to a memorable place from their youth, The Summer Place is a new novel from thriller author Jaye Ford who also writes as Janette Paul. Each of the trio featured in The Summer Place have experienced some kind of setback in their lives. However, what brings them comfort is knowing that a special location from their younger days will always be there to greet them with open arms. A beach wedding is on the agenda for the women of The Summer Place. Erin is still healing physically and mentally from a brush with death. Can Erin handle being the centre of attention as she makes her way down the aisle at Hope Head? Meanwhile Jenna is unsure if she is able to go through with attending the upcoming nuptials at Hope Head. With unresolved and long-standing feelings for the groom, will Jenna make peace with her relationship choices? Cassie has been living the life in Europe, far away from Hope Head. But the loss of a loved one may encourage Cassie to come back home. Is now the right time to come back? What will each of these women discover when they set foot on old and familiar soil?
With some of my favourite authors including Rachael Johns and Meredith Appleyard lining up to praise The Summer Place, I was keen to pick up Janette Paul’s new book. It turned out that The Summer Place was a good book to carry me through a rather strenuous week as a I battled work fatigue and illness.
Told in seven different parts, shifting in perspective from Erica, Jenna and Cassie, The Summer Place is a well written novel. I really appreciated the formatting and presentation of this novel as I was able to put down and pick up my reading spot very easily as I made my way through this new Janette Paul release. The alternating standpoint framing allows us to full comprehend each main character’s feelings. We are conscious of each woman’s fears, anxieties, hopes and dreams. This aspect of the tale was communicated well by the author. Paul’s central protagonists are likeable and it easy to develop a sense of solidarity with the core cast. Paul’s secondary characters are also nicely inserted into the unfolding narrative, providing further stability to the storyline.
I did find The Summer Place a touch predictable plot wise however, the highlight for me was the setting. Located a few hours out of Sydney, the fictional conglomeration of Hope Head is picturesque, inviting and very Australian. Appealing to both local and international readers, the central stage of The Summer Place comes across with a bright glow on the pages of this novel. A beach wedding sounded perfectly agreeable to me, so I was waiting for my invitation – just minus the dramas from the cast! With themes of travel, loss, grief, personal illness, rehabilitation, health, love, emotions, life choices, obligations, the past and family ties, it is clear that this is not an easy and breezy summertime read.
Take a journey to Hope Head, it promises to greet you with a stunning seaside setting, warm characters and good times.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
August 22, 2023
A rather long romance-family drama that ticked all the boxes for the genre.
The characters were interesting and the storyline was an up-and-down affair that deals with growth and complicated life choices.
This book might be a pleasant story in a quintessential beach setting. Unfortunately, it was not to my liking.
The location and descriptions are good, but too slow-moving for me. The ending was disappointingly predictable with the author relying on the prose rather than the plot to strengthen the ending.
The characters were interesting and the storyline was an up-and-down affair that deals with growth and complicated life choices.
This book might be a pleasant story in a quintessential beach setting. Unfortunately, it was not to my liking.
The location and descriptions are good, but too slow-moving for me. The ending was disappointingly predictable with the author relying on the prose rather than the plot to strengthen the ending.
May 11, 2023
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thanks to Macmillan aus for my gifted copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three women, lives adrift, and a life-changing beach. A lovely feel good novel by Australian author Janette Paul. I loved it!
As three women return to the summer place of their youth, each is grappling with the cards life has dealt them. But the journey back to this sleepy coastal town will bring them to far more than just a beach wedding.
Erin, still recovering from a vehicle accident and grievous injuries, is the reluctant maid of honour. Wearing a dress that shows her scars for all to see is the last thing she wants.
Years ago, Jenna fell in love with the groom at his family's treasured holiday spot. Will seeing him marry someone else finally allow her to get over him?
Cassie, now living in Barcelona and recently widowed, is desperate for a new lease on life. The invitation to return to Australia for the wedding will give her a much-needed break - and more than she bargained for.
As the trio find themselves in a place that reminds them of what they've lost, they will be deeply confronted by paths they don't wish to travel down. Emotions run high as each of the women face a crossroad, yet they will find that the place at the coast offers all of them a chance to learn to heal, love and belong ...
I’ve only just discovered this author and couldn’t put this book down.
I now want to get my hands on her other novels and also her crime/suspense novels by her alter ego Jaye Ford. Her two genres will now keep me happy for quite a while.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three women, lives adrift, and a life-changing beach. A lovely feel good novel by Australian author Janette Paul. I loved it!
As three women return to the summer place of their youth, each is grappling with the cards life has dealt them. But the journey back to this sleepy coastal town will bring them to far more than just a beach wedding.
Erin, still recovering from a vehicle accident and grievous injuries, is the reluctant maid of honour. Wearing a dress that shows her scars for all to see is the last thing she wants.
Years ago, Jenna fell in love with the groom at his family's treasured holiday spot. Will seeing him marry someone else finally allow her to get over him?
Cassie, now living in Barcelona and recently widowed, is desperate for a new lease on life. The invitation to return to Australia for the wedding will give her a much-needed break - and more than she bargained for.
As the trio find themselves in a place that reminds them of what they've lost, they will be deeply confronted by paths they don't wish to travel down. Emotions run high as each of the women face a crossroad, yet they will find that the place at the coast offers all of them a chance to learn to heal, love and belong ...
I’ve only just discovered this author and couldn’t put this book down.
I now want to get my hands on her other novels and also her crime/suspense novels by her alter ego Jaye Ford. Her two genres will now keep me happy for quite a while.
May 10, 2023
Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
A contemporary family drama about friendship, love, truth, hope, courage and how there’s no place like home.
Strained relationships, life decisions, past healing, family ties and a small coastal town that brings people together.
Welcome to Hope Head.
A place in the past where memories have been made.
For three woman can it be the location to mend the mind and heart in the present?
An invitation to a family wedding that may bring them together.
Cassie has lived in Barcelona for years but now feels lost after her husband died and is finding it difficult to move on from her loss.
Jenna fell in love with the groom, at the family’s favourite holiday destination many years before but has found it hard to carry on with life.
Erin had a tragic accident that left her with scars, physically and mentally, she doesn’t want anyone looking at her.
Emotions are deep, can their heartbreak find a cure and live a life of happiness and survival?
Janette has given her audience a warm, gentle and welcoming embrace book that will give you all the comfort feels.
Exploring many core issues of everyday experiences and existence, it’s a tale to really get involved in and with characters with flaws and challenges, it’s very relatable.
A combination of a seaside setting, a lineup of a likeable cast, a treat of great banter and community support make this a tantalising novel.
A glorious, connective and heartfelt read.
A contemporary family drama about friendship, love, truth, hope, courage and how there’s no place like home.
Strained relationships, life decisions, past healing, family ties and a small coastal town that brings people together.
Welcome to Hope Head.
A place in the past where memories have been made.
For three woman can it be the location to mend the mind and heart in the present?
An invitation to a family wedding that may bring them together.
Cassie has lived in Barcelona for years but now feels lost after her husband died and is finding it difficult to move on from her loss.
Jenna fell in love with the groom, at the family’s favourite holiday destination many years before but has found it hard to carry on with life.
Erin had a tragic accident that left her with scars, physically and mentally, she doesn’t want anyone looking at her.
Emotions are deep, can their heartbreak find a cure and live a life of happiness and survival?
Janette has given her audience a warm, gentle and welcoming embrace book that will give you all the comfort feels.
Exploring many core issues of everyday experiences and existence, it’s a tale to really get involved in and with characters with flaws and challenges, it’s very relatable.
A combination of a seaside setting, a lineup of a likeable cast, a treat of great banter and community support make this a tantalising novel.
A glorious, connective and heartfelt read.
September 12, 2023
Where to begin….let me say WOW !!!
I absolutely loved this book and I’m so delighted that I decided to attend the Janette Paul event recently held by my local library, even though I hadn’t read any of her books, I had been seeing The Summer Place constantly show up on my social media feeds which prompted me to go.
After listening to Janette talk, I grabbed a copy of The Summer Place, had it signed, got a photo with her and headed home with a new adventure waiting to be taken, and what an adventure it was.
It tells the story from the point of view of three vastly different woman but encompasses a whole tribe of characters that you come to love, making you feel like you are witnessing all this firsthand. Set mostly in the fictional township of Hope Head (rumoured to be inspired by Scotts Head), Janette’s writing prowess creates an emotional state that allows you not only feel the beach holiday charm but the community welcome as well. To say that I fell in love with Clifford would be an understatement.
The three main characters are on their journey, with their own baggage, strengths, weaknesses and issues, but you go along for the ride and witness some amazing connections form and revelations take place, all while preparing for Blake and Ashley’s barefoot beachside wedding. Now that’s one relaxed bride.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy of The Summer Place and take the adventure yourself……everyone needs a Clifford in their life. 😉
#thesummerplace
#janettepaul
#hopeheadheaven
I absolutely loved this book and I’m so delighted that I decided to attend the Janette Paul event recently held by my local library, even though I hadn’t read any of her books, I had been seeing The Summer Place constantly show up on my social media feeds which prompted me to go.
After listening to Janette talk, I grabbed a copy of The Summer Place, had it signed, got a photo with her and headed home with a new adventure waiting to be taken, and what an adventure it was.
It tells the story from the point of view of three vastly different woman but encompasses a whole tribe of characters that you come to love, making you feel like you are witnessing all this firsthand. Set mostly in the fictional township of Hope Head (rumoured to be inspired by Scotts Head), Janette’s writing prowess creates an emotional state that allows you not only feel the beach holiday charm but the community welcome as well. To say that I fell in love with Clifford would be an understatement.
The three main characters are on their journey, with their own baggage, strengths, weaknesses and issues, but you go along for the ride and witness some amazing connections form and revelations take place, all while preparing for Blake and Ashley’s barefoot beachside wedding. Now that’s one relaxed bride.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy of The Summer Place and take the adventure yourself……everyone needs a Clifford in their life. 😉
#thesummerplace
#janettepaul
#hopeheadheaven
February 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this journey of 3 women connected by a special place. A realistic story of people's lives, how different they are & how they converge.
I love a good romance novel, but loved how this wasn't one & yet did include relationships. The main characters focused on their own growth & "fixing" themselves independent of a man and the flow on effects show how healthy that is.
Good clean book.
It wasn't a get your head stuck into it and won't leave, but instead was a refreshingly easy relaxed pace to read at, neither rushed nor slow.
I love a good romance novel, but loved how this wasn't one & yet did include relationships. The main characters focused on their own growth & "fixing" themselves independent of a man and the flow on effects show how healthy that is.
Good clean book.
It wasn't a get your head stuck into it and won't leave, but instead was a refreshingly easy relaxed pace to read at, neither rushed nor slow.
Read
May 15, 2025Enjoyable story.
Some neat wording, e.g.: "Jenna worked her way through the crowd without spilling a drop - four years of bar work hadn't just got her through uni, it had given her valuable life skills"; "As she stepped onto the sand in her runners, the beach wrapped itself around her like a warm towel after a cold surf"; "A collection of bits and pieces that were somewhere between pre-loved and kerbside pickup"
Not enough commas or "whom".
Over a dozen other proofreader quibbles, including several misrelated participles.
Some neat wording, e.g.: "Jenna worked her way through the crowd without spilling a drop - four years of bar work hadn't just got her through uni, it had given her valuable life skills"; "As she stepped onto the sand in her runners, the beach wrapped itself around her like a warm towel after a cold surf"; "A collection of bits and pieces that were somewhere between pre-loved and kerbside pickup"
Not enough commas or "whom".
Over a dozen other proofreader quibbles, including several misrelated participles.
January 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It is my “fast food” beachy summer reading that just flows along nicely with happy endings !
Characters are all interesting, storyline with some twists, easy hot weather reading.
Characters are all interesting, storyline with some twists, easy hot weather reading.
January 16, 2024
A lovely story about letting go of regrets and making deliberate life choices. Relatable characters that I wanted to be happy. I finished the story feeling nourished and content. Great read.
Read
May 19, 2024A nice heartwarming read
November 7, 2024
An easy read. Life affirming. Full of hope and people finding their true paths.
November 20, 2024
A very easy to read very relaxing book. I loved the setting and the characters.
May 16, 2025
Ok if you like that sort of thing. All very happy ending.
May 21, 2025
Loved it!
July 30, 2025
feel good
a little predictable but fantastic easy read
a little predictable but fantastic easy read
November 3, 2025
well that was wholesome as hell <3
November 20, 2025
audiobook. Light read. enjoyable if fairly predictable. I needed a happy book.
December 23, 2025
The three FMCs were so lovely. As they come together in the story and start to support each other my heart starts to soar.
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