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Summer Breeze #1
The Summer Breeze: Bed & Breakfast
Callie Williams is tired of it all: her fast-paced life in New York City, her demanding career, and her exacting fiancé. An unexpected visit from her sister and the discovery of a secret upend her life, and she is forced to finally make the decision to start over.
Leaving everything behind, Callie makes a life-changing move to the small town of Seneca Springs nestled on the banks of Cayuga Lake in beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country. Taking on a daunting renovation while navigating the complexities of small-town life, Callie forges lifelong friendships, eats more than her fair share of delicious food, and tries not to meddle in the lives of her guests. The only thing hindering her newfound happiness is the attraction she feels for Nick, a rough-around-the-edges construction worker who is determined to get under Callie’s skin.
A late-night delivery will tear them apart, but a quintessential nor'easter snowstorm might just force them back together....
Leaving everything behind, Callie makes a life-changing move to the small town of Seneca Springs nestled on the banks of Cayuga Lake in beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country. Taking on a daunting renovation while navigating the complexities of small-town life, Callie forges lifelong friendships, eats more than her fair share of delicious food, and tries not to meddle in the lives of her guests. The only thing hindering her newfound happiness is the attraction she feels for Nick, a rough-around-the-edges construction worker who is determined to get under Callie’s skin.
A late-night delivery will tear them apart, but a quintessential nor'easter snowstorm might just force them back together....
Paperback
First published December 8, 2020
782 people are currently reading
7042 people want to read
About the author
Shail Rajan
5 books250 followersShail Rajan writes the kind of books that feel like a warm hug from an old friend—filled with lovable characters, heartfelt friendships, and food so tempting you’ll wish the recipes were included. Her stories blend humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia, making readers laugh, cry, and crave a home-cooked meal all at once.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 28, 2021
I enjoyed this story. Great heroine with a fantastic work ethic. I would have changed the ending; however, because I didn’t like it. jmo
December 27, 2021
The Summer Breeze by Shail Rajan is a heart-warming, feel-good novel about a woman who leaves behind her unhappy, big city life to find her joy in the small town of Seneca Springs. This book feels like small town living. It's full of tiny snippets of people. Just like the bed & breakfast featured in the story, we get short glimpses into the lives of those that work and stay there. Initially, the frequent sub-plots feel random, but they all serve to create the full picture of this story.
Callie captured me from the very beginning. I respect that she was a hard-working professional who had made her own way in the world, but ultimately decided that it wasn't what she wanted out of life. Aside from a few out-of-character moments of unnecessary cruelty, Callie is effervescent, creative, smart, and caring. Though apparently jaded from her past folly in love, her crush progresses rather quickly and, seemingly, one-sided through most of the book. If I had one gripe about this book, it would be that the romance took a back seat to everything else. That could just be me looking for romance, when the book is really about Callie rediscovering her passion. Still, the book ended right where I was hoping it would take off.
I've seen other reviewers tout this as the perfect book for quarantine and I completely agree. It feels like a serene vacation to the Finger Lakes (with a couple moments of excitement thrown in). As someone who hasn't traveled in over a year, The Summer Breeze was a welcome distraction to the everyday hustle and bustle. If you're thinking you need an escape to a small town, give this book a try.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Callie captured me from the very beginning. I respect that she was a hard-working professional who had made her own way in the world, but ultimately decided that it wasn't what she wanted out of life. Aside from a few out-of-character moments of unnecessary cruelty, Callie is effervescent, creative, smart, and caring. Though apparently jaded from her past folly in love, her crush progresses rather quickly and, seemingly, one-sided through most of the book. If I had one gripe about this book, it would be that the romance took a back seat to everything else. That could just be me looking for romance, when the book is really about Callie rediscovering her passion. Still, the book ended right where I was hoping it would take off.
I've seen other reviewers tout this as the perfect book for quarantine and I completely agree. It feels like a serene vacation to the Finger Lakes (with a couple moments of excitement thrown in). As someone who hasn't traveled in over a year, The Summer Breeze was a welcome distraction to the everyday hustle and bustle. If you're thinking you need an escape to a small town, give this book a try.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 8, 2021
Callie Williams was on the fast track in New York City. Great job, great apartment, great fiancé. On paper everything looks good, but she is restless. Something is missing, but she is not sure what.
Then everything unexpectedly changes and she finds herself starting over. She wants a career to be excited about, a life to be excited about, and she is inspired by the idea of a bed and breakfast. The Summer Breeze is both the name of the book and the name of Callie’s B&B, and the book tells the story of the creation of the B&B and all about the people in Callie’s life. I felt like I was on a mini vacation in the Finger Lakes for much of the book. I think it would make a great series.
I listened to the audio book version, and Leslie Gray was a great narrator. I could really picture her as Callie, but she did a great job with all the other voices as well. I would definitely recommend both the author and the narrator of this book.
I was asked by the narrator for an honest review.
Then everything unexpectedly changes and she finds herself starting over. She wants a career to be excited about, a life to be excited about, and she is inspired by the idea of a bed and breakfast. The Summer Breeze is both the name of the book and the name of Callie’s B&B, and the book tells the story of the creation of the B&B and all about the people in Callie’s life. I felt like I was on a mini vacation in the Finger Lakes for much of the book. I think it would make a great series.
I listened to the audio book version, and Leslie Gray was a great narrator. I could really picture her as Callie, but she did a great job with all the other voices as well. I would definitely recommend both the author and the narrator of this book.
I was asked by the narrator for an honest review.
March 15, 2021
The Summer Breeze
Shail Rajan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As spring approaches and we are wishing for summer this heartwarming book will fill the void.
Callie has lived a chaotic life in NYC- working hard and succeeding she is what all woman strive to be. Her life is going in the direction she has always wanted but is she truly happy? Callie decides it’s time for a change, she leaves her gorgeous home, fiancé and follows her heart to live a life that in time will give her fulfillment even if it means giving up an amazing job and starting over. I connected deeply with Callie and her amazing family and support system... I fell in love with the family bond they shared and was definitely inspired to cook as I read through this book!!! This is a well written story of choosing yourself over what is expected. Put this beautiful book on your to be read list and you will not be disappointed - instead you may want to be a better person!!
Sending a sincere thank you to Shail Rajan for sending me a kindle edition of The Summer Breeze!
#thesummerbreeze #shailrajan #booknerds #booksofinstagram #booklife #bookbub #bookclub #bookclubbook #ilovereading #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookadvisor #goodreads #betweenthechapters #booklife
#100bookchallenge #bookclub
#readacrossinstagram #readingnook #bookreviewer
Shail Rajan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As spring approaches and we are wishing for summer this heartwarming book will fill the void.
Callie has lived a chaotic life in NYC- working hard and succeeding she is what all woman strive to be. Her life is going in the direction she has always wanted but is she truly happy? Callie decides it’s time for a change, she leaves her gorgeous home, fiancé and follows her heart to live a life that in time will give her fulfillment even if it means giving up an amazing job and starting over. I connected deeply with Callie and her amazing family and support system... I fell in love with the family bond they shared and was definitely inspired to cook as I read through this book!!! This is a well written story of choosing yourself over what is expected. Put this beautiful book on your to be read list and you will not be disappointed - instead you may want to be a better person!!
Sending a sincere thank you to Shail Rajan for sending me a kindle edition of The Summer Breeze!
#thesummerbreeze #shailrajan #booknerds #booksofinstagram #booklife #bookbub #bookclub #bookclubbook #ilovereading #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookadvisor #goodreads #betweenthechapters #booklife
#100bookchallenge #bookclub
#readacrossinstagram #readingnook #bookreviewer
March 18, 2021
Callie Williams had it all - a perfect job, influential boyfriend turned fianceé, an apartment in the heart of New York City renovated to suit your modern taste. But what she didn't had was a life - she had forgotten to live for herself. After she finally realised that it is not exactly the kind of life she wanted, she gave everything up - changed everything. She reminded me that it's never too late to start over.
While her friends and acquaintances questioned her decisions her family stood by her side every minute helping her, motivating her and loving her. This book made my stomach growl with all the detailed descriptions of food and wine. Callie is hands down my new favourite. She is brave yet vulnerable and her funny and compassionate nature made her more likeable to me.A protagonist one can root for since page one.
The author has brilliantly developed the characters and the emotions they felt were crafted so beautifully that it felt so realistic.I was left with an urge to know more and hence I finished this book in almost one sitting (well was forced to sleep by my mother & my body betrayed me, nvm).
Ms. Rajan had not only focused on female protagonist's life but also weaved together beautifully the stories of people who at some point becomes part of Callie's life - afterall everyone has a story to tell. The sweet love story of Callie have had ripened over pages and it was not just Callie who felt excited, nervous, or confused, I felt those emotions too! I really love the way the author had built the backdrop and how all the necessary details were provided only when the time called for.
With the perfect share of surprises and fair amount of fun this book is indeed an refreshing read.I felt so overwhelmed after I read the last page but believe me it was all positive vibes. This book brought a cool Summer Breeze into my life and broke its monotony.
Just pick up this book.You won't be unsatisfied at all! Pick this as soon as possible and I should go back and dream about all delicious food mentioned in this book.
.
.
Rate : 5⭐/5⭐
.
.
~Shree x
While her friends and acquaintances questioned her decisions her family stood by her side every minute helping her, motivating her and loving her. This book made my stomach growl with all the detailed descriptions of food and wine. Callie is hands down my new favourite. She is brave yet vulnerable and her funny and compassionate nature made her more likeable to me.A protagonist one can root for since page one.
The author has brilliantly developed the characters and the emotions they felt were crafted so beautifully that it felt so realistic.I was left with an urge to know more and hence I finished this book in almost one sitting (well was forced to sleep by my mother & my body betrayed me, nvm).
Ms. Rajan had not only focused on female protagonist's life but also weaved together beautifully the stories of people who at some point becomes part of Callie's life - afterall everyone has a story to tell. The sweet love story of Callie have had ripened over pages and it was not just Callie who felt excited, nervous, or confused, I felt those emotions too! I really love the way the author had built the backdrop and how all the necessary details were provided only when the time called for.
With the perfect share of surprises and fair amount of fun this book is indeed an refreshing read.I felt so overwhelmed after I read the last page but believe me it was all positive vibes. This book brought a cool Summer Breeze into my life and broke its monotony.
Just pick up this book.You won't be unsatisfied at all! Pick this as soon as possible and I should go back and dream about all delicious food mentioned in this book.
.
.
Rate : 5⭐/5⭐
.
.
~Shree x
July 26, 2021
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy!💗📚
💭💭My Thoughts:
A beautiful story of a strong, independent woman who picks up and leaves her busy, hectic life in NYC to start over in a small country town.
I adored Callie’s character and definitely connected with her. Throughout the book she experienced ups and downs, much like we all do. She experienced change, heartbreak, independence, growth and love.
The setting of the book is picturesque, and the small town vibe is one that is friendly, and homey.
This is the perfect light read for summer. There is a lot of depth to the plot, story, and the characters. This is a book about pushing through the hard times, starting over, perseverance, and self discovery.
Reading this books was a nice refreshing escape from everyday life. I definitely recommend it as the perfect summer time read and for those needing to slow down a bit from their everyday-hectic life’s!
💭💭My Thoughts:
A beautiful story of a strong, independent woman who picks up and leaves her busy, hectic life in NYC to start over in a small country town.
I adored Callie’s character and definitely connected with her. Throughout the book she experienced ups and downs, much like we all do. She experienced change, heartbreak, independence, growth and love.
The setting of the book is picturesque, and the small town vibe is one that is friendly, and homey.
This is the perfect light read for summer. There is a lot of depth to the plot, story, and the characters. This is a book about pushing through the hard times, starting over, perseverance, and self discovery.
Reading this books was a nice refreshing escape from everyday life. I definitely recommend it as the perfect summer time read and for those needing to slow down a bit from their everyday-hectic life’s!
Read
June 20, 2021I want to stay at the Summer Breeze!
Beautiful, descriptive writing that takes you to a b&b in upstate NY. The characters were all real and likable. As a foodie, I especially loved the author’s detailed description of food :)
While this is a sweet story and a great “escape”, I think it also holds a timely message about slowing down and thinking about what really makes you happy. Looking forward to learning more about these characters in the sequel!
Beautiful, descriptive writing that takes you to a b&b in upstate NY. The characters were all real and likable. As a foodie, I especially loved the author’s detailed description of food :)
While this is a sweet story and a great “escape”, I think it also holds a timely message about slowing down and thinking about what really makes you happy. Looking forward to learning more about these characters in the sequel!
July 19, 2025
The Summer Breeze
Book one was an amazing story. A feel good romance that has you turning pages , characters that feel like family, friends that last a lifetime and food that you can almost smell and taste. I highly recommend this heartwarming romance. Enjoy
Book one was an amazing story. A feel good romance that has you turning pages , characters that feel like family, friends that last a lifetime and food that you can almost smell and taste. I highly recommend this heartwarming romance. Enjoy
November 19, 2024
Quick Read
I really enjoyed this book. Finished it in less than 24 hours! Can’t wait to read book 2. Hope it’s as good as this one.
I really enjoyed this book. Finished it in less than 24 hours! Can’t wait to read book 2. Hope it’s as good as this one.
May 30, 2021
This book drew me in immediately, and I loved the strong female lead in Callie. When she leaves the bustling city of New York and moves to the Finger Lakes region to restore an old home and create a bed and breakfast, the language was so expressive and beautiful that I felt like I was right there with her, fixing it up, and redefining what a good life looks like.
The characters felt like my friends, and the town felt like an escape to a world where neighbors help one another, and true love exists. I'd recommend this book to anyone.
The characters felt like my friends, and the town felt like an escape to a world where neighbors help one another, and true love exists. I'd recommend this book to anyone.
July 19, 2023
Love it!!
This book was so refreshing. I loved the characters and their transformation . I can't wait to read the next book.
This book was so refreshing. I loved the characters and their transformation . I can't wait to read the next book.
July 9, 2023
Sooo good, Read in one 36 hrs
I just couldn’t put it down, The characters are do relatable like I knew them my whole life. I hated it when I finished.
I just couldn’t put it down, The characters are do relatable like I knew them my whole life. I hated it when I finished.
April 13, 2025
This book is a wholesome story about a small-town turned big city girl returning to a simpler life and finding joy outside of the rat race. The grammar and editing were decent, but that's about where I can end the compliments. The story was almost tediously slow, with too much descriptive language and internal thought processes of the main character, who did not have any real depth to her. There was very little dialogue between the characters, and what was there felt stilted and shallow. I did enjoy the general descriptions of the bed and breakfast (which felt like the real love interest in this story) and its property, but there was too much focus placed on the remodeling process and other details that were irrelevant to the story. The main love interest that is mentioned in the description of the book doesn't even make an appearance until exactly 60% of the way through the story, and they don't get together until 98% through. The ending was very unsatisfying for the length of the book, and felt like it was just a set up/plea to buy or read the next book in this series. Given how misleading the description about this book was, I will not be reading the following books in this series.
December 5, 2021
Don’t be fooled by the name, THE SUMMER BREEZE is a book to be enjoyed in any season.
Callie’s story is deliciously sweet, the descriptions of her renovations and adventures running a bed-and-breakfast inviting and entertaining. And did I mention the food? Or the mysterious Nick?
Hallmark *needs* to make this a movie, that’s all I’m saying.
Shail Rajan joins the ranks of such writers as Rosamunde Pilcher and Jan Karon in her ability to create a small town atmosphere that will have the reader ready to relocate. The next time you need a break from your own fast-paced life, do yourself a favor and book your stay at THE SUMMER BREEZE.
Callie’s story is deliciously sweet, the descriptions of her renovations and adventures running a bed-and-breakfast inviting and entertaining. And did I mention the food? Or the mysterious Nick?
Hallmark *needs* to make this a movie, that’s all I’m saying.
Shail Rajan joins the ranks of such writers as Rosamunde Pilcher and Jan Karon in her ability to create a small town atmosphere that will have the reader ready to relocate. The next time you need a break from your own fast-paced life, do yourself a favor and book your stay at THE SUMMER BREEZE.
Currently reading
July 19, 2025Dear Reader,
If you're looking for your next feel-good series, The Summer Breeze might be just what you need. Set in beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country, it’s filled with heart, humor, and a cast of characters that feel like friends. There’s a dash of clean romance, plenty of delicious food (fair warning: you might get hungry!), and an undercurrent of hope that runs through every chapter. It’s a story about second chances, friends who are like family, and finding home in the most unexpected places. If you love cozy, uplifting reads with a foodie twist, this one’s for you.
Wishing you happy reading,
Shail
If you're looking for your next feel-good series, The Summer Breeze might be just what you need. Set in beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country, it’s filled with heart, humor, and a cast of characters that feel like friends. There’s a dash of clean romance, plenty of delicious food (fair warning: you might get hungry!), and an undercurrent of hope that runs through every chapter. It’s a story about second chances, friends who are like family, and finding home in the most unexpected places. If you love cozy, uplifting reads with a foodie twist, this one’s for you.
Wishing you happy reading,
Shail
May 13, 2021
I loved this book!! I am a big fan of Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner and I feel like Shail Rajan is right up there with them! It’s a wonderful story about not being afraid of following your dreams. It’s a book about family, yummy food and opening your heart back up to love after life throws you a few lemons. It’s a PERFECT quarantine book. I dunno about you but in quarantine I have been binging tv from the Food Network, HGTV and romcoms. This book rolls all three into a perfect package. Read this book!
Also, I totally need the recipe for Callie’s moms’ hot chocolate!
Also, I totally need the recipe for Callie’s moms’ hot chocolate!
August 28, 2021
We selected this book as our summer book club read and we were not disappointed.
Callie is a very likeable, relatable character. You want to be her friend and enjoy hearing about her family, her life.
The descriptions of the places she goes - and the lovely food she eats along the way - bring the book to life.
Very enjoyable read.
Callie is a very likeable, relatable character. You want to be her friend and enjoy hearing about her family, her life.
The descriptions of the places she goes - and the lovely food she eats along the way - bring the book to life.
Very enjoyable read.
September 13, 2021
Loved it!
I was so into the characters. Their needs, wants, and emotions. Written so expertly detailed I could smell the fabulous meals, feel the cool breezes!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants to escape a reality into a relaxing getaway.
I was so into the characters. Their needs, wants, and emotions. Written so expertly detailed I could smell the fabulous meals, feel the cool breezes!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants to escape a reality into a relaxing getaway.
August 20, 2021
I found it to be a light hearted read.I wonder if there is gonna be a second book more revolving around there relationship?
4/5 ⭐️. 0 💧. 0🌶
4/5 ⭐️. 0 💧. 0🌶
October 21, 2022
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this novel. The descriptions are detailed and vivid, and I loved the characters.
Ready for the next book!
I really enjoyed this novel. The descriptions are detailed and vivid, and I loved the characters.
Ready for the next book!
May 8, 2025
Hallmark-ish. But good
A clean feel good story where everything is perfect and works out for everyone. The writing is good... a fast and easy read, with just enough description,... but also descriptive enough to transport you to the Summer Breeze Bed and Breakfast. All the characters are likeable and well thought out. I was a little put out with Callie's immaturity when it came to her relationship with Nick.. (I kept rolling my eyes)...in the end though, it was still a good Saturday afternoon read.
A clean feel good story where everything is perfect and works out for everyone. The writing is good... a fast and easy read, with just enough description,... but also descriptive enough to transport you to the Summer Breeze Bed and Breakfast. All the characters are likeable and well thought out. I was a little put out with Callie's immaturity when it came to her relationship with Nick.. (I kept rolling my eyes)...in the end though, it was still a good Saturday afternoon read.
August 17, 2024
The Summer Breeze
Those book was filled with so much adventure of Callie leaving her job and returning to her home area and building a life with her b and b. All of the different people that stayed there. Her having all new friends. I liked all of the things that happened with all of the friends. I am
Looking forward to reading Shail's next book.
Those book was filled with so much adventure of Callie leaving her job and returning to her home area and building a life with her b and b. All of the different people that stayed there. Her having all new friends. I liked all of the things that happened with all of the friends. I am
Looking forward to reading Shail's next book.
October 13, 2024
The Summer Breeze is delicious and delightful get away!
From page one Shail Rajan has us invested in Calli and her journey. She has created a place and people that readers will want to return to again and again. Which is great, because The Summer Breeze: Bed & Breakfast is book one of a series I’m excited to continue with!
From page one Shail Rajan has us invested in Calli and her journey. She has created a place and people that readers will want to return to again and again. Which is great, because The Summer Breeze: Bed & Breakfast is book one of a series I’m excited to continue with!
August 18, 2023
Great read
I love this book - the plot, characters and setting. And Callie is a woman who won me over with her love of list making! My only regret is that I wish it had been a cold day to enjoy reading about their weather and food. But at any time, this is a great book!
I love this book - the plot, characters and setting. And Callie is a woman who won me over with her love of list making! My only regret is that I wish it had been a cold day to enjoy reading about their weather and food. But at any time, this is a great book!
September 1, 2024
So good!
Callie is such a strong woman. Trying to prove she can do it all. Start her own business. She met her match with Nick and didn't know what to do until it was to late. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
Callie is such a strong woman. Trying to prove she can do it all. Start her own business. She met her match with Nick and didn't know what to do until it was to late. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
October 30, 2024
This was the most amazing book I have ever read. I just could not put it down, not even to eat.
I just know that all the other books will be the same. Just can't wait to get into the next one. I would write more but want to get started, so here goes.
I just know that all the other books will be the same. Just can't wait to get into the next one. I would write more but want to get started, so here goes.
March 31, 2025
Extremely Enjoyable
This is the most complete story I have read in sometime. A lot of books now being written are more novellas than actual stories. The author has written complete characters and plots.
This is the most complete story I have read in sometime. A lot of books now being written are more novellas than actual stories. The author has written complete characters and plots.
Read
July 16, 2025I wanted a summer book series to listen to and I found The Summer Breeze series. I am so glad I found this series, It has summer vibes, family, fun, entrepreneurship, light hearted and an all around great book. I am excited to see what book 2 has in store for Nick and Callie!
August 13, 2025
Awesome
Absolutely awesome true self and love story! Loved reading this book! Makes me so want to buy the next 3!!!! Characters Callie. Lynette, Tiny, Kristen, NICK, Kate, Jack are great characters! Story line is incredible!!!
Absolutely awesome true self and love story! Loved reading this book! Makes me so want to buy the next 3!!!! Characters Callie. Lynette, Tiny, Kristen, NICK, Kate, Jack are great characters! Story line is incredible!!!
April 16, 2024
I love this book. Was lots of fun to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews