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Last Chance #5.5
Last Chance Summer: A Short Story
It wouldn't be summer without the Watermelon Festival, and single mom Amanda Wright is looking forward to a carefree day eating funnel cakes and sipping sweet tea. But with her inquisitive son and elderly grandmother in tow, she's not in the mood for carnival rides or the kissing booth, until she hears a charming, funny voice over the loudspeaker.
Grant Trumbull is the new DJ at the local radio station, and his deep, booming cadence has all the ladies of the church auxillary atwitter. Even without seeing his face, Amanda can't help but wonder if he's the one for her. When she finally comes face to face with the man behind the mic, summer is about to get a whole lot hotter in little Last Chance, South Carolina.
Approx. 10,000 words
Grant Trumbull is the new DJ at the local radio station, and his deep, booming cadence has all the ladies of the church auxillary atwitter. Even without seeing his face, Amanda can't help but wonder if he's the one for her. When she finally comes face to face with the man behind the mic, summer is about to get a whole lot hotter in little Last Chance, South Carolina.
Approx. 10,000 words
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2013
19 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Hope Ramsay
36 books559 followersHope Ramsay is a USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming contemporary romances, set below the Mason-Dixon Line. Her children are grown, but she has a beloved fur baby, Daisy the Cockapoo who keeps her entertained. Hope lives in the medium-sized town of Fredericksburg, Virginia and when she’s not writing or walking the dog, she spends her time knitting and noodling around on her collection of guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 24, 2022
Last Chance Summer is a short story by Hope Ramsay. This book was published by Forever romance a division of Grand Central Publishing. I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.
Amanda has a lot on her plate. She is a war widow, a single mother to four year old Ethan and the caretaker of her grandmother who has Alzheimer's.
Amanda's grandfather worked for WLST radio and Granny thinks he's still alive and on the radio which has poor Ethan a bit confused.
Heading out to the Watermelon festival, Amanda is trying to avoid Ethan's persistence to ride the Ferris Wheel and her friends all telling her she should go to the Lost & Found because that is where Miriam Randall has announced the new guy in town, Grant, will meet the love of his life.
Amanda's friend wants her to meet Grant, but Amanda is having none of it.
Will fate intervene and will Miriam's romantic predictions come true again this year?
Sometimes short stories work out just fine and sometimes they leave me feeling a little cheated. This one fell in the middle somewhere. The story had potential, but for me it just ended too abruptly. It was a romance, but the couple never even kissed! Ethan was adorable and Granny was a hoot, but Amanda's friend needed to be put in her place. Grant seemed nice, but we never got to see the couple together. It was a sweet story with a HEA, but needed to focus a little more on the perspective couple.
Overall a C-
Amanda has a lot on her plate. She is a war widow, a single mother to four year old Ethan and the caretaker of her grandmother who has Alzheimer's.
Amanda's grandfather worked for WLST radio and Granny thinks he's still alive and on the radio which has poor Ethan a bit confused.
Heading out to the Watermelon festival, Amanda is trying to avoid Ethan's persistence to ride the Ferris Wheel and her friends all telling her she should go to the Lost & Found because that is where Miriam Randall has announced the new guy in town, Grant, will meet the love of his life.
Amanda's friend wants her to meet Grant, but Amanda is having none of it.
Will fate intervene and will Miriam's romantic predictions come true again this year?
Sometimes short stories work out just fine and sometimes they leave me feeling a little cheated. This one fell in the middle somewhere. The story had potential, but for me it just ended too abruptly. It was a romance, but the couple never even kissed! Ethan was adorable and Granny was a hoot, but Amanda's friend needed to be put in her place. Grant seemed nice, but we never got to see the couple together. It was a sweet story with a HEA, but needed to focus a little more on the perspective couple.
Overall a C-
August 18, 2013
So sweet it'll make your teeth rot!
This one was super cute! Short and sweet! You have got to start reading this when you are looking for a quick STORY... if you go into it expecting a novel, then you are not going to be a happy camper. The author did a great job at giving us a concise story with a fair amount of detail while drumming up a mini plot set in the present.
I would like to see a longer BOOK by this author. I would definitely read it!
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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August 12, 2013
Delightfully sweet, with some unforgettable, loveable and quirky characters! Last Chance Summer by Hope Ramsay is a proof that when you least expect it, love is going to sneek up on you, even if it’s at the annual Watermelon Festival!
Impressive, how in just a few short pages, Hope Ramsay’s flare for clean, fun romance can squeeze a sigh and a smile out of me, without really trying! Even more impressive, this is “Mom Safe Reading,” and ideal for a quick read when time is almost non-existent!
I received a review copy from NetGalley and Forever Yours in exchange for my honest review!
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Publisher: Forever Yours
ISBN: 9781455549030
Number of Pages: 55
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Chick Lit
Age Recommendation: Adults/Even My Mom!
Rating: 4 Stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Impressive, how in just a few short pages, Hope Ramsay’s flare for clean, fun romance can squeeze a sigh and a smile out of me, without really trying! Even more impressive, this is “Mom Safe Reading,” and ideal for a quick read when time is almost non-existent!
I received a review copy from NetGalley and Forever Yours in exchange for my honest review!
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Publisher: Forever Yours
ISBN: 9781455549030
Number of Pages: 55
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Chick Lit
Age Recommendation: Adults/Even My Mom!
Rating: 4 Stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
August 16, 2013
Hope Ramsay has managed to fit a full and entertaining story in a quick read. 'Last Chance Summer' is a fun, clean book that is suitable for everyone. I loved all the characters, not just the main ones. Personally I would have a liked an epilogue where we see the family together living happily; this would have raised my rating from 4* to 5*.
A note to those reading this story on a Kindle: when the story ends the display indicates only 70%. This wasn't a problem for me, but it was surprising as I was expecting the story to go on for another chapter or to have a concluding epilogue.
A note to those reading this story on a Kindle: when the story ends the display indicates only 70%. This wasn't a problem for me, but it was surprising as I was expecting the story to go on for another chapter or to have a concluding epilogue.
September 28, 2013
Last Chance Summer by Hope Ramsey is about Amanda, a widowed mother raising her young son and taking care of her ailing grandmother. She is intrigued by Grant Trumbulls's voice on the local radio station and listens to him every morning. A series of events at the Watermelon festival leads Amanda to the radio station booth at the fair and she realizes that he is the one she's been waiting for. A fun, sweet read that intrigued me and made me want to check out the series. My only complaint is that it was way too short and I would love to see what happens next with Amanda and Grant.
August 12, 2013
This a very sweet quick trip to Last Chance, South Carolina for a visit to the Watermelon Festival.
We join Amanda Wright, young mother of an almost five year old boy named Ethan, as she is driving her grandmother and young son to the festival. Amanda is a science teacher, widowed, living with her grandparents since her husband's death. She had married her high school sweetheart who had joined the military, and was killed in Afghanistan shortly after Ethan's birth. Her grandfather had also recently died, and her grandmother, though perfectly healthy, was showing early signs of dementia. She loved taking care of her grandmother, but sometimes the responsibility, added with raising a four year old was very difficult.
There is not a lot I can say about this delightful novel without giving spoilers. If you love stories about small southern towns, friendly townspeople who always know your business, and just a peek of love at first sight? You will love Last Chance Summer.
I received this short story from NetGalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce
We join Amanda Wright, young mother of an almost five year old boy named Ethan, as she is driving her grandmother and young son to the festival. Amanda is a science teacher, widowed, living with her grandparents since her husband's death. She had married her high school sweetheart who had joined the military, and was killed in Afghanistan shortly after Ethan's birth. Her grandfather had also recently died, and her grandmother, though perfectly healthy, was showing early signs of dementia. She loved taking care of her grandmother, but sometimes the responsibility, added with raising a four year old was very difficult.
There is not a lot I can say about this delightful novel without giving spoilers. If you love stories about small southern towns, friendly townspeople who always know your business, and just a peek of love at first sight? You will love Last Chance Summer.
I received this short story from NetGalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce
September 4, 2022
Last Chance Summer is a thought-provoking short story about loss, family, and the concept of soul mates. Amanda has her hands full as a single mom to a four-and-a-half-year-old son and as a caretaker for her grandmother with slowly developing dementia. When she decides to take both to the annual Watermelon Festival, things go as good as can be expected right up until they don’t.
Grant wakes up one morning and decides he’s no longer happy in Chicago. Sure, he has a distinguished career and access to unlimited dating partners, but it’s no long fulfilling. He chucks it all and takes a chance by buying a small radio station in Last Chance, South Carolina. Little did he know just how much more his life could change by broadcasting live at the town’s Watermelon Festival.
This is a cute short story with plenty of drama, hope, and tough decisions. I didn’t care too much for the abrupt ending. The story builds up the potential romance and I was disappointed in how unfulfilling the ending truly was. Can this really be classified as a romance if the only interaction between the couple is their eyes meeting? They never talked, kissed, or were even close enough to one another to gauge body language. There is no closure and now I sit here wondering if they really liked each other and were able to make a go at it or not.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style (until the end) and loved how she brought Amanda, Ethan, and granny to life. I watched my own grandmother succumb to Alzheimer’s Disease and it’s a slow, agonizing process for everyone involved. I understand how four-year-old children are and how exhausting a public outing can be, and Hope Ramsay did a wonderful job writing Ethan and Amanda’s interactions. I loved the journey the author takes to introduce Amanda to Grant, even though what brings them together was heart-stopping and would terrify any parent or guardian. I just wish we would have gotten more than meeting eyes.
Grant wakes up one morning and decides he’s no longer happy in Chicago. Sure, he has a distinguished career and access to unlimited dating partners, but it’s no long fulfilling. He chucks it all and takes a chance by buying a small radio station in Last Chance, South Carolina. Little did he know just how much more his life could change by broadcasting live at the town’s Watermelon Festival.
This is a cute short story with plenty of drama, hope, and tough decisions. I didn’t care too much for the abrupt ending. The story builds up the potential romance and I was disappointed in how unfulfilling the ending truly was. Can this really be classified as a romance if the only interaction between the couple is their eyes meeting? They never talked, kissed, or were even close enough to one another to gauge body language. There is no closure and now I sit here wondering if they really liked each other and were able to make a go at it or not.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style (until the end) and loved how she brought Amanda, Ethan, and granny to life. I watched my own grandmother succumb to Alzheimer’s Disease and it’s a slow, agonizing process for everyone involved. I understand how four-year-old children are and how exhausting a public outing can be, and Hope Ramsay did a wonderful job writing Ethan and Amanda’s interactions. I loved the journey the author takes to introduce Amanda to Grant, even though what brings them together was heart-stopping and would terrify any parent or guardian. I just wish we would have gotten more than meeting eyes.
January 12, 2020
This was a short, sweet story and probably a good intro to this author although too short to really develop the characters beyond short sketches. I liked them enough to want a bit more from this frothy story of the first meeting between a widowed single mom struggling to raise her high energy son and take care of her grandmother who is unfortunately developing dementia, and the stranger in town who recently bought the local radio station.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 2, 2018
Sweet read
This is definitely worth the read. It’s such a short story you really can’t say much without giving anything away. It could be a stand alone but you really should just read the whole series.
This is definitely worth the read. It’s such a short story you really can’t say much without giving anything away. It could be a stand alone but you really should just read the whole series.
November 2, 2018
A visit to Last Chance
If you haven't started reading this series, please do. You'll love meeting the different characters of Last Chance and seeing how they are doing. This is an adorable short story.
If you haven't started reading this series, please do. You'll love meeting the different characters of Last Chance and seeing how they are doing. This is an adorable short story.
March 11, 2019
Lost then Found
In this small town of Last Chance, anything could happen. Usually when you are not ready for it as in the case of a granny, a small boy and a widowed mom. Add a newcomer with a voice that beckons and you might find what was lost.
In this small town of Last Chance, anything could happen. Usually when you are not ready for it as in the case of a granny, a small boy and a widowed mom. Add a newcomer with a voice that beckons and you might find what was lost.
December 10, 2021
Short but a tearjerker!
I've devoured all of the Last Chance books, and couldn't pass up this in-between series entry. Charming, funny, and brought me to tears. My favorite kind of story!
I've devoured all of the Last Chance books, and couldn't pass up this in-between series entry. Charming, funny, and brought me to tears. My favorite kind of story!
June 24, 2017
Great story by a truly great author!!
May 17, 2020
It was a cute fast story with another little old lady from Last Hope!
October 25, 2020
A very short story that took about one hour to read.
June 7, 2021
Too short a story to even be a story
August 12, 2013
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from Netgalley
I give 1 star to this story, not because it was bad, but because I’m not happy at all. I hate it when one lies to me and now, it’s clearly the case.
I will explain my point of view to prevent fans from setting on me. :-)
I have been interested by this story for three reasons; the first one is that I loved the summary. The second one is that it was categorized as a romance short story. And the last one is that when I don’t know an author, to read his or her short story allows me to see if I can appreciate his or her style.
Last chance summer contains less than 60 pages… and for me, this short story has nothing to do with a romance. I remind what the literary genre is, according to Wikipedia. A romance novel «places its primary focus on the relationship and romantic love between two people.»
Let’s just say that I was more than disappointed when I realized that not only that was not the case here, but the heroes only meet in the last chapter and the story finishes here, without an epilogue showing their couple some time later. So, maybe, according to its author, the fact that, in the end, two people who succumb to the charm of each other, means that her story is a love one, but I am a romance reader, and I know how to make the difference.
And it’s not because it’s a «short story» that I am going to forgive such a failure with the basis of my favourite literary genre, because I know people who can write a love story in 12 pages.
The worst is that I could have liked this story. Problem is, I was waiting for THE encounter between the two heroes and since it didn’t occur, it’s difficult for me to make an objective review.
In fact, the story was very cute and I loved the encounter between Grant Trumbull and Amanda Wright. Last Chance summer is the 6th (or 5.5) volume of a small-town series which takes place in a town called Last Chance. It tells the story of a young widow, mother of a 5-years-old boy, and who succumbs to the charm of the hero’s voice, radio host.
I loved the heroine’s little son. He brings humour, freshness and lightness in a stirring story with a heroine who is afraid to move forward and a grandmother who presents with signs of Alzheimer.
We can read this short story as a stand-alone. However, I don’t know if I will read another Hope Ramsay book.
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from Netgalley
I give 1 star to this story, not because it was bad, but because I’m not happy at all. I hate it when one lies to me and now, it’s clearly the case.
I will explain my point of view to prevent fans from setting on me. :-)
I have been interested by this story for three reasons; the first one is that I loved the summary. The second one is that it was categorized as a romance short story. And the last one is that when I don’t know an author, to read his or her short story allows me to see if I can appreciate his or her style.
Last chance summer contains less than 60 pages… and for me, this short story has nothing to do with a romance. I remind what the literary genre is, according to Wikipedia. A romance novel «places its primary focus on the relationship and romantic love between two people.»
Let’s just say that I was more than disappointed when I realized that not only that was not the case here, but the heroes only meet in the last chapter and the story finishes here, without an epilogue showing their couple some time later. So, maybe, according to its author, the fact that, in the end, two people who succumb to the charm of each other, means that her story is a love one, but I am a romance reader, and I know how to make the difference.
And it’s not because it’s a «short story» that I am going to forgive such a failure with the basis of my favourite literary genre, because I know people who can write a love story in 12 pages.
The worst is that I could have liked this story. Problem is, I was waiting for THE encounter between the two heroes and since it didn’t occur, it’s difficult for me to make an objective review.
In fact, the story was very cute and I loved the encounter between Grant Trumbull and Amanda Wright. Last Chance summer is the 6th (or 5.5) volume of a small-town series which takes place in a town called Last Chance. It tells the story of a young widow, mother of a 5-years-old boy, and who succumbs to the charm of the hero’s voice, radio host.
I loved the heroine’s little son. He brings humour, freshness and lightness in a stirring story with a heroine who is afraid to move forward and a grandmother who presents with signs of Alzheimer.
We can read this short story as a stand-alone. However, I don’t know if I will read another Hope Ramsay book.
August 12, 2013
This seemed a nice story to grab up as I near the end of my summer reads and I already really enjoy the series of books about the small southern town of Last Chance by Hope Ramsay. This is definitely a short story as the subtitle informs us and it gives a quick sweet, story about a whole new Last Chance Heroine.
A young, stressed widow, Amanda Wright, is taking her four year old son and eighty year old grandmother to the Watermelon Festival. Her grandmother still believes her dead husband is alive and gets upset when she hears the new local radio personality replacing her husband on the radio broadcast at the festival and her son who can only talk of finding grandpa in the radio and riding the ferris wheel. Amanda busily tries to keep both of her charges distracted from their fixations and happy with other things even while hearing the new guy, Grant, interviewing Ms. Miriam and get one of her enigmatic matchmaking pronouncements. Amanda has no plans to learn anything further about Grant or find out if she could be his match, but even she can't anticipate just how fate will take part in her life.
The story was adorable and I loved it. The characters were the best part for me and I enjoyed the build up to the big moment. The ending left me with my mouth gaping because I wanted a bit more after the build up. A few more pages or an epilogue would have made this even better for me. It was just a little issue and didn't detract too much from the story for me. I recommend the story for fans of the series and for those who enjoy sweet contemporary romance looking for something short to tide them over or looking for a new small town romance series to try.
My thanks to Net Galley for providing the book for the purpose of an honest review.
A young, stressed widow, Amanda Wright, is taking her four year old son and eighty year old grandmother to the Watermelon Festival. Her grandmother still believes her dead husband is alive and gets upset when she hears the new local radio personality replacing her husband on the radio broadcast at the festival and her son who can only talk of finding grandpa in the radio and riding the ferris wheel. Amanda busily tries to keep both of her charges distracted from their fixations and happy with other things even while hearing the new guy, Grant, interviewing Ms. Miriam and get one of her enigmatic matchmaking pronouncements. Amanda has no plans to learn anything further about Grant or find out if she could be his match, but even she can't anticipate just how fate will take part in her life.
The story was adorable and I loved it. The characters were the best part for me and I enjoyed the build up to the big moment. The ending left me with my mouth gaping because I wanted a bit more after the build up. A few more pages or an epilogue would have made this even better for me. It was just a little issue and didn't detract too much from the story for me. I recommend the story for fans of the series and for those who enjoy sweet contemporary romance looking for something short to tide them over or looking for a new small town romance series to try.
My thanks to Net Galley for providing the book for the purpose of an honest review.
August 31, 2013
I like Last Chance Summer: A Short Story but it is quite a disappointment to me because it is too short and not quite finished. It is a story of love at first sight or should I say love at first voice between Amanda and Grant. Amanda is a widow with her son, Ethan. Her husband Tom has died in the Middle East on Tour of Duty. Amanda was not expecting to find love again. She is losing her grandmother to dementia/Alzheimer and soon she will lose her son Ethan when he grows up. Amanda is afraid of living because she was losing too many people she loves.
Grant, on the other hand is trying to find love. He had meaningless relationship. While he was trying to escape established career as a radio host, he landed on Last Chance, South Carolina.
Amanda and Grant never interact physically or verbally with each other. All there is, for most part is Amanda hearing Grant's voice on the radio and the attraction to his voice. Grant never set eyes on Amanda until she showed up at the Lost and Found at the Watermelon Fair.
When I finished the story, I was thinking "Is this it?, Where is the development of the relationship between Amanda and Grant?, and Where's the ending?" Don't get me wrong. Last Chance Summer is well written but it leaves the readers wanting more and speculating that Amanda and Grant does end up together. It doesn't bring Grant to deal with Amanda's grandmother's medical condition. Where is the conflict that helps Amanda realizes that Grant is meant to be her hero?
I received this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I did not received any compensation or was influencing in anyway to write a review.
Grant, on the other hand is trying to find love. He had meaningless relationship. While he was trying to escape established career as a radio host, he landed on Last Chance, South Carolina.
Amanda and Grant never interact physically or verbally with each other. All there is, for most part is Amanda hearing Grant's voice on the radio and the attraction to his voice. Grant never set eyes on Amanda until she showed up at the Lost and Found at the Watermelon Fair.
When I finished the story, I was thinking "Is this it?, Where is the development of the relationship between Amanda and Grant?, and Where's the ending?" Don't get me wrong. Last Chance Summer is well written but it leaves the readers wanting more and speculating that Amanda and Grant does end up together. It doesn't bring Grant to deal with Amanda's grandmother's medical condition. Where is the conflict that helps Amanda realizes that Grant is meant to be her hero?
I received this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I did not received any compensation or was influencing in anyway to write a review.
November 17, 2014
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I’m not even sure how to start this review... Cause, you see, I was actually liking the story, finding it very sweet, until it got to the end. *starts rant* Seriously, what was that ending? Why? It was so unnecessary and unnerving! There was no necessity for it, it wasn't needed and, honestly, it left me with no desire whatsoever to read another thing the author writes ever again. *ends rant*
Ok, maybe the problem is me, I believe many people love that ending, but I dispense the whole “message from the above” thing.
As for the story, it’s well explained in the sinopsis. It’s the day of the Watermelon Festival in Last Chance and Amanda, who is a widow, attends with her son and her grandmother who has Alzheimer. While they are there, they listen to the local radio station’s broadcast who is being done live from the festival by the station’s new DJ, Grant, who has left Chicago for the small town living. The women seem to all be crazy about him, but Amanda has never seen him, even though she’s very attracted to his voice.
At some point Amanda ends up losing both her son and her grandmother, but they both turn up at the radio booth which allows for the long awaited encounter between her and Grant. Which I would have found sweet and full of promise but that was completely ruined to me by that finale...
I’m not even sure how to start this review... Cause, you see, I was actually liking the story, finding it very sweet, until it got to the end. *starts rant* Seriously, what was that ending? Why? It was so unnecessary and unnerving! There was no necessity for it, it wasn't needed and, honestly, it left me with no desire whatsoever to read another thing the author writes ever again. *ends rant*
Ok, maybe the problem is me, I believe many people love that ending, but I dispense the whole “message from the above” thing.
As for the story, it’s well explained in the sinopsis. It’s the day of the Watermelon Festival in Last Chance and Amanda, who is a widow, attends with her son and her grandmother who has Alzheimer. While they are there, they listen to the local radio station’s broadcast who is being done live from the festival by the station’s new DJ, Grant, who has left Chicago for the small town living. The women seem to all be crazy about him, but Amanda has never seen him, even though she’s very attracted to his voice.
At some point Amanda ends up losing both her son and her grandmother, but they both turn up at the radio booth which allows for the long awaited encounter between her and Grant. Which I would have found sweet and full of promise but that was completely ruined to me by that finale...
August 16, 2013
My only objection to this story is that it was to short and ended too quickly. Because of this, there was no opportunity to develop the story or the characters, and the ending just sort of jumped out at you. I don’t think the author gave it much of a build up during the story. The story concerns Amanda, stressed out from raising her four-year old alone, still grieving for her dead soldier husband who died suddenly in Afghanistan, and from caring for her 80 something grandmother. The town of Last Chance and the watermelon festival are a perfect setting. There is a new radio DJ in town, who has replaced Amanda’s grandfather, though her grandmother, true to form, acts as if her recently deceased husband is still alive and, as a former DJ of the radio station, is due to begin making announcements and conducting on-air interviews at any moment. Amanda’s son Ethan desperately wants to ride the Ferris wheel, but Amanda, who will have to go with him on the ride, keeps putting that off since she fears heights. All too soon the story is over, almost before you realize it. I personally loved this story plot, though I think it was far more suited to a longer novel or even a novella, since there was almost no time to develop the plot. The characters were developed, and, in such a short space, something had to give. I recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, summer, chick lit read. I received this from the publisher through Net Galley.
August 22, 2013
I knew going in this would be a quick little read and it was (about 30 minutes). I got a really good feel for Amanda. The small-town atmosphere was great. We got a fabulous look at the real characters that live in Last Chance: everyone from Granny (Amanda’s grandmother) to the local matchmaker Miriam, and even Amanda.
Amanda’s not had great experience with life. Her parents died early (somewhere while in elementary school) and her husband, her high school sweetheart, died only weeks after Ethan (her 5 y/o son) was born. So, she understandably needs to control her environment a bit, and has her hands full with her son and grandmother (who’s slowly losing her memory). This has not made for a good love life.
Where this book came up short for me was in the romance department. The only interaction between Grant and Amanda comes in the final five to ten pages of the book. And even then, there’s no “getting to know” phase, just Ethan’s claim about Grant, and poof, that’s it. Sure, Amanda’s been listening to Grant do his radio program throughout this work, but how is that enough to suddenly proclaim: oh, he’s the one, especially since she’s not really had anyone since her husband died?
Still, the characters themselves made this a lovely read and I will certainly check out other books set in Last Chance. Solid 3-star rating from me.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda’s not had great experience with life. Her parents died early (somewhere while in elementary school) and her husband, her high school sweetheart, died only weeks after Ethan (her 5 y/o son) was born. So, she understandably needs to control her environment a bit, and has her hands full with her son and grandmother (who’s slowly losing her memory). This has not made for a good love life.
Where this book came up short for me was in the romance department. The only interaction between Grant and Amanda comes in the final five to ten pages of the book. And even then, there’s no “getting to know” phase, just Ethan’s claim about Grant, and poof, that’s it. Sure, Amanda’s been listening to Grant do his radio program throughout this work, but how is that enough to suddenly proclaim: oh, he’s the one, especially since she’s not really had anyone since her husband died?
Still, the characters themselves made this a lovely read and I will certainly check out other books set in Last Chance. Solid 3-star rating from me.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2013
Last Chance Summer caught my eye because of the watermelon on the cover. Strange, I know. But, you see, I grew up in Pageland, SC - the town we call "The Watermelon Capital of the World". And every July they hold a Watermelon Festival that includes a pageant, seed spitting contest and a carnival. The synopsis for Last Chance Summer talks about Last Chance, SC and its annual Watermelon Festival. I was intrigued.
First things first, I did determine that the author isn't talking about our festival but another in the western part of the state. That was good because the characters pretty much got on my nerves. I can tell you that NO ONE in Pageland greets a stranger with "Howdy." And some smooth talking Chicago native isn't going to come to town and cause all of the women to swoon.
There is nothing overly offensive about Last Chance Summer but I do feel that many authors who aren't from the South but have visited have a very simplistic view of what it means to be a Southerner. Especially what it means to be a Southern woman. I don't appreciate that all of the women are so 'cutesy' and, in many cases, overly emotional. The women in Last Chance Summer were caricatures of real Southern women and I wished for more.
2/5 stars. Thanks to the publisher for providing an e-book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First things first, I did determine that the author isn't talking about our festival but another in the western part of the state. That was good because the characters pretty much got on my nerves. I can tell you that NO ONE in Pageland greets a stranger with "Howdy." And some smooth talking Chicago native isn't going to come to town and cause all of the women to swoon.
There is nothing overly offensive about Last Chance Summer but I do feel that many authors who aren't from the South but have visited have a very simplistic view of what it means to be a Southerner. Especially what it means to be a Southern woman. I don't appreciate that all of the women are so 'cutesy' and, in many cases, overly emotional. The women in Last Chance Summer were caricatures of real Southern women and I wished for more.
2/5 stars. Thanks to the publisher for providing an e-book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2016
A bit predictable.
After reading this short story I decided I needed to do a bit of research to discover the context in which it was written. To me, it didn't make a lot of sense as a isolated story.
It seems that Last Chance is a remote American town in South Carolina, and Hope Ramsay has already written five novels centred around this town. I'm sure that, if I'd read a couple of these books, I would now be rating Last Chance Summer as more than 3 stars, but as an isolated read, it was rather predictable and too short to really get to know the characters. Having said that, Amanda's slightly dotty grandmother and her five-year-old son, had great potential character-wise.
We meet Amanda and her small family, as they drive towards the annual watermelon festival, obviously a highlight of the calendar in Last Chance. Grandmother is showing early signs of dementia, with confusion and forgetfulness; I loved her insistance that she take her turn at the 'kissing stall'. Ethan, a bouncy youngster, is desperate to ride on the ferris wheel, but Amanda is afraid of heights and tries to distract him. I did feel that the character of Amanda was rather sorry for herself, she could have just asked someone else to take him.
Definitely better suited as a between-novel read for fans of Hope Ramsay's Last Chance series.
After reading this short story I decided I needed to do a bit of research to discover the context in which it was written. To me, it didn't make a lot of sense as a isolated story.
It seems that Last Chance is a remote American town in South Carolina, and Hope Ramsay has already written five novels centred around this town. I'm sure that, if I'd read a couple of these books, I would now be rating Last Chance Summer as more than 3 stars, but as an isolated read, it was rather predictable and too short to really get to know the characters. Having said that, Amanda's slightly dotty grandmother and her five-year-old son, had great potential character-wise.
We meet Amanda and her small family, as they drive towards the annual watermelon festival, obviously a highlight of the calendar in Last Chance. Grandmother is showing early signs of dementia, with confusion and forgetfulness; I loved her insistance that she take her turn at the 'kissing stall'. Ethan, a bouncy youngster, is desperate to ride on the ferris wheel, but Amanda is afraid of heights and tries to distract him. I did feel that the character of Amanda was rather sorry for herself, she could have just asked someone else to take him.
Definitely better suited as a between-novel read for fans of Hope Ramsay's Last Chance series.
August 10, 2013
YOU ALWAYS HAVE ONE MORE… LAST CHANCE
“LAST CHANCE SUMMER” by Hope Ramsay brings to life a small town and their Watermelon Festival. This story features Amanda, a card carrying member of the Sandwich Generation – a single, war-widowed mom taking care of her 4 year old son and also her 80 year old early-stages dementia grandmother. It’s the day of the Watermelon Festival and Amanda is feeling the stress of all she has lost – in all contexts of the word. This very short story (55 pages) packs a punch dealing with the themes of “Lost and Found”. This is the latest entry in the series about the town of Last Chance (I think this makes the 10th one) and it is a look at a sweet Southern town with old-fashioned values. This is definitely a book you could loan your Mom (& I’ll probably recommend the series to my Mom) and is similar to stories such as written by Debbie Macomber or Sherryl Woods. While the story’s ending is a bit abrupt, it’s still just as cool and refreshing as, well, a slice of cold watermelon on a hot summer day. If you get the chance to read it – enjoy!
Note: I was given a copy of this short story to read in exchange for this HONEST review.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SNARKYMOMREADS
“LAST CHANCE SUMMER” by Hope Ramsay brings to life a small town and their Watermelon Festival. This story features Amanda, a card carrying member of the Sandwich Generation – a single, war-widowed mom taking care of her 4 year old son and also her 80 year old early-stages dementia grandmother. It’s the day of the Watermelon Festival and Amanda is feeling the stress of all she has lost – in all contexts of the word. This very short story (55 pages) packs a punch dealing with the themes of “Lost and Found”. This is the latest entry in the series about the town of Last Chance (I think this makes the 10th one) and it is a look at a sweet Southern town with old-fashioned values. This is definitely a book you could loan your Mom (& I’ll probably recommend the series to my Mom) and is similar to stories such as written by Debbie Macomber or Sherryl Woods. While the story’s ending is a bit abrupt, it’s still just as cool and refreshing as, well, a slice of cold watermelon on a hot summer day. If you get the chance to read it – enjoy!
Note: I was given a copy of this short story to read in exchange for this HONEST review.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SNARKYMOMREADS
August 16, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
This morning I wanted something really quick to read and I figure that Last Chance Summer by Hope Ramsay would be a good pick. Plus, who doesn't like taking a little trip to Last Chance. While we are in Last Chance, we might as well stop at the Watermelon Festival, since that's the big to do during the summer.
Since this is a really short story, I'm not going to sum the story up. However, like most of the Last Chance stories we have Miz Miriam Randall working on her matchmaking skills. Of course she has her eyes on two people: Grant Trumbull and Amanda Wright.
Overall, this a cute little story. My only gripe is I wish Last Chance Summer was a little longer. However, it's still a cute read about a mother who needs to believe in a little magic and a young man who needs a new start. If you have been reading the Last Chance books and can't wait for the next book, Last Chance Summer is a quick little read that will wet your appetite for the next story. I know I'm excited to read what happens next in Last Chance.
Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley
This morning I wanted something really quick to read and I figure that Last Chance Summer by Hope Ramsay would be a good pick. Plus, who doesn't like taking a little trip to Last Chance. While we are in Last Chance, we might as well stop at the Watermelon Festival, since that's the big to do during the summer.
Since this is a really short story, I'm not going to sum the story up. However, like most of the Last Chance stories we have Miz Miriam Randall working on her matchmaking skills. Of course she has her eyes on two people: Grant Trumbull and Amanda Wright.
Overall, this a cute little story. My only gripe is I wish Last Chance Summer was a little longer. However, it's still a cute read about a mother who needs to believe in a little magic and a young man who needs a new start. If you have been reading the Last Chance books and can't wait for the next book, Last Chance Summer is a quick little read that will wet your appetite for the next story. I know I'm excited to read what happens next in Last Chance.
Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley
August 29, 2013
This book is very much a feel good book, set in a small town environment, and takes place during the course of a few hours. It is a short story and a very quick and easy to read. I really enjoyed this story and the small town life it portrayed through the interaction of the characters at the annual watermelon festival. It focuses mainly on a single family of grandmother, mother and son.
Being a short story there was not too much in the way of character development, but enough information is provided to make the characters feel real and to create sufficient back story for the reader to enjoy and understand the motivations of each of the characters and their interactions. Overall, what I get from this book, is a warm happy feeling, and for me, any story that can elicit those feelings is a good read, worthy of recommendation.
I would have personally preferred the story to be a little longer and for there to be some development of the romantic relationship alluded to throughout the book. If you want a quick, easy read that leaves you feeling good then check this out.
This review is based on a review copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher.
Being a short story there was not too much in the way of character development, but enough information is provided to make the characters feel real and to create sufficient back story for the reader to enjoy and understand the motivations of each of the characters and their interactions. Overall, what I get from this book, is a warm happy feeling, and for me, any story that can elicit those feelings is a good read, worthy of recommendation.
I would have personally preferred the story to be a little longer and for there to be some development of the romantic relationship alluded to throughout the book. If you want a quick, easy read that leaves you feeling good then check this out.
This review is based on a review copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher.
August 29, 2013
I was given the opportunity to review this book for the author
It wouldn't be summer without the Watermelon Festival, and single mom Amanda Wright is looking forward to a carefree day eating funnel cakes and sipping sweet tea. But with her inquisitive son and elderly grandmother in tow, she's not in the mood for carnival rides or the kissing booth, until she hears a charming, funny voice over the loudspeaker.
Grant Trumbull is the new DJ at the local radio station, and his deep, booming cadence has all the ladies of the church auxillary atwitter. Even without seeing his face, Amanda can't help but wonder if he's the one for her. When she finally comes face to face with the man behind the mic, summer is about to get a whole lot hotter in little Last Chance, South Carolina.
This was really a day in the life of Amanda Wright and the trials and tribulations she has at the watermelon festival,where she just want a normal carefree day, yer right.
This was very short story, 40 minutes maximum to read,it didn't really tick all the boxes for me,I didn't find it that exciting, but as a quick read it gained my 3 stars.
It wouldn't be summer without the Watermelon Festival, and single mom Amanda Wright is looking forward to a carefree day eating funnel cakes and sipping sweet tea. But with her inquisitive son and elderly grandmother in tow, she's not in the mood for carnival rides or the kissing booth, until she hears a charming, funny voice over the loudspeaker.
Grant Trumbull is the new DJ at the local radio station, and his deep, booming cadence has all the ladies of the church auxillary atwitter. Even without seeing his face, Amanda can't help but wonder if he's the one for her. When she finally comes face to face with the man behind the mic, summer is about to get a whole lot hotter in little Last Chance, South Carolina.
This was really a day in the life of Amanda Wright and the trials and tribulations she has at the watermelon festival,where she just want a normal carefree day, yer right.
This was very short story, 40 minutes maximum to read,it didn't really tick all the boxes for me,I didn't find it that exciting, but as a quick read it gained my 3 stars.
September 14, 2013
Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
This is the story of Amanda Wright, a young, widowed, middle school Science teacher, her four and half-year-old son, Ethan, and Grant Trumbull, the new owner and DJ of Last Chance's local radio station. All of the characters are new to the Last Chance series. But Hope was able to give you enough background on them to understand them and feel for them.
The story takes place at the Watermelon Festival, which apparently is a huge deal in Last Chance. Amanda is at the festival with her son and grandmother who has dementia and lost her husband four months previously. Miriam Randall is back, making an on air prediction that Grant will find his soulmate at the Lost and Found. The events which follow will terrify Amanda but also have her coming to a realization she never saw coming.
Last Chance Summer is a short read of about 10,000 words. It had the potential to be a really good short story. But unfortunately, the story ended abruptly and without closure.
Rating: 2.5 (I liked it, it was enjoyable but it ended WAY too quickly.)
Source: NetGalley
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
This is the story of Amanda Wright, a young, widowed, middle school Science teacher, her four and half-year-old son, Ethan, and Grant Trumbull, the new owner and DJ of Last Chance's local radio station. All of the characters are new to the Last Chance series. But Hope was able to give you enough background on them to understand them and feel for them.
The story takes place at the Watermelon Festival, which apparently is a huge deal in Last Chance. Amanda is at the festival with her son and grandmother who has dementia and lost her husband four months previously. Miriam Randall is back, making an on air prediction that Grant will find his soulmate at the Lost and Found. The events which follow will terrify Amanda but also have her coming to a realization she never saw coming.
Last Chance Summer is a short read of about 10,000 words. It had the potential to be a really good short story. But unfortunately, the story ended abruptly and without closure.
Rating: 2.5 (I liked it, it was enjoyable but it ended WAY too quickly.)
Source: NetGalley
October 3, 2013
It just wouldn't be summer without a visit to the annual Watermelon Festival which takes place every August. Single mom Amanda Wright is looking forward to spending a carefree day eating funnel cakes and sipping sweet tea. But with her inquisitive son, Ethan, and elderly grandmother in tow, Amanda's not really in the mood for carnival rides or the kissing booth; that is until she hears a charming, funny voice over the loudspeaker.
Grant Trumbull is the new DJ at the local radio station, and with his deep, booming cadence, he sets all the ladies of the church auxiliary's hearts aflutter. Even without seeing his face, Amanda can't help but wonder if he's the one for her. When she finally come face to face with the man behind the microphone, Amanda finds that summer just got a whole lot hotter in Last Chance, South Carolina.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this short story. The plot was engaging, and the characters were extremely likable. I was completely drawn in, and will certainly be looking for more books by Hope Ramsay set in Last Chance, South Carolina. I give this particular short story an A!
Grant Trumbull is the new DJ at the local radio station, and with his deep, booming cadence, he sets all the ladies of the church auxiliary's hearts aflutter. Even without seeing his face, Amanda can't help but wonder if he's the one for her. When she finally come face to face with the man behind the microphone, Amanda finds that summer just got a whole lot hotter in Last Chance, South Carolina.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this short story. The plot was engaging, and the characters were extremely likable. I was completely drawn in, and will certainly be looking for more books by Hope Ramsay set in Last Chance, South Carolina. I give this particular short story an A!
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