Her Summer Refuge

by Gabrielle Meyer

She needs his help to start over…

But can she earn his trust?

Jobless and alone, mom-to-be Jessa Brooks returns to the resort she once called home—only to find the man she left a decade before. New owner Will Madden offers his pregnant ex a cabin, a job…and a silent vow to keep his distance. But working together makes it impossible to stay away. As old feelings resurface, could they find the refuge they both need in each other?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance, Clean Romance

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Gabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Reviews

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally flew through this in a day! A lovely break in between doing homework.

For this being a 200 page book, there was a lot packed in and I was so impressed!
It kicks off right away with the 2 characters meeting after 10 years of being apart. The tension was coming off the page, it was so good!

Loved the characters. They were deep, interesting, had chemistry, strong faith, I loved them!
The plot was quick but realistic and I was so invested by page 1.

Very impressed with this contemporary romance from Gabrielle Meyer (author of the Timeless series). I want to read more books like this! Highly recommend!

Tropes & Triggers: summer vibes, divorce, pregnancy, second chance romance, strong faith content

[Sheila · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not care for this book at all. Jessa and Beck were very selfish people.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a treat to enjoy this sweet summer story where Jessa has the opportunity to return home to Timber Falls after experiencing some devastating events overseas. I appreciate her vulnerability as she tries to overcome past regrets, and I love that the people in the town rally around her as she tries to do so. The sense of community in this book is rich, especially with the Christians in her church. Will also plays a pivotal role in caring for Jessa, which is a huge feat as he is battling his own emotions. Getting to see him act in a selfless manner truly makes him stand out amongst the men in this book.

The themes of hope, forgiveness, and love are strongly woven throughout Jessa and Will's story, traits that also characterize Will's family members. Christian faith is evident as the characters continually seek God while facing circumstances that look bleak. It doesn't take long to see how God is working in their lives as they yield to Him. As a result, it is lovely to see both Will and Timber Falls offer refuge to a woman who is in desperate need. If you're looking for a summer escape that offers touching moments and simple joy, Her Summer Refuge hits the spot.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We've all been in tough situations -- some tougher than others -- and we need each other to get through. That is why God puts us here together. None of us needs to be alone."

What a sweet reminder from Will's mom, Sandy.

And what a sweet story. It does not start out sweetly though; desperate, more likely.
Pregnant, divorced, and with no job or place to live, Jessa returns to her childhood home now owned by the man she loved, but left a decade ago.

To me, this feel-good, second chance story highlights how valuable, healing, and empowering true, unconditional love can be.

A lovely book to start my summer reading with.
☀️

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t so sure I’d like this book, but it was wonderful. Jessa returns to her small hometown pregnant and broke. She is now divorced and finds herself being helped by a man she dated while in high school.

[Ann Jambor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, easy read. It’s one of those books where there’s not a lot of complication and you just wish they would have a short conversation and move forward.

[Kassie Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good clean sweet book! 🥹
I love Gabrielle Meyer

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was SO good, I could not put it down!!! This was my FIRST book by Gabrielle Meyer and wow, it was SO good!

Jessa and Will have a past... They were best friends who eventually dated, and fell in love. But when Jessa left out of state she stressed that settling down with Will so soon would close her off to all her traveling dreams... so she wrote him a letter, and broke up with him! Fast forward 10 years and she is back home, pregnant, divorced and broke. But who comes to her aid? Will and man oh man, he steps up like no other man would. Of course feelings come flooding back for them both... but they both know its risky to put their hearts in each other's hands AGAIN. Will they give each other another try?!

This book was so good I kept thinking I wish I had my Kindle to be able to save all the wonderful sweet moments in the book... there were SO MANY! Wills character in this story was my favorite.

[Jennifer McClurkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful second chance romance book. Jobless and alone, mom- to- be Jessa Brooks returns to her hometown and the resort she called home. She finds that the new resort owner is the man she left behind. Will Madden offers his pregnant ex a cabin, a job and a silent vow to keep his distance. But working together makes it harder to stay away. As old feelings resurface, could they both find refuge?

[Bobbi Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Gabrielle Meyer!! Jessa and Will were high school sweethearts and she sent a Dear John letter in a moment of teenage uncertainty. 10 years later, divorced, alone, and pregnant she shows up at her family's resort unaware that Will is the new owner. He gave his word to her dad that there would always be a place for Jessa at the resort. Can Jessa heal her heart and get her feet stable under her before the baby comes? Can Will forgive her for hurting him and be a good friend in Jessa's time of need? Sweet, tender, slow burn romance, forgiveness and healing.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet book! I enjoyed the communication between the main characters. Favorite quotes, "Now, knowing that the God who created all those stars created and cares about me makes me feel the opposite of insignificant. It makes me feel loved and valuable." and "No one is ever beyond the point of forgiveness. Especially in light of God's forgiveness."
Beautiful book! I have been enjoying the Timeless Series by Gabrielle Meyer and saw this book reviewed on Book Tube and wanted to read it also. She is an amazing author!

[Laura A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a handful of these short “Love Inspired” books in high school and then not any since then. But when I saw this one by Gabrielle Meyer I had to read it. And I’m glad I did! This is a wholesome & heartwarming story of two people overcoming their fear of being vulnerable and letting love in again.

And a tip if you’re in a reading slump, don’t know what to read next, or trying to emotionally recover from your last: pick a short book that you know will make you smile! 🥰

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read!
Jessa Brooks returns, after ten years, to her Timber Falls, MN home, divorced, pregnant, and broke. She comes to to what was her family’s resort, only to discover the new owner is the “boy she left behind,” Will Madden. Will offers her a place to stay and a job, but not necessarily his trust.
Gabrielle Meyer writes a heartwarming story of forgiveness and trust, and glimpses of unconditional love.

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touches your heart in the best way!

What a beautiful love story! So moving, touching your heart as you read it. Of course, you know there will be a happily ever after, but it’s how it comes about that makes a good book into the best! Gabrielle Meyer knows how to make a good story into the best and proves it with this wonderful love story! Excellent!

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story

When Jessa comes home broken and pregnant, Will is there for her. Working together brings them closer together. However, a wrench gets thrown into the mix and misunderstandings arise. The truth is the only answer to everything, and the result is a beautiful story of love and renewed hope.

[Abby Breuklander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love and love this story! What a beautiful reminder that no matter what kind of mistakes we may have made in the past, God can take every single broken piece of our lives and turn them into something we never dreamed possible!

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Tears!

Well that worked out with a few bumps in the road. I can’t even hate the bad guy because he did right in the end. I can see a bright future for this young family.

[Rachel Nolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could be a Hallmark movie! It has small town charm. 2nd chance at love, and a baby on the way. All things to make a perfect summer read book. I will be sharing this books with others.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

:)

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Really enjoyed it.

[Kelly Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet clean romance. I really loved it, so heartwarming. Two people finding their way back to each other and falling in love all over again. Was a really fast read.

[Linea Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice wee story.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully designed with emphasis on emotional development and strong family experience ❤️ 💜..

Highly recommend

[Annette Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book for some reason was kind of hard to keep my interest at first. Then it was hard to put down. overall it was a great book.

[SusanReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a middle of the road story to me. I think I just need to stick to longer stories that can be fleshed out fully.

[Nelcelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. 4⭐️

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Ashley Rennhack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the story that pulled me in and got me out of my 5 month reading slump! I could not put it down. Short and sweet but so much detail and its perfect.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but cheesy. 🙂

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story with sweet characters, lots of mentions of faith and a happy ending.