The Summer Hideaway

Lakeshore Chronicles #7

by Susan Wiggs

Susan Wiggs wrote her way into readers' hearts with stories of every woman's hopes and dreams. Now she returns with a touching tale of secrets and sacrifice, loss and redemption...and a love too powerful to be denied.

Never get attached--Private nurse and protected witness Claire Turner lives by this motto. Fleeing a treacherous past, she knows no other way.

Never give up--In the twilight of his life, George Bellamy makes it his final wish to reconcile with an estranged brother. He and Claire journey to Willow Lake--where it all went wrong for him fifty years ago.

Never let go--George's grandson Ross is ruled by a fierce devotion to family and a deep mistrust of the mysterious Claire...yet sparks fly whenever she's near. In the face of wrenching loss, amid the enchantment of Willow Lake, Ross and Claire dare to risk everything for love.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Family, Adult Fiction

427 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2010

About the author

Susan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.

According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.

The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.

Reviews

[Rossy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been happier about my OCD, than while i was reading this book. I'm glad i followed the pull and read the books in order, even if it's not necessary to follow this story, since every book stands on its own in the series. Just the mention that the setting would be Willow Lake had me giddy with anticipation for this book.

Out of all the other books, i think this was the best yet. The underlying mystery was fascinating. I kept trying to guess and although sometimes i was right, i was also shocked a time or two. There were some twists and turns that just kept me at the edge of my seat. It was hard putting the book down even for breaks.

I have no complaints about any of the characters. Which was surprising on its own since i always have at least something to bent about. Unlike the other books the story revolved more around George and not the "main" couple. Looking back at his childhood, adolescence, and as an adult was great. It gave a clear picture of what when on and honestly made me feel ok about the bittersweet ending. I was even happy for the tears! I also don't think George's story overshadowed Claire and Ross'. If anything i think it strengthen how their relationship evolved.

There were some questions that were subtly answered that had me wondering whether Wiggs will mention them in a later book. I was eager to see some Daisy sighting, but alas we only "heard" about her in passing. What little we read about what is happening with her though, had me quite intrigued and already anticipating the next book. I'm glad we're finally going to get her story and i can't wait to have it on my greedy hands.

I should also mention that the opening scene in the Middle East really made me pause, and honestly think about our troops. I've read many other books lately with a military theme but none had me wishing for this war to end as hard. I congratulate Wigg's on a fantastic job from beginning to end.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Wiggs has a way of getting under the skin of things. In this book, she describes the end of a life, and brings an understanding and bittersweet look at what it is like to love and lose, to father a large family, to have one's life changed irrevocably at the age of 13 and again at 23, and to have regrets as well as gratifyingly deep connections with others. The relationship between Claire and Ross is secondary but beautiful. Both are somewhat needy but very strong characters, who gradually come together over Ross's grandfather's last illness. The reader's involvement is complete with almost all the characters. There is even some hair-raising suspense towards the end of the book, but it is the depth of the characters that is the secret to the success of Ms. Wigg's Lakeshore Chronicles. They get hurt but they survive, the pain strengthening them in later life. By the way, the first chapter of the book takes place in Afghanistan and is particularly intense. It makes you aware of what our soldiers are doing every day in a way that the reader will find hard to forget or brush off. There are honorable mentions of other wars, World War II, Viet Nam, and Desert Storm, as well.

[Marleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit that I'm disappointed after reading this one. I have loved all the Lakeshore books, except the last two and they could almost be considered boring. There wasn't the depth of characters that were in the other chronicles of the Bellemy clan.
The story of Claire and Ross did not convince me at all.
I give this book two stars for the story of George.

[Ria · Rating 2 out of 5]

ugh who cares

[Kara Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars- it had been nearly a year since I had read one of the books in this series, so I was delighted to once again take myself away to the charming town of Avalon. The Summer Hideaway is the seventh book in The Lakeshore Chronicles, and I can say my favourite thus far. This story centres around two main plots: George Bellamy and his fifty-five year estrangement from his brother Charles, and Claire Turner, who has been living as a protected witness for seventeen years. The two plots join when George hires Claire as his private duty nurse to assist him in managing his illness. They travel out to Willow Lake where mystery, suspense and of course a romance take place. Wiggs does an exceptional job of capturing so many moments and the vivid descriptions of the setting are perfect! Recommend!

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was very hard to read for me as part of the story line hit a little too close to home. Anyone that has had a family member that realizes there comes a time when a choice needs to be made about life will understand, the whole quality versus quantity of life becomes an important one. Do you keep fighting just to have a few more miserable days or months, or do you accept your fate with dignity, look back at your life and do what you have always wanted, righted those wrongs, and just live in the moment.

With a major part of the story line dealing with this you would think this book would be a big downer, and yes, there were sad parts, but for the most part you fell in love with George and his spirit. You know what is going to happen to him, but as he keeps crossing things off his bucket list, you forgive him for his wrongs and you want him to find whatever peace he can.

The other story line with Ross and Claire was pretty predictable, but it was also sweet as it mirrored so much of what happened with George, with George giving Ross his much learned advice. But this book was clearly George's story with everyone else playing a minor part.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed in this story. It started out with a lot of promise. I liked the initial characters and their problems. Then it started to go downhill. Especially once the reminiscing on the past started. That made it choppy and it totally lost momentum. By the end it felt more like George's story than Ross and Claire's. The story mostly tells what is going on, rarely showing us. For example, Ross and Claire continue to get closer and closer, but we see very little of their interactions. I usually enjoy Wigg's character development, but it was really lacking in this story. But my biggest complaint was how Claire's dilemma was resolved. How anticlimactic. The bad guys are done for in about three pages and then bang the story moves on to the epilogue and is done. I would recommend passing on this one.

[Kathi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the most disappointing books from Susan Wiggs. First, I thought there was WAY to much going on - the supposed romance between Ross and Claire, her witnessing a murder and going underground, the impending death of George, the flashbacks of George's life, the added military scenarios that seemed out of place... and I could go on. It seemed like this could have easily been 2 separate books that were crammed into one story. I never bought Ross and Claire's attraction, their falling in love ... it was forced and left me thinking "who cares?" by the end. We never really find out how George and Charles settle what happened between them. Ross and Claire leave one night for dinner, and when they get back, all is well? I don't think so. Terrible book and a waste of money.

[Madi Nally · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ least favorite of the series so far, but it was still an easy summer read

[Katherine Nally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What brought this book from 4 to 5 stars for me was the emotional depth of the flashbacks, scenes from when George was younger. Great story telling.

[Cintya Larasinta · Rating 5 out of 5]

ASTAGAAAA.....jujur aku tidak pernah bc buku Susan Wiggs bahkan buku ini sdh lama diterjtemahin oleh GPU jelas2 aku tdk menyadari bahkan aku cukup menyesal tdk mengoleksi buku SW dan stlh selesai menutup buku, aku mendadak menyukai seluruh crt summer Hideaway, bahkan perlahan aku mulai berkenalan keluarga besar Bellamy dan seketika itu, aku penasaran keluarga bellamy ada di dalam seluruh buku berseri yang harus kuburu mencari buku lainnya. lama-kelamaan aku mulai menyukai buku yang bertema tentang keluarga, teman bahkan cinta, atau mungkin karena aku keseringan bc bk genre contemporary romance ini.
dan ohya, aku mendapatkan buku ini karena diskon murah, tnp pikir aku beli ini dan tertarik sinopsis Summer Hideaway pula. aku cukup beruntung mendapatkan buku dan tdk menyesal memiliki buku apalagi aku menyukai buku juga. Well... aku sgt menikmati membaca Summer Hideaway. Summer Hideaway adalah cerita tentang George Bellamy yang begitu panjang, mendalam, dan sangat emosional dan cukup meningkatkan ketertarikanku. Di sini juga menampilkan asmara sedikit diantara Ross dan Claire tapi cukup bagus.
Perawat pribadi dan saksi yang dilindungi, Claire Turner yg berusaha melarikan diri dari masa lalu yang berbahaya dan dia tahu tidak ada cara lain.
Di menjelang akhir hidupnya, George Bellamy membuat keinginan terakhirnya untuk berdamai dengan saudara terasing. Dia dan Claire pergi perjalanan ke Willow Lake - dimana melakukan kesalahan George selama lima puluh tahun yang lalu.
Cucu George, Ross Bellamy telah kembali dari pertempuran Afganistan sebagai pilot evakuasi medis selama 2 tahun dan diperintah oleh pengabdian sengit untuk keluarga dan ketidakpercayaan yang mendalam diri Claire gadis yg misterius ... namun ternyata setiap kali dia dekat. Dalam menghadapi kerugian memilukan, di tengah pesona Willow Lake, Ross dan Claire berani mempertaruhkan segalanya untuk cinta.

[Titinha Scaeiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mais um livrinho fofinho, porém achei este romance do casal protagonista o mais sem sal que houve...

[Katherine 黄爱芬 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baru kali ini baca buku contemporary romance dgn gabungan historical fiction dan suspense, dan saya lumayan menyukainya.

George Bellamy adalah kakek sepuh yg sedang sekarat dan diurus oleh perawat baru bernama Claire Turner. George memiliki cucu kesayangan, Ross Bellamy yg adalah tentara yg dikagumi sang kakek, dan diam-diam George mau menjodohkan Ross dgn Claire.

Banyak flashback ttg George dan adiknya, Charles dan istrinya, Jane, kisaran tahun 1944 - 1955. Saya terbawa suasana tahun tsb, masa perang, masa baby boomer dan tahun 50an dgn dansa jive-nya yg keren. Mereka bertiga adalah Three Musketeers yg selalu bersama-sama, saat George mengalami polio, Jane dan Charles menghiburnya, tetapi beranjak dewasa, ternyata Jane lebih memilih Charles drpd George. Namun George dan Jane sempat sekali berhubungan intim saat Jane bertengkar dgn Charles. Dan ketika mereka rujuk kembali, George tidak bisa menerima bhw mereka tetap kukuh utk menikah walau tidak direstui oleh keluarga mereka. Jadi ketika George memutuskan utk reuni dgn adiknya setelah 55 thn tidak pernah berkomunikasi lagi, bagaimana reuni ini bakal terjadi?

Di pihak Claire sendiri ternyata memendam rahasianya sendiri juga. Claire pernah menyaksikan dua pembunuhan berdarah dingin dan sedang bersembunyi dari si pembunuhnya. Bisakah hubungannya dgn Ross berjalan mulus??

Yah sebenarnya kisah cinta Ross dan Claire cenderung dataaaaaaarrr aja.... bebas hambatan spt jalan tol, kurang lika-liku banget kecuali masa silam Claire. Keluarga Bellamy cenderung sangat ramah dan nrimo orang luar walaupun juga ada yg su'udzon seperti Ivy. Menurut saya, kekuatan novel ini justru pada flashback masa lalu George Bellamy dan Claire Turner yg bikin saya super kepo. George yg sentimental dan keras kepala ini kadang lucu juga, seperti saat dia kolaps, dia tidak mau dibantu supaya hidup bahkan demi Ross, itu yg dia katakan.

Kecuali Claire Turner yg mendapat ending dramatis, yg lainnya berlangsung nyaris tanpa drama dan sangat kekeluargaan. George Bellamy memang berhak mendapat kebahagiaan sempurna tsb. Pelajaran dari orang sekarat ini adalah sebelum mati, kita harus menyelesaikan semua yg belum dilaksanakan sebelumnya, supaya mati tanpa penyesalan.

[Cherise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

George Bellamy has a terminal disease and after waging a heroic battle against it at the Mayo Clinic, he has decided to spend the remainder of his days his way. He hires a nurse, Claire Turner, to travel with him to the site of his childhood summers, there he plans to make amends with his past and his long lost brothers, reconnect with some family, and make a dent in his list of things to do before he dies.

Ross Bellamy is returning to his Grandfather George's side after two years spent in Afghanistan. He isn't ready to say Good-bye to the man who has been everything to him, but he wants to spend all the time he can with his Grandfather.

Claire Turner is also battling her own private war. She has a past she has successfully hid and run from since they age of 17. She has made her life what it is today out of necessity. George has an agenda for Ross and Claire, one that doesn't fit in the carefully planned world Claire lives in.

This is really a story containing four stories. You have the stories of George Bellamy's past and his present and then you have the stories containing Claire's past and present. The author does a great job of tying them together and making the reader look forward to each chapter.

It's a painful and poignant tale, laced with a good dose of hope and love. It is a story about the intricacies of families and relationships, unbreakable bonds, first loves and the battle we wage between our heads and our hearts. It's about facing the past and regrets and coming to terms with them and accepting the life you have lead and the paths you have chosen.

At times the book was remarkable, at other times predictable. While the majority of the story cruised at a lazy pace, the ending seemed hurried and rushed. I would have liked the ending and conclusion to have had the same care and thoughtfulness that the rest of the book seemed to have. Otherwise I would have rated this book higher, as I really enjoyed the first three quarters of it. I would still recommend this book, highly, as all in all I really had a great time getting to know these characters.

Cherise Everhard, April 2010

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has three distinct, somewhat linked plots: 1. George Bellamy is an old man dying from a brain tumor. He hires a young nurse to see him through his final days as he tries to reconnect with a brother he hasn't spoken to in 55 years. 2. Claire is a nurse with a secret past that is getting harder to keep secret. She witnessed a murder as a 17 year old girl and has been in hiding ever since. 3. Ross Bellamy, grandson to George, is a war vet/helicopter pilot who is leaving the military as he feels it is time to settle down. He wants a wife, kids....the whole package. He finds out his grandfather is dying, and this is where the three plots converge.

I feel I have to review each of these story lines individually. George's final days and the flashbacks to his youth through college years are emotionally beautiful and a joy to read. His interactions with Ross and Claire, individually, are incredibly well written. George is the kind of grandfather everyone would love to have, and I loved reading about his life. Unfortunately, the parts with Ross and Claire that didn't involve George (i.e. their romance and her run from her past) were terribly underdeveloped and fell flat. I didn't get why they were in love other than George wanted it. Instead of feeling like they would be together forever at the end of the book, I felt like they would figure out after George's dies that they really don't have anything in common and break up through email...or maybe text. Both the build up to Claire's big reveal about her past and the resolution were a letdown. The resolution takes place in 1 paragraph (no exaggeration) and a small set up at the end that anyone who's ever read at least 1 book could have seen coming. (On a side note: As much as I've liked other books by Wiggs, she does love an abrupt resolution.) George's story and the epilogue kept this book from 1 star.

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This opens with Ross Bellamy, a young helicopter pilot in the army just rounding up his tour of duty in Afghanistan. He comes home to learn that his beloved grandfather George Bellamy, a retired journalist and the closest thing to a father he has ever known, is terminally ill with brain cancer.
George has opted to stop all treatment, live his last few months doing whatever he wants (with a bucket list of sorts) and dying in his place of choice, Willow Lakes Camp Kioga, where he spent the happiest days of his life.

In his company is his hired nurse, Claire Turner, a professional in assisting those at the end of their lives get through what is to come. Claire has secrets of her own. Not her real name, she is a young woman in hiding from a murderer whom she saw slay two young boys when she was a foster child in his home. For years she has moved around and lived all her life ready to run. Now she finds herself yearning for normalcy and a chance at family life. The Bellamy men capture her heart as she learns more about the ties that bind in familial love.

Predictable, yes, as some have mentioned, but presented in a captivating tale of the past and the present, which is a favorite format for me as a reader. Ms. Wiggs has done an excellent job of providing us just the right pace to keep us wanting to learn more, and her discriptive prose makes us want to be there at Willow Lake. It sounds so peaceful and beautiful, just like the cover. We laugh, we cry, we feel. What more can you ask for?

[ErinsAlterEgo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like all of the Lakeshore Chronicles books by Susan Wiggs. She is very good at delving deep into the emotions of all her characters. So much so, that some times, it can be a little repetitious. I missed a few books between the this one and the last I read, and I feel like I missed out. But the story is heartwarming, along with a little suspense because of the situation of the characters. It is about so many things, most of all, about seizing life while you have it, and not being afraid to take risks. One of the main characters is a man at the end of his life, doing all the things he was always too afraid to do, including righting old wrongs. Where he knows he missed out on some of the biggest opportunities of life, and made huge mistakes, he still revels in the family and the life that he made. It shows that you can love what you have made of your life, and still have huge regrets about things you wish you had done differently. And in the end, accept them both, and just love who you are, and enjoy family - no matter how much pain there has been in the past.
The main love interests are both emotionally scarred from violence - one from being a soldier in a war, the other from witnessing a horrible murder as a teenager. But they find love and comfort in each other, of course (what good would a romance novel be if they didn't?). All the characters are lovable, and the book leaves you with a nice warm feeling, wanting more.

[Shanyn Hosier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. This was a dud for me.

Seriously underwhelmed by this book, which I got for free as a giveaway at a conference. The first 100 pages of the story were unnecessary and embarrassingly repetitive, telling rather than showing the inner conflict/motivation and backstory of the two contemporary romantic characters, Ross and Claire. I get it: Ross is a mildly emotionally damaged soldier fresh from a war zone who longs to start a family, and Claire is a hunted loner who longs for a family. You don't have to remind me 25 times, on every other page, before proceeding with a (flimsy) plot. They had zero chemistry and their thrown-together romance unconvincing, inevitably sounding more like desperate, lonely people clinging to each other rather than two people falling in love.

The most interesting aspect of the story was that of George, Charles, and Jane--an intriguing love triangle, though Charles was a cardboard foil for the other two far more vibrant characters. I really wish the story had focused on the three of them and stayed there. This could have been an emotional blockbuster with a formidable premise: that of a dying man wanting to reconcile his past. Instead, it fell flat.

This is the kind of romance that reminds me why I don't care for the Harlequin formula. But clearly, lots of other folks do, since Wiggs is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She'll happily continue on without my dollars.

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Bellamy has lost the cancer battle, and decides on palliative care instead of going down swinging. His one regret, that his favorite grandson has not found a woman to love. George interviews private duty nurses for his final weeks, and selects the one he thinks is right for his grandson. George and the nurse leave for beautiful Camp Kioga so he can fill some final life list items and make peace with the brother from whom he has long been estranged.

Private duty nurse Claire Turner is hiding from her past, and has to be ready to run at the least suspicion that she has been found.

Ross Bellamy is returning from duty in Afghanistan only to learn that his grandfather is dying and has apparently run off with a pretty nurse who, according to Ross's mom, is after George's money. Ross thinks he can talk his grandfather out of the clutches of the scheming hussy and into further medical treatments, and gives chase.

Then, as the family is summoned to say goodbye, the villian arrives on the scene.

This book is tearjerker in several places.

In my opinion, all this sounds like a formula for a terrible cheesy story. Not in the hands of Susan Wiggs. This a great romance tale, but the true love story here is the filial love between George and his grandson Ross. The characters are beautifully drawn; the villian gets wiped out in the end. Just what the doctor ordered.

[shawn T Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was alright I wouldn't say it's my favorite book of the series but it was alright. There were a few things that confused me, but other then that it was great. What confused me in the book was the scene change; the scene would change from the present or to the past. I've read a lot of romantic novels and this book is number seven of a twelve other books in the series. Each book could go as a stand-alone meaning that you if don't read the one before it wouldn't matter. One of the things I loved about this book was the "Yes..no..maybe" situations, it was like a strange game of tug-of-war. (Spoiler) It was always interesting to see if claire would actually be able to love Ross even if she had a false identity. I would always be like “Oh!....OH!” and when I got disappointed with her choice I was like “AWWW WHY! CLAIRE!” The one thing I didn’t like about this book was the secret Claire was hiding I was soooooo! curious! on what it was, but when she finally revealed what it was I got back to loving the book. (End of spoiler) This reminded me of an old drama I watched when I was 10 I think lots of secrets and history...I liked it!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the seventh addition to the Lakeshore Chronicles series, Wiggs proves that family is worth the heartache. Private nurse Claire has plenty to hide - and a very good reason not to open up to anyone - but finds herself drawn in by her client, George Bellamy, and his family. George doesn't have much time left, but he doesn't want any regrets, and he wants to ensure that his grandson is happy. So he convinces Claire to take him on a final summer trip to Willow Lake. When Ross, George's grandson, arrives days after being honorably discharged from the military, he doesn't expect to find his grandfather dying - or a woman who captures his heart. Will Claire and Ross be able to break free from the pain of the past and embrace a future before it is too late, or will the past they run from finally catch up to them? Wiggs' prose is as steady and sure as it is profound, and the way she approaches romance is far from shallow. Still, the idyllic context and nearly-perfect ending might be a bit too sweet for some. The Summer Hideaway is still one of the best entries into Wiggs' popular Lakeshore Chronicles series!

[Terric853 · Rating 2 out of 5]

George Bellamy has a brain tumor and is planning to spend his last days in upstate New York where his family vacationed every year when he was a child. He's hired a private nurse, Claire Turner, to see him through his last days. His family is afraid she may be a gold-digger and pleads with his grandson, Ross, who was recently discharged from the Army, to go "talk some sense into him" and drag him back to NYC for treatment.

Ross is suspicious of quiet, unassuming Claire, but for the wrong reasons. Claire is quiet and private because she has a big secret to hide - she witnessed a double murder at 17 and has been on the run from the killer ever since.

Of course, Ross and Claire fall in love, but I didn't find much chemistry in their romance. I thought the storyline about Claire being "on the run" was a bit overdramatic and silly. I loved George, but not enough to give the book more than two stars.

[Jaime Stricklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough review for several reasons. I liked George a lot and I enjoyed getting to know him, but it was a given from the beginning that he would pass away at some point. I don't like reading sad stories. There was not enough of Ross and Claire and I thought the book was supposed to be about them. Also, way too many things were left open. Case in point.....Philip. Don't get me wrong, Susan Wiggs tied her loose ends with conversation and the reader was given a sense of understanding, but....no answers were given.
I could list many reasons, but this was not the best of the Lakeshore Chronicles series. It introduced more questions than answers and I closed the last page sad instead of happy. I think an extra chapter would have been nice to deliver the reader from the loss and into the possibilities of the future.

[Lynn Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon preorder

Like a lot of these long series it's getting a little complicated, but while this has a nice romance it really is about end of life and a man who is dying who has taken the step of reconnecting with the brother from whom he has been estranged for 55 years.

The romance between the private care nurse who is attending him and the man's grandson, and the perfectly nice suspense plot concerning her past and the story arc of the man's family coming to terms with the fact that he is dying, and her relationship with the man's grandson are all brilliantly done.

But the coming to terms with dying, with both a life well lived and moving past old issues is what makes this book sing.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private nurse and protected witness Claire Turner lives by the motto never get attached. Fleeing from a treacherous past, she feels safer this way. George Bellamy,s final wish is to reconcile with an estranged brother. Claire and George journey to Willow lake where everything went wrong for him fifty years ago.Georges grandson Ross has a fierce devotion to family and a deep mistrust of Claire. Yet sparks fly between them. In the face of a wrenching loss. Ross and Claire dare to risk it all for love

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good read from Susan Wiggs. I do, on the whole, like this Lakeshore Chronicles series. I like the added depth of a character living out the last few months of his life. It was a nice difference from most romances.

The characters are interesting and generally the story develops in reasonable ways based on the characters' history and current events. I just wish that Wiggs would spend less time just mucking about in the heroine's head and more time having the characters *doing*. Less tell, more show, please!

[Lucy Bilik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this book about a girl who had witnessed double murder by a trusted adult while in the foster system. From that day on she had to disappear and learn to live on the run if need be. While her motto was not to get attached to anyone so that they will not get hurt she chose a profession that would allow for that as well - working with dying patients. When taking on another assignment she was not aware that her patient had other plans for her and his grandson. And the real story begins. Very interesting turn of events follow...

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in the Lakeside Chronicles series. This was my least favorite of the bunch. Somehow, the story didn't flow for me. George's bucket list was a bit of a cliche, and the relationship between Ross Bellamy and his grandfather's nurse, Claire just didn't cut it. The quasi-witness protection theme was a bust. Of more interest was the schism between George Bellamy and his brother Charles, though that was not resolved very well.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book, thinking it would be an easy, summer chick lit read. It fills that bill, but as I got involved in the story, I got caught up in the story of love, family, betrayal, murder, intrigue. I wanted George to complete his bucket list. I wanted to find out what was the whole story of Claire's past. The last 3rd of the book was hard to put down.

The ending was predictable. I wanted it to end like it did. But I enjoyed the journey to get there.

[Monique · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was my first Susan Wiggs and it might be my last. I got 3/4 of the way through and could not be bothered finishing it, which is very rare. The characters are boring, have zero chemistry and some of their dialogue was ridiculous.