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The Springs #1

Summer of Change

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With the Springs resort set to open in mere weeks, Trent Harrison needs to stay focused and see to every detail. The last thing he needs is a complication, even one that comes in the form of sexy bar owner, Samantha Burke.

Samantha loves her quiet close-knit community of Cedar Springs, just the way it is. The addition of a fancy new resort as well as its arrogant owner, and the change they’re both sure to bring, is certainly not welcome.

With Trent pushing his way into her town, and her life, Samantha’s resistance to him wavers in the face of the passion and heat they share. Change is inevitable, but can either of them drop their guard long enough to accept it when there’s so much on the line?

179 pages, ebook

First published February 9, 2014

1250 people are currently reading
1722 people want to read

About the author

Elena Aitken

238 books1,000 followers
Elena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.

Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8

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5 stars
627 (31%)
4 stars
615 (31%)
3 stars
532 (27%)
2 stars
150 (7%)
1 star
37 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
Profile Image for Heather in FL.
2,063 reviews
April 3, 2016
I enjoyed this story... probably closer to 3-1/2 stars. I suppose my problem is that I didn't "feel" the love. I get that Trent's dad did a mental number on him in regards to women, and I get that he just couldn't stay away from Sam because he was so attracted to her (and vice versa), but I felt like they didn't have much time to get to know each other to really be able to convincingly use the "l" word. I can see lust and affection, but not love. Not yet. Still, it was a super sweet story, and I enjoyed it.
165 reviews13 followers
July 8, 2016
I was given this book in return for an honest review and here it is. I find romances usually falling into a distinct second-class rating, unless they have paranormal or mystery elements, which this story does not. However, this writer is so good at what she does that she is what I call an "engaging" writer--a writer who grabs you on the first page and doesn't let go even for a breather for 50-100 pages! I was about a quarter through the book before I realized it, and I had had no intention of reading it for days, or weeks. But that first page grabbed me, and I was hooked.

Ms. Aitken handles character development for the main characters, plot line and follow through, subplots, and backstory with aplomb--all in a "just a romance" story! She is a better writer, in my opinion, than many of the other authors I have read lately. I don't know how many things she's written, but I want to read as many of them as I can, because a good writer can make a plate of spaghetti appetizing, amazing, and enticing, let alone a good story! I heartily recommend this romance to anyone who likes romances and even those who normally don't. This writer puts heart into her story and you believe her.

The story is for adults, there is some sex in it. Hey, you can always skip over the sex scene if you want! It's still a great read. Try it!
Profile Image for Diane.
14 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2014
I just finished this book, and it was another great read! I loved the character Sam. You can easily put yourself in her shoes. The description of the new Springs is wonderful, makes you want to be there. I like how this new series is built upon the last one-but it could easily be read alone. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series. It was great how this ending leads into the next book. Spring needs to hurry and get here. You will love this new series. I'm sure you will look forward to reading the next book as I am! This author does NOT disappoint, put this one on your list to be read!
Profile Image for Daina Matthews.
4 reviews
February 9, 2014
just finished reading Summer of Change and loved it. Where the lodge series ends, this new series starts and does not dissapoint. Elena has a great sense for character development and I am already drawn in to the newest group of characters and their stories. So excited and can't wait to see what is next for this group. The sherrif, the cook, even the ex ... all interesting in their own right and who knows what the next book will bring. Kudos for another great page turner.
Profile Image for Christine.
741 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2019
The story felt very rushed. The characters knew each other for what seemed like a matter of days before trading the L-word. I don't feel the author gave any details for the reader to connect with either character on more than a superficial level. I liked the basis of the plot and the writing, but the execution failed for me. Had more time been spent on the characters getting to know each other and learning to co-exist in their town, I would've enjoyed the story much better.
1 review
September 24, 2014
Great book. Interesting characters and I would like to see where it's going. A one rating


not one of her best but still a good book. would like to read her latest one.
Love the way she writes.
Profile Image for Melissa Travis.
184 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2015
This was a cute quick read. I liked the characters but wished it gave us just a little more!
Profile Image for Traslan.
1,146 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2019
I've read this story before. Different book, different author - but the same plot and story.
The little difference: The other book made me laugh.
This did not.
👎

Dnf - 65%
Profile Image for Joy.
605 reviews9 followers
January 29, 2015

Stand alone in a series
Dual povs

It's been said already so I'll just get right to it.

I really liked this story.

Having lived in my own hometown, the picturesque lakeside town of Taupo, New Zealand my entire life, I could really relate to Sam and how stubbornly she clung to what she believed in even when faced with economic fact but trust me when I say, economics while important yes can still take a back seat right along with common sense when emotions are running high and corporates/developers are set and determined to change, even in a small way, the natural beauty of your surrounding landscape. And it is yours. I got Sam. Oh she had her moments, while her business was almost down and out her personal life wasn't much better. Still trying to get over her ex Preston who dumped her but returned occasionally for a booty call, she couldn't deny him but things were about to change for Sam.

Enter...

Trent our hero is a dream. Developers don't come in a handsome brother duo like Trent and his bro not in my neck of the woods, I wish, but I did like Trent he was a really decent guy trying to do the right thing but ultimately there to make money. I was pleased at the way he had developed the resort keeping to the natural lines of the landscape, as pleased as Sam as soon as she got her head out of her ... Nah kidding.

A little prone to dragging in some places but otherwise an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Amanda.
222 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2014
This was one fantastic book! All books by Elena Aitken have been beyond wonderful.

FULL REVIEW:
The new Springs resort is so close to being open to the public! Of Course nothing can go smooth when something so big is about to happen. Things at the resort aren't what they seem and there is still so much to be done before the big day. The "healing" waters cause some major damage that no one thought of and the towns people aren't as excited as one may think.

Samantha works/owns the pub in town and is one person that does not want the fancy resort of all the people to invade her town. She could care less about the extra tourists and money that the resort is going to bring in. She also doesn't want the cocky owners anywhere near "her" town.

Trent finally sees light at the end of the tunnel and tries to get to know the towns people before opening day. The last thing he needs is a woman to get in the way of his big day but isn't that when romance seems to happen... when we least expect or want it???

Samantha and Trent have a love/hate relationship through most of this book and they fight what everyone else sees so clearly, that they are meant to be.

You wont be sorry that you picked up this book!!!!
Profile Image for Barbara.
751 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2014
This was another good, quick read by Elena Aitken. As one of my favorite authors, I always go to her books to read and know that I can go to escape reality and go into my fantasy world. This book did it for me. It was about two brothers who come into a small town, The Springs, and open up a fancy resort. One of the brothers, Trent, meets up with the owner of a small pub, Sam short for Samantha, and has an instant attraction for her which is mutual. The story goes on with the two of them trying to deny the attraction which they can’t and the going ons with the opening of the resort and the upcoming annual event given by the pub.

The characters are all well written and likeable. The ending is predicable but left so you want to read more so I’m glad that Ms. Aikens has follow up books so you can continue reading about life at The Springs. There is a lot more action to be had besides just Trent and Sam!
Profile Image for Tiffany Tinkham.
367 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2014
Trent is set to open his resort, The Springs in a few weeks timing, but some of the local town's citizens think that it will corrupt their small town. He meets one of these citizens, a bar owner named Samantha. She doesn't like the idea of The Springs opening up, until she meets Trent. He has been hiding his heart from love for years and stays mainly in his work. Until Sam walks into his life. He falls for her and learns to love again while she begins to see the light of what The Springs can really do for their small town.

I couldn't put this book down. It is the first book in a series about different people from the town. The other books to this set will be just as good as this one!
Profile Image for Tammy.
3,620 reviews16 followers
June 8, 2014
Samantha isn't too happy about this new resort coming into her small town, she thinks it will hurt her bar's business. She lost her mom and brother and her dreams and her dad became an alcoholic. She has had a rough life but loves her town and the people in it.
Trent is opening The Springs resort with his brother and has always been told by his father never to fall in love. His brother Dylan is in love and it hurts him to watch them.
Trent and Sam find a way towards each other and its romantic and sexy- cute chick lite read.
Profile Image for Gina.
723 reviews25 followers
December 26, 2014
Summer of Change is a very sweet story that will give you butterflies. I am glad Sam and Trent were able to find there happy ending. I was hoping for a little more romance or even angst between Sam and Trent. The story started off with a lot of potential for the angst with Trent opening up a business in Sam's hometown and she is not very thrilled about it, but they are unable to deny their attraction to each other. Maybe, if the story was longer that could have developed more. Still, it was a great read!
Profile Image for IrishdaisylovesRomance.
279 reviews14 followers
May 13, 2016
Sam is the owner of the bar - Grizzly Paw and is not impressed that there is a luxury Resort opening up. Trent is the guy trying to open the resort The Springs with his brother and knows he needs to make a good impression on the people of Cedar Springs. His biggest opponent just happens to be Sam!!! When these two meet there is instant attraction and the sparks fly.
This was my first read from Author Elena Aitken and I really enjoyed it!!! It was a funny sweet romantic read and i'm looking forward to more from this series. Another great Author to add to my favourites.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,626 reviews33 followers
April 22, 2018
Title/Cover: Honestly, I only grabbed this book because I wanted something short and sweet for a spell-it-out challenge. It wasn't the cover or the title but the low page count that drew me in.

Characters: Sam & Trent are ok. I didn't feel much of a connection with the characters.

Plot: Sam is upset that Trent and his brother are changing her hometown by building The Springs. Trent is bent on changing Sam's view of him and his company.

Overall: A short and sweet romance. A perfectly good way to kill a couple hours.
795 reviews8 followers
February 16, 2014
A new resort is opening in Sam's hometown and she is not happy. As the owner of the Grizzly Paw she believes the resort will take away from her business. When Sam meets Trent, the owner they instantly are attracted. A visit to the Springs has Sam impressed with the way Trent has saved the beauty of the springs. Together they work on The Summer Solstice Festival and seal there love with a kiss as lantern float into the sky. I really loved Summer of Change!
544 reviews
July 13, 2014
This was a great romance read about Trent, a business man opening a new resort in a small town, and Sam, a business owner and a lifetime resident of the small town, who resists the change. This book got my attention on the first page and is a wonderful story. I cannot wait to read the next book and see where Elena takes us with the other characters that were incorporated in this book. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
June 1, 2015

I liked when Trent was a caveman at times:
“You’re going to be the death of me, woman.”
“Or both of us, if you don’t watch where you’re walking.” She returned to her task. He growled in a way that only made her want to tear his shirt off.
I liked this book both Sam and Trent were well developed characters and there were many others in the book you couldn't help but fall in love with.
Profile Image for Karry.
1,418 reviews21 followers
June 25, 2015
Great read

This was an awesome story that shows not all small towns are bad. They're family and have a great support system for those that call it home. Sam and Trent's beginning was a wonderful intro to this series. Not too fast, not too slow, not too easy, and not to overdone. It was just right. The supporting characters in the book were awesome. I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Nancy Brady.
Author 7 books45 followers
March 1, 2019
A contemporary romance featuring Sam and Trent.

Trent is new to the area and is responsible for the new upscale resort; Sam is the owner of a local eatery, the Grizzly Paw.

When they meet, sparks ignite, yet neither can admit to the feelings they have. But once they do, the town may just be better off for the synergy the pair brings. Spicy, sexy...and yes, plenty of what-the-tuck trends, too.
Profile Image for Melissa Addonizio.
58 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2014
So happy I was early reader I love the spring stories and can't get enough of the heat throughout the story wow amazing!! You can feel and can close you eyes and feel the love each character goes through I love it
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews8 followers
June 11, 2014
Trent building the new resort in the small town and Sam the owner of the local pub run into each other in town and the sparks fly. They both fight the attraction at first. Some things can't be denied.
Profile Image for Moon Reviews.
603 reviews13 followers
February 21, 2015
Summer of change is the typical small town romance! Cute, sweet and sexy this short read is great for the beach, or a rainy day under the covers! Trent and Sam's story will give you little butterflies thanks to their hot chemistry and put a smile on your face!!!!
Profile Image for Margaret Stewart.
7 reviews
February 23, 2015
Great Book

I've been trying to find new authors to read while I wait for my favorite authors next new book. I was not disappointed This held a great story line with clean romance. I have found a new author to love.
Profile Image for Shirley Smith-aguirre.
28 reviews5 followers
February 22, 2014
Great book! Love the suspense and romance between Sam and Tyler. The suspense between the two kept me reading.
Profile Image for Nadine.
76 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2014
Good book, Good love story. will definitely check out the other books in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews

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